Your Bottom Dollar
Gambling is one of our growing problems. You can bet your bottom dollar on that! It’s estimated that in 2008 punters risked losing about €3.6 billion in the nation’s 1,093 betting shops. That’s €300 million more than the previous year. No recession there! This, alarmingly, doesn’t include on-course betting, gambling on the National Lottery or online. Many people relish risk, crave for chance and feed on fickle fate instead of solid faith. For some people there can be nothing odd with the odds when it comes to risk-taking for money. What, in sober moments, most of us would count as throwing money away gung-ho gamblers see as a prelude to a victory parade.
Today’s Gospel reading doesn’t deal with chance, though there may be some risk later down the road. It presents us with odds-on certainty: the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah in the person of Jesus. He was prophesied as the one who brings news of freedom to captives and those oppressed because the Sprit of God rest on him. In other words, because God is with Jesus he can enable us to live free of addictions, compulsions and false values. It’s a totally upbeat prophecy, and indeed Jesus is totally upbeat about it. Question is: are we?
Do we accept Jesus as he who brings us freedom? Or, do we see him as cramping our style? But there is nothing that is moral and legal that we can’t do as a Christian that we could do were we not. You can bet your bottom dollar on that too.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Senior Citizens’ Parish Party
The annual party for the senior citizens in our parish will be held at the Parish Centre on Monday, 8th February. With music by Marble City Sound a great evening is promised in our new Parish Centre.
Tickets will be available at the Parish Office and sacristies in all our churches from next week. Tickets cost €10 and booking is essential to enable efficient catering.
You are witness to these things
This phrase, from St. Luke’s 24:48, is the theme of the 2010 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which draws to a close on Monday of this week. To mark the annual week of prayer and to remind us that we are commissioned by Christ to promote Christian unity there will be an exchange of greetings at all City churches this weekend.
This Saturday evening our parish welcomes Canon Ivor Power of the Church of Ireland who will visit St. Fiacre’s Church for the 6.15pm Mass and the Rev. Dr. Joe Burke of the Kilkenny Methodist Church who will be present at the 7.00pm Mass at St. Patrick’s Church. Fr. Dan will take our greetings to the congregation at the Kilkenny Presbyterian Church service on Sunday morning. Among the other visits this year Bishop Séamus will attend the Sunday Service at St. Canice’s Cathedral while Church of Ireland Bishop Michael Burrows will speak at the 7.30pm Mass on Saturday at St. Canice’s Catholic Church.
Please keep this intention in your prayers.
Parish Centre Opening
We would like to thank all who helped in any way with the official opening of the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Homes for the Elderly and Presbytery on last Sunday. We are glad to say the event was a great success.
Parish Draw
The next draw in the present series will take place on Tuesday, 26th January at 8.30pm in the Parish Centre. The draw is always held in public and all are invited to come along.
St. Vincent de Paul
The members of the local conference wish to thank all who contributed to their Christmas appeal. In difficult financial times members of our congregations were not found wanting. Thanks, too, to those who made substantial anonymous donations to the funds. All money will be used wisely to help those most in need in the locality.
Questions People Ask
Q. This is the year of the Gospel of Luke. What is special about Luke?
A. The opening words that each evangelist quotes from Jesus are a good indication of that writer’s special insight and purpose. In Luke the first words we hear from the adult Jesus are about the Spirit anointing him for a mission to the poor and those who are generally regarded as less favoured. He is the evangelist of the Holy Spirit. Luke emphasises compassion and mercy. Among those blessed by God are people regarded as outsiders… sinners, lepers, Samaritans, women, shepherds, tax collectors.
Watch the verbs in Luke as he tells of the gracious actions of God and the prayerful reactions of people. (Fr. Silvester O’Flynn)
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Fr. Loughlin Campion, Crosspatrick & Dalgan Park, Navan. Bridget Corr, Castlewarren. Maura Tobin, Johnstown.
Anniversaries: John Bradley (Sat 6.15), Kathleen Hickey (Sat 7.00), Christy McLoughlin (Sun 10.00), Norah Foley (Sun 10.30), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.00), John Collins (Sun 12.30), Kathleen Kelly (Tues 10.30), Liam & William O’Connor (Thurs 9.30), John, Ellen & Pat Butler (Fri 10.30), Frank Nolan, Albert & Bridget Downes, Martin Coyne, Fr. John Nyhan, Annie Delaney, Michael McDonald, Brendan McKenna, Billy Burke, Frank Moran, Michael Lanigan, Orla Roche, John & Catherine Curry, Christina Murphy.
Intentions for next weekend: Pauline English (Sat 6.15), Jim Loughlin (Sat 7.00), Noeleen Flood (Sun 10.00), Ann & John Waldron (Sun 10.30), Michael Moore (Sun 11.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 12.00), Michael Dollard (Month’s Mind Sun 12.30).
Bereavement Support Group
The St. Patrick’s Parish Bereavement Support Group offers one to one support to bereaved parishioners. Phone 086 162 9089 to make an appointment to meet members of the group, in the Parish Centre, Loughboy. This is a free and confidential service.
Catholic Schools Week 2010
Catholic Schools Week 2010 begins on Sunday, 31st January and concludes on Saturday, 6th February. The Pastoral Letter of the Irish Bishops’ Conference Vision 08 – A Vision for Catholic Education is a useful resource for those who wish to focus on the theme of the week. Copies were circulated in our parish last year and the pastoral may be downloaded from www.catholicbishops.ie - the website of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Catholic Schools Week gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous contribution that our Catholic primary and post-primary schools make not just to Irish society, but to the mission of the Church. Last year marked a very successful beginning of an all-Ireland celebration of Catholic Schools Week and we hope this year to build on that foundation and continue to create a space where we can proudly articulate and celebrate our ethos and identity.
This year the theme for the week is ‘Catholic Schools – A Light for Every Generation’. Catholic schools are committed to the education and formation of the young person in every aspect of their lives. Thus Catholic schools are light for parents, pupils, staff and society in every generation. In selecting this theme we are clearly connecting the vision of Catholic education with the mission of the Gospel, to bring the light of Christ to the world and to allow that light to shine through and in all that we do in our work in Catholic schools. This theme reminds us that we are constantly challenged to let that light shine for the present generation and this will remain part of our task for future generations. It also allows us to remember with great gratitude all those who through their work in establishing schools and places of education brought the light of Christ to many generations of Irish people in the past.
Kilkenny Flower Club
A reminder for Kilkenny Flower Club Members: the club’s annual dinner is in The Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel next Thursday, 28th January at 6.30pm.
www.patricksparish.net
For photos of the official opening of the Parish Centre and other news about the parish.
Angels & Demons - The True Story
St. John’s Parish Prayer Group invites you to a Lecture Series for Lent at St. John’s Day Centre (8pm - 9.30pm). Each meeting will consist of Worship and Praise followed by a lecture by Fr. Joe Delaney.
February 3rd: Paradise Lost. February 10th: Spiritual Warfare. February 17th: The Ministry of Angels (please note starting at 8.30pm). March 3rd: Demonic Entry Points: The Occult and Alternative Therapies. March 10th: The Effects of Generational Sin. March 24th: Testimonies and Prayer.
Earthquake in Haiti
Trócaire, the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland, helps the people of Haiti. To donate, please call 1850 408 408 or log on to www.trocaire.org
Loughboy Library
No Time to read? Loughboy Library has introduced a large collection of compact audio books called Play-a-way. They are the size of your mobile phone and can be used in the car, at home or out walking. They are independent pieces of equipment and all you need are batteries. New titles include A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and Marley and Me by John Grogan. Come in and have a look…
All-Ireland Talent Show
Ross Hennessy is from our parish and is a member of Na Fianna, a well-known local band which will compete live on this Sunday’s All-Ireland Talent Show at 6.30pm. Let’s give Ross and the band our fullest support by voting for them this weekend.
