1st Sunday of Lent, 17th February 2013

Pope Benedict XVI

With great surprise tinged with sadness, we learned of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on Monday last.  During his time as leader of the Catholic Church Benedict has been a faithful witness to Christ, and in this decision, he teaches us with his integrity and humility, about putting the needs of the Church first.  Such a message is very appropriate as we begin the Season of Lent.

It is appropriate that we pray for Pope Benedict during the final days of his pontificate; that we give thanks for his leadership and pray for the Church as we look to the future and the election of a new Pope. 

Next Friday, 22nd February, is the feast of the Chair of St. Peter and we will celebrate the 9.30am and the 10.30am Masses for the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI and for inspiration and strength for the cardinal-electors as they choose a new Holy Father to lead us in the years ahead.

 

The Season of Lent

This holy season of preparation for the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection continues.  We encourage all to participate in the traditional disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  Please note that for your convenience we have scheduled an extra Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent.  Our morning Masses remain at the usual times: St. Patrick’s Church at 9.30am and St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am.

 

Do Something Special this Lent!

Many people choose to abstain from alcohol for the duration of Lent.  Take this opportunity to help someone you love with an alcohol or drug problem by offering up your sacrifice as a prayer for their freedom and wellbeing.  Take the Short-Term pledge and make a difference to someone’s life!  Visit www.pioneerassociation.ie or contact Fr. Liam on 056 776 4400.

 

Trócaire Family Fast Box

This Lent we prepare ourselves for the promise of the life of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away and there will be no more suffering, hardship, greed or injustice.  Lent wakes us up to the promise that Christ overcomes darkness, despair, destitution and devastation.  As our parish prepares for Easter let us actively play our part to give concrete expression to that promise every day.  Trócaire Family Fast Boxes are available at the church today - please take one home with you.

 

Talks on the Bible for Lent

Fr. Willie Purcell will present a series of Talks for Lent at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre.  All welcome.

Tuesday, 19th February at 11.00am - An Introduction to the Bible.

Tuesday, 26th February at 11.00am - Characters of the Bible.

 

Lenten Alms

We invite parishioners to contribute to the annual Lenten Alms collection.  This collection contributes to the income of the priests of the parish and Bishop Freeman.  Please use the special envelope in your contribution pack or any envelope with your name and address attached.  Your priests acknowledge and appreciate your generosity.

Parish Volunteer Sunday

Last weekend St. Patrick’s Parish held ‘Parish Volunteer Sunday’ during which we encouraged parishioners to assist with various ministries in the parish.  Thanks to those who offered their help - we will be in touch with you shortly.  Forms are still available in the churches for those who need them.  Please return them as soon as possible.

Parish Shop

Available in the Parish Centre is a wide variety of religious goods and books.  Among the items for sale are Baptismal candles and items for Confirmation and First Holy Communion. 

 

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Jimmy Phelan, late of Patrick Street and Cullahill, Co. Laois.  Reposing at Johnston’s Funeral Home. Rosary at 8.00pm on Monday.  Funeral prayers at 10.00am on Tuesday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church for Requiem Mass at 11.00am. Burial afterwards at Foulkstown Cemetery.  Colm Kennedy, St. Francis Terrace. Christina Kelly, Fr. Albert Place. Tommie Ryan, Troyswood & Johnswell Road. Paddy McGuinness, Maudlin Street.

Months Mind: Sean Bolger (Sun 10.00).

Anniversaries: Philomena Summers (Sat 6.15). Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00). Mollie Johnston (Sun 10.30). Maureen Barry (Sun 11.00). Michael Phelan & Bridget Lannon (Sun 12.00). Peadar Flanagan (Sun 12.30). Ann Somers (Tue 9.30). Mary Lynch (Tue 10.30). Ann Kelly (Wed 10.30). Jenny Clancy (Fri 6.15). John O’Rourke. Mary Lynch. Ann Delaney. John O’Neill. Sarah Tynan. Seamus Culleton. Christy Walsh. Billy Maguire. Mikey Holland.

