17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 29th July 2012

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
Thanks to all who joined in last Thursday’s annual Mass at Foulkstown Cemetery.  It was wonderful to behold such a large congregation and the fine weather was a blessing from the Lord.

Thanks to the members of the Cemetery Committee for their hard work not just on this occasion but continually throughout the year.  We would like to express our appreciation to the Gardai and stewards who enabled the event to run smoothly.  Thanks also to all who tidied up family and neighbours’ graves in preparation for the Mass.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recent Deaths: Chris Murphy, Tullaroan and late of 7 Cypress Green, Loughboy.  Reposing at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Freshford. Funeral prayers  at 10.45am on Monday followed by removal to Tullaroan Church for Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon.  Noel O’Connor, formerly St Joseph’s, Waterford Road and Wexford.

Months Mind: Andy Lawlor (Sun 11.00). Teresa Howe (Sun 12.00).

Anniversaries: Thomas McGuire (Sat 7.00) Paul Ryan (Sun 10.00). Jim Corcoran (Sun 10.30).  Mick Coonan, Margaret Tynan, Jim Devlin, Delia O’Hara, Martin Doheny, Joseph Browne.

Intentions for next weekend: Eileen Grace (Sat 6.15). Declan Wyley (Sat 7.00 Months Mind). Denis Treacy (Sun 10.00). Martin Mulhall (Sun 11.00).

Golden Jubilee in Religious Life

Congratulations to Sr. Anne McEneaney, St. Patrick’s, Kells Road on her golden jubilee as a Sister of Charity.

Weekly Envelope Collection

Thank you for €1,487.25 contributed to the envelope collection last weekend.

First Friday of August

The first Friday of August falls this week.  The priests will visit the sick and housebound at the usual times.

Medjugorge

Seventeen young people and their leaders from our parish are going to the 23rd Youth Fest in Medjugorge [in total 56 young people will travel]. The group would like to thank everybody from the parish who helped in any way over the past few months to support the young people and to make this trip possible.  A Mass will be offered for your intentions on Tuesday, 31st July.

St Rioch’s Cemetery Mass

Mass will be celebrated in St. Rioch’s Cemetery on Thursday, 2nd August at 7.30pm.  If weather is inclement Mass will be celebrated in the Capuchin Friary. 

Kilkenny Citizens’ Information Centre

Kilkenny Citizens Information Centre provides a free and confidential information service to the people of Kilkenny City and County. The Centre is now recruiting additional volunteers to help with its work. If you can commit 3 hours per week and are interested in helping, please telephone for further information and an application form. Tel: 0761 07 7910.

Your Mental Health

Coming Soon: “Your Mental Health and Caring for It”  GROW’s free Introduction Course to Mental Health and Wellbeing.  Place: Kilkenny.  Topics Covered: Stress, Relationship, etc.  Contact to book your place: Mary Walsh – 087 284 3424.

Loughboy Library

Loughboy/The Village Oral History Project will meet in the Library on Thursday, 2nd August at 10.00am.  Booking and information from Connie 086 771 8040.

The Summer Reading Challenge for children runs until 18th August. 
The Olympic Games - books and activity sheets available.
Toddler Hour with Storytime is held every Thursday at 11.30am. 

Oral History Project

Loughboy/The Village Oral History Project, Kilkenny VEC, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership & the Heritage Officer are in the process of developing a project to explore how we name the city. It is envisaged that this project will be based on a series of conversations or workshops populated by people from the city. The workshops will seek to explore;

1. Origins of the names
2. Mapping the names in to the city and layering these over the parish names.
3. Identifying the distinguishing features attached  to each names
4. History of the relationships between the areas.

We want to hear your stories. Workshops commence in Loughboy Library on Thursday, 2^nd August from 10.00 – 12.00. If you are interested please contact Connie McGee on 086 771 8040 or KLP main office on 056 775 2111.

National Pastoral Conference
A three day conference in support of the work of renewal and reform entitled ‘Communion and Co-Responsibility in the Church’ will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone from 13th to 15th September.  The conference is organized by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and aims

· to further the work of renewal and reform in the Catholic Church in Ireland at this time

· to enhance the capacity of participants to work for renewal and reform in their own contexts
· to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II and look ahead to the Year of Faith.

Keynote theological reflections will be offered by Richard Gaillardetz, Boston College.

For further information and booking contact Julieann Moran, Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co Kildare.  Telephone 01 505 3025.

More detailed information is available on our diocesan website: www.ossory.ie

 

Franciscan BrothersClaraCo Offaly24th July 2012

Dear Priests and Parishioners of St. Patrick’s,

Greetings and peace and love to all.

Thank you so very much for the great welcome you gave us when we visited your parish last weekend.  The reception you gave us is a great affirmation of the work we do among some of the poorest people on earth.  Your tremendous kindness and generosity in these difficult times is a wonderful boost for all of us but especially for the brothers working in Kenya and Uganda.  Your prayers are a special source of inspiration.  Sometimes we encounter problems that are beyond human solving and it is then that we depend on your prayers and the power of  a loving God.

We have little to offer you for your wonderful kindness and generosity except to let you know that you are remembered in the daily prayers of the brothers.  You and your families are also remembered with a small fast and a climb of Croagh Patrick.

 We will be good guardians of the trust you have placed in us.  We will use efficiently, effectively and wisely the generous resources you have given to us.

May the Good Lord and St Francis of Assisi bless and reward your great kindness and generosity.

 Peace.

Br Brian Johnson OSF         Br Tony Dolan OSF

PS: Your generous contribution amounted to €5,900.00.  Thank you.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 22nd July 2012

Guest Preachers This Weekend

This year  the Irish Missionary Union has arranged for the Franciscan Brothers to visit the parishes in the Diocese of Ossory.  We welcome Br. Brian Johnson OSF & Br. Tony Dolan OSF who will preach at all our Masses this weekend.  The Franciscan Brothers were founded in the early 1800’s to work with the rural poor in the west of Ireland, in educational and agriculture especially during the Great Famine.  They have missions in Uganda and Kenya today.   They join us to raise awareness of their work and request financial assistance.  Please give them your usual warm Village welcome.

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass

Please note the annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass takes place  on this Thursday, 26th July at 7.30pm.  Those who attend regularly will appreciate the need to arrive early as heavy traffic in the area causes delays for Mass goers.  We ask that you obey the directions and instructions given by the Gardai and stewards.  Please prepare your family graves and inform absent family and friends of the arrangements.

Diamond Jubilee Congratulations

We wish Sr. Gerard Forristal. St. John of God Congregation heartiest congratulations on her recent diamond jubilee celebration. Ad multos annos. 

Parish Envelopes

The total collected in last weekend’s weekly envelope collection amounted to €1,712.00.  Many thanks for your continued support.

Foulkstown National School

A plaque to mark where Foulkstown National School stood will be unveiled immediately after the Foulkstown Cemetery Mass on Thursday 26th.  It will be unveiled on the roadside wall between the cemetery and the Rugby Club entrance.  All are welcome to attend.

Respect for the Eucharist

We would like to remind parishioners that chewing gum is banned from churches for obvious reasons e.g. hygiene & cleanliness. 

We would also like to remind those wishing to receive Holy Communion that they should never approach chewing gum or eating sweets. The one hour fast before receiving Communion is still in place and coming forward chewing gum shows disrespect towards the Eucharist.  Thank you for your co-operation.

Why we say “Amen” after receiving Communion

As each person  comes to receive the host, the priest says to them ‘The Body of Christ’ and they reply ‘Amen’.  So why do we say Amen and what does it mean.  “So be it” “I agree.” “I believe.” “It is the Body of Christ.” That’s what the “Amen” means: “I honestly believe that when I receive, it is Christ, and so I say Amen.” 

News from Rome

Benedict XVI chose "Blessed are the peacemakers" as the theme for the 46th World Day of Peace, to be celebrated Jan. 1, 2013.  The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace announced the theme today in a statement that also noted that the papal message for the day will again include the topic of religious freedom.  "The annual Message of the Pope, in the complexity of the present time, will encourage everyone to take responsibility with regard to peace-building," the English-language communiqué from the pontifical council explained.  "The Message will embrace, therefore, the fullness and diversity of the concept of peace, starting from the human being: inner peace and outer peace; then, highlighting the anthropological emergency, the nature and incidence of nihilism; and, at the same time, fundamental rights, in the first place freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, freedom of religion. The Message will offer, as well, an ethical reflection on some measures the world is going to take to contain the financial and economic crisis, the educational crisis, the crisis of the institutions and politics, which is also - in many cases - a worrying crisis of democracy.  "The Message will also look at the 50th Anniversary of Vatican Council II and of the Encyclical Letter by Pope John XXIII, 'Pacem in Terris', according to which the primacy is always for human dignity and freedom, for the building of an earthly city to the service of every person, without any discrimination, and directed to the common good which is based on justice and true peace.  This will be Benedict XVI's eighth World Day of Peace message.

Prayer For Fine Weather

"All-powerful and ever-living God, we find security in your care and love for us. Give us the fine weather we pray for and need.  May the harvest be secured and the hard work and efforts of so many of our people come to fruition.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  Amen."

Theology Course

A certificate in Theological Studies is being offered in St. Kieran’s College for the academic year September 2012 to May 2013.  The aim of the course is to provide general theological education and formation in the main aspects of faith.  The course also aims to provide the background needed for lay involvement and leadership roles at parish and diocesan levels.  For more details contact: Declan Murphy, Course Director 056 7721086 declanmurphy@ossory.ie.  Application forms from: www.stkieranscollege.ie or www.ossory.ie.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Kitty Quinn, 90 Larchfield, Bridget Kelly, 7 Cedarwood Ave, Margaret Bambrick, Waterford Road, May Tyrell, 15 O’Loughlin Road, Gretta Boswell nee Hogan, died in England.

Months Mind: Sr. Padua Delaney (Sat 7.00)

Anniversaries:  Davina Crosby (Sun 10.00), Vera Brannigan (Sun 11.00), Joe Cody (Sun 12.30), Hugh McCorry, Martin McCorry (Mon 9.30), Mick Coonan (Thurs 10.30), Rose McCormack, Danny Galvin, Doreen Tallent, Tony Henderson, Jimmy Carroll, Jim Morrissey, Jimmy & Billy Bourke.

Intentions for next weekend: Thomas McGuire (Sat 7.00), Andy Lawlor (Sun 11.00 Months Mind), Theresa Howe (Sun 12.00 Months Mind).

Alzheimers/Dementia Support Group

A facilitated support group, for carers of people with Alzheimers/Dementia. Providing a safe space for information exchange, emotional and practical support and the opportunity to network with other carers in similar positions. Location: Alzheimer Day Care Centre, 1 Fr Walsh Close, Cootes Lane, Kilkenny (Behind the Village Inn) Next Meeting: Time: 4pm-5.30pm (NEW TIME) Wednesday 25th July 2012.

Coffee Morning and Cake Sale

Friday 27th July, at the Parish Centre, from 11 o'clock, in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Chernobyl Children’s Fund, in order to raise much needed funds for one of our parishioners – Tadhg O'Carroll - who is taking part in a Kilimanjaro Climb - this
August.  Your support would be greatly appreciated. For further information,
please contact 087 2617853.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 15th July 2012

Pray for our Deceased Family & Friends

Recently Deceased: Mary Neary, Kickham Street.  Requiem Mass Sunday at 11am in St. Mary’s Cathedral.  Aileen Kelly, 34 Dukesmeadows, Bridget O’Donnell, Loughrea.

