The Body and Blood of Christ
Brainstorming is about to take on new meaning if research in brain science has its way. Already scientists can convert into crude video footage the brain’s activity from watching or even remembering something. In the US, security agencies are experimenting with brain scanners for interrogating prisoners. They’re also studying ways of scanning brains from a distance to probe a person’s thoughts and anxieties without their knowledge, for example at airports. The Eucharist also probes – but the hearts, and up close and personal – to share thoughts, feelings and anxieties. It doesn’t intrude into your privacy but invites you to a faith-filled encounter with God and friends. It eases life’s burdens through mutual support, affirmation and service. It does so through sharing time, talents and goodwill with others not just during Mass but also outside of it. We see this in today’s Gospel reading (Luke 9:11-17). Jesus tells his disciples to feed the crowd following him (v. 13). They say they don’t have enough food to go round. That doesn’t bother Jesus. So they just do what they’re told and start sharing the little they have. And, surprise, surprise, they have more than enough to feed everybody. This is why Jesus gave us the Eucharist. This is why we go to Mass. To become sharers with others. To give to, and accept from, another human being. I wonder if our brains were scanned as we celebrate the Eucharist what images would be reproduced: those of daze, flat-lined by consubstantiality, or those of vision pulsating from simple words of life?
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD
Exam Time
We wish all the very best to the many young people from our parish who will begin their Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations this coming week. After years of study, all the hard work and acquired knowledge will pay off, please God and give a good result to all.
We will continue to pray for those doing examinations at our daily Masses.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests’ Society will take place in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre immediately after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 11th June 2010.
Questions People Ask
Q. In simple language, what is meant by transubstantiation?
A. The substance of something is its inner reality underneath the outward features such as appearance or taste (these are called its accidents). Transubstantiation means the changing of this substance or inner reality, although the outward appearances and taste remain unaltered. St Thomas Aquinas described how faith, based on God’s word, recognises the Lord’s presence in the Eucharist. ‘Sight, touch, taste in thee are each deceived, The ear alone most safely is believed.’ Belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist is not based on scientific analysis but on the words of Jesus: ‘This is my Body, this is my Blood.’
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Child Protection
The training date for all volunteers (including priests) in St. Patrick’s Parish who work with children is 1st July 2010 at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 7pm - 10pm. This is a compulsory course for all who work with children as sacristans, choirs, and children's liturgy. All relevant people will be contacted by post.
We are grateful to those who volunteer and have agreed to help further our child protection policy in St. Patrick’s Parish.
Congratulations
We congratulate the students from the School of the Holy Spirit who received their First Holy Communion on Thursday. Our special good wishes go to Cian Buckley and Jake Morrissey and their families who are both from our parish. We welcome them to full communion with our Eucharistic Community.
50th Eucharistic Congress
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Dublin in 2012. To help defray the costs of the event and to provide a programme of evangelisation, catechesis, solidarity and celebration in the two year period running up to the congress the Irish Episcopal Conference has agreed to the holding of a special collection in every church in Ireland on the Feast of Corpus Christi, which falls on this Sunday. Please support this national collection.
Bank Holiday Arrangements
We welcome all who have come to join us for this bank holiday weekend. Please God we will all enjoy a safe holiday. Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am on Bank Holiday Monday. Please note: there will be no 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church and no 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be as usual in St. Fiacre’s Church from 12 noon until 10.00pm.
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
The Parish Centre will be closed on Monday due to the bank holiday. It will reopen as usual on Tuesday.
Guitar Lessons
There will be no guitar lessons at the Parish Centre on Monday because of the bank holiday. Lessons will resume on Monday, 14th June. Contact the Parish Office for details.
Parish Pilgrimage to Knock
The annual parish pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Thursday, 24th June. Coach departs St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.15am and St. Patrick’s Church at 7.20am. Fare €15 and tickets are only available at the reception desk at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Tickets must be purchased in advance. In order to finalize the necessary arrangements, tickets will only be available until 22nd June. This pilgrimage is open to anyone who is interested.
Cemetery Mass
The annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday, 29th July at 7.30pm. Please remind your relatives and friends who may not see this notice.
