Fifth Sunday of Easter, 28th April 2013

Faith Fest 2013
At the request of Pope Benedict XVI the Universal Church celebrates the Year of Faith from October 2012 to November 2013. As part of this celebration the Diocese of Ossory is holding Faith Fest 2013: Celebrating Faith in Ossory, on the weekend of Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May 2013.  In doing so each and every one of us will have an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the importance of faith in our lives. 

Much of the weekend’s activities will take place in St Kieran’s College, celebrating all that is good in the Diocese of Ossory. 

· Over 70 parishes and organisations in the Diocese of Ossory will be represented at stands on Saturday from 10.00am to 6.00pm and Sunday from 2.00pm to 6.00pm, which will provide an opportunity to highlight some of the work and service happening in the diocese.

· There will be a number of workshops during the course of the weekend: “Parish Liturgies without a Priest” with Fr. Martin Tobin (Sat 11.30am); “Morality: What’s the Point of it All” with Fr. Michael Shortall (Sat 3.00pm); “Walking, Building and Professing While Sitting Around a Table - the Challenge to Parish Pastoral Councils Today” with Mr. Dermot McCarthy (Sun 2.30pm); “Why Belief is the Most Reasonable Response to Reality” with Mr. John Waters (Sun 4.00pm)  are but a few interesting examples.

· There will be an U8s hurling and camogie blitz with Kilkenny Senior hurlers acting as match referees and medal presentation by Mr. Brian Cody.  Also bouncy castle at the College for the duration.

· Concerts: Liam Lawton (St. Mary’s Cathedral on Friday and String Quartet in Chapter House, St. Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday.

Full details are available at the churches in our parish, in Ossory Times, in an invitation sent by the bishop to all in the diocese and on www.ossory.ie.

All are invited to make an effort to come along to some of the events and celebrate faith in our diocese.

 

Liam Lawton Concert

To launch Faith Fest 2013 a concert will be held in St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, 10th May featuring Liam Lawton with special guests the Unity Singers. Doors open 7.00pm, concert at 8.00pm.  Tickets: €20 each available at St. Patrick’s Parish Office.

 

Bishop Séamus

Bishop Séamus Freeman SAC has written to all families in the diocese highlighting the forthcoming Faith Fest and including a full programme of events.  Copies of the letter are available in church.

 

Passport of Faith

These are small passport sized booklets with some information on parishes in the Diocese of Ossory.  With your ‘passport’ in hand and in preparation for the Faith Fest you are invited to take a little pilgrimage of faith around some of the parishes of the diocese.  Using this booklet why not try to explore just some of the rich heritage that our parishes have to offer.  A limited supply of booklets are available free of charge in our sacristies.

Comhghairdeas

We congratulate 50 young people from Gaelscoil Osraí who received their First Holy Communion at St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday morning.  Well done to parents, teachers and mentors who helped prepare the young people.

 

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Dolores Gardiner, Kilcullen. Michael O’Brien, Glenvale, Ballyragget. Maurice Wall, DeLoughrey Place.  Martin O’Brien, Dunbell who died in Wales. Arrangements later.  

Months Mind: Rita O’Rourke, (Sun 10.30)

Anniversaries: Ted O’Dwyer & Patrick Dorney (Sat 6.15). Mary & Eddie O’Keeffe (Sat 7.00). John Byrne (Sun 10.00). Kathleen Grace, Anastatia Fitzpatrick & Pierce A. Grace (Sun 11.00). Martin Neylon (Sun 12.00). Andrew & Susan Delaney (Sun 12.30). Helen Renehan (Wed 9.30). Mary Cantwell (Wed 10.30). Kitty O’Keeffe.  Mary (Kate) Coyne. Patrick, Maureen & Frank Roche. William Maxwell. Rita Foley. Mick O’Hara. Rita Foley. Bridget Maher. Molly & Jack Brennan. Joe Kelly.

