First Sunday of Advent, Year B, 27th November, 2011

First Sunday of Advent

Advent, which begins on this Sunday, is a period of joyful expectation during which we prepare to welcome Christ into our lives.

The celebration of Advent has evolved in the spiritual life of the Church. The origins of Advent are hard to determine with great precision. In its earliest form, beginning in France, Advent was a period of preparation for the Feast of the Epiphany, a day when converts were baptized; so the Advent preparation was very similar to Lent with an emphasis on prayer and fasting which lasted three weeks and later was expanded to 40 days. In 380, the local Council of Saragossa, Spain, established a three-week fast before Epiphany. Inspired by the Lenten regulations, the local Council of Macon, France, in 581 designated that from Nov. 11 (the Feast of St. Martin of Tours) until Christmas fasting would be required on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Eventually, similar practices spread to England. In Rome, the Advent preparation did not appear until the sixth century, and was viewed as a preparation for Christmas with less of a penitential bent.

The Church gradually formalized the celebration of Advent. The Gelasian Sacramentary, traditionally attributed to Pope St. Gelasius I (d. 496), was the first to provide Advent liturgies for five Sundays. Later, Pope St. Gregory I (d. 604) enhanced these liturgies composing prayers, antiphons, readings, and responses. Pope St. Gregory VII (d. 1095) later reduced the number of Sundays in Advent to four. Finally, about the ninth century, the Church designated the first Sunday of Advent as the beginning of the Church year.

Despite its “sketchy” history, the importance of this season remains to focus on the coming of our Lord. (Advent comes from Latin adventus, meaning “coming.”) The Catechism stresses the two-fold meaning of this “coming” : “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His second coming” (No. 524).

The Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath is exactly what the word implies, a wreath of evergreens. It is either suspended from the ceiling or placed on a table in the living area of the house. Fastened to the wreath are four candles standing upright, at equal distances. These candles represent the weeks of Advent.

Daily at a certain time (usually in the evening), the family gathers for a short time of prayer. Every Sunday of Advent one more candle is lit, until all four candles shed their cheerful light to announce the approaching birthday of the Lord. All other lights are extinguished in the room, and only the gentle glow of the live candles illuminates the darkness. After some prayers,  the family might sing one of the traditional Advent hymns or a song in honour of Mary.

The traditional symbolism of the Advent wreath reminds the faithful of the Old Testament, when humanity was “sitting in the darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 2:79); when the prophets, illumined by God, announced the Redeemer; and when the hearts of men glowed with the desire for the Messiah. The wreath – an ancient symbol of victory and glory – symbolizes the “fulfilment of time” in the coming of Christ and the glory of His birth.

Why not have a simple Advent Wreath in your home to bring a spiritual dimension to your family’s wait for Christmas?

Advent Ideas

For Advent pastimes for younger people have a look at www.catholicmom.com/advent which offers printable colouring pages, puzzles and instructions for making an Advent Wreath.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

There was a very good attendance at the Forty Hours Adoration for the Feast of Christ the King in St. John’s Church last weekend.  Thank you to all those who spent time in adoration.

Bereaved by Suicide

Kilkenny Bereavement Support will hold an open support group for people who have been bereaved by suicide. It will take place in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Freshford Road, on Thursday 8th December at 8.00pm.  The group is open to anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or co-worker to suicide.

In the group, the bereaved can share their feelings about their losses, be supported by other participants, get information regarding their experiences or just listen in silence.

For further information, please phone 056 775 6538.

Wake-up Call

Many of us will have noticed a change in the language used at Mass in recent weeks.  Since September we have been getting used to a series of changes to the Mass, and today, the First Sunday of Advent, the new translation of the Missal comes fully into effect.

You will be aware that some of the congregation’s responses are changing such as the use of ‘And with your spirit’ instead of ‘And also with you’.  There are also changes to some of the people’s prayers such as the Confiteor, the Gloria, the Creed, and the Sanctus, and to the parts of the Mass spoken by the priest.  Specially produced congregational cards and missalettes are available in our parishes to assist us as we familiarise ourselves with the new wording.

We will all need to be on our toes to make sure we are getting the responses and prayers right.  Until we get used to the new wording, we will be more alert than usual.  We will not be able to rattle off prayers without thinking as can be so easy to do when the words are so familiar.

What a fitting time, then, to introduce the new translation.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus urges his disciples to ‘be on our guard’, ‘to stay awake’.  It is very much in the spirit of Advent that we stay alert.  When we pray we do more than recite words.  Let us use this time to discover anew the meaning of the Mass.

Triona Doherty.

Advent Scripture Booklet and CD

Ossory Adult Faith Development offers a booklet and CD to facilitate prayerful scripture-based reflection as we approach Christmas.  These are suitable for personal or group use.  Contact ADF Office on 056 775 3624 or email afd@ossory.ie.  Booklets cost €3 while the CDs cost €5.  Available at the Parish Centre.

Characters of Advent

Fr. Willie Purcell will give a series of talks on the Characters of Advent - Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph.  Starting on Tuesday 6th December at 11.30am and running for three weeks in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre.  A cup of tea will be available before the meeting, after 10.30am Mass, if desired. Queries: Kathleen @ 087 246 8443.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Michael Hoyne, 2 Wellington Square.  Peggy Smullen, Rosemount, Newpark.

Months Mind: Olive Barry

Anniversaries: Michael Hickey (Sat 6.15), Mark Butler (Sat 7.00), Joseph Murray & Family (Sun 9.30),  Charles Carroll (Sun 10.00), Ramie, Breda, Marie, Phyllis & Thomas Dowling (Sun 10.30), Deceased Members of St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band (Sun 11.00), Margaret Roche (Sun 12.00), John Hand (Sun 12.30), Jeremiah Mullally (Thur 10.30), Phillip O’Dwyer, Oliver Bergin, Rory McPhillips, Maureen Nolan, Joe McKane, Patrick J. Crotty, James Donnelly, James Donnelly Jnr, Sean Donnelly, Eileen Barry, Mary Delaney, Jimmy Delaney, Catherine Connors, Dollie & Pearse Butler, Patrick (Pa) O’Neill,  Thomas, Margaret & Patrick Beehan.

Intentions for next weekend: Michael Fitzmaurice (Sat 6.15), Richie Delaney (Sat 7.00), Patrick Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30), Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00), Kathleen Brown (Sun 10.30), Maeve Healy & Laurence Healy (Sun 11.00), Thomas Dowling (Sun 12.00), Elaine Quinn (Sun 12.30).

May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.  Amen.

First Friday

As the first Friday of December occurs this week the priests will visit the housebound.  Contact the Parish Office if you, or someone known, to you would like a visit. 

Christmas Craft Fair

Kilkenny City Woodturners and Crafts Christmas Fair, Ormonde College,  December 3rd and 4th.  Featuring artists like Pat Holland, Willie Maher, Mick Morrissey, Sarah Neill, Canice Ryan, Ciaran Walsh.

L’Arche Christmas Fair

L’Arche Christmas Fair on this Sunday 27^th November from 12.00 noon - 5.00pm in the L’Arche Workshop, Fair Green Lane, Callan.

Something for all the family: candles, cards, pottery, weaving, cakes, tea and coffee.

Also L’Arche Christmas Shop will open from Wednesday 30^th till Monday 21^st December Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm.

Envelope Collection

The amount collection in last week’s weekly envelopes amounted to €1,015.  Many thanks.

Events at Peace in Christ

The Diocesan Retreat Centre provides us with an opportunity to celebrate Advent and prepare for Christmas with a number of events...

The Word Was Made Flesh: a pre-Christmas Weekend Silent Retreat.  Guided by Monsignor Jim Cassin, Ms Christine Kelly and Sr. Margaret Moloney.  Friday 9th to Sunday 11th December.  Telephone 772 1054 for information.

Our Faith for the Future

Over the past few weeks young people from secondary schools in our diocese have taken part in a public speaking competition which was framed around faith based topics. It has been a tremendous success. In addressing the issues put before them the students asked questions of themselves and caused those in attendance to reflect. 

The final of this competition will take place on Thursday next, 1st December, at 8pm in St Patrick's Parish Centre when Secondary School Students from our diocese will publically discuss and engage in questions on the topic "Church: we are the future and the present."  All welcome.

Mount St. Anne’s

Christmas Carol Service - Friday 9th December, 2011 at 7pm

Enjoy an evening of music and song in preparation for the Christmas Season.

There is no charge - all are welcome.

Advent Reflection Afternoon - Sunday 11th December, 2011 - 3pm to 6pm

Join us for an afternoon of prayer and reflection in preparation for Advent.

No Charge - Donations welcome

Mounts St. Anne's Retreat & Conference Centre, Killenard, Portarlington.

