New Mass Translation
This weekend we introduce the new translation of the Mass in our churches. We hope that people will find the new translation more prayerful and meaningful. It will take some getting use to and to help with the transition we have provided leaflets with the words of the new Mass.
With an open heart may we join together in praise of God as we learn the new rite.
Note: Please leave the leaflets in the church after Mass as we need them for other Masses. Thanks you.
Questions People Ask
Q. I go to Mass at 12 noon every Saturday. Am I still obliged to go to Mass on Sunday?
A. The law of the Church speaks of the Sunday obligation but I don’t like the word ‘obliged’ in the context of the Eucharist. In a tradition that goes back to the Apostles, Sunday has been the day when Christians gather for the celebration of the Lord’s saving death and resurrection. In accordance with biblical understanding, Sunday’s liturgical time commences on Saturday evening, hence the Saturday Vigil Mass. It’s great that you go to Mass on Saturday but Sunday Eucharist is special.
First Holy Communion 2012
The parents of those who hope to receive their First Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Parish next Spring are invited to a meeting re the Do This in Memory Programme on this Monday, 19th September at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 7.30pm. Do This in Memory is our parish based preparation programme for candidates and their families.
Legion of Mary
Come and join us! You are welcome to our meetings which take place at the following venues: St. Joseph’s Mill Hill House, Waterford Road (Mondays, 7.30pm); St. John’s Presbytery (Tuesdays, 7.30pm), St. Joseph’s Mill House (Thursdays, 8.00pm).
New members are always welcome.
Setting the Bar High
The following story landed in my email inbox this week: ‘Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her five-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.
‘The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, ‘Yes, I’ll do it if it will save Liz’.
‘As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the colour returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, ‘Will I start to die right away?’
Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood.’
Some stories make us stop and look at life in a different way. Some of the best ones feature characters who surpass our expectations and inspire us to greater things. Jesus uses the landowner in today’s Gospel to drive home a simple message: God is more generous and giving than we could ever expect or imagine. Like the boy in the story above, the landowner sets the bar high.
In the words of the prophet Isaiah in the first reading, ‘The heavens are as high above earth as my ways are above your ways, my thoughts above your thoughts.’
St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The monthly collection for the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please support your parish conference. Thanks.
The Society can be contacted by letter addressed to the Parish Centre and by telephone on 087 681 0589.
Pray for Our Deceased
Recently Deceased: Martin Reade, Clara. Babies Layla & Cailyn Martin, Dukesmeadows.
Anniversaries: Catherine & John Alley (Sat 6.15), Sr. Mary Clifford (Sat 7.00), Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00), Margaret Jones (Sun 11.00), Ciss Holland (Sun 12.00), Mary & Joan Bissett (12.30), Sharon McEvoy, Margaret Beehan, Michael & Bridget Slattery, Peggy Mernagh, Tom Little, Billy & Statia Tallant, Josephine Neary, Bridget Cahill, Molly Browne, Jack Allen, Margaret Morris, Kathleen Murphy, Syd & Elizabeth Bluett, Ger Kavanagh, Margaret Morris, Kathleen Murphy, Paddy Larkin, Jimmy Owens.
Intentions for next weekend: Eugene & Paddy Somers (Sat 6.15), The Byrne Family (Sat 7.00), Fr. John Lennon (Sun 9.30), Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00), Dan Gorey (Sun 10.30), Kathleen Kenny (Sun 11.00), Stella O’Rourke (Sun 12.00), John Casey (Sun 12.30).
Parish Liturgy Group
It is intended to re-establish the St. Patrick’s Parish Liturgy Group. The group works with the priests to help prepare the liturgies that take place in our churches. Such celebrations include: November Remembrance of the Dead, Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter liturgies and so on.
Of particular significance this year is the introduction of the new translation of the Mass which becomes official in November. Also next year the 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Dublin and preparations have to be made for this great event.
If you would like to be involved come along to a meeting in the Parish Centre at 8.00pm on Thursday, 29th September. No experience necessary; all you need is a love of the Mass and a willingness to work to make our celebrations more meaningful for all.
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Capuchin Friary on Sunday, 11th September from 3.00pm - 4.00pm. All welcome.
Parish Envelope Collection
Thanks for €1,385.00 received last weekend.
