Senior Citizens’ Party
The annual dinner and party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the Parish Centre on Monday, 6th February. Good food and a great night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Tickets €10 are available only from the Parish Office. Tickets should be purchased early to avoid disappointment and to help with catering arrangements.
Eucharistic Congress June 2012
St. Patrick’s Parish Pastoral Council is anxious that those travelling to the International Eucharistic Congress from our parish should attend as a group. For this reason we encourage parishioners to travel on the nominated ‘Ossory Day’, Tuesday, 12th June 2012. The Council has booked a coach and, we understand, a special Congress Train will run from Kilkenny station.
It would help greatly if those who may travel would give their names to the Parish Office as an expression of interest. Cost and details will be announced as soon as they come to hand. The 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Dublin’s RDS from 10th—17th June. The final Mass will be celebrated at Croke Park on Sunday, 17th June. Please see www.iec2012.ie for further information.
Eucharistic Congress 1932
The last time an International Eucharistic Congress was held in Ireland was in 1932. Were you there? Have you any stories to tell (personal stories or those of your parents or grandparents) about the 1932 Congress? Have you any photographs or other memorabilia?
The diocese is considering putting together an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia but if we get enough exhibits from our parish we will put together a small local exhibition in the Parish Centre. Have a look in the attic or in that battered biscuit tin or shoe box and see what you can come up with. We promise to carefully copy and return items.
Envelope Collection
Thanks for €1,451.18 contributed to the parish through the envelopes last weekend.
Christian Unity
The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began last Wednesday and continues until next Wednesday, the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. During this time we are asked to pray intensely for the intention of unity among the members of Christ’s Body on earth. Because of Bishop Seamus’s other engagements the usual ecumenical exchanges will not take place this year. Never-the-less, we are asked to continue our prayers for unity. The theme of this year’s Week of Prayer is “We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus” (1 Cor 15:51-58).
Volunteering with the Samaritans
Have you made your New Year’s resolutions to support others yet? Can you listen in a non-judgemental way? Have you time to spare each week? The Samaritans are currently recruiting new volunteers to staff their busy service in Dean Street, Kilkenny. Training begins in March 2012. Interested people should get in touch with the local Samaritans by letter, telephone (056 776 5554) or email (jo@samaritans.org).
“Manage Your Life by Managing your Mind”
The mind is a powerful tool, but without good training, your moods, thoughts and behaviour can sabotage your goals and cause depression and anxiety. This course given by Dr. Fergus Heffernan teaches you to: Build self confidence, Overcome anxiety and depression, Take positive control of yourself and your future, Have fulfilling relationships with family, friends and co-workers, Free yourself from persistent fears and worries, Break bad habits and relive stress, Develop your full potential, Manage yourself and your time, Clarify your goals and your values.
Venue: The Abbey Business Centre, Abbey Street, Kilkenny. Saturday, 28th January from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Cost: €20.
Pray For Our Deceased
Recently Deceased: Teresa Hewitt (nee Trait), Henebry’s Cross, Dunmore. Requiem Mass at 10.30am on Monday at St. John’s Church. Mary Bartley, Ashleigh Court. Fr. John O’Brien, Viper, Kells. Baby Toby John Keller. Denis Hayes, Castlecomer Road. Annie Dwyer, Greenridge. Angela Farrell, Johnstown.
Anniversaries: Paul Prodromou (Sat 6.15), Anne O’Shea (Sat 7.00), Nora Foley (Sun 9.30), Christy McLoughlin (Sun 10.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 10.30), John Hennessy (Sun 11.00), John Collins (Sun 12.00), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 12.30), Evelyn (Bobbi) Leahy (Mon 9.30), Patrick & Sarah Leahy (Tues 9.30), Kathleen Kelly (Tues 10.30), Elizabeth Mulligan (Wed 9.30), John Long (Wed 10.30), Margaret & Michael Muldowney (Thurs 10.30), Paddy & Maureen Dwyer (Fri 10.30), John, Ellen, Pat & Mary Butler (Sat 9.30), Cornelius Carroll, John & Brigid Power, James & Annie O’Grady, Christy Mahony, Michael McDonald, Statia Walsh, Tom Langton, Denis Nyhan, Rev John Nyhan, Sean O’Grady. Catherine & John Curry.
Intentions for next weekend: Kitty Hickey (Sat 6.15), Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming (Sat 7.00), Micheál Walsh (Months Mind 9.30), Pat Kearney (Sun 10.00), Fr. Joe O’Shea (Sun 10.30), Maureen Barry (Sun 11.00), Michael Phelan (Sun 12.00), Jim Loughlin (Sun 12.30).
Chernobyl Children
There will be a Coffee Moring and Book Sale at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre between 10.30am and 12.30pm on next Friday, 27th January.
Family Communication & Self Esteem
This is an 8 week parenting course for parents of 9 - 17 year olds. To support parents in building good relationships with their children. Venue: The Drum Youth Centre, McDonagh Junction, Kilkenny. Dates and Times: Every Wednesday morning, 10.15am - 12.45pm from 1st February. Cost: Free.