Mass at Westcourt
Due to ongoing renovations at Edmund Rice Centre, Westcourt, Callan there will be no Mass at Westcourt on the first Monday of June. The monthly Masses will resume in September.
Rosary
James Green at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny, Sunday 6th June at 3pm. All are welcome.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Declan Dunne, Tullamore. Catherine Walsh, Kilmacow. Margaret Fey, England. Con Power, Cuffesgrange.
Months Mind: Joan Smithwick (Sun 10.00)
Anniversaries: Sarah Mullally (Sat 6.15), Gerry Keyes (Sun 7.00), Jim O’Brien (Sun 10.30), John & Ellen Ryan (Sun 11.00), Mary & Billy Butler (Sun 12.30), Bridget Brennan (Tues 10.30), Joseph Curry (Wed 9.30), Catherine Kirwan (Thurs 9.30), Patrick & Margaret Cantwell (Thurs 10.30), Bridget & Jack Leahy (Fri 10.30), Seamus Dowling, Monsignor Martin Campion, Anastasia Massey, Annie Carroll, Eamonn, Padraig & Seamus Costello, Patrick Lanigan, John Scott, Nelly Doyle, Pauline Dalton, Rose Ryan, Maura Kehoe.
Intentions Next Weekend: Paddy Noonan (Sat 6:15), John Kenny (Sat 7.00), Aoife Rose Lanigan (Sun 9.30), Martin Brennan (Sun 10.00), Dan Maher (Sun 10.30), Joseph Murray (Sun 11.00), Billy O’Brien (Months Mind Sun 12.00), Jonathan Barry (Sun 12.30).
Dochas Nasamu
The Irish Run Aids run orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya is holding a used clothing appeal on Thursday, 10th June, before 12 noon, at the Parish Centre Carpark. For further information, please contact Marie on 087 689 0995.
Parish Shop
On sale in the foyer of the Parish Centre is a wide selection of religious goods: anything from rosary beads to prayer books to statues. Come in and have a look. The volunteers at the desk will be happy to help.
Signed Mass cards are also available at reception. Each card is an undertaking to have an individual Mass offered. Masses are said by priests supported by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) which is mainly in third world countries. Stipends received from these Masses are the main source of income for many priests so, not only are you getting a Mass offered, you are also supporting priests in needy parts of the world.
Notices and Bookings
In order to help us help you, please note that:
At least three months notice is required for those getting married. This minimum three months applies equally to the State.
For baptisms: at least two weeks notice is required so that we can inform the baptism team.
Those wishing to book anniversary/months mind Masses are advised to book well in advance as bookings are on a first come first served basis.
Anyone wishing to book halls or rooms in the parish centre can do so through Mr Ted Byrne on 776 4400.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Red Cross will hold their Church Gate Collection this weekend.
Prayer and Healing Service
You are invited to a prayer service led by Janice and Moss Carrig, Holy Spirit Ministry, Limerick on Sunday, 13th June at 3.00pm in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow. Experience the peace and power of the Holy Spirit and the loving touch of Jesus. This special afternoon will consist of prayer, praise, music, scripture, testimony, laying on of hands and prayer for healing for our Nation and Church.
Loughboy Library
From mid-June the library will open each morning at 10am and Friday evening opening will now be 6—8pm. Exhibition: The Loughboy Area Resource Centre will exhibit crafts and paintings at the library from June 8th - 26th. This is a free service open to all. Bookings: 779 4176.
Cat Laughs and Dog Flips
This being the Cat Laughs Festival Weekend and with the hurling season upon us...
A man was walking his dog one day and was stopped by a couple who complimented him on such a lovely animal. ‘That dog is very special,’ said the man, ‘since a pup I’ve brought him to every hurling match Kilkenny have played.’ ‘Really?’ replied the couple. ‘Yes,’ replied the man, ‘and that’s not all, he can keep score too. When Kilkenny score a point, he puts one paw up and barks. When they score a goal he puts both paws up and does a back flip. ‘And what does he do if Kilkenny loses?’ asked the couple. ‘I don’t know,’ replied the man, ‘I’ve only had him 5 years.’
Light that Shines in the Darkness
Are you interested in priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory? For information on priesthood in the diocese please contact Bishop Séamus Freeman on 056 776 2448 or Fr. Willie Purcell on 087 628 6858.