Hard luck to Aidan Byrne from the Parish Youth Choir and his mates in Pyrotechnix who were very unfortunate not to make it through to the semi-finals last week.
Diabetes - Kickstart The New Year
This meeting will now take place at 8.00pm on Wednesday, January 27th at The Newpark Hotel. Guest Speakers include Dr. Mary Ryan, Consultant Physician Endocrinologist, Aut Even Hospital and Ms. Irene Stokes, Podiatrist, The Foot Clinic, Kilkenny. All Welcome. Admission is free.
The Migraine Association of Ireland
The Migraine Association of Ireland [MAI] will hold a free information evening in the Kilford Arms Hotel, Johns Street, Kilkenny at 7.30pm on Monday, 25th January. The event is open to migraine sufferers and to all those who live, work and deal with migraine suffers on a regular basis – such as family members, employers, health professionals, etc. A presentation will be given by a specialist nurse – before the floor is opened for questions. For more information see: www.migraine.ie and to book call 1850 200 378 or email info@migraine.ie
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 17th January 2009
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
This weekend St. Patrick’s Parish is proud to host the official opening and blessing of the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Homes for the Elderly and Presbytery. The buildings will be blessed by Bishop Séamus Freeman and officially opened by Mr. Brian Cody - the ceremonies begin at 2.30pm on Sunday. The St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will provide foot-warming marching music and entertainment during the afternoon. Some light refreshments will be served.
We plan this to be a great parish celebration and all associated with the parish and the planning and building of the complex are invited to attend. This is a worthy development by the people of St. Patrick’s Parish, one of which we can be rightly proud, an improvement of facilities which will serve the community well for many decades to come. This present generation has built on the strong foundations put in place by our ancestors and, please God, we will leave a rich legacy for those who will come behind us. Please come along on Sunday afternoon and join with your neighbours and friends as we celebrate our parish’s achievement.
Earthquake in Haiti
On Tuesday night an earthquake struck Haiti killing over 50,000 people. In response, Pope Benedict XVI called on “the generosity of all people” to support those worst affected. He added that “the Catholic Church will not fail to move immediately, through her charitable institutions, to meet the most immediate needs of the population”.
Trócaire is the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland and they desperately need your assistance to help the people of Haiti.
To donate, please call 1850 408 408 or log on to www.trocaire.org
Divine Mercy Prayer Group
The local Divine Mercy Prayer Group meets at the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre each Thursday morning following the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. New members and visitors are always welcome.
Bridge in the Afternoon
Fancy playing a game of bridge in the afternoon? Come along to St Patrick’s Parish Centre on Tuesday, 19th January and every Tuesday thereafter. Time: 3.00pm - 5.00pm. No partner required. All are welcome.
Questions People Ask
Q. At the wedding in Cana there were 6 jars, each holding 20 or 30 gallons, about the equivalent of 800 bottles today. Are we to take these figures literally?
A. The Gospel of John shows Jesus bringing several Jewish institutions such as the Temple and the Sabbath to fulfilment. The miracle of Cana involved water, not any water, but water set aside for ritual purification before a meal. This water represents the Jewish religion with its many ritual washings as preparing for the wedding of heaven and earth which occurred in Jesus, true God and true man. Six jars are one short of the perfect number, seven. The huge amount of new wine expresses the lavish generosity of God inviting all people to union with Christ.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Church Cleaners
Do you have an hour or two to spare each week? We are in urgent need of one or two more cleaners for St. Patrick’s Church. The members of the team keep the church clean and prepared for our daily liturgies. Much of the work goes on behind the scenes but it is truly appreciated. Please contact Jim in the sacristy at St. Patrick’s Church if you can spare an hour or two each week. Many hands make light work…
The Cold Weather
Thanks to the many parishioners who helped out in different ways during the recent cold spell. While conditions were difficult the community’s response was warm and generous. Many members of our Church community went well beyond the call of duty to help a neighbour in need - but then that’s what we should be about as Christians.
Seeing Red
I wonder if the UK-chart topping, 1986 hit Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh would have soared so high had she been in green. Wearing red not only gets you noticed, it can get you ahead even in the Olympic Games, according to one lecturer at Durham University, England. Wearing red marks you as aggressive and dominant.
Today’s First Reading (1 Cor 12:4-11) lists distinguishing marks for members of the Christian community. The colour red doesn’t get a look in. Neither do designer labels, gym workouts, health food diets or high-tech gizmos (even had they existed). But then they wouldn’t; all the qualities listed are for service not dominance or ego gratification. Also, everything on the list is internal to the individual not external. I don’t need to enhance my appearance for service but I do need to enhance myself. And the gifts listed in this reading do just that: wise utterance, knowledgeable speech, faith witness, power to heal, working miracles, prophesying and the ability to discern spirits, talking in tongues and interpreting them.
To put these gifts in more contemporary wrapping we might list them as: having cop on, being informed, practising what I preach, comforting those in difficulty, helping without counting the cost, being my brother’s keeper, being open to God’s Spirit and open to those open to God’s Spirit. It’s surprising at times that if you should go public, so to speak, and say that these are the qualities that distinguish true Christians some of that public, even those not Christian, will probably see red!
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Pray for the Deceased
Anniversaries: Paul Prodromou (Sat 6.15), Tom Langton (Sat 7.00), Michael Drennan (Sun 10.30), Maureen O’Shea (Sun 11.00), Beattie Connell (Sun 12.00), Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Mon 9.30), Nora Carroll (Tues 9.30), Sally Mullally (Tues 10.30), Evelyn (Bobbi) Leahy (Wed 9.30), Richard Brennan (Wed 10.30), Maureen & Paddy Dwyer (Thurs 10.30), John Phelan (Fri 10.30), Johnny Brennan, Michael & Mary Ellen Delaney, Denis Guilfoyle, Clare O’Connor, Christopher & Mary Ryan, Edward McCormack.
Intentions for next weekend: John Bradley (Sat 6.15), Kathleen Hickey (Sat 7.00), Christy McLoughlin (Sun 10.00), Norah Foley (Sun 10.30), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.00), John Collins (Sun 12.30).
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
The Parish Office and Shop
The St. Patrick’s Parish Office and Shop are open each weekday between 10.00am and 5.00pm. Call in or telephone 056 776 4400 for all parish business. Our parish email is: stpatricksparish@ossory.ie The Office is closed for lunch between 1.00 and 2.00pm.
Family Communications
An 8 week parenting course for parents of 9 - 16 year olds.
Aim: To support parents in building good relationships with their children.
How can this course help parents? Helps patents explore how they communicate with their children and each other. Supports parents in the good job they are already doing. Provides parents with an opportunity to talk with other parents.
Topics covered include: Communication, peer pressure, self esteem, drugs and alcohol, problem solving, conflict resolution.
For further information or to book a place contact Teresa Hennessy or Bernie O’Brien 056 776 1400. Closing date 20th January.
Angels & Demons - The True Story
St. John’s Parish Prayer Group invites you to a Lecture Series for Lent at St. John’s Day Centre (8pm - 9.30pm). Each meeting will consist of Worship and Praise followed by a lecture. The lectures will be given by Fr. Joe Delaney.
