I’ll believe that when I see it’ is a common reaction to any sort of positive suggestion these days. It was the default response to the promises made by all the candidates in the run-up to our general election earlier this year. Reform our health system? Reduce the dole queues? Cut politicians’ expenses and pensions? We’ll believe it when we see it! We don’t take anyone’s word for it anymore. Thomas certainly wasn’t willing to take the word of the other disciples when they said they had seen Jesus. He was understandably sceptical, as one tends to be when everything they had placed their hope in has been swept away. Unless he can see and touch his wounds, he will not believe that Jesus has made good on his promises to return. ‘Unless I see... I refuse to believe,’ states our doubting Thomas. I’ll believe it when I see it. We know what it’s like to have lost faith. Like Thomas, our trust has been shaken; like the disciples huddled in the room, we are in fear. We have lost faith in our political system, and many of us have also faith in our church. We are all at sea, afraid of what the future will bring. Jesus greets his disciples with the simple blessing: ‘Peace be with you’. In their fear and despair, he came and stood among them. May our troubled hearts know the peace and joy of encountering the risen Christ.
Triona Doherty.
Questions people ask
Why was there a delay of 40 days between the Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord?
According to the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus continued to show himself alive to them by many demonstrations, telling them about the kingdom of God. It was a period of transition from knowing Jesus by physical recognition to recognising him by faith. We too recognise his presence like the Emmaus disciples in the breaking of bread, like Mary Magdalene in being called by name, like Thomas in touching his wounds, and in the mission of divine forgiveness bestowed on the Church. ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for our Deceased Family & Friends
Recently Deceased: Ted O’Dwyer, 14 Hazel grove.
Months Mind: Andrew Delaney (Sat 6.15)
Anniversaries: Joseph Ayres (Sat 7.00), John Byrne (Sun 10.00), William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr, Ann O’Brien & Billy O’Brien (Sun 11.00), Joan Crotty (Tues 9.30), Mary Cantwell (Tues 10.30), Michael O’Hara, Martin & Elizabeth Brennan, Michael & Catherine Doherty, Patrick & Ellen Moran, Bridget Maher, William (Billy) Dwan, James Morris, Johnny Murphy, Patrick Browne, Mary & Jack Brennan
Intentions for next weekend: Gordon Deevy (Months Mind Sat 6.15), Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00), Marie Coyne (Months Mind Sun 9.30), Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00), Margaret Glynn (Months Mind Sun 10.30), Frank Cantwell (Months Mind Sun 11.00), Billy O’Brien (Sun 12.00), Gerry Carolan (Sun 12.30).
Divine Mercy
In honour of Divine Mercy. There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Friary Church on Sunday May 8th from 3 - 4pm.
Feast of the Divine Mercy Sunday May 1st. Celebration in the Friary Church from 2pm - 5pm.
Rosary
There will be rosary in the Grotto at Seville Lodge on Sunday at 3pm for the month of May.
All are welcome to attend this month devotion to our Lady.
Monthly Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady continues this Sunday May 1st at 3pm.
All are welcome.
Life in the Spirit Seminars
You are invited to ‘Life in the Spirit Seminars’ Healing Mass, every Tuesday 7.45pm. 3rd May, 10th may, 17th May, 24th may, 31st May, 7th June and 14th June. Guest Speakers. Church of Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer, Kilkenny
Eucharistic Ministers Rota
The new rota for the coming year is ready to be collected from the sacristies in St. Patrick’s, St. Fiacre's and Foulkstown Churches.
Please make sure that you have a rota so you will know the dates when you serve.
Items for inclusion in newsletter
We offer our apologies to those who have sent in items for inclusion in the newsletter by email, out email account is not working at present. Please contact the Parish Office if 056 7764400 if you would like anything included in the newsletter.
Anniversaries
We strive to include all anniversaries each week as requested by people but sometimes we make mistakes and errors/omissions occur. If we miss an anniversary that you submitted, please let us know and we will include it the following week.
If you have booked a particular mass, it is always good practice to remind the priest before mass in case there are omissions.
Please have names for inclusion into the office by Friday at the very latest, after this we cannot guarantee entry. Likewise, leaving anniversaries on altars, under sacristy doors etc can lead to them getting lost and causing upset. It is better to phone, post or drop them into the parish office.
Parish Centre Shop
Our parish shop is proving to be a great success with a wide variety of religious goods on sale. There are many items available for Confirmations and First Communions and items can usually be ordered.
Feel free to have a look and see.
Bank Holiday Monday
While the Easter celebrations may be behind us, we still have the May bank holiday this Monday. Please note that on Monday our only mass will be at 11am in St. Patrick’s.
On Tuesday, our mass schedule returns to normal.
Exposition
Due to popular demand, there will be exposition of the Blessed sacrament on Bank Holiday Monday in St. Fiacre’s commencing at 12 noon and continuing until 10pm. Those who normally attend please take note.
All are welcome to drop in and spend a few moments before the Lord.
Pope John Paul Beatification
This Sunday, May 1st will see the late Pope John Paul II beatified. This is a great occasion for our Church and shows the high regard our late pontiff.
If you would like to watch the ceremonies, RTE the national broadcaster will carry the event on television starting at 8.55am. Also EWTN, the Catholic television station on SKY will host the event live. It promises to be a memorable celebration.
Pope Quote
‘Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and Alleluia is our song.’ Pope John Paul II
Easter Offering For Priests
Sincere thanks to those who continue to support the priests of the parish in many different ways. Through prayers, participation and financially. We appreciate it. Thanks to all who supported us through the Easter contribution which goes towards the priests and bishops salary.
Some people have not yet received their contribution envelopes. We are working on this. If you are an envelope distributer and haven’t yet received envelopes to deliver, please contact the parish office. Many thanks for your continued support.
First Friday Visits
Friday is the first Friday of May and the priests of the parish will make their usual calls to the sick and housebound.
If you or someone you know would like to be included on this list of first Friday visits, please contact any of the priests to arrange a time.
Foulkstown Cemetery
The committee in Foulkstown are currently working away every Monday evening to keep the resting place of our loved ones in top shape. We are grateful to them for their commitment. We ask people to help the committee out by looking after family graves and removing withered wreaths etc to the waste area.
In the next few weeks the current waste area will be removed and alternative arrangements will be put in place. This will coincide with tighter security to combat illegal dumping that some people with no respect for the dead engage in. If you notice anyone dumping household or industrial waste in Foulkstown, take note of any registration etc. and we will deal with the matter. Thanks for your support in looking after our cemetery.
A Thought
Faith, culminating in self-surrender to God, leads us to the service of our fellow human beings. Living faith enables us to see the risen Lord in everyone and gives us the willingness to render to each one our loving service. ("Faith without good works is dead" James 2:17). It was this faith in the Lord and obedience to his missionary command that prompted St. Thomas to travel to India to preach the gospel among the Hindus, establish seven Christian communities (known later as "St. Thomas Christians"), and eventually face martyrdom. The Fathers of the Church prescribe the following traditional means to grow in the living and dynamic faith of St. Thomas the Apostle. a) We must come to know Jesus personally and intimately by the daily, meditative reading of the Bible.
Tell those away from home. St. Patrick’s newsletter is on our website.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Sunday, 24th April 2011
Happy Easter
The priests and members of the St. Patrick’s Parish Team wish all in our community a very happy Easter. May the blessings of the Lord’s resurrection give us new hope and strengthen our faith.
Holy Week Liturgies
Thanks to all who helped celebrate our Holy Week Liturgies. Many people worked away in the background while others came forward to help in the sanctuary. Thanks to all.
Thanks also to all who attended our Holy Week Liturgies. It was uplifting to join in prayer with so many like-minded people from within our community and beyond.
Easter Week in our Parish
Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each morning during the coming week. Please note: there will be no 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church and no 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.
There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Fiacre's Church on Easter Monday. There will be exposition in St. Patrick’s Church on next Friday from 11.00am to 1.00pm and from 4.00pm to 9.00pm. All are welcome.
Divine Mercy Pilgrimage to Knock
There will be a pilgrimage to Our Lady's Shrine at Knock on Sunday, 1st May to mark Divine Mercy Sunday. Chief Celebrant of Mass will be Bishop Seamus Freeman SAC, Bishop of Ossory. Mass begins at 3.00pm. Bus leaving the Parade, Kilkenny at 8.00am. Contact Murphy’s Boutique, High Street (056 772 1495) for further information and bookings. All are welcome.
Catholic Nurses Travel to Knock
There will be a pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock on Sunday, 7th May. For booking contact Ann on 056 772 2204. Organised by the Irish Catholic Nurses’ Guild. Departure: Bus leaving The Butt’s Green at 7.30am. All are welcome.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Roy Barry, 38 Larchfield. Funeral prayers at his home at 12.45pm on Monday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church. Requiem Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 2.00pm on Monday. Jim O’Neill, 3, Fr. Hayden Road. Funeral prayers at St. Luke’s Hospital Mortuary at 7.00pm on Sunday evening followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am on Monday. Burial will take place in Mullinarigal, Rosbercon. Sheila Lennon, Gregara, Jenkinstown. Requiem Mass at Jenkinstown Church at 11.00am on Monday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Dolores Martin, Walkin Street. Margaret (Grettie) Bennett, Loreto Avenue. Paul Butler, Portalington. Peadar Madden, Castlecomer. Rebecca Connolly, Drogheda.