Intentions for next weekend: John & Bridget O’Rourke (Sat 6.15). Sr. Conleth Donohoe (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Vera Phelan (Months Mind 10.00). Pat Kearney (Sun 10.30). William Smith (Sun 11.00). Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00). Joe Lawlor (Sun 12.30).

Cake Sale and Coffee Morning

There will be a Cake Sale at the Parish Centre after all Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church next weekend, 23^rd/24^th March.  Coffees/Teas will also be served after the Sunday morning Masses.  This is to help raise funds to enable young people with special needs to travel to Lourdes at Easter.  The event is organised by Fr. Dan and Group 174 of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust.  www.ihcpt.com.  The Parish Centre will be open from 3.00pm on Saturday 23rd to accept any donations of cakes etc.

Your support would be appreciated.

 

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The monthly collection for the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up at all our Masses this weekend.  Thank you for your support of this local charity.  Those who are in need of the society’s help can contact them at 087 681 0589.  Alternatively, you can write your request and put it in a sealed envelope and drop it into the Parish Centre.  All requests for help are dealt with in the strictest confidence.

 

Kilkenny City I.C.A. 60th Anniversary

We are celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Kilkenny City I.C.A on Wednesday, 20th February at 7.30pm in the Club House Hotel. We are seeking out all who were members over the years to join us for dinner and entertainment.  Phone Catherine at 776 4838 for details.

 

Lost and Found

A small chain and cross have been found in the vicinity of St. Fiacre’s Church.  Contact the Parish Office 056 776 4400.

Kilkenny and Carlow Contact

This is a befriending and support organization for older persons. Volunteer induction and open morning in the Fr. McGrath Centre on Monday, 18th February from 11.00am - 12.30pm.  Please come along if you are interested in volunteering with us.  We ask volunteers to donate an hour or two each week to visit an older person who may need social contact and community or security connections.  Please contact Eleanor Doyle, Coordinator or Mary Colclough, Development Worker on 056 775 1988.

 

Living Well with Arthritis

The Neighbourhood Centre, Butts Green (Snooker Hall, next door to St. Vincent de Paul).  6 weekly sessions; starts Thursday, 28th February.  7.00pm - 9.30pm.  Consists of 6 weekly sessions.  Cost: €30 for 6 sessions.

 

Nature in Poetry and Prose

A 6-week course begins on Tuesday, Feb 26^th, 7-9pm. Exploring work from Wordsworth and Heaney to Hughes and haiku, course fee €90, including tea/coffee. To book, call 7775910 or email Kilkenny.campus@nuim.ie. Kilkenny Campus is located at St Kieran’s College.

 

 

 

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 10th February 2013

Our Lady of Lourdes

Monday is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.  On this day in 1858, Our Lady first appeared to the fourteen-year-old Bernadette Soubirous.  Later Bernadette was to learn that the mysterious lady was the Blessed Virgin and to hear from her lips, ‘I am the Immaculate Conception’.  In 1992 Pope John Paul instituted the World Day of the Sick to be held on the commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes.

 

21st World Day of the Sick

The message of the Holy Father for the 21st World day of the Sick is available on line at www.catholicdishops.ie.  The theme of this years message is ‘God and do likewise’ (Luke 10:37)

We will offer Mass for the sick of the parish at St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am on Monday.  All welcome. 

 

Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins

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

Please note that pupils from our local schools will be present for the distribution of ashes at 9.30am and 10.30am Masses.  If you wish to avoid the large crowds, we have an evening Mass at 6.15 in St. Fiacre’s Church.

 

Extra Mass for Lent

As mentioned above, starting on Wednesday there will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent.  In the past this has been 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.  

 

Keep in Touch

Website: www.patricksparish.net

Facebook: facebook.com/StPatricksKK

 

Do Something Special this Lent!

Many people choose to abstain from alcohol for the duration of Lent.  Take this opportunity to help someone you love with an alcohol or drug problem by offering up your sacrifice as a prayer for their freedom and wellbeing.  Take the Short-Term pledge and make a difference to someone’s life!  Visit www.pioneerassociation.ie or contact Fr. Liam on 056 776 4400.

