31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 30th October, 2011

Let Your Actions Talk

Putting on a special dress for prayer can emphasise the importance of the prayer. But Jesus is reminding people in today’s gospel that if the prayer is not already in their hearts and minds, then you can wear what you like, but it won’t make much difference. Matthew values the importance of leadership in his community but he is reminding them that the source of this authority lies with God. True witnesses to Jesus must put aside any ideas of grandeur and this message is of course not limited to the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ time but to all people of faith. Jesus believes in the ‘ordinary’ people and he reassures them in today’s Gospel that they should not let themselves be awed by those in authority who do not practice what they preach.

‘We should also remember that when we are in awe of people because of their education or their jobs or their way of living that Jesus liberates us from this. We eventually come to see that we are all human beings, that comparisons are ridiculous and that those we put on a pedestal are just as flawed and just as wonderful as any other human being.
‘I have long since come to believe that people never mean half of what they say, and that it is best to disregard their talk and judge only their actions.’  (Dorothy Day)

Jane Mellett

Questions People Ask

Q.  What is Halloween and why these witches and broomsticks at this time of year?  I’m not comfortable with them.

A.  Neither am I comfortable with these pagan symbols. Hallow is an old English word for holy. Hallowe’en means the eve of All Saints Day. November is the start of winter, season of darkness and death in nature. Pagans of old believed that evil spirits were extra active in this darkness. Witchcraft attempts to make contact with the world of spirits. The Church in its wisdom sets before us the glory of heaven as the meaning of life after death. Give me saints rather than witches any day!   (Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap)

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Olive Barry, 23 Corcoran Terrace.  John O’Connor, Castle Road.

Months Mind: Moira Cantwell (Sun 12.00)

Anniversaries: Birute Poskaite (Sat 6.15). Michael Phelan (Sat 7.00). Tom Shanahan & Mary Russell (Sun 10.00). P.J. Marrinan (Sun 10.30). John Joe Kealy (Sun 11.00). John Delaney (Sun 12.30).  Margaret & John Wallace (Fri 9.30), Sr Elizabeth Butler (Month’s Mind, Fri 10.30), Tess O’Neill, Julia & Richard Ryan, Jack Welford, Josie & Dick Walsh, Anastasia Muldowney, Breda Hehir, Margaret Dunlop.

Intentions Next Weekend: Mary Millea (Sat 6.15), John Glynn (Sat 7.00), Margaret Hutchinson (Sun 9.30), Jennifer Mulhall (Sun 10.00), John Cullen (Sun 10.30), Breda Phelan (Sun 11.00), Martin Brett (Sun 12.00), Kathleen Roche (Month’s Mind, Sun 12.30).

Holy Days in November

The Feast of All Saints is celebrated on Tuesday, 1st November.  Holy Day Masses in our parish will follow the usual weekend schedule: St. Fiacre’s 6.15pm on Monday, 10.30am and 12.00 noon on Tuesday; St. Patrick’s 7.00pm on Monday, 9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm on Tuesday; St. Joseph’s 10.00am on Tuesday.

Staff and Service Users at the S.O.S. will attend the 10.00am Mass on Tuesday.

The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed is celebrated on Wednesday.  Masses in St. Patrick’s at 9.30am and St. Fiacre’s at 10.30am.

Good Luck Lads!

The very best of luck to our senior hurlers and their mentors who again take on Ballyhale Shamrocks in the replay of St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship Final at Nowlan Park on this Sunday at 2.45pm.

First Saturday Devotion

The usual First Saturday devotion will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy on Saturday, 5th November after the 6.15pm Mass.  Prayers and adoration will end at 9.00pm.  All are welcome.

Altar Servers

Thanks to numerous young people who volunteered to serve Mass during the coming year.  You will have received your rosters during the last few days.  Sadly, we still have no servers for 10.00am Mass at Foulkstown, 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s and 12.00 noon Mass at St. Fiacre’s.  We could do with a little more help at some of the other Masses.  Please contact the Sacristan if your child can help.

Parish Pastoral Councils

Ossory Adult Faith Development is offering a series of training evenings for those involved in or setting up Parish Pastoral Councils. Training will be at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Tuesdays, 8th, 15th and 22nd November from 8.00pm to 9.00pm. Members of our Parish Pastoral Council (Team) are asked to attend.