Anniversaries: John Edward Kirwan Malone (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.00), Peter & Winifred DeLoughry (Mon 11.00), Mary O'Keeffe (Tues 11.00), Des Hehir (Wed 11am), Michael & Peggy Bourke, Patrick Skehan, Bridget Cantwell, Sr. Marguerite Cantwell, Noel O’Dwyer, Mary Crotty`. Martin Murphy, Paddy O’Hara. Thomas Fry, Noel Fry, Elizabeth Geoghegan.
Intentions for next weekend: Andrew Delaney (Sat 6.15, Month’s Mind), Joseph Ayres (Sat 7.00), John Byrne (Sun 10.00), William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr , Billy O’Brien & Ann O’Brien (Sun 11.00).
Chernobyl Anniversary
You are invited to attend ‘Light a Candle of Hope for Chernobyl’ to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the nuclear disaster at The Parade, Kilkenny at 8.00pm on Monday, 25th April.
Vocations in Ossory
Thinking about priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory. Why not? Find out more. Contact Fr. Willie Purcell, Vocations Director, St. Kieran’s College. Tel 056 777 0261 or email: ossoryvocdir@gmail.com.
IHCPT Lourdes Pilgrimage
Fr. Dan and a number of local volunteers head to Lourdes with the Irish Children’s Pilgrimage Trust very early on this Easter Sunday morning. The Trust raises money and brings young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. Adult helpers pay for themselves but agree to raise funds to provide for the young people. Fundraising is particularly difficult in these difficult times and the members of the local group would like to say a special thank you to those who supported our fundraisers so generously. Your contributions enabled us to reach our target once again.
2011 is a very special year as the Irish Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary of going to Lourdes. To mark the occasion the Irish group will organise and celebrate the Trust Mass on Thursday morning. Together with friends from the wider community of HCPT, over five thousand pilgrims will enjoy this unique experience. The celebration will be broadcast live on the internet at www.lourdes-france.com and we invite all to join with us. The theme for the 2011 pilgrimage will be Praying with Bernadette.
Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s
There will be a traditional Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Easter Sunday at 5.00pm. This group celebrates Mass in the traditional rite each Sunday afternoon at 5.00pm.
Questions people ask
Q. Why isn’t Easter celebrated the same weekend every year?
A. We celebrate the rising of Jesus not only as the happening of a single morning but as an event rooted in creation and history. The date of Easter is dictated by the cycle of the sun and moon, falling after the first full moon following the spring equinox. The Jewish Passover is celebrated around this time too. The Easter Vigil employs the four elements of life; fire (the source of light), air (in act in reading), earth (providing the fruits of bread and wine) and water baptism). Easter is a celebration of all creation.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Eucharistic Ministers Rota
The Eucharistic Ministers rota for the coming year will be available at all sacristies from Sunday, 1st May. Ministers are invited to call in a pick up a rota.
Trócaire Family Fast Box
Thanks to all who took and contributed to the Trócaire Family Fast boxes. These should now be returned to the church so that they contents may be forwarded to the Diocesan Office for transmission to Trocaire. We ask, where possible, that you convert coins into notes. Thanks.
True Witness
In each of the Gospels, Mary Magdalene is one of the first witnesses to the resurrection. She is the apostle to the apostles. She is the one who remained faithful to Jesus through his arrest, trial, and execution. We often think of her as the first person to ‘see’ the resurrected Jesus, but first she ‘hears’ Him. She sees with her ears and that is where her vocation becomes very clear. What love and what courage!
‘Risen Lord,
Shed you light on those who live in
the shadow of death
and warm the hearts of those who
have lost hope,
that they who daily bear the cross of hunger
may find your Promised Land,
and move from slavery to freedom.
As we proclaim your Easter song
help us to die to greed and rise to justice,
to abandon apathy and take up action,
that rich and poor together may travel the road to freedom,
and be restored to your resurrection and life.
Amen’. (Annabel Shilson-Thomas)
Jane Mellett
Bank Holiday Arrangements
The Parish Centre, Parish Office and Shop will be closed to the public on Bank Holiday Monday. These will reopen on Tuesday at 9.00am. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Stress Answer
On Wednesday 27th April RD Consult Educators in Mental health have there final night of their Spring Season with the above presentation. Ten minutes to learn, One minute to practice, Ten seconds to work. Imagine if you could radically reduce stress; increase your physical vitality, improve your quality of life. Now you can. Featuring helpful, easy to perform exercises that can be done just about anywhere. The Stress Answer gets to the heart of the problems that keep us from being our best selves, offering solutions that can be applied immediately and will last a lifetime. You will have the psychological tools you need to handle anything life throws your way. The Village Inn Business Centre, 8.00pm. Presented by Dr. Fergus Heffernan. €10. Booking 087 927 7479 (booking essential).
KLP Community Courses @ Loughboy
Cook It Programme: aims to teach people how to cook and eat healthily and on budget.
Fashion and Style: aims to look at what we have in our wardrobe and how we can make the most of our budgets.
Loughboy Men’s Group: We are looking for men to get more involved with their community.. To start this group off we are planning on having a Fry Up morning where men can come along and enjoy a breakfast with others.
Loughboy Women’s Group;. The group will be an opportunity to meet other women, take part in classes of the groups choice etc.
If you are interested in setting up /joining the Loughboy Women’s Group or any of the other groups please contact Connie McGee 086 771 8040 between Mon – Wed or leave a message.
Easter Humour
A school teacher had just finished telling her first class pupils about how Jesus was crucified and placed in a tomb with a great stone sealing the opening. Then, wanting to share the excitement of the resurrection, she asked: "And what do you think were Jesus’ first words when He came bursting out of that tomb alive?" A hand shot up into the air from the rear of the classroom. Attached to it was the arm of a little girl. Leaping out of her chair she shouted out excitedly "I know, I know!" "Good" said the teacher, "Tell us, what were Jesus first words." And extending her arms high into the air she said "TA-DA!"
Go For Life
Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) Workshops for Older Adults. Go for Life, in partnership with Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership (KRSP) and Carlow Sports Partnership will hold a series of workshops for older people who are interested in leading physical activities with members of their groups. The first 4 workshops will take place in The Watershed, Kilkenny over the month of May and the final 4 workshops will take place in Carlow in September/October. Contact KRSP on 056 772 0870 for more information.
The priests and members of the St. Patrick’s Parish Team wish all in our community a very happy Easter. May the blessings of the Lord’s resurrection give us new hope and strengthen our faith.
Holy Week Liturgies
Thanks to all who helped celebrate our Holy Week Liturgies. Many people worked away in the background while others came forward to help in the sanctuary. Thanks to all.
Thanks also to all who attended our Holy Week Liturgies. It was uplifting to join in prayer with so many like-minded people from within our community and beyond.
Easter Week in our Parish
Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each morning during the coming week. Please note: there will be no 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church and no 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.
There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Fiacre's Church on Easter Monday. There will be exposition in St. Patrick’s Church on next Friday from 11.00am to 1.00pm and from 4.00pm to 9.00pm. All are welcome.
Divine Mercy Pilgrimage to Knock
There will be a pilgrimage to Our Lady's Shrine at Knock on Sunday, 1st May to mark Divine Mercy Sunday. Chief Celebrant of Mass will be Bishop Seamus Freeman SAC, Bishop of Ossory. Mass begins at 3.00pm. Bus leaving the Parade, Kilkenny at 8.00am. Contact Murphy’s Boutique, High Street (056 772 1495) for further information and bookings. All are welcome.
Catholic Nurses Travel to Knock
There will be a pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock on Sunday, 7th May. For booking contact Ann on 056 772 2204. Organised by the Irish Catholic Nurses’ Guild. Departure: Bus leaving The Butt’s Green at 7.30am. All are welcome.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Roy Barry, 38 Larchfield. Funeral prayers at his home at 12.45pm on Monday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church. Requiem Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 2.00pm on Monday. Jim O’Neill, 3, Fr. Hayden Road. Funeral prayers at St. Luke’s Hospital Mortuary at 7.00pm on Sunday evening followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am on Monday. Burial will take place in Mullinarigal, Rosbercon. Sheila Lennon, Gregara, Jenkinstown. Requiem Mass at Jenkinstown Church at 11.00am on Monday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Dolores Martin, Walkin Street. Margaret (Grettie) Bennett, Loreto Avenue. Paul Butler, Portalington. Peadar Madden, Castlecomer. Rebecca Connolly, Drogheda.
Anniversaries: John Edward Kirwan Malone (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.00), Peter & Winifred DeLoughry (Mon 11.00), Mary O'Keeffe (Tues 11.00), Des Hehir (Wed 11am), Michael & Peggy Bourke, Patrick Skehan, Bridget Cantwell, Sr. Marguerite Cantwell, Noel O’Dwyer, Mary Crotty`. Martin Murphy, Paddy O’Hara. Thomas Fry, Noel Fry, Elizabeth Geoghegan.