 

Parish Mass Cards

St. Patrick’s Parish is happy to offer a signed Mass Card facility for the deceased and other intentions.  The cards are signed by the priests of the parish and there is a guarantee of an individual Mass is €10.00.

In addition to individual Masses, we also offer a shared Mass facility (€3 each) and these shared Masses are offered every Thursday morning at St. Patrick’s Church by the priests of the parish.

Please note that most of the individual Masses are sent to missionary y priests through Aid to the Church in Need.  Aid to the Church in Need is a pontifical charity regulated by the Church and Masses are guaranteed to be said on an individual basis.

 

Novena at St. John’s Parish

The annual parish novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help concludes at St. John’s Church on this Monday, 11th February.

The novena, conducted by a Redemptorist team, led by Fr. Derek Meskell CSsR with Fr. Ciarán O’Callaghan CSsR and Ms Sarah Smyth, will be conducted at the following times:

Sunday: 8.00, 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 7.30pm.

Weekdays: 7.30 and 10.30am and 7.30pm.

Special Services: Sunday 10th - 3.30pm - Service of Blessing of Babies and Small Children.

Monday 11th - Closing Ceremonies of Novena at all sessions.  All welcome

 

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Months Mind: Teresa Dullard Maloney (Fri 10.30). Paul Delaney (Sat 9.30)

Anniversaries: Thomas Kavanagh (Sat 6.15). Peggy Shanahan (Sat 7.00). Paddy Burke (Sun 9.30). Rory Quinn (Sun 10.00). Nora Foley (Sun 10.30). Ursula Maher (Sun 11.00). Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00). Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 12.30). Richard & Elizabeth Murphy (Tues 10.30). Matthew Gleeson (Wed 10.30), Mary & Cecil Pullan (Thurs 10.30). John O’Rourke (Thurs 6.15). Bill Carroll. Kieran Healy. Liam Devlin. Eileen Egan. Daphne Phelan. Bridie Dunne. Patrick & Elizabeth Fry. Eileen Cooper. Catherine Maher.

Intentions for next weekend: Philomena Summers (Sat 6.15). Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00). Mollie Johnston (Sun 10.30). Maureen Barry (Sun 11.00). Michael Phelan & Bridget Lannon (Sun 12.00). Peader Flanagan (Sun 12.30).

 

Sts. Cyril and Methodius

Cyril (826-869) and Methodius (818-885) were brothers from Thessalonica in Greece.  They are honoured as Apostles of the Slavic people and were declared Patrons of Europe in 1980.  Their feastday is celebrated on Thursday. 

 

Healing Group

Kilkenny Bereavement Support will hold “A Healing Group” for people who have been bereaved by suicide for at least six months.  This group will meet for 8 weeks in a row.  This year the meetings will take place in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Kilkenny commencing on Tuesday, 19th February at 8.00pm and will continue on the following Tuesday nights.  The aims of the group are to help the participants to explore their loss in a safe environment, to help them feel comfortable in understanding their grief which may involve isolation, stigma, guilt or blame.  Please telephone 056 775 6538 or 087 961 0334 for more information.

 

Divine Mercy

An hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy will take place in the Capuchin Friary Church on this Sunday, 10th February from 3.00-4.00pm. 

 

St. Patrick’s Boxing Club

The local boxing Club continues to grow and is going from strength to strength.  Congratulations to 15 members of the club who won trophies at the Kilkenny/Laois/Carlow Championships last weekend. 

All are invited to attend a boxing tournament in James Stephens GAA Club on next Saturday, 16th February beginning at 2.00pm.  There will be lots of talented boxers from our local club on display. 

 

Parish Volunteer Sunday

In St. Patrick’s Parish we are holding ‘Parish Volunteer Sunday’ this weekend.  We want to encourage as many parishioners as possible to get involved with the parish.  See separate handout for more details.

 

Kilkenny Active Retirement

The annual general meeting of the Kilkenny Active Retirement Association will take place on Monday 11th February in the Club House Hotel at 2.30pm.  All members welcome.

 

Variety concert

Callan Variety Concert will take place on Tuesday 12th Wednesday 13th and Friday 15th February in St. Brigid’s College Callan.  Doors open at 7.30pm.  Show will start at 8.15pm sharp.

