'T'is for Tolerance
Believe it or not, Sesame Street has been around for 41 years. The ground-breaking children’s TV show is renowned for tackling controversial issues as diverse as disability, self image, different types of families, bereavement, and racial tolerance. So much so that other countries have begun to produce their own versions of the programme, complete with characters addressing local culture and concerns. The South African version of the show recently introduced its first HIV positive character, Kami, whose name means ‘acceptance’. The French version features wheelchair-bound Griotte, the Hebrew incarnation gives us Arab-Israeli Muslim character Mahboub, while closer to home the Northern Irish version features characters engaging in activities from both sides of the cultural divide, such as Gaelic games and drumming in an Orange march. For a programme aimed at pre-schoolers, it really does push boundaries.
Jesus knew all about pushing boundaries and transcending cultural stereotypes. His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well broke all sorts of religious and social taboos. And because he approached her with such sensitivity and acceptance, she found herself being completely honest with him. Overcome with the need to spread the word, she was so moved she left her water jar behind and hurried to tell others of her experience. This woman, shunned by others, ended up becoming an important witness to who Jesus was. A little understanding goes a long way – a simple gesture can lead to great things.
Triona Doherty
Pastoral Letters Still Available
Copies of recent Pastoral Letters are available at all churches in our parish. Bishop Séamus Freeman issued Renewal in the Springtime as a Lenten Pastoral to the people of the diocese. Towards Healing and Renewal is the title of the pastoral issued by the college of Irish Catholic Bishops.
Questions People Ask
Q. Years ago, during a retreat, I heard you explain how the Samaritan woman’s story represented the history of her race. Could you please refresh my memory.
A. The Samaritans were the survivors of the northern tribes who broke away from Judah (Jews) because of excessive taxation for the temple and the king. Their territory was taken over by the Assyrians who planted the land with five pagan tribes, each with their own religious worship. Elements of these religions eventually got absorbed into the Israelite religion, leaving the Samaritans with a seriously compromised faith. The Samaritan woman represented the five pagan religions by her five failed marriages, while her present cohabitation did not deserve the name of marriage, just as the pick-and-mix religion of her race did not deserve the name of worship.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Thomas Hayes, 93 Robertshill. Eamonn Hennessy, Glendine, Kilkenny. James Curran, Pococke Lower.
Months Mind: Ursula Maher (Sun 12.30)
Anniversaries: Paddy Tomney (Sat 6.15), Oliver Kelly (Sat 7.00), Mary Lawlor (Sun 9.30), Margaret Dunne (Sun 11.00), Jane, Henry & Paddy Glynn (Sun 12.00), Mary Delaney (Thurs 9.30), Deceased Members of the Carers Association (Thurs 10.30), Michael Slattery (Fri 6.15), Edward & Mary Teresa McDonald, Eileen Quigley, Jack & Kitty Murphy, Mary, Bill & Martin Costello, Rose Kenny, Bridget Della Maher, Patrick Bourke, James & Mary Nugent, Billy Connick, Peg McEvoy, Helen Quill, Paddy Slattery, Peter & Jimmy Browne.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15), William (Billy) Brennan (Sat 7.00), Denis Kavanagh (Sun 10.30), Dr WJ Phelan, Margaret Phelan & Moya Bligh (Sun 11.00), Charlie Blackmore (Sun 12.00), Bridget Lawlor (Sun 12.30).
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Foulkstown Cemetery
Following a fire in the waste disposal area of the cemetery on last Monday, we appeal to parishioners to keep a watchful eye for any suspicious activity taking place in the cemetery. In particular, if you notice anyone setting fires, dumping household or electrical waste or causing damage, take note of any car registration or, if known, any individual involved and inform the Parish Office or any of the priests who will pass on this information to the Environmental Enforcement Officers.
It is an offence to set fires in open or public places which carries a fine of €3,000 plus a court appearance for those convicted.
Foulkstown Cemetery waste facility is only for withered wreaths, flowers etc. taken from graves in the cemetery. It is not a facility for dumping household waste or other items. Please help the Cemetery Committee and parish maintain a clean, safe and respectable resting place for our loved ones.
