Second Sunday of Lent
‘A cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid’ (Luke 9:34).
In today’s Gospel we are invited into the world of Peter, John and James who followed Jesus up the mountain to pray. During this ritual however, the disciples found themselves surrounded by a dark cloud. Can you imagine how they felt? Lost, alone, insecure, petrified into silence... The feelings associated with entering a dark cloud of uncertainty are often reflected today by those who are physically weak and ill from chronic hunger. Not only are they hungry in the body but they are also psychologically hungry, craving the security of knowing where the next meal will come from. These are feelings Pilemina remembers all too well. She struggled to feed her children for five years in a refugee camp in Uganda. When the civil war ended the hunger and despair were too much and she decided she would rather die at home than in the camp. Now she receives help from Trócaire’s partners in the area and can grow enough to feed her family and send her grandchildren to school. “Life is better, we have enough food,” she says. Please support Trócaire’s Lenten campaign this year in whatever way you can.
Mass for Lent
Don’t forget Mass on Monday to Friday in St. Fiacre’s Church at 6:15pm.
Questions People Ask
Q. Why is the glorious story of the transfiguration always read during the penitential season of Lent?
A. Penance is better when it wears a happy face and is inspired by the desire for God’s light and glory. The three apostles who witnessed the glory of Jesus would later witness his fear and agony in Gethsemane. Their memory of the day of light would sustain them in the night of darkness. Treasure your times of light when you feel close to God as you will be able to draw strength from memory in times of darkness.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Joseph Lawlor, 19 Pinewood Avenue. Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 7.00pm on Saturday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 12.30pm on Sunday followed by interment in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Tommy McCarthy, 37 Riverview. Funeral prayers at Hehir’s Funeral Home at 6.00pm on Monday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church. Requiem Mass at 10.30am on Tuesday followed by cremation at Mount St. Jerome’s Crematorium, Dublin. Rosary at 8.00pm on Sunday. Mary Cantwell-Dickerson, late of Danesfort and USA. Memorial Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.30pm on Friday. Margaret Dollard, late of Michael Street and England. William Brennan, Conahy and USA. Cyril Deegan, 8 St. Francis Terrace.
Months Mind: Rory Quinn (Fri 6.15)
Anniversaries: John & Brigid O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Peggy McGrath (Sun 10.00), Thomas & Brigid Casey (Sun 10.30), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joanne Fanning (Sun 12.30), Mary Fitzpatrick (Mon 6.15), Mikey Holland (Tues 9.30), Gerard Lincoln (Wed 10.30), Billy Wallace (Sat 9.30), Sr. Teresa Landy, Michael McKane, Andrew McCarthy, Peter Kiernan, Patrick Barry, Eamon Muldowney, Deirdre McGuinness, John Bradley, Catherine Beckett, Jack Talbot, Tina O’Driscoll, Billy Maguire.
Intentions for next weekend: Lulu Lynch (Sat 6.15), Vincent Morrissey (Sat 7.00), Brendan Reid (Sun 9.30), Mick Brophy (Sun 10.00), Bobby Brannigan (Sun 12.30).
Bereavement Support
Our 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. Free and confidential.
Rainbows is a peer support group for bereaved children. The next course begins at St. John’s Day Care Centre at the rear of St. John’s Church, Dublin Road on Tuesday 9th March between 5 and 6.00pm. Contact Margaret on 087 908 7659 for referrals.
Bible Study
Sr. De Lourdes Sheridan will hold a Bible Study on Tuesdays, 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd March in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 10pm. For further information phone Kathleen on 087 246 8443. All welcome.
Lunchtime Theology
Lent allows us to follow and reflect on the most significant days in the life of Jesus. Maybe it also offers us an opportune time to reflect on what is significant in our own lives or more specifically in our lives of faith.
This Lent the Ossory Adult Faith Development Group offers an opportunity to explore our faith journey as Christians. Why not join in an informal and relaxed manner, for 45 minutes over a cup of soup and a sandwich, to reflect on some of the stages of our lives of faith? The venue is the “Hole in the Wall”, 17 High Street, Kilkenny. On this Friday, 5th March at 1.00pm Fr. W. Dalton will talk on “An Aid - The Sacramental Life: Can they speak to our reality?”
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
The Redemptorist Fathers continue to present the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help at St John’s Church until Tuesday, 2nd March. During the Novena there will be Mass at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Preparation for each session will be 15 minutes before each Mass. There will be a blessing of babies and young children and the distribution of miraculous medals on this Sunday at 3pm.
Westcourt News
The March Mass for the blessings of Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 1st March at 7.30pm. The Bereavement Society is preparing the liturgy for this mass.
Lenten Station
The Lenten Station envelope for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is due about now. Please use the yellow envelope in your current pack of parish envelopes. We are grateful to all who continue to support us priests in these difficult times.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Those wishing to travel on the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, 22nd—27th May should now contact Eleanor at Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414, weekdays excluding Wednesday 10.30am to 2.30pm.
Concert at St. Fiacre’s Church
Each year at Easter, the Irish Pilgrimage Trust, a registered charity in Ireland, travels on pilgrimage/holiday to Lourdes with young people with special needs. Fr. Dan is chaplain to Group 174 which is based in Kilkenny/Carlow. The helpers pay their own fares but it falls on the groups to provide for the fares and costs of providing the pilgrimage, holiday and respite for the young people.
To help offset this year’s cost Group 174 presents a concert at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Wednesday evening at 8.00pm. Guests include The Kilkenny Gospel Choir, Trish Carroll, Jimmy Byrne, Billy Molloy, Noreen Cooney, Orla Maloney, Nicky McCullagh, Peter Prendergast and others. An excellent evening’s entertainment is guaranteed. Please come along and support this worthy cause.
Oberammergau Passion Play
Gripped by war, poverty and plague, the villagers of Oberammergau, in Bavaria, southern Germany vowed to put on a 'passion play' every ten years… That was back in 1633. They survived, and performed the first Oberammergau Passion Play in 1634. Ever since, their descendants have carried out that pledge. For the past four centuries the tradition has continued, every ten years. Only villagers have been allowed to take part. And that is what will happen yet again in 2010, from 15th May until 3rd October.
A number of parishioners are exploring the possibility of forming a small pilgrimage/holiday around this year’s Play and are seeking expressions of interest. The cost, including tickets to the play, will be in the region of €1,700. Please contact Ted Byrne or Fr. Dan who will consider organising the trip if there is enough local interest.
Church Gate Collection
The School of the Holy Spirit has a Garda permit for a church gate collection next weekend. Please support this school which provides services for those with autism and special needs.
Attention Parents
Do you want to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk?
Koemba Parenting Programme: St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy Kilkenny commencing on Tuesday, 4th March 7.30pm to 10.00pm. Eight amazing evenings for only €187. www.koemba.com Phone Val 087 760 9355.
Parish Website
Don’t forget to visit www.patricksparish.net
Colaiste Eamann Rís
An assessment morning for boys intending to commence secondary school in Sept 2010 in Callan CBS will take place from 9-30 a.m. to 11-30 a.m. on Saturday March 6th .For further information please contact the school at 056-772 5340.
Our Lady’s Hospital for Children
A concert in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin will take place in the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle on Friday, 12th of March at 8.00pm. Featured artists on the night will be Quintessenz, a group from the Black Forest area accompanied by our very own St. Patrick's Brass and Reed Band. Admission €10. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Tickets from Book Centre.
Second Sunday of Lent – February 28, 2010
This is my beloved Son, hear him. Take some time to hear the beloved Son speaking to you. What does he say? If you think God is calling you, contact the Vocations Director Fr. Willie Purcell 0876286858 or ossoryvocations.blogspot.com.
Booking Anniversary Masses
We take great care in recording and announcing deaths and anniversaries but sometimes due to human error we make mistakes. If you are requesting a weekend Mass, it’s always a good idea to book early. Please check the newsletter the week before to make sure your anniversary is listed correctly. If you notice an error or omission, please contact the parish secretary or any of the priests. Where possible, please don’t leave an anniversary booking on an answering machine, try talk to someone in the office or to one of the priests. Thanks.
Parish Shop
Located in the parish centre, our religious goods shop stocks a wide variety of religious and devotional items. Now on display is a wide variety of items for First Holy Communion. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4pm. You are welcome to drop in and have a look.
Collection for Haiti
Rosary’s, Religious Objects, Prayer leaflets/books, prayer cards wanted. Can be brought to the sacristies or the Parish Centre.