Intentions for next weekend: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15). Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00). Maurice Nolan (Sun 9.30). Mollie & Peter Henebry (Sun 10.30). Jimmy Waters (Months Mind Sun 11.00). William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien, Billy O’Brien & Ann O’Brien (Sun 12.00).  John Hennessy (Sun 12.30).

 

Chose Life: We Cherish Them Both

A Vigil of Prayer for the Right to Life of Mothers and their Unborn Babies will be held at Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock on next Saturday, 4th May.  This event, supported by the Irish Bishops’ Conference, begins at 1.00pm with a Rosary Procession and concludes with Mass in the Basilica at 3.00pm. All are warmly invited to attend. Main celebrant, Cardinal Seán Brady; homilist Most Rev. Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick. A blessing for expectant mothers will be given during the Mass.  We encourage as many as possible to attend this important and timely prayer vigil.  Information: www.chooselife2013.ie

St. Patrick’s Parish will run a coach to this event. Coach will leave St. Fiacre’s Church at 8.00am on Saturday returning immediately afterwards.  Cost: €15.  Book at Parish Office (056 776 4400).

 

Pilgrimage to Knock

There will be a pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine,  Knock on Saturday, 4th May. Contact Ann: 056 772 2204. Organised by the Irish Catholic Nurses’ Guild. Departing Butt’s Green at 7.30am.  All welcome.

 

First Saturday Devotion

St. Fiacre’s Church, Saturday, May 4th after 6.15pm Mass.  Prayers and adoration will end at 9.00pm.

First Friday

The first Friday of May occurs this week.  The priests hope to visit the housebound at the usual times.  Contact 056 776 4400 to be added to the list.

 

Kilkenny Lay Dominicans

A ‘New Life in the Spirit’ Seminar continues at the Black Abbey, Kilkenny at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings. Baptism in the Spirit will take place on Pentecost Sunday at 2.00pm.

Kilkenny Older Peoples Forum

You are invited to attend the Bi-Annual Meeting of the Kilkenny Older Peoples Forum.  Where: Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Ormonde Street, Kilkenny.  Date: Wednesday 15^th May;  10.00am to 12.30pm.

 

Loughboy Library

KCLR96FM is broadcasting live from Loughboy Shopping Centre on Tuesday, 30th April from 10.00am - 2.30pm.  Join us and say ‘hello’ on air. 

Knitting - Volunteer teachers are needed to pass on knitting skills to the pupils of the KSP on Tuesday, 7th May at 11.00am.  Tel: 056 779 4176.

National Association of Widows.

The monthly meeting will take place in The Club House Hotel on the 1st Thursday of each month at 2.30pm.  New members welcome.

 

Youth Drama Camp

Camp will be held 1st - 5th July for 8 - 14 year olds. Develop confidence and interpersonal skills through drama, and have some fun!  Contact Anna at Barnstorm Theatre Company on 056 775 1266

 

Starcamp

(As seen on Dragon's Den) - Calling all boys and  girls aged 4 - 13 years to a fun-filled, non-competitive, week of singing dancing and drama where the building of self esteem in our children, is of paramount importance. Special family rates. Venue: St Canice's Community Hall, Kilkenny: 1st - 5th July; 9.30am - 2.30pm. To book call: 021-437 7900 or online at www.starcamp.ie.

 

Interested in Radio?

Community Radio Kilkenny City invites you to join us!  If you are interested in being involved at any level in Community Radio Kilkenny City, Radio which belongs to all the people of Kilkenny City and which is run by Kilkenny Communications Co-operative Society, then come along and join us at Newpark Hotel on Tuesday, 7th May 2013 at 8p.m and join the Community Radio Kilkenny City family. Where work will begin on preparing the next broadcasting schedule for the next licensing period. For further information please contact:  T. J. Mills, PRO, Kilkenny Communications Co-operative Society, Community Radio Kilkenny City, Hebron Road, Kilkenny.  0567762777 or 087 22 8 22 83.

