World Communications Day
On Sunday 5th June the Catholic Church will celebrate the 45th World Communications Day on the theme ‘Truth, proclamation and authenticity of life in the digital age’. The theme was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI and he reflects on it in his message for World Communications Day (See www.catholicbishops.ie).
To mark the event the website of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, www.catholicbishops.ie, has been redesigned making it more user friendly and easier to navigate. A slider on the top left of the home page allows the website to showcase the website’s most recent content in a visually appealing manner, giving users access to the latest press releases and features with one click. The website is connected to the Bishops’ Conference Youtube, Flickr, Audioboo, Facebook and Twitter accounts, making information from the Conference available on a number of different platforms.
The Communications Office will be hosting a discussion on Pope Benedict’s World Communications Day message on Twitter. To join in this discussion connect to Twitter between 3 and 4pm (Irish time) on this Sunday, 5th June and use the hashtag #wcd11.
What is the Roman Missal?
The term ‘Missal’ is used to refer to the book that contains all the prayers and instructions for the celebration of the Mass. The Missal is first written in Latin and this Latin text is then translated into the particular language of the people. In this way, while the Mass may be celebrated in many languages across the Roman Catholic world, it is the same core Latin text that is being prayed by the Church. We have been using our current Missal since St. Patrick’s Day 1975. It is sometimes referred to as the Missal of Pope Paul VI. From the end of November this year we will have a new edition of that Missal.
Public Rosary in Kilkenny
The Monthly Rosary at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny, James Green continues on this Sunday 5th June at 3.00pm.
Corpus Christi Procession
In preparation for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Dublin from 10th to 17th June 2012 the Diocese of Ossory, in conjunction with the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society, is holding a traditional Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Kilkenny City on Sunday, 19th June. Bishop Freeman will carry the Blessed Sacrament in procession from St. John’s Church at 2.00pm and proceed to St. Mary’s Cathedral for solemn benediction. The four city parishes will organise ‘Prayer Stations’ at Canal Square, The Parade and The Tholstel with choirs from St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. John’s Parish, St. Canice’s Parish along with the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir and the Kilkenny Gospel Choir providing the sacred music.
Parishioners from all over the Diocese of Ossory are encouraged to attend the celebration. In the traditional manner a special place will be given to this year’s First Holy Communicants who are invited to wear their Holy Communion outfits. Altar servers from St. Patrick’s Parish will lead the procession. Servers from parishes throughout the diocese are invited to process in their parish vestments. All are asked to assemble at St. John’s Church in time for a 2.00pm start.
Our Deceased Family and Friends
Recently Deceased: Colette O’Hehir, Drakelands. Nellie Bailey, Assumption Place.
Anniversaries: Joseph Murray (Sat 6.15), James Hogan (Sat 7.00), Jim O’Brien (Sun 10.30). Patrick Cantwell (Thurs 10.30), Sarah Mullally (Fri 9.30), Catherine Kirwan (Fri 10.30), Marian O’Sullivan (Fri 7.30 St. Patrick’s), Catherine Brennan, Jimmy McGuire, James & Mary O’Brien, Anastasia Massey, Michael & Christine O’Driscoll, Maura Kehoe, Tom & Sean Brett, Annie Carroll, Katie Murray, Derek Kavanagh, James Hickey, William O’Reilly.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Paddy Noonan (Sat 6.15), Martin Brennan (Sun 10.00), Susan Delaney, Ann Conway, Dennis Garrehy, Molly O'Meara (Sun 12.00), Jonathon Barry (Sun 12.30).
Parish Pilgrimage to Knock
One of the key moments in the pastoral preparation for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Ireland next summer is the celebration of a short National Eucharistic Congress at Knock Shrine on June 25th and 26th of this year. People from every diocese will gather together in Knock on June 25th and there will be a liturgical celebration in each diocese on the same weekend (In Ossory the diocesan event will be an Eucharistic Procession in Kilkenny City on the previous Sunday, 19th June 2011). On Saturday 25th June, pilgrims will travel from every corner of Ireland, some arriving in time for a celebration of Morning Prayer in Knock at 11.00am. The heart of the National Congress at Knock will be the celebration of the Eucharist, preceded by the anointing of the sick. The first reading at Mass on that day is the account of the hospitality of Abraham from the Book of Genesis. It is a powerful reminder of how, even in Old Testament times, people were aware of how God enters into our lives, draws us into communion with Him and forms us into a people of His very own. During the Mass, a large candle with the Eucharistic Congress Logo will be blessed for each of the twenty-six cathedrals in Ireland. These will be brought back to each diocese to be placed at the centre of a later diocesan celebration. As we continue our preparation for 2012, these candles will be a reminder of Christ’s presence in each diocesan community and of the communion of the Irish Church. St. Patrick’s Parish, in conjunction with the local St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society, is running a coach to Knock for this unique event. Tickets cost €15 and are available from the Parish Office only. Tickets must be purchased by Tuesday 21st June. Details are available at the Parish Office. Please book early to guarantee a place.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday, 10th June immediately after the 10.30am Mass. All are welcome.
