An Epic Battle
‘I can resist everything except temptation’: the often quoted words of Lord Darlington in Oscar Wilde’s play Lady Windermere’s Fan. Temptation is part of the human condition, a side effect of having free will. And as if to prove just how human Jesus was, the Gospel of Matthew sees him enticed with some very human temptations. It is a very human Jesus who fasts for 40 days and 40 nights, after which, naturally, ‘he was very hungry’. There is something quite dramatic about the encounter between Jesus and the devil in today’s Gospel. It has always made me imagine how the scene would play out on the big screen as part of a movie, as the ultimate epic battle between God and the devil, good and evil. There is the desperate hunger of Jesus after 40 days of fasting, the invitation to throw himself off the temple, the offer of unlimited power. Unusually for the Gospels, the devil himself appears as a character, with supporting roles from the angels who look after Jesus after the devil has left. The dialogue is sharp; it is a battle of wills, but also of wits, and we wonder who will win. But the devil is no match for Jesus. He refuses to entertain the suggestions, and is equipped both with the relevant passages from scripture and a sense of his own purpose to see off the devil’s advances. Like Jesus we are all tempted by easy pleasures and powers. Are we armed to ward off the temptations that come our way?
Triona Doherty
Cake Sale and Coffee Morning
Fr. Dan, and all associated with the Children’s Pilgrimage Trust, would like to thank all who helped make last weekend’s cake sale and coffee morning such a huge success. We say a sincere thanks to those who organised the event, those who baked and provided produce and donations and, of course, to all who purchased the cakes. The proceeds amounted to €2,478.00 and the money will be used to help send eleven children with special needs to Lourdes this Easter. Further information is available on www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com We will remember you in prayer at Lourdes.
The Season of Lent
This holy season of preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus at Easter continues. We are delighted with the number of people making use of the extra Lenten weekday Mass in our parish. All are welcome to join us at St. Fiacre’s Church on weekday evenings at 6.15pm. (However, note there will be no evening Mass on St. Patrick’s Day).
Parish “Evening of Prayer”
You are invited to join with your neighbours and friends from St. Patrick’s Parish for an evening of prayer on this Monday, 14th March at Peace in Christ Retreat House, Sion Road, Kilkenny. Time: 8.00pm - 10.30pm. Contact Retreat House on 772 1054, Rena on 776 2923 or Adeline on 772 1665. All welcome. Why not make this part of your Lenten programme.
Bible Study
Sr. De Lourdes Sheridan will hold a bible study in the Parish Centre starting on Tuesday 15th March and continuing for 6 weeks. The theme will be “Women in the Scriptures”. Time: 10.00am to 12.15pm including a cup of tea. Cost: €5.00 per session. All are welcome.
Invitation to Lenten Pilgrimage
Journey and pilgrimage are special parts of our faith tradition and this Lent Ossory Adult Faith Development is offering two pilgrimages.
The first, aimed at Parish Pastoral Councils, will act as an aid in encouraging people to reflect on their role within the parish and their serving on the Pastoral Council. This walk is by the River Barrow from St. Mullins to Graiguenamanagh with Evening Prayer in Duiske Abbey. Departing St Kieran's College by bus at 2.30pm on Sunday 27th March.
The second, aimed at people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, will be a chance to reflect on where we are going in life, our priorities and goals. This pilgrimage walk will be up Slievenamon on Sunday, 3rd April, departing from the Cross at the base of Slievenamon.
Those interested are asked to contact Ossory Adult Faith Development on 775 3624, email afd@ossory.ie or text 086 609 7483.
St. Patrick’s Day
This is the feast of our national and parish patron. Masses will follow the usual weekend schedule. The 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church will be bilingual.
Trócaire Fast Boxes
Please take a Trócaire Box home with you today and remember the world’s poor this Lent. For more information visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Children’s Liturgy Group
The Children’s Sunday 10.30am Mass will begin for Lent on Sunday 20th March. All children are welcome especially new comers! Participation by parents will be required and we would particularly welcome new ideas, new songs, even new musicians! Practice will take place in St Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday next at around 6.40pm (after the 6.15pm Mass).
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Jimmy Brennan, 6 Loughboy Park. Margaret Conway, Sligo. Francie Donnelly, Fatima Place. Fr. Phil O'Brien Hexam & Newcastle Diocese and late of Kells, Co. Kilkenny
Months Mind: Kathleen Maher (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15), Vincent Morrissey (Sat 7.00), Ciss Lafferty (Sun 9.30), Margaret McGrath (Sun 10.00), Mary & Michael Brannigan (Sun 11.00), John Dooley (Sun 12.00), Lizzy Ryan (Sun 12.30), Tom Manogue (Wed 9.30), Brigid Eardly (Thur 10.00), Gerry & Mary Coyne (Thur 12.00), Paddy Larkin, Eamon Muldowney, John Tynan.