Irish Children's Pilgrimage Trust
Grand Fundraising Concert
St. Fiacre's Church, Loughboy
Wednesday 3rd March at 8pm
The Kilkenny Gospel Choir, Trish Carroll, Jimmy Byrne, Billy Molloy, Noreen Cooney, Orla Phelan, Nicky McCullagh, Peter Prendergast plus other guests. Proceeds will be used to help send children with special needs on pilgrimage to Lourdes this Easter.
Admission €5.00
Concert in Castle
A concert in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin will take place in the Parade Tower of Kilkenny Castle on Friday 12th of March at 8pm. Featured artists on the night will be Quintessenz a group of musicians from the Black Forest area of Germany accompanied by our very own St. Patrick's Brass and Reed Band. Admission 10 euro. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Tickets available from Book Centre High Street, on the door. Any queries to 087 212 0201
Lourdes
Those wishing to travel on the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, May 22 to May 27th. inc. should now contact Eleanor on 051 880414 weekdays excluding Wednesday 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 pm.
Callan CBS
An assessment morning for boys intending to commence secondary school in Sept 2010 in Callan CBS will take place from 9-30 a.m. to 11-30 a.m. on Saturday March 6th .For further information please contact the school at 056-7725340
New Parish Envelopes
We are now updating the parish system and getting ready to order and distribute new parish contribution envelopes. As you’ll know, these envelopes are our main source of income (after the parish draw which is finishing), and go towards meeting our day to day running costs as well as our debt on the parish centre.
If you haven’t received parish envelopes up to now and would like to support your parish, then please contact us.
Thanks to all who support us. More will follow next week.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
First Sunday of Lent, February 21st, 2010
Morality Genes
After twenty years of research and God knows how much expense it’s finally on the market: the blue rose. Not available in Nature, it’s the product of genetic manipulation. Someone, obviously not given to flowery language, has rather prosaically named it Applause. Marketed as a special occasion gift, for wedding anniversaries, birthdays and the likes, it retails at about €22 per stem. That should weed out the true romantics from the common garden variety, don’t you think? What’s that got to do with Lent? Nothing, really! I was just thinking that even with the impressive dedication and considerable resources that twenty into manufacturing this blushing freak of nature, you could wait until you were blue in the face before you’d see genetics modify a human being in to a better person. The day of the morality gene isn’t just around the corner. So, for those sensible enough to want to be a better person what more effective way to go about it than by listening to what Paul says in today’s Second Reading: The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart. (Rom 10:8-13). Lent is a time for listening. There’s much sacrifice involved in listening wells: sacrifice of time, emotional comfort and the luxury of aloofness. Is it going too fat to say that those who don’t listen to God’s word can’t listen to anyone else’s?
What better way, then, to start Lent than by tuning in to God’s word as we listen to our heart express its deepest desire. God’s word, our heart? A rose by any other name……
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
St. Patrick’s Bereavement Support Group
We offer 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.
St. Patrick’s on the Web
Tell your relatives and friends living abroad.
Questions people ask
In the temptations of Jesus, how could the devil claim that all the kingdoms of the earth belonged to him and that he has power to give them to anyone he chose?
The devil’s claim was a downright lie, no bother to Satan who was called the ‘father of lies’ by Jesus. Every temptation is based on a lie, a false promise. The most successful lie is the half-truth: the falsehood is camouflaged by something attractive or desirable. Perhaps a good plan for Lent would be a resolution to be totally honest with yourself, with others and with God. ‘The truth will set you free’.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for our Deceased
Recently Deceased: Seamus Brennan, St. Fiacre’s Place. Patricia Lee, Dublin. Rory Quinn, London & Cedarwood Park. May Davis, St. Fiacre’s Place. Michael Burke, Tralee (Sun 12.30). Matt Gleeson, Sycamore Drive.
Months Mind: Patrick McKenna (Sun 11.00)
Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Mary Lynch (Sat 7.00), Patrick & Teresa Kennedy (Sun 9.30), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00), Margaret Fell (Sun 10.30), Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.00), Philip Grace (Mon 6.15), (Michael & Mary Muldowney (Tues 9.30), John Millea (Tues 10.30), Ann Somers (Wed 9.30), Catherine Cullen, Kieran Healy, Kitty Morris, Thomas Traynor, Mary & Cecil Pullan, Ann Mulhall, Tom Manogue, Patsy Hawe, Anne Kelly, Stan Landers, Martin Dermody, Richard Kinsella, Michael Drennan.
Intentions for next weekend: John & Brigid O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Peggy McGrath (Sun 10.00), Thomas & Brigid Casey (Sun 10.30), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joanne Fanning (Sun 12.30), Billy Wallace (Birthday Remembrance Sat 9.30).
Bible Study
Sr. De Lourdes Sheridan will hold a Bible Study Tues 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd March in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 10pm. For further information phone Kathleen 087 2468443.
St. Vincent de Paul Collection
The monthly collection in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up as part of our second collection. Please support if you can. Money collected locally stays locally.
If you need the assistance of the society, you can contact them in confidence on 087 681 0589.
Trocaire
First Sunday of Lent 21/02/2010
‘When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the LORD... and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ (Deuteronomy 26:6-7,9)
As the Israelites suffered at the hands of the Egyptians, they appealed to the Lord for comfort and assistance, in the way that we would pray to God during times of turmoil and insecurity, asking him to lead us towards our land of ‘milk and honey.’ However, in other parts of the Christian family, there is a reality of praying to God for land where they can cultivate actual milk or honey to feed themselves and their families. The world is not short of food but people’s inability to access land, water and technology within rural areas often means they go hungry. Over one billion people in the world will go to sleep hungry tonight. Most of them are from rural, farming families. Securing access to these resources for these farmers is a priority for Trócaire’s programmes around the world. Please support Trócaire’s Lenten campaign this year in whatever way you can.
St. Vincent de Paul Shop
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is now receiving good quality First Communion Dresses and second hand clothes at their shop Fred's Fashions, Butts Green. Also if you have 3 hours a week to become a volunteer your service would be greatly appreciated for this greatly rewarding work. Please contact the shop on 056 770 2637. Thank you.
www.patricksparish.com
Loughboy Library
AONTAS - Adult Learner’s Festival Feb 22nd - 26th. Fri 26th 11am: “Things on the Wall” - An introduction to the Butler Gallery and its Collection hosted by Jean Tormey, Education Curator, Butler Gallery. The 5-6 Women’s Art Project will be on display at the library until March 6th. Free event, all welcome.
Kilkenny Christian Churches for Haiti 2010
The four main Christian Churches in Kilkenny have joined together in a fund
raising project in aid of Concern's appeal for the earthquake victims in Haiti. The duration of the project will coincide with the seasons of Lent and Easter (17th February - 4th April 2010). Church/parish/ youth/sporting groups are invited to hold fund-raising events with the proceeds going to the appeal. In order to facilitate collection of funds, an account is being opened in St Canice's Credit Union, Kilkenny in the name of the project which is titled Kilkenny Christian Churches for Haiti (KCCH). Any person or group wishing to contribute to the fund may wish to call the contact person for the project who is Paul McKiernan, telephone 087 9043071 or 087 1216481.
Thomastown Lenten Programme
Forward in Faith: Wed 24th February at 7.30pm
Mass with guest speaker Sr. Veronica Mangan (founder of Aislinn Centre) Theme: An Invitation for Change
Tuesday 2nd March at 7.30pm. Mass with guest speaker Ned Quinn (secretary of Kilkenny County Board) Theme: Personal Faith
Thursday 11th March at 7.30pm An evening of prayer through song with David Parkes (sportsman and musician who shares his own story of faith).
Tues 23rd March at 7.30pm. Service of Repentance/Reconciliation and Healing led by Fr. Martin Delaney
Lent Mass
Mass every evening, Monday to Friday in St. Fiacre’s Church at 6:15pm
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will take place in St John’s Church from Monday 22nd February to Tuesday March 2nd. The novena will be directed by three Redemptorist priests: Fr John Hanna, Fr Kieran Brady and Fr Tony Rice. During the nine days of the novena there will be mass at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Preparation for each session will be 15 minutes before each mass. Thursday will be a day devoted to the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated on Saturday 27th at 10.30am and there will be a blessing of babies and young children and the distribution of miraculous medals on Sunday 28th at 3pm. A special shrine to Our Lady will be in place during the Novena; candles, petitions and thanksgiving cards and prayer/hymn books will be available throughout the week. All are welcome – please tell your friends.