Intentions for next weekend: Andrew Delaney (Sat 6.15, Month’s Mind), Joseph Ayres (Sat 7.00), John Byrne (Sun 10.00), William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr , Billy O’Brien & Ann O’Brien (Sun 11.00).
Chernobyl Anniversary
You are invited to attend ‘Light a Candle of Hope for Chernobyl’ to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the nuclear disaster at The Parade, Kilkenny at 8.00pm on Monday, 25th April.
Vocations in Ossory
Thinking about priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory. Why not? Find out more. Contact Fr. Willie Purcell, Vocations Director, St. Kieran’s College. Tel 056 777 0261 or email: ossoryvocdir@gmail.com.
IHCPT Lourdes Pilgrimage
Fr. Dan and a number of local volunteers head to Lourdes with the Irish Children’s Pilgrimage Trust very early on this Easter Sunday morning. The Trust raises money and brings young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. Adult helpers pay for themselves but agree to raise funds to provide for the young people. Fundraising is particularly difficult in these difficult times and the members of the local group would like to say a special thank you to those who supported our fundraisers so generously. Your contributions enabled us to reach our target once again.
2011 is a very special year as the Irish Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary of going to Lourdes. To mark the occasion the Irish group will organise and celebrate the Trust Mass on Thursday morning. Together with friends from the wider community of HCPT, over five thousand pilgrims will enjoy this unique experience. The celebration will be broadcast live on the internet at www.lourdes-france.com and we invite all to join with us. The theme for the 2011 pilgrimage will be Praying with Bernadette.
Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s
There will be a traditional Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Easter Sunday at 5.00pm. This group celebrates Mass in the traditional rite each Sunday afternoon at 5.00pm.
Questions people ask
Q. Why isn’t Easter celebrated the same weekend every year?
A. We celebrate the rising of Jesus not only as the happening of a single morning but as an event rooted in creation and history. The date of Easter is dictated by the cycle of the sun and moon, falling after the first full moon following the spring equinox. The Jewish Passover is celebrated around this time too. The Easter Vigil employs the four elements of life; fire (the source of light), air (in act in reading), earth (providing the fruits of bread and wine) and water baptism). Easter is a celebration of all creation.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Eucharistic Ministers Rota
The Eucharistic Ministers rota for the coming year will be available at all sacristies from Sunday, 1st May. Ministers are invited to call in a pick up a rota.
Trócaire Family Fast Box
Thanks to all who took and contributed to the Trócaire Family Fast boxes. These should now be returned to the church so that they contents may be forwarded to the Diocesan Office for transmission to Trocaire. We ask, where possible, that you convert coins into notes. Thanks.
True Witness
In each of the Gospels, Mary Magdalene is one of the first witnesses to the resurrection. She is the apostle to the apostles. She is the one who remained faithful to Jesus through his arrest, trial, and execution. We often think of her as the first person to ‘see’ the resurrected Jesus, but first she ‘hears’ Him. She sees with her ears and that is where her vocation becomes very clear. What love and what courage!
‘Risen Lord,
Shed you light on those who live in
the shadow of death
and warm the hearts of those who
have lost hope,
that they who daily bear the cross of hunger
may find your Promised Land,
and move from slavery to freedom.
As we proclaim your Easter song
help us to die to greed and rise to justice,
to abandon apathy and take up action,
that rich and poor together may travel the road to freedom,
and be restored to your resurrection and life.
Amen’. (Annabel Shilson-Thomas)
Jane Mellett
Bank Holiday Arrangements
The Parish Centre, Parish Office and Shop will be closed to the public on Bank Holiday Monday. These will reopen on Tuesday at 9.00am. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Stress Answer
On Wednesday 27th April RD Consult Educators in Mental health have there final night of their Spring Season with the above presentation. Ten minutes to learn, One minute to practice, Ten seconds to work. Imagine if you could radically reduce stress; increase your physical vitality, improve your quality of life. Now you can. Featuring helpful, easy to perform exercises that can be done just about anywhere. The Stress Answer gets to the heart of the problems that keep us from being our best selves, offering solutions that can be applied immediately and will last a lifetime. You will have the psychological tools you need to handle anything life throws your way. The Village Inn Business Centre, 8.00pm. Presented by Dr. Fergus Heffernan. €10. Booking 087 927 7479 (booking essential).
KLP Community Courses @ Loughboy
Cook It Programme: aims to teach people how to cook and eat healthily and on budget.
Fashion and Style: aims to look at what we have in our wardrobe and how we can make the most of our budgets.
Loughboy Men’s Group: We are looking for men to get more involved with their community.. To start this group off we are planning on having a Fry Up morning where men can come along and enjoy a breakfast with others.
Loughboy Women’s Group;. The group will be an opportunity to meet other women, take part in classes of the groups choice etc.
If you are interested in setting up /joining the Loughboy Women’s Group or any of the other groups please contact Connie McGee 086 771 8040 between Mon – Wed or leave a message.
Easter Humour
A school teacher had just finished telling her first class pupils about how Jesus was crucified and placed in a tomb with a great stone sealing the opening. Then, wanting to share the excitement of the resurrection, she asked: "And what do you think were Jesus’ first words when He came bursting out of that tomb alive?" A hand shot up into the air from the rear of the classroom. Attached to it was the arm of a little girl. Leaping out of her chair she shouted out excitedly "I know, I know!" "Good" said the teacher, "Tell us, what were Jesus first words." And extending her arms high into the air she said "TA-DA!"
Go For Life
Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) Workshops for Older Adults. Go for Life, in partnership with Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership (KRSP) and Carlow Sports Partnership will hold a series of workshops for older people who are interested in leading physical activities with members of their groups. The first 4 workshops will take place in The Watershed, Kilkenny over the month of May and the final 4 workshops will take place in Carlow in September/October. Contact KRSP on 056 772 0870 for more information.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Passion (Palm) Sunday, 17th April 2010
Taking up your cross
From triumph to agony. It’s a time where the Temple of the moneychangers is cleansed. A time where bread is broken, friendships betrayed and denied. Often we try to place ourselves in these scenes and wonder, what would I have done? Would I have run away, betrayed, kept awake, denied or stayed at the cross until the end? When we join a procession or a protest, (holding a palm branch or a placard), we are committed.
Nevertheless, we also enter the stories of our own Passion. We might want the long Gospel to be over quickly, but we must try not to miss the journey that this week offers us.
‘You have to incorporate your pain into yourself. This is what Jesus means when he asks you to take up your cross. He encourages you to recognize and embrace your unique suffering and to trust that your way to salvation lies therein. Taking up your cross means, first of all, befriending your wounds and letting them reveal to you your own truth.’ (Henry Nouwen) Jane Mellett
Questions People Ask
Q. What did Jesus suffer in the agony in Gethsemane?
A. The hypostatic union, the unity of divine and human natures in Jesus, is beyond our experience, yet on the ordinary human level we can understand his fear at the prospect of the suffering he was soon to undergo. He suffered in leaving his mother and in thinking of the sword of sorrow piercing her soul, as Simeon had predicted.
Traditional meditation books pictured all the filth of sin sweeping over him in a torrent. Deepest of all was the darkness of spirit he suffered in becoming sin, as St. Paul put it. The dark dereliction he suffered was that awful sense of alienation from God which is the ultimate pain of hell.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Society of St. Vincent De Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.
Holy Week Ceremonies
We appeal to all to make a special effort to join with our local Christian Community in celebrating Holy Week. We have a wide range of celebrations at various times in our parish and we invite you to come along. We particularly invite all to the Solemn Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. This should be the highlight of the year for those who believe that Christ died for our sins and rose again to save us from eternal damnation.
Diocesan Chrism Mass
The annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on next Wednesday, 20th April at 7.30pm. Sacred Oils, for use in the diocese during the coming year, will be consecrated during the liturgy. Bishop Séamus invites all to attend. At this Mass, the priests of the diocese gather and renew their priestly vows. Please come and join in prayer with and for your priests.
Extra Lenten Mass
Thanks to all who supported the extra 6.15pm Lenten weekday Mass at St. Fiacre's Church. This Mass was added to our schedule for your convenience during Lent. The final Mass in the series will be on Tuesday evening at 6.15pm.
Parish Centre Hours
The St. Patrick’s Parish Centre will be closed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Weekend including the Bank Holiday. Groups that use our facilities on these days are asked to take note.
The Parish Office will be closed on Holy Thursday & Good Friday and will reopen on Tuesday 26th April 2011.
The priests can always be contacted by dialling 056 776 4400 and following the auto prompts.
Congratulations
Happy Birthday and hearty congratulations to Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming, St. John of God Community who celebrates her 102nd birthday this weekend.
Holy Week Schedule
The schedule for Holy Week is printed on the front of this leaflet. Please keep for reference during the week ahead.
