1st Sunday of Lent, 26th February

Parish Confirmation

Congratulations to the 115 young people who attend schools in our parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday.  Bishop Seamus joined us for the event and a wonderful celebration was enjoyed by all.  The young people involved were from St. John of God Girls’ School, St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, the School of the Holy Spirit and Kilkenny School Project.  Well done and thanks to their teachers and all who were involved in the day’s events.

The Season of Lent

This weekend we celebrate the First Sunday of Lent.  We hope this holy season of preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery at Easter is a beneficial experience for all.

Please note our parish has provided an extra weekday Mass to assist those who want to mark Lent by daily Mass attendance: St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm each weekday evening.

Lent Text Service

Each day during Lent a short message containing a line of scripture or a thought for the day can be sent by text to your mobile phone.   If you would like to receive such a message during Lent - at no cost to you -  text your mobile number to Ossory Faith Development at 085 831 3100 or email afd@ossory.ie or  call 056 775 3624. 

(Text ‘Stop’ to the same number to cancel.)

Lenten Talks

A personal journey through Lent with Fr. Willie Purcell begins on this Wednesday, 29th February after 10.30am  Mass in the Parish Centre.

Evening of Prayer and Reflection

The sisters at Peace in Christ Retreat House invite the people of St. Patrick’s Parish to an evening of Prayer and Reflection at Peace in Christ, Sion Road on Wednesday, 14th March.  The sisters look forward to exploring the gospel with us in a creative, prayerful atmosphere. The evening starts at 8.00pm and concludes at about 10.30pm.  All are welcome. (Please note the change of date from that previously published.)

Trócaire Lenten Fast

On this first Sunday in Lent Trócaire asks people to remember the thousands of families in Uganda who have been torn apart by conflict and who are beginning their lives again thanks to generous donations to Trócaire. Please take a Trócaire Box home with you and for more information visit www.trocaire.org/lent or call 1850 408 408.

We Need Your Vote

Ceart Therapy Rehabilitation, Callan needs your vote!  We have been shortlisted for the €10,000 EBS Community Fund award and we need your vote to win so as to continue helping local people with rehabilitation and therapy.  Please vote for us on www.ebs.ie today!!!

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Kay Barry McBride, Springmount. Brendan Kearns, Parnell Street. Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 11.00am on Sunday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery.  William Grace, Loreto View & Troyscourt. Eamonn Boland, Castlecomer. Brian O’Keeffe, Kincora Care Centre.  Requiem at Piltown at 11.00am on Tuesday. Kitty O’Donoghue, Drakelands Middle. Requiem at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 2.00pm

Months Mind: Paddy (Patricia) Friel (Sat 7.00)

Anniversaries: Frank O’Brien & Philomena Somers (Sat 6.15), Peggy McGrath (Sun 10.00), John Dinneen (Sun 11.00), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joe Lalor (Sun 12.30), Ann & Martin Mulhall (Fri 9.30), Michael McKane (Fri 6.15), Billy Wallace (Sat 9.30), Tom McCarthy, Patrick & Teresa Kennedy, Mary Coyne, Marjorie Foskin, Stan Landers, Ann Mulhall, Paddy Barry, Peter Kiernan, Andrew McCarthy, Helen Cornally, Michael & Ann Purcell, John & Bridget Dunne, Peter & Jimmy Browne, Mary Fitzpatrick.

Intentions for next weekend: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15), Pat Adams (Sat 7.00), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Andy Henderson (Sun 10.30), Evelyn Herlihy & Christian Maher (Sun 11.00), Lizzy Ryan (Sun 12.00), Kathleen Grace (Sun 12.30).

World Day of Prayer

The service for the annual World Day of Prayer will be held on Friday, 2nd March at 8.00pm at the Methodist Church, William Street, Kilkenny.

St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee

This parish group raises funds to help a number of deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage in May.  The Committee is currently accepting nominations for travellers with this year’s pilgrimage.  Please contact any member of the committee or the Parish Office (776 4400) if you or someone known to you would like to be considered.

Dublin Youth Opera Company

This group of young opera singers will perform in concert at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on next Sunday, 4th March at 7.00pm.  Special guests: Sonas Chamber Choir.  Tickets €8/5.  This concert is in aid of the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul.  Please support.

First Saturday Devotion

St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy on Saturday March 3rd after 6.15pm Mass, prayers and adoration will end at 9pm.  All are welcome.

