Pitch Battles
Had there been footballers in the days of John the Baptist what would he say to them if they came to him for advice, as those in today’s Gospel do? ‘Play the man and keep your courage high’? (Joshua 1:18), depending on translation. Or, ‘Leave your knives at home’? Maybe not then, but today he might have to if a recent newspaper report is true. Footballers in France’s amateur leagues are being encouraged to leave their knives, scissors and even pistols at home because of a riot of on-pitch violence. Of the 700,000 matches played in the 2007-08 season 12,000 had serious incidents of physical or verbal abuse. Hot-headed players, aka warm-hearted sportsmen, were responsible for 90 percent of the violence, involving kicking (not the ball), punching and brawling. Being a sportsman isn’t easy, it seems. Being a thug comes easier. Doing what a Christian does isn’t easy either: sharing food with those who have none, acting honestly in dealing with others, respecting them and never bullying or being greedy. John the Baptist makes no extraordinary demands. Unburdened by degrees in theology, philosophy or psychology, or by diplomas from courses in spirituality, dream analysis or tree hugging he knows instinctively – as most of us do – what’s needed: generosity, honesty and gentleness. These bring peace.
Christmas may ooze platitudinous peace. The real thing does not come cheap. Tinsel and mistletoe can never replace the word of God. That word brought Jesus to his death and resurrection. As we celebrate Advent let’s ask: Where is it bringing me?
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Fundraising Bag Pack
A fundraising bag pack for the parish will take place in Supervalu, Loughboy on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week. Some of our parishioners will pack your shopping to raise money towards the cost of our new Parish Centre. If you have a couple of hours to spare on any of the days and would like to help out, please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400. Many hands make light work!
Annual Christmas Carol Service
The annual St. Patrick’s Parish Carol Service takes place on next Sunday, 20th December at 4pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown. For many this has become a must-attend event in the lead up to Christmas and all are welcome. Seasonal refreshments will be served in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after the service.
Christmas Concert
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will hold their annual Christmas Concert in St. Patrick’s Church on Wednesday, 16th December at 8pm. Come along and join the band and guests for an evening of seasonal music. Guests: Audrey Larkin, Eugene Dewberry, Billy Carrigan & Friends. MC: Noel Power.
Parish Website
With some effort attached we now have access once more to www.patricksparish.com. This means that our website can be assessed through .com and .net. The parish website has been redesigned and will be updated further for Christmas. Comments or suggestions welcome.
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of Adoration and Prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in the Friary Church on this Sunday, 13th December from 3pm-4pm. All are welcome.
Questions People Ask
Q. How does one explain the difference in the preaching of John the Baptist and that of Jesus? John was far more severe and promoted the fear of an impending judgement.
A. There are two ways of correcting: the stick of punishment or the candy of reward for improvement. John the Baptist came from a people who expected a Messiah who would immediately rid the world of all evil and sin. Hence the need for complete renunciation of wrongdoing or else face instant condemnation. The approach of Jesus did not expect instant perfection. He put less emphasis on condemnation and more on fanning into flame the possibility of goodness hidden in people.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Michael Dollard, Larchfield. Fr. Jeremiah Roche, Kenya.
Anniversaries: Marie Holohan (Sat 6.15), John Carroll (Sat 7.00), Michael Hynes (Sun 9.30), Joe, Nan & Aoife Mulhall (Sun 10.00), Kathleen Redpath (Sun 10.30), Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00), Podge Butler (Sun 12.00), Patricia Fitzpatrick (Sun 12.30), James Hogan (Mon 9.30), Margaret Quinlan (Tues 10.30), Margaret Larkin (Thur 9.30), Patrick Morris (Fri 9.30), Dick Lynch (Sat 9.30), James Murray, Mary O’Neill, Sean Ryan, Kitty Ryan, Jim Bergin, Anna Quinn, Lawrence Quinn, Anne Fogarty, Margaret Larkin, Mary Delaney.
Intentions for next weekend: Christopher & Mary Coogan (Sat 6.15), Geraldine Cody (Sat 7.00), Jeff & Jane Power (Sun 10.00), The Maher Family (Sun 10.30), John Joe Kealy (Months Mind Sun 11.00), Elizabeth Comerford (Sun 12.00), Mary Blanchfield (Sun 12.30).
Parish Christmas Programme
Christmas Day falls on a Friday this year. The following parish Mass schedule will apply.
