‘Turning the front door knob, it came to him that maybe he could sponge away the look of loneliness that he’d seen in Susan’s eyes – and John was now pretty sure it was loneliness he’d seen, despite the smiles and the confidences. If he’d learned one thing while he’d been away, it was that loneliness and the open discussion of loneliness is the most taboo subject in the world. Forget sex or politics or religion. Or even failure. Loneliness is what clears out a room’ – Douglas Coupland, Miss Wyoming.
Many of us have experienced loneliness at one time or another. We hear a lot of talk these days about a modern sense of loneliness and isolation, in spite of advancements in mobile technology and the growth of online communities. Yet relationships are at the heart of who we are as human beings.
The Gospel of Matthew begins and ends with reassurance that we are not alone. At the beginning we are told the one who is coming will be called Emmanuel, meaning ‘God is with us’, and it concludes with the words of Jesus ‘I am with you always, to the very end of the age’. And here in the middle we have Jesus’ assurance: ‘Where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.’
Today’s Gospel speaks to us about relationships, and lets us know that God is with us in and through our relationships with other people – when we gather in his name, he is there too.
Triona Doherty.
Questions People Ask
Q. Why does God not appear in person or by way of a burning bush or booming voice to make it a bit easier to believe?
A. Would such a manifestation move people to believe in the sense of committing themselves in mind and heart to God? When God spoke on earth through the life of Jesus Christ, despite his inspiring message and deeds of healing and compassion, he was rejected by many and crucified! ‘If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead’ (Luke 16:31). Signs from God are not lacking. People who do not want to believe will somehow find a reason to reject any sign. It’s not wonders that we lack but wonderment.
Pray For Our Deceased
Recently Deceased: Patsy Ryan, Maidenhill, Kells Road. Maura Coonan, Marble Crest. James Woodcock, Bishop’s Hill.
Anniversaries: Paul & Mary Cody & Bill Marnell (Sat 6.15), Matthew Dwyer (Sat 7.00), Ellen Reid (Sun 11.00), Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 12.30), The McNeill Family (Tue 10.30), Seamus Kelly (Wed 10.30), Richard & Mary-Ann Hyland (Thurs 9.30), John & Catherine Waldron, The Cassin Family, Edward & Christina O’Shaughnessy, Maurice Maher, Paddy Ryan, Fr. Liam Holohan.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Sean O’Keeffe (Sat 6.15), William Hackett (Sat 7.00), Michelle Reynolds (Sun 9.30), Margaret Brennan (Sun 10.00), Rita McCarthy (Sun 10.30), Christina Scott (Sun 11.00), Catherine Grace (Sun 12.00), Joe O’Brien (Sun 12.30).
Talking in Church
Following a number of complaints from people trying to pray before and after Mass, we appeal to all to maintain an air of prayerful silence in our churches. This is particularly a problem in St. Fiacre’s Church where unnecessary noise levels have been getting out of hand as of late. Please help us to provide an atmosphere of prayerful silence in church. Thank you.
First Saturday Devotion
The usual devotions on the first Saturday of the month will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on this Saturday, 3rd September after 6.15pm Mass. Prayers and adoration will end at 9.00pm. All are welcome.
Legion of Mary Mass
All are welcome to the Mill Hill Chapel, Waterford Road on next Friday, 9th September for Mass to celebrate ninety years of the Legion of Mary and commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the passing of its founder The Servant of God Frank Duff. Celebrant will be Bishop Seamus Freeman SAC.
Westcourt News
The monthly Mass to pray for the canonisation of Blessed Edmund Rice and for his intercession in our lives will take place in Westcourt on Monday, 5th September 2011 at 7.30pm. The Camphill Community will organise the liturgy for this Mass. All welcome.
Monthly Rosary at James Green
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny in James Green will take place on this Sunday, 4th September at 3.00pm. All are welcome.
Envelope Collection
The total for last weeks Parish envelope collection amounted to €1,245.00. Thanks for your continued support. Please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400 if you require an envelope pack.
Tuesday Morning Tea
Tea and coffee will be served in the Parish Centre each Tuesday morning after the 10.30am Mass. Come along and meet others in the community over a refreshing cuppa. All are welcome.Young At Heart
The Young at Heart Club re-opens in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Wednesday 7th September at 2.30pm - 4.30pm. All are welcome.
Ladies’ Friendship Club
The club is starting again following the summer break on Wednesday, 7th September at 8.30pm. Meet at the Social Services Centre, Waterford Road. New members are welcome.
Church Gate Collection
GROW Mental Health Movement will hold their Annual Churchgate Collection on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2011.
Parish Centre Bookings
For all bookings of rooms,, halls etc. contact Ted Byrne at 776 4400 (follow auto-prompts) or call to the Parish Centre.
Bishop Peter Birch – a Centenary Celebration
A number of events have been arranged locally to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bishop Peter Birch (4th September 1911) and the 30th anniversary of his death (7th March 1981). Bishop Birch, a native of Conahy Parish, was Bishop of Ossory from 1962 until his unexpected death in 1981.
On next Sunday, 11th September Bishop Seamus Freeman will be the principal concelebrant at concelebrated Mass in Jenkinstown Church at 12.15pm.
Later that afternoon Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy RSC will lead a short contemplative walk through Jenkinstown Wood, starting at the walled area on the right of the forest entrance and progressing to St. Colman’s Well.
At 3.30pm a local remembrance will be held in Conahy Shamrock’s GAA Clubhouse. This will include ‘A Place in History: Peter Birch, Tullowglass, Conahy and Ossory’, a short presentation by Denis Bergin on Peter Birch in a local context.
At 8.00pm at the Club House Hotel, Patrick Street, Tim Pat Coogan will present ‘Peter Birch and the Vanishing Ireland’. Mr. Coogan, historian and author, will include personal reminiscences of Peter Birch and an assessment of his significance as churchman and thinker in the Ireland of his times. This will be followed by refreshments and an informal gathering.
Can You Support the S.O.S?
S.O.S. is a Voluntary Organisation for adults with a mild/moderate intellectual disability. S.O.S. provides day services, respite and residential care. We are looking for families to provide breaks in their home for adults from our services. Nominal expenses are paid.
We are also looking for volunteers to support us in providing extra social and recreational activities for people in S.O.S. If you would like to know more about volunteering or providing breaks please contact Kathleen Sherry at 056 776 4000 or email ksherry@soskilkenny.com or visit our website on www.soskilkenny.com . We will be holding an information evening on 21st September at 7pm in S.O.S. All welcome.
Loughboy Library
Summer Reading Challenge:- please return registration forms to the library by 9th September to receive invitation to the Circus Stars Party.
Drakelands Nursing Home present a photographic exhibition until 9th September. Call and see what these active residents get up to.
Toddler Hour:- with story time and play continues on Thursdays at 11.30am. This is a free facility.
A Hurler’s Prayer
Give me o' Lord a hurler’s skill
With strength of arm and speed of limb
Unerring eye for the flying ball
And courage to match them whatever befall.
May my aim be steady - my stroke be true
My actions manly - my misses few.
And no matter what way the game may go
May I part in friendship with every foe.
When the final whistle for me is blown
And I stand at last at God’s Judgement Throne
May the great Referee when he calls my name
Say ...
You hurled like a man
You played the game!
Amen.
St. Fiacre’s Well
We offer a sincere word of thanks to all who helped make the recent novena and Mass at St. Fiacre’s Well successful. Well done to the committee and organisers and thanks to those who attended the events.
Diocesan Website
www.ossory.ie -for information on our diocese.