February 3rd: Paradise Lost. February 10th: Spiritual Warfare. February 17th: The Ministry of Angels (please note starting at 8.30pm). March 3rd: Demonic Entry Points: The Occult and Alternative Therapies. March 10th: The Effects of Generational Sin. March 24th: Testimonies and Prayer.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Wheelchair Association church gate collection, cancelled because of bad weather, will now be held on the 23rd and 24th January.
Have you time to spare?
S.O.S. is a voluntary organisation for adults with a mild-moderate intellectual disability. S.O.S. provides day services, respite and residential care. We are currently looking for volunteers to support us in providing greater social and recreational activities for people in S.O.S. So if you are interested and have a few hours a week to spare please contact Kathleen Sherry or Geraldine Wilson at 056 776 4000 for further information.
Free Preschool 3 - 4 years
23 Cedarwood Crescent, Loughboy. Only 2 minutes walk from Supervalu. Must register within the next 2 weeks. Four places left. Call Square One: Marie 086 803 0850 or Joan 056 776 1142.
Loughboy Library
Margot Lawlor, Ardnore is exhibiting a series of acrylic paintings on canvas at Loughboy Library until Friday 22nd January. They consist of dramatised fairytale images and also cats and dogs. All are for sale at reasonable prices.
All-Ireland Talent Show
Aidan Byrne, guitarist with the Parish Youth Choir and Pyrotechnix will be on air on the All Ireland Talent Show on RTE 1 on this Sunday evening, 17th January at 6.30pm. Please give them your support and a vote.
And we have even more talent in the parish! Ross Hennessy is a member of Na Fianna, a well-known local band which will compete live on the All-Ireland Talent Show on next Sunday, 24th January. Let’s give Ross and the band our fullest support by voting for them next weekend.
A Smile Before you Go
Two senior ladies met for the first time since graduating from secondary school. One asked the other, “You were always so organized in school, meticulously planning every detail. How did you plan your married life?”
“Well,” said her friend, “My first marriage was to a millionaire; my second marriage was to an actor; my third marriage was to a preacher; and now I'm married to an undertaker.”
Asked the friend, “What do those marriages have to do with a well planned life?” “The first marriage was for the money, the second for the show, the third to get ready and the fourth to go!”
This weekend St. Patrick’s Parish is proud to host the official opening and blessing of the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Homes for the Elderly and Presbytery. The buildings will be blessed by Bishop Séamus Freeman and officially opened by Mr. Brian Cody - the ceremonies begin at 2.30pm on Sunday. The St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will provide foot-warming marching music and entertainment during the afternoon. Some light refreshments will be served.
We plan this to be a great parish celebration and all associated with the parish and the planning and building of the complex are invited to attend. This is a worthy development by the people of St. Patrick’s Parish, one of which we can be rightly proud, an improvement of facilities which will serve the community well for many decades to come. This present generation has built on the strong foundations put in place by our ancestors and, please God, we will leave a rich legacy for those who will come behind us. Please come along on Sunday afternoon and join with your neighbours and friends as we celebrate our parish’s achievement.
Earthquake in Haiti
On Tuesday night an earthquake struck Haiti killing over 50,000 people. In response, Pope Benedict XVI called on “the generosity of all people” to support those worst affected. He added that “the Catholic Church will not fail to move immediately, through her charitable institutions, to meet the most immediate needs of the population”.
Trócaire is the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland and they desperately need your assistance to help the people of Haiti.
To donate, please call 1850 408 408 or log on to www.trocaire.org
Divine Mercy Prayer Group
The local Divine Mercy Prayer Group meets at the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre each Thursday morning following the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. New members and visitors are always welcome.
Bridge in the Afternoon
Fancy playing a game of bridge in the afternoon? Come along to St Patrick’s Parish Centre on Tuesday, 19th January and every Tuesday thereafter. Time: 3.00pm - 5.00pm. No partner required. All are welcome.
Questions People Ask
Q. At the wedding in Cana there were 6 jars, each holding 20 or 30 gallons, about the equivalent of 800 bottles today. Are we to take these figures literally?
A. The Gospel of John shows Jesus bringing several Jewish institutions such as the Temple and the Sabbath to fulfilment. The miracle of Cana involved water, not any water, but water set aside for ritual purification before a meal. This water represents the Jewish religion with its many ritual washings as preparing for the wedding of heaven and earth which occurred in Jesus, true God and true man. Six jars are one short of the perfect number, seven. The huge amount of new wine expresses the lavish generosity of God inviting all people to union with Christ.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Church Cleaners
Do you have an hour or two to spare each week? We are in urgent need of one or two more cleaners for St. Patrick’s Church. The members of the team keep the church clean and prepared for our daily liturgies. Much of the work goes on behind the scenes but it is truly appreciated. Please contact Jim in the sacristy at St. Patrick’s Church if you can spare an hour or two each week. Many hands make light work…
The Cold Weather
Thanks to the many parishioners who helped out in different ways during the recent cold spell. While conditions were difficult the community’s response was warm and generous. Many members of our Church community went well beyond the call of duty to help a neighbour in need - but then that’s what we should be about as Christians.
Seeing Red
I wonder if the UK-chart topping, 1986 hit Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh would have soared so high had she been in green. Wearing red not only gets you noticed, it can get you ahead even in the Olympic Games, according to one lecturer at Durham University, England. Wearing red marks you as aggressive and dominant.
Today’s First Reading (1 Cor 12:4-11) lists distinguishing marks for members of the Christian community. The colour red doesn’t get a look in. Neither do designer labels, gym workouts, health food diets or high-tech gizmos (even had they existed). But then they wouldn’t; all the qualities listed are for service not dominance or ego gratification. Also, everything on the list is internal to the individual not external. I don’t need to enhance my appearance for service but I do need to enhance myself. And the gifts listed in this reading do just that: wise utterance, knowledgeable speech, faith witness, power to heal, working miracles, prophesying and the ability to discern spirits, talking in tongues and interpreting them.
To put these gifts in more contemporary wrapping we might list them as: having cop on, being informed, practising what I preach, comforting those in difficulty, helping without counting the cost, being my brother’s keeper, being open to God’s Spirit and open to those open to God’s Spirit. It’s surprising at times that if you should go public, so to speak, and say that these are the qualities that distinguish true Christians some of that public, even those not Christian, will probably see red!
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Pray for the Deceased
Anniversaries: Paul Prodromou (Sat 6.15), Tom Langton (Sat 7.00), Michael Drennan (Sun 10.30), Maureen O’Shea (Sun 11.00), Beattie Connell (Sun 12.00), Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Mon 9.30), Nora Carroll (Tues 9.30), Sally Mullally (Tues 10.30), Evelyn (Bobbi) Leahy (Wed 9.30), Richard Brennan (Wed 10.30), Maureen & Paddy Dwyer (Thurs 10.30), John Phelan (Fri 10.30), Johnny Brennan, Michael & Mary Ellen Delaney, Denis Guilfoyle, Clare O’Connor, Christopher & Mary Ryan, Edward McCormack.
Intentions for next weekend: John Bradley (Sat 6.15), Kathleen Hickey (Sat 7.00), Christy McLoughlin (Sun 10.00), Norah Foley (Sun 10.30), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.00), John Collins (Sun 12.30).
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
The Parish Office and Shop
The St. Patrick’s Parish Office and Shop are open each weekday between 10.00am and 5.00pm. Call in or telephone 056 776 4400 for all parish business. Our parish email is: stpatricksparish@ossory.ie The Office is closed for lunch between 1.00 and 2.00pm.
Family Communications
An 8 week parenting course for parents of 9 - 16 year olds.
Aim: To support parents in building good relationships with their children.
