4th Sunday of Easter, 29th April, 2012

Vocations Sunday

This Sunday is the universal day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  Catholics throughout the world will join with the Pope in praying for more vocations.  There is a particular need for more vocations in Ossory at the moment and we ask you to keep this intention in your mind as you pray.

“Priests, seminarians and those considering priesthood need the support in prayer and affirmation from their people. Those who are thinking of priesthood need to be encouraged in faith hope and love because they are needed in the world we live in as priests to bring that hope and encouragement in faith to those who are struggling with the difficulties of life.”

Fr. Willie Purcell, National Coordinator for Diocesan Vocations

Further information, including the Pope’s message for this year’s Vocations Sunday is available on www.vocations.ie and www.catholicbishops.ie

Vocations In Ossory

For information on priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory (Kilkenny),  contact Fr. Willie Purcell, Ossory Vocations Director, St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. Tel. 056 777 0261; 087 628 6858 or email ossoryvocdir@gmail.com.  Or visit our diocesan website at www.ossory.ie. 

Choir On Tour

Congratulations to the members of the 7.00pm Saturday Evening Choir who were invited to provide the music in Liscannor Parish Church, Co. Clare last weekend.  The members of the choir were in the area for a weekend break and were warmly welcomed by the local priest and parishioners.  The choir performed from their repertoire before, during and after the morning Mass.

Recent Collections

Thank you for €1,665.46 received in the envelope collection last weekend.  A report on our parish financial situation will be available next weekend.

First Friday

The priests will make their usual First Friday calls to the sick and housebound at the usual times on this coming Friday.  Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) if you would like to be included.

Gaelscoil Osrai First Holy Communion

The pupils in second class at Gaelscoil Osrai will receive Holy Communion for the first time at St. Fiacre’s Church at 11.00am on next Saturday morning.  We wish the pupils, their families and teachers God’s blessing on the occasion.

Pray For Our Deceased

Recently Deceased: Marty Neylon, 3 Willow Close. Sr. Immaculate Purcell, St. John of God Congregation, College Road. Orla Lawlor, Bennettsbridge. Teresa Murphy, Pearse Street. Michael Holden, New York & Callan.

Months Mind: Jessyca Harper Brennan (Sun 9.30). Mary B. Gordon (Sun 10.30). Ellen McCabe (Sun 12.30).

Anniversaries: Helen Renehan (Sat 6.15), Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00). John Byrne (Sun 10.00). Pierce A. Grace (Sun 11.00). Ted O’Dwyer & Patrick Dorney (Sun 12.00). Des Hehir (Mon 9.30). Mary Cantwell (Tues 10.30). Joan Crotty (Thur 9.30). Martin O’Carroll (Fri 9.30). Ellen & Patrick Moran, Michael O’Hara, Billy Dwan, Bridget Maher, Sean & Kitty Ryan, Kitty O'Keeffe, John Edward Kirwan Malone, Jim Doheny, Michael Kenny, Patricia Rodgers, Bridget O’Carroll.

Intentions next weekend: Patricia O’Neill (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00). Kathleen Power (Sun 12.00). William O’Brien Snr. William O’Brien Jnr. Ann & Billy O’Brien (Sun 12.30).

Mass in Honour of St. Joseph

Mass in honour of St. Joseph to be held at Mill Hill Missionaries, St. Joseph's, Waterford Road, Kilkenny, on the First Wednesday of each month at 8.00 pm.  The May Mass will be held on Wednesday, 2nd May, at 8.00 p.m.

Eucharistic Congress Tickets

A number of extra tickets for the closing ceremony of the Eucharistic Congress on Sunday, 17th June may become available this week. Application forms available at the Parish Office during office hours.

Life in the Spirit Seminar 2012

The Black Abbey, Kilkenny City is hosting a Life in the Spirit Seminar during April - June 2012.  Sessions each Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.  Contact: Donal Ryan 086 839 5614 or laydominicanskikenny@yahoo.ie for more information.

Pilgrimage to Knock

Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock on next Saturday, 5th May. To book contact Ann on 056 772 2204.  Organised by Irish Catholic Nurses’ Guild. Bus leaving Butts Green at 7.30am.  All welcome.

Parish Shop

For the upcoming First Holy Communion season there  is  a wide selection of suitable items on sale at our Parish Shop. The shop in located in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre.  Come in and have a look.