First Friday

The first Friday of November occurs this week.  The priests will visit the sick and housebound.  Please contact the Parish Office if you want to add a name to the priests’ lists.

Healing Mass

The Prayer for Healing group will meet at St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.  There will be prayer and praise at 7.30pm with Mass at 8.00pm.  There will also be an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the evening.  All welcome.

Unwanted Books

We are in the process of setting up a small reading room/library at the Parish Centre and we are willing to accept books suitable for our location and purpose.  Please contact the Parish Centre if you have books to donate with a spiritual, religious or inspirational theme. We will also accept biographies and reference books.  We are sorry but we cannot accept magazines.

Knitting Classes

Knitting Classes will continue in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Wednesday evenings from 7.00pm - 9.00pm.  All are welcome.

Weekly Envelope Collection

Last week’s parish envelope contribution amounted to €1,180.  Many thanks for your continued support.  Thanks also to those who contributed to the October Stations.

November Lists of the Dead

During November we remember in a special way those who have died.  Pre-printed forms are available in all our churches for those who would like to list the names of deceased relatives and friends.  These can be placed in boxes before the altars and the names will be remembered during our November Masses.

Evening Prayer

An evening of prayer to pray for vocations will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, 10th November 2011.  Fr. Dan will lead us in a Holy Hour of Adoration, the Rosary and Holy Mass.  A cup of tea will be served in the Parish Centre.  All are welcome.

Voices of Hope

During the month of November, St. Canice’s Parish Community invites you again to join us for a series called Voices of Hope - Reflections for November.  Against the backdrop of continuing difficulties in our church and in our country we hope that this time of reflection will offer some light and guidance in dark and confusing days.  The first three nights of reflection will all follow the same format, a Mass during which an invited speaker will give an input.  The fourth night will be a service of healing and reconciliation and will also include an input by the invited speaker.

2nd November at 7.30pm: Mr. John Bruton.

9th November at 7.30pm: Ms. Anne Looney.

16th November at 7.30pm: Fr. Gerry O’Hanlon

23rd November at 7.30pm: Bishop Brendan Comiskey.

Cosmology/Care of the Earth

A workshop is offered on Cosmology / Care of the Earth.  The New Story - its implications for faith, life and living.  Br. Mark McDonnell will lead this workshop which will offer an opportunity to reflect on the New Universe Story and our relationship with the Earth.  Date: 19th November 2011.  Venue: Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre, Blackwater, Wexford.  Time: 10am - 4.30pm.  Cost €15. Please bring packed lunch - (tea & coffee will be provided).  Please book before 4th November by contacting Pam or Catherina at 056 772 2870 between 9.00am - 5.00pm.  For further information and directions to Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre please see the website www.ballyvaloo.ie

New Translation of the Mass

We are working well at introducing the new translation of the Mass.  This will be formally launched in the Diocese of Ossory by Bishop Seamus at a Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 3.00pm on Sunday, 13th November.  All are welcome.

Our parish choirs are invited to attend the cathedral from 1.00pm on the day to participate in a workshop on new liturgical music for use with the new translation.  Fr. Liam Lawton will conduct the workshop and there will be a break before the Mass at 3.00pm.  Choirs present will participate in the Mass.

Novena in Honour of St. Martin

The annual novena in honour of St. Martin De Porres continues at the Black Abbey until Thursday, 3^rd November 2011. On this Sunday there will be rosary at 3.15pm followed by Mass with Anointing of the Sick at 3.30pm.

Readers Wanted

We are currently revising the rotas for readers in our parish.  This is an opportune time to offer to serve as a regular reader in one of our churches.  If you are interested in becoming a Minister of the Word in St. Patrick’s Parish please contact the Parish Office. 

Traditional Sung Latin Masses

There will be a Sung Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 5.00pm on Sunday, 30th October (The feast of Christ the King in the Traditional Calendar).

Low Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 5.00pm on the Feast of All Saints, Tuesday, 1st November.

A traditional Sung Latin Mass will also be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 7.30pm on All Souls’ Day, Wednesday, 2nd November.

 Youth 2000 Retreat - Waterford

Youth 2000 will host a retreat in De La Salle College, Waterford, 4th - 6th November.  This is a donation only event for people aged 16 - 35 years, with new comers welcome.  The weekend will consist of a programme of youth Masses, talks, music etc.  Residential - so bring a sleeping bag!  For information contact John - 086 330 1766 or check our www.youth2000.ie.