Communion for the Sick
A number of Eucharistic ministers and specially commissioned ministers take the Blessed Sacrament to the sick in our parish. In doing so they give consolation to the sick and provide invaluable assistance to the priests.
We remind ministers to approach a priest and not a Eucharistic Minister when taking Holy Communion to the sick. Please present your pyx while receiving Holy Communion yourself.
Ministers from others parishes should note that we will not give Holy Communion to be taken elsewhere. Ministers are commissioned for their parish only and should only take Holy Communion from their parish to the sick of their parish. When this is not possible they should make alternative arrangements within their own parish.
Ministers who take Holy Communion to the sick in our parish are to do just that, to the sick person only and not to other able-bodied members of the family. If family members are able to attend Mass, then they should not expect the minister to bring them Holy Communion.
We don’t mean to be restrictive or difficult in this but we must ensure proper reverence and respect for the Blessed Eucharist. Over the past months we have had a number of incidents which, if not checked, could lead to an abuse of the Eucharist. We seek your co-operation.
Be still and know that I am God
Christian meditation group resumes at Peace in Christ Retreat House on Wednesday, 28th September at 4.00pm. All are welcome each week.
‘Log on Learn’
The ‘Log on Learn’ computer programme for the older generation will begin in the Presentation Secondary School, Loughboy on Wednesday, 5th October at 11.45am. Please contact 056 776 5648 to participate in the programme.
Art Classes
For beginners and more advanced starting in September. The venue is Bishop Birch Institute, Waterford Road. For further information please contact Sonja on 083 394 1220 or 770 8155, email, sonjavrsajkov@gmail.com
Loughboy Library
Computer Basics for Beginners: free classes available at Loughboy Library: 779 4176.
The Book Club will meet on Thursday, 6th October at 10.30am. Books for October/November are “Girl in Translation” (Jean Kwok) and “On Canaan’s Side” (Sebastian Barry). Please come along.
Exhibitions: bookings are now being taken for 2012 - book your place now.
Hard of Hearing?
Hearing Help and Lip-reading classes will start on Monday, 19th September at 8pm for 8 weeks. Venue: Citizens Information Offices, The Parade, Kilkenny. 086 809 4658. All welcome.
Kilkenny Contact
We are looking for additional volunteers to commit to one hour per week to befriend/visit older people who live alone in your area. All you need is to be kind, caring and have good listening skills. Our older people have a lot to give back to you also, along with the benefit of their experience of life. If you are interested please call Eleanor or Mary on 775 1988 or 086 410 8902.
The Power of Literacy
Many adults over the years have left school early and may not have a Junior Certificate or equivalent qualification and this can act as a barrier to accessing other educational opportunities.
Word Aid, the Co Kilkenny Adult Learning Scheme, offers help to adults (over 16 who have left school) who want to improve their skills in reading, writing, spelling, sums and computers along with any other skills they may need for specific situations.
Classes are arranged daytime or evenings to suit the individual, where they can learn whatever they want at their own pace in a relaxed atmosphere, while at the same time building their confidence and self esteem.
Help is available with preparation for the driver theory test and support towards the driving test.
The service is available in Kilkenny City and at a number of outreaches. The service is free and confidential. For information telephone 056 776 3149 or call to 43 Upper Patrick Street.
Shall We Dance?
Beginners’ classes start Monday, 19th September at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Info: 085 733 8140.
Archaeology, Literature, Irish
Kilkenny Campus (St. Kieran’s College) offers morning, afternoon and evening courses beginning in October. Archaeology (6 weeks), Literature (6-8 weeks), Irish for Beginners/Improvers (18 weeks). Applications close Thursday, 22nd September. Fees from €100 for 6 - week course to €300 for 18 weeks. For details call 056 777 5910 or 087 263 0999 or see www.nuim.ie/kilkenny.
Mouth Cancer Awareness
Wednesday, 21st September has been designated as Mouth Cancer Awareness Day. Free mouth cancer examination at local participating dental surgeries, e.g. Springhill Clinic; 9.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 5.30pm. Further details at www.mouthcancerawareness.ie
Blessing of Animals
St. Canice’s Parish hosts a blessing of animals to celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi at 3.00pm on Saturday, 1st October in the grounds of St. Canice’s Church.