 

Kilkenny Flower Club

Kilkenny Flower Club will hold its AGM followed by a Quiz in Butler House on Thursday 14th February at 8.pm.  All welcome for a fun night.

 

Get Help Getting Active

Over 50? Need to get advice.  FITLINE has an answer.  Our free service gives information, advice and motivation to get moving.  For more information free phone Go for Life on 1800 303 545.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 3rd February 2013

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Sr. Cora Woods, Religious Sisters of Charity, St. Patrick’s, Kells Road.  Funeral prayers at the Convent at 1.45pm on Monday followed by removal to St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown.  Requiem Mass at 2.30pm followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery.  Jim Murphy, Waterford Road. Requiem Mass at St. John’s on Sunday at 2.00pm.  Burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery.    Mary Dunne, Kilmanagh. Philomena McCabe, New Road. Anne Hickey, St. Francis Terrace.

Months Mind: Christine Comerford (Sat 6.15). Eileen Baker (Sun 12.00).

Anniversaries: Breda Butler (Sat 7.00). Noeline Flood (Sun 10.00). Fr. Joe O’Shea (Sun 10.30). Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00),  Jimmy McGrath (Sun 12.30). John Hennessy (Tues 10.30). Rory Quinn (Wed 10.30). Patrick O’Keeffe (Thurs 10.30). Sean O’Grady (Fri 9.30). Philly & Statia Grace (Fri 10.30). John Hennessy. John & Ellen McDonald. Eamonn, Frances, Padraig & Seamus Costello.  Margo Fanning. John Quigley. James Hayes. Maura Gaffney. James Hogan. Shane Holland. Con Noonan. Patrick Walsh. Fintan Phelan. Kit O’Carroll. Gretta Phelan. Kieran & Maura Kehoe. Matthew Gleeson.

Intentions for next weekend: Thomas Kavanagh (Sat 6.15), Peggy Shanahan (Sat 7.00), Paddy Burke (Sun 9.30). Rory Quinn (Sun 10.00). Nora Foley (Sun 10.30). Ursula Maher (Sun 11.00). Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00). Dr. Richard Purcell (Sun 12.30).

 

Senior Citizens’ Party

Last Monday’s Senior Citizens’ Party was a run-a-way success.  One hundred and forty seniors from the area enjoyed an excellent four course meal, a few drinks, wonderful music and dancing until well after midnight.  Thanks to all involved especially the hard-working committee, the staff at the Parish Centre, the Club House Hotel, Marble City Swingers and our generous sponsors. 

The event was over-subscribed and we offer our sincere apologies to those who were unable to get tickets for the event.

 

St. Patrick’s Lourdes Committee

This parish group raises funds to help deserving parishioners travel to Lourdes with the Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage in May.  The Committee is now accepting nominations for travellers on this year’s pilgrimage.  Contact Michelle in the Parish Office (776 4400) if you or someone known to you would like to be considered for travel.

 

Mass in Honour of St. Joseph

Mass in honour of St. Joseph is celebrated on the first Wednesday of every month at the Mill Hill Chapel, Waterford Road.  The next Mass will be at 8.00pm on this Wednesday, 6th February.  Please join us if you can.

 

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 on Monday, 4th February 2013 at 7.30pm. Callan Heritage Society will organise the liturgy for this Mass. All are welcome.

 

Healing Group

Kilkenny Bereavement Support will hold “A Healing Group” for people who have been bereaved by suicide for at least six months. This group will meet for 8 weeks in a row. This year the meetings will take place in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Kilkenny commencing on Tuesday, 19th February at 8.00pm and will continue on the following Tuesday nights.  The aims of the group are to help the participants to explore their loss in a safe environment, to help them feel comfortable in understanding their grief which may involve isolation, stigma, guilt or blame.  It will also provide opportunities to develop new relationships, to discuss coping strategies, to identify feelings and to remember the deceased. 

If you want to know more about this group, please phone 056 775 6538 or 087 961 0334.