How can this course help parents? Helps patents explore how they communicate with their children and each other. Supports parents in the good job they are already doing. Provides parents with an opportunity to talk with other parents.
Topics covered include: Communication, peer pressure, self esteem, drugs and alcohol, problem solving, conflict resolution.
For further information or to book a place contact Teresa Hennessy or Bernie O’Brien 056 776 1400. Closing date 20th January.
Angels & Demons - The True Story
St. John’s Parish Prayer Group invites you to a Lecture Series for Lent at St. John’s Day Centre (8pm - 9.30pm). Each meeting will consist of Worship and Praise followed by a lecture. The lectures will be given by Fr. Joe Delaney.
February 3rd: Paradise Lost. February 10th: Spiritual Warfare. February 17th: The Ministry of Angels (please note starting at 8.30pm). March 3rd: Demonic Entry Points: The Occult and Alternative Therapies. March 10th: The Effects of Generational Sin. March 24th: Testimonies and Prayer.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Wheelchair Association church gate collection, cancelled because of bad weather, will now be held on the 23rd and 24th January.
Have you time to spare?
S.O.S. is a voluntary organisation for adults with a mild-moderate intellectual disability. S.O.S. provides day services, respite and residential care. We are currently looking for volunteers to support us in providing greater social and recreational activities for people in S.O.S. So if you are interested and have a few hours a week to spare please contact Kathleen Sherry or Geraldine Wilson at 056 776 4000 for further information.
Free Preschool 3 - 4 years
23 Cedarwood Crescent, Loughboy. Only 2 minutes walk from Supervalu. Must register within the next 2 weeks. Four places left. Call Square One: Marie 086 803 0850 or Joan 056 776 1142.
Loughboy Library
Margot Lawlor, Ardnore is exhibiting a series of acrylic paintings on canvas at Loughboy Library until Friday 22nd January. They consist of dramatised fairytale images and also cats and dogs. All are for sale at reasonable prices.
All-Ireland Talent Show
Aidan Byrne, guitarist with the Parish Youth Choir and Pyrotechnix will be on air on the All Ireland Talent Show on RTE 1 on this Sunday evening, 17th January at 6.30pm. Please give them your support and a vote.
And we have even more talent in the parish! Ross Hennessy is a member of Na Fianna, a well-known local band which will compete live on the All-Ireland Talent Show on next Sunday, 24th January. Let’s give Ross and the band our fullest support by voting for them next weekend.
A Smile Before you Go
Two senior ladies met for the first time since graduating from secondary school. One asked the other, “You were always so organized in school, meticulously planning every detail. How did you plan your married life?”
“Well,” said her friend, “My first marriage was to a millionaire; my second marriage was to an actor; my third marriage was to a preacher; and now I'm married to an undertaker.”
Asked the friend, “What do those marriages have to do with a well planned life?” “The first marriage was for the money, the second for the show, the third to get ready and the fourth to go!”
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Baptism of the Lord 10th January 2009
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre Official Opening
We plan to have the Official Opening of the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre and adjacent Homes for the Elderly at 2.30pm on next Sunday, 17th January. The Centre will be blessed by Bishop Séamus Freeman and will be officially opened by another Freeman: Mr. Brian Cody, Freeman of Kilkenny City. The St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will provide foot-warming marching music and entertainment during the afternoon.
We plan this to be a great parish celebration and all associated with the parish and the development are invited to attend. This is our parish development and all are asked to come along and celebrate our achievement.
Needless to say we are conscious of the present inclement weather conditions yet we hope the event will take place as scheduled. We will endeavour to keep you informed by announcements at Masses.
Cold Weather
While the long cold stretch is difficult for all it is particularly difficult for some of our parishioners, especially our seniors, people with a disability and those living in isolated areas. We appeal to those who are able, to keep a watchful eye on others in the locality. Many would appreciate an offer to fetch groceries, water and fuel from the shops. Some, while self-sufficient, would welcome a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Please follow your Christian convictions and be neighbourly to all.
A number of parishioners have contacted the Parish Office and offered to help in particular needy situations. We appreciate your generous offers of general help and welcome contact from those who could do with assistance at this time.
Latin Mass
The Latin Mass scheduled for St. Patrick’s Church at 5.00pm on this Sunday has been cancelled because of the inclement weather and dangerous road conditions. The organisers are sorry for the inconvenience.
Renew Not Recycle
According to one recycling agency Ireland’s consumption of alcohol over Christmas would fill ‘29 Olympic-sized swimming pools’. On average, adults drank 16 litres of alcohol or 2.5 times their own blood levels. If that’s hard to swallow try this: the nation gobble 4 million boxes of chocolates; guzzled 54 million cans and 15 million bottles of beer, 20 million bottles of wine, 4 million plastic bottles and 28 million cans of soft drinks. Households disposed of 96,500kg of packaging – equivalent to an adult’s weight in cardboard per household – and 4 million sheets of gift-wrap paper. And that was in 2005! Just imagine what it must have been like every Christmas since then.
As Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth, how could recycling our waste produce seem more pressing a problem than renewing our faith in God and our service of each other? Our feats are always occasions for renewal. Today’s feast, the Baptism of the Lord, shows this. It reminds us of our own baptism and of what we are committed to because of it. We need reminding from time to time that baptism, while it may have come easily, does not come cheaply. It does cost. Today’s Gospel reading (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22) makes that clear: He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (3:16).
So, as we begin this New Year let us not take our baptism for granted, or forget it. That can so easily happen. When the Spirit’s fire truly burns within us, we’ll know that it’s not for recycling used good s but for renewing God’s gifts.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Evening Mass in Kilkenny City
Mass is celebrated each weekday evening at 6.15pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. We apologise for announcing Masses at the Cathedral for last week - local parishes were not informed that Masses were cancelled.
Adoration and Prayer at the Friary
There will be an hour of Adoration and Prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday, January 10th from 3.00-4.00pm. All welcome.
Questions People Ask
Q. What do you think of postponing the Baptism of children until they are old enough to make their own decision?
A. Depriving a child of Baptism shows a very poor regard for the treasures of Christian life. Baptism is the first of the sacraments of Christian Initiation; the others begin Confirmation and First Communion. Initiation into Christian beliefs, values, thoughts and behaviour begins in early childhood. A Christian home is the ideal setting. Parents who value their faith and Church membership would desire to pass on this faith to their children as much as they would seek the best schooling and medical care for them.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Denis O’Shea, College Road. Margaret Dunlop, Rothe Terrace. Billy McBride. Sheila Burke, St. John’s Terrace. Larry Tynan, Ardboy. Maurice Ryan, Clara. Liz Dempsey, Wexford. John Noonan, Dublin and late of Kilkenny. Eileen Owens, Assumption Place.
Anniversaries: Anna Campion (Sat 6.15), Teresa Holden (Sat 7.00), Maura Nolan (Sun 10.00), Teresa Walsh (Sun 10.30), Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00), Frank O’Shea (Sun 12.00), Sean Devane (Sun 12.30), Cornelius Carroll (Mon 9.30), Catherine & Joseph Brennan, John O’Gara, Ann Smyth, Christy Bateman, Agnes & Robert Brannigan, John & Mamie Brett, Terry Brett, Lily Power, Lorenzo Mahony, Bernadette Warde, James & Annie O’Grady, William, Tess & Joan Murphy, Pauline Hogan, Bernard Kelly.
Intentions for next weekend: Paul Prodromou (Sat 6.15), Tom Langton (Sat 7.00), Michael Drennan (Sun 10.30), Maureen O’Shea (Sun 11.00), Beattie Connell (Sun 12.00), Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30).