Bank Holiday Mass
The only public Mass in our parish on this bank holiday Monday will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am. Al welcome.
Westcourt News
There will be no monthly Mass in Westcourt on Monday, 6th June 2011. The monthly Mass will resume on 5th September 2011. The Christian Brothers are very grateful to all for your support throughout the year.
Examination Classes
We wish all preparing for the Junior and Leaving Certificate Examinations all the best during the next few weeks. Your intentions will be included in all Masses in our parish until the examinations conclude.
Eddie Stones in Kilkenny
The Capuchin Friary, Kilkenny will host Eddie Stones on next Friday , 10th June. Mass at 7.00pm followed by healing service.
Envelope Collection
Last weekend’s envelope collection: €1,405. Thank you for your continuous support.
Youth 2000 Summer Festival
Just in case you hadn't heard… the Annual Youth 2000 Summer Festival will take place in Clonmacnois in August!! Get that diary out, book the time off from work and be sure to be part of something great! Become a fan on Facebook and you'll get all the updates. Search for "Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Clonmacnois".
Clonmacnois Prayer Vigil
There will be an all night prayer Vigil in Cluain Chiarain Prayer Centre, Clonmacnois on Friday, 17th June 2011. All welcome. Mass will begin at 10.00pm and followed by adoration. Finishes at 3.10am. Post-vigil accommodation available – please bring sleeping bag. Prayer intention is for renewal of faith life in Clonmacnois and the evangelisation of Ireland. Open to all ages. Enquiries to Dave on 085 774 6763.
National Collection for Congress
The Third National Collection for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be taken up in all parishes at all Masses throughout the Diocese on the weekend of the 11th and 12th June. Please support.
One Day Conferences
Johnnette Benkovic of EWTN/Women of Grace will host two conferences called “Unmasking the Dangers of the New Age Movement” and “Authentic Catholic Femininity - Real Women taking it Back” at Knock House Hotel, Co. Mayo on June 17th, 18th, 19th 2011 (€20 per day - €50 all three days. For full details of conference and special accommodation rates see the notice board.
Church Gate Collection
The Good Shepherd Centre is holding the annual church gate collection on Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th June. Please support.
Quiz Night
Kilkenny Flower Club will have a Quiz Night in Butler House on Thursday, 9th June at 8.00pm. Non members are welcome.
Parks Tennis
Registration at Kilkenny Tennis Club on Saturday 11th June from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Cost €15. For children aged between 6 and 17 years. Coaching commences on 4th July for 4 weeks (each programme runs for 2 weeks). Any queries to 085 282 8846.
Rothe House Plant Sale
The annual plant sale takes place on Saturday 11th June 10.30 - 4.30. Spice up your garden this summer, with beautiful 17th century herbs and flowers from Rothe House and Garden. All propagated from the garden, these plants have a fine provenance. Entrance from Evans’ Lane. For further information please email reception@rothehouse.com or call 056 772 2893.
Trócaire Says Thank You
The Director of Trócaire has thanks the people of Ossory for their support. Justin Kilcullen said “For almost 40 years the change that people in Ossory put in the Trócaire box has been changing the lives of families and communities all over the developing world… We are indebted to the people of Ossory who have shown such great support.”
Director of Trocaire has thanked Ossory diocese for its continued and loyal support.
“For almost 40 years the change that people in Ossory diocese put in the Trocaire box has been changing the lives of families and communities all over the developing world. Every coin the boxes have held over the last four decades have travelled the world transforming lives and giving the poor a voice,” said Trocaire’s director, Justin Kilcullen.
“The power of the money donated during Lent should not be underestimated. In tiny, forgotten communities, farmers’ crops are flourishing, parents now earn a dignified living and children have a bright future to enjoy. You’ve given people freedom from hunger, from want, from injustice, and you’ve given them hope.”
“We are indebted to parishioners and clergy in the Ossory diocese who have shown us such great support throughout Lent" said Mr Kilcullen.
YOU shall be my witnesses
Ascension Sunday may mark the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, but it is the beginning of the mission of the Church i.e. the mission of each and every one of us. Jesus has gone full circle and returned to where he started. He is passing on the baton to us. We are expected to carry on his work: to build a Kingdom of truth, justice, love of God and neighbour, healing and forgiveness, care for the poor and the courage to speak out against injustice. How do we bear witness to this? In the first reading we hear ‘Men of Galilee what are you doing looking skywards? Lower your eyes.’ If we only look skywards for Jesus, we lose sight of the reality of his presence around us, in each and every person. We can use this day to think about our own vocation/mission in this world and take time to ask, ‘how am I doing?’ This is one way to truly honour the meaning of this feast.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on the world.
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.
(St Teresa of Avila)