South Kilkenny Historical Society Lecture

Title: Margaret Aylward: a controversial and courageous woman with a mission . Speaker: Dr. Jacinta Prunty chf.  Date: Thursday, November 3rd, 2011  Time: 8pm. Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall (opposite church)   Admission: €5 (members free)

Kilkenny Recreational & Sports Partnership

Lets Dance: KRSP is running a 3 day assistant dance leaders workshop over the mid-term. Participants must be over 14 and have some dancing experience. This workshop is free of charge!  Tuesday 1^st, Wednesday 2^nd & Thursday 3^rd Nov 2011  Dancewise Studios, Newpark Shopping Centre, Kilkenny 2pm-5pm, FREE

Aqua Aerobics & Swimming Lessons for Older Adults: Aqua aerobics is a low impact form of exercise. It is not essential to be a swimmer to participate in a water exercise class. See table below for starting dates of next available sessions. Cost is €20 for 6 week block.

Child Welfare & Protection in Sport Training: This is a 3 hour basic awareness course, looking at how we can keep adults and young people safe and happy within the club environment. This course is open to sports leaders, coaches, parents, children's officers and other adults involved in the organisation of sport for young people. Attendees must be over 18 years of age. Monday 14th November 2011, St. Patricks Parish Centre, Kilkenny City, 6pm–9pm, €20

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23rd October, 2011

We Are All Called To Mission

We live in an extremely unequal world where many people struggle to have their basic human rights recognised.  Missionaries will often be working among the poorest peoples and in dangerous circumstances. Last year over 2 million Euro was raised in Ireland on Mission Sunday to support the work of missionaries abroad.  But it is not all about money.  There are many ways we can be in solidarity with the poor: creating awareness, examining our relationships with the environment, being conscious about what we eat/wear and keeping ourselves informed on global issues. 

We must remember that we are all called to ‘mission’ and this does not necessarily mean to work abroad or to only give financial support.  It is not a coincidence that one of the patrons of missions is St. Thérèse of Lisieux, even though she never left her convent.  Her example shows that we are called to be missionaries in our own communities also.  The Mission Month of October offers everyone the chance to renew their commitment to the gospel.  Can we be missionaries to our own families and to the people around us?

‘May today there be peace within.  May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.  May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.  May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.’

(St. Thérèse of Lisieux)

Jane Mellett

Questions People Ask

Q. ‘The Lord be with you. And also with you.’ Why have they changed the response ‘And also with you’ to ‘And with your spirit’? I think it’s being finicky about trivialities.

A. ‘And with your spirit’ is a more exact translation of the official Latin text. The writings of St John and St Paul speak of the spirit to refer to our innermost being where we are closest to God. In his letters, Paul greets his readers with the prayer that the Lord or the grace of Jesus Christ would be with their spirit. The new response more clearly expresses the prayer that our spiritual life will be true to the spirit or mind of the Lord.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Very Rev. Nicholas Phelan, late Conahy and California. Month’s Mind, Fri 7.30 Conahy).

Anniversaries: Neddy & Anthona Bourke (Sat 6.15). Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00). Angela Prendergast (Sun 9.30). Joseph Eardly (Sun 10.00). Paddy Cullen (Sun 11.00). Mary McCormack (Sun 12.00). Eithne O’Connor (Sun 12.30). Helen Raferty (Mon 5.30). Retired Teachers (Thur 10.30). Nancy Coyne, Paddy Kenna Jnr, Laurence Tynan, Tommy Hackett Snr, Michael, Mary, Paddy & Anna Bowe, Joe Dowling, James A. Malone, Seamus Malone, Ned Mahon, Johnny Drennan, Helena Milkowska, Alfie Sheehy, Bill Cody & Bridget Butler.

Intentions for next weekend: Birute Poskaite (Sat 6.15). Michael Phelan (Sat 7.00). Tom Shanahan & Mary Russell (Sun 10.00). P.J. Marrinan (Sun 10.30). John Joe Kealy (Sun 11.00). Moira Cantwell (Months Mind Sun 12.00). John Delaney (Sun 12.30).

Good Luck Lads!

The very best of luck to our senior hurlers and their mentors who take on Ballyhale Shamrocks in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship Final at Nowlan Park on this Sunday at 3.30pm.

Dates For Your Diary

Confirmation and First Holy Communion dates

Confirmation in St. Patrick’s Parish will be Saturday, 25th February 2012.