The Friary Choir and Foulkstown Choir

The Friary Choir, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford will join with Foulkstown Choir to sing at 12 noon Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Sunday 4th March.  All the music for this Mass was composed by Friary choir leader, Michael Casey.

Adults Bereaved by Suicide

Kilkenny Bereavement Support holds an open support group for adults bereaved by suicide.  It is 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.

Elvis Gospel Concert at St. Fiacre’s

Thukolo Gospel Choir and Memphis Cats will perform an Elvis Gospel Concert at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Friday, 2nd March.  Proceeds will help send young people with special needs to Lourdes at Easter.  Tickets: €10 available from Fr. Dan or at Parish Office. Please support. 

Loughboy Library

Poetry Kilkenny Arts Office  is accepting submissions from poets born or based in Kilkenny City and County for the 12th issue of their very popular Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet. Closing date is 4.00pm on Monday, 27th February.

Scrabble Games - Wednesday at 2.00pm

Book Club - Thurs 10.30am.

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 19th February 2012

Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and is the beginning of the Season of Lent.  At our morning Masses we will bless ashes and begin our Lenten observance. 

Extra Mass for Lent

As mentioned above, there will be an evening Mass on each weekday evening of Lent starting at 6.15pm.  This is a very popular celebration for people wishing to make Mass a part of their  Lenten observance.  All are welcome to join us.  Our morning Masses remain at the usual times: St. Patrick’s Church at 9.30am and St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am.

Lent Text Service

Each day during Lent a short message containing a line of scripture or a thought for the day can be sent by text to your mobile phone.   If you would like to receive a text message during Lent - at no cost to you -  text your mobile number to the Ossory Faith Development Group at 085 831 3100 or email afd@ossory.ie or telephone 056 775 3624.  (People can stop receiving the texts at any time by texting ‘Stop’ to the same number.)

Lenten Talks

A personal Journey through Lent with Fr. Willie Purcell beginning on Wednesday 29th February after 10.30am  Mass in the Parish Centre.

Evening of Prayer and Reflection

The sisters and staff at Peace in Christ Retreat House invite the people of St. Patrick’s Parish to an evening of Prayer and Reflection at Peace in Christ, Sion Road on Tuesday, 13th March.  The sisters look forward to welcoming the people of our parish and to exploring the gospel in a creative, prayerful atmosphere. The evening starts at 8.00pm and concludes at about 10.30pm.  All are welcome.

Sung Tridentine Mass

A sung Tridentine Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Sunday, 19th February, Quinquagesima Sunday, at 5.00pm.

Parish Confirmation

We look forward to welcoming Bishop Freeman to our parish on next Saturday, 25th February for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation with 115 of our young people.  Please continue to pray for these young people.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by Bishop Seamus Freeman S.A.C., will take place from 22^nd to 27^th May 2012.

Bookings may be made by contacting Eleanor at glenmore@ossory.ie or telephone 051 880 414 on weekdays except Wednesday.  It is important to book as early as possible as places are limited.

Facebook

St. Patrick’s Parish is now on Facebook.  Keep up to date with all that’s going on in our parish: http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Patricks-Parish-Kilkenny-Ireland/232915183456210

Weekly Envelope Collection

The total collected in last week’s envelope collection amounted to €1,228.29.  Thanks.

St. Vincent De Paul Collection

The monthly collection for the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul will be taken up during all Masses this weekend.  Please be as generous as possible.

Envelope Contribution Pack

We are updating our database in preparation for the distribution of this year’s parish contribution envelopes.   Please contact the Parish Office if you are not already receiving envelopes and would like to contribute in this way during the coming year.  Using envelopes enables us to keep an accurate account of your contributions and, in some cases, allows us to recover a tax refund from the Revenue Commissioners.

Dublin Youth Opera Company

This group will perform in concert at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Sunday, 4th March at 7.00pm.  Tickets €8/5 at the door.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Jimmie Conway, Riverside Drive. Requiem Mass at 11.30am on Sunday in St. Canice's Church. Burial in Foulkstown Cemetery. Peggy Shanahan, Haltigan Terrace. Tom Kavanagh, Riverview. Shem Connolly, Butts Green.

Months Mind: Mary Bartley (Sun 11.00).