For further details or should you wish to reserve a place, contact the Secretary on 057-8626153

Questions People Ask

Q.  These changes to the Mass will be the last straw for people who are barely hanging on. Don’t you think that they will be leaving the Church in droves?

A.  Obviously there are people who are easily frustrated and have no patience with any change.  But looking at the changes in a positive way, the new translation might make us slow down and look with fresh eyes at the beauty of the prayers and responses at Mass.  There is a greater reverence in the new translation and that is a good thing.  Instead of rattling off the Gloria or Creed at top speed, the fresh wording is an opportunity to ponder on the majesty and beauty of these prayers.  Instead of leaving the Church, people might actually grow in faith and reverence.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Christ the King, 20th November 2011

In memory of…

These few words, and the symbols we use to recall departed loved ones, give us great comfort.  It is important that we cherish the memory of those who have been truly significant and part of each one of us.  The gift of memory brings us great consolation and healing.  The more we invite memory the more we are gifted with healing.

This Thursday evening we invite you to gather at St. Fiacre’s Church to remember in a prayerful way your departed loved ones.  We ask you to join with us as we recall those who have died, to give thanks to God for blessings received through their presence in our lives and to seek healing for our broken hearts and minds.

Our annual service begins at 7.30pm and will conclude with refreshments in the Parish Centre.  Special prayers will be offered during the ceremony for those from our parish who died during the past twelve months.  Please come and join with us.

‘Thank You’ from Peace in Christ

The Retreat House Team would like to thank most sincerely all those who contributed so generously to the recent collection in aid of Peace in Christ Retreat House.   We would especially like to thank those who organised and carried out the collection on our behalf.  

The amount collected in our parish was €968.62.   Thank you.

Weekly Envelope Collection

The total collected in last weekend’s weekly envelope collection amounted to  €1,360.00.  Many thanks.

Coffee Morning

The School of the Holy Spirit will hold its annual Coffee Morning and Sale of Work on next Saturday 26th November between 10.30a.m and 12.30pm in the school in Seville Lodge on the Callan Road. Why not enjoy a free cuppa and scone while you get some great bargins?  You may even win a hamper while supporting such a good cause. For more details phone Therese Buckley@ 087 904 0208.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Jack Hoyne, Fatima Place.  Funeral prayers at Hehir’s Funeral Home at 6.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Mary’s Cathedral.  Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery.  Thomas Harold, Gowran and formerly of Pearce Street.  Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday in St. Canice’s Church followed by burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery.  Michael Smullen, 11 Rosemount, Newpark. Frank Walsh, Newpark Lower.  Jonathan Faul, Monaghan.

Anniversaries: Maura Leahy (Sat 6.15), James Fox (Sat 7.00),  James Rafter (Sun 9.30),  Bill Keogh (Sun 10.00), Margaret (Madge) O’Brien (Sun 10.30), Rena Brett (Sun 11.00), John Byrne (Sun 12.00), Henrietta Hyland (Sun 12.30),  Joan Taggart (Mon 9.30), Paul O’Dwyer (Wed 9.30), Kitty McMyler (Thurs 10.30), James Fahy, Dick & Annie Burke, Margaret Guilfoyle, Michael Gibbons, Thomas & Owen Beehan, Michael Beale, Catherine McDonald, May O’Connell, Joan Meehan.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Michael Hickey (Sat 6.15), Mark Butler (Sat 7.00), Joseph Murray (Sun 9.30), Charles Carroll (Sun 10.00), Ramie, Breda, Marie, Phyllis & Thomas Dowling (Sun 10.30), Deceased Members of St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band (Sun 11.00), Margaret Roche (Sun 12.00), John Hand (Sun 12.30), Olive Barry (Months Mind).

Our Faith for the Future

Would you like to engage with questions about our faith as we face a future together? Who better to have this conversation with than the younger members of our communities?  On next Thursday 24th November at St. Patrick's Parish Centre 9 Senior Cycle Secondary School students will publically discuss and engage in questions on the topic: ‘You begin to feel compassion for people in difficulties and you are eager to do something to help them. You want to come to the aid of the poor and the hungry, you want to comfort the sorrowful, you want to be kind and generous. And once these things begin to matter to you, you are well on the way to becoming saints’.  (Benedict XVI).  Young people as 21st Century Saints: An old man’s dream or a recipe for a truly radical life.

Entrance free - all are welcome.  Come along and hear the thoughts of our young people.