 

 

Kilkenny Bereavement Support

“A time to meet others bereaved by suicide”

Kilkenny Bereavement Support will hold their monthly meeting for people bereaved by suicide in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Kilkenny on Thursday, 7th February 2013 at 8.00pm. All are welcome. For information phone 056 775 6538.

 

First Saturday Devotion

This devotion will be held in St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday, 2nd February from 7.00 - 9.00pm.

 

Rosary

The monthly rosary on the First Sunday in James Green at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 3rd February at 3.00pm.

 

Novena at St. John’s Parish

The annual parish novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help begins at St. John’s Church on this Sunday, 3rd February and continues until Monday,11th February. 

The novena, conducted by a Redemptorist team, led by Fr Derek Meskell CSsR with Fr Ciarán O’Callaghan CSsR and Ms Sarah Smyth, will be conducted at the following times: Sundays: 8.00, 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 7.30pm (Saturday Vigil at 6.30pm).  Weekdays: 7.30 and 10.30am and 7.30pm.  Special Services: Sunday 3rd - Blessing of throats after each session. Thursday 7th - 10.30am - Special session for Primary Schools. Thursday 7th - 7.30pm - Sacrament of Reconciliation (without Mass). Friday 8th - 7.30pm - Special Session for Youth. Saturday 9th - 10.30am - Mass with Anointing of The Sick. Sunday 10th - 3.30pm - Service of Blessing of Babies and Small Children. Monday 11th - Closing Ceremonies of Novena at all sessions.  All welcome.

 

Kilkenny Reporter

The Kilkenny Reporter is now publishing death notices and anniversaries.  Contact Peter at 056 779 5051 or peter@kilkennyreporter.ie. 

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Bookings can now be made for the 2013 Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place between 22nd and 27th May. Contact: 051 880 414 and glenmore@ossory.ie.  Fare €735pps.

 

Black Abbey Triduum

The annual Triduum in Honour Of Our Lady Of Lourdes is taking place in the Black Abbey  Kilkenny from 9th to 11th February, with a special Blessing of the Sick on Sunday, 10th at 3.00pm.  This year we Most Rev. Willie Walsh Bishop, Emeritus of Killaloe, is the guest preacher.

 

Kilkenny Leader Partnership

KLP is offering  training courses in Kilkenny City:

Communities Connect IT: 2 hours a week over 5 weeks starting on Monday, 11th February. Day and evening options available. Contact Connie McGee on 086 771 8040 for more information.

Cross Community Women’s Group: every Monday evening in Millennium Court Centre from 7.00 – 9.00pm.  Contact Connie on 086 771 8040 or Penny on 086 157 9706 or drop in on a Monday evening.

 

Painting Classes with a Difference

No painting skills are necessary - materials are provided.  For more information contact 086 248 5887 or 057 873 7899. Starts 25th February.

 

Men’s and Women’s Exercise

Men’s functional strength and fitness class starting on Wednesdays, 7.00 - 8.00pm in the Parish Centre.  Women’s circuits and toning class starting on Wednesdays from 8.00 - 9.00pm in the Parish Centre.  €5 per class - contact John at 087 637 9354 for booking and details.

 

Loughboy Library

Irish Circle for Adults at all levels commences next Wednesday, 6th February at 11.00am.  Tá fáilte roimh gach duine. Toddler Hour and Book Club on Thursday. Tel. 779 4176.

 

Grow Mental Health Movement

This group is running a fundraiser in Cillin Hill, Kilkenny towards the end of February. All monies go towards our work in the community. We would appreciate any donations e.g Pottery, Glassware, unwanted Christmas gifts, Jewellery, Household items etc. Many thanks for your support. Contact: Mary or Eileen on 776 1624.

NUI Maynooth

The Kilkenny Campus of NUI Maynooth invites 6th Year, FETAC and mature students to take the first year of their BA degree in Kilkenny. Info: CAO (MH901) and www.nuim.ie/kilkenny

 Students choosing to take this exciting new option will benefit by taking the 1st year of their BA degree close to home in a friendly, learner centered environment - before moving to the main NUI Maynooth Campus for 2nd and 3rd year. Those living locally will also have the advantage of making significant savings on travel and accommodation costs.  Subjects on offer: