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