Advent Scripture Booklet and CD

Ossory Adult Faith Development offers a booklet and CD to facilitate prayerful scripture-based reflection as we approach Christmas.  These are suitable for personal or group use.  Contact ADF Office on 056 775 3624 or email afd@ossory.ie.  Booklets cost €3 while the CDs cost €5.  A limited supply will be available at the Parish Centre from mid-week.

Lectio Divina Style Prayer

To support and encourage people to pray the scriptures Ossory Adult Faith Development has issued a simple sheet to accompany a lectio divina style prayer.  These leaflets are available after Mass to members of prayer groups and to individuals who would use them at home in prayer.  Collect yours at the back of the church.

New Missal on RTÉ

On this Sunday at 11.15am RTÉ One television will broadcast a special live studio Mass at which - for the first time on television in Ireland - the priest and congregation will pray the full version of the new translation of the Roman Missal.  This Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Patrick Jones, National Centre for Liturgy.

St. Vincent de Paul Collection

The monthly collection for the St. Patrick’s Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.  Please be as generous as possible as the conference is constantly asked for help.

Events at Peace in Christ

The Diocesan Retreat Centre provides us with an opportunity to celebrate Advent and prepare for Christmas with a number of events...

Entering the Advent Season. Guided by Fr. Martin Delaney and Ms Christine Kelly.  Sunday, 27th November from 10.30am to 5.00pm.

The Word Was Made Flesh: a pre-Christmas Weekend Silent Retreat.  Guided by Monsignor Jim Cassin, Ms Christine Kelly and Sr. Margaret Moloney.  Friday 9th to Sunday 11th December.  Telephone 772 1054 for information.

Unsung Heroes

Have you ever seen the TV programme Secret Millionaire?  In each episode a millionaire leaves his or her luxury life behind, takes on a secret identity, and lives undercover in a deprived area to find out who needs their help.  The work alongside local people, discovering individuals and projects they think deserve a share of their fortune, before coming clean and surprising them with monetary gifts to help them in their work.  Often those who most impress the benefactor are those who are quietly working for the benefit of others, who give generously of their time and talents to make a better life for those in their local community.  They are the ones who, in spite of their busy lives, are also the most welcoming and helpful to the undercover millionaire.  They are not in it for the money.  They are not generous to the visitor among them because he is rich or because they expect to get something out of them.  They are the people who see a need and do something to tackle it, and their simple acts of generosity lead to great rewards.  Jesus expects us to treat everyone we encounter with sensitivity and generosity.  Today’s Gospel reminds us of our responsibility to care for our fellow man; to feed the hungry , who make strangers welcome, provide for those who are without, visit those who are sick or imprisoned.  There are simple acts of mercy we can carry out each day.  Such love for others is love for God: as the Gospel tells us, ‘In so far as you did this to the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.’

Triona Doherty.

Healing and Reconciliation

St. Canice’s Parish Community invites you to join them for the final reflection in their Voices of Hope series.  On this Wednesday there will be a service of healing and reconciliation led by Bishop Brendan Comiskey.  St. Canice’s Church at 7.30pm on this Wednesday, 23rd November.  All welcome.

Parish Website

www.patricksparish.net is updated regularly and offers up-to-date information on our parish.

Public Speaking Course

A free course in public speaking confidence will be held in St John’s Day Centre, beginning Saturday evening November 27th. This course will suit students, Mass readers, wedding speakers and anyone wishing to develop public speaking confidence in small group settings. For full details and to book a place please call or text 086 151 0158.

Christmas Food and Craft Fair

Sunday 20th November, from 11.00 to 5.00 in The Dolmen Hotel, Carlow. 35 stands, with handmade products of food and craft, from home baking, glass painting to bog oak and jewellery.  Lucky dip stand for the kids on the day, with proceeds going to the LauraLynn Hospice.  Santa's letter box, and Christmas music and entertainment for all the family.

Historical Society Lecture

‘Knockroe Passage Tomb and the Mysterious Stone Age of South Kilkenny’ by Muiris O’Suilleabhan, School of Archaeology, U.C.D. at 8.00pm on Thursday, 24th November.  Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall.  Admission: €5.

Eucharistic Congress 2012

The Congress is now recruiting volunteers for a wide range of roles and if you would like to get involved please visit the IEC2012 website www.iec2012.ie/volunteer and fill out an online application or request an application form from the Congress Office.

Your Mental Health and Caring for It

Are you trying to keep too many balls in the air? Do you get anxious?  Are you a worrier? Do you worry when meeting new people? Do you think you don’t measure up? Could you learn to laugh a bit more?  We all deserve a better quality of life – Would you like to improve yours?