First Holy Communion dates are:

Gaelscoil Osraí: Saturday, 5th May 2012.

St. John of God, Saturday, 12th May 2012.

St. Patrick’s De La Salle, Saturday, 19th May 2012 (St. Patrick’s Church).

St. Patrick’s Special School, Saturday, 19th May 2012 (St. Fiacre’s Church).

Kilkenny School Project: Sunday, 20th May.

Foulkstown National School

There will be a meeting of those interested in planning the Foulkstown School Past Pupils’ Reunion in the Parish Centre on Wednesday, 26th October at 8.00pm.  All welcome.

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.  Contact Sr. Helen Maher at 087 648 0131.

Readers Wanted

We are currently revising the rotas for readers in our parish.  This is an opportune time to offer to serve as a regular reader in one of our churches. 

Many young people are currently enrolling in the John Paul II Awards at their secondary schools.  We suggest proclaiming the Word of God in our parish would be an excellent way of earning the award. 

One way or another, if you are interested in becoming a Minister of the Word in St. Patrick’s Parish please contact the Parish Office. 

Weekly Envelope Collection

The total for last weekend’s envelope collection amounted to  €1,405.  Many thanks for your continued support.

Thanks also to those who contributed to the October Stations which provide an income for the bishop and the priests of the parish.

St. Patrick’s Lourdes Fund

There will be a fundraising concert in the Village Inn on this Saturday, 22nd October.  Music by Uptown Band.  Guest: Eugene Dewberry.  Doors open at 9.00pm.  Adm. €5.

St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band

On Sunday 6th November St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will play a concert in St. Fiacre’s Church.  The band has been given permission to play a varied programme of music to suit all tastes.   The concert is free of charge and will commence at 3.00pm.

Knitting Classes

Knitting Classes will resume in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on next Wednesday, 26th October from 7.00pm - 9.00pm.  All are welcome.

Mission Sunday Collection

In his message for Mission Sunday this year, Pope Benedict XVI, wrote, “Missionary activity renews the Church, revitalizes faith and Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusiasm and new incentive. Faith is strengthened when it is given to others!”  And he goes on to add, “It is in commitment to the Church's universal mission that the new evangelization of Christian peoples will find inspiration and support”.

The Mission Sunday collection is distributed in its entirety to the 1,100 young Churches who are supported by the generosity of Churches that are better off. The Irish Office sent more than €2.2 million, collected in the thirty-two counties last year, to help build up the Church in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Parish Pastoral Councils

Ossory Adult Faith Development is offering a series of training evenings for those involved in or setting up Parish Pastoral Councils. These evenings are intended to help those who hoping to establish a Parish Pastoral Council, those who are newly established and those who are already working as a means to review how they are functioning.  Training will be at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Tuesdays, 8th, 15th and 22nd November from 8.00pm to 9.00pm.

Traditional Sung Latin Masses

There will be a traditional Sung Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 5.00pm on Sunday, 30th October (The feast of Christ the King in the Traditional Calendar).

Low Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 5.00pm on the Feast of All Saints, Tuesday, 1st November.

A traditional Sung Latin Mass will also be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 7.30pm on All Souls’ Day, Wednesday, 2nd November.

Evening of Prayer

An evening of prayer to pray for vocations will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, 10th November 2011.  Fr. Dan will lead us in a Holy Hour of Adoration, the Rosary and Holy Mass.  A cup of tea will be served in the Parish Centre.  All are welcome.

Loughboy Library

Free Computer Classes on an ongoing basis.  They are suited for beginners and cover internet searches, email, file management etc.  Please book a place at 779 4176. 

Cosmology/Care of the Earth

A workshop is offered on Cosmology / Care of the Earth.  The New Story - its implications for faith, life and living.  Br. Mark McDonnell will lead this workshop which will offer an opportunity to reflect on the New Universe Story and our relationship with the Earth.  Date: 19th November 2011.  Venue: Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre, Blackwater, Wexford.  Time: 10am - 4.30pm.  Cost €15. Please bring packed lunch - (tea & coffee will be provided).  Please book before 4th November by contacting Pam or Catherina at 056 772 2870 between 9.00am - 5.00pm.  For further information and directions to Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre please see the website www.ballyvaloo.ie

Table Quiz For GROW & CEART

Pembroke Hotel, Patrick Street at 7.30 for 8.00pm on Tuesday, 25th October in aid of GROW and CEART.  €20 per team of four.  Free finger food and spot prizes.  Everyone welcome.