May their souls rest in peace. Amen.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Wheelchair Association will hold their Church Gate Collection outside all Masses this weekend 9th and 10th January 2010. Please support.
All-Ireland Talent Show
Well done to Aidan Byrne, guitarist with the Parish Youth Choir and Pyrotechnix, on the band’s selection to represent the South East on the All-Ireland Talent Show. Aidan is one of our regular musicians at the 12.30pm Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Church. The band has been rehearsing non stop since their selection and hope all will row in behind them and support them in the show. The All Ireland Talent Show airs on RTE 1 at 6.30pm on Sundays. Aidan and his band will appear in the live show on Sunday, 17th January. Let’s give Aidan and the band our fullest support by voting of them next weekend.
Bridge in the Afternoon
Fancy playing a game of bridge in the afternoon? Come along to St Patrick’s Parish Centre on Tuesday, 12th January and every Tuesday thereafter. Time: 3.00pm - 5.00pm. No partner required. All are welcome.
Blood Donation Clinic
Every day, patients in hospitals throughout Ireland require blood transfusions. Sometimes it may be for routine surgical procedure such as a hip operation. Other times it may be for someone recovering from a road traffic accident, major surgery such as a heart bypass or a patient undergoing cancer treatment.
Without your continued generosity the Irish Blood Transfusion Service would not be able to provide the blood and blood products needed in hospitals. We depend on you and others like you to maintain an adequate and safe blood supply to save and improve lives.
Your help is particularly needed during the current cold weather as stocks of blood have diminished. Please consider giving blood this week. Local clinics are as follows:
Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel:
Sunday, 10th January 2010, from 11.30am to 3.30pm.
Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th and Thursday, 14th January 2010 from 4.30pm to 8.00pm.
The Parish Office and Shop
The St. Patrick’s Parish Office and Shop is open each weekday between 10.00am and 5.00pm. Call in or telephone 056 776 4400 for all parish business. The Office is closed for lunch between 1.00 and 2.00pm.
Senior Help Line
Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open every day from 10.00am until 4.00pm and from 7.00pm until 10.00pm, 365 days a year.
Older people call us for many reasons… They may feel lonely, isolated or have family or health worries. A small number may fear or be experiencing elder abuse, or are depressed and feel they don’t have the strength to carry on.
Senior Help Line’s trained older volunteers offer a friendly, listening and non-judgemental ear to all callers. So don’t be alone with your problem. Lifting the phone lessens the loneliness. LoCall 1850 440 444.
Public Meeting on Diabetes
All are welcome to a public meeting at 8.00pm on Wednesday, 13th January at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny. Guest speakers include Dr. Mary Ryan, Consultant Physician Endocrinologist, Aut Even and Ms. Irene Stokes, Podiatrist, The Foot Clinic, Kilkenny. Admission is free. Organised by the Diabetes Federation of Ireland, 021 427 4229 or email: sro@diabetes.ie
Integritas
This is a domestic centre of Christian spirituality based at Ennisnag, Stoneyford. Contact Linda Rainsberry or Patrick Treacy on 056 772 8902 for further information. Email: enquiries@integritas.ie. Web site www.integritas.ie.
Contemplative Prayer and Reflection evenings continue on every Wednesday evening at 8.00pm. Until the beginning of Lent, they will concentrate upon the theme of how one can discern the particular calling of Jesus Christ in one’s life and allow one’s life to follow him totally. During the Lenten Season, these evenings will then concentrate upon confirming the path in one’s life based upon following him, in the light of his passion and death, where he showed his love for each one of us to the utmost extent.
The Scripture study group is held on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30pm. The evening on Thursday, 21st January will reflect upon chapters five and six of the Gospel of St. Mark. The evening on Thursday, 18th February will reflect upon chapters seven and eight of the Gospel of St. Mark and the evening on Thursday, 18th March will continue with reflection upon chapters nine and ten of this gospel. Please do not hesitate to attend this group even if you can only do so occasionally.
Foulkstown Cemetery
For health and safety reasons vehicular access to Foulkstown Cemetery has been restricted for the duration of the bad weather. We ask your cooperation in this matter.
We plan to have the Official Opening of the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre and adjacent Homes for the Elderly at 2.30pm on next Sunday, 17th January. The Centre will be blessed by Bishop Séamus Freeman and will be officially opened by another Freeman: Mr. Brian Cody, Freeman of Kilkenny City. The St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will provide foot-warming marching music and entertainment during the afternoon.
We plan this to be a great parish celebration and all associated with the parish and the development are invited to attend. This is our parish development and all are asked to come along and celebrate our achievement.
Needless to say we are conscious of the present inclement weather conditions yet we hope the event will take place as scheduled. We will endeavour to keep you informed by announcements at Masses.
Cold Weather
While the long cold stretch is difficult for all it is particularly difficult for some of our parishioners, especially our seniors, people with a disability and those living in isolated areas. We appeal to those who are able, to keep a watchful eye on others in the locality. Many would appreciate an offer to fetch groceries, water and fuel from the shops. Some, while self-sufficient, would welcome a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Please follow your Christian convictions and be neighbourly to all.
A number of parishioners have contacted the Parish Office and offered to help in particular needy situations. We appreciate your generous offers of general help and welcome contact from those who could do with assistance at this time.
Latin Mass
The Latin Mass scheduled for St. Patrick’s Church at 5.00pm on this Sunday has been cancelled because of the inclement weather and dangerous road conditions. The organisers are sorry for the inconvenience.
Renew Not Recycle
According to one recycling agency Ireland’s consumption of alcohol over Christmas would fill ‘29 Olympic-sized swimming pools’. On average, adults drank 16 litres of alcohol or 2.5 times their own blood levels. If that’s hard to swallow try this: the nation gobble 4 million boxes of chocolates; guzzled 54 million cans and 15 million bottles of beer, 20 million bottles of wine, 4 million plastic bottles and 28 million cans of soft drinks. Households disposed of 96,500kg of packaging – equivalent to an adult’s weight in cardboard per household – and 4 million sheets of gift-wrap paper. And that was in 2005! Just imagine what it must have been like every Christmas since then.
As Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth, how could recycling our waste produce seem more pressing a problem than renewing our faith in God and our service of each other? Our feats are always occasions for renewal. Today’s feast, the Baptism of the Lord, shows this. It reminds us of our own baptism and of what we are committed to because of it. We need reminding from time to time that baptism, while it may have come easily, does not come cheaply. It does cost. Today’s Gospel reading (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22) makes that clear: He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (3:16).
So, as we begin this New Year let us not take our baptism for granted, or forget it. That can so easily happen. When the Spirit’s fire truly burns within us, we’ll know that it’s not for recycling used good s but for renewing God’s gifts.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Evening Mass in Kilkenny City
Mass is celebrated each weekday evening at 6.15pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. We apologise for announcing Masses at the Cathedral for last week - local parishes were not informed that Masses were cancelled.
Adoration and Prayer at the Friary
There will be an hour of Adoration and Prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday, January 10th from 3.00-4.00pm. All welcome.
Questions People Ask
Q. What do you think of postponing the Baptism of children until they are old enough to make their own decision?
A. Depriving a child of Baptism shows a very poor regard for the treasures of Christian life. Baptism is the first of the sacraments of Christian Initiation; the others begin Confirmation and First Communion. Initiation into Christian beliefs, values, thoughts and behaviour begins in early childhood. A Christian home is the ideal setting. Parents who value their faith and Church membership would desire to pass on this faith to their children as much as they would seek the best schooling and medical care for them.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Denis O’Shea, College Road. Margaret Dunlop, Rothe Terrace. Billy McBride. Sheila Burke, St. John’s Terrace. Larry Tynan, Ardboy. Maurice Ryan, Clara. Liz Dempsey, Wexford. John Noonan, Dublin and late of Kilkenny. Eileen Owens, Assumption Place.
