St. Patrick’s Parish unites in supporting the James Stephen’s Senior Hurling Team in this Sunday’s St. Canice’s Senior Hurling County Final at Nowlan Park. Best wishes to our team and mentors.
Bank Holiday
As Monday is a bank holiday the only public Mass in our parish will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at St. Fiacre’s Church from 11.00am to 10.00pm.
A Stupid Question?
Jesus doesn’t ask stupid questions. So, why does he ask Bartimeus what seems at best a question with an obvious answer in today’s Gospel reading (Mark 10:46-52)? Bartimeus is blind, and a beggar. He calls Jesus ‘Son of David’. So the odds are in favour of him wanting more than money. He wants his sight. Yet, Jesus doesn’t assume that. Why? Perhaps he wants to show respect towards Bartimeus, unlike the crowd who tell him to shut up. Jesus invites him to speak for himself. Can we say we always do that with those we consider unimportant to us? Those whose sentences we finish for them? Those whose conversation we cut across when in company? Those whom we think aren’t worth listening to? Or perhaps Jesus wants to test the quality of Bartimeus’s faith. ‘Son of David’ he calls Jesus. Will he now undo the impression he makes by asking Jesus for a few coins? Respecting Bartimeus’s freedom, Jesus let’s his faith unfold. And what a faith it is! He asks for nothing short of a miracle. Even though he’s blind he can ‘see’ that Jesus is more than ordinary. Faith brings vision of a kind that healthy eyes may fail to. Do we see in Jesus more than the human eye can catch? Is our faith great enough to expect a personal transformation little short of the miraculous by sincerely asking for it? Jesus doesn’t force us to ask for the impossible. But he does invite us to.
What a shame should we refuse because it might sound stupid!
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Q. Often at Mass we are told that we are celebrating the feast of some virgin. Were there any married saints?
A. Top of the list place Mary and Joseph. Peter was certainly married and probably the other apostles too. Others that come to mind are Mary’s parents, Joachim and Ann, Elizabeth the cousin of Mary, the saintly Queens Elizabeth of Hungary and of Portugal, Margaret of Scotland, the saintly Kings, Louis of France and Edward of England, Monica, the mother of Augustine, Elizabeth Ann Seaton of USA, Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, parents of the Little Flower, Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice, the martyrs Margaret Clitheroe and Thomas Moore, and many of the martyrs in Ireland, Japan, Uganda etc.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
St. Patrick’s Parish Shop
Offers a variety of Christian material including bibles, Christian books for adults and children, rosaries, medals, candles, plaques, requiem cards, sympathy cards and gifts.
We now have a selection of cribs and children’s Christmas books available. Come and see our complete range at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy. Open: 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Closed for lunch.
Mission Sunday Collection
Sincere thanks has been extended to the parish from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for our generous contribution to last week’s Mission Sunday collection. The total raised will change the lives of many in mission lands and will enable the continued work for missionaries worldwide. We are asked to continue praying for our missionary brothers and sisters as our spiritual support can provide great comfort particularly in difficult times. In particular we are asked to continue our prayers for the early release of Fr. Michael Sinnott, the 79 year old Wexford Columban priest, who was kidnapped in the Philippines two weeks ago this weekend. We pray that he be returned unharmed to his family and religious community.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Paddy Cullen, 61 Melville Heights. Ned Burke, Viper, Kells. Terry Clarke, Tullamore, Brigid Burke, Dublin. John Gavin, England. Thomas Kelleher, Gowran.
Months Mind: John Casey (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: Nancy Coyne (Sat 6.15), Matthew Dwyer (Sat 7.00), Michael Davin (Sun 10.00), Anthona Burke (Sun 10.30), Mary McCormack (Sun 12.00), Nora Curley (Tue 10.30), Ann Delaney (Birthday Remembrance Sat 9.30), Edward Mahon, Michael Mullins, Patrick Cantwell, Margaret Skehan, Breda Hehir, Alfie Sheehy, Patrick Fahy, Joe Dowling, Josie & Dick Walsh.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Lily Spiers (Sat 6.15), Kevin Dowling (Month’s Mind Sat 7.00), Jennifer Mulhall (Sun 10.00), P.J. Marrinan (Sun 10.30), Birute Poskaite (Sun 11.00), Tom Shanahan (Sun 12.00), Michael Phelan (Sun 12.30).