Marriage Introduction Bureau
The aim of the Knock Marriage Introduction Bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable marriage partner. Over 800 marriages have taken place as a result of these introductions. Phone 094 937 5960.
The All Ireland Talent Show
Don’t forget to tune in to the Wildcard Show on RTE1 on this Sunday evening at 6.30pm and vote for parishioner Ross Hennessy and his group, Na Fianna.
Parish Shop
Located in the parish centre, our religious goods shop stocks a wide variety of religious and devotional items. Now on display is a wide variety of items for First Holy Communion. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4pm. You are welcome to drop in and have a look.
Signed Mass Cards
Mass Cards signed by the priests of the parish are available at reception and there’s a variety of cards to choose from. Each signed card is an undertaking that an individual mass will be offered for the intention requested (unlike the many fake ones for sale elsewhere). Every two weeks the list of intentions is sent to the Church approved charity ‘Aid to the Church in Need’, who forward the mass intentions to priests in mission countries. For many priests this is the only source of income they receive. So you are assured of a mass being said and you are helping the missions.
Booking Anniversary Masses
We take great care in recording and announcing deaths and anniversaries but sometimes due to human error we make mistakes. If you are requesting a weekend mass, it’s always a good idea to book early. Please check the newsletter the week before to make sure your anniversary is listed correctly. If you notice an error or omission, please contact the parish secretary or any of the priests. Where possible, please don’t leave an anniversary booking on an answering machine, try talk to someone in the office or to one of the priests. Thanks
After twenty years of research and God knows how much expense it’s finally on the market: the blue rose. Not available in Nature, it’s the product of genetic manipulation. Someone, obviously not given to flowery language, has rather prosaically named it Applause. Marketed as a special occasion gift, for wedding anniversaries, birthdays and the likes, it retails at about €22 per stem. That should weed out the true romantics from the common garden variety, don’t you think? What’s that got to do with Lent? Nothing, really! I was just thinking that even with the impressive dedication and considerable resources that twenty into manufacturing this blushing freak of nature, you could wait until you were blue in the face before you’d see genetics modify a human being in to a better person. The day of the morality gene isn’t just around the corner. So, for those sensible enough to want to be a better person what more effective way to go about it than by listening to what Paul says in today’s Second Reading: The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart. (Rom 10:8-13). Lent is a time for listening. There’s much sacrifice involved in listening wells: sacrifice of time, emotional comfort and the luxury of aloofness. Is it going too fat to say that those who don’t listen to God’s word can’t listen to anyone else’s?
What better way, then, to start Lent than by tuning in to God’s word as we listen to our heart express its deepest desire. God’s word, our heart? A rose by any other name……
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
St. Patrick’s Bereavement Support Group
We offer 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.
St. Patrick’s on the Web
Tell your relatives and friends living abroad.
Questions people ask
In the temptations of Jesus, how could the devil claim that all the kingdoms of the earth belonged to him and that he has power to give them to anyone he chose?
The devil’s claim was a downright lie, no bother to Satan who was called the ‘father of lies’ by Jesus. Every temptation is based on a lie, a false promise. The most successful lie is the half-truth: the falsehood is camouflaged by something attractive or desirable. Perhaps a good plan for Lent would be a resolution to be totally honest with yourself, with others and with God. ‘The truth will set you free’.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for our Deceased
Recently Deceased: Seamus Brennan, St. Fiacre’s Place. Patricia Lee, Dublin. Rory Quinn, London & Cedarwood Park. May Davis, St. Fiacre’s Place. Michael Burke, Tralee (Sun 12.30). Matt Gleeson, Sycamore Drive.
Months Mind: Patrick McKenna (Sun 11.00)
Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Mary Lynch (Sat 7.00), Patrick & Teresa Kennedy (Sun 9.30), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00), Margaret Fell (Sun 10.30), Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.00), Philip Grace (Mon 6.15), (Michael & Mary Muldowney (Tues 9.30), John Millea (Tues 10.30), Ann Somers (Wed 9.30), Catherine Cullen, Kieran Healy, Kitty Morris, Thomas Traynor, Mary & Cecil Pullan, Ann Mulhall, Tom Manogue, Patsy Hawe, Anne Kelly, Stan Landers, Martin Dermody, Richard Kinsella, Michael Drennan.
Intentions for next weekend: John & Brigid O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), Peggy McGrath (Sun 10.00), Thomas & Brigid Casey (Sun 10.30), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joanne Fanning (Sun 12.30), Billy Wallace (Birthday Remembrance Sat 9.30).
Bible Study
Sr. De Lourdes Sheridan will hold a Bible Study Tues 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd March in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 10pm. For further information phone Kathleen 087 2468443.
St. Vincent de Paul Collection
The monthly collection in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up as part of our second collection. Please support if you can. Money collected locally stays locally.
If you need the assistance of the society, you can contact them in confidence on 087 681 0589.
Trocaire
First Sunday of Lent 21/02/2010
‘When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the LORD... and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ (Deuteronomy 26:6-7,9)
As the Israelites suffered at the hands of the Egyptians, they appealed to the Lord for comfort and assistance, in the way that we would pray to God during times of turmoil and insecurity, asking him to lead us towards our land of ‘milk and honey.’ However, in other parts of the Christian family, there is a reality of praying to God for land where they can cultivate actual milk or honey to feed themselves and their families. The world is not short of food but people’s inability to access land, water and technology within rural areas often means they go hungry. Over one billion people in the world will go to sleep hungry tonight. Most of them are from rural, farming families. Securing access to these resources for these farmers is a priority for Trócaire’s programmes around the world. Please support Trócaire’s Lenten campaign this year in whatever way you can.
St. Vincent de Paul Shop
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is now receiving good quality First Communion Dresses and second hand clothes at their shop Fred's Fashions, Butts Green. Also if you have 3 hours a week to become a volunteer your service would be greatly appreciated for this greatly rewarding work. Please contact the shop on 056 770 2637. Thank you.
www.patricksparish.com
Loughboy Library
AONTAS - Adult Learner’s Festival Feb 22nd - 26th. Fri 26th 11am: “Things on the Wall” - An introduction to the Butler Gallery and its Collection hosted by Jean Tormey, Education Curator, Butler Gallery. The 5-6 Women’s Art Project will be on display at the library until March 6th. Free event, all welcome.
Kilkenny Christian Churches for Haiti 2010
The four main Christian Churches in Kilkenny have joined together in a fund
raising project in aid of Concern's appeal for the earthquake victims in Haiti. The duration of the project will coincide with the seasons of Lent and Easter (17th February - 4th April 2010). Church/parish/ youth/sporting groups are invited to hold fund-raising events with the proceeds going to the appeal. In order to facilitate collection of funds, an account is being opened in St Canice's Credit Union, Kilkenny in the name of the project which is titled Kilkenny Christian Churches for Haiti (KCCH). Any person or group wishing to contribute to the fund may wish to call the contact person for the project who is Paul McKiernan, telephone 087 9043071 or 087 1216481.
Thomastown Lenten Programme
Forward in Faith: Wed 24th February at 7.30pm
Mass with guest speaker Sr. Veronica Mangan (founder of Aislinn Centre) Theme: An Invitation for Change
Tuesday 2nd March at 7.30pm. Mass with guest speaker Ned Quinn (secretary of Kilkenny County Board) Theme: Personal Faith
Thursday 11th March at 7.30pm An evening of prayer through song with David Parkes (sportsman and musician who shares his own story of faith).
Tues 23rd March at 7.30pm. Service of Repentance/Reconciliation and Healing led by Fr. Martin Delaney
Lent Mass
Mass every evening, Monday to Friday in St. Fiacre’s Church at 6:15pm
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will take place in St John’s Church from Monday 22nd February to Tuesday March 2nd. The novena will be directed by three Redemptorist priests: Fr John Hanna, Fr Kieran Brady and Fr Tony Rice. During the nine days of the novena there will be mass at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Preparation for each session will be 15 minutes before each mass. Thursday will be a day devoted to the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated on Saturday 27th at 10.30am and there will be a blessing of babies and young children and the distribution of miraculous medals on Sunday 28th at 3pm. A special shrine to Our Lady will be in place during the Novena; candles, petitions and thanksgiving cards and prayer/hymn books will be available throughout the week. All are welcome – please tell your friends.
Marriage Introduction Bureau
The aim of the Knock Marriage Introduction Bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable marriage partner. Over 800 marriages have taken place as a result of these introductions. Phone 094 937 5960.
