Leaps But No Bounds
Social isolation can damage your health as much as smoking can. According to new research it can be as bad for you as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day, or daily binge drinking. It’s twice as harmful as being obese. Good relationships are crucial for physical and mental health. This is true not just for the elderly as previously thought but for people of all ages. Those with strong bonds to others are 50 per cent less likely to die over a seven-year period, for example, than those lacking quality relationships. One researcher explains that having a sense of meaning in life helps people to take better care of themselves. Today’s Second Reading (2 Thess 3:7-12) agrees. There, Paul says that we need to earn our bread. In other words, we must pull our weight in working with others for the common good. We don’t isolate ourselves emotionally or physically from others. We don’t become loafers, spongers or gossips. We remain active, and contribute to the common good. In that way, we remain in good shape – in every sense of the word. It also means looking out for those who because of circumstances may find themselves either in, or slipping into, social isolation. It means being on the watch so that we never lose our sense of meaning, or because of indifference allow another to lose theirs. In that way we revere God’s name in those he created and, as the First Reading (Mal 3:19-20) so charmingly puts it, we go out to face life ‘leaping like calves from the stall’.
Fr Tom Cahill SVD
Christ the King - Adoration
40 hours of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place over the weekend of 19th to 21st November in St. Mary’s Cathedral to honour Christ Our King. St. Patrick’s Parish has been asked to cover 4 hours on Friday, 19th from 7pm to 11pm and also on Saturday, 20th November from 9pm to midnight. If you would like to do an hour of adoration during these times please contact the Sacristan.
Questions People Ask
Q. All these floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and disasters of recent years, are they a sign that God is angry with the world and that the end of this world is near? So I have been told.
A. Jesus in today’s Gospel tells us not to be misled by false, self-appointed prophets. He also tells us not to be frightened. At the time of the terrible Black Death plague, the mystic Julian of Norwich was granted a vision of God holding all that is like a little hazelnut in the palm of his hand. She was assured that God makes all things well. The God of love tells us not to be afraid.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Patricia (Pat) O’Hara, Greensbridge, Agnes O’Shea, Drakelands. Johnny Delaney, Whitesbridge and London.
Anniversaries: John Glynn (Sat 6.15), Sr. Mary Clifford (Sat 7.00), Gerald & Patricia Moore (Sun 9.30), John Brennan (Sun 10.00), May Muldowney (Sun 10.30), Rena Brett (Sun 11.00), John Byrne (Sun 12.00), Mary & Anne O’Shea (Sun 12.30), Tommy & Barbara Rhatigan (Mon 9.30), Statia Grace (Tues 10.30), May O’Connell (Wed 9.30), Retired Nurses & deceased nurses (Wed 10.30), Patrick Morris (Thurs 9.30), Tommy & Barbara Rhatigan, James & Margaret Cantwell, Diana McCague, Joe Meehan, Dymphna Condon, Richie Delaney, Kathleen McCormack, Henry Tiernan, Tom Murphy, John & Mary Doyle, James Leahy.
Intentions for next weekend: Maura Leahy (Sat 6.15), Mark Butler (Sat 7.00), Joan Taggart (9.30), Bill Keogh (Sun 10.00), John Hand (Sun 10.30), Madge O’Brien (Sun 11.00), Eva Renehan (Sun 12.00), Deceased Members of St. Patrick’s Brass Band (Sun 12.30).
Divine Mercy
In honour of Divine Mercy, there will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church, Kilkenny on Sunday, 14th November from 3.00 to 4.00pm.
Retired Nurses' Association
On Wednesday, 17th November Mass will be celebrated for retired nurses, deceased nurses and their relatives and friends in St. Fiacre's Church, Loughboy at 10.30am. After Mass morning coffee/tea will be served in the parish centre adjacent to the church. A fundraiser for the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care Team will take place. Please inform your colleagues and friends of this annual event.
St. Luke’s Hospital Annual Mass
St. Luke’s Hospital Annual Mass for deceased patients of Carlow/Kilkenny will take place on Wednesday, 17th November 2010 at 7.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy. All welcome.
