Lip Service
Which is better (or worse): to make a promise to do something and not keep it, or to say no but then change your mind and do as you were asked? What point is Jesus making here? After all, both sons start out saying one thing and end up doing the opposite. At first glance neither of them come across as the most reliable of characters; I doubt many employers would hire them on the basis of this performance. One clue is to note who is Jesus is talking to – his parables are always intriguing when the chief priests and the elders are in the audience. He seems to delight in upsetting the complacency the religious people – imagine telling the chief priests that the tax collectors and prostitutes, considered the greatest sinners of the time, would get to heaven before them. Would our own religious leaders like to be told such a thing? Would you? Outwardly the religious authorities of Jesus’ time had all the appearances of being ‘good’ – they were pious and dutiful and were quite confident of their standing before God. They are like the first son who says the right thing and makes grand promises, putting on a good outward show. But their actions did not always match. Jesus is very good at turning preconceptions upside down. It is the sinner who truly repents, rather than the outwardly pious person whose actions do not match their declarations, who will be the first to make their way into the kingdom of God. Jesus wants us to follow through with our promises. Discipleship is not about lip service. As with many other areas of life, actions speak louder than words.
Be still and know that I am God
Christian Meditation Group resumes at Peace in Christ Retreat House n Wed September 28th at 4pm. All are welcome to the weekly meeting each Wednesday ay 4pm.
Scripture Course Cancelled
Sr. De Lourdes in unavailable to provide the usual scripture course this term. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Scripture Reflection Group
Each Monday evening at 7.30 a small group meet in the St. John of God House on College Road. The Gospel for the Mass on the following Sunday is explored and reflected upon. The meeting lasts for approximately an hour after which there is a cup of tea. Anyone interested can contact Sr. Helen Maher at 087 648 0131.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Moira Cantwell, 38 Cedarwood Avenue. Requiem Mass at St. Fiacre’ Church at 12.00noon on Sunday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Michael Denieffe, Altamount Park, Caroline Mooney, Mullinavat. Alice Walsh, Parnell Street. Michael Nolan, Shandon Park. Paul Hanley, Athenry.
Anniversaries: Eugene & Paddy Somers (Sat 6.15), The Byrne Family (Sat 7.00), Fr. John Lennon (Sun 9.30), Maeve, Stephen, Alan & Shane Byrne (Sun 10.00), Dan Gorey (Sun 10.30), Kathleen Kenny (Sun 11.00), Stella O’Rourke (Sun 12.00), John Casey (Sun 12.30), Paddy Wallace (Sat 9.30), William & Elizabeth Tyrrell, Stephen O’Connor, John Walsh, Michael Doyle, Anna Beale, Terry Kelly, Anastasia Buckley, May Hehir, Michael Phelan, Ann & Jack Shortall.
Intentions Next Week: Patsy Ryan (Months Mind, Sat 6.15), Patrick Taylor (Sat 7.00), Fr. John Lennon (Sun 9.30), Thomas Madden (Months Mind, Sun 11.00), Peter Gaule (Sun 12.00), Anne Roche (Sun 12.30).
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Envelope Collection
Thank you for €1,520 contributed in the envelope collection last weekend. We appreciate your continued generosity in difficult times.
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.
Questions People Ask
Q. I don’t mean to sound disrespectful, but if Our Lady is regularly transmitting messages to certain visionaries, then why did she not send a warning about a tsunami which caused so many deaths and suffering in Japan? A message would have saved so much suffering.
A. Actually I too wrestle with the same question. In my mind it raises the question of the authenticity of these visions and messages. I have no doubts about Mary’s concern for her children on earth. These messages, as far as I know, never address the great problems of injustice, war, inequality or famine.
On This Day
On this day, 25th September in 1991, the building of St. Fiacre’s Church commenced with a ceremony marking the turning of the first sod by Most Rev. Dr. Forristal, Bishop of Ossory. There is a collage of photographs in the corridor that links the church to the parish centre showing the progress of the building work from this date to Easter Sunday 1992, when the church was opened and blessed. Why not drop in and have a look someday - YOUR’S might be one of the faces in the crowd!
Youth Choir
The 12.30 Youth Choir will return on Sunday, 2nd October with a practice from 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church. Anyone interested in joining should be at the church at 12 noon.
Guitar Practice will return next Tuesday, 27th September from 7.00pm in the Parish Centre. All welcome
First Holy Communion 2012
The enrolment ceremonies for those who intend making their First Holy Communion next Spring will be held next weekend. Pupils from Gaelscoil Osraí and Kilkenny School Project are asked to attend 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while pupils from St. John of God and St. Patrick’s De La Salle School are asked to attend 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church. We look forward to seeing you there.
Parish Liturgy Group
The Parish Liturgy Group works with the priests to help prepare the liturgies which are celebrated in our churches.
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 this 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.
St. Joseph's Young Priests Society
The annual general meeting of the Ossory Diocesan St. Joseph’s Priests Society will take place at Villa Maria, Freshford Road beginning with Mass at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 4th October. All are welcome.
The Good Old Days
Kilkenny’s Age Friendly County Programme with Kilkenny Gospel Choir are hosting ‘The Good Old Days’ on Sunday, 25th September at 7.30pm in the Set Theatre, Langton’s Hotel. All older people from the city and county are asked to put on their bonnets and moustaches and join in the sing along of all their favourite songs. Tickets are €5 and booking is essential. Contact Marianne on 086 196 1035.
Art Classes
Art Classes for beginners and more advanced starting Monday from 2.30pm - 5.00pm in the Parish Centre. Contact Eamonn 086 334 5144 for more details.
Art Classes
Art Classes for beginners and more advanced. The venue is Bishop Birch Institute, Waterford Road, Kilkenny. Classes are very enjoyable and sociable. For information please contact Sonja on 083 394 1220 or 770 8155 or sonjavrsajkov@gmail.com
Learn to Play Bridge
For further information contact Annette 087 660 1564 or Margaret 087 946 6407.
Loughboy Library
Music Class - including song, dance and play for 0 - 4 years will be held at Loughboy Library on next Thursday, 29th September at 11.30am.
Exhibition Space - is available free to local artists, craft makers, photographers, cartoonists etc. Please book a place in the 2012 schedule - it’s an ideal way of getting your work noticed.
Old Magazines - donations are gratefully accepted at the library.
Loreto Secondary School Open Night
We invite sixth class girls and their parents/guardians to attend our Open Night which will take place at 6:45pm on the 26th of September. This will give families the opportunity to take a tour of the school, meet members of our staff and attend a presentation providing key information. Tickets can be obtained by calling into the school office or by emailing us at office@loretokk.ie or by telephoning 776 5132. We look forward to welcoming you.
Card Making for all Occasions
Thursdays 3rd, 10th and 17th November from 8.00pm - 10.00pm. Allow your creative self to emerge in a relaxed and friendly environment. No previous experience is necessary. All materials included … all you need to bring is your imagination and let your creativity flow ... Facilitated by Sr. Róisín Gannon. Cost: €70.
Kilkenny Celtic Festival
Friday, 30th September, Festival Concert in Mary's Cathedral at 7.30pm featuring Liadan, Nell Ni Chroinin and Janet Harbison's Irish Youth Harp Orchestra. Also Free Storytelling for children on Saturday, 1st October in Butler House at 2.00pm. All welcome
Carers Association Support Group
A meeting of the above group will take place on 29th September in the Parish Centre after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church. Meet other carers, find information, listen to speakers.
Flag Days taking place, Thursday 13th, Friday 14th, and Saturday 15th October. We are also looking for volunteers to assist for an hour. Please contact us @ 772 1424.
