Have a Little Faith
‘I am not self-conscious. I am confident. I can do anything.’ The 2010 documentary, The Sound of Mumbai, follows the story of 11 year old Ashish and his friends from the Mumbai slums who come together for one night to perform The Sound of Music with the Bombay Chamber Orchestra in the National Centre for the Performing Arts. As he prepares to take on a solo in the concert, Ashish gives himself a pep talk every night, writing out and repeating the mantra ‘I am confident. I have confidence’. Amid self-doubt and some jealousy from his peers, and with the hopes of his entire family riding on this one performance, Ashish carries off the solo with aplomb. The documentary ends with him bidding ‘auf wiedersehen’ to his mentor, Austrian-born orchestra conductor Johannis Steinwender who is returning home. ‘I’m going back to Austria and they are going back to the slums,’ he remarks, promising Ashish that they will meet again when he returns. The grinning boy returns to his family life, with the memory of his moment in the spotlight and his dreams of a brighter future.
Today’s Gospel speaks to us of trust, and of hope. ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled,’ are the comforting words of Jesus. ‘Trust in God still, and trust in me.’ Jesus is going away but he will return. As well as trusting in Jesus, the disciples must trust in themselves and their experience of Jesus. In spite of Thomas and Philip’s questions, they already know the way to the Father, because Jesus is the way. They have already seen the Father, because he is in Jesus. And if they truly believe they will perform ‘even greater works’ than Jesus himself. All it takes is faith!
Triona Doherty
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Bishop Séamus and over 400 people from the Diocese of Ossory departed for Lourdes over the weekend on the annual diocesan pilgrimage. We wish them well on their journey and pray for them while they are away. The diocesan Mass will be broadcast on www.lourdes-france.org on Tuesday at 7.30am Irish time.
Questions People Ask
Q. What is the point of reading all those bits in the Old Testament about smiting enemies?
A. Yes, these passages do not make pleasant reading. But at least they show us the ugly side of human history and the world’s need of a Saviour. Throughout the Old Testament there is a gradual development in the understanding of God’s revelation, reaching completion only in the coming of Jesus Christ. Remember those parts of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus moves from ‘You have heard it said’ to ‘but I say to you’. The history into which Jesus was born was far from perfect. Are we any better today? Instead of pointing fingers at people of bygone ages, we’d be better advised to look at our own lives in the light of Jesus’ teaching.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Jubilee Congratulations
We would like to offer our congratulations to Sr. Euphrasia Cadogan and Sr. Brid Griffin of the St. John of God Congregation on their respective jubilees. Sr. Euphrasia celebrates 70 years in religious life while Sr. Brid marks her diamond jubilee. Well done and God’s continued blessing to you both.
Eucharistic Congress
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Ireland in from 10th to 17th June 2012. The organisers are currently looking for volunteers for all aspects of their work. Are you free to join the journey? View www.iec2012.ie or call 01 207 1840 for more details.
New Blog
Those of you that are internet savvy may be interested to know that Fr. Liam has a blog online. It features daily reflections and pictures and it’s free to view. Check it out at:
http://frliamsblog.blogspot.com/
Cura
Pregnant and distressed? Like to talk to someone in confidence? Phone 1850 622 626
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Anthony (Tony) O’Farrell, Rioch Street. Prayers at St. Luke’s Hospital at 11.00am on Monday followed by removal to St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown for Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon. Burial immediately afterwards. Martin Phelan, St. Teresa’s Terrace. Requiem Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 12.00 noon on Sunday. Burial in Freshford. Elizabeth Somers, Butts Green. Requiem Mass at St. Canice’s Church at 11.00am on Monday. Dave McGrath, 54 St. Fiacre’s Place. Bridie Fahy, 2 Archers Court. Brigid O’Connell, 1 Golf Links Road. Noel Cantwell, Hertfordshire and formerly of Nuncio Road. Jean O’Dwyer, Ballyfoyle.
Months Mind: Roy Barry (Sun 10.30), Jimmy O’Neill (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: Michael Maher (Sat 6.15), Joe Davy (Sat 7.00), Ciaran Flood (Sun 9.30), Jack Carroll (Sun 10.00), Nelly Garrehy (Sun 11.00), Mary Deegan (Sun 12.00), Kathleen King (Tues 9.30), Rev Richard Conway (Tues 10.30), Patrick Banahan (Fri 9.30), Mary Brennan, Kathleen O’Carroll, Bridie Conroy, Michael Smyth, Canice Downes, Eileen Culleton, Pat Smyth, Bridget & Michael Long, Mary Walsh, Annie Bourke, Mollie Owens, Sean Monahan, Michael & Christina McGrath, Departed members of the McGrath Family, Canice Downes.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Tommy & Kitty Phelan (Sat 6.15), William Doheny (Sat 7.00), John Cleere (Sun 9.30), Blánaid Cleere Manning (Sun 10.00), Joseph Hehir (Sun 10.30), Ted O’Dwyer (Months Mind Sun 12.00), Gerald Keys (Sun 12.30).
Fr Gerard Rice
Ordained in 1961, Fr Gerard Rice of the Diocese of Meath spent seven years on loan to St Patrick’s Parish. This year he celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination. To celebrate the Golden Jubilee, Fr Rice will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving in St Oliver Plunkett’s Church in Kilcloon, Co. Meath at 7.00pm on 17th June 2011. Refreshments afterwards in the Blackhall Gaels GAA Hall in Batterstown. All welcome!
Friday Exposition
Every Friday we hold exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Patrick’s Church from 10.00am until 1.00pm and from 4.00pm until 9.00pm. More often than not however, our morning worship is interrupted on account of funerals, weddings and other functions being held in St. Patrick’s Church in the mornings and afternoons. As of late, we have been postponing the morning part of the exposition when there are weddings in the afternoon. This is due to florists and others arriving early to prepare the church and on occasion some have shown little regard for the Blessed Sacrament (One florist even moved the monstrance to the side while he was arranging his flowers on the altar). We know that such postponement has caused upset for regular worshippers and some have stopped attending in the morning.
It is therefore proposed that we end Friday morning exposition altogether in St. Patrick’s Church and concentrate on the evening time from 4.00pm to 9.00pm. We would like to hear people’s opinions on this. As it is, more people are required to keep watch and pray during these hours of exposition. Please let us know what you think.
Ossory Diocesan Guide
The annual Ossory diocesan Guide which details contact numbers for all of the parishes, priests and organisations in the Diocese of Ossory and much more is available to buy from the Parish Office. Cost €5.00.
Band Session
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band presents a 2 Band Session in the Set Theatre on Friday 27th May featuring The Marble City Sounds and The Uptown Band plus Disco with guest artiste Eugene Dewberry. All this for just €5. A great night is guaranteed for all.
Envelope Collection
Last weekend’s envelope collection: €1,350.00. Thank you. It is our intention to publish the relevant figure each week - because of an oversight we missed a number of weeks. Sorry!
Invest in the Future Stars
Get your party suit ready because James Stephen’s Juvenile Committee is organising a fund raising event in the club for all members, players, parents and supporters to come along to a 70’s/80’s themed night in the clubrooms on Friday, 17th June. This event will help raise much needed funds to invest in our juvenile/youth structures to continue to grow and strengthen the club. Tickets: €5.00 (Disco by DJ Benny, Finger food, Spot prizes galore). Contact any juvenile coach or club selector/officer to purchase a ticket(s).
Social Networking
Connect to the James Stephens facebook page which gives daily updates on all fixtures, results, social events and club development by logging onto www.facebook.com/villagegaa or connect to the twitter page by logging onto www.twitter.com/VillageGAA
Carers’ Association
Support Group meetings will now be held monthly. The last Thursday of every month starting Thursday, 26th May. Mass in Loughboy at 10.30am, meeting in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 11.00am. We look forward to seeing you there
Thoughts for Life
The greatest handicap is FEAR
The best day is TODAY
The easiest thing to do is FIND FAULT
Most useless asset is PRIDE
The greatest mistake is GIVING UP
The greatest stumbling block is EGOTISM
The greatest comfort is WORK WELL DONE
The most disagreeable person is THE COMPLAINER
The worst bankruptcy is LOSS OF ENTHUSIASM
The greatest need is COMMON SENSE
The meanest feeling is REGRET ANOTHER'S SUCCESS
The best gift is FORGIVENESS
The greatest moment is DEATH
The greatest knowledge is GOD
The greatest thing in the world is LOVE!
Foroige
The regional youth officer with Foroige in Kilkenny City is trying to set up one or two volunteer Foroige youth clubs. There is a lot of interest among young people but they need volunteers to run them. If you are interested please contact mailyn.venn@foroige.ie