The All Ireland Talent Show
Don’t forget to tune in to the Wildcard Show on RTE1 on this Sunday evening at 6.30pm and vote for parishioner Ross Hennessy and his group, Na Fianna.
Parish Shop
Located in the parish centre, our religious goods shop stocks a wide variety of religious and devotional items. Now on display is a wide variety of items for First Holy Communion. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4pm. You are welcome to drop in and have a look.
Signed Mass Cards
Mass Cards signed by the priests of the parish are available at reception and there’s a variety of cards to choose from. Each signed card is an undertaking that an individual mass will be offered for the intention requested (unlike the many fake ones for sale elsewhere). Every two weeks the list of intentions is sent to the Church approved charity ‘Aid to the Church in Need’, who forward the mass intentions to priests in mission countries. For many priests this is the only source of income they receive. So you are assured of a mass being said and you are helping the missions.
Booking Anniversary Masses
We take great care in recording and announcing deaths and anniversaries but sometimes due to human error we make mistakes. If you are requesting a weekend mass, it’s always a good idea to book early. Please check the newsletter the week before to make sure your anniversary is listed correctly. If you notice an error or omission, please contact the parish secretary or any of the priests. Where possible, please don’t leave an anniversary booking on an answering machine, try talk to someone in the office or to one of the priests. Thanks
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 14th 2010
Ash Wednesday and Lent
Next Wednesday, 17th February is Ash Wednesday and marks the first day of Lent 2010. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at all public Masses in the parish on Wednesday. Ash is a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.
Masses During Lent
For your convenience we provide an extra parish Mass during Lent: beginning on Ash Wednesday as well as Masses at 9.30am (St. Patrick’s Church) and 10.30am (St. Fiacre’s Church) we will also have a Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15 each weekday evening during Lent. Why not make attending daily Mass your objective for Lent?
Ashes at the Shopping Centres
The four city parishes have decided to provide blessed ashes to shoppers at the Market Cross and McDonagh Shopping Centres on this Ash Wednesday. Volunteer Eucharistic Ministers are required to attend at the tables and offer the ashes. Please contact the sacristans if you can offer an hour or two.
Senior Citizens’ Parish Party
By all accounts everybody had a wonderful evening at last Monday’s party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish. Over one hundred and thirty people sat down to a wonderful four course meal followed by an excellent evening’s dancing to Marble City Sound. Well done to everybody involved.
Do This in Memory Programme
We welcome those preparing for First Holy Communion to 10.30am and 11.00am Mass on this Sunday. The Do This in Memory Programme encourages family members and parish communities to involve themselves in the children’s preparation for the Sacrament.
Knitting Night
Knitters meet at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Mondays at 7.30pm. ‘Cast on and come along’.
Readers and Eucharistic Ministers
Conscious that so many people volunteer to serve as Readers of the Word and Eucharistic Ministers, the Ossory Adult Faith Development Committee has decided to offer an evening of prayer and reflection for those who work in these areas. It is hoped that these evenings will provide an opportunity for our Readers and Eucharistic Ministers to reflect upon and deepen their understanding of contribution they make to the liturgical life of our parish.
We invite all of our Readers and Eucharistic Ministers to avail of this opportunity. Our parish is invited to attend on Tuesday, 16th March in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
If you are a Reader or Eucharistic Minister why not consider making this part of your Lenten journey? If you are free to attend please give your name to the Sacristan or Parish Office so that we can pass on the approximate numbers to the organisers.
Religious Goods
The religious goods shop in the Parish Centre will be open for a while after 10.30am Mass on Sunday. Come along and view a wide variety of First Holy Communion and Confirmation items among the religious goods on offer.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes under the patronage of Bishop Séamus Freeman will take place from 22nd to 27th May inclusive. Price €720 p.p.s. All bookings through Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee
This parish group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual diocesan pilgrimage. They are currently accepting nominations for the this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or one of the priests if you, or someone known to you, would like to be considered for travel.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Daphne Phelan, Ashurst. Reposing at her home from 2.00pm on Sunday. Funeral prayers at 10.45am on Monday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church for Requiem Mass at 11.30am Burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Rory Quinn, London and formerly of Cedarwood Avenue. Funeral prayers at Johnston's Funeral Home at 6.30pm on Thursday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon on Friday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Kathleen O’Connell, late 4 Castlecomer Road: Requiem Mass at St. John’s Church at 10.30am on Monday. Mary Wash, Vicar Street; Requiem at St. Canice’s at 11.30am on Sunday. John Hennessy, Blackacre, Paulstown; Requiem Mass at Paulstown Church at 2.00pm on Sunday. Josephine Fitzgerald, Hebron Park; Requiem Mass at St. Canice’s Church at 12.00 noon on Monday. Paddy Bourke, Archers Crescent. Christina Kelly (nee Nugent), England and formerly of Kells Road.
Anniversaries: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Molly Johnston (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Ciss Lafferty (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Thurs 9.30), Jenny Clancy (Fri 6.15), John & Bridget Dunne, Eileen Cummins, Pierce Comerford, Seamus Culleton, Michael Daly, John Corcoran.
Intentions for next weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Mary Lynch (Sat 7.00), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00), Patrick McKenna (Sun 11.00 Months Mind), Canice & Michael Daly (Sun 12.00).
Children's Liturgy
We invite adults interested in helping with the Children’s Liturgy at the 10.30am Sunday Mass to a short meeting at the Parish Centre on Tuesday evening at 8.00pm. The idea is to plan the liturgy for the following Sundays. We appeal to all willing to help to come along.
Young people are invited to come to a practice at St. Fiacre’s Church after the 6.15pm Mass on Thursday evening. Please come along.
A Lenten Invitation
“Come Away and Rest Awhile”
Take time on Tuesday mornings of Lent to reflect and pray in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Venue: St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Dates: 23rd February, 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd and 30th March.
Facilitator: Eileen Ross, Qualified Spiritual Guide
Divine Mercy Prayer
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in the Friary Church on Sunday, 14th February from 3.00 to 4.00pm. Please come.
Angels and Demons: the True Story
This series of lectures by Fr. Joe Delaney continues from 8.00pm - 9.30pm each Wednesday evening at St. John’s Day Centre, beside St. John’s RC Church.
17th February: The Ministry of Angels (8.30pm)
3rd March: Demonic Entry Points: The Occult & Alternative Therapies
10th March: The Effects of Generational Sin
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena
The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will take place in St. John’s Church, Kilkenny from Monday, 22nd February to Tuesday, 2nd March. The novena will be directed by Redemptorists: Fr John Hanna, Fr Kieran Brady and Fr Tony Rice. During the novena there will be Mass at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Preparation for each session will be 15 minutes before each Mass. Thursday will be devoted to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All welcome.
Young Singers Wanted
The Youth Choir is growing. About 10 people attend guitar lessons in the Parish Centre on Mondays. We are in need of some singers to accompany them. If you have an hour to spare please come along to the Parish Centre at 7.00pm on Mondays.
Second Hand Books
Wanted: second hand books in aid of K.A.S.M.H.A. Please phone or text 086 732 4554. We will collect.
Art Classes for Beginners
Art classes to introduce you to various classical painting and drawing will take place in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre staring on Monday, 22nd February at 7.30 pm. The classes will run for 8 weeks from 7.30 - 9.30pm and the fee is €80 which includes most materials. To book your place or for further information please contact Sonjaon 083 394 1220 or 056 770 8155.
Dochas na Samu Clothing Appeal
An Irish Run Orphanage is holding a used clothing appeal. Children’s, ladies and gents clothing required. The collection will take place on Wednesday, 17th February before 12 noon at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy. For information call Marie on 087 689 0995.
Loughboy Library News
Deaf Culture Books - Kilkenny Library Service and DeafHear have assembled a collection of materials relating to deaf culture at Loughboy Library. This collection is suitable for adults and children and includes the ABC of Sign Language on DVD, books and CD ROMs.
The First World War - Kilkenny Photographic Society has compiled a collection of photographs of Kilkenny personnel from WWI—this is on display until 19th February.
Questions People Ask
Q. After the recent news about sinful priests, how can I be sure that I was properly baptised, confirmed or absolved? Is that priest at the altar on Sunday a sinner?
A. The validity of the sacraments does not depend on the spiritual state of the priest or bishop as the grace of any sacrament comes from the compassion and power of Jesus Christ, who is the Head of his Body, the Church. The fact is that no priest is totally free from sin. That was the unique privilege of Mary, ‘our tainted nature’s solitary boast’ (Tennyson).