 

The Last Rose of Summer

The 200th anniversary concert

Saturday June 22^nd 2013 at 8 pm in Jenkinstown Park, Kilkenny, Anthony Kearns will perform, along with his usual repertoire, some Thomas Moore melodies such as The Minstrel Boy, Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms and of course The Last Rose of Summer, which was composed in Jenkinstown and first published in 1813. Some local talent will be showcased on the evening also. The concert will be in the original walled garden area, within Jenkinstown Woods. Parking will be in the field below the venue. More information at www.conahyhs.com and Conahy Heritage Society Facebook, can also follow on Twitter @conahyhs

Tickets are €22.50, available www.ticketmaster.ie. 

Enquiries: conahyheritagesociety@gmail.com

Ticket information; Eileen Gunner, 087 2859660

 

Fourth Sunday of Easter, 21st April 2014

Parish Confirmation

Congratulations to 15 young people from St. Patrick’s Special School, Kells Road and the School of the Holy Spirit, Callan Road who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Fiacre’s Church last Thursday last.

Our Confirmation Season has come to an end now and we thank all who helped prepare and celebrate with the young people.  In all 196 young people from schools within our parish received the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.

 

Vocations Sunday 2013

Today, the Fourth Sunday of Easter or Good Shepherd Sunday is a special day for everyone in our parish.  We celebrate the 50th World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

We ask that we may be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit as we carry o the mission of Jesus, our Good Shepherd.  Let us pray for one another that we may be strengthened in our Christian vocations as married and single people, priests and religious.  May our young people listen to God’s call and be encouraged to respond generously.

 

Faith Fest 2013

This year we celebrate the Year of Faith. As part of our celebration the Diocese of Ossory is holding Faith Fest 2013: Celebrating Faith in Ossory, on the weekend of Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May 2013. Much of the weekend’s activities will take place in St Kieran’s College, celebrating all that is good in the Diocese of Ossory.  Many parishes and organisations in Ossory will be represented on Saturday from 10.00am to 6.00pm and Sunday from 2.00pm to 6.00pm, which will provide an opportunity to highlight some of the work and service that is happening in the diocese. On this weekend there will also be many workshops, talks and lectures, sporting events as well as activities for younger members of the family.  More information next week or see full programme in bishop’s letter.

 

Letter from Bishop Séamus

Bishop Seamus Freeman SAC has written to all families in the diocese highlighting the forthcoming Faith Fest and including a full programme of events.  Copies of the letter are available in church today.

Passport of Faith

These are small passport sized booklets with some information on most parishes in the Diocese of Ossory.  With your ‘passport’ in hand and in preparation for the Faith Fest you are invited to take a little pilgrimage of faith around some of the parishes of the diocese.  Using this booklet why not try to explore just some of the rich heritage that our parishes have to offer.  A limited supply of booklets are available free of charge in our sacristies.

 

Liam Lawton in Concert

To launch Faith Fest 2013 a concert will be held in St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, 10th May featuring Liam Lawton with special guests the Unity Singers. Doors open 7.00pm, concert at 8.00pm.  Tickets: €20 each available at St. Patrick’s Parish Office.

 

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 Masses this weekend.  Please support.

We congratulate and thank members of the Society as they celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of the Society's Founder, Frederic Ozanam.

Eucharistic Ministers

A meeting for all current Eucharistic Ministers is being arranged in the coming weeks and you will be contacted shortly with the details.  Meanwhile, have you collected your rota from the Parish Office.

 

Rosary for the Month of May

The month of May is dedicated to Our Lady.  With this in mind we invite as many weekday Mass goers as possible to make a special effort to join in the rosary which is recited before daily Mass at 9.10am in St. Patrick’s Church and 10.10am in St. Fiacre’s Church.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: George Dewberry, 1 Leggettsrath, Dublin Road. Requiem Mass at St. John’s Church at 12.00 noon on Sunday. Joan Jones (nee Brennan), late of 71 Patrick’s Street who died in England.  Requiem Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 12.00 noon on Saturday.  Burial of ashes will follow at adjoining cemetery.  Elizabeth Hanlon, Wolf Tone Street.

