Last Sunday, the feast of the Ascension, we were entrusted with the mission of Jesus. This week we remember our gifts for that mission. We each have a ‘variety of gifts but the same Spirit. To each is given ‘the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.’ We can honour this day by exploring our individual gifts and asking ourselves – how am I using my gifts for the common good?
Pentecost ushered in a new era of the Spirit. In the First Reading we hear Luke’s dramatic and noisy account of Pentecost – violent wind and tongues of fire. In the Gospel, the Spirit comes as a gentle breath. Whatever form it takes or however we symbolize the work of the Spirit in our own lives, we can be confident that we are never without the presence of God – Pentecost is that promise realised. Locked doors are opened, fear turns to courage and we are sent out to work for the Kingdom of love and justice that Jesus preached.
O Wind, Wind,
you breathed upon the clay
and there was life,
you danced down to the forehead of a Galilean
and there was hope,
you shook the foundations of community
and there was Pentecost.
Wind of nothingness and awe,
Wind of knowing and unknowing,
Wind of bearing and begetting,
Wind of secrets and mystery,
O wise, wise Wind,
whisper to us your grace.
(William Loader)
Jane Mellett
Guest Choirs this Sunday
We are delighted to welcome the choir from St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, Coote’s Lane to 10.30am Mass on this Sunday.
The Abbey Singers will provide the sacred music at the 12.00 noon Mass in the same church. They too are welcome. We look forward to an enhanced liturgy on both occasions.
Corpus Christi Procession
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 next 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 Tholsel 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 walk in the procession or at least to assemble at the ‘Prayer Stations’. 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 vestments. All are asked to assemble at St. John’s Church in time for a 2.00pm start.
(In the event of rain appropriate announcements will be made at the ‘Prayer Stations’ mentioned above and alternative services will be held at St. John’s Church and St. Mary’s Cathedral).
Questions People Ask
Q. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?
St Paul, in his Letter to the Galatians, contrasts the life of self-indulgence with life inspired by the Holy Spirit. Self-indulgence produces sexual vices, violence, drunkenness and other forms of unhappiness. Paul then lists nine beautiful qualities of life in the Spirit. There are three fruits growing out of a deep relationship with God: love, joy and peace. The next three fruits form harmonious relationships with people: patience, kindness and goodness. The final three are fruits of inner strength: trustfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of all people.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Peg McGrath, 64 St. Fiacre’s Place. Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 7.00pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Ann Coyne, Upper Patrick Street. Mary Carew, Tipperary. Leo Rice, Callan and Lourdes. Sally Austen.
Anniversaries: Paddy Noonan (Sat 6.15), Martin Brennan (Sun 10.00), Aoife Rose Lanigan (Sun 10.30), Susan Delaney Ann Conway, Dennis Garrehy, Mary O’Meara (Sun 12.00), Jonathon Barry (Sun 12.30), Fr. Michael Brennan (Fri 10.30), Elizabeth Griffin, Pauline Purcell, Martin (Murt) Rowe, John Fitzgerald, Paula Dalton, Seamus Dowling, Mgr Martin Campion, Daniel Carroll, Michael & Bridget Carroll & Ellen Mooney, Fred & Ellen Clarke.
Intentions for next Weekend: Dan Maher (Sat 6.15), John Kenny (Sat 7.00), Catherine Roberts (Sun 9.30), Brigid Fahey (Months Mind Sun 10.30), Noreen Llewellyn (Sun 11.00), John McEvoy (Sun 12.00), Billy Costelloe (Sun 12.30)
National Eucharistic Congress
On Saturday 25th June, pilgrims will travel to Knock from every corner of Ireland for the National Eucharistic Congress. The heart of the Congress will be the celebration of the Eucharist, preceded by the anointing of the sick. During the Mass, a large candle with the Eucharistic Congress Logo will be blessed for each of the cathedrals in Ireland. These will be brought back to each diocese to be placed at the center 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.
Parish Pilgrimage to Congress
St. Patrick’s Parish is running a coach to Knock for the National Eucharistic Congress. Coach will leave St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.50am, St. Patrick’s Church at 7.00am and return home at 10.00pm. Tickets cost €15 and are available from the Parish Office before Tuesday 21st June. Details at the Parish Office.
St. Joseph’s YPS Pilgrimage
The diocesan branch of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society is also running a coach to Knock for the National Eucharistic Congress. This coach will collect passengers at St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.45am. Fare is €20. Booking essential with Marian on 772 4794 or 086 069 3510
An Evening of Liturgy and Song
Fr Liam Lawton presents “The Glendalough Mass”. Fr Liam Lawton will give a workshop for choirs and those who work with liturgy groups on Tuesday, 21st June in St Patrick’s Parish Centre. All choir members and those interested in liturgy are welcome.
Elm Green Mass
The Annual Mass for the residents of Elm Green will take place at Elm Green on Thursday, 23rd June at 7.30pm. All welcome.
St. Vincent De Paul Donation
The members of the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul wish to thank the boys of 6th class at St. Patrick’s De La Salle School for their generous donation to the society’s funds. The boys made the contribution from the gifts they received at their recent Confirmation.
Eucharistic Ministers
Ministers in St. Patrick’s Church who currently serve at the 7.00pm, 9.30am and 11.00am Masses will have received new rotas which changes their days of ministering. We are currently recruiting more ministers for St. Patrick’s Church and hope to have a finalised rota in place as soon as possible. Thanks to those who have agreed to return and support this important ministry.
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in honour of Divine Mercy in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday, 12th June from 3.00pm - 4.00pm. All are welcome to come and spend some time in prayer.
Envelope Collection
The total for last week amounted to €2,205. Thanks to all for your generosity.
New Web Blog
Many thanks for the kind comments and suggestions on my blog page. People have asked me to reprint the link so here it is:
Reading Challenge
Kilkenny Library Service will run a Reading Challenge for adults and children from 4th July to 19th August. The challenge is to read 6 books during this period. Entry to the challenge is free. Full details are available from www.kilkennylibrary.ie, local libraries and the mobile library.
Bennettsbridge Field Day
There will be a Community Field Day in Bennettsbridge GAA Field on Sunday, 19th June from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Wheel of Fortune, cake sales, raffle, fire engine display, novelty games for all ages. All are welcome to come along and have a great day out.
Parish Website
www.patricksparish.net - check it out!
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 this weekend. Please support this national collection.
First Holy Communion
We welcome the young people from St. Patrick’s Special School, Kells Road, their families, teachers and staff to St. Fiacre’s Church as the make their first Holy Communion on next Saturday. The celebration is at 11.00am.
Church Gate Collection
Self Help Africa will hold a church gate collection on the 18th & 19th June 2011.
Appeal for Charity or Person in Need
HandyMac Building and Maintenance contractors are appealing for a person in need or a charity who require some conversion or renovation work done. Visit www.handymac.ie for more details.