Bereavement Support Group
St. Patrick’s Bereavement Support Group offer free and confidential support to bereaved parishioners. Phone 086 1629089 to make an appointment to meet members of the group in the Parish Centre, Loughboy. Appointments necessary.
Do This in Memory
The second event in the programme for First Holy Communion will take place this weekend. Candidates from Gaelscoil Osrai and Kilkenny School Project will attend the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while those from the St. John of God and St. Patrick’s de la Salle schools will attend the 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church. We welcome the candidates and their families.
Proclaiming the Word of God
Would you be willing and able to proclaim the Word of God at Masses in our parish churches? We are currently revising the rosters and are in need of new readers for all Masses. Please contact the sacristans, one of the priests or the parish office if you feel you could help with this important ministry.
Collectors at Masses
We are also revising the rosters of those who help with the collections at Masses. Please contact the sacristans or the parish office if you would be willing to get involved.
St. Vincent de Paul Collection
The monthly collection (postponed last week) for the local conference will be held at all Masses this weekend. Please support.
St. John of God Sisters
During the coming weeks we unite in prayerful support with the St. John of God Sisters in Pakistan who are preparing for their Religious Profession of Vows. This is an important time for the four sisters involved as they continue on their journey of discernment - open to the gift of the Holy Spirit and to the unfolding mystery of God’s loving designs for them. Srs. Andleeb and Saira Maria will make temporary profession on 30th October while Sr. Alishba will make final profession on 1st November. Sr. Nazia will renew her vows in December. May God bless them now and always.
Hope and Healing
St. Canice’s Parish Community invites you to join us for a journey of Hope and Healing during the month of November. Through a series of liturgies, talks and a workshop we will explore and celebrate these two great gifts of God: Hope and Healing. Against the backdrop of a difficult year in our church and in our country we hope that this time of reflection will offer some light and guidance in dark and confusing days. Speakers: Mickey Harte, Tyrone Manager; John Waters, Journalist; Marc Coleman, Economist; Elaine McDonald IBVM, Loreto Sister.
Social Services Meals on Wheels
Voluntary Drivers are urgently needed for our “Meals on Wheels” service. If you are a car owner and could spare one hour per week - we would like to hear from you. Please contact Kitty or Kay at Kilkenny Social Services, Waterford Road. Tel: 056 772 1685.
Black Abbey Novena
In annual St. Martin De Porres Novena at the Black Abbey begins on Monday, 26th October.
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.
Concert at St. Mary’s Cathedral
A concert in aid of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will take place on Sunday, 25th October at 7.30pm 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.
Line Dancing
There are Line Dancing classes for beginners at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Tuesday evenings from 8.00pm to 10.00pm. All welcome.
L.A.R.C Courses
Loughboy Area Resource Centre is offering the following courses: Yoga for Over 55s, Dance Classes/Lessons (Depending on demand); Young Women’s Group (ages 18-30) childcare provided; Parent and toddler (Wednesday mornings) snack included. Those interested should contact Connie at 086 7764700. L.A.R.C is based at Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Road, Kilkenny.
Missionary Book Launch
Father Martin Ryan's book “The Round Trip - to the Missions and Back” will be launched in Muckalee Community Centre at 3.00pm on Sunday, 8th November. The book offers reflections on Fr. Martin Ryan’s life as a Columban missionary priest in the Philippines and in Ireland. Fr. Martin is a native of Muckalee. All are most welcome.
Church Gate Collection
The church gate collection this weekend is in aid of the Susie Long Hospice Fund.
King of the Castle
Please help your local parish and GAA Club by supporting the following events.
Halloween Disco
Under 12, children’s Halloween Disco at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel on Sunday 25th October from 2 - 5pm. Admission €5.
Are You the Brains of the Parish?
Please support our Table Quiz at Springhill Court Hotel on next Thursday, 29th October. Table of 4 is €40. Contact Tobias White at 086 308 4183. Please encourage your club, group, work place, neighbourhood or street to enter teams.
We appreciate the Trojan work and participation by parishioners to date. Fundraising is hard work in this time of recession. We appeal for one last effort in this joint campaign to ensure Michael Costello is elected King of the Castle. Our community will benefit greatly from the funds raised.