Ladies Friendship Club

Mass for the deceased members of the Ladies Friendship Club will be celebrated on Wednesday, 2nd May in St. Joseph’s Social Services Hall, Waterford Road at 8pm.  All are welcome.

Dochas Nasamu Clothing Appeal

Dochas Nasamu, an Irish built orphanage in Nairobi, is holding a used clothing appeal for lady's, gent’s and children's clothes, shoes, household linens i.e. towels, sheets, blankets, soft toys, handbags etc.  This appeal will take place on Wednesday 2nd May, before 11 o’clock at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre.  For further information, please contact Marie 087 689 0995. Many thanks.

Foulkstown School Reunion

Tickets are now on sale for the Foulkstown School Reunion on 19th May at 8.30pm in the Springhill Court Hotel.  All past pupils, their brothers and sisters, parents and partners are welcome to come along.  There will be Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 7.30pm to start the evening.

We still need some more photographs connected with the school to show on the night.  Please contact any of the committee with your photos or for tickets. Colm Kennedy 086 037 7732; Frank O’Neill 087 949 0669; Patty O’Neill 087 966 8037; Michael Doyle 056 772 3313; Timmy Byrne 086 827 1688; Richard Eardly 086 176 7458.

Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice

The annual novena in honour of Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice will be held at Westcourt, Callan between 30th April and 4th May this year.  Each evening the rosary will be recited before Mass at 7.10pm.  Mass will be celebrated at 7.30pm.  Themes: Faith (Monday), Family (Tuesday), Eucharist (Wednesday), Renewal (Thursday) and Healing (Friday).  You are invite to place petitions at the shrine of Blessed Edmund and these will be placed on the altar during each Mass.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Edmund Rice who was born at Westcourt, Callan on 1st June 1762.

Third Age - Senior Help Line

Do you need someone to talk to?  Senior Help Line is open every day and every evening, 365 days a year.  It is a confidential listening service for older people provided by trained older volunteers for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444.  Senior Help Line’s trained volunteers offer a friendly, listening and non-judgemental ear to all callers.  Don’t be alone with your problems!

Whom Do You Seek?

The Dominican Sisters 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 during 2012: 11th - 13th May; 14th - 16th September; 26th - 28th October; 16th - 18th November  or  at other times by arrangement.  Please contact: Sr Mairéad OP, Monastery of St. Catherine of Siena, The Twenties,  Drogheda, Co. Louth. E-mail: siena3@eircom.net or telephone 041  983 8524.

Pieta House

Centre for the Prevention of Self-harm or Suicide.   Darkness into Light 5K event is on in 14 venues around Ireland on Saturday 12th May starting at 4.00am (early morning).  Sign up for this unique  experience.  Visit our web site: dil.pieta.ie to find the venue nearest you or contact Pieta House at 01 628 2111.  This event is symbolic of the work of Pieta House, darkness into light, despair to hope. 

 ‘Senior help Line’s trained older volunteers offer a friendly, listening and non-judgmental ear to all callers.  So don’t be alone with your problems.  For more information see http://thirdageireland.ie/what-we-do/14/senior-helpline.

Newsletter Notices

Please have all items for inclusion  in he newsletter into us no later than Thursday. 

3rd Sunday of Easter, 22nd April 2012

Pray for Our Deceased

Recently Deceased: Tom Fitzpatrick, Cedarwood Drive. Martin  Holohan, Conahy.  Requiem Mass in St. Colman’s Church, Conahy, Sunday at 11am.

Months Mind : Patrick Cantwell, (Fri  10.30),

Anniversaries:  Betty Byrne (Sat 6.15), Joseph Ayres (Sat 7.00), Tess O’Neill & Phil Bourke (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00),  Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30),  Francis McNulty & Nicholas Downey (Sun 11.00), Kathleen Daly (Sun 12.00),  Jimmy O’Neill (Sun 12.30), Tessie & Peter Fennelly (Tues 10.30), Thomas Butler (Wed 10.30), Mary & Eddie O’Keeffe (Thurs 10.30), Mary Muldowney (Fri 9.30),  Geraldine Carroll, Elizabeth Geoghegan, Michael O’Reilly, Ann & Noel O’Dwyer, Peggy & Michael Bourke, Andrew O’Neill, Billy Connick, Mairead Dowling, Billy Nugent, Annie Connick, Elizabeth, Arthur Connick., Kathleen Esmonde

Intentions for next weekend

Anniversaries: Helen Renehan (Sat 6.15), Fintan  Brennan (Sat 7.00), Jessica Harper Brennan (Months Mind Sun 9.30), John Byrne (Sun 10.00), Mary B. Gordon (Months Mind Sun 10.30), Pierce A. Grace (Sun 11.00), Ted O’Dwyer (Sun 12.00), Ellen McCabe (Months Mind Sun 12.30).