Anniversaries: Dan Bolger (Sat 6.15). Sr. Gemma Martin (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Betty Byrne (Sun 9.30). Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00). Michael & Mary Bourke (Sun 10.30). Paddy Walsh & Pat Lee Walsh (Sun 11.00). Marie Phelan (Sun 12.00). Jimmy O’Neill (Sun 12.30). Marie Hehir (Tues 10.30), Roy Barry (Wed 10.30). Joe Ayres (Thurs 10.30). Andrew O’Neill. Joan Smithwick. Maisie Kehoe. Baby John Edward Kirwin-Malone. Billy Nugent. Mairead Dowling. Ann & Noel O’Dwyer. Mary Muldowney.  Brigid Kelly. Mary Crotty.

Intentions for next weekend: Ted O’Dwyer & Patrick Dorney (Sat 6.15). Mary & Eddie O’Keeffe (Sat 7.00). John Byrne (Sun 10.00). Rita O’Rourke (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Kathleen Grace, Anastatia Fitzpatrick & Pierce A. Grace (Sun 11.00). Martin Neylon (Sun 12.00). Andrew & Susan Delaney (Sun 12.30).

 

Dumping in Foulkstown Cemetery

We would like to remind people that dumping in Foulkstown Cemetery is strictly forbidden.   The cemetery is the resting place of our loved ones and should be treated with respect.  We ask visitors to the cemetery to note any suspicious activity and report it to the priests.  If you take note of any car registration number, we will be able to follow this up with the assistance of the appropriate authorities.  Thanks.

 

Camera Found

A camera was found in St. Mary’s Cathedral after the Parish Confirmations on Saturday 13th April.  Contact St. Mary’s Parish Office 772 1253.

 

Kilkenny Lay Dominicans

A ‘New Life in the Spirit’ Seminar in the Black Abbey will commence on Tuesday, 23rd April at 7.30pm, and continue at this time each Tuesday for seven consecutive weeks. Baptism in the Spirit will take place on Pentecost Sunday at 2.00pm.

 

Table Quiz

GROW Mental Health Movement hosts a Table Quiz in Sean Byrne’s Pub, James Green on Tuesday, 30^th April @ 8.30pm. Good fun and craic guaranteed. All welcome. Please support.

 

Manage your life…

by managing your mind.  Workshop presented by Dr. Fergus Heffernan on Tuesday, 23^rd April 2013.  Details/registration: mail: kilkennyfirstarts@nuim.ie www.nuimkilkennyfirstartsapril2013.eventbrite.ie

 

Presentation Secondary School Choir

The Parents’ Association presents Spring into Music, performance by Award Winning Presentation School Choir on Thursday, 28th April  at 8.00pm in Hotel Kilkenny.  All welcome.

 

Judas Maccabaeus

The Kilkenny Choir presents Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus, sung in English and accompanied by a Symphony Orchestra at St. Canice’s Cathedral at 8.00pm on Saturday, 27^th April. Adm €20/€15 concession.  Tickets available at the door.

 

Dochas Nasamu Orphanage

There will be a used clothing collection at the Parish Centre Car Park from 10.15am to 11.00am on Friday, 26th April.  Contributions support an Irish run and Irish built Aids orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya.

 

Ageing with Confidence

Kilkenny Age Friendly County Programme is available to provide an 8 week workshop in personal development designed to help people over 55 explore their ageing process. The workshop is free of charge and is usually run at local community/parish centres. Contact Moira on 056 777 2787 for details.