Anniversaries: Mary Norris (Sat 6.15), James Hackett (Sat 7.00), Dr. Paddy Boyd (Sun 9.30), Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00), Mary Slattery (Sun 10.30), Marie Manogue (Sun 11.00), Catherine Dowling (Sun 12.00), Teresa Delahunty (Sun 12.30), John & Esther Loughman, Felix Campbell, Mary Ann, Thomas & Denis Murray, Mary Holland, Patrick O’Brien, John Walsh, Kitty Phelan.  

Birthday Remembrance: Martin Neylon (Tues 10.30).

Intentions for next weekend: Sr. Padua Delaney (Months Mind Sat 7.00), Vera Brannigan (Sun 11.00), Hugh McCorry (Sun 12.00), Joe Cody (Sun 12.30).

May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Booking Baptisms & Weddings

At least two weeks notice must be given for baptisms in our parish.  Please contact the Parish Office for available dates and to register for the Sacrament.

Three months notice must be given to both Church and State for marriages (the State must be notified separately). Those applying for marriage in the parish will be asked to fill out a registration form and must make arrangements to meet a priest who will advise them on particular details. 

Before marriage all couples must complete a Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form (with your priest), and provide Baptismal and Confirmation certificates not more than six months old.  Contact the Parish Office for details.

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass

Please note the annual Cemetery Mass takes place  on Thursday, 26th July at 7.30pm.  Please prepare your family graves and inform absent family and friends of the arrangements.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival

Clonmacnois, Co Offaly, Thursday 9th - Sun 12th August 2012.  For young people aged 16-35.  An opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends.  This Festival has been nicknamed the “Holy Oxygen” with over 1,000 young people from all corners of Ireland attending last year.  The festival is donation only.  Free buses available from around the country.  For more information, contact 01 675 3690, email Dublin@youth2000.ie or book online: www.youth2000.ie.

Centre Opening Hours & Bookings

Monday to Friday: 10.00am - 5.00pm.  All bookings for the Parish Centre must be made through Ted Byrne. Call the Parish Office for contact.

We try to accommodate  as many groups as possible.  Those using our facilities are expected to comply with our child safety standards and respect our ethos as a Catholic Parish and Church.

St. Vincent De Paul

The monthly collection in aid of St. Vincent De Paul will be taken up at all Masses this weekend.  Please support this local and worthy charity.  Money donated in this parish goes to helping families in this parish some of whom may be your neighbours and friends.

Those seeking the assistance of the society can  put their requests into a sealed envelope marked ‘St. Vincent de Paul’ and drop it into the parish office or through the priests’ letter box.  Alternatively you can call the societies  mobile number: 087 6810589

News from Rome

 In a private audience today with prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato, Pope Benedict XVI approved the “heroic virtue” Fulton J. Sheen, thereby officially opening his cause for canonization.  The American archbishop and former bishop of Rochester New York lived from 1895-1979. He was best known his 20 years of evangelical work on radio and television. Before Archbishop Sheen’s cause can advance towards beatification, the Pope must approve at least one miracle attributed to his intercession.

The international charity Aid to the Church in Need hailed a milestone in making Scriptures available to children, with the publication of the 50 millionth copy of its child's Bible, "God Speaks to His Children."  The project began in 1979 and the Bible is now available in 172 languages; the 50 millionth copy was published in the Umbundu language, which is spoken in Angola, Africa.  In some places, the book is the first, or one of only a handful of books, published in the language.  Maria Zurowski, head of family pastoral work at ACN, said: “For millions, the Child’s Bible is so precious because it is written in their native language, in which the readers learned to pray.”

Article provided by ZENIT News Agency.