The New Story

Its implications for faith life and living.

Sisters of St. John of God are delighted to welcome Br. Mark McDonnell CFC to lead this workshop.  This is a workshop on ecology/cosmology and will offer an opportunity to reflect on the New Universe Story and our relationship with the Earth.  Saturday 26th may 2012, St. Patrick’s Parish Centre.  10.00am - 4.30pm.  Cost €10.  Please bring a packed lunch (tea & coffee will be provided).  Please book before 12th May by contacting

Eucharistic Congress

How to Book:

1. Telephone:  Bookings Office: 01 2981122

2. Online: www.iec2012.ie/registration

3. Download paper booking form at above address and send it to the  address on the form.

4. Talk nicely to Michelle in the parish office who will help you.

The 9th of May is the deadline for online booking.  Please note that those of you who have booked a seat on the bus going to the Congress from St. Patrick’s Parish and have not paid yet, should do so as soon as possible.  The cost is €10 and can be paid in the Parish Office.  The bus will leave St. Fiacre’s Church (there will be no other stops) at 6.30am sharp on Tuesday 12th June and will stop at 7.30am for toilet facilities and breakfast at Bewleys Hotel at Newlands Cross.  Breakfast will range from toast to a full Irish.   The cost of breakfast is not included in the ticket price.  If you miss the bus, you forfeit your fare. The bus will leave to return to Kilkenny at 8pm that evening.  For any other information please contact the Parish Office at 056 7764400.

South Kilkenny Historical Society Lecture

Title: The Eucharistic Congress

Speaker: Ms Colette Furlong, Pastoral Services Manager of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, which takes place in Dublin next June.

Date: Thursday, April 26^th, Time: 8pm, Venue: The Rising Sun, Mullinavat. 

Admission: €5 (students, with adequate adult supervision, and members free).  This lecture provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about this important Roman Catholic Church event and will be followed by a viewing of the Radharc documentary 'The Year of the Congress' (1982).

Limited Space

Sorry, in the event of limited space, priority is given to Parish Notices.

Gardeners needed

Do you have 1 hour to spare every fortnight, if you do, maybe you would consider volunteering as a Gardener for the Parish Centre.  Please contact the Parish Office if interested.  056 7764400.

Life in the Spirit Seminar

A Life in the Spirit Seminar will take place at The Black Abbey (Dominican Priory) in Kilkenny City, beginning on Tuesday April 24th.  During the next two months the talks will be presented at The Black Abbey, Dominican Priory in Kilkenny City over the course of 7 Tuesdays starting April 24th at 7.30pm.  The first night will be opened by Mr. Joe Dalton on the 24th April. Other contributors and distinguished speakers throughout the seminar include Tony Scott, Pat O'Shea, Margret Keane and Fr John Harris op.  On Pentecost Sunday the 27th of May at 3pm, Baptism in the Spirit will be lead by Fr Mark Condon of YOUTH2000.  The concluding night (5th June) will be led by The Bishop of Ossory, Bishop Seamus Freeman.

“The Life in the Sprit Seminar is designed to help Christians and all people to sense the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives working in and through them. It is for changing viewpoints, taking a moment to look back on our lives and looking forward to the path ahead”, say the Lay Dominicans.

Pope Benedict on his 85th birthday

"I am in the final stage of my life journey and I do not know what awaits me. However, I do know that the light of God exists, that He rose again, that His light is stronger than all darkness, that the goodness of God is stronger than all the evil in this world. This helps me to continue with confidence. This helps us to continue, and I would like to thank everyone who, through their faith, continually makes me aware of God's 'yes'".

GROW Mental Health meetings

TUES morn 10-12 WED night 8-10pm every week at Ormonde Home, Barrack St, Kilkenny. Contact 056-7761624 if you are interested in attending a meeting or just come along. GROW is a Mental Health Organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems e.g worry, anxiety or depression. Helping people to help themselves.

