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.
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 10th 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 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 (IEC2012) will take place in Dublin from 10th to 17th 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.
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 (IEC2012) will take place in Dublin from 10th to 17th 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.