Calor Community Champion 2012

The Search for Ireland’s unsung heroes

Calor understands the work carried out each day by unsung local volunteers in parishes across the diocese of Ossory. They have launched the ‘Calor Community Champion 2012’ to give recognition and €10,000 reward to those who go above and beyond the call in our parishes, who  get things done, and work tirelessly each day to improve the lives of the people around them.

The winner will receive €1,500 and a bursary of €7,500 to give to their nominated charity or local organisation.  Calor will provide €500 for the person or organisation that nominated them.  Nominations to crown this year’s champion volunteer will close at the end of July.

For information and to nominate your local champion, please visit and ‘like’ at www.facebook.com/calorireland or call 1850 812 450 for an application form to be sent by post.

Prayer For Fine Weather

We join Bishop Denis Brennan of Ferns in praying for fine weather to help the harvest and cheer all our hearts.  May God look favourably on us.

Monday Morning 9.30am mass in St. Patrick’s will be offered for fine weather.  Friday Morning mass at 10.30am will be offered for the same intention.  You are welcome to join us in faith and solidarity with those affected by the bad summer we’ve had thus far.

Below is the prayer composed by bishop Brennan and using it might, Deo Volente, turn the sway:

"All-powerful and ever-living God, we find security in your care and love for us. Give us the fine weather we pray for and need.  May the harvest be secured and the hard work and efforts of so many of our people come to fruition.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  Amen."

Guest Preachers Next Week

Next weekend, we welcome the Franciscan Brothers who will preach at all our masses next weekend.  This is part of their diocesan visit to all parishes in Ossory to raise awareness of their work and request financial assistance.  Please give them your usual warm Village welcome.

Cancer Support Fundraiser

Coffee morning and book sale will take place in the Watergate Theatre on Friday, 20^th July 2012 at 10.30 .m. in aid of Cois Nore Cancer Support.  All welcome.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 8th July, 2012

Booking Baptisms and Weddings

At least two weeks notice must be given for baptisms in our parish.  Please contact the Parish Office for available dates and to register for the Sacrament.

Three months notice must be given to both Church and State for marriages (the State must be notified separately). Those applying for marriage in the parish will be asked to fill out a registration form and must make arrangements to meet a priest who will advise them on particular details.  Before marriage all couples must complete a Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form and provide fresh Baptismal and Confirmation certificates.  Contact the Parish Office for details.

Foulkstown Cemetery

Now that all the  ‘No Dumping’ signs are in place we are actively passing on the registration numbers of all offenders who illegally dump their rubbish in Foulkstown Cemetery.  The facilities we provide are only for dead wreaths and flowers from graves in the cemetery  and nothing else. 

We ask visitors to the cemetery to keep a watchful eye for illegal dumpers and forward the registration numbers of their cars to the Parish Office and we will pass on the details to the litter warden.  If we can’t get our message across then perhaps the warden can.  Thanks for your cooperation.

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass

Please note the annual Cemetery Mass takes place  on Thursday, 26th July at 7.30pm.  Please prepare your family graves and inform absent family and friends of the arrangements.

Centre Opening Hours & Bookings

Monday to Friday: 10.00am - 5.00pm.  All bookings for the Parish Centre must be made through Ted Byrne. Call the Parish Office for contact.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Sr. Mairead Murphy, Presentation Sisters, Newpark Close (following an accident). Reposing at Presentation Convent, Parnell Street with prayers at 8.30pm on Saturday.  Funeral prayers on Sunday followed by removal to St. John’s Church for Requiem Mass at 12 noon.  Interment at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Larry Glennon. Reposing at Hehir’s Funeral Home with funeral prayers on Sunday at 6.30pm followed by removal to St. Canice’s Church.  Funeral on Monday after 11.00am Requiem Mass to St. Kieran’s Cemetery.  Rosary on Saturday at 9.00pm in Hehir’s Funeral Home.  Bridget Kavanagh, 64 Bishop Birch Place.  Bernie Morrissey, late of Maudlin Street & Ballybough St.