Free 6 week course (2 hours each week).  : Thursdays, 11.00am – 1.00pm, starting 1^st December at GROW, Barrack Street, Kilkenny.  For bookings 087 284 3424.

A Tribute to Dave Prim

In the Set Theatre, Friday 25^th November 2011.  Tickets €10.00 (available from Set Theatre). All proceeds to Enable Ireland, O’Neill Centre, Kilkenny.

Questions People Ask

Q. What is the temporal punishment due to sin?  Does it mean that God forgives us but imposes some sort of punishment at the same time?

A.  I don’t think you’ve got it right.  This punishment is called temporal as opposed to the eternal punishment which is the hell of unrepented evil.  God does not impose the punishment but it is something self-inflicted.  Any time I behave in a sinful manner I am damaging my character.  If I lash out at somebody in anger I have damaged my spiritual health.  The good news is that healing is available for this damaged character if we cooperate with the graces of the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 13th November 2011

The Midas Touch

When you were at school or college, was there that one person who was good at everything, who got As in every subject, was a skilled sportsperson, a gifted musician, and was involved in every activity going?  We all know people who seem to be good at anything they turn their hand to.   Everything they touch turns to gold. 

In the parable in today’s Gospel, the skills of the servants really do result in gold!  The ‘talents’ which the servants are given are units of currency – the first two servants double their money, while the third, afraid to take a risk, buries his in the ground.  But the point is not the amount of talents given to each.  What pleases the master is how the talents are used.  The greatest crime is to ‘hide your talent in the ground’, to fail to use the gift you have been given. 

This parable is often seen as an exhortation to use our God-given talents and to take risks for his sake. God gives talents to every person, and they vary from person to person.  However, we eventually have to give an account of these gifts and what we did with them.  The poet John Milton reflected on this parable in his sonnet ‘On His Blindness’:

When I consider how my light is spent

Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,

And that one talent, which is death to hide,

Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

My true account, lest He, returning, chide.

Triona Doherty

Forty Hours Adoration

Forty Hours Adoration for the Feast of Christ the King will commence after the 7.30pm Mass at St. John’s Church on Friday 18th November.  The exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will conclude with 12.00pm Mass on the Feast of Christ the King, Sunday 20th November.  Anyone willing to volunteer to spend even half an hour before the Blessed Sacrament should call to the Sacristy after Mass and enter their name on the rota.

Pray for the Deceased

Recently Deceased:  Joan Bollard, Kieran Street. Funeral prayers at her son Kieran’s residence on the Dunningstown Road at 6.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Mary’s Cathedral.  Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery.  Paul Maloney, Laurel Grove.  Paddy Mullins, Loreto Avenue.  Kathleen Cantwell, Meadow Way.

Anniversaries: Una Heffernan (Sat 6.15), Sr. Sheila Lynch (Sat 7.00), Gerald & Patricia Moore (Sun 9.30), John Brennan (Sun 10.00), May Muldowney (Sun 10.30), James & Mary Mulrooney (Sun 11.00), Mary & Ann O’Shea (Sun 12.00), Margaret & Annastatia Moore (Sun 12.30), Eugene & Nora Curley (Tues 10.30), Retired & Deceased Nurses (Wed 10.30), Peggy Costigan (Thur 7.30, Foulkstown), Henry Tiernan, Michael Kennedy, Peter Blanchfield, Dymphna Condon, Sean O’Keeffe, Christy McLoughlin, Barbara Rhatigan, Patrick Cantwell, John Doyle.

Intentions for next weekend: Maura Leahy (Sat 6.15), James Fox (Sat 7.00), James Rafter (Sun 9.30), Bill Keogh (Sun 10.00), Margaret (Madge) O’Brien (Sun 10.30), Rena Brett (Sun 11.00), John Byrne (Sun 12.00), Henrietta Hyland (Sun 12.30).

Questions People Ask

Q.  Are the souls in Purgatory in suffering?

A.  The Catechism  is very consoling on this point. “All who die in God’s grace and friendship but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven’ (CCC, 1030).

These blessed people know they are saved.  They are very close to God.  So they must be very happy, yet suffering the pain of recognising how poorly they had appreciated God’s love and used their God-given talents.  I think it is like the child who has been bold but now cuddles up in the parent’s loving arms, crying in the recognition of how wrong he/she had been.  The suffering of purgatory is the result of knowing how much we have been loved and how poor was our response to that love.

Bishop’s Invitation

Bishop Seamus invites all of us to a special Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral to launch formally the new translation of the Roman Missal.  Please join Bishop Seamus at St. Mary’s on this Sunday at 3.00pm.

Choir Workshop

In conjunction with the above Fr Liam Lawton will work with choirs and singers before the Mass introducing his recently composed Glendalough Mass.  Choir members are invited to be in the cathedral at 1.00pm for a workshop with Fr Liam - there will be a break before the celebration of Mass at 3.00pm.

Youth; Faith and our Future

Would you like to engage with questions about our faith as we face a future together? Who better to have this conversation with than the younger members of our communities?   Why not join us, then, on this Thursday 17th November when Senior Cycle Students from our diocese will publically discuss and engage in questions on the topic…  "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Tim 12:4).

Venue: St Patrick’s Parish Centre – 8.00pm.

Parish Pastoral Councils

The Ossory Adult Faith Development has arranged a series of training evenings for those who are involved in, or hoping to establish, Parish Pastoral Councils here in the diocese.

· Mullinavat: Monday 14^th, 21^st November

· St. Patrick’s Centre, Kilkenny: Tuesday 15^th, 22^nd November

· Canon Malone Hall, Ballyragget: Wednesday 16^th, 23^rd November

Each night will run from 8pm to 9pm.

Westcourt News

The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession and blessings of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place on Monday, 14th November in Westcourt at 7.30pm.

Divine Mercy

There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday Nov 13th from 3pm - 4pm.  All welcome.

Mass for Nurses

There will be a special Mass for deceased and retired nurses on Wednesday, 16th November at 10.30am in St. Fiacre’s Church. This will be followed by Coffee/Tea Morning in the Parish Centre with a fundraiser for the Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare Team.  All are welcome.

Parish Envelope Collection

The total contributed in last weekend’s envelopes amounted to €1,725.  Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Clothing Appeal

Dochas Nasamu, which is an Irish built and Irish run orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, is looking for used clothing for ladies, gents and children for the orphans and their extended families. Also, shoes, household linens i.e. towels, sheets, blankets, etc. Also, soft toys.  This appeal will take place on Monday 14th November, before 11 o'clock, at St. Patricks Parish Centre.  For further information, please contact Marie on 087 689 0995.

Fashion Show

Patents’ Association at Loreto Secondary School is holding a fashion show in Langton's on Wednesday 16th November.  Tickets cost €15.  Spot prizes, goodie bags on the night.  All are welcome.

Liam Lawton in Concert

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer hosts Fr. Liam Lawton in concert on Tuesday, 13th December.  Special Guests:  Castlecomer Male Voice Choir.  Tickets are €20 at Castlecomer Parish Centre (444 1262), The Book Centre, High Street, Kilkenny and www.ticketsireland.ie and at the door.  Doors open 7.30pm. Concert 8.00pm.  Patrons with tickets will be admitted first.

Eucharistic Congress 2012

The Congress is now recruiting volunteers for a wide range of roles and if you would like to get involved please visit the IEC2012 website www.iec2012.ie/volunteer and fill out an online application or request an application form from the Congress office

Public Speaking Course

A free course in public speaking confidence will be held in St John’s Day Centre, beginning Saturday evening November 27th. This course will suit students, Mass readers, wedding speakers and anyone wishing to develop public speaking confidence in small group settings. For full details and to book a place please call or text 086 151 0158.

Loughboy Library

Toddler Hour: with storyline and crafts, every Thursday at 11.30am.  Library membership is free for children.

Scrabble for over 50s: starting on Wednesday 23rd November at 2.00pm.  There will be a prize for the highest score each week.

Book Clubs - order your monthly title today.

Senior Help Line

Senior Help Line is a national service providing a confidential listening service to older people who are lonely, worried or just need someone to talk to. The Kilkenny service will link to the National Network of over 11 centres who provide telephone support for older people who call for a variety of reasons. This support is primarily provided by listening and responding empathically.

Would you like to support Senior Help Line for three hours per month?  Kilkenny Age Friendly County Programme Ltd and Third Age invite applications for the Senior Help Line Training Course. Applicants should have good listening skills and be available to commit to 3 hours per month on Saturday afternoons from 4.00 - 7.00pm as part of the call answering team.

