Have you ever marvelled at how rapidly an idea can ‘grow legs’ from so small a start? Described as ‘the day rock and roll changed the world’, one of the largest fundraising events of the 20th century, Live Aid, sprang from the desire of one man, Bob Geldof, to do something to lessen the suffering of those experiencing famine in Africa. A Christmas charity single quickly snowballed into a massive international event which raised €150 million.
Similarly, the 2000 movie Pay it Forward (based on the novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde) outlines how one small deed can have wide and life-changing consequences. And over the past 11 years the idea of ‘paying forward’ a good deed has developed into a social movement with the goal of making the world a better place.
It always strikes me that the mustard seed in the short parable of today’s Gospel is ‘the smallest of all the seeds’. Yet it grows into the biggest shrub of all and even acts as a shelter for the birds of the air. The parable speaks to us about the humble beginnings of the kingdom of God with Jesus and his disciples, and its growth.
But the story of the mustard seed does not stand alone here; again Jesus surrounds it with more parables about the weeds among the wheat, and the yeast, using images that would have been familiar to the people of the time. The mysteries of the kingdom of God cannot be grasped from one story. Life is not straightforward, and neither is our understanding of our role in the kingdom.
The kingdom of heaven is not a far off place, time or dimension. It is the here and now. We are called to spread the word in whatever way we can. Who knows how our seeds will grow?
Triona Doherty
Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
The annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on the last Thursday in July (28th) as always. It will begin at 7.30pm Please make an effort to attend to your family grave in preparation and tell your family and friends especially those who live some distance away.
Questions People Ask
Q. What will the Eucharistic Congress next June be like? I’ve seen pictures of the 1932 Congress when there were about a million people at the Phoenix Park. Can we expect a huge event like the Papal visit in 1979?
A. This time there will be less emphasis on big numbers. The biggest event will be Mass in Croke Park. There will be more emphasis on seminars, lectures, exhibitions and concerts, all designed to deepen our appreciation of the extraordinary gift of the Eucharist. The theme of the Congress is ‘Communion with Christ and Communion with One Another’. It is the second part, communion with one another, which is the problem for many Mass-goers.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Marie Manogue, Nuncio Road. Kathleen (Kitty) Phelan, Newpark. Johnny Dolan, Gowran. Eily Sherrard (nee Gargan), late of Friary Street and Australia.
Anniversaries: Mary Slattery (Sat 6.15), Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00), Tony Henderson (Sun 11.00), Michael & Mary Maher (Sun 12.00), James Bolger (Thurs 10.30), Danny Galvin, Christy & Bridget Murray, Martin (Murt) Rowe, Mary Holland, Mary Tynan.
Intentions for next weekend: Davina Crosbie (Sun 10.00), Vera Brannigan (Sun 11.00), Joe Cody (Sun 12.30).
Youth 2000 Summer Festival
Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Clonmacnois, Co Offaly, Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th August 2011. For young people age 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends. Donation only. Free buses available from around the country. For more information, contact 085 828 9231 or 01 675 3690, or book online: www.youth2000.ie. We welcome Youth2000 speakers this weekend.
Envelope Collection
Last weekend your contribution was €1,925 Thank you for your ongoing generosity.
Towards Healing Helpline
Towards Healing is an organisation which provides telephone counselling and a counselling and psychotherapy referral service for people who have suffered physical, emotional or sexual abuse when they were children by persons working for the Catholic Church in Ireland – www.towardshealing.ie
From the Republic of Ireland: 1800 303 416.
Solemn Sung Latin Mass
Solemn Sung Latin Mass and veneration of a 1st Class Relic of St. Oliver Plunkett
will take place on Sunday 24th July at 5.00pm in St. Patrick's Church, College Rd. Kilkenny. All are welcome to attend.
will take place on Sunday 24th July at 5.00pm in St. Patrick's Church, College Rd. Kilkenny. All are welcome to attend.
Society of Vincent de Paul
The monthly collection for the St. Patrick’s Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please continue to support this local charity.