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Divine Mercy Prayer
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Friary Church on Sunday, 14th February from 3.00 to 4.00pm. Please come.
Alzheimer's Society Kilkenny
Table Quiz will be held at the Home Rule Club at 8.30pm on 19th February. Table of 4: €20.
Danesfort Bingo
The Danesfort Community and Parish Centre (at the rear of St. Michael’s Church) hosts bingo on every Wednesday at 8.30pm.
Hard of Hearing?
Hearing Help and lipreading classes start on Monday, 8th February. Morning classes will be held at Deafhear Offices, Friary Street from 10.30am - 12.30pm and Evening classes at The Citizens’ Information Centre, The Parade.
Grande Finale
The Hubble Space Telescope has shown the universe in such incredible detail that it has transformed the way scientists view it. For example, Hubble has honed down the estimate of the universe’s age to between 13 and 14 billion years. It was instrumental in discovering dark energy – that mysterious force that accelerates the expansion of the universe. And, it has revealed galaxies at all stages of their evolution: from wobbly toddlers to the end-time collapse of their massive stars. Among the world’s most important observatories ever, Hubble will degrade until it can’t function. Its life expectancy is perhaps five more years. However, the rejuvenation it got in May 2009 from the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis will enable it to go out in a blaze of glory. Hubble’s last years will be its best.
The same often holds true for people. Senior ones, when they’ve lived good lives, have so much to offer. We should never be tempted to think that we’re past it of have become useless. The doing may be less urgent, varied or demanding, but the being becomes more important than ever. The older we are privileged to get, when open to God’s Spirit, the more we give witness to the truth of what Paul writes about in today’s Second Reading (1 Cor 15:12, 16-20) We are called to resurrection – a resurrection that begins today, or for the fortunate ones, yesterday.
As Hubble has revolutionized scientists’ view of the universe, so too can every person whose resurrection has begun revolutionise the outlook and behaviour of those still awaiting theirs.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Good Grief - Bald Statements
This is an exhibition of alabaster sculptures illustrating feelings of grief and loss from sculptor Jean Parker. The exhibition was born as a reflection of Jean’s own experience of cancer and relate not only to loss of health but to significant loss of any kind. The exhibition is open to the public from 10.00am until 4.00pm each day until Thursday, 18th February at St. John’s Church of Ireland, John Street, Kilkenny.
Next Wednesday, 17th February is Ash Wednesday and marks the first day of Lent 2010. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at all public Masses in the parish on Wednesday. Ash is a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.
Masses During Lent
For your convenience we provide an extra parish Mass during Lent: beginning on Ash Wednesday as well as Masses at 9.30am (St. Patrick’s Church) and 10.30am (St. Fiacre’s Church) we will also have a Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15 each weekday evening during Lent. Why not make attending daily Mass your objective for Lent?
Ashes at the Shopping Centres
The four city parishes have decided to provide blessed ashes to shoppers at the Market Cross and McDonagh Shopping Centres on this Ash Wednesday. Volunteer Eucharistic Ministers are required to attend at the tables and offer the ashes. Please contact the sacristans if you can offer an hour or two.
Senior Citizens’ Parish Party
By all accounts everybody had a wonderful evening at last Monday’s party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish. Over one hundred and thirty people sat down to a wonderful four course meal followed by an excellent evening’s dancing to Marble City Sound. Well done to everybody involved.
Do This in Memory Programme
We welcome those preparing for First Holy Communion to 10.30am and 11.00am Mass on this Sunday. The Do This in Memory Programme encourages family members and parish communities to involve themselves in the children’s preparation for the Sacrament.
Knitting Night
Knitters meet at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Mondays at 7.30pm. ‘Cast on and come along’.
Readers and Eucharistic Ministers
Conscious that so many people volunteer to serve as Readers of the Word and Eucharistic Ministers, the Ossory Adult Faith Development Committee has decided to offer an evening of prayer and reflection for those who work in these areas. It is hoped that these evenings will provide an opportunity for our Readers and Eucharistic Ministers to reflect upon and deepen their understanding of contribution they make to the liturgical life of our parish.
We invite all of our Readers and Eucharistic Ministers to avail of this opportunity. Our parish is invited to attend on Tuesday, 16th March in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
If you are a Reader or Eucharistic Minister why not consider making this part of your Lenten journey? If you are free to attend please give your name to the Sacristan or Parish Office so that we can pass on the approximate numbers to the organisers.
Religious Goods
The religious goods shop in the Parish Centre will be open for a while after 10.30am Mass on Sunday. Come along and view a wide variety of First Holy Communion and Confirmation items among the religious goods on offer.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes under the patronage of Bishop Séamus Freeman will take place from 22nd to 27th May inclusive. Price €720 p.p.s. All bookings through Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee
This parish group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual diocesan pilgrimage. They are currently accepting nominations for the this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or one of the priests if you, or someone known to you, would like to be considered for travel.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Daphne Phelan, Ashurst. Reposing at her home from 2.00pm on Sunday. Funeral prayers at 10.45am on Monday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church for Requiem Mass at 11.30am Burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Rory Quinn, London and formerly of Cedarwood Avenue. Funeral prayers at Johnston's Funeral Home at 6.30pm on Thursday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon on Friday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Kathleen O’Connell, late 4 Castlecomer Road: Requiem Mass at St. John’s Church at 10.30am on Monday. Mary Wash, Vicar Street; Requiem at St. Canice’s at 11.30am on Sunday. John Hennessy, Blackacre, Paulstown; Requiem Mass at Paulstown Church at 2.00pm on Sunday. Josephine Fitzgerald, Hebron Park; Requiem Mass at St. Canice’s Church at 12.00 noon on Monday. Paddy Bourke, Archers Crescent. Christina Kelly (nee Nugent), England and formerly of Kells Road.
Anniversaries: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Molly Johnston (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Ciss Lafferty (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Thurs 9.30), Jenny Clancy (Fri 6.15), John & Bridget Dunne, Eileen Cummins, Pierce Comerford, Seamus Culleton, Michael Daly, John Corcoran.
Intentions for next weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Mary Lynch (Sat 7.00), Mick & Ellen Doyle (Sun 10.00), Patrick McKenna (Sun 11.00 Months Mind), Canice & Michael Daly (Sun 12.00).
Children's Liturgy
We invite adults interested in helping with the Children’s Liturgy at the 10.30am Sunday Mass to a short meeting at the Parish Centre on Tuesday evening at 8.00pm. The idea is to plan the liturgy for the following Sundays. We appeal to all willing to help to come along.
Young people are invited to come to a practice at St. Fiacre’s Church after the 6.15pm Mass on Thursday evening. Please come along.
A Lenten Invitation
“Come Away and Rest Awhile”
Take time on Tuesday mornings of Lent to reflect and pray in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Venue: St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Dates: 23rd February, 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd and 30th March.
Facilitator: Eileen Ross, Qualified Spiritual Guide
Divine Mercy Prayer
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in the Friary Church on Sunday, 14th February from 3.00 to 4.00pm. Please come.
Angels and Demons: the True Story
This series of lectures by Fr. Joe Delaney continues from 8.00pm - 9.30pm each Wednesday evening at St. John’s Day Centre, beside St. John’s RC Church.
17th February: The Ministry of Angels (8.30pm)
3rd March: Demonic Entry Points: The Occult & Alternative Therapies
10th March: The Effects of Generational Sin
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena
The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will take place in St. John’s Church, Kilkenny from Monday, 22nd February to Tuesday, 2nd March. The novena will be directed by Redemptorists: Fr John Hanna, Fr Kieran Brady and Fr Tony Rice. During the novena there will be Mass at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm. Preparation for each session will be 15 minutes before each Mass. Thursday will be devoted to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All welcome.
Young Singers Wanted
The Youth Choir is growing. About 10 people attend guitar lessons in the Parish Centre on Mondays. We are in need of some singers to accompany them. If you have an hour to spare please come along to the Parish Centre at 7.00pm on Mondays.
Second Hand Books
Wanted: second hand books in aid of K.A.S.M.H.A. Please phone or text 086 732 4554. We will collect.
Art Classes for Beginners
Art classes to introduce you to various classical painting and drawing will take place in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre staring on Monday, 22nd February at 7.30 pm. The classes will run for 8 weeks from 7.30 - 9.30pm and the fee is €80 which includes most materials. To book your place or for further information please contact Sonjaon 083 394 1220 or 056 770 8155.