Table Quiz in Cleere’s Pub, Parliament St on Tues 24^th April at 8.30pm in aid GROW Mental Health Movement/ Ceart Patientwise. €5 per person Fun, Food and loads of prizes. All Welcome

Vocations Sunday

To mark Vocations Sunday on April 29th a Holy Hour for Vocations to the priesthood in our Diocese will take place in: St. John's Church Kilkenny  On Friday 27th April At 7.30 pm. Theme: 'The call to Priesthood'  Led by: Fr. Willie Purcell.

Mindful Eating Workshop

Saturday 28th April, 2012 - 10am - 4pm

This workshop will enable you to make healthier food choices and to rediscover the pleasure of eating ... without the guilt.  Mindful Eating helps us to develop more awareness around our negative eating patterns and behaviours.  Facilitated by Deirdre Kavanagh - a qualified Holistic Nutritionist.  Cost: €40 (please bring packed lunch) Tea/Coffee and healthy snacks provided.

Loughboy Library

Computer Classes—learn how to book a holiday, shop online, manage your photos
and send e-mails by signing up for the free computer classes at the library.

2nd Sunday of Easter, 15th April. 2012

Pray for Our Deceased

Recently Deceased:  Billy Shortall, Kilkenny & Clare. Richard Mahon, Kildare, Patrick Hanley, Galway.  Margot Bell, Beechlawns, Johnswell Road.  Requiem mass at 10.30 Monday in St. John’s Church. Celeste Keegan, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.  Burial in Foulkstown at 2pm Monday.

Months Mind: George Ivors, Ballingarry (Sun 10.30).

Anniversaries: Frank Cantwell (Sat 6.15), Maureen & Jimmy Kelly (Sat 7.00), Margaret Banahan (Sun 9.30),  Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Dick Keating (Sun 11.00), Martin Hoyne (Sun 12.00), Marie Phelan & Bridget Lannon (Sun 12.30), Eileen Mullins (Wed 10.30), Roy Barry (Fri 10.30), Mary Brennan, Patrick Skehan, Bridget Cantwell, Martin Hoyne, Peggy Beckett, William Maher, Gretta Brett, Mary Kate Coyne, Christine Walsh, Catherine & Noel O’Dwyer,.

Intentions for next weekend: Betty Byrne (Sat 6.15), Joseph Ayres (Sat 7.00), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00),  Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30),  Francis McNulty & Nicholas Downey (Sun 11.00), Kathleen Daly (Sun 12.00),  Jimmy O’Neill (Sun 12.30).

St. Vincent de Paul

The monthly St. Vincent de Paul collection will be taken up with the second collection and your support, big or small is greatly appreciated.  Don’t forget this is a parish charity and directly helps families in our parish who may be struggling in these hard times.

Those wishing to contact the society can do so by ringing: 087 6810589, or drop a letter into the parish centre for their meeting on Monday.  All correspondence and requests are treated with the greatest confidence.

Divine Mercy Sunday

Celebration in honour of the Divine Mercy  takes place in the Friday Church this Sunday (15th), beginning at 2pm and ending with mass at 4pm.  Chief celebrant Bishop Seamus Freeman. 

St. Fiacre’s Twenty Years

This coming Thursday the 19th marks the 20th anniversary of the official opening of St. Fiacre’s Church in Loughboy.  Twenty years of serving the parish, community and diocese and this holy place holds lots of memories for many people.  How many of you remember the opening? 

In honour of this  anniversary, the 10.30 morning mass will be offered for all the patrons of St. Fiacre’s Church both living and deceased.  If you would like to join us you're more than welcome.

A selection of photographs of the building and opening of the church are available to view in the parish centre.

Questions people ask

Q. How should one approach the Gospel stories of the risen Jesus appearing to various disciples?

A. In each story the Lord chooses a different way of making his new manner of presence known. Each story shows how Christians down the ages have come to know the presence of the Lord in their lives. With Mary Magdalen, recognition of the Lord comes in the experience of being called by name by the Lord. On the road to Emmaus faith comes at the breaking of the bread, an early name for the Eucharist. Thomas comes to faith in seeing and touching the wounds of the Lord. Many people have developed a deep personal faith by discovering the Lord through getting in touch with the wounds of life such as addiction, suffering or being the victim of injustice.

Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Parish Shop Communion

We have a religious goods shop located in the foyer of our parish centre.

Just arrived is a wide selection of First Holy Communion items.  Ideal gifts for this special day. Drop in and have a look .

Special Mass

On Tuesday the 17th, a special mass for those affected by stillbirths will take place in St. Fiacre’s  church, Loughboy.  It starts at 7.30 and the celebrant will be the hospital chaplain, Fr. Paddy Carey.

Eucharistic Ministers

Welcome to our new Ministers of the Eucharist.  You join a very dedicated group of parishioners who aim to give their very best attention and time to the Eucharist and to serving the people of our parish.

New rota’s for all ministers are now available in the sacristies of the church you now minister in so, when your at mass, collect your rota and keep it safe.

Please remember if you can’t minister on a particular week get a replacement minister from your rota. At the very least let the priest know you can’t make it so he can organise a replacement. 

Ministers, please note, if anyone approaches and  produces a pxy (small communion holder), looking for an extra host to take away, please send them to the priest.  You won’t be offending anybody by referring them to the priest as most genuine people who take communion to the sick  already know this is proper procedure.

If ministers have any question or concerns, please feel free to chat to any of the priests.

Loughboy Library

Carnation Theatre present their show ‘Circus’ at the library on Wed 2nd May at 11am.  Over 50’s  are invited.. No charge.

Titanic Show for children at the library on Fri May 4th at 1.30pm.  Bookings: 7794176

Eucharistic Congress

How to Book:

1. Telephone:  Bookings Office: 01 2981122

2. Online: www.iec2012.ie/registration

3. Download paper booking form at above address and send it to the  address on the form.

4. Talk nicely to Michelle in the parish office who will help you.

The 9th of May is the deadline.

Understanding the Eucharist

The Diocese of Ossory Faith Development have produced a lovely little book aimed at people who wish to deepen their understanding of the Mass.  As you know, the  Mass is the cornerstone of our Catholic faith and central to our teaching so it’s important we have some grasp at just how special it is.

The short booklet is aimed at all ages and goes to explain the mass, why we do what we do  and how we can deepen our understanding.  Well worth a read again and again. 

The books are available free of charge at the back of the churches.

G’wan the Village

Unfortunately space doesn’t allow us to  publish the many happenings at the James Stephen’s Hurling Club but you can keep up to date with their monthly newsletter which is e-mailed to a mailing list. You can subscribe to the monthly issue by sending your e-mail address to news@james-stephens.com. They  also have a James Stephens Facebook page (www.facebook.com/villagegaa), Twitter site (www.twitter.com/VillageGAA) and Youtube site (www.youtube.com/JSGAA).  And you can always log onto the club's website at www.james-stephens.com

Easter Sunday. 8th April, 2012

Happy Easter

The priests and members of the St. Patrick’s Parish Team wish all in our community a very happy Easter.  May the blessings of the Lord’s resurrection give us new hope and strengthen our faith.

Holy Week Liturgies

Thanks to all who helped celebrate our Holy Week Liturgies.  Many people worked away in the background while others came forward to help in the sanctuary.  Thanks to all.

Thanks also to all who attended our Holy Week Liturgies.  It was uplifting to join in prayer with so many like-minded people from within our community and beyond.

Easter Week in our Parish

Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each morning during the coming week.  Please note: there will be no 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church and no 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.

There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Fiacre's Church on Easter Monday.  There will be exposition in St. Patrick’s Church on next Friday from 4.00pm to 9.00pm.  All are welcome.

Parish Centre & Office Opening Hours

The Parish Centre will be closed on Easter Monday and will reopen on Tuesday, 10th April.  The Parish Office will reopen on Monday, 16th April 2012. 

Priest on Duty

Even though the parish winds down over Easter Week it is always possible to contact a priest of the parish.  Just dial the parish number and select the ‘Priest on Duty’ option and the system will put you through to the priest’s mobile.

Pray for Our Deceased

Recently Deceased:  Sr. Joseph Elizabeth Sanfey, Religious Sisters of Charity, Kells Road.  Thomas (Tommy) Grace, 52 Assumption Place.  Patricia (Pat) O’Neill, Margaretsfield.