Further information and an application form are available from Kilkenny’s Age Friendly County Office, 42 Parliament Street, Kilkenny. Phone 056 777 2787 or email agefreindlycounty@gmail.com or visit our website.  Applicants should be available for training on 24/25/26^th January in Kilkenny for the service which will commence in early February.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 6th November 2011

Have you ever run out of fuel?  Many of us will be familiar with the panic of seeing the red fuel light appear on the dashboard when we are miles from a petrol station, or had to deal with a flat tyre or a dead car battery.  Thankfully, these days, we have mobile phones and roadside rescue to bail us out.  But even with all the warning signals available to us, we can still run out once in a while. 

In this wedding story, the bridesmaids who run out of oil for their lamps are condemned as ‘foolish’.  Among the wedding customs in Jesus’ time was a torch-lit procession at night time from the bride’s home to the groom’s.  Bridesmaids were required to be in a constant state of preparedness, since the groom could appear at any time. 

In this parable, the fact that the bridesmaids fall asleep is not the issue; all 10 bridesmaids grow drowsy and fall asleep.  The issue is that some of them – the five foolish ones – were not sensible or watchful enough to ensure they had sufficient oil, and because of this they miss out on the wedding feast.  There was no one to bail them out; the other bridesmaids had to carry on, for fear that sharing their oil would mean no one would have enough to continue. They must have got a shock when they eventually arrived at the bridegroom’s house, only to be denied and turned away. 

This parable must have served as a dramatic warning to the early Christian community, who were hoping for Jesus’ speedy return.  It let them know that they could be in for a long wait – ‘you do not know either the day of the hour’ – and that they must be prepared.  As well as having the light of faith, they must possess the fuel – the motivation and the actions – to keep it lit.

Triona Doherty

Parish Envelope Collection

The weekly envelope collection for last week amounted to €1,485.00.  Thanks to those who contributed to the October Stations.  The November Offerings are now being accepted.  Thanks for your continued support. 

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Roberta A. O’Brien (nee McKeown), Rossbog, Aherlow, Tipperary.

Months Mind: Kathleen Roche (Sun 12.30)

Anniversaries: 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), Deceased Residents of Larchfield (Tues 10.30), Dominic Coll (Wed 10.30), Margaret Shiels & Ellen Hickey (Thurs 10.30), Michael Kennedy (Sat 9.30), James Maher, John & Kathleen Dollard, Joe Gargan. Those mentioned on our November Lists of the Dead.

Intentions for next weekend: Una Heffernan (Sat 6.15), Sr. Sheila Lynch (Sat 7.00), Gerald & Patricia Moore (Sun 9.30), John Brennan (Sun 10.00), May Muldowney (Sun 10.30), James & Mary Mulrooney (Sun 11.00), Mary & Ann O’Shea (Sun 12.00), Margaret & Annastatia Moore (Sun 12.30).

Training for Parish Pastoral Councils

Ossory Adult Faith Development is offering a series of Training Evenings for those involved in Parish Pastoral Councils. These evenings are intended to help those involved in Parish Pastoral Councils. 

Mullinavat Parish Hall: Mondays: 7th, 14th, 21st November, 8.00 - 9.00pm

St. Patrick’s Centre, Kilkenny: Tuesdays: 8th, 15th, 22nd November, 8.00 - 9.00pm

Canon Malone Hall, Ballyragget: Wednesdays: 9th, 16th, 23rd November, 8.00 - 9.00pm.

We invite members of our Parish Team to attend one of these series.

Westcourt News

The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession and blessings of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place on Monday, 14th November in Westcourt at 7.30pm. The members of Callan Co-Operative will organise the liturgy. All are welcome.  Please note the change of date. There will be no Mass in Westcourt on Monday, 7 November 2011.

Closure of Embassy to Holy See

Statement by Cardinal Séan Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland.

“… I wish to express my profound disappointment at this decision which means that Ireland will be without a resident ambassador to the Holy See for the first time since diplomatic relations were established and envoys were exchanged between the two States in 1929. I know that many others will share this disappointment.

This decision seems to show little regard for the important role played by the Holy See in international relations and of the historic ties between the Irish people and the Holy See over many centuries.

It is worth recalling that for the new Irish State the opening of diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1929 was a very significant moment.  It was very important in asserting the identity and presence of the Irish Free State internationally in view of the fact that Irish diplomatic representation abroad was then confined to the Legation in Washington, the Office of the High Commissioner in London, the Permanent Delegate to the League of Nations, and the Embassy to the Holy See.

