We Are Kingdom People
The Sermon on the Mount focuses on ‘Kingdom people’ as Jesus defines their role using two words: ‘salt’ and ‘light’. Salt served as a currency in ancient civilisations. It was essential for preserving foods, even for keeping wounds clean. Jesus calls us to be salt of the earth. He did not say, ‘you will be the salt of the earth’ but ‘you are. Therefore we are called to be witnesses to the presence of God active in our lives and in our world – an ongoing process, taking place in here and now. Both salt and light operate by associating with the thing that they want to change. Salt must go into the food to change it from within; therefore we must get up and get involved. The Kingdom of God is about this world. It is about politics; economics; our environment; it is about peace. How are we to fulfil our responsibility?
‘This is what we are about: We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, Knowing that they hold future promise... We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well… We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of future not our own’ – Oscar Romero.
Jane Mellett
Questions People Ask
Q. Wouldn’t it be better if the main religions reached a common code of ideals and dropped the doctrines which divide them?
A. I would like to see the promotion of our shared ideals but I certainly would not favour settling for the lowest common denominator of belief. This would mean dropping many of the revealed truths such as the divinity of Jesus Christ, his unique position as saviour, his resurrection or the privilege of the Eucharist. Dialogue with other religions cannot mean any diminution of belief and I’m sure that the members of other religions think the same way.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for our Deceased FriendsRecently Deceased: Shane Holland, 54 Dean’s Court. (Funeral arrangements to be announced). Ann Nolan, Crescentia, College Road. Margaret Foran, Vicar Street. John Lawlor, Upper John Street. Fr. Joseph O’Shea, Vancouver and Piltown. Peggy Cahill, Kerry.
Anniversaries: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Joseph Kirwan (Sat 7.00), Eamon & Frances Costello (Sun 9.30), Noeline Flood (Sun 10.00), Pat Kearney, Waterford Road (Sun 10.30), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 11.00), Paddy Burke (Sun 12.00), Rory Quinn (Sun 12.30), Bridie Dunne (Thurs 10.30), Eleanor Mulvee (Fri 10.30), Breda Butler, Patrick O’Keeffe, Mary Pullman, Michael O’Dwyer, Patrick Walsh, Fintan Phelan, Liam Devlin, Patrick & Ellen Fewer, Ned Larkin, Michael Burke, John Ryan, James, Bridget & Gerald Leahy, Patrick Jordan, James Hayes, Bill Carroll, John Quigley, Michael Dargan.
Intentions for next weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Daphne Phelan (Sat 7.00), Sean O’Grady (Sun 10.00), Matt Gleeson (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sun 12.30).
To ensure publication names for inclusion in this section should be sent to the Parish Office as early as possible. Please try to include a contact telephone number as we sometimes have to check details before publication.
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 travellers with this year’s pilgrimage. Please contact any member of the committee or the parish office (776 4400) if you or someone known to you would like to be considered for travel.
Latin Mass
There will be a sung Traditional Mass with Gregorian Chant in St. Patrick's Church at 5.00pm on this Sunday 6th February. All are welcome.
Senior Citizens’ Party
The annual dinner and party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the Parish Centre on this Monday evening, 7th February. Good food and a great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed. Tickets are only €10 at the Sacristies and Parish Office. It is essential to book to facilitate seating and catering. Transport can be arranged for those who find it difficult to attend. For details: 776 4400.
St Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday, 11th February immediately after the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. New members very welcome.
Westcourt News
The February Mass to pray for the canonisation of Blessed Edmund Rice will be celebrated in Westcourt, Callan on Monday, 7th February at 7.30pm. The Callan Historical Society will host the liturgy.
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 2011. Please contact the schools immediately for further details.
St. John of God School: 056 772 1290
St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 056 776 1081
Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 6th February at 3.00pm.
First Saturday Devotion
Prayers and adoration ill begin after 6.15pm Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Saturday evening. Come and pray for families and for our country.