Parish Shop
A wide range of 1st Holy Communion gifts are available at the Parish Shop which is located in the Parish Centre. Also available are Confirmation and Baptismal items, candles and medals. Feel free to drop in and have a look around.
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band Beginners’ Class
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band are currently enrolling for a beginners’ class. Full tuition will be given by experienced tutors. Enrolment takes place on Monday and Thursday night at 8pm in the Band Headquarters in Coote's Lane (Beside the Village Inn).
The Band also has limited opening for experienced musicians, especially French Horn, Tenor Horn, or Trombone Players. This is a fantastic chance for any musician to work with a musical director and conduction of the calibre of Norman Cree.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Gretta Brett, Rioch Street. Jim Gibbons, Meath
Anniversaries: Michael & Mary Burke (Sat 6.15), Betty Byrne (Sat 7.00), Margaret Banahan (Sun 9.30), Joan Smithwick (Sun 10.00), Mary Glennon (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.30), Kate Coyne, Michael O’Reilly, William Maher, Geraldine Carroll, Mary Brennan, Patricia Walshe, Eamon O’Neill, Noel & Ann O’Dwyer, Annie Martin, Joe Cuddy.
Intentions Next Weekend: John Edward Kirwan-Malone (Sun 9.30), Eileen byrne (Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.00).
May they rest in peace.
Hearing Aid Found
An over-the-ear type hearing aid has been found at St. Fiacre’s Church. Further information at the Sacristy.
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
This Palm Sunday as we prepare to celebrate Holy Week we are asked by Trocaire to remember that our giving to those in the developing world is not an act of power but of solidarity and love. We give because it is the right and just thing to do. Support the Lenten campaign and ensure poor people have a chance to build a better life. For more information on the campaign visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Mini Marathon
The Carers’ Association Mini Marathon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2011 over a distance of 10km. Entry fee €12 by cheque or postal order only made payable to the Careers Association. Closing date 29th April 2011. Enquiries to: 056 772 1424 or email carerskilkenny@carerssireland.
Taize Prayer
The St. Patrick’s Parish Youth Choir will host a Taize prayer at St. Patrick’s Church on Good Friday at 8pm. We invite all people of all ages, particularly those who may have travelled to Taize in the past, to join us for worship and prayer around the cross.
Golf Classic
Kilkenny County Macra na Feirme are holding a Golf Classic in Callan Golf Club, Callan, on Saturday 21st May. Team of 3 (Mens, Ladies or Mixed) is €75. Tee times are from 2pm. Contact 085 810 7890 or golfclassic@ymail.com if you are interested.
Happy Birthday Pope Benedict
Pope Benedict XVI has received several greetings ahead of his birthday this weekend, including one from Queen Elizabeth II. The Holy Father turns 84 on this Saturday. The queen wrote, “On the occasion of your eighty fourth birthday, I have much pleasure in sending my warmest felicitations and prayers to Your Holiness, recalling with great fondness the memorable visit of Your Holiness to the United Kingdom. Elizabeth R.”
Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Patrick’s Church every Friday (except Good Friday) from 10.00am until 1.00pm and from 4.00pm until 9.00pm. On Holy Thursday after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Patrick’s Church the Blessed Sacrament will be on the altar of Repose in the Nun’s Chapel until 10pm. All adorers are welcome.
Good Friday Walk
The Kilkenny Gospel Choir is holding this year’s Good Friday Walk in remembrance of those whose lives have been touched by suicide and drug abuse. The walk will begin at 7.30 pm on Good Friday evening from St. John’s RC Church and end in St. Fiacre’s Church. Where a service will be held in support of all those affected by suicide and drug abuse. All are welcome to participate: feel free to join in at any point or meet the procession at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s Church
Palm Sunday Procession and Sung Latin Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church on this Sunday at 4.00pm. All are welcome.
Eucharistic Ministers
Abiding by diocesan rules a number of Eucharistic Ministers must retire this Easter. We thank you for your generous service to the Church and to St. Patrick’s Parish in particular. Your work has been appreciated. Well done.
Reflections for Easter
Palm Sunday Afternoon Reflection this Sunday at Mount St. Anne's, Killenard, Portarlington. 3pm - 6pm
An afternoon of prayer and reflection in preparation for Holy Week and Easter.
Presented by the Mount St. Anne's Team. No charge - donations welcome.
Easter Retreat - Wednesday 20th - Sunday 24th April, 2011
Prepare for Easter by taking time to reflect quietly and creatively on our journey with Jesus through His passion, death and resurrection. Begins with Supper on Wednesday and ends with Breakfast on Easter Sunday morning.
Facilitated by Fr. Micheál Murphy, Carlow and Sr. Róisín Gannon pbvm
Cost: 290 euro residential and 140 non-residential
An option of one or two day attendance is also available - 50 euro per day non-residential (meals included)
Also taking bookings for Sunday Lunch, Confirmation and First Holy Communion Lunches.
Enquiries to The Secretary: 057-8626153 or email: msannes@eircom.net
From triumph to agony. It’s a time where the Temple of the moneychangers is cleansed. A time where bread is broken, friendships betrayed and denied. Often we try to place ourselves in these scenes and wonder, what would I have done? Would I have run away, betrayed, kept awake, denied or stayed at the cross until the end? When we join a procession or a protest, (holding a palm branch or a placard), we are committed.
Nevertheless, we also enter the stories of our own Passion. We might want the long Gospel to be over quickly, but we must try not to miss the journey that this week offers us.
‘You have to incorporate your pain into yourself. This is what Jesus means when he asks you to take up your cross. He encourages you to recognize and embrace your unique suffering and to trust that your way to salvation lies therein. Taking up your cross means, first of all, befriending your wounds and letting them reveal to you your own truth.’ (Henry Nouwen) Jane Mellett
Questions People Ask
Q. What did Jesus suffer in the agony in Gethsemane?
A. The hypostatic union, the unity of divine and human natures in Jesus, is beyond our experience, yet on the ordinary human level we can understand his fear at the prospect of the suffering he was soon to undergo. He suffered in leaving his mother and in thinking of the sword of sorrow piercing her soul, as Simeon had predicted.
Traditional meditation books pictured all the filth of sin sweeping over him in a torrent. Deepest of all was the darkness of spirit he suffered in becoming sin, as St. Paul put it. The dark dereliction he suffered was that awful sense of alienation from God which is the ultimate pain of hell.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Society of St. Vincent De Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul collection will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.
Holy Week Ceremonies
We appeal to all to make a special effort to join with our local Christian Community in celebrating Holy Week. We have a wide range of celebrations at various times in our parish and we invite you to come along. We particularly invite all to the Solemn Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. This should be the highlight of the year for those who believe that Christ died for our sins and rose again to save us from eternal damnation.
Diocesan Chrism Mass
The annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on next Wednesday, 20th April at 7.30pm. Sacred Oils, for use in the diocese during the coming year, will be consecrated during the liturgy. Bishop Séamus invites all to attend. At this Mass, the priests of the diocese gather and renew their priestly vows. Please come and join in prayer with and for your priests.
Extra Lenten Mass
Thanks to all who supported the extra 6.15pm Lenten weekday Mass at St. Fiacre's Church. This Mass was added to our schedule for your convenience during Lent. The final Mass in the series will be on Tuesday evening at 6.15pm.
Parish Centre Hours
The St. Patrick’s Parish Centre will be closed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Weekend including the Bank Holiday. Groups that use our facilities on these days are asked to take note.
The Parish Office will be closed on Holy Thursday & Good Friday and will reopen on Tuesday 26th April 2011.
The priests can always be contacted by dialling 056 776 4400 and following the auto prompts.
Congratulations
Happy Birthday and hearty congratulations to Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming, St. John of God Community who celebrates her 102nd birthday this weekend.
Holy Week Schedule
The schedule for Holy Week is printed on the front of this leaflet. Please keep for reference during the week ahead.
Parish Shop
A wide range of 1st Holy Communion gifts are available at the Parish Shop which is located in the Parish Centre. Also available are Confirmation and Baptismal items, candles and medals. Feel free to drop in and have a look around.
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band Beginners’ Class
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band are currently enrolling for a beginners’ class. Full tuition will be given by experienced tutors. Enrolment takes place on Monday and Thursday night at 8pm in the Band Headquarters in Coote's Lane (Beside the Village Inn).
The Band also has limited opening for experienced musicians, especially French Horn, Tenor Horn, or Trombone Players. This is a fantastic chance for any musician to work with a musical director and conduction of the calibre of Norman Cree.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Gretta Brett, Rioch Street. Jim Gibbons, Meath
Anniversaries: Michael & Mary Burke (Sat 6.15), Betty Byrne (Sat 7.00), Margaret Banahan (Sun 9.30), Joan Smithwick (Sun 10.00), Mary Glennon (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.30), Kate Coyne, Michael O’Reilly, William Maher, Geraldine Carroll, Mary Brennan, Patricia Walshe, Eamon O’Neill, Noel & Ann O’Dwyer, Annie Martin, Joe Cuddy.
Intentions Next Weekend: John Edward Kirwan-Malone (Sun 9.30), Eileen byrne (Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.00).