Anniversaries: Anna Campion (Sat 6.15), Teresa Holden (Sat 7.00), Maura Nolan (Sun 10.00), Teresa Walsh (Sun 10.30), Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00), Frank O’Shea (Sun 12.00), Sean Devane (Sun 12.30), Cornelius Carroll (Mon 9.30), Catherine & Joseph Brennan, John O’Gara, Ann Smyth, Christy Bateman, Agnes & Robert Brannigan, John & Mamie Brett, Terry Brett, Lily Power, Lorenzo Mahony, Bernadette Warde, James & Annie O’Grady, William, Tess & Joan Murphy, Pauline Hogan, Bernard Kelly.
Intentions for next weekend: Paul Prodromou (Sat 6.15), Tom Langton (Sat 7.00), Michael Drennan (Sun 10.30), Maureen O’Shea (Sun 11.00), Beattie Connell (Sun 12.00), Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30).
May their souls rest in peace. Amen.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Wheelchair Association will hold their Church Gate Collection outside all Masses this weekend 9th and 10th January 2010. Please support.
All-Ireland Talent Show
Well done to Aidan Byrne, guitarist with the Parish Youth Choir and Pyrotechnix, on the band’s selection to represent the South East on the All-Ireland Talent Show. Aidan is one of our regular musicians at the 12.30pm Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Church. The band has been rehearsing non stop since their selection and hope all will row in behind them and support them in the show. The All Ireland Talent Show airs on RTE 1 at 6.30pm on Sundays. Aidan and his band will appear in the live show on Sunday, 17th January. Let’s give Aidan and the band our fullest support by voting of them next weekend.
Bridge in the Afternoon
Fancy playing a game of bridge in the afternoon? Come along to St Patrick’s Parish Centre on Tuesday, 12th January and every Tuesday thereafter. Time: 3.00pm - 5.00pm. No partner required. All are welcome.
Blood Donation Clinic
Every day, patients in hospitals throughout Ireland require blood transfusions. Sometimes it may be for routine surgical procedure such as a hip operation. Other times it may be for someone recovering from a road traffic accident, major surgery such as a heart bypass or a patient undergoing cancer treatment.
Without your continued generosity the Irish Blood Transfusion Service would not be able to provide the blood and blood products needed in hospitals. We depend on you and others like you to maintain an adequate and safe blood supply to save and improve lives.
Your help is particularly needed during the current cold weather as stocks of blood have diminished. Please consider giving blood this week. Local clinics are as follows:
Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel:
Sunday, 10th January 2010, from 11.30am to 3.30pm.
Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th and Thursday, 14th January 2010 from 4.30pm to 8.00pm.
The Parish Office and Shop
The St. Patrick’s Parish Office and Shop is open each weekday between 10.00am and 5.00pm. Call in or telephone 056 776 4400 for all parish business. The Office is closed for lunch between 1.00 and 2.00pm.
Senior Help Line
Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open every day from 10.00am until 4.00pm and from 7.00pm until 10.00pm, 365 days a year.
Older people call us for many reasons… They may feel lonely, isolated or have family or health worries. A small number may fear or be experiencing elder abuse, or are depressed and feel they don’t have the strength to carry on.
Senior Help Line’s trained older volunteers offer a friendly, listening and non-judgemental ear to all callers. So don’t be alone with your problem. Lifting the phone lessens the loneliness. LoCall 1850 440 444.
Public Meeting on Diabetes
All are welcome to a public meeting at 8.00pm on Wednesday, 13th January at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny. Guest speakers include Dr. Mary Ryan, Consultant Physician Endocrinologist, Aut Even and Ms. Irene Stokes, Podiatrist, The Foot Clinic, Kilkenny. Admission is free. Organised by the Diabetes Federation of Ireland, 021 427 4229 or email: sro@diabetes.ie
Integritas
This is a domestic centre of Christian spirituality based at Ennisnag, Stoneyford. Contact Linda Rainsberry or Patrick Treacy on 056 772 8902 for further information. Email: enquiries@integritas.ie. Web site www.integritas.ie.
Contemplative Prayer and Reflection evenings continue on every Wednesday evening at 8.00pm. Until the beginning of Lent, they will concentrate upon the theme of how one can discern the particular calling of Jesus Christ in one’s life and allow one’s life to follow him totally. During the Lenten Season, these evenings will then concentrate upon confirming the path in one’s life based upon following him, in the light of his passion and death, where he showed his love for each one of us to the utmost extent.
The Scripture study group is held on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30pm. The evening on Thursday, 21st January will reflect upon chapters five and six of the Gospel of St. Mark. The evening on Thursday, 18th February will reflect upon chapters seven and eight of the Gospel of St. Mark and the evening on Thursday, 18th March will continue with reflection upon chapters nine and ten of this gospel. Please do not hesitate to attend this group even if you can only do so occasionally.
Foulkstown Cemetery
For health and safety reasons vehicular access to Foulkstown Cemetery has been restricted for the duration of the bad weather. We ask your cooperation in this matter.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Second Sunday After Christmas 3rd January 2010
Cardinal Cahal Daly (1917 - 2009)
(Statement by Cardinal Seán Brady)
It is difficult to do full justice to the significance and achievements of his long, full and happy life but I believe, when fully assessed and appreciated, the legacy of Cardinal Cahal Daly to the ecclesiastical and civil history of Ireland will be seen as immense.
Having attended the Second Vatican Council as an expert theologian he worked untiringly for the renewal which it promoted. This was especially evident in his commitment to liturgical reform, renewal of religious life, the vocation of the lay faithful, catechetics, the social doctrine of the Church and unity among Christians. His writings in philosophy and theology were widely acclaimed and the influence of his keen intellect and energy on the work and publications of the Irish Bishops’ Conference was vast.
At a critical and troubled time in Irish history, he was prophetic in his conviction that lasting peace can only be built on justice, mutual understanding and respect for the traditions and aspirations of others. He was firm and courageous in his absolute rejection of violence as a means of achieving political ends. With leaders of other Christian traditions, his work for reconciliation helped to create the environment and principles upon which a lasting political accommodation was eventually reached.
In all of this, Cardinal Daly remained, first and foremost, a kind and gentle shepherd of God’s people who, on his appointment as Cardinal, in June 1991, prayed that he might never lose the sense of enthusiasm for the following of Christ and for his Gospel. That was never likely to happen for I knew him as a man of deep prayer and unshakable faith. In the words of one of his favourite verses from St. Paul, he was resolute in his belief that God’s power ‘working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask for or imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20-21).
A natural teacher, a consummate scholar, a kind friend and a faithful and holy priest, Cardinal Daly will be missed by those whose lives he graced. Our country has lost one of its brightest lights and most able sons, who played a vital role in promoting reconciliation, peace and justice at a critical moment in our history. His total commitment to the service and good of others was rooted in the central conviction of his life, captured by the words of his Episcopal motto – ‘Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday and as he will be forever’ (Hebrews 13:8).
Masses Back to Normal
Our daily Mass schedule returns to normal this Monday with 9.30am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church and 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues at St. Fiacre’s Church from 11am to 10.00pm on Monday, 4th January and in St. Patrick’s Church from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm Friday, 9th January. All welcome.
The Epiphany of the Lord
The feast of the Epiphany occurs on Wednesday of this week. Masses begin on Tuesday evening and follow the weekend schedule.
