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...
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.
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 17th 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.