Anniversaries: Patrick Roche (Sat 6.15).  Donal O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Catherine Roberts (Sun 9.30). Pauline Kennedy (Sun 10.00). Joseph Daly & Mary May Savage (Sun 10.30). Ger Doheny (Sun 11.00).  Maurice (Mossie) Nagle (Sun 12.00). Sean  Hennessy (Sun 12.30). Paddy Bergin, Sr. Margaret Bergin (Wed 10.30), Ann McSweeney (Thur 10.30), Annie Cody, Joan Cody, Molly Dwan, Denis Molloy, Mary Fry, Peg Horrigan, Edward Beckett, Christine Taylor, Martin Crotty, Jim Nugent.

Intentions for next weekend: Mary Norris (Sat 6.30). James Hackett (Sat 7.00). Dr Paddy Boyd (Sun 9.30). Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00). Mary Slattery (Sun 10.30). Marie Manogue (Sun 11.00). Catherine Dowling (Sun 12.00). Teresa Delahunty (Sun 12.30).

Parish Envelopes

The total collected in last weeks envelope collection amounted to €1,933.00 Many thanks.

Latin Mass

There will be a High Mass in St. Patrick's Church in honour of St. Oliver Plunkett and blessing with First Class Relic of the Saint, on Wednesday, 11th July at 7.30pm.  All are welcome.

Society of St. Vincent De Paul

The next meeting of the St. Patrick’s Parish Conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul will take place on Monday, 16th July.  For the months of July and August., the local conference will only meet every two weeks.  Those  seeking assistance are asked to contact the society on 087 681 0589.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival

Clonmacnois, Co Offaly, Thursday 9th - Sun 12th August 2012.  For young people aged 16-35.  An opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends.  This Festival has been nicknamed the “Holy Oxygen” with over 1,000 young people from all corners of Ireland attending last year.  The festival is donation only.  Free buses available from around the country.  For more information, contact 01 675 3690, email Dublin@youth2000.ie or book online: www.youth2000.ie.

Theology Course

A certificate in Theological Studies is being offered in St. Kieran’s College for the academic year September 2012 to May 2013. 

The aim of the course is to provide general theological education and formation in the main aspects of faith.  The course also aims to provide the background needed for lay involvement and leadership roles at parish and diocesan levels.

For more details contact: Declan Murphy, Course Director 056 7721086 declanmurphy@ossory.ie.  Application forms from: www.stkieranscollege.ie or www.ossory.ie.

Kilkenny Active Retirement

The next meeting will take place on Monday, 9th July at 2.30pm in the Club House Hotel.

Warmer Homes

Better Energy Warmer Homes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, funds energy efficiency improvement in the homes of the elderly and vulnerable, making their homes more comfortable, healthier and more cost effective to run.  This scheme is being delivered by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, 8 Patrick’s Court, Patrick Street.

The scheme is available to homes which meet the following criteria:

· Owner occupied, non-local authority homes

· Constructed before 2002

· The owner is in receipt of one of the following: Fuel allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme; Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and with children under 7 years of age

· Family Income Support.

For further information: Kilkenny LEADER Partnership on 056 775 2111.

Getting Results

A cab driver reaches the Pearly Gates and announces his presence to St. Peter, who looks him up in his Big Book. Upon reading the entry for the cabby, St. Peter invites him to grab a silk robe and a golden staff and to proceed into Heaven.

A parish priest is next in line behind the cabby and has been watching these proceedings with interest. He announces himself to St. Peter. Upon scanning the priest’s entry in the Big Book, St. Peter furrows his brow and says, “Okay, we'll let you in, but take that cotton robe and wooden staff.” The priest is astonished and replies, “But I am a man of the cloth. You gave that cab driver a gold staff and a silk robe.  Surely, I rate higher than a cabby.” St. Peter responded matter-of-factly: “Here we are interested in results. When you preached, people slept. When the cabby drove his taxi, people prayed.”