May they rest in peace.
Hearing Aid Found
An over-the-ear type hearing aid has been found at St. Fiacre’s Church. Further information at the Sacristy.
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
This Palm Sunday as we prepare to celebrate Holy Week we are asked by Trocaire to remember that our giving to those in the developing world is not an act of power but of solidarity and love. We give because it is the right and just thing to do. Support the Lenten campaign and ensure poor people have a chance to build a better life. For more information on the campaign visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Mini Marathon
The Carers’ Association Mini Marathon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2011 over a distance of 10km. Entry fee €12 by cheque or postal order only made payable to the Careers Association. Closing date 29th April 2011. Enquiries to: 056 772 1424 or email carerskilkenny@carerssireland.
Taize Prayer
The St. Patrick’s Parish Youth Choir will host a Taize prayer at St. Patrick’s Church on Good Friday at 8pm. We invite all people of all ages, particularly those who may have travelled to Taize in the past, to join us for worship and prayer around the cross.
Golf Classic
Kilkenny County Macra na Feirme are holding a Golf Classic in Callan Golf Club, Callan, on Saturday 21st May. Team of 3 (Mens, Ladies or Mixed) is €75. Tee times are from 2pm. Contact 085 810 7890 or golfclassic@ymail.com if you are interested.
Happy Birthday Pope Benedict
Pope Benedict XVI has received several greetings ahead of his birthday this weekend, including one from Queen Elizabeth II. The Holy Father turns 84 on this Saturday. The queen wrote, “On the occasion of your eighty fourth birthday, I have much pleasure in sending my warmest felicitations and prayers to Your Holiness, recalling with great fondness the memorable visit of Your Holiness to the United Kingdom. Elizabeth R.”
Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Patrick’s Church every Friday (except Good Friday) from 10.00am until 1.00pm and from 4.00pm until 9.00pm. On Holy Thursday after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Patrick’s Church the Blessed Sacrament will be on the altar of Repose in the Nun’s Chapel until 10pm. All adorers are welcome.
Good Friday Walk
The Kilkenny Gospel Choir is holding this year’s Good Friday Walk in remembrance of those whose lives have been touched by suicide and drug abuse. The walk will begin at 7.30 pm on Good Friday evening from St. John’s RC Church and end in St. Fiacre’s Church. Where a service will be held in support of all those affected by suicide and drug abuse. All are welcome to participate: feel free to join in at any point or meet the procession at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s Church
Palm Sunday Procession and Sung Latin Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church on this Sunday at 4.00pm. All are welcome.
Eucharistic Ministers
Abiding by diocesan rules a number of Eucharistic Ministers must retire this Easter. We thank you for your generous service to the Church and to St. Patrick’s Parish in particular. Your work has been appreciated. Well done.
Reflections for Easter
Palm Sunday Afternoon Reflection this Sunday at Mount St. Anne's, Killenard, Portarlington. 3pm - 6pm
An afternoon of prayer and reflection in preparation for Holy Week and Easter.
Presented by the Mount St. Anne's Team. No charge - donations welcome.
Easter Retreat - Wednesday 20th - Sunday 24th April, 2011
Prepare for Easter by taking time to reflect quietly and creatively on our journey with Jesus through His passion, death and resurrection. Begins with Supper on Wednesday and ends with Breakfast on Easter Sunday morning.
Facilitated by Fr. Micheál Murphy, Carlow and Sr. Róisín Gannon pbvm
Cost: 290 euro residential and 140 non-residential
An option of one or two day attendance is also available - 50 euro per day non-residential (meals included)
Also taking bookings for Sunday Lunch, Confirmation and First Holy Communion Lunches.
Enquiries to The Secretary: 057-8626153 or email: msannes@eircom.net
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Fifth Sunday of Lent, 10th April, 2011
Parish Confirmation
Congratulations to 98 young people from schools within our parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Séamus Freeman on Saturday morning. We thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit on our young people and wish them well as they take their full place our Christian Community. Thanks to the parents, guardians, teachers and all involved in the schools and parish programmes who worked with the young people in preparation for the Sacrament.
Children’s Liturgy Group
The Children’s Sunday Mass (10.30am) continues at St. Fiacre’s Church during Lent. All children are welcome! Practice will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday, 6.40pm.
Do This In Memory
We look forward to the candidates for First Holy Communion participating in the Do This In Memory Programme at 10.30 and 11.00am Masses on next Sunday.
Extra Mass for Lent
Mass is celebrated at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on every weekday for Lent. It is encouraging to see a large congregation each day.
Scripture Course
Sr. De Lourdes continues a bible study in the Parish Centre on Tuesdays. The theme is “Women in the Scriptures”. Time: 10.00am to 12.15pm including a cup of tea. Cost €5.00. All welcome.
Trócaire Family Fast Box
On this fifth Sunday in Lent we pray for Trócaire's partners and missionaries in the poorest parts of the world. Their work ensures that the weakest and most vulnerable people are given a voice and hope for a better life. Trócaire's Lenten campaign raises money to support the work of these partners so that many more poor people can be helped. For more information on the campaign: www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Marie Coyne, 50 Larchfield. Requiem Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 12.00 noon on Sunday. Gordon Deevy, Castlegardens. Funeral prayers at his home at 6.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 2.00pm on Monday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Frank Cantwell, 22 Pinewood Avenue. Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 7.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Marie T Sweeney, late 4 John’s Quay. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Thursday at Foulkstown Church. Burial in the adjoining cemetery. Margaret Glynn, College Gardens. Joanna Purcell, 72 Aylesbury Place. Francis Creegan, Dublin.
Anniversaries: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15), William Morris (Sun 9.30), Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Pierce Anthony Grace (Sun 11.00), Sheila Keaney (Sun 12.00), Dick Keating (Sun 12.30). Michael O’Reilly (Tue 9.30), Marie Phelan (Tue 10.30), Tobias Butler (Wed 10.30), Eileen Mullins-Lanigan (Thur 10.30), Patrick O’Donoghue (Fri 10.30), Annie Connick, Arthur Connick, Elizabeth McGrath, Christina Walsh, Anne O’Dwyer , John & Mary Conway, Paddy Cahill, Johnny Cullen, Mary & Kate Mullally, Jim Doheny, Michael Kenny, Patricia Rogers, William Nugent, Maisie Kehoe, Kathleen Esmonde
Intentions for next weekend: Michael & Mary Burke (Sat 6.15), Betty Byrne (Sat 7.00), Margaret Banahan (Sun 9.30), Joan Smithwick (Sun 10.00).
World Youth Day 2011
Young people from the Diocese of Ossory are invited to attend World Youth Day in Madrid in August 2011. Pope Benedict XVI extended the invitation at the end of the WYD celebration in Sydney in 2008. If you are 18 years or older on the 1st August 2011 and would like to be part of this world wide pilgrimage please telephone Fr. Richard Scriven at 087 242 0033 or email him on rscriven2009@gmail.com.
Contribution Envelopes
A sincere thank you to all who contribute to our parish and clergy through the envelope packs and standing orders. Using this system helps us record your contributions and, in many cases, enables us to recover tax paid on your donations. New envelopes are being distributed at present and most contributing families will have received a pack in time for this weekend. Please contact the Parish Office if you did not receive the envelopes packs in recent years and would like to do so at this stage.
Remembrance Service for Babies
The Maternity Department at St. Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow/Kilkenny has organised a Remembrance Ceremony for families who have suffered a pregnancy loss through stillbirth or miscarriage. The service is being held at St. Fiacre's Church on Tuesday, 12th April at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
Divine Mercy
In honour of Divine Mercy there will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Friary Church on Sunday, 10th April from 3.00 - 4.00pm. Please come.
Latin Sung Mass
There will be a traditional Latin Sung Mass with procession at St. Patrick’s Church at 4.00pm on Palm Sunday.
The Passion of the Christ
This film will be shown in the Danesfort Community Centre on Tuesday, 19th April at 8.00pm. It gives a very powerful visual account of the sufferings of Jesus before his death. Admission €5. Under 15s must have parental supervision.
Bangers & Mash Lunch for Amber
Amber Women’s Refuge Project is holding a Bangers & Mash Lunch in The Aspect Hotel (Woodie’s Retail Park) on Thursday, 14th April from 12.30pm until 2.30pm. Donation €10.00. This venture gives the opportunity to have a quick lunch in a lovely environment.
Al-Anon & Alateen
Al-Anon & Alateen provide hope for families and friends of problem drinkers. Phone helpline: 01 873 2699. Meetings in Kilkenny: Mill Hill Missionaries, St. Joseph’s Waterford Road; Tuesdays at 8.30pm. Kilkenny Social Services, Waterford Road; Wednesdays at 12.30pm. St. John’s Hall, St. John’s Church, Dublin Road; Fridays at 8.15pm.
Short Courses
Kilkenny Campus at St Kieran’s College has new afternoon and evening courses in Archaeology, Chinese Philosophy and American Literature, beginning after Easter. Courses run for 6 weeks and cost €100. Phone 777 5910 or www.nuim.ie/kilkenny. Closing date for applications 20th April.
The Kilkenny Choir Concert
On Sunday 17th April - Palm Sunday - at 8pm in St. Canice’s Cathedral The Kilkenny Choir sing Bach’s Credo from the B minor Mass and Cantata 56 and Handel’s Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day and Coronation Anthem No. 3 with professional soloists and orchestra. Conducted by Philip Edmondson and Karl Rochford. Tickets at the door €20/€15.
James Stephen’s Camogie Club
Training will commence on Monday, 11th April for U-8 and U-10 at Nuncio Road playing field. Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm. All are welcome. If you have not already registered you can do so on the night. Cost €25.00.
Any queries contact Rita on 086 203 1623.
James Stephen’s Juvenile Hurling
Well done to the Village ‘A’ panel on defeating Erin’s Own in a hard-fought encounter in last week’s U16 league. We wish Dylan Drennan, who fractured his collar bone in the game, a speedy recovery.
Best wishes to the U-14 panel who compete in the Paddy Grace Feile Na nGael on Saturday, 16th April. Well done to our parishioners who were part of the recent successful St. Kieran’s College Teams.
Variety Concert for Charity
A Variety Concert will take place on Thursday, 14th April in the Set Theatre in aid of locally-based African charity, Kilimanjaro Direct.
This charity has done some marvellous work in the East African country of Tanzania, and is currently making great progress in its biggest project to date, the building of a new school in a remote area in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Providing the entertainment will be Guitarist Mark Anthony McGrath, Soprano Deirdre Gannon, Harmony guitar duo Harmonista (aka Mulvey brothers), Soloists Aisling Curtis, Emmeliene Farrell and Sophie Knox-Khan and the choirs of St. Brigid’s College, Callan and Gaelscoil Osraí.
The admission is €5 with all proceeds going to the Kilimanjaro Direct school building fund. All are welcome, with tickets available from the Set (telephone 776 5133) or on-line at www.set.ie. Doors open 7.30 for Concert at 8.00pm.
A great night’s entertainment is guaranteed, and the organisers are hoping for a full house which would be greatly appreciated.
Easter Flower Arrangements
Kilkenny Flower Club will meet in Butler House Thursday 14th April at 8.00pm. Easter Demonstration by Maura Donnelly.
Non-members welcome too.
Weekly Envelope Collection
Last week’s envelope collection: €1,050. Standing Order income for March: €4,286.97. Thanks to all who contribute.
MA in Christian Leadership
Mary Immaculate College is offering a new professional qualification programme entitled MA in Christian Leadership in Education. This two year programme, which will commence in June 2011, will lead to a professional qualification with a strong theology component for those working in the second-level education sector such as school principals, members of boards of management, members of the trusts established by the various denominational bodies in Ireland. Deadline for completed applications is April 29th, 2011. For further information contact the Admissions Office on 061 204 348 or email admissions@mic.ul.ie
Looking for a career in Elder care?
FETAC Level 5 Safety & Health at Work & FETAC Level 5 Palliative Care Support Commencing first week of May. Places limited. Funding may be available if you are in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment or employed. For further details please contact Vision Training 059 914 2208.
Congratulations to 98 young people from schools within our parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Séamus Freeman on Saturday morning. We thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit on our young people and wish them well as they take their full place our Christian Community. Thanks to the parents, guardians, teachers and all involved in the schools and parish programmes who worked with the young people in preparation for the Sacrament.
Children’s Liturgy Group
The Children’s Sunday Mass (10.30am) continues at St. Fiacre’s Church during Lent. All children are welcome! Practice will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday, 6.40pm.
Do This In Memory
We look forward to the candidates for First Holy Communion participating in the Do This In Memory Programme at 10.30 and 11.00am Masses on next Sunday.
Extra Mass for Lent
Mass is celebrated at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on every weekday for Lent. It is encouraging to see a large congregation each day.
Scripture Course
Sr. De Lourdes continues a bible study in the Parish Centre on Tuesdays. The theme is “Women in the Scriptures”. Time: 10.00am to 12.15pm including a cup of tea. Cost €5.00. All welcome.
Trócaire Family Fast Box
On this fifth Sunday in Lent we pray for Trócaire's partners and missionaries in the poorest parts of the world. Their work ensures that the weakest and most vulnerable people are given a voice and hope for a better life. Trócaire's Lenten campaign raises money to support the work of these partners so that many more poor people can be helped. For more information on the campaign: www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Marie Coyne, 50 Larchfield. Requiem Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 12.00 noon on Sunday. Gordon Deevy, Castlegardens. Funeral prayers at his home at 6.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 2.00pm on Monday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Frank Cantwell, 22 Pinewood Avenue. Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 7.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Marie T Sweeney, late 4 John’s Quay. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Thursday at Foulkstown Church. Burial in the adjoining cemetery. Margaret Glynn, College Gardens. Joanna Purcell, 72 Aylesbury Place. Francis Creegan, Dublin.
Anniversaries: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15), William Morris (Sun 9.30), Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Pierce Anthony Grace (Sun 11.00), Sheila Keaney (Sun 12.00), Dick Keating (Sun 12.30). Michael O’Reilly (Tue 9.30), Marie Phelan (Tue 10.30), Tobias Butler (Wed 10.30), Eileen Mullins-Lanigan (Thur 10.30), Patrick O’Donoghue (Fri 10.30), Annie Connick, Arthur Connick, Elizabeth McGrath, Christina Walsh, Anne O’Dwyer , John & Mary Conway, Paddy Cahill, Johnny Cullen, Mary & Kate Mullally, Jim Doheny, Michael Kenny, Patricia Rogers, William Nugent, Maisie Kehoe, Kathleen Esmonde
Intentions for next weekend: Michael & Mary Burke (Sat 6.15), Betty Byrne (Sat 7.00), Margaret Banahan (Sun 9.30), Joan Smithwick (Sun 10.00).
World Youth Day 2011
Young people from the Diocese of Ossory are invited to attend World Youth Day in Madrid in August 2011. Pope Benedict XVI extended the invitation at the end of the WYD celebration in Sydney in 2008. If you are 18 years or older on the 1st August 2011 and would like to be part of this world wide pilgrimage please telephone Fr. Richard Scriven at 087 242 0033 or email him on rscriven2009@gmail.com.
Contribution Envelopes
A sincere thank you to all who contribute to our parish and clergy through the envelope packs and standing orders. Using this system helps us record your contributions and, in many cases, enables us to recover tax paid on your donations. New envelopes are being distributed at present and most contributing families will have received a pack in time for this weekend. Please contact the Parish Office if you did not receive the envelopes packs in recent years and would like to do so at this stage.
Remembrance Service for Babies
The Maternity Department at St. Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow/Kilkenny has organised a Remembrance Ceremony for families who have suffered a pregnancy loss through stillbirth or miscarriage. The service is being held at St. Fiacre's Church on Tuesday, 12th April at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
Divine Mercy
In honour of Divine Mercy there will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Friary Church on Sunday, 10th April from 3.00 - 4.00pm. Please come.
Latin Sung Mass
There will be a traditional Latin Sung Mass with procession at St. Patrick’s Church at 4.00pm on Palm Sunday.
The Passion of the Christ
This film will be shown in the Danesfort Community Centre on Tuesday, 19th April at 8.00pm. It gives a very powerful visual account of the sufferings of Jesus before his death. Admission €5. Under 15s must have parental supervision.
Bangers & Mash Lunch for Amber
Amber Women’s Refuge Project is holding a Bangers & Mash Lunch in The Aspect Hotel (Woodie’s Retail Park) on Thursday, 14th April from 12.30pm until 2.30pm. Donation €10.00. This venture gives the opportunity to have a quick lunch in a lovely environment.
Al-Anon & Alateen
Al-Anon & Alateen provide hope for families and friends of problem drinkers. Phone helpline: 01 873 2699. Meetings in Kilkenny: Mill Hill Missionaries, St. Joseph’s Waterford Road; Tuesdays at 8.30pm. Kilkenny Social Services, Waterford Road; Wednesdays at 12.30pm. St. John’s Hall, St. John’s Church, Dublin Road; Fridays at 8.15pm.
Short Courses
Kilkenny Campus at St Kieran’s College has new afternoon and evening courses in Archaeology, Chinese Philosophy and American Literature, beginning after Easter. Courses run for 6 weeks and cost €100. Phone 777 5910 or www.nuim.ie/kilkenny. Closing date for applications 20th April.
The Kilkenny Choir Concert
On Sunday 17th April - Palm Sunday - at 8pm in St. Canice’s Cathedral The Kilkenny Choir sing Bach’s Credo from the B minor Mass and Cantata 56 and Handel’s Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day and Coronation Anthem No. 3 with professional soloists and orchestra. Conducted by Philip Edmondson and Karl Rochford. Tickets at the door €20/€15.
James Stephen’s Camogie Club
Training will commence on Monday, 11th April for U-8 and U-10 at Nuncio Road playing field. Time: 6.30 - 8.00pm. All are welcome. If you have not already registered you can do so on the night. Cost €25.00.
Any queries contact Rita on 086 203 1623.
