Out of Reach
Three priests sat discussing the best positions for prayer while a telephone repairman worked nearby. ‘Kneeling is definitely best,’ claimed one. ‘No,’ said another, ‘I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to heaven.’ ‘You’re both wrong,’ the third insisted. ‘The most effective prayer position is lying prostrate, face down on the floor.’ The repairman could contain himself no longer. ‘Hey, fellas,’ he shouted, ‘the best prayin’ I ever did was hanging upside down from a telephone pole.’
Not the first position you’d think of for prayers, but definitely one that works. Today’s Gospel reading (Mark 10:42-45) describes another that works: that of servant. Not for prayer this time, but for mission. It makes the startling claim that the more we serve – even to becoming a slave of all – the more we advance as followers of Jesus, the closer we get to him in other words.
We don’t follow him just for our own sakes. Being with him means taking on his mission: bringing people back to God. Jesus did this by his witness and proclamation, by what he did and said. So, too, must we because baptism makes us missionaries, confirmation primes us to begin, God’s word fires us to set out and reach out to others.
Today we celebrate Mission Sunday, whose theme this year is ‘Reach Out’. So let’s do just that. We can reach out wherever we are to whomever we wish. And the wonder is that by reaching out we come to see that no one is out of reach.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Reach Out - They Did!
Please pray for the safety and release of Fr. Michael Sinnott of Wexford who was kidnapped in the Philippines last weekend and Sharon Commins of Dublin and Hilda Kawuki of Uganda who were kidnapped last July while working as Goal aid workers in the Sudan. They went the extra mile in reaching out to those in need. Let’s join with their families and friends in praying for their release.
Three priests sat discussing the best positions for prayer while a telephone repairman worked nearby. ‘Kneeling is definitely best,’ claimed one. ‘No,’ said another, ‘I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to heaven.’ ‘You’re both wrong,’ the third insisted. ‘The most effective prayer position is lying prostrate, face down on the floor.’ The repairman could contain himself no longer. ‘Hey, fellas,’ he shouted, ‘the best prayin’ I ever did was hanging upside down from a telephone pole.’
Not the first position you’d think of for prayers, but definitely one that works. Today’s Gospel reading (Mark 10:42-45) describes another that works: that of servant. Not for prayer this time, but for mission. It makes the startling claim that the more we serve – even to becoming a slave of all – the more we advance as followers of Jesus, the closer we get to him in other words.
We don’t follow him just for our own sakes. Being with him means taking on his mission: bringing people back to God. Jesus did this by his witness and proclamation, by what he did and said. So, too, must we because baptism makes us missionaries, confirmation primes us to begin, God’s word fires us to set out and reach out to others.
Today we celebrate Mission Sunday, whose theme this year is ‘Reach Out’. So let’s do just that. We can reach out wherever we are to whomever we wish. And the wonder is that by reaching out we come to see that no one is out of reach.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Reach Out - They Did!
Please pray for the safety and release of Fr. Michael Sinnott of Wexford who was kidnapped in the Philippines last weekend and Sharon Commins of Dublin and Hilda Kawuki of Uganda who were kidnapped last July while working as Goal aid workers in the Sudan. They went the extra mile in reaching out to those in need. Let’s join with their families and friends in praying for their release.
Mission Sunday
Today is Mission Sunday - the annual day on which we reflect on and pray about our mission as Christians. Today we are called upon to play our role in assisting the missionary activity of the Church. We are given the opportunity to share in the experience of our brothers and sisters who carry on the missionary task today as they Reach Out, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances.
Our spiritual and material offerings are crucial for the continued work of missionaries throughout the world. The total raised in today’s collection will be sent in its entirety to support mission projects worldwide. Please give what you can, every gift - no matter how small - makes a difference.
Altar Server Recruits
This is the last week in which young people interested in becoming altar servers may apply. These young people provide a valuable assistance at weekend Masses as well as at funerals and other occasions.