I hope that despite this regrettable step, the close and mutually beneficial co-operation between Ireland and the Holy See in the world of diplomacy can continue – based on shared commitment to justice, peace, international development and concern for the common good…”

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The monthly meeting of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on this Wednesday 9th November in the Parish Centre, immediately after the 10.30am Mass.  All welcome.

Evening of Prayer for Vocations

An evening of prayer to pray for Vocations  to the Priesthood and Religious life will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church, at 7.30pm on this Thursday 10th November.  Fr. Dan will lead us in a Hoy Hour, followed by the Rosary and conclude with Mass.  A cup of tea will be served in the Parish Centre afterwards.  All welcome.

New Translation of Roman Missal

On next Sunday, 13th November Bishop Séamus Freeman will celebrate Mass in St Mary's Cathedral to formally present the revised texts of the Roman Missal to the diocese.  This will be in anticipation of the use of the revised texts in all churches in the  diocese from the first Sunday of Advent onwards.  All parishioners, especially members of the Parish Pastoral Council, Eucharistic Ministers, Readers and others who exercise ministry in our parish, are invited to this diocesan celebration.  The Mass will commence at 3.00pm.

Choir Workshop

In conjunction with the above Fr Liam Lawton will work with choirs and singers before the Mass introducing his recently composed Glendalough Mass.  Choir members are invited to be in the cathedral at 1.00pm for a workshop with Fr Liam - there will be a break before the celebration of Mass at 3.00pm.

Forty Hours Adoration

Forty Hours Adoration for the Feast of Christ the King will commence after the 6.30pm Mass on Friday, 18th November in St. John’s Church.  The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Séamus Freeman and will conclude with Solemn Benediction. 

There is a Rota for Adoration in the Sacristies of our parish churches.  Anyone who would like to volunteer to spend an hour or even half an hour before the Blessed Sacrament should call to the Sacristy after Mass.

Rosary at James Green

The monthly Rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 6th November at 3.00pm.  All are welcome.

Church Gate Collection

The annual church gate collection in aid of Peace in Christ Retreat House will take place this weekend, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November.  Peace in Christ is our diocesan retreat house.  Please support generously.

Mass for Nurses

There will be a special Mass for deceased and retired nurses on Wednesday, 16th November  at 10.30am in St. Fiacre’s Church. This will be followed by Coffee/Tea Morning in the Parish Centre with a fundraiser for the Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare Team.  All are welcome.

Our Faith for the Future

Would you like to engage with questions about our faith as we face a future together? Who better to have this conversation with than the younger members of our communities?   Why not join us, then, on Thursday 17th November when 6 Senior Cycle Secondary School Students from our diocese will publically discuss and engage in questions on the topic…  "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Tim 12:4)

Venue: St Patrick’s Parish Centre – 8.00pm

Knitting Classes

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

Swimming Classes

Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership are organising a new introductory swimming class for Older Adults in The Watershed, beginning Thursday, 10th of November from 11.00am - 11.45am. This is a 6 week programme for complete beginners and costs €20 for the set of lessons.

Irish Wheelchair Association

Please support the Irish Wheelchair Association’s sale of angel pins, pencils, phone charms and fun packs in Kilkenny city and the surrounding towns and villages on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th of November.

Secondary Schools Talent Final

Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny on Thursday 10^th November @ 8.00pm.  Schools represented: Kilkenny CBS, Presentation, St Kieran’s College, Loreto, Colaiste Pobail Osrai, Grennan College, Thomastown, Castlecomer Community School and Duiske College, Graiguenamanagh. Tickets available from the Watergate Theatre: 056 776 1675.  Proceeds to Enable Ireland, O’Neill Centre, Kilkenny.

International Eucharistic Congress

Volunteers urgently needed for the 50^th International Eucharistic Congress 2012
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 (IEC2012) will take place in Dublin from 10th to 17^th June 2012.   Volunteers will have an integral role to play in the success of the Congress. Between two and three thousand volunteers will be needed during the week of the Congress and also to assist in preparations in the months leading up to the Congress.  The Congress is now recruiting volunteers for a wide range of roles and if you would like to get involved please visit the IEC2012 website www.iec2012.ie/volunteer and fill out an online application or request an application form from the Congress office. For more information please contact the IEC2012 offices on (01) 2349900 or volunteeradmin@iec2012.ie   The Congress is planning for 80,000 participants in the closing ceremony; 25,000 participants each day; 12,000 international pilgrims, 5 continents and 2,500 young people. This will be the biggest international event in Ireland in 2012, one that will have a significant impact for Ireland with the largest gathering of the Irish Catholic Church since 1979.