 

Youth Drama Camp

Camp will be held 1st - 5th July for 8 - 14 year olds. Develop confidence and interpersonal skills through drama, and have some fun!  Contact Anna at Barnstorm Theatre Company on 056 775 1266

Ossory  Times

The 2nd edition of or diocesan newsletter Ossory Times is available in the sacristies of our three churches. This excellent publication gives some of the current news and happenings in the diocese. This edition features articles from Clara Parish, St. Canice’s Parish, an update on the St. Mary’s Cathedral restoration, the recent novena in St. John’s Parish as well as a host of other articles.  Included in this edition is a brief and very readable article on the current abortion debate, written by Fr. Michael Shortall.

Ossory Times costs €2 which just about covers the cost of this high quality magazine.

Third Sunday of Easter, 14th April 2013

Parish Confirmation

Congratulations to seventy-three young people from schools in our parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday.  Thanks to their teachers, parents and coordinators who worked hard in preparing these young people.

We wish the young people from St. Patrick’s Special School, Kells Road and the School of the Holy Spirit, Callan Road all the best as they prepare for their Confirmation at St. Fiacre’s Church on next Thursday.

 

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Kathleen Fitzgerald, Ballingarry. John Purcell.
Anniversaries: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15). Maureen & Jimmy Kelly (Sat 7.00). Margaret & Patrick Banahan (Sun 9.30), Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00). Thomas Fitzpatrick (Sun 10.30). Christopher & Brigid Lawlor (Sun 11.00), Gordon Deevy (Sun 12.00). Dick Keating (Sun 12.30).  John White & Christina McLoughlin (Tues 10.30). Eileen Mullins & Johanna Dunne (Wed 10.30). Tobias Butler (Fri 10.30). Robert ‘Roy’ Barry (Sat 9.30). Christina Walsh. Patrick O’ Donohoe. Michael O’Reilly. Mary Brennan. Geraldine Carroll. Edward & Mary Teresa McDonald.  Michael & Peggy Bourke.  Thomas Fry. Elizabeth & Edward Geoghegan.  Kathleen Esmonde.

Intentions for next weekend: Dan Bolger (Sat 6.15). Sr. Gemma Martin (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Betty Byrne (Sun 9.30). Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00). Michael & Mary Bourke (Sun 10.30). Paddy Walsh & Pat Lee Walsh (Sun 11.00). Marie Phelan (Sun 12.00). Jimmy O’Neill (Sun 12.30). 

 

Youth 2000 Ireland Retreat

Youth 2000 Ireland will host a youth retreat in Castlecomer Community School from Friday, 19th to Sunday, 21st April. To book or for more information see www.youth2000.ie or call 087 783 5471 or 086 863 6296.

 

Massed Band Concert
Waterford City Massed Band will perform a charity concert in aid of St. Patrick’s Children’s Respite Service on Saturday, 20th April at 8.00pm at St. Canice’s Cathedral.  Featuring: The Barrack Street Concert Band, The De La Salle Scout Pipe Band, City of Waterford Brass, Thomas Francis Meagher Fife & Drum Band and The W.I.T. String Section.  Special Guests: Donna Roche, Soprano and Richie Hayes, Voice of Ireland Runner Up 2012.  Admission: Adult €10/Family €25.  Doors open at 7.30pm.

 

Liam Lawton in Concert

To launch the weekend of Faith Fest 2013 a concert will be held in St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, 10th May featuring Liam Lawton with special guests the Unity Singers. Doors open 7.00pm, concert at 8.00pm.  Tickets: €20 each available at St. Patrick’s Parish Office.

 

Ossory  Times

The 2nd edition of or diocesan newsletter Ossory Times is available in the sacristies of our three churches. This excellent publication gives some of the current news and happenings in the diocese. This edition features articles from Clara Parish, St. Canice’s Parish, an update on the St. Mary’s Cathedral restoration, the recent novena in St. John’s Parish as well as a host of other articles.  Included in this edition is a brief and very readable article on the current abortion debate, written by Fr. Michael Shortall.

Ossory Times costs €2 which just about covers the cost of this high quality magazine.