Anniversaries: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), John & Jack Ryan (Sat 7.00), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Matthew Gleeson (Sun 10.30), Peader Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Molly Johnston (Sun 12.30), Anne Kelly (Tues 9.30), Margaret Fell (Tues 10.30), Kathleen Morris (Wed 9.30), Con White (Wed 10.30), William Smith (Thurs 9.30), John Millea (Thurs 10.30), Jenny Clancy (Thurs 6.15),  William Ayres, Billy Maguire, Harry Beale, Annie Hoyne, Kieran Healy, Catherine Cullen, Michael Drennan, Ellen Doyle, John Millea, Deirdre McGuinness, John Corcoran

Intentions for next weekend: Frank O’Brien & Philomena Somers (Sat 6.15), Patricia (Paddy) Friel (Months Mind, Sat 7.00), Peggy McGrath (Sun 10.00), John Dinneen (Sun 11.00), Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00), Joe Lalor (Sun 12.30).

Elvis Gospel Concert at St. Fiacre’s

Elvis Gospel Concert at St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 2nd March.  Proceeds will help send young people with special needs to Lourdes at Easter.  Concert will feature Thukolo Gospel Choir with John Cassidy and Memphis Cats. Door prizes galore and other prizes on the night.  Tickets: €10 available at Parish Office. 

Dochas  Nasamu Clothing Appeal

Dochas Nasamu Orphanage - in Nairobi, Kenya, which is an Irish run and Irish built orphanage, is holding a used clothing appeal of lady’s, gent’s and children’s clothes, shoes, household linens, towels, sheets, blankets, soft toys, handbags etc.  Collection will take place before noon on Wednesday, 22nd February inside the gates of St. Patricks Parish Centre. For further information, please contact Marie on 087 689 0995.  Many thanks for your continued support.

Walk for Zambia

The CBS Parents’ Council is holding a 5km walk for Zambia Immersion Project on Sunday, 26th February in Castle Park and surrounds at 11.00am.  Registration  9.45 - 10.45am in Kilkenny Tennis Club.  €10 per Adult, €15 per family, €5 per student.  There will be light refreshments and a free raffle in Tennis Club afterwards.

Alopecia Support Group

The next South East Alopecia Support Group will be held in the Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on Wednesday, 22nd February at 7.00pm.  Anyone who has alopecia, family or friends with alopecia are more than welcome.  Please feel free to bring along a friend for support. Information: www.alopeciaireland.ie, email alopeciasupport@gmail.com or Liz on 085 757 5180.

Aiden Roche Walk

Call for walkers to pull on their boots and get walking for Rehab! Participants are needed for the annual fundraising walk by Aiden Roche which takes place in Westport, Co. Mayo from 17^th-19^th May 2012.  All of the proceeds go to RehabCare Resource Centre, Regent House, William Street in Kilkenny. RehabCare provides a wide range of high-quality person-centered services and accommodation. Participants must raise €600 which covers transport, accommodation and food. Information: Aiden Roche on aidenroche08@gmail.com or 086 200 0700.  The deadline for deposits is 25^th February 2012.

Loughboy Library

Introductory 7 week computer classes - to enrol please give your name to Library Staff members on 056 779 4176.

Co Kilkenny VEC will host a stand at the Library on this Tuesday from 2.00 - 5.00pm giving information on its courses and programmes.

Toddler Hour - every Thursday at 11.30am.  All pre-schoolers are very welcome.

An Exhibition of painting and ceramics by Pat Holland is currently showing at Loughboy Library until 23rd February.

Fierce Friendship

This is one of the many conflict stories in Mark where Jesus is challenged by the religious authorities.  They are none too pleased that he is forgiving sins because as far as they are concerned, only God can do that.  It is easy for them to use the words of forgiveness, but how many of them can heal the paralysed man and let him walk?  Jesus wants to heal the man but also to show people that he has authority!  And what of the faith of the paralysed man’s friends – fierce friendship?  They literally took the roof off so that they could get him to Jesus.  You can imagine Jesus sitting there, teaching, and then the dust starts to fall...

‘And I took out and I see paralysed men and women, paralysed congregations, paralysed ministries and I want to cry; “Your sins are forgiven.  Take up your bed and walk!”  And I treasure those moments of intrusion, when the heavens are torn apart and the Spirit descends and I rise from the water and I know there is hope’  (William Loader)

Jane Mellett

Questions People Ask

Q.  I don’t smoke or drink and hardly ever eat sweets.  Fish dinner is no penance for me as I prefer fish to meat.  What can I give up for Lent?