Dochas na Samu Clothing Appeal
An Irish Run Orphanage is holding a used clothing appeal. Children’s, ladies and gents clothing required. The collection will take place on Wednesday, 17th February before 12 noon at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy. For information call Marie on 087 689 0995.
Loughboy Library News
Deaf Culture Books - Kilkenny Library Service and DeafHear have assembled a collection of materials relating to deaf culture at Loughboy Library. This collection is suitable for adults and children and includes the ABC of Sign Language on DVD, books and CD ROMs.
The First World War - Kilkenny Photographic Society has compiled a collection of photographs of Kilkenny personnel from WWI—this is on display until 19th February.
Questions People Ask
Q. After the recent news about sinful priests, how can I be sure that I was properly baptised, confirmed or absolved? Is that priest at the altar on Sunday a sinner?
A. The validity of the sacraments does not depend on the spiritual state of the priest or bishop as the grace of any sacrament comes from the compassion and power of Jesus Christ, who is the Head of his Body, the Church. The fact is that no priest is totally free from sin. That was the unique privilege of Mary, ‘our tainted nature’s solitary boast’ (Tennyson).
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Divine Mercy Prayer
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Friary Church on Sunday, 14th February from 3.00 to 4.00pm. Please come.
Alzheimer's Society Kilkenny
Table Quiz will be held at the Home Rule Club at 8.30pm on 19th February. Table of 4: €20.
Danesfort Bingo
The Danesfort Community and Parish Centre (at the rear of St. Michael’s Church) hosts bingo on every Wednesday at 8.30pm.
Hard of Hearing?
Hearing Help and lipreading classes start on Monday, 8th February. Morning classes will be held at Deafhear Offices, Friary Street from 10.30am - 12.30pm and Evening classes at The Citizens’ Information Centre, The Parade.
Grande Finale
The Hubble Space Telescope has shown the universe in such incredible detail that it has transformed the way scientists view it. For example, Hubble has honed down the estimate of the universe’s age to between 13 and 14 billion years. It was instrumental in discovering dark energy – that mysterious force that accelerates the expansion of the universe. And, it has revealed galaxies at all stages of their evolution: from wobbly toddlers to the end-time collapse of their massive stars. Among the world’s most important observatories ever, Hubble will degrade until it can’t function. Its life expectancy is perhaps five more years. However, the rejuvenation it got in May 2009 from the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis will enable it to go out in a blaze of glory. Hubble’s last years will be its best.
The same often holds true for people. Senior ones, when they’ve lived good lives, have so much to offer. We should never be tempted to think that we’re past it of have become useless. The doing may be less urgent, varied or demanding, but the being becomes more important than ever. The older we are privileged to get, when open to God’s Spirit, the more we give witness to the truth of what Paul writes about in today’s Second Reading (1 Cor 15:12, 16-20) We are called to resurrection – a resurrection that begins today, or for the fortunate ones, yesterday.
As Hubble has revolutionized scientists’ view of the universe, so too can every person whose resurrection has begun revolutionise the outlook and behaviour of those still awaiting theirs.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Good Grief - Bald Statements
This is an exhibition of alabaster sculptures illustrating feelings of grief and loss from sculptor Jean Parker. The exhibition was born as a reflection of Jean’s own experience of cancer and relate not only to loss of health but to significant loss of any kind. The exhibition is open to the public from 10.00am until 4.00pm each day until Thursday, 18th February at St. John’s Church of Ireland, John Street, Kilkenny.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 7th February 2010
Senior Citizens’ Parish Party
The annual party for the senior citizens in our parish will be held at the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on this Monday, 8th February. With a four course meal provided by the Club House Hotel and music by Marble City Sound a great evening is anticipated in our Parish Centre. We hope as many as possible will take the opportunity to come along and enjoy a marvellous social evening.
Tickets are great value at €10 for a four course meal, a drink and great entertainment. Booking is essential to facilitate efficient catering on the evening. (We hope nobody will be excluded because of the price - contact one of the priests if this becomes an issue for you.) Tickets are available at the Parish Office and at the sacristies in all our churches.
Readers and Eucharistic Ministers
Conscious that so many people volunteer to serve as Readers of the Word and Eucharistic Ministers, the Ossory Adult Faith Development Committee has decided to offer an evening of prayer and reflection for those who work in these areas. It is hoped that these evenings will provide an opportunity for our Readers and Eucharistic Ministers to reflect upon and deepen their understanding of contribution they make to the liturgical life of our parish.
We invite all of our Readers and Eucharistic Ministers to avail of this opportunity. Our parish is invited to attend on Tuesday, 16th March in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
If you are a Reader or Eucharistic Minister why not consider making this part of your Lenten journey? If you are free to attend please give your name to the Sacristan or Parish Office so that we can pass on the approximate numbers to the organisers.
Come for a ‘Cuppa’ after Mass
All are invited to the Parish Centre for a cup of tea/coffee and a chat after Mass on Tuesday mornings. Drop in and meet your neighbours.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Next Thursday is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. On 11th February 1858, in Lourdes, France, Our Lady appeared for the first time to Bernadette who was then fourteen years old. In total, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 18 times, the last apparition was 16th July 1858.
Day of the Sick
World Day for the Sick is celebrated every year on the 11th February, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
In the his message for the World Day of the Sick 2010 Pope Benedict XVI writes “In the mystery of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection human suffering finds meaning and fullness of light. ... At the Last Supper the Lord Jesus, before returning to the Father, bent to wash the Apostles’ feet in a foretaste of His supreme act of love upon the Cross. With this gesture He invited His disciples to follow His own logic of a love that especially gives itself to the weakest and to those most in need. Following His example all Christians are called to relive, in different contexts, the parable of the Good Samaritan”.
“Jesus”, says the Holy Father, “exhorts us to attend to the bodily and spiritual wounds of so many of our brothers and sisters whom we meet on the roads of the world. He helps us to understand that, with the grace of God accepted and lived in everyday life, the experience of sickness and suffering can become a school of hope”.
Black Abbey Triduum
The annual Triduum in honour of our Lady of Lourdes will be held at the Black Abbey on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9th, 10th and 11th February. Rosary and Mass with homily each day at 10.15am and 7.15pm. The preacher this year is Fr. Gabriel Harty O.P. (Ireland’s Rosary Priest). Wednesday is World Day of the Sick and the Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated at both sessions. Confession available each day. All are welcome.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes under the patronage of Bishop Séamus Freeman will take place from 22nd to 27th May inclusive. Price €720 p.p.s. All bookings for both regular and assisted pilgrims through Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee
This group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual diocesan pilgrimage. They are currently accepting nominations for the this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or one of the priests if you or someone known to you would like to be considered for travel.
Young Singers Wanted
Members of the Youth Choir are holding guitar lessons in the Parish Centre every Monday evening. We have a group of 10 young people who are learning to play the guitar but we are in need of some singers to accompany them. If you have an hour to spare please come along to the Parish Centre at 7.00pm on Monday.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 12th February. New members very welcome.
Monthly Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday of the month will be recited at the Statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny, James Green, Kilkenny on this Sunday, 7th February at 3.00pm. All are welcome.
Young At Heart Club
The Club reopened on Wednesday, 3rd February at the Parish Centre and continues to meet every Wednesday between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. All are welcome.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Anniversaries: Catherine Dunphy (Sat 6.15 Months Mind), St. Theophane Duggan (Sat 7.00), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 9.30), Sean O’Grady (Sun 10.00), Pat Kearney (Sun 10.30), Frances Costello (Sun 11.00), Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Jimmy McGrath (Sun 12.30), Andrew Price (Tue 10.30), Daniel (Algie) Lanigan (Wed 10.30), Eleanar Mulvee (Thur 10.30), Bridie Dunne, Margo Doran, John Quigley, James Hayes, Bill Carroll, Liam Devlin, Eamon Tallent, Breda Butler, Peggy Brennan, Elizabeth Kavanagh.
Intentions for next weekend: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Ciss Lafferty (Sun 12.30).
Enrolments in Parish Schools
The St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School and the St. John of God Girls’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2010. Please contact the schools for further details.
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290.
Do This in Memory
The next event in the Do This in Memory programme for this year’s First Holy Communion classes, their families and our parish congregations will be on next Sunday. We look forward to having the young people and their families at the 10.30am and 11.00am Masses.