 

Church Door Collection

The annual collection for children with special educational needs in the Diocese of Ossory will be held this weekend.  Please support.

 

The Mystery of the Cosmic Christ

A workshop entitled “The Powers of the Universe as Revealed in the Life of Jesus” will be presented by  Br. Mark McDonnell cfc at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Saturday, 4th May from 10.00am to 4.30pm.  Cost: €10 – please bring packed lunch; tea/coffee will be provided. 

Please book before 20th April by contacting Pam or Catherina at 056 772 2870 from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily.

Br. Mark McDonnell will help us reflect on this topic and enter into the mystery of the Cosmic Christ.

 

Manage your life…

by managing your mind
Workshop presented by Dr. Fergus Heffernan on Monday, 15th April or Tuesday, 23rd April 2013.  Further details and registration: www.nuimkilkennyfirstartsapril2013.eventbrite.ie or by email: kilkennyfirstarts@nuim.ie

 

James Stephen’s Camogie

Training now commencing on Monday nights in Nuncio Road for the following: U8 & U10  6.00pm to 7.00pm.  U12: 7.00pm to 8.00pm.  Contact Rita 086 293 1623.

 

Building a Village Army
James Stephens GAA is building a Village Army of supporters and we need you to be part of it. We want to grow our support-fan base for our senior hurling team at all upcoming Kilkenny league/championship games. We would appeal to all families in the parish to come along to the games and cheer on the famous red & green of the Village. James Stephens seniors will clash with Carrickshock on Friday 26th April 2013 in Ballyhale GAA at 7.00p.m. We need YOUR support. An Village Abú!

 

Life is Precious

Did you know that, from the moment of conception a human life is created and as such, is entitled to the same right to life as all of us?  This is a fundamental teaching of the Catholic Church and is a truth that must be kept in mind, especially as our government prepares to enact legislation that, if passed will mean the right to life of the unborn is no longer protected  in our country (abortion introduced into our country for the first time). 
Standing up to the right to life for the unborn doesn’t mean that the mother of the child is any less important; all life is precious and this holds, too, for those  promoting the right to die (assisted suicide), euthanasia etc.  In cases of illness where a woman is carrying a child, the life of the mother is paramount and no necessary treatment  is refused.  In cases where such treatment is a danger to the unborn child, the options are weighted in favour of the mother.  Please keep in your prayers that, in the coming weeks and months, those who  are meant to represent all of us in government will remember that ALL life is precious and keep our country safe for every human being.  Fr. Liam.

 

Senior Help Line

Senior Help Line, a Third Age programme, is a national confidential telephone listening service for older people provided by trained older volunteers for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444.  Would you be interested in taking part in a walking tour of the Camino de Santiago to raise funds for this valuable Third Age service. If so contact Neil at nbruton@thirdageireland.ie or 083 426 0081.

 

Family Table Quiz

Friday 19th April from 7.30pm - 10pm in St. Patrick’s De la Salle School.  Tables of 4 - €20, children & adults combined.  Raffle, teas & coffees on the night.  All  are welcome. 

 

Divine Mercy

A hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy will take place in the Friary church on Sunday April 14th from 3– 4pm. 

 

Kilkenny Age Friendly County programme is available to provide “Ageing with Confidence” in your area. The 8 weeks workshop is a personal development programme designed to help people over 55 explore their ageing process. The programme is run by two trained facilitators and looks at all aspects of ageing including physical, emotional and intellectual. The workshop is free of charge and is usually run at local community/parish centres. Enquires welcome from community centres/individuals and groups. If you are interested in attending or holding a workshop please contact Moira in the Age Friendly office on 056 7772787 for further details or email agefriendlycounty@gmail.com

 

Cois Nore Volunteer Information Evening

Tuesday 16th April 8pm

River Court Hotel, John’s Bridge, Kilkenny
Cois Nore Kilkenny’s first cancer support centre will be opening it’s doors soon. We are currently seeking volunteers: Would you like to help?