A.  There is always room for giving up negative, harmful tendencies such as complaining, whinging, self-pity or uncharitable comments.  Perhaps your Lent should be directed more towards taking on than giving up.  Take on more time for prayer and spiritual reading.  Be more available to people who would appreciate a visit or a listening ear.  If you are not in a Prayer Group, why not invite two or three people to reflect together on the Sunday Gospels.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

A Fond Farewell

This is the final parish newsletter in its current format.  From next week the newsletter will incorporate the new Mass text and readings on one side and the parish announcements on the other.   This is in response to many requests to provide the texts of the Sunday readings for reference during Mass.

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 12th February 2012

Eucharistic Congress 2012

The 50^th International Eucharistic Congress will take place in the RDS, Dublin, from 10^th – 16^th June with the closing ceremonies in Croke Park on 17^th June, 2012.  This event provides us with an opportunity to re-focus on the Eucharist as the ‘source and summit’ of the Christian life: what the Eucharist is about, our celebration of the Eucharist and how it should impact on our daily lives.

Admission tickets are necessary and all bookings for the Congress have to be done online before 9^th May.  The website address is: http://www.iec2012.ie/registration.  Michelle, at the Parish Office, will be happy to assist those who are not familiar with web booking.  This must be done in person and during office hours.

Costs are as follows: 7 days,  €95 (10^th – 16^th June). 3 days,  €60 (any 3 consecutive days).  With either the 7 or 3 days you may also book a ticket for the closing ceremonies in Croke Park for an extra €10. 

Single day tickets are €30.  Concession: €28.

3 day family ticket (2 adults and up to 4 children) costs €285 or single day costs €95.

Ossory Diocesan Day at Congress

Tuesday, 12^th June will be Ossory Day at the Congress. The theme for the day is ‘Communion in Marriage and Family’.  Catechesis on the day will be provided by Most Rev Barry Hickey, Archbishop of Perth.  Testimony will be by Dr Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of Columbanus.  His Eminence Andre Cardinal Ving-Trois, Archbishop of Paris will be principal concelebrant at the Eucharist.  There will be many workshops on the day including ones by Breda O’Brien, Archbishop Piero Marini and the Catholic Grandparents’ Association.

Enrolments in Parish Schools

The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School are currently dealing with enrolment applications for September 2012.  Please contact the schools immediately for further details.

St. John of God School: 772 1290

St. Patrick’s De La Salle School: 776 1081.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Angela Stenson, Killiney.  Paula Downey, Dublin

Anniversaries: John O’Rourke (Sat 6.15), Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00), Ursula Maher (Sun 9.30), Catherine Maher (Sun 10.00), Paddy Burke (Sun 10.30), Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00), Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00), Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 12.30), Anastatia Fitzpatrick (Mon 9.30), Catherine Beckett, Jack Talbot, Christine O’Driscoll, Seamus Culleton, Maura Gaffney, John Quigley, James Hayes, Daphne Phelan,  Bill Carroll, Michael Dargan, Ellen Egan, Ellen Doyle, Christy Walsh

Intentions for Next Weekend: Mary Lynch (Sat 6.15), John & Jack Ryan (Sat 7.00), David Maher (Sun 10.00), Matthew Gleeson (Sun 10.30), Mary Bartley (Months Mind Sun 11.00), Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.00), Molly Johnston (Sun 12.30).

Weekly Envelope Collection

Last week’s envelope collection amounted to €1,864.00  Many thanks.

Do This in Memory

We are delighted to welcome those preparing for their First Holy Communion to the preparatory Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church (10.30am) and St. Patrick’s Church (11.00am) on Sunday.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by Bishop Seamus Freeman S.A.C., will take place from 22^nd to 27^th May 2012.  Bookings: glenmore@ossory.ie or telephone 051 880 414 on weekdays except Wednesday.

Elvis Gospel Concert at St. Fiacre’s

The Irish Children's Pilgrimage Trust (IHCPT) will benefit from a fundraising  Elvis Gospel Concert at St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 2nd March.  Proceeds will help send young people with special needs to Lourdes at Easter.  Concert will feature Thukolo Gospel Choir with John Cassidy and Memphis Cats. Door prizes galore and other prizes on the night.  Tickets: €10 available at the Parish Office. 

A Lenten Text

Each day during Lent a short message containing a line of scripture or a thought for the day can be sent by text to your mobile phone.   If you would like to receive a text message during Lent - at no cost to you -  text your mobile number to the Ossory Faith Development Group at 085 831 3100 or email afd@ossory.ie or telephone 056 775 3624.  (People can stop receiving the texts at any time by texting ‘Stop’ to the same number.

Bible Classes Postponed

Unfortunately Sr De Lourdes will not be available for bible classes during Lent.  She hopes to be able to resume them during Advent.