New Parish Website
The new Parish Website is under construction and will be completed shortly. We value feedback on the new site and what features people might like to see on it. Visitors to the site may need to refresh their browser.
Christmas Cribs
Don’t forget to visit the Christmas Cribs in our parish. In keeping with tradition the cribs will be put away on the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord (2nd February).
GAA Social Initiative
GAA's Social Initiative - Kilmacow H&F Club are hosting a public lecture titled “Kilkenny Hurling - from the One Parish Rule to the Four in a Row”. It will be held on Sunday, 5th February at 6pm in the Community Hall, Kilmacow. OAP's and students are free, members of the public €5. This is part of the GAA's Social Initiative to provide a social outlet for elderly men. Everyone is encouraged to bring an elderly relative or friend who might enjoy the lecture and discussion. The Liam McCarthy Cup will be present and available for photographs.
Church Gate Collection
The Annual Church gate collection for Ossory Youth will take place next weekend 28th and 29th January 2012. Please support.
Dancing Classes
Social Dancing Classes for beginners started on last Monday at the Parish Centre. Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Learn to waltz, quickstep, old time, fun dancing, etc. Need any information: Phone 085 733 8140.
Art Classes for Adults
Morning art class for adults will resume on Fridays shortly. Beginners are especially welcome. Classes are small, friendly and all materials are supplied on the first class. The classes run in Bishop Birch Institute, Waterford Road from 10.00am to 12.00noon. For information: 083 394 1220 or artwithsonja@gmail.com
Mount St. Anne's Retreat Centre
Our Response to Trauma in our Lives 24th and 31st January and 7th February, 2012
Over a series of three Tuesday evenings, we will focus on our response to various traumas in our lives, i.e. bereavement, illness, separation, etc. Each evening will include a short presentation, reflection, sharing, etc
with a ceremony of celebration and renewal on the final night.
Over a series of three Tuesday evenings, we will focus on our response to various traumas in our lives, i.e. bereavement, illness, separation, etc. Each evening will include a short presentation, reflection, sharing, etc
with a ceremony of celebration and renewal on the final night.
Booking essential. 8pm - 10pm. Cost: €30 for three nights. Presented by Mr. Patrick Bannon
Calligraphy Workshop - Saturday 24th March, 2012. 10am - 4pm
This creative workshop is aimed at people who wish to develop this special skill with confidence. Suitable for all levels. Cost: €35 (includes all materials) Bring packed lunch. Tea/Coffee Provided. Facilitated by Sr. Roisin Gannon Booking/Enquiries - Contact the Secretary on 057-8626153 or by email on msannes@eircom.net
Whom do you seek
We seek God, Who alone gives meaning to our lives. Communion with Christ and with one another in love, through a life of prayer centred on Jesus, the Word of God and on the Eucharist, is the focus of our community life. Single young women attracted to this way of life are welcome to attend any of the following weekends in 2012.
10-12 February, 9-11 March, 11-13 May, 14-16 September, 26-28 October, 16-18 November or at other times by arrangement. Please contact Sr. Mairéad OP, Monastery of St. Catherine of Siena, The Twenties, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Tel 041 9838524; email: siena3@eircom.net/www.dominicannuns.ie, http://donimicannunsireland.blogspot.com.
Something Fishy
Our First Reading today doesn’t tell us the whole story. In this, the tail-end of Jonah’s story, we see him respond immediately to God’s call and head off obediently to preach to the people of Nineveh. But that’s only half the story. The earlier chapters of the Book of Jonah saw him stubbornly refuse to do as God asked him, fleeing instead in the opposite direction. It takes a mighty storm, a near shipwreck, and a very close encounter with a big fish to make him see sense and do as he is asked. And even then, as Jonah’s story draws to a close, we see him sulking outside Nineveh because he feels God should not have awarded the very forgiveness he himself has preached! He has certainly earned his title of reluctant prophet.
Not so the disciples in today’s Gospel. When Simon, Andrew, James and John are called by Jesus, they leave their nets and their boats ‘at once’ to follow him. They even leave their families behind, such is their haste to follow Jesus. In the opening pages of the Gospel of Mark, everything happens ‘at once’ or immediately. Jesus’ collecting of disciples is unstoppable, and the work of the kingdom too immediate to wait. There’s no time for dilly dallying. It took some time and some convincing, and being swallowed whole by a fish, before Jonah was ready to fulfil God’s plan. The disciples, by contrast, are ready and willing to respond to Jesus’ call: ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ The choice is ours.
Questions People Ask
Q. When Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God was he referring to heaven or to life here on earth?
A. The kingdom is the central theme of the mission of Jesus in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. Sometimes it refers to life with God in heaven, sometimes to the church community, but most often to the establishment of God’s reign on earth, overcoming the power of evil in the world. Jesus began his mission with the proclamation that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. To that end he called people to repent and believe, that is, to leave wrongdoing behind and to follow his way. The apostles, we are told, left everything and followed him.