James Stephen’s Juvenile Hurling
Well done to the Village ‘A’ panel on defeating Erin’s Own in a hard-fought encounter in last week’s U16 league. We wish Dylan Drennan, who fractured his collar bone in the game, a speedy recovery.
Best wishes to the U-14 panel who compete in the Paddy Grace Feile Na nGael on Saturday, 16th April. Well done to our parishioners who were part of the recent successful St. Kieran’s College Teams.
Variety Concert for Charity
A Variety Concert will take place on Thursday, 14th April in the Set Theatre in aid of locally-based African charity, Kilimanjaro Direct.
This charity has done some marvellous work in the East African country of Tanzania, and is currently making great progress in its biggest project to date, the building of a new school in a remote area in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Providing the entertainment will be Guitarist Mark Anthony McGrath, Soprano Deirdre Gannon, Harmony guitar duo Harmonista (aka Mulvey brothers), Soloists Aisling Curtis, Emmeliene Farrell and Sophie Knox-Khan and the choirs of St. Brigid’s College, Callan and Gaelscoil Osraí.
The admission is €5 with all proceeds going to the Kilimanjaro Direct school building fund. All are welcome, with tickets available from the Set (telephone 776 5133) or on-line at www.set.ie. Doors open 7.30 for Concert at 8.00pm.
A great night’s entertainment is guaranteed, and the organisers are hoping for a full house which would be greatly appreciated.
Easter Flower Arrangements
Kilkenny Flower Club will meet in Butler House Thursday 14th April at 8.00pm. Easter Demonstration by Maura Donnelly.
Non-members welcome too.
Weekly Envelope Collection
Last week’s envelope collection: €1,050. Standing Order income for March: €4,286.97. Thanks to all who contribute.
MA in Christian Leadership
Mary Immaculate College is offering a new professional qualification programme entitled MA in Christian Leadership in Education. This two year programme, which will commence in June 2011, will lead to a professional qualification with a strong theology component for those working in the second-level education sector such as school principals, members of boards of management, members of the trusts established by the various denominational bodies in Ireland. Deadline for completed applications is April 29th, 2011. For further information contact the Admissions Office on 061 204 348 or email admissions@mic.ul.ie
Looking for a career in Elder care?
FETAC Level 5 Safety & Health at Work & FETAC Level 5 Palliative Care Support Commencing first week of May. Places limited. Funding may be available if you are in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment or employed. For further details please contact Vision Training 059 914 2208.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Fourth Sunday of Lent, 3rd April, 2011
Live as Children of Light
We associate darkness with the negative, and indeed this has caused much prejudice in our world. But light can also be terrifying, blinding, and dangerous. A street child in India once greeted me with the words, ‘Black is beauty, white is danger’. Could I disagree with him? No. This brings me to Lent. How is it going? How is that long hard look at our relationships with the world going? The Second Reading calls us to live in the light. Living in the light is not only about being happy but committing oneself to justice and compassion for all human beings. Instead of hiding ourselves and hiding injustices, we first realise that we are children of light. Then, we must recognise that light bears fruit and that fruit is goodness, justice and truth. As the saying goes, ‘better to light a candle than blame the darkness but that candle will always have to give of itself in order to give light.
Jane Mellett
Do you want to garden?
Our parish gardening group is looking for new members. The group takes responsibility for the grounds around the Parish Centre and do a wonderful job managing to win a prize for their efforts last year. No expertise is required: just an interest in gardening and a willing pair of hands will suffice. The group will meet at the Parish Centre at 7.00pm on Monday evening.
Just a Thought
My face in the mirror isn't wrinkled or drawn.
My house isn't dirty, the cobwebs are gone.
My garden looks lovely, and so does my lawn.
I think I might never put my glasses back on.
Public Rosary
The monthly rosary on the First Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues on this Sunday, 3rd April at 3pm. All welcome.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Liam Renehan, ‘Ashboro’ Drakelands. Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 2.00pm on Monday. Andrew Delaney, Pinewood Avenue. Kathleen Reilly. Gerard (Gerry) Fagan. Fr. Edmund Prendergast MHM, Roscommon and late of Kilkenny. Con Davis, Maudlin Street. Joe Webster, Urlingford.
Anniversaries: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15), William (Billy) Brennan (Sat 7.00), Laurence O’Donoghue (Sun 9.30), Denis Kavanagh (Sun 10.30), Dr. WJ & Margaret Phelan & Moya Bligh (Sun 11.00), Charlie Blackmore (Sun 12.00), Bridget Lawlor (Sun 12.30), Michael Malone (Thurs 6.15), Sheila (Daisy) Ramsbottom (Fri 9.30), Michael & Patrick Massey, Eileen Byrne, John Jack Dowling, Ellen & Alan Kelly.
Intentions for next weekend: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15), William Morris (Sun 9.30), Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Pierce Anthony Grace (Sun 11.00), Sheila Keaney (Sun 12.00), Dick Keating (Sun 12.30).
Parish Confirmation
Bishop Séamus Freeman will join us on next Saturday morning to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. The ceremony begins at 11.00am and, because of the numbers involved, will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Pupils from St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, St. John of God Girls’ School, St. Patrick’s Special School and Kilkenny School Project will receive the sacrament. Please pray for the candidates during the coming week.
Christian/Gospel Music Concert
St. Fiacre’s Church will play host to a concert of Christian music at 7.00pm on this Sunday, 3rd April. The event will raise funds to help young people with special needs and will feature The Cullinanes, a popular musical family from North Kilkenny. The combined folk choirs from St. Patrick’s Parish, Danesfort Children's’ Choir and Castlecomer Life in the Spirit Group and other guests will provide support. Admission is only €5. Please support.
Contribution Envelopes
A sincere thank you to all who contribute to our parish and clergy through the numbered envelope packs and standing orders. Using this system helps us record your contributions and, in many cases, enables us to recover tax paid on your donations. New sets of envelopes are being distributed at present and you should get yours within the next few days. Please contact the Parish Office if you did not receive the envelopes packs in recent years and would like to do so at this stage.
We are also in need of volunteers to deliver the contribution packs in some areas, especially the newer housing estates. A call to the Parish Office offering help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Westcourt News
The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 4th April at 7.30pm.
World Youth Day 2011
Young people from the Diocese of Ossory are invited to attend World Youth Day in Madrid in August 2011. Pope Benedict XVI extended the invitation at the end of the WYD celebration in Sydney in 2008. If you are 18 years or older on the 1st August 2011 and would like to be part of this world wide pilgrimage please telephone Fr. Richard Scriven at 087 242 0033 or email him on rscriven2009@gmail.com. More information on www.madrid11.com/en
Lenten Pilgrimage
Last weekend’s pilgrimage along the banks of the River Barrow was a wonderful success and people returned home in good spirits. (See www.ossory.ie for reports and photographs).
A similar pilgrimage will take place on Slievenamon on this Sunday, 3rd April. Departing (2.30pm) from the Cross 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.
Indicate your interest by texting 086 609 7483.
Children’s Liturgy Group
The Children’s Sunday Mass (10.30am) continues at St. Fiacre’s Church during Lent. All children are welcome! Practice will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday, 6.40pm.
Thursday Healing Service
The fortnightly healing service will be held at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Thursday at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
Remembrance Service for Babies
The Maternity Department of St. Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow/Kilkenny has organised a Remembrance Ceremony for families who have suffered a pregnancy loss through stillbirth or miscarriage. The service is being held at St. Fiacre's Church on Tuesday, 12th April at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
Evenings of Prayer in Thomastown
Thomastown Parish Church hosts three evenings of prayer 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: €1,510. Thanks to all who contribute.
Vocations Awareness Evening
A Vocations Awareness Evening of prayer and a workshop led by Fr. Willie Purcell, Vocations Director will take place in Mooncoin Parish on the 8th and 9th April. Taize prayer and adoration will take place in the Parish Church, Mooncoin on Friday, 8th April beginning at 7.30pm. A workshop on fostering vocations to the priesthood in our diocese will take place on Saturday, 9th April beginning at 11.00am. All are invited to these two days of reflection on how we can as parishes foster vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory.
Al-Anon & Alateen
Al-Anon & Alateen provide hope for families and friends of problem drinkers. Phone helpline for local details 01 873 2699. Meetings in Kilkenny: Mill Hill Missionaries, St. Joseph’s Waterford Road; Tuesdays at 8.30pm. Kilkenny Social Services, Waterford Road; Wednesdays at 12.30pm. St. John’s Hall, St. John’s Church, Dublin Rd; Fridays at 8.15pm. Visit www.al-anon-ireland.org.
Pope John Paul II
This weekend marks the sixth anniversary of the death of the late Pope John Paul II (2nd April 2005). The late Pope will be beatified on the Feast of Divine Mercy, 1st May 2011.
Dochas Nasamu
An Irish run and Irish built orphanage, in Nairobi, Kenya, is holding a used clothing appeal for ladies, gents and children’s clothes, shoes, household linens, i.e. towels, sheets, blankets etc. Also, soft toys. Drop off outside St. Patrick’s Parish Centre before noon on Thursday, 7th April. Contact Marie on 087 689 0995.