Questions People Ask
Q. What does holy mean?
A. I consider holy to be one of the most expressive words in the English language. It is a word that comes up from the depths of the lungs, expressing a sigh for the infinite God who is over all, beyond all and within all. When Peter saw the power of Jesus manifested in the huge haul of fish, he experienced the otherness or holiness of God in contrast to his own frailty or sinfulness. Form your breath into that word, holy, and it becomes a mantra sighing for God.
Ash Wednesday and Lent
Wednesday, 17th February is Ash Wednesday and marks the first day of Lent 2010. Please consider using this special time in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
A Lenten Invitation
“Come Away and Rest Awhile”
Take time on Tuesday mornings of Lent to reflect and pray in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Venue: St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Dates: 23rd February, 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd and 30th March.
Facilitator: Eileen Ross, Qualified Spiritual Guide
Knitting Night
A Knitting Night will commence in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on next Monday, 8th February at 7.30pm. A few hours of knitting and chatting. All are welcome so ‘cast on and come along’.
Angels and Demons: the True Story
This series of lectures by Fr. Joe Delaney continues from 8.00pm - 9.30pm each Wednesday evening at St. John’s Day Centre, beside St. John’s RC Church.
10th February: Spiritual Warfare
17th February: The Ministry of Angels
3rd March: Demonic Entry Points: The Occult & Alternative Therapies
10th March: The Effects of Generational Sin
Good Grief - Bald Statements
This is an exhibition of eight alabaster sculptures illustrating feelings of grief and loss from sculptor Jean Parker. The exhibition was born as a reflection of Jean’s own experience of cancer and relate not only to loss of health but to significant loss of any kind. The exhibition may prove helpful and reassuring, offering glimpses of hope when all seems lost.
The exhibition is open to the public from 10.00am until 4.00pm each day until Thursday, 18th February at St. John’s Church of Ireland, John Street, Kilkenny. Admission is free although groups from schools etc should book in advance by calling 087 236 3100.
Alzheimer's Society Kilkenny
Table Quiz in aid of the Kilkenny Alzheimer’s Society will be held at the Home Rule Club at 8.30pm on 19th February. Table of Four: €20.
Church Gate Collection
Enable Ireland (The O’Neill Centre) has asked us to announce their church gate collection outside all Masses next weekend.
Scripture Study Group
Integritas - a domestic centre of Christian spirituality - hosts a scripture study group at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of every month. The evening on 18th February will reflect upon chapters 7 and 8 of St. Mark’s Gospel. Feel welcome to attend this session even if you can only do so occasionally. Integritas is located at Ennisnag. Enquiries: 056 772 8902.
Bingo
The Danesfort Community and Parish Centre (at the rear of St. Michael’s Church) hosts bingo on every Wednesday at 8.30pm. Shop available.
Hard of Hearing?
Hearing Help and lipreading classes start on Monday, 8th February. Morning classes will be held at Deafhear Offices, Friary Street from 10.30am - 12.30pm and Evening classes at The Citizens’ Information Centre, The Parade Kilkenny from 8.00pm – 10.00pm. All are welcome. Telephone 776 5176 or 776 3508 for more information.
Loughboy Library News
Deaf Culture Books—Kilkenny Library Service and the DeafHear organisation have assembled a new collection of materials relating to deaf culture at Loughboy Library. This collection is suitable for adults and children and includes the ABC of Sign Language on DVD, books and CD ROMs.
The First World War—Kilkenny Photographic Society has compiled a collection of photographs of Kilkenny personnel from WWI—this is on display until 19th February.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 31st January 2010
Catholic Schools Week 2010
31st January – 7th February
To Parents, Chairperson and Members of Boards of Management, Principals and Teachers
Priests of the Diocese and all involved in Catholic Schools in Ossory
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In these difficult days for the Church community in Ireland it is good that we can take time to reflect on the very positive contribution that all who are involved in Catholic Education continue to make to the mission of the local Church and to society in general. The coming week heralds the commencement of Catholic Schools Week an initiative which focuses on the identity of the Catholic School as a centre of education and formation of the young person in every aspect of their lives. This event is also an important time for Catholics in Ireland to express their solidarity with all of those involved in schools. The theme of Catholic Schools Week this year is ‘The Catholic School - A light for every generation’. This light is especially visible when it is expressed through an ethos that promotes; a profound respect for the dignity & giftedness of the human person, prayer, appropriate catechesis, and a fruitful partnership with the home and local parish. It reminds us that we are constantly challenged to let the light of Christ shine for the present generation and this will remain part of our task for future generations also.
The Second Vatican Council’s declaration on Education states ‘Beautiful indeed and of great importance is the vocation of all those who aid parents in fulfilling their duties and who, as representatives of the human community, undertake the task of education in schools’. We are truly blessed in the diocese of Ossory that so many people give of themselves generously in the service of Catholic Education. I know I speak for all the people of the diocese when I express sincere thanks to all of you; to parents who continually entrust the formation of their children academically, spiritually, and as good human beings to our Catholic Schools; to principals and teachers who day after day are involved in the formation of children and young people; to all who serve on boards of management and parent’s councils; those who act as special needs assistants, people who work as secretaries and all who are involved in the cleaning and maintenance of our schools. During this year of the Priest a special word of thanks for the commitment of our priests who through their involvement in boards of management, visitation of the classroom, and through encouraging teachers and parents in the ways of faith fulfil their mission given at ordination to be educators of the faith.
Finally I pray that the celebration of Catholic Schools Week and all our endeavours to promote a Catholic ethos will help us to appreciate the great treasure our Catholic faith is and the light it has been for past generations and that which it will be for future followers of Jesus Christ.
With every good wish.
Bishop Seamus Freeman SAC
Catholic Schools Week
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.
In our parish we give thanks for parents and teachers, members of the boards of management and parent’s associations, special needs assistants, people who work as secretaries, all who are involved in cleaning and maintenance, priests and the many others who give their time and energy in ensuring that our children receive the best education possible and are given the ability to realise their full potential as human beings and as children of God.
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 a light for parents, pupils, family members, staff and society in every generation.
St. God of God Girls’ School
The St. John of God Girls’ School will celebrate Catholic Schools Week with a Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 1.15pm on Friday next. Parents and grandparents of the children are especially invited to attend as are all members of our parish community.
We Celebrate Consecrated Life
World Day of Consecrated Life is the day we celebrate the gift of Religious Life to the Church. Initiated by the Vatican in 1997, this day is an opportunity to celebrate the life and work of religious women and men and to pray for vocations to consecrated life. In St. Patrick’s Parish we have several communities of the St. John of God Sisters, members of the Sisters of Charity and Mill Hill Fathers, a missionary congregation.
Bishop Freeman will be principal celebrant at the Mass of Consecrated Life in St. Mary's Cathedral on Tuesday, 2nd February at 7.30pm. All are welcome to join in this celebration of thanksgiving for consecrated life.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Maureen Teehan, Ballyfoyle. Sarah Kennedy, Cahir. Catherine Mahon, Paulstown. Sr. Canice Broderick, Mercy Convent, Callan: requiem Mass at 12.00pm on Sunday.
Anniversaries: Pauline English (Sat 6.15), Jim Loughlin (Sat 7.00), Noeleen Flood (Sun 10.00), John & Ann Waldron (Sun 10.30), Michael Moore (Sun 11.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 12.00), Michael Dollard (Sun 12.30, Months Mind), Catherine & Joseph Brennan (Tues 10.30), Patrick O’Keeffe (Wed 9.30), Lil, Billy & Eamon Costelloe (Wed 10.30), Con Noonan, John & Annie Free, William, Ellen & Liam Bergin, Derek De Loughrey, William Culleton, Maura Gaffney, Patrick Walsh, Margaret Fanning, Ned Larkin, May Morris Allen, Paddy Morris, Peter Browne, Jimmy Browne, Moya Bligh.
Intentions for next weekend: Catherine Dunphy (Sat 6.15 Months Mind), St. Theophane Duggan (Sat 7.00), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 9.30), Pat Kearney (Sun 10.30), Frances Costello (Sun 11.00), Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Jimmy McGrath (Sun 12.30).
Westcourt News
The February Mass for the blessings of Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 1st February at 7.30pm.
St. Brigid of Kildare
Brigid of Kildare is the secondary patron of Ireland. Brigid was one of the first people to spread the light of the faith in Ireland. She was a woman who gave witness to her faith by her welcome, generosity and care for all with whom she came in contact. Brigid is celebrated on Monday of this week.
Presentation of the Lord
The feast of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on this Tuesday. This feast, also known as Candlemas Day, observes the ritual purification of Mary after the birth of Jesus as well as the presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem. On this day candles are traditionally blessed for use in the church and family homes. Please feel free to bring family candles to the sacristy before our Masses on Tuesday.