Intentions for next weekend: Philomena Somers (Months Mind Sat 6.15), Chris Kenny (Sun 7.00), Kathleen Grace & Anastasia Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30), Bridie Carroll (Sun 10.00), Pat Delahunty (Sun 10.30), Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00) Michael McInerney (Sun 12.00), Andy Henderson (Sun 12.30).
Seniors’ Housing
A house has become vacant at St. Fiacre’s Gardens. Application forms will be available at the Parish Office from Tuesday next.
Revenue Charity Refund Scheme
Thanks to all who have returned completed Chy2 Certificates to enable us to reclaim some of the tax you contributed to the Revenue Commissioners last year. We appeal to all to return the completed certificates as soon as possible to enable us to submit our claim for 2010. Your kind cooperation with this scheme raised €42,814.95 for the parish last year.
“Words for Loss”
Kilkenny Bereavement Support is offering three talks during Lent on the area of loss, how it affects individuals and communities, how the bereaved can best cope with their loss, and how family, friends and neighbours can provide support to someone following a death. The talks will take place at 8.00pm in St. Patricks Parish Centre, Loughboy. 23rd March: “Bereavement and Loss”. 30th March: “Difficult Losses”. 6th April: “Being comfortable around one’s own loss and how to support others.”
For further information, contact Kilkenny Bereavement Support at 056 775 6538.
Novena to St. Joseph
The annual Mill Hill Missionaries Novena to St. Joseph continues until Saturday, 19th March – the Feast of St. Joseph. Novena Mass and Prayers each evening at 8.00pm in the Mill Hill Missionaries Chapel, St. Joseph’s, Waterford Road, Kilkenny.
Weekly Envelope Collection
Last week’s envelop collection: €1,410.00. The new envelope contribution packs are being prepared for distribution at the moment. Please advise the parish office if you didn’t receive envelopes last year and would like to contribute in this way. Thanks for your support.
Lenten Stations
This collection towards the incomes of the priests and bishop is due to be taken up this weekend. Please use the envelope in your contribution pack or any envelope marked “Stations”. Thanks for your generous support.
Parenting from the Inside Out
The Shane and Jim O’Neill Spring School is ongoing with the presentation on Tuesday 15th March entitled “Parenting from the Inside Out” This is a presentation that is particularly geared towards parents of children from 3 to 11 years of age. With humour, keen insight and proven experience, Dr. Heffernan breaks down the task of parenting into three straightforward jobs: Controlling Obnoxious Behaviour, Encouraging Good Behaviour, Strengthening your relationships. Discover how your silence can speak louder than your words – and enjoy your children again. Venue: Village Business Centre, Patrick Street (Over McDonalds). Date: Tuesday 15th March at 8.00pm. Presenter: Dr. Fergus Heffernan, with additional input from Mr. Richard Marnell, Youth and Adolescence Alcohol and Drugs Counsellor. Cost: €10; Booking 087 9277479 (booking essential).
Siamsoirí Kilkenny
This Irish traditional music fundraiser will take place in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on St. Patrick’s Day after the 10.30am Mass. Adults: €5, Students/Children: €3.00. All welcome to come and share our heritage.
Latin Mass
Traditional Latin Mass in honour of St. Joseph, Duiske Abbey, Graignamanagh, 2.00pm, Saturday, 19th March. Organised by St. Conleth's
Catholic Heritage Association.
Kilkenny Leader Partnership
Home, Health and Well Being course in Archer Street Centre, Loughboy. This 10 week course will commence on 21st March from 10am to 12am. Classes include: Cookery, Environmental Awareness, Basic DIY, Fashion and Beauty and Grow Your Own Vegetables. Course is free. Basic Welding Course for anyone on Social Welfare Payments. For more information or to register contact Connie on 086 771 8040 or Olivia on 086 501 972.
Art Classes
Art Classes continue in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. New Members Welcome. Contact Eamonn 086 334 5144.
Cabaret in Aid of Ceart
Come along to the Village Inn, Patrick Street, Kilkenny and be entertained by “Johnny Hillman” and Guests from 9.00pm, on March 16th
next. It promises to be a great night - Bring your family and friends to support Ceart, your local Rehabilitation Therapy Service. Tickets €5 - available at the door or 775 5757.
Loughboy Library
Chess Lessons for Teenagers will commence on Friday March 25th. Book your free place on 7794176. Exhibition Space now available due to cancellation. The Writers Circle are welcoming Dublin author Hugh Fitzgerald Ryan to their weekly meeting on Thursday march 24th at 2pm.
