Soft Touch
A gribble is a sea worm, 1-4 mm long, and a pest. The scourge of seafarers, gribbles bore into ships’ planks and wreck them. Digesting their cellulose, they cause much destruction to marine timber structures such as jetties and piers. But, they’re peerless when it comes to recycling driftwood. Researchers have found that the enzymes gribbles use to break down woody cellulose and turn it into energy-rich sugars could convert wood and straw to liquid biofuel. So today’s pest may become tomorrow’s pet. By doing a-what-comes-naturally they help the environment.
The woman in today’s Gospel reading is also doing-a-what-comes-naturally (Luke 7:36-8:3). While it seems outrageous to the Pharisee that Jesus should be at ease with a woman of her type touching him, it really is a case of both her and Jesus doing a-what-comes-naturally: she, a sinner approaching him for forgiveness, and he, the Saviour, accepting the sinner graciously. The only one feeling discomfort is the Pharisee on the sideline. Despite any appearance to the contrary that can prove an uncomfortable place to be, at least for Christians, the self-righteous and hypocrites. Jesus is open to all people, particularly those to whom society is closed. But he’s more than open. He doesn’t wait in the wings for them to approach him. He seeks them out and brings them centre stage. Just as researchers have discovered that the grubby little gribble has something worthwhile to offer society, so too do we discover that those whom society considers grubby have much to offer when we regard them as Jesus does.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Questions people ask
Q. My faith in the Church as an institution has been totally shattered. How can I ever respect a corrupt Church?
A. Think of one way that an orange is different to a potato. One bad spot in the orange and the whole fruit is contaminated. But a black spot in a potato can be picked out and the remainder is grand. The Church, I suggest, is the potato rather than the orange. The regrettable behaviour of a small minority does not mean that the entire Church is corrupt. The behaviour of Judas or the lies told by Peter did not mean the apostles were entirely corrupt. The idea of an all perfect Church is a figment of romantic desire far removed from the kingdom of weeds and wheat.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for Our Deceased
Recently Deceased: Danny White, Inistioge. Paul O’Kane.
Months Mind: Billy O’Brien (Sun 12.00)
Anniversaries: 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), Jonathan Barry (Sun 12.30), Liam Drohan (Tues 9.30), Mary Deegan (Wed 10.30), Des Manning, Patrick Morris (Fri 9.30), Martin (Murt) Rowe, Annie Donnelly, Paddy & Martha Grace, Michael & John Barry.
Intentions for next weekend: John Costigan (Sat 6.15), Joe Ayers (Sat 7.00 Months Mind), Catherine Roberts (Sun 9.30), Bill O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Johnny McEvoy (Sun 12.00).
St. Patrick’s Senior Citizens
The gate collection this weekend is in aid of St. Patrick’s Parish Senior Citizens Party. Please support this worthy cause. The party is enjoyed every year by people from our parish.
De la Salle Field Day
The annual St. Patrick’s De la Salle Field Day takes place this Sunday, 13th June in the School Field in Coote’s Lane.
A fun day is promised for everyone and your support would be greatly appreciated.
The day will include: sports, bric-a-brac, book sale, cake sale, wheel of fortune and much more.
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.
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.
St. Patrick's Special School
Congratulations to the pupils of St. Patrick’s Special School, Kells Road who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday in St. Fiacre’s Church . May God’s blessing through the Eucharist stay with them throughout their lives.
Kilkenny School Project
Congratulations to the pupils of the KSP who received their First Holy Communion this Sunday in St. Fiacre’s. We pray this experience of Eucharist will bring them closer to God and to each other.
Loughboy Library News
Wii Training for over 55’s, Tuesday’s. Free 7 week computer course available. Creative writing for teenagers at the Watershed, Friday 18th June. LARC exhibition of dress making and weaving on display until June 26th. Contact Library for details of above.
Parish Shop
On sale in the foyer of the Parish Centre is a wide selection of religious goods. Everything 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.
Shreddies Park Tennis
Lessons for beginners and improvers in July at Presentation Secondary School. No experience necessary and equipment is supplied. Lesson charges apply. Registration Saturday 19th June, 2-4pm at the Presentation school.
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.
Exam Time & Humour
We continue to keep in our prayers all who are sitting their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. Please God, things are going well and do keep in mind that there’s life beyond exams.
An email was sent to me during the week which reminded me that there can also be some humour in exams, even if there is no marks. Here’s a sample.
Q. Who was Sir Walter Raleigh?
A. He was a noted figure in history because he invented cigarettes and started a craze for bikes.
Q. What did Mahatma Gandhi and Genghis Khan have in common?
A. Unusual Names .
Q. What was the Romans’ greatest achievement?
A. Learning to speak Latin.
Q. Where was the American Declaration of Independence signed?
A. At the bottom.
Q. Name six animals that live specifically in the Arctic.
A. Two polar bears and four seals.
Q. Where was Hadrian’s wall built?
A. Around his garden.
Q. What is a fibula?
A. A little lie.
Q. What is a stand-alone computer system?
A. One without a chair.
Any finally, my favourite...
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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.
Cemetery Committee
And while mentioning the upcoming cemetery mass, we take this opportunity to say thanks to the cemetery committee who are doing trojan work in maintaining the cemetery. This is an entirely voluntary group and each Monday they dedicate their time to looking after the grounds and graves.
The latest work carried out is the upgrading of the centre walkway in the old cemetery and thanks to all involved. St. Patrick’s Parish is committed to looking after our cemeteries and this can only be done with the generous goodwill of our parishioners.
Summer R & R
We say thanks to the choirs and other parish groups that will soon be taking a break for summer. Your efforts and commitment to our masses and other activities is greatly appreciated. Enjoy the summer and we look forward to seeing you back in September.
Training Day
A training in fire safety and procedure is being organised for all receptionist in the parish centre. Those who volunteer there time at the centre will be notified in the next few weeks.