Weekly Envelope Collection
The envelope collection last week amounted to €1,000. Sincere thanks to all who continue to support our parish and its priests.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Friday is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. This day marks the anniversary of Our Lady’s first visit to Bernadette at the grotto in Lourdes, France. During her visits Our Lady invited people to come to the grotto in procession. Since then the shrine has become a place of intense prayer for healing.
World Day of Prayer for the Sick
Friday is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. We will include special prayers for the sick at all Masses in the parish. The Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated during the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church. Those who are unwell are invited to receive the Sacrament of the Sick during the Mass.
The Pope’s message for World Day of the Sick is available at www.catholicbishops.ie
Diocesan Lourdes Collection
The annual Diocesan Lourdes Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend. We invite you to contribute a little extra to the second collection and the money will be passed on to the Diocesan Office to help defray the costs of the Diocesan Pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2011
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2011. Telephone Eleanor on 051 880 414 between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Triduum in Honour of Our Lady
The annual Triduum will be held at the Black Abbey on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Rosary, Mass and Homily at 10.15am and 7.15pm each day. Preacher is Fr. Gabriel Harty, Ireland’s Rosary Priest.
Afternoon Prayer
The mark the 30th anniversary of the apparitions in Medjugorje there will be rosary, Mass and adoration at Mill Hill Fathers Chapel, Waterford Road between 2.30 and 5.00pm on this Sunday, 5th February.
Prayers for Healing
There will be a time of prayer for healing at St. Fiacre’s Church between 7.30 and 10.00pm on this Thursday, 10th February.
The Irish Catholic
This excellent Catholic newspaper is available at the church doors. Cost €1.30.
Understanding Mental Health
Due to public demand there will be a further presentation on Understanding Mental Health at Village Business Centre, Patrick Street, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 8th February at 8pm. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan. Cost: €10. Booking (Essential) on 087 927 7479.
Have You Time To Spare?
S.O.S., a voluntary organisation for adults with a mild/moderate intellectual disability, provides day services, respite and residential care. We are looking for families to provide breaks in their home for adults from our services. Nominal expenses are paid. We are also looking for volunteers to support us in providing extra social and recreational activities for people in S.O.S. Contact Kathleen at 776 4000 or email ksherry@soskilkenny.com.
Mass for those Affected by Suicide
The Augustinian Community invites you to join them in celebrating Mass for all who have died through suicide and the suicide bereaved on Sunday, 6th February, at 3.00pm in the Church of Good Counsel College, New Ross.
Art for Fun
Art Classes every Monday, 2.30 to 5.00pm in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Contact Eamonn on 086 334 5144 for details.
Nintendo Wii Training
This is the last chance for over 50s to sign up for Nintendo Wii Training at Loughboy Library. Phone 779 4176 for information.
Art Classes
Art Classes will start in the Bishop Birch Training Institute, Waterford Road on Friday, 18th February and will run for a six week period each Friday at 10:30am. Bookings and further information contact Sonja on 770 8155 or 083 394 1220.
Alzheimer's Day Care Centre
Day Care Centre for People Affected by Alzheimer’s now open in Kilkenny. Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm. Further information on 777 1230.
James Stephens GAA News
U-14 Trial Games
The Village U14 A/B management teams will be taking panels to Dublin this Sunday to play Kilmacud Crokes and Na Fianna panels in competitive challenge games. The group will leave by bus this Sunday from Larchfield at 9am sharp.
Semple Stadium Clash
Kilkenny will clash with great rivals Tipperary on Saturday 12th February which is just around the corner. Kilkenny manager and Village man Brian Cody will lead his charges into Semple stadium for this mouth watering clash as it is the first time these sides will meet since the All-Ireland final last September. The game will be played under lights at 7.30pm so get along to support Brian, Eoin Larkin, Jackie Tyrrell and Matthew Ruth as hopes will be high Kilkenny can secure an important win in Tipperary's 'back yard' as the saying goes.