Prayer for Healing

There will be a time of prayer for healing at St Fiacre’s Church between 7.30 and 10.00pm on Thursday evening.  All welcome.

Sung Tridentine Mass

A sung Tridentine Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Sunday, 19th February, Quinquagesima Sunday, at 5.00pm.  All are welcome to attend.

Envelope Contribution Pack

We are updating our database in preparation for the distribution of contribution envelopes.   Please contact the Parish Office if you are not already receiving envelopes and would like to contribute in this way during the coming year.  Using envelopes enables us to keep an accurate account of your contributions and, in some cases, allows us to recover a tax refund from the Revenue Commissioners.

We would also like to hear from contributors whose address details have changed.

Hearing Help and Lip-reading

Hearing Help and Lip-reading classes will start on Monday, 13th February between 8.00 and 10.00pm and Wednesday, 15th February 10.30am - 12.30pm for 8 weeks.  Venue: Citizens Information, The Parade.  076 107 7910 or 051 855 777.  All welcome.

Senior Citizens’ Party

Over 135 people enjoyed a wonderful party at the Parish Centre on last Monday evening.  Well done to the organisers and all involved in providing the food, drink, music and craic.

Courtesy of Fr. Liam about 120 photographs of the event are viewable on our parish website: www.patricksparish.net. 

St. Patrick’s Parish on Facebook

Our parish recently opened a Facebook account.  We hope to update it regularly.  Keep an eye on us and ‘like’ our contributions.  Believe it or not one of the first ‘likes’ was from a visitor in New York!

Exercise and Dance For 40⁺

Thursdays in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre between 11.00am and 12.00 noon.  Classes start on Thursday, 16^th February.  6 sessions €36.  Royal Society of Arts/YMCA/Extend Qualified Teacher.  Do come along: tone up and reap the benefits from a fitter lifestyle.  For further information: Kate 085 111 4107.

Loughboy Library

Co. Kilkenny VEC will host an information stand outlining details of courses and programmes at the Library on Tuesday, 21st February from 2.00pm. 

Free Computer Courses for Beginners - Mondays & Thursdays. 

Prose Writing Workshops: Friday 24th February from 6.00 to 8.00pm.  Book your place  on 779 4176.

James Stephens Camogie Club

Registration will take place on Friday, 17th February from 7.00—8.00pm in James Stephens Club Rooms, Larchfield.  Membership: Under 18 years - €25; Over 18 years €50.  Family - €100.  For further details contact Rita Neary 086 203 1623.  New members welcome.

Enable Ireland

The annual church gate collection for Enable Ireland will take place this weekend.  Please support.

SSSSSssssshhhhhh

One of the features of the Gospel of Mark is the big SECRET, what scholars call the ‘Messianic Secret’.  Whenever Jesus heals people in Mark, he tells them not to tell anyone.  On the odd occasion when the disciples show a little bit of understanding, he tells them not to say anything to anyone about his miracles.  You would think that Jesus would want it shouted from the rooftops, never mind the torture it would be for people to try and keep something like this quiet.  But Jesus is not that kind of Messiah.  He doesn’t want the publicity, not yet.  He doesn’t want people to have the wrong idea about what his MISSION involves.  It is not about the glory, it is not meant to be easy, it is not without the difficult paths, the cross!  It is all about service.  We can think of the leper as all those people in society that we don’t want near us...they are easily identified by this question: ‘who do you not want living next door to you?’  Jesus reaches out to the alienated and by doing so, in today’s Gospel, he himself becomes alienated.

Jane Mellett

Questions People Ask

Q.  I see dozens of Mass cards given at a funeral.  Is a priest obliged to offer Mass for each card he signs? What happens if he has signed more cards than the number of Masses he can offer?

A.  Yes, a priest who accepts a Mass stipend is bound in justice to offer Mass for that intention or to transfer the offering to another priest.  Here in Ireland many priests receive more offerings than they can personally cover but there are priests in many other places who do not receive offerings and they are delighted to receive the transfer of stipends.  To be honest with you, I’m not too pleased with the system as every Mass is to the benefit of the entire Christian community, especially to those present at the celebration.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

P.S. When we accept a Mass stipend at St Patrick’s Parish Centre we guarantee a Mass will be offered for the specific intention.  We transfer excess Mass intentions and stipends to Aid to the Church in Need priests who guarantee an individual Mass will be offered for each intention. See receipts on Parish Centre Notice board.

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.