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band
Mass for the deceased members of St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will be held on Sunday, 21st November at 12.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church. All are welcome.
November Remembrance Service
The annual Remembrance Service takes place on Thursday, 25th November at 7.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church. During this service we will remember all those who have died, especially those who have died during the past year.
Voices of Hope
During November St. Canice’s Parish presents a series called Voices of Hope – Reflections for November. Against the backdrop of continuing difficulties in our Church and in our country we hope that this time of reflection will offer some light and guidance in dark and confusing days. The series continues on this Monday, 15th November when Sr. Helena O’Donoghue, a Sister of Mercy, former secondary teacher and principal, speaks at the 7.30pm Mass.
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,440. Contributions by standing orders amounted to €3,239.02 during October. Thanks for your continued generosity.
Bible Stories
Sr. Mairead Murphy invites you to a series of reflections on Bible Stories from 8.00pm to 9.00pm on the five Tuesdays of November. Venue: 33 Newpark Close. Contact 779 6123.
Re-launched Diocesan Website
The Diocese of Ossory has re-launched a completely revamped website at www.ossory.ie. It contains Catholic news and information from around the world in written and video format. It also provides information about all parishes in the diocese including Mass times and directions and maps to the churches.
Improving Social Connection
Kilkenny has been selected by the Ageing Well Network as an Ageing Well County. One important part of ageing well is keeping up contact with friends and family, and playing a part in the community. The Mercer’s Institute for Research on Ageing in St James’s Hospital Dublin, and the Ageing Well Network in Kilkenny, are conducting a research study in Kilkenny City and County, which aims to improve older people’s social connection. The study will involve a short term volunteer visiting programme whereby volunteers (over 55 years of age) will be asked to visit older people in their homes. The overall aim of the study is to determine whether a short term volunteer visiting programme can improve older people’s social connection and their physical and mental health. If you would like more information or to get involved in the study please contact Ms Maureen Tobin on 086 129 4353.
Coffee Morning
The School of the Holy Spirit Annual Coffee Morning and Sale of Work will
take place on Saturday, 27th November between 10.30am and 12.30pm in the new school in Seville Lodge, Callan Road, Kilkenny. There is something for everyone. All welcome. Contact Therese Buckley at 087 904 0208.
W.O.W
St. John of God Girls’ School is launching its W.O.W. Day (walk once a week) on Tuesday, 16th November. This is a part of their fourth Green Flag Initiative (travel). Children and their parents are encouraged to walk to school, particularly on a Tuesday.
The Irish Catholic
Copies of the Irish Catholic are on sale here every week. Be informed - be aware: get your copy here today. Price €1.30.
(This paper featured St. Patrick’s Parish last weekend and was available free in our parish. Some free copies may still be available in the sacristies.)
Loughboy Library
Nintendo Wii training - this is your last chance to get in on the act! Come to Loughboy Library on Wednesday at 10.30am or 11.45am and the trainer will take you through the basics of rallying, boxing, bowling and many other exciting sports in the comfort of a warm, dry venue. Suitable for over 50s, there is no charge and lots of fun is guaranteed. Tel: 779 4176.
Young at Heart Club
The club will hold a church gate collection on 13th/14th November. Please support.
Our Families’ Mental Health
Due to the huge demand for our talk “Understanding and Protecting our Families’ Mental Health” by Dr. Fergus Heffernan, the talk will take place again at the Village Business Centre, Patrick Street on Wednesday, 24th November from 8.00 to 10pm. Cost €10. Booking is essential at 087 927 7479. Please notify interested friends and family.
Christmas Food & Craft Fair
The Carlow Christmas Food and Craft Fair will be held at the Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow on Sunday, 21st November. Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow. 11.00am to 5.00pm.
Parish Shop
A new range of Advent and Christmas stock such as cribs, Advent calendars and prayer books is now available to buy at the Parish Shop in the Parish Centre.
