Sr. Gerard Forrestal
1925 - 2012
Sr. Gerard Forrestal, St. John of God Congregation, died peacefully on Monday, 24th September 2012. All who knew her were saddened to learn of her passing following a short illness.
Sr. Gerard, a native of Moyne Templetuohy, Co. Tipperary, was a member of the Congregation of St. John of God since 1952 - she celebrated the diamond jubilee of profession just ten weeks ago. She served the congregation in many places including Wexford, Dublin, Edenderry and Rome before coming to Kilkenny where she took on the role of sacristan at St. Patrick’s Church. It is for this work she will be fondly remembered by the priests and people of the parish. Sr. Gerard was generous to a fault with her time and energy, meticulous in her work and loyally served the parish long after most people would have retired.
An avid reader of the Tipperary Star she never failed to remind people of her Tipperary roots and supported the ‘Blue and Gold’ to the end.
We give thanks to God for her life and influence among us and thank her for her loyal service to her Congregation and the Church.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilís.
Five years ago many parishioners gave loans to St. Patrick’s Parish to help finance the development of the Parish Centre. Such loans reduced interest costs and enabled us to structure our financing in a more beneficial way.
The five year loan term is up now and we have already repaid those loans received in August and September 2007 with the rest to follow on a monthly basis. Thanks to those involved for your original generosity and thanks again to a number of donors who have been able to convert the original loans into outright gifts to the parish. Your generosity to the parish in difficult financial times helps enormously.
First Holy Communion Dates
The following dates have been agreed with the schools involved:
Saturday, 27th April: Gaelscoil Osraí, St. Fiacre’s Church at 11.00am.
Saturday, 11th May: St. Patrick’s De La Salle, St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am.
Sunday, 12th May: Kilkenny School Project, St. Fiacre’s Church at 12 noon.
Saturday, 18th May: St. John of God, St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am.
The Do This in Memory preparation programme for First Holy Communion candidates begins next weekend: candidates from Gaelscoil Osrai are asked to attend 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while those who attend St. Patrick’s De La Salle and St. John of God are asked to attend 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church.
Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Frank Coyne, 32 Michael Street and late of St. Fiacre’s Place. Sr. Gerard Forrestal, St. John of God Convent. Mae Scanlon. Johnnie Dumburs.
Months Mind: Muggers Larkin (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: The Byrne Family (Sat 6.15). Patrick Traynor (Sat 7.00). Dan Gorey (Sun 10.00). Ciss Holland. Michael Doyle. Christopher Kenny. Syd & Elizabeth Bluett. John Casey. Helen Lynch.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Kathleen Roche (Sat 6.15). Josie Nolan (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Joan Waters (Sun 11.00). Tom O’Neill (Sun 12.00). Evelyn Coppinger (Sun 12.30).
Thukolo Gospel Choir Fundraiser
Local gospel choir Thukolo will perform a concert at The Watergate Kilkenny on Saturday, 6th October with The Memphis Cats. Proceeds to Chernobyl Kilkenny Outreach Group. Tickets €10. This promises to be a wonderful evening's entertainment as always. Please support this very worthy cause.
Come on the Cats
Once again we wish Brian Cody, Eoin Larkin, Jackie Tyrell and Matthew Ruth and their teammates all the best as they take on Galway in the replay of this year’s All Ireland Hurling Final. We look forward to welcoming ‘Liam McCarthy’.
Altar Servers
Application forms available at sacristies of all churches. These must be completed by parents of existing and new servers.
First Friday
The priests will visit the sick and housebound at the usual times. Please let the Parish Office know if you know of someone to be included.
Blessing of Animals
There will be a blessing of animals at St. Canice's, Church, Dean Street on Saturday, 6th October at 3.00pm.
Westcourt News
The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt, Callan on Monday, 1st October at 7.30pm.
First Saturday Devotion
St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy on Saturday, 6th October after 6.15pm Mass. Ends at 9.00pm.
Kilkenny Bereavement Support
Kilkenny Bereavement Support will hold a meeting for people bereaved by suicide in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Kilkenny on Thursday 4th. October at 8.00pm. All welcome. 056 775 6538
CBS Parents’ Council
The C.B.S. Parents’ Council is organising a presentation by the staff of the Aislinn Adolescent and Addiction Treatment Centre for parents on Thursday, 4th October at 7.30pm in the school. All welcome.
Commemoration of Hope Ceremony
Kilkenny Drug Awareness Week is from 1st to 6th October 2012. On Saturday 6th of October Kilkenny Drug Awareness Week will be closed with an event to remember those who lost their lives to drugs. There will be a tree planting ceremony at 3.15pm on John’s Quay and the Remembrance Ceremony will begin on the Parade at 4.00pm with and address from religious leaders and music provided by Kilkenny Gospel Choir. Among other speakers the Mayor of Kilkenny will give an address and lead a candlelit procession to the Town Hall where a balloon will be released in memory of lost loved ones. The event will be closed by further addresses from representatives of community initiatives responding to substance misuse and the chair of Kilkenny County Drugs Committee. Refreshments in the Council Chambers. All welcome to attend.
Healthy Town Project
On Tuesday 2nd October at 7.00pm at Langton’s Hotel Dr Tadgh Crowley GP and Kilkenny Hurling Team doctor will a talk on “Planning for Healthy Ageing”. This will be of interest to all who want to improve their health and quality of life as they age.
Festival of Activities for Older Adults
Kilkenny Sports Partnership are hosting an Older Adults Festival in the Watershed, Kilkenny, Thursday 4th of October. The range of activities on will include Bowling, Skittles, Pilates and Fit Walk among others. On Friday 5th, there will be a free pool session for older adults from 2.00 to 3.00pm. All activities are free of charge. You may register by contacting the office on 056 779 4990 or email info@krsp.ie
St. Brigid’s College
An open evening for prospective students enrolling in September 2013 will be held in St. Brigid’s College, Callan, on Thursday 4th October 2012 at 6.30pm. Info: 056 772 5189.
GROW
GROW - World Mental Health Organisation urgently needs your help. We are holding our first National Flag Day on Oct.10th. World Mental Health Day. We need VOLUNTEERS this day to give 2hrs of your time. Contact Eileen or Mary at 056 7761624 or email southeastregion@grow.ie