Collection for East Africa
Bishop Seamus has asked that a special collection be taken up at Masses on the week-end of 23rd/24th July to provide aid for the people of East Africa. The proceeds will be forwarded to Trócaire.
Vacancy at College Green
A vacancy has occurred at the parish houses at College Green, College Road. Interested parties should be over 55 years of age and registered with Kilkenny Local Authorities' Housing List. Contact the Parish Office for an application form.
Shrines of France Pilgrimage
Clara Parish and surrounding parishes are organising an October pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Shrines of France. 7th - 14th October. Seats still available, book immediately. Visiting Lourdes, Avignon, Ars, Paray-Le-Monial, Nevers, Paris and Lisieux. 7 Nights. Cost €799 including insurance. Contact Fr. Larry O’Keeffe, Clara 056 772 6560.
Foulkstown Cemetery
Sincere thanks to the members of the hard working cemetery committee who are working flat out to make sure the cemetery is in top shape for the upcoming cemetery Mass. We ask you to assist their work by making sure any waste such as wreaths, dead flowers etc. are properly disposed of in the area provided. Please note, this waste facility is only for waste items from graves. It is NOT a dumping facility for household or garden rubbish and is closely monitored to ensure there is no such illegal dumping. Thanks for your cooperation.
The New Roman Missal
What differences can we expect in November 2011?
From 27th November, the First Sunday of Advent, congregations and priests will use the texts of the new edition of the Roman Missal for the celebration of Mass. While the structure, actions and pattern of the Mass will remain the same and the readings will be unchanged, the texts of recited prayers will sound different to our ears. Over time, as the new style of language becomes familiar to us, it is very much hoped that we will come to appreciate both the richness and depth of our prayer at Mass.
Certificate in Theological Studies
The Diocese of Ossory is providing a new course in theology to provide general theological education and formation in the main aspects of faith and to provide the theological background needed for lay involvement and leadership roles at parish and diocesan level. 100 hours part-time over one academic year from September 2011 to May 2012. For an application form and further information please contact: Course Director, St.Kieran’s College Kilkenny, Email declanmurphy@ossory.ie. Telephone 056 772 1086. Closing date for applications: 19th August 2011.
St. Patrick’s Parish may offer financial support to registered parishioners who are accepted on this course. Contact the Parish Office.
On Friday 22nd July the Kilkenny Gospel Choir will hold a fund raising event for the starving people of Somalia. The show Band Show will take place in Langton’s Kilkenny beginning at 9.00pm with a sit down meal, spot prizes and guests. The cost for the night is only €5. All funds go to 'Aid for Somalia'.
Sports Camps
Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership together with local clubs are organising two fun filled sports camps with qualified coaches at affordable prices this Summer. The first one is in the Loreto, Kilkenny City and starts this coming Monday, 18th July and runs until Friday, 22nd July. The second camp is based in Thomastown and will run from Monday, 15th August until 19th August. Both camps are open to boys and girls from 7 to 15 years old and cost €40.00 for the week.
Village GAA News
Facebook & Twitter
Check out the Village facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/villagegaa or twitter page: http://twitter.com/VillageGAA
Knock Shrine
Bus to Knock Shrine, Thursday 21st July. Leaving from the Cinema (Jail Road) 7.30am sharp! Fare: (on booking) €20. Contact: Pauline 776 5540, Eileen 776 3259 or Marian 776 2247.
Parish Liturgy Group
We intend re-starting the Parish Liturgy Group come the Autumn. The liturgy group helps plan and organise our Masses and special liturgical events in the parish. Interested? Watch this space.
Village Club Newsletter
The Village GAA Club would like to remind all players, members and supporters of the Village that a colourful and informative e-newsletter is produced each month and send direct by e-mail to those who request it. This monthly newsletter keeps you up to date on all the latest games, results, fixtures, social events, ladies football, camogie and club development.
If you wish to receive the monthly newsletter please send your e-mail address to news@james-stephens.com