Bangers & Mash Lunch for Amber
Amber Women’s Refuge Project is holding a Bangers & Mash Lunch in The Aspect Hotel (Woodie’s Retail Park) on Thursday, 14th April from 12.30pm until 2.30pm. Donation €10.00. This venture gives the opportunity to have a quick lunch in a lovely environment.
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
On this fourth Sunday in Lent we think of vulnerable mothers overseas who are raising their children against the odds. The inequalities that women and girls face all over the developing world condemn them to a future of poverty. By supporting Trócaire's Lenten campaign you can help them look forward to a better future. For more information on the campaign visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Questions People Ask
Q. Somebody at a prayer meeting said that a person who lives a sinful life will be punished by God with all sorts of bad luck. Is that correct?
A. That idea is there in the early Old Testament but it is certainly not the mind of Jesus Christ. There has been a development of doctrine in the meantime. In today’s Gospel Jesus dismissed the claim that a man’s blindness was because of sin on his own part or by his parents. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of God’s love for all people, sinner as well as saint, causing his rain to fall and sun to shine on all, without discrimination. God’s love for all his creatures is never vindictive, even when people live sinful lives.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
We associate darkness with the negative, and indeed this has caused much prejudice in our world. But light can also be terrifying, blinding, and dangerous. A street child in India once greeted me with the words, ‘Black is beauty, white is danger’. Could I disagree with him? No. This brings me to Lent. How is it going? How is that long hard look at our relationships with the world going? The Second Reading calls us to live in the light. Living in the light is not only about being happy but committing oneself to justice and compassion for all human beings. Instead of hiding ourselves and hiding injustices, we first realise that we are children of light. Then, we must recognise that light bears fruit and that fruit is goodness, justice and truth. As the saying goes, ‘better to light a candle than blame the darkness but that candle will always have to give of itself in order to give light.
Jane Mellett
Do you want to garden?
Our parish gardening group is looking for new members. The group takes responsibility for the grounds around the Parish Centre and do a wonderful job managing to win a prize for their efforts last year. No expertise is required: just an interest in gardening and a willing pair of hands will suffice. The group will meet at the Parish Centre at 7.00pm on Monday evening.
Just a Thought
My face in the mirror isn't wrinkled or drawn.
My house isn't dirty, the cobwebs are gone.
My garden looks lovely, and so does my lawn.
I think I might never put my glasses back on.
Public Rosary
The monthly rosary on the First Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues on this Sunday, 3rd April at 3pm. All welcome.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Liam Renehan, ‘Ashboro’ Drakelands. Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 2.00pm on Monday. Andrew Delaney, Pinewood Avenue. Kathleen Reilly. Gerard (Gerry) Fagan. Fr. Edmund Prendergast MHM, Roscommon and late of Kilkenny. Con Davis, Maudlin Street. Joe Webster, Urlingford.
Anniversaries: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15), William (Billy) Brennan (Sat 7.00), Laurence O’Donoghue (Sun 9.30), Denis Kavanagh (Sun 10.30), Dr. WJ & Margaret Phelan & Moya Bligh (Sun 11.00), Charlie Blackmore (Sun 12.00), Bridget Lawlor (Sun 12.30), Michael Malone (Thurs 6.15), Sheila (Daisy) Ramsbottom (Fri 9.30), Michael & Patrick Massey, Eileen Byrne, John Jack Dowling, Ellen & Alan Kelly.
Intentions for next weekend: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15), William Morris (Sun 9.30), Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Pierce Anthony Grace (Sun 11.00), Sheila Keaney (Sun 12.00), Dick Keating (Sun 12.30).
Parish Confirmation
Bishop Séamus Freeman will join us on next Saturday morning to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. The ceremony begins at 11.00am and, because of the numbers involved, will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Pupils from St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, St. John of God Girls’ School, St. Patrick’s Special School and Kilkenny School Project will receive the sacrament. Please pray for the candidates during the coming week.
Christian/Gospel Music Concert
St. Fiacre’s Church will play host to a concert of Christian music at 7.00pm on this Sunday, 3rd April. The event will raise funds to help young people with special needs and will feature The Cullinanes, a popular musical family from North Kilkenny. The combined folk choirs from St. Patrick’s Parish, Danesfort Children's’ Choir and Castlecomer Life in the Spirit Group and other guests will provide support. Admission is only €5. Please support.
Contribution Envelopes
A sincere thank you to all who contribute to our parish and clergy through the numbered envelope packs and standing orders. Using this system helps us record your contributions and, in many cases, enables us to recover tax paid on your donations. New sets of envelopes are being distributed at present and you should get yours within the next few days. Please contact the Parish Office if you did not receive the envelopes packs in recent years and would like to do so at this stage.
We are also in need of volunteers to deliver the contribution packs in some areas, especially the newer housing estates. A call to the Parish Office offering help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Westcourt News
The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 4th April at 7.30pm.
World Youth Day 2011
Young people from the Diocese of Ossory are invited to attend World Youth Day in Madrid in August 2011. Pope Benedict XVI extended the invitation at the end of the WYD celebration in Sydney in 2008. If you are 18 years or older on the 1st August 2011 and would like to be part of this world wide pilgrimage please telephone Fr. Richard Scriven at 087 242 0033 or email him on rscriven2009@gmail.com. More information on www.madrid11.com/en
Lenten Pilgrimage
Last weekend’s pilgrimage along the banks of the River Barrow was a wonderful success and people returned home in good spirits. (See www.ossory.ie for reports and photographs).
A similar pilgrimage will take place on Slievenamon on this Sunday, 3rd April. Departing (2.30pm) from the Cross 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.
Indicate your interest by texting 086 609 7483.
Children’s Liturgy Group
The Children’s Sunday Mass (10.30am) continues at St. Fiacre’s Church during Lent. All children are welcome! Practice will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Wednesday, 6.40pm.
Thursday Healing Service
The fortnightly healing service will be held at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Thursday at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
Remembrance Service for Babies
The Maternity Department of St. Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow/Kilkenny has organised a Remembrance Ceremony for families who have suffered a pregnancy loss through stillbirth or miscarriage. The service is being held at St. Fiacre's Church on Tuesday, 12th April at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.
Evenings of Prayer in Thomastown
Thomastown Parish Church hosts three evenings of prayer 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: €1,510. Thanks to all who contribute.
Vocations Awareness Evening
A Vocations Awareness Evening of prayer and a workshop led by Fr. Willie Purcell, Vocations Director will take place in Mooncoin Parish on the 8th and 9th April. Taize prayer and adoration will take place in the Parish Church, Mooncoin on Friday, 8th April beginning at 7.30pm. A workshop on fostering vocations to the priesthood in our diocese will take place on Saturday, 9th April beginning at 11.00am. All are invited to these two days of reflection on how we can as parishes foster vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory.
Al-Anon & Alateen
Al-Anon & Alateen provide hope for families and friends of problem drinkers. Phone helpline for local details 01 873 2699. Meetings in Kilkenny: Mill Hill Missionaries, St. Joseph’s Waterford Road; Tuesdays at 8.30pm. Kilkenny Social Services, Waterford Road; Wednesdays at 12.30pm. St. John’s Hall, St. John’s Church, Dublin Rd; Fridays at 8.15pm. Visit www.al-anon-ireland.org.
Pope John Paul II
This weekend marks the sixth anniversary of the death of the late Pope John Paul II (2nd April 2005). The late Pope will be beatified on the Feast of Divine Mercy, 1st May 2011.
Dochas Nasamu
An Irish run and Irish built orphanage, in Nairobi, Kenya, is holding a used clothing appeal for ladies, gents and children’s clothes, shoes, household linens, i.e. towels, sheets, blankets etc. Also, soft toys. Drop off outside St. Patrick’s Parish Centre before noon on Thursday, 7th April. Contact Marie on 087 689 0995.
Bangers & Mash Lunch for Amber
Amber Women’s Refuge Project is holding a Bangers & Mash Lunch in The Aspect Hotel (Woodie’s Retail Park) on Thursday, 14th April from 12.30pm until 2.30pm. Donation €10.00. This venture gives the opportunity to have a quick lunch in a lovely environment.
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
On this fourth Sunday in Lent we think of vulnerable mothers overseas who are raising their children against the odds. The inequalities that women and girls face all over the developing world condemn them to a future of poverty. By supporting Trócaire's Lenten campaign you can help them look forward to a better future. For more information on the campaign visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.
Questions People Ask
Q. Somebody at a prayer meeting said that a person who lives a sinful life will be punished by God with all sorts of bad luck. Is that correct?
A. That idea is there in the early Old Testament but it is certainly not the mind of Jesus Christ. There has been a development of doctrine in the meantime. In today’s Gospel Jesus dismissed the claim that a man’s blindness was because of sin on his own part or by his parents. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of God’s love for all people, sinner as well as saint, causing his rain to fall and sun to shine on all, without discrimination. God’s love for all his creatures is never vindictive, even when people live sinful lives.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
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