Lenten Pilgrimage
Journey and Pilgrimage are special parts of our faith tradition. Ossory Adult Faith Development invites you to join in two pilgrimages:
This Sunday: A walk by the river Barrow from St. Mullins to Graiguenamanagh with Evening Prayer in the beautiful Duiske Abbey. Bus departing St Kieran’s College at 2.30pm on Sunday 27th March will take pilgrims to St. Mullins and later collect all in Graiguenamanagh before returning us to St Kieran’s by about 6.30/7.00pm. A nominal payment of €5 to help towards the cost of the bus is suggested but not necessary. Details on 086 609 7483.
Next Sunday: for all those in their 20s, 30s, 40s and above. Pilgrimage will take place on Slievenamon on Sunday 3rd April. Departing (2.30pm) from the Cross at the at the base of Slievenamon the group will walk to the summit taking the opportunity to reflect on the scenery and the world we look upon.
While booking is not essential intending pilgrims are asked to indicate interest by contacting Ossory Adult Faith Development 775 3624, email afd@ossory.ie or text 086 609 7483.
Searching for a Way Forward
Ossory Faith Development invite you to a talk entitled “The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light”: our search for that light today at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Thursday, 31st March at 8.00pm. Speaker is Fr. Dan Bollard, Thomastown. This talk, postponed because of the inclement weather in December, is one in a series dealing with issues facing our Church following the recently revealed abuse scandals. All are welcome.
First Saturday Devotion
Prayer and adoration will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday 2nd April from 7.00 to 9.00pm. All welcome.
Evening of Reflection for Lent
Dean’s Gate (Opposite St. Canice’s Church) at 7.30p.m. on Wed. 30th March, led by Sister Antoinette Dilworth. All Welcome.
Launch of New CD
The Cullinane Family from North Kilkenny will launch the single from their forthcoming CD of Christian Music during a concert at St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.00pm on next Sunday, 3rd April. The members of the family have being playing Christian music together for many years now and already have a number of professional recordings to their credit. Their most recent CD, Faith and Family, had to be repressed because of demand and the proceeds were donated to Boystown Orphanage, Lviv.
At next Sunday’s launch the Cullinane Family will be supported by a number of local choirs, groups and artistes. Admission is €5 and proceeds to the IHCPT Lourdes Fund. Come and enjoy an excellent concert and support a good cause.
Children’s Liturgy Group
The Children’s Sunday 10.30am Mass continues during Lent. All children are welcome especially new comers! Practice will take place in St Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday next at around 6.40pm (after the 6.15pm Mass). Please come along.
Youth Retreat
A Youth retreat organised by Youth 2000 will take place from the 8th to the 10th April in Good Counsel College, New Ross. Cost is a donation only (bring your sleeping bag). James @ 085 735 1210 or Anne @ 086 850 1533.
Mass for The Carers’ Association
Mass will be offered for the deceased members of this association at St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursday at 10.30am. Refreshments afterwards.
Ceart
Is chronic illness part of your life? Have you, or a family member, experienced pain, tiredness, stress, loss of mobility, fear for the future, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low self-confidence or isolation? A Self-Management course that helps you to deal with these symptoms and improve the quality of your daily life will take place on: Tuesdays April 12th , 19th , May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, Time: 10.00am - 12.30pm. Venue: Citizens Information Centre, The Parade. The course costs €60 and includes a 380 page manual ‘Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.’ For information contact Anne Cody 087 902 8534.
First Friday
The priests will visit the usual people on Friday. Contact 776 4400 to be included.
Bible Study
Bible course continues in the Parish Centre on Tuesdays. Time: 10.00am to 12.15pm.
Three Evenings of Prayer
Thomastown Parish Church at 7.30pm on:-
Tuesday, 5th April: ‘Christ Gathers Us’ led by Fr. Richard Scriven, Inistioge
Wednesday, 6th April: ‘Christ Gathers us to Listen to His Word’ led by Chris Kelly.
Thursday, 7th April: ‘Christ Calls us to Reconciliation’ led by Derek Dooley.
Weekly Envelope Collection
Last week’s envelope collection: €1,850.00.
Kilkenny Horticultural Society
Annual General Meeting in Club House Hotel on Wednesday, 30th March at 7.30pm. A Lecture on “General gardening and useful tips” will be given by P. Kealy. Plant sale, refreshments and raffle, free admission. All are welcome. Annual membership fee of €20 is due.