Questions People Ask
Q. What do the letters IHS stand for?
A. There have been several meanings down through the centuries. These are the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek. These letters also happen to be the initial letters of the three Greek words for Our Saviour. Then as Latin took over, these were the initial letters of In Hoc Signo, ‘in this sign you will conquer’, the message given to the Emperor Constantine before a decisive battle. A later application in English understands these letters as an acronym for I Have Suffered.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
We are busy making plans for the official opening of the new Parish Centre and Homes for the Elderly which, please God, will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, 17th January 2010.
We plan this to be a great parish celebration and we invite you to keep the afternoon free. All are invited to attend.
We will keep you informed of the details as they emerge. Make sure to mark the day in your diary.
The Parish Office and Shop
The St. Patrick’s Parish Office and Shop will reopen on Monday at 10.00am. Call in or telephone 056 776 4400 for all parish business. The Office is closed for lunch between 1.00 and 2.00pm.
St. Patrick’s Parish Calendars
We are delighted to offer parish calendars again this year. Calendars may be picked up at the back of all our parish churches. Please feel free to take a few and pass them on to friends.
St. Patrick’s Parish Website
Our parish website provides an opportunity for those away from ‘The Village’ to check out local parish and community activities. The website is always available at www.patricksparish.com. The website continues to be redesigned and comments and suggestions are welcomed.
Charitable Donations Refund
We have recently received a cheque for €59,245.89 from the Revenue Commissioners representing a refund of the income tax you paid on your charitable contributions to St. Patrick’s Parish. As you can see this is an invaluable source of income for the parish and the best part is that it comes at no extra cost to you: we simply reclaim the tax you paid on donations over €250 per year (about €5 per week). Thanks to all who returned signed CHY2 Forms enabling us to make the claim. We’ll be in touch soon seeking signatures for the year ending December 2009.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Catherine Dunphy, Cedarwood Avenue. James Kearney, Kells Road. Joan Crotty late of Patrick Street. Cardinal Cahal Daly.
Anniversaries: Billy & Anastasia Hickey (Sat 6.15), Maura Molloy (Sat 6.15), Philomena Brennan (Sat 7.00), Harry Joe O’Connor (Sun 10.00), Peg, Jack & Breda Molloy (Sun 10.30), Michael Kenny & John Condon (Sun 12.00), Peg Larkin (Tues 10.30), Christine and Rose Leahy (Tue 6.15), Monica Dooley (Wed 12.30), Michael Kelly (Thur 10.30), John McKiernan, Liam Costello, Ned & Kitty Everard, Annie Ruth, Rita Burke, Patrick, Delia & Margaret Taylor.
Intentions Next Weekend: Anna Campion (Sat 6.15), Teresa Holden (Sat 7.00), Maura Nolan (Sun 10.00) Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00), Frank O’Shea (Sun 12.00), Sean Devane (Sun 12.30).
Notices for the Newsletter
Space allowing, we endeavour to publish all notices of interest to parishioners and members of the wider community. Needless to say such notices must respect our Catholic ethos. Please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400 or stpatricksparish@ossory.ie if you would like to have a notice included. Please let us have notices as early as possible but certainly by the Thursday before publication and include a contact number (not necessarily for publication) so that we can contact you for any clarifications.
Requests for inclusion in our parish anniversary lists should also be sent in as early as possible. As we often have to check name spellings, duplication etc. it would help if such notices also included contact numbers.
Relationship Counseling
Accord Kilkenny, based at St. Mary’s Centre, James’ Street, offers 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.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The January meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday, 8th January after the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Public Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny at James Green continues on this Sunday, 3rd January at 3.00pm.
Br. Edmund Rice Monthly Mass
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, 4th January at 7.30pm. All welcome.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Bookings are now invited for our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, May 22nd - May 27th 2010. The cost is €720p.p.s. All who are interested in travelling should contact Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880414: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10.30am - 2.30pm or email glenmore@ossory.ie.
Public Meeting on Diabetes
All are welcome to a public meeting at 8.00pm on Wednesday, 13th January at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny. Guest speakers include Dr. Mary Ryan, Consultant Physician Endocrinologist, Aut Even and Ms. Irene Stokes, Podiatrist, The Foot Clinic, Kilkenny. Admission is free. Organised by the Diabetes Federation of Ireland, 021 427 4229 or email: sro@diabetes.ie
Evening Mass in Kilkenny City
Mass is celebrated each weekday evening at 6.15pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. However, please note Mass is not celebrated on the eve of holydays or on holydays.
Senior Help Line
Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open every day from 10.00am until 4.00pm and from 7.00pm until 10.00pm, 365 days a year.
Older people call us for many reasons… They may feel lonely, isolated or have family or health worries. A small number may fear or be experiencing elder abuse, or are depressed and feel they don’t have the strength to carry on.
Senior Help Line’s trained older volunteers offer a friendly, listening and non-judgemental ear to all callers. So don’t be alone with your problem. Lifting the phone lessens the loneliness. We will be waiting for your call. LoCall 1850 440 444
Bingo
All welcome to Bingo in Danesfort Community and Parish Centre (at the rear of St. Michael’s Church) on every Wednesday at 8.30pm. Shop available.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Wheelchair Association has a Garda permit for a Church Gate Collection next weekend.
Born of God
The United Sates eased restrictions on sex selection of embryos in 2001. Since then ‘medical tourism’ for ‘family balancing’ has increased. The total cost of procedures, travel and accommodation to ensure the birth of a baby of the desired sex can reach €23,000. I wonder how much time, effort and money the parents subsequently spend on rearing the child to be ‘holy and blameless before God in love’. Today’s Second Reading (Eph 1:3-6, 15-18) tells us that God chose us – even before the foundation of the world – to be holy and blameless before him. That’s God’s choice and our calling regardless of our sex. When being male or female becomes more important than being a person then we’ve lost the run of ourselves. As we evolve, and hopefully mature, on this planet and learn to control Nature more and more the challenge is to allow God to be God in our lives, i.e., to leave things in God’s hands, to use an old-fashioned expression. Maybe even to leave anything in God’s hands. Why should we, when ours can do what we want them to do? Apart from the moral issues involved in so much invasive procedure and its consequences where fertility and birth are concerned, such as the fate of embryos who don’t pass muster to see the light of day, the more basic question of whether we should accept life as it comes arises. There’s no easy yes or no to that. But as people of faith we note that while Jesus’ birth was not without planning, his life was without calculation.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
(Statement by Cardinal Seán Brady)
It is difficult to do full justice to the significance and achievements of his long, full and happy life but I believe, when fully assessed and appreciated, the legacy of Cardinal Cahal Daly to the ecclesiastical and civil history of Ireland will be seen as immense.
Having attended the Second Vatican Council as an expert theologian he worked untiringly for the renewal which it promoted. This was especially evident in his commitment to liturgical reform, renewal of religious life, the vocation of the lay faithful, catechetics, the social doctrine of the Church and unity among Christians. His writings in philosophy and theology were widely acclaimed and the influence of his keen intellect and energy on the work and publications of the Irish Bishops’ Conference was vast.
At a critical and troubled time in Irish history, he was prophetic in his conviction that lasting peace can only be built on justice, mutual understanding and respect for the traditions and aspirations of others. He was firm and courageous in his absolute rejection of violence as a means of achieving political ends. With leaders of other Christian traditions, his work for reconciliation helped to create the environment and principles upon which a lasting political accommodation was eventually reached.