Anniversaries: Mary Lawlor (Sun 9.30), Dan Bolger (Sun 10.00), Margaret Glynn (Sun 10.30), Gordon Deevy (Sun 11.00), Marie Coyne (Sun 12.00), Laurence O'Donoghue (Sun 12.30), Denis Kavanagh (Fri 11.00), Joan Smithwick, Sheila Kearney, Mary & Katie Mullally, Martin & Elizabeth Brennan, Glyn, Joey, Daryl & Baby Lexie Hawkins, Frank Cantwell, Patrick O’Donoghue, William (Billy) Brennan, Patrick (Paddy) Cahill, Eileen Mullins, John & Jack Dowling, Bess & Mick Delaney, Paddy & Billy Cleere, Michael Malone, Patrick & Thomas Delaney.

Intentions for next weekend: Frank Cantwell (Sat 6.15), Maureen & Jimmy Kelly (Sat 7.00), Margaret Banahan (Sun 9.30),  Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Dick Keating (Sun 11.00), Martin Hoyne (Sun 12.00), Marie Phelan & Bridget Lannon (Sun 12.30).

Revisiting the Tomb

In today’s Gospel, Mary Magdalene is faced with the tomb. Every death we experience, whether it be physical death, the death of a relationship, an addiction, financial crisis, civil strife, they all bring new life in some form eventually. This story gives hope to millions of people, that these ‘deaths’ are not a full stop, but more of a comma. That despite the suffering, heartbreak or injustice, good will triumph.

Whatever our ‘death’ experiences may be, we revisit them, going to the tomb as usual. And then we realize that something has changed, the stone has rolled away. 

‘Life will always prevail, through all the layers of death in which we try to contain it.’ (Margaret Silf)

Jane Mellett

An  Afternoon of Fashion

Kilkenny City Guild of the ICA presents an afternoon of fashion on Sunday, 15th April in the Rivercourt Hotel at 2.00pm.  Doors open at 1.30pm.  Featuring Belle Femme, Pamela Scott, Carraig Donn.  Hair by Peter Mark.  Proceeds to Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare and Cois Nore Service.  Compere and Stylist: Karen Morrissey.  Speakers on the Day: Caroline Seale, Nutrionist. Noel Sugrue, Osteopathy. 

Entertainment and Spot Prizes. Tickets available at the above shops.  Please support this worthy cause.

Do You Need Help to Quit Smoking?

A six week stop smoking course is about to start at Ayrefield Medical Centre on Thursday,  26^th April from 11am to 12 noon.  If you are thinking of quitting and would like to join the group.  For further information contact : Bernie O’Brien, Health Promotion Department, Dean Street, Kilkenny  Phone 056 776 1400 or 087 251 4531.

Easter Offering

Sincere thanks to all who have supported us through the Easter collection for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated especially in these difficult financial times.  Be assured of our prayers and best wishes.

Best Wishes to Fr. Dan and IHCPT

This Sunday, Fr. Dan, 12 volunteers and the Kilkenny/Carlow group of the IHCPT travel to Lourdes on pilgrimage.  We wish all of them the good faith and good weather while in Lourdes.  Fr. Dan again thanks all who helped raised money to fund the pilgrimage.  You will be remembered in prayer at the grotto.

Foulkstown Cemetery

In the last week we have had complaints of illegal dumping in Foulkstown Cemetery, where parishioners have been seen dumping household rubbish in the skip that is only for cemetery use.  We have mentioned this before and appealed to people not to dump household waste due to drawing rats and the  enormous cost to the Parish to remove such waste.  Since new waste regulations came into effect, it’s now costing well in excess of €4,000 to remove waste from the cemetery.

For the last time, we appeal to parishioners to keep a watchful eye for those bringing rubbish into the cemetery to dump it.  Take note of car registration numbers and forward details to the Parish Office where we will follow up matters with the Litter Warden.

If this illegal dumping does not stop we will have little choice but to close the gates permanently as they do in St. Kieran’s Cemetery and people will have to walk in from the road.   We don't want to take this drastic action but the few who are showing little respect for the burial place of our loved ones may leave us no alternative. 

Thank you for your cooperation. 

Envelope Distribution

By now most families who subscribe to the parish using the envelope system will have received their new pack.  However some areas are still waiting to be delivered.  Apologies for this and we hope to have the matter rectified as soon as possible.  Thanks to our distributers who have taken the time to deliver envelopes.

If you are currently not receiving envelopes and would like you, please contact the parish office or any of the priests.