The Hole in the Wall

Songs, Music, Stories from Ireland and North America with Jim Maher (Storyteller), Gerry Moran (Poet), Paul Dunne (Vocals Accordion, Guitar), Dan Ryan (Fiddle, Dobro), Jimmy Dunne (Clawhammer Banjo) on Friday 28^th October at 9pm at The Hole in the Wall, High Street, Kilkenny. Tickets: €10.00.  All proceeds to Enable Ireland, O’Neill Centre.

Flag Day Thank You

Funds raised go towards services and supports. The Carers’ Association in Kilkenny and Carlow offers:  Carers’ Resource Centre and Outreach Service in Carlow, an in-home Respite Service, Support Meetings for Carers and Social Recreation Days, Training, Education, Advocacy and Lobbying Information and 

Advice and a Free Counselling/Listening Service.

Our next Support Meeting is on 27th October in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 11.00am.  A group of local Carers are going for an early bird dinner Wednesday 26th October at 6.30pm.  To find out more please contact us or if you know someone caring for a loved one please ask them to phone us on 056 772 1424.

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 16th October, 2011

Focus on what matters

Jesus’ opponents in today’s Gospel challenge Jesus as if they were asking for friendly advice on their taxes.  It is a dangerous question because if Jesus gives a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer he risks losing popularity or being reported to the authorities.  Jesus sees through these guts and delivers a brilliant response: ‘Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.’  This text has sometimes been used to argue that religion should stay out of politics, economics or culture but building a Kingdom of justice requires that we are actively involved in those things.  The world we live in is one that often falls short of the values of the Kingdom that Jesus preached.  To be a witness to Jesus means that all aspects of our lives should be Kingdom focused and this includes whatever political, economical or cultural issues we are confronted with.  The focus in this passage is getting out priorities straight.  Give Caesar his taxes but do not forget what belongs to God i.e. things that are so important we cannot compromise them – family, friends, compassion, justice...

Jane Mellett

Questions people ask

I am a reader at Mass.  Will the changes at Mass involve new readings?  Do I need a new book to practise the readings at home?

There are two books for Mass, the Lectionary (containing the Scripture Readings) and the Missal or Sacramentary, used at the altar, containing the prayers of the Mass.  There are no changes in the Lectionary so you don’t need to get a new book for your readings.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

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.  Contact Sr. Helen Maher at 087 648 0131.

Pray for the Deceased

Recently Deceased: John (Sean) Murray, died in England, late of Pearse St. Maisie Brennan, 25 Green St. Kathleen Murphy, 25 O’Loughlin Road. Bridget Costello (Reade), died in Manchester formerly of 149 Walkin Street. Liam O’Dwyer, Clara.

Months Mind: Maura Coonan (Sat 6.15)

Anniversaries: Gerard Cleere (Sun 9.30), Richard Kelly (Sun 10.00), Judy O’Brien (Sun 10.30), John Frawley (Sun 11.00), Bernadette Delaney (Sun 12.30), David Doran (Tues 9.30), Doris Americas (Sat 9.30),  Patrick Tynan, John Cantwell, Jimmy Bateman., Lily Spiers, Justine Kavanagh, Julie Burke.

Intentions for next weekend

Anniversaries: Neddy & Anthona Bourke (Sat 6.15), Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00), Angela Prendergast (Sun 9.30), Joseph Eardly (Sun 10.00), Paddy Cullen (Sun 11.00), Mary McCormack (Sun 12.00), Eithne O’Connor (Sun 12.30).

Weekly Envelope Collection

The weekly envelope collection amounted to €1830.  Many thanks for your continued support.

Church Gate Collection

The Irish Heart Foundation will hold their annual church gate collection this weekend the 15th & 16th October.

Dates For Your Diary

Our Confirmation and First Holy Communion dates are:

Confirmation in St. Patrick’s Parish will be February 25th.

First Holy Communion dates are: Gaelscoil, Sat 5th May, St. John of God, Sat 12th May, St. Patrick’s de la Salle, Sat 19th May. KSP  Sun 20th May.

Cabaret

In aid of St. Patrick’s Lourdes Fund in the Village Inn on Saturday 22nd October.  Music by Uptown Band - Guest Artist - Eugene Dewberry.  Doors Open at 9pm.  €5.