In all of this, Cardinal Daly remained, first and foremost, a kind and gentle shepherd of God’s people who, on his appointment as Cardinal, in June 1991, prayed that he might never lose the sense of enthusiasm for the following of Christ and for his Gospel. That was never likely to happen for I knew him as a man of deep prayer and unshakable faith. In the words of one of his favourite verses from St. Paul, he was resolute in his belief that God’s power ‘working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask for or imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20-21).
A natural teacher, a consummate scholar, a kind friend and a faithful and holy priest, Cardinal Daly will be missed by those whose lives he graced. Our country has lost one of its brightest lights and most able sons, who played a vital role in promoting reconciliation, peace and justice at a critical moment in our history. His total commitment to the service and good of others was rooted in the central conviction of his life, captured by the words of his Episcopal motto – ‘Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday and as he will be forever’ (Hebrews 13:8).
Masses Back to Normal
Our daily Mass schedule returns to normal this Monday with 9.30am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church and 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues at St. Fiacre’s Church from 11am to 10.00pm on Monday, 4th January and in St. Patrick’s Church from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm Friday, 9th January. All welcome.
The Epiphany of the Lord
The feast of the Epiphany occurs on Wednesday of this week. Masses begin on Tuesday evening and follow the weekend schedule.
Questions People Ask
Q. What do the letters IHS stand for?
A. There have been several meanings down through the centuries. These are the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek. These letters also happen to be the initial letters of the three Greek words for Our Saviour. Then as Latin took over, these were the initial letters of In Hoc Signo, ‘in this sign you will conquer’, the message given to the Emperor Constantine before a decisive battle. A later application in English understands these letters as an acronym for I Have Suffered.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
We are busy making plans for the official opening of the new Parish Centre and Homes for the Elderly which, please God, will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, 17th January 2010.
We plan this to be a great parish celebration and we invite you to keep the afternoon free. All are invited to attend.
We will keep you informed of the details as they emerge. Make sure to mark the day in your diary.
The Parish Office and Shop
The St. Patrick’s Parish Office and Shop will reopen on Monday at 10.00am. Call in or telephone 056 776 4400 for all parish business. The Office is closed for lunch between 1.00 and 2.00pm.
St. Patrick’s Parish Calendars
We are delighted to offer parish calendars again this year. Calendars may be picked up at the back of all our parish churches. Please feel free to take a few and pass them on to friends.
St. Patrick’s Parish Website
Our parish website provides an opportunity for those away from ‘The Village’ to check out local parish and community activities. The website is always available at www.patricksparish.com. The website continues to be redesigned and comments and suggestions are welcomed.
Charitable Donations Refund
We have recently received a cheque for €59,245.89 from the Revenue Commissioners representing a refund of the income tax you paid on your charitable contributions to St. Patrick’s Parish. As you can see this is an invaluable source of income for the parish and the best part is that it comes at no extra cost to you: we simply reclaim the tax you paid on donations over €250 per year (about €5 per week). Thanks to all who returned signed CHY2 Forms enabling us to make the claim. We’ll be in touch soon seeking signatures for the year ending December 2009.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Catherine Dunphy, Cedarwood Avenue. James Kearney, Kells Road. Joan Crotty late of Patrick Street. Cardinal Cahal Daly.
Anniversaries: Billy & Anastasia Hickey (Sat 6.15), Maura Molloy (Sat 6.15), Philomena Brennan (Sat 7.00), Harry Joe O’Connor (Sun 10.00), Peg, Jack & Breda Molloy (Sun 10.30), Michael Kenny & John Condon (Sun 12.00), Peg Larkin (Tues 10.30), Christine and Rose Leahy (Tue 6.15), Monica Dooley (Wed 12.30), Michael Kelly (Thur 10.30), John McKiernan, Liam Costello, Ned & Kitty Everard, Annie Ruth, Rita Burke, Patrick, Delia & Margaret Taylor.
Intentions Next Weekend: Anna Campion (Sat 6.15), Teresa Holden (Sat 7.00), Maura Nolan (Sun 10.00) Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00), Frank O’Shea (Sun 12.00), Sean Devane (Sun 12.30).
Notices for the Newsletter
Space allowing, we endeavour to publish all notices of interest to parishioners and members of the wider community. Needless to say such notices must respect our Catholic ethos. Please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400 or stpatricksparish@ossory.ie if you would like to have a notice included. Please let us have notices as early as possible but certainly by the Thursday before publication and include a contact number (not necessarily for publication) so that we can contact you for any clarifications.
Requests for inclusion in our parish anniversary lists should also be sent in as early as possible. As we often have to check name spellings, duplication etc. it would help if such notices also included contact numbers.
Relationship Counseling
Accord Kilkenny, based at St. Mary’s Centre, James’ Street, offers 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.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The January meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday, 8th January after the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Public Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny at James Green continues on this Sunday, 3rd January at 3.00pm.
Br. Edmund Rice Monthly Mass
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, 4th January at 7.30pm. All welcome.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Bookings are now invited for our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, May 22nd - May 27th 2010. The cost is €720p.p.s. All who are interested in travelling should contact Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880414: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10.30am - 2.30pm or email glenmore@ossory.ie.
Public Meeting on Diabetes
All are welcome to a public meeting at 8.00pm on Wednesday, 13th January at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny. Guest speakers include Dr. Mary Ryan, Consultant Physician Endocrinologist, Aut Even and Ms. Irene Stokes, Podiatrist, The Foot Clinic, Kilkenny. Admission is free. Organised by the Diabetes Federation of Ireland, 021 427 4229 or email: sro@diabetes.ie
Evening Mass in Kilkenny City
Mass is celebrated each weekday evening at 6.15pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. However, please note Mass is not celebrated on the eve of holydays or on holydays.
Senior Help Line
Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open every day from 10.00am until 4.00pm and from 7.00pm until 10.00pm, 365 days a year.
Older people call us for many reasons… They may feel lonely, isolated or have family or health worries. A small number may fear or be experiencing elder abuse, or are depressed and feel they don’t have the strength to carry on.
Senior Help Line’s trained older volunteers offer a friendly, listening and non-judgemental ear to all callers. So don’t be alone with your problem. Lifting the phone lessens the loneliness. We will be waiting for your call. LoCall 1850 440 444
Bingo
All welcome to Bingo in Danesfort Community and Parish Centre (at the rear of St. Michael’s Church) on every Wednesday at 8.30pm. Shop available.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Wheelchair Association has a Garda permit for a Church Gate Collection next weekend.
Born of God
The United Sates eased restrictions on sex selection of embryos in 2001. Since then ‘medical tourism’ for ‘family balancing’ has increased. The total cost of procedures, travel and accommodation to ensure the birth of a baby of the desired sex can reach €23,000. I wonder how much time, effort and money the parents subsequently spend on rearing the child to be ‘holy and blameless before God in love’. Today’s Second Reading (Eph 1:3-6, 15-18) tells us that God chose us – even before the foundation of the world – to be holy and blameless before him. That’s God’s choice and our calling regardless of our sex. When being male or female becomes more important than being a person then we’ve lost the run of ourselves. As we evolve, and hopefully mature, on this planet and learn to control Nature more and more the challenge is to allow God to be God in our lives, i.e., to leave things in God’s hands, to use an old-fashioned expression. Maybe even to leave anything in God’s hands. Why should we, when ours can do what we want them to do? Apart from the moral issues involved in so much invasive procedure and its consequences where fertility and birth are concerned, such as the fate of embryos who don’t pass muster to see the light of day, the more basic question of whether we should accept life as it comes arises. There’s no easy yes or no to that. But as people of faith we note that while Jesus’ birth was not without planning, his life was without calculation.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
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