Boys and girls from fourth class up can become servers. All that’s required is an interest in the Mass and a willingness to commit for at least one year. Application forms are available in the sacristies. These must be signed by parents/guardians and returned to the sacristy as soon as possible. A new rota will be published within a few weeks.
Kilkenny Youth Retreat
Youth 2000 will host a youth retreat in St. Kieran’s College from next Friday, 23rd to Sunday, 25th October. All young people aged 16 - 35 are very welcome. Under 18s must have completed parental consent forms available from website below.
The weekend will consist of a programme covering Youth Masses, talks, music, workshops, games etc. Residential - so please bring a sleeping bag! For more information contact James Mahon on 085 735 1210 or check out www.youth2000.ie
Members of Youth 2000 will address the congregations at some of our Masses this weekend.
Time for a Cuppa?
You are welcome to our Parish Centre at 11.00am on Tuesdays for a chat with your neighbours and friends. Those who attend 10.30am Mass can access the Centre without going outdoors. If not, enter via the main door.
Questions People Ask
Q. Is there any particular reason why Saint Paul placed the name Christ before Jesus whereas we always say Jesus Christ?
Jesus was the personal name of the Saviour while Christ, meaning the Anointed One or Messiah, was the title later bestowed on him when people accepted him as the promised Messiah. When Paul began writing, some 25 years after the life of Jesus, the messianic title, Christ, was popularly used as his name. Coming to accept Jesus as the Christ was a major factor in the conversion of Paul. This may explain why he frequently place Christ before Jesus. For the record, his letters refer to Christ Jesus about 89 times, and to Jesus Christ about 80 times.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Jimmy Bateman, Waterford Road. Nicola Conway, Kells. Lynda Armstrong, Lakeside. James Gillespie, James’s Green. Michael Condon, Fermoy. Nora Sweeney, Ballycallan. Hugh Henebry, 31 Stephen Street. Teresa Cooney, Golf Links Road.
Anniversaries: Judy O’Brien (Sat 6.15), Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00), Richard Kelly (Sun 9.30), Joseph Eardly (Sun 10.00), Gerard Moynihan (Sun 11.00), Tom Foley (Sun 12.00), Eithne O’Connor (Sun 12.30), Bridget Butler (Tues 10.30), Sr. Joan Reidy (Thurs 10.30), Doris Americas (Fri 9.30), Bernard McDonagh (Sat 9.30), Therese Brennan, Mary Brennan, Kitty Lucas, Julie Burke, Bill Cody, Gerard Cleere, Jack Cantwell, Mary Dunne, Jimmy O’Leary, May Wallace, Mary Millea, James Cantwell.
Intentions for next weekend: Nancy Coyne (Sat 6.15), Matthew Dwyer (Sat 7.00), Anthona Burke (Sun 10.30), Mary McCormack (Sun 12.00), John Casey (Month’s Mind Sun 12.30), Breda Hehir.
St Vincent De Paul Collection
To facilitate the annual Mission Sunday collection the monthly collection for the local conference of the St. Vincent De Paul will be taken up at all Masses next weekend.
St. Patrick’s Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul may be contacted at 087 681 0589.
Black Abbey Novena
In annual novena in honour of St. Martin De Porres at the Black Abbey runs from Monday, 26th October to Tuesday, 3rd November.
Weekdays: Rosary at 10.15am and 7.15pm; Mass at 10.30am and 7.30pm.
Saturday: Rosary at 10.15am and 5.50pm; Mass at 10.30am and 6.10pm.
Sunday: Mass with the Sacrament of the Sick at 3.30pm.
Gala Concert in Callan Church
There will be a Gala Concert in Callan Parish Church on this Thursday evening. The proceeds will be in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Church Spire Renovation Fund. Local Tenor, Brendan Hackett, is the organiser. Artistes include the well known Unity Singers, the Sadlier Sisters, Waterford, Noelle Morrissey, Callan and a Trombone Quartet, Dublin and others.
It promises to be a great night - all for €10 at the door. All for a good cause. Please support.
Concert at St. Mary’s Cathedral
A concert in aid St. Vincent de Paul Society will take place on Sunday, 25th October at 7.30 pm in St. Mary's Cathedral, Kilkenny. A lively night is assured as music will be provided by St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band, Kilkenny Gospel Choir and the Castlebar Concert Band and friends. Admission is free: donations if desired. All welcome.
Flower Club
Don't miss an exhibition of floral art by Kilkenny Flower Club in St. Lachtain's Church, Freshford on next Saturday, 24th and Sunday, 25th October from 10 am to 6 p.m.
Youth and Unemployment
A one day retreat will take place at Peace in Christ Retreat House, Sion Road, Kilkenny on Saturday, 14th November. The theme for the day is “Youth and Unemployment”. Contact Mary at 086 076 0500 or 051 885578 for further details.
Youth Choir
The Youth Choir provides the sacred music at the 12.30 Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on Sundays Singers and musicians are welcome. The choir practices before 12.30 Mass each week.
Pizza and Democracy
Kilkenny Youth Council are recruiting. This is for you if you are between 12 and 14 or between 15 and 18 years of age, want to represent young people in your area or want to campaign for something you are passionate about. Meeting at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel on Wednesday, 21st October from 7 to 9pm. One night only free special offer: pizza, games and a challenge to make changes in Kilkenny. Contact Jacinta on jhogan@ossoryyouth.com, 056 776 1200 or 087 887 6366 for further details.
“I have long considered it one of God’s greatest mercies that the future is hidden
from us. If it were not, life would surely be unbearable.” Eugene Forsey
While our immediate future may be hidden from us, the one future that clearly awaits us all is death. This should never frighten us. For the Christian, this death is the beginning of a new life in Christ. Each one of us tries to live our lives as best we can, knowing that when we make a mess of it God’s mercy and encouragement are there to support us.
During the month of November the Church remembers in her Masses and prayers all the faithful departed. It is a remembering not so much in mourning, but a remembering in hope. We remind ourselves that we are still linked by bonds of love with those who have gone before us and we ask God to grant them forgiveness for any faults they have committed in life. The priests of St. Patrick’s Parish will offer a number of Masses in November for all of the faithful departed. If you would like the names of your loved ones included in these Masses please place their names on one of the sheets at the back of the church and place it in the collection baskets.
May the Lord grant eternal rest to all who have died.
Loughboy Library News
Storytelling Caravan: will park outside Loughboy library on Wed. Oct 28th from 11am. Phone 7764176
Art Works: from the Good Shepherd Centre will be launched on Thurs Oct 22nd at 12 noon. Free exhibition space available for 2010.
Writers Circle: meets on Thursdays at 2pm. All writers welcome.
Literature Courses: poetry and prose will commence at Loughboy library next Wed and Thurs nights at 7.30pm. Bookings at www.artlinks.ie Fee €80.
King of the Castle
Please help your local parish and GAA Club by supporting the following events.
Table Quiz
As part of the campaign to elect Michael Costello King of the Castle a table quiz will be held at Springhill Court Hotel on Thursday, 29th October. Table of 4 is €40. Contact Tobias White at 086 308 4183.
A Decade of Hurling Glory
On Friday, 23rd October in Hotel Kilkenny an interesting insight into Kilkenny’s ‘Decade of Hurling Glory’ under the management of Brian Cody will be revealed. RTE personality Brian Carthy will host a questions and answers session with the heroes of the last decade. Appearing alongside Brian Cody will be Liam Griffin, Cyril Farrell and Tomas Mulcahy along with stars from Kilkenny’s previous glorious era. Musical interludes by Na Fianna. This promises to be a very interesting and informative evening’s entertainment for hurling fans across the country. Tickets at €20 or €240 for a table of 12 from Tadhg Donohoe (087 980 4783), Liam Tyrell (086 804 0670) or Mick Moore (086 804 0668). Limited numbers so booking is essential.
Gala Greyhound Night Winner
The winner of €1,000 in the Buster Draw at Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium on Friday evening was Catherine Hayden, Melville Heights.