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. Tickets cost €10 and booking is essential.
St. Blaise and Blessing of Throats
The blessing of St. Blaise will be celebrated at all Masses on Wednesday morning.
Hope for Haiti
Gala Concert hosted by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir. Monday 1st February, Venue: St. Mary’s Cathedral Kilkenny. Time: 8pm. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Enrolments in Parish Schools
The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2010. Please contact the schools for further details.
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081
Young At Heart Club
The Club will reopen on Wednesday, 3rd February at the Parish Centre. 2.30pm - 4.30pm. All are welcome.
Kilkenny Ladies Friendship Club
The Ladies’ Friendship club will reopen on Wednesday, 3rd February in Social Services Centre, Waterford Road at 8pm. New and existing members most welcome.
Singers Wanted
Members of the Youth choir are holding guitar lessons in the Parish Centre every Monday Night. We have a group of 10 children who are learning to play the guitar but we are in need of some singers to help them. If you have an hour to spare please come along to the parish centre at 7pm on Monday night.
Questions People Ask
Q. I’m struggling with my faith. I’m full of worries and anxieties. I try to pray but I don’t think I really trust God. I feel guilty and I can’t let go of past sins even after confession. I go to Church but my mind is elsewhere. I’m all a mess. What can I do?
A. Look how often you’ve used the first person singular. You are locked up in yourself but the chains that bind you have no lock except your own tight grip. When you open yourself to God and other people the chains will drop off. You won’t find peace in self-analysis. Let your prayer be more adoration and less petition. And never do anything you know to be against God’s will. In his will is your peace.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
31st January – 7th February
To Parents, Chairperson and Members of Boards of Management, Principals and Teachers
Priests of the Diocese and all involved in Catholic Schools in Ossory
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In these difficult days for the Church community in Ireland it is good that we can take time to reflect on the very positive contribution that all who are involved in Catholic Education continue to make to the mission of the local Church and to society in general. The coming week heralds the commencement of Catholic Schools Week an initiative which focuses on the identity of the Catholic School as a centre of education and formation of the young person in every aspect of their lives. This event is also an important time for Catholics in Ireland to express their solidarity with all of those involved in schools. The theme of Catholic Schools Week this year is ‘The Catholic School - A light for every generation’. This light is especially visible when it is expressed through an ethos that promotes; a profound respect for the dignity & giftedness of the human person, prayer, appropriate catechesis, and a fruitful partnership with the home and local parish. It reminds us that we are constantly challenged to let the light of Christ shine for the present generation and this will remain part of our task for future generations also.
The Second Vatican Council’s declaration on Education states ‘Beautiful indeed and of great importance is the vocation of all those who aid parents in fulfilling their duties and who, as representatives of the human community, undertake the task of education in schools’. We are truly blessed in the diocese of Ossory that so many people give of themselves generously in the service of Catholic Education. I know I speak for all the people of the diocese when I express sincere thanks to all of you; to parents who continually entrust the formation of their children academically, spiritually, and as good human beings to our Catholic Schools; to principals and teachers who day after day are involved in the formation of children and young people; to all who serve on boards of management and parent’s councils; those who act as special needs assistants, people who work as secretaries and all who are involved in the cleaning and maintenance of our schools. During this year of the Priest a special word of thanks for the commitment of our priests who through their involvement in boards of management, visitation of the classroom, and through encouraging teachers and parents in the ways of faith fulfil their mission given at ordination to be educators of the faith.
Finally I pray that the celebration of Catholic Schools Week and all our endeavours to promote a Catholic ethos will help us to appreciate the great treasure our Catholic faith is and the light it has been for past generations and that which it will be for future followers of Jesus Christ.
With every good wish.
Bishop Seamus Freeman SAC
Catholic Schools Week
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.
In our parish we give thanks for parents and teachers, members of the boards of management and parent’s associations, special needs assistants, people who work as secretaries, all who are involved in cleaning and maintenance, priests and the many others who give their time and energy in ensuring that our children receive the best education possible and are given the ability to realise their full potential as human beings and as children of God.
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 a light for parents, pupils, family members, staff and society in every generation.
St. God of God Girls’ School
The St. John of God Girls’ School will celebrate Catholic Schools Week with a Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 1.15pm on Friday next. Parents and grandparents of the children are especially invited to attend as are all members of our parish community.
We Celebrate Consecrated Life
World Day of Consecrated Life is the day we celebrate the gift of Religious Life to the Church. Initiated by the Vatican in 1997, this day is an opportunity to celebrate the life and work of religious women and men and to pray for vocations to consecrated life. In St. Patrick’s Parish we have several communities of the St. John of God Sisters, members of the Sisters of Charity and Mill Hill Fathers, a missionary congregation.
Bishop Freeman will be principal celebrant at the Mass of Consecrated Life in St. Mary's Cathedral on Tuesday, 2nd February at 7.30pm. All are welcome to join in this celebration of thanksgiving for consecrated life.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Maureen Teehan, Ballyfoyle. Sarah Kennedy, Cahir. Catherine Mahon, Paulstown. Sr. Canice Broderick, Mercy Convent, Callan: requiem Mass at 12.00pm on Sunday.
Anniversaries: Pauline English (Sat 6.15), Jim Loughlin (Sat 7.00), Noeleen Flood (Sun 10.00), John & Ann Waldron (Sun 10.30), Michael Moore (Sun 11.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 12.00), Michael Dollard (Sun 12.30, Months Mind), Catherine & Joseph Brennan (Tues 10.30), Patrick O’Keeffe (Wed 9.30), Lil, Billy & Eamon Costelloe (Wed 10.30), Con Noonan, John & Annie Free, William, Ellen & Liam Bergin, Derek De Loughrey, William Culleton, Maura Gaffney, Patrick Walsh, Margaret Fanning, Ned Larkin, May Morris Allen, Paddy Morris, Peter Browne, Jimmy Browne, Moya Bligh.
Intentions for next weekend: Catherine Dunphy (Sat 6.15 Months Mind), St. Theophane Duggan (Sat 7.00), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 9.30), Pat Kearney (Sun 10.30), Frances Costello (Sun 11.00), Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Jimmy McGrath (Sun 12.30).
Westcourt News
The February Mass for the blessings of Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 1st February at 7.30pm.
St. Brigid of Kildare
Brigid of Kildare is the secondary patron of Ireland. Brigid was one of the first people to spread the light of the faith in Ireland. She was a woman who gave witness to her faith by her welcome, generosity and care for all with whom she came in contact. Brigid is celebrated on Monday of this week.
Presentation of the Lord
The feast of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on this Tuesday. This feast, also known as Candlemas Day, observes the ritual purification of Mary after the birth of Jesus as well as the presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem. On this day candles are traditionally blessed for use in the church and family homes. Please feel free to bring family candles to the sacristy before our Masses on Tuesday.
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. Tickets cost €10 and booking is essential.
St. Blaise and Blessing of Throats
The blessing of St. Blaise will be celebrated at all Masses on Wednesday morning.
Hope for Haiti
Gala Concert hosted by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir. Monday 1st February, Venue: St. Mary’s Cathedral Kilkenny. Time: 8pm. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Enrolments in Parish Schools
The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2010. Please contact the schools for further details.
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081
Young At Heart Club
The Club will reopen on Wednesday, 3rd February at the Parish Centre. 2.30pm - 4.30pm. All are welcome.
Kilkenny Ladies Friendship Club
The Ladies’ Friendship club will reopen on Wednesday, 3rd February in Social Services Centre, Waterford Road at 8pm. New and existing members most welcome.
Singers Wanted
Members of the Youth choir are holding guitar lessons in the Parish Centre every Monday Night. We have a group of 10 children who are learning to play the guitar but we are in need of some singers to help them. If you have an hour to spare please come along to the parish centre at 7pm on Monday night.
Questions People Ask
Q. I’m struggling with my faith. I’m full of worries and anxieties. I try to pray but I don’t think I really trust God. I feel guilty and I can’t let go of past sins even after confession. I go to Church but my mind is elsewhere. I’m all a mess. What can I do?
A. Look how often you’ve used the first person singular. You are locked up in yourself but the chains that bind you have no lock except your own tight grip. When you open yourself to God and other people the chains will drop off. You won’t find peace in self-analysis. Let your prayer be more adoration and less petition. And never do anything you know to be against God’s will. In his will is your peace.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
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