St. Fiacre’s Church: Vigil Mass at 9.00pm
Mass of Midnight (Latin)
8.30am (Latin)
10.30am, 12.00 noon
St. Patrick’s Church: Midnight Mass
9.30am,11.00am, 12.30pm
St. Joseph’s Church: 10.00am
Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am on Saturday, 26th December. That evening the usual weekend Mass schedule returns. During the week after Christmas the only public Mass in our parish will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each day. Come and celebrate with the people of St. Patrick’s Parish.
St. Patrick's Parish Draw
This month’s Parish Draw will take place on Tuesday next, 15th December at 8.30pm in the Parish Centre. Thanks to our promoters and subscribers for their loyalty and support over the past number of years and we wish each of them and their families peace and joy this Christmas season and New Year.
Society of St. Vincent DePaul
The annual Christmas collection for the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul will be taken up outside all Masses this weekend. Please give as generously as possible. When you contribute to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul you give hope to people in need. When you contribute to our parish conference you give hope to local people.
The members of the local conference can be contacted at the Parish Centre at 8.00pm on Mondays or by telephoning 087 681 0589. All calls are dealt with in complete confidence.
Cathedral Carol Service
The St. Mary’s Cathedral Carol Service will be held on Sunday, 20th December at 7.30pm with the combined choirs of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Unity Singers. They will be joined by Tanya Sewell (mezzo soprano) and Alan Hayes (boy soprano). All welcome.
Sacred Heart Messenger
The Messenger has been an integral part of Irish life right from its foundation 120 years ago. The story goes that Fr. Paul Cullen S.J. approached his superior about starting a new publication, and that he was given permission, a small room and a pound note! The first issue was published in January 1888.
With a circulation of 120,000 per month, the Messenger remains one of the biggest-selling publications produced in Ireland at the present time. Representatives from the Messenger Office are expected to explain more at Masses this weekend. Please give them a warm welcome.
Family Liturgy
All young people and their parents are invited to St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.30pm on Wednesday for a practice for the 10.30am Sunday family liturgy.
Book Signing
Fr. Liam Lawton will sign copies of his book The Hope Prayer in Stone House Books at McDonagh Junction on Saturday, 19th December at 4pm.
Westcourt News
The monthly Mass to pray for the blessings of Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be held at Westcourt on Monday, 14th December at 7.30pm. (Note date).
St. Canice’s Cathedral Carols
The local Church of Ireland community invites you to the annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St. Canice’s Cathedral at 7.00pm on Sunday, 13th December.
Christmas Concert
The Kilkenny Choir will give a Christmas Concert in St. John’s Church, Dublin Road on Sunday, 13th December at 4.30pm. The choir will perform a programme of music by Victoria and Lassus with brass ensemble and guests - Kilkenny Consort. Conducted by Philip Edmondson. Tickets available at the door €10/€8. The Choir will also sing a Victoria Mass as part of the Liturgy at 12.00 noon Mass in St. John’s Church on Sunday, 20th December.
Relationship Counseling
Accord Kilkenny, based at St. Mary’s Centre, James’ Street, is offering couple and relationship counseling for couples and individuals experiencing marital and relationship problems. Please contact the office for an appointment. Office Hours: Monday, 2.00pm to 5.00pm; Wednesday, 11.00am to 1.00pm; Thursday, 2.00pm to 5.00pm and Friday, 11.00am to 1.00pm. Telephone 056 772 2674 for an appointment.
Parish Shop
Our parish shop, located in the foyer of St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, has a range of cards, cribs and religious gifts available for Christmas. Come in a browse during the next few days and select items with a Christian theme for Christmas.
Parish Penitential Service
In preparation for Christmas we will have our Christmas Penitential Service on Monday 21st at 7.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church. Other priests will join us for this celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation.
Cookery Book
Good Food for Healthy Living - our parish cookery book - is available for sale at the Parish Office. An ideal Christmas gift at only €10.
A Plea for Support
Kids Included Ireland has been invited to meet Mayor Malcolm Noonan at City Hall at 7.00pm on Monday, 14th December prior to a presentation to the Kilkenny Borough Council to ask for land and a building for play, leisure and recreation for children with special needs and families, for indoor and outdoor play all year round. We need and would be very grateful for your support and for your prayers for children with disabilities and families in Kilkenny. Contact: Valerie Butler (Grandmother of severely disabled child) on vjebutler@yahoo.ie.