Parish Centre Volunteers

The reception desk at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre is staffed entirely by a group of dedicated volunteers.   These volunteers are there to help people with enquiries, and answer the phone and take messages.  We are grateful to these men and women who give their time free to the Parish.

The New Mass

We are slowly come to terms with using the new Mass and its responses, we are aware that some people are finding it difficult with the responses and we ask them to use the leaflets supplied.  It may be helpful to know that the most common response in the Mass (used 5 times ) is : “...and with your spirit”

St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band

On Sunday November 6th St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will play a concert in St. Fiacre’s Church.  The band has been given permission to play a varied programme of music to suit all tastes.   The concert is free of charge and will commence at 3pm. 

Fundraising Concert

In aid of the Susie Long Hospice & Building of Hope Project.  Following their sold out debut performance in 2009.  Direct from Wales, the Morristown Orpheus Choir at St. John’s Church, Kilkenny on Saturday 5th November 2011 at 8pm.

Kilkenny Age Friendly Forum

Public meeting of Kilkenny Age Friendly County Forum will be held in the Ormonde Hotel on Monday 17^th October at 10.30am, where an update of progress to date will be presented.  All over 50’s especially welcome!

Parish Shop

Available in the foyer of the Parish Centre is a wide selection of religious goods.  The Parish Centre is open from 10am - 5pm Monday to Friday.  Items not on display can be ordered by contacting Kitty Byrne.

New Collection Methods

Following new regulations from the diocese regarding the first and second offering collections at all Masses, we have begun to implement some changes.  Most noticeable is in St. Fiacre’s Church where the collection plates are now placed in a basket at the altar and brought to the sacristy after Mass where it is bagged and deposited in a secure safe.  This is being done to address a security concern where the sacristy is located at the back of the church and is vulnerable to intrusion and attack during Mass.  We do not want to see a situation where a sacristan or collector is injured by some individual who might see an opportunity to steal money.  We are thankful to our collectors and sacristans who are willing to take on these new changes and their faithful work is appreciated.

Adults Bereaved by Suicide

Kilkenny Bereavement Support holds an open support group for adults bereaved by suicide.  It as held in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny at 8.00pm on the first Thursday of every month.  It is facilitated by two experienced volunteers from Kilkenny Bereavement Support.  The group is open to anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or co-worker to suicide.  The aim of the group is to provide a safe place where the bereaved can drop in and stay with the group for as long as they think is necessary for them.  The bereaved can share their feelings about their losses, be supported by other participants, get information regarding their experiences or just listen in silence.  Discussions within the group will be held in confidence.  For further information, please contact 056 775 6538.

October Stations

Thanks to all who have contributed to the support of the priests and the bishop through the October station, this is the orange envelope in the envelope pack you have received earlier in the year.  We are grateful for all of the support shown to us in  difficult times.

St. Fiacre’s Church

This year St. Fiacre’s Church celebrates its  twentieth year.   To commemorate this we have placed a collage of the building of the church and its dedication in the hallway joining the Church.  Please feel free to come in and take a look.

St. Vincent de Paul

This weekend is the monthly St. Vincent de Paul collection and we are grateful to all who generously support this local collection.  All monies collected in St. Patrick’s Parish stays in the parish.  Those wishing to contact the society may do so in the strictest of confidence by writing to the St. Vincent de Paul, St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy, Kilkenny or by telephoning 087 681 0589. 

For Your Information

Marriages: At least 3 months notice must be given in order  to book your wedding in any of the Parish Churches. 

Baptisms: At least 2 weeks notice must be given in order to book a baptism.  Contact the parish office for bookings.

Altar Servers

This weekend is the last weekend for applications for those who wish to become or continue as altar servers.  The new rotas will be available next weekend and depending on how many new servers there are, we will organise training for new candidates.

Please note that parental permission is essential.  St. Patrick’s Parish strictly adheres to diocesan child protection policy.

Rockfall Table Quiz

This coming Monday night the 17th October in Ryan’s Pub, Friary Street. Commencing at 8.30pm.

All proceeds to the O’Neill Centre, Kilkenny.

Parish Website

Our parish  runs a website which brings information from our parish to people worldwide who have internet access. Find us on www.patricksparish.com(or.net).  The weekly newsletter is printed on this site.  Tell those who are away from home about this free service.