Rejoice: it’s Gaudete Sunday
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Phil 4: 4-5). Today is Gaudete or Rejoicing Sunday; the Third Sunday of Advent when rose coloured vestments are worn by the priest and the rose coloured candle is lit on the Advent Wreath.
Our ancestors erected the Christmas crib after 8th December. We can say the following prayer in preparation for the great Feast:
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born, of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my petition through the intercession of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary His Mother. Amen.
Annual Christmas Carol Service
The annual and very popular St. Patrick’s Parish Christmas Carol Service takes place on this Sunday, 14th December at 3.30pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown. For many this has become a must-attend event in the lead up to Christmas and all are welcome. Seasonal refreshments will be served in the Parish Centre after the service. Please note the time change!
Prepare the Way of the Lord
All welcome to our Parish Penitential Service at St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, 18th December. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas.
The Gospel of St. Luke
An Introduction to the Gospel of St. Luke with Fr. Michael Mullins, on Thursday, 18th December at 7.30pm at Integritas, a Domestic Centre of Christian Spirituality, Ennisnag, Stoneyford. 056 772 8902.
As Christmas approaches, this presentation will introduce the major themes of St. Luke’s Gospel, with particular emphasis upon the narrative in the first two chapters of this Gospel concerning the birth of Jesus. Fr. Mullins has been teaching scripture throughout his life and has written on scripture, including an guide to the Gospel of St. Luke.
St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The annual Christmas collection for the St. Patrick’s Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up outside all Masses this weekend. Please note there will be not be a collection for the Society within the churches this weekend. Please support.
Parish Shop
Our Parish Shop, located in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, has a rich selection of Advent and Christmas items: calendars, cribs, candles and cards… Come and have a look.
Christmas Mass Cards
Christmas Mass Cards, offering the recipient a share in the Christmas Masses celebrated by the priests of our parish, are available at the Parish Centre. The cost is €3 per card.
Brass and Reed Christmas Concert
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will hold their annual Christmas concert in St. Patrick’s Church on 17th December at 8.00pm. All welcome to a wonderful evening.
Plan Your Christmas Masses
Christmas Masses in our parish will be as follows:
Christmas Eve: St. Fiacre’s Church at 9.00pm;
St. Patrick’s Church, Latin Mass at 9.30pm.
St. Patrick’s Church at midnight (the only midnight Mass in Kilkenny City).
Christmas Day: St. Patrick’s Church at 8.00am (Latin Mass), 9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm.
St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am and 12.00noon.
St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown: 10.00am.
St. Stephen’s Day and Following: St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each day.
PPC Meeting
A meeting of St. Patrick’s Parish Pastoral Council will take place on Monday 15th December at 8.00pm in the Parish Centre. Members to attend.
The Village Festive Fun Run
5k and 10k Walk or Run in aid of St. Patrick’s De La Salle ASD unit on 26th December at 11.30am beginning at The Village Club. Child €5. Adult €10 and family €25. Contact the Village Club for further details.
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Michael (Mixie) Bartholomew, Fr. Hayden Road. Rosary on Sunday at 7.00pm in Johnston’s Funeral Home. Funeral prayers at 11.15am on Monday followed by removal to St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown for Mass at 12 noon. Interment in the adjoining cemetery. Maureen O’Brien, Kennyswell. Funeral Mass at 1.00pm on Sunday followed by interment in St. Kieran’s Cemetery.
Months Mind: Kay O’Reilly (Sat 9.30).
Anniversaries: Hughie Shiels (Sat 6.15). The O’Neill & Brett Families (Sat 7.00). James Rafter (Sun 9.30). Kathleen Redpath (Sun 10.00). Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 10.30). Christine Comerford (Sun 11.00). Padraig “Podge” Butler (Sun 12.00). Dick Lynch (Sun 12.30). Florrie Cleere (Tues 9.30). Peggy Quinlan (Wed 10.30). Tommy & Kitty Clooney & Margaret Fox (Fri 9.30). Thomas Saunders (Fri 10.30). Mary O’Neill. Christy Galvin. William & Ellen Bergin. Mary Maher. Eileen Baker. Jimmy Bergin. James Murray. Mary Delaney. Maura, Margaret & Helen Maher. Patrick, Catherine & Nora Bambrick. Christy, Kitty & Eileen Grace. Sean & Mary Fitzpatrick. Martin Strapp. John Carroll. Thomas, Barbara, Eileen, John & Brian Gunn. Mary & amie Hughes. Della Maher. Margaret Larkin. John Hayes.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Elizabeth Comerford (Sat 6.15). Molsie & Michael Drennan (Sat 7.00). Rena Brett (Sun 9.30). Jane & Jeff Power (Sun 10.00). Rose Harris (Sun 10.30). George Byrne (Sun 11.00). Colm McCarthy (Sun 12.00). Mary Blanchfield (12.30).
Parish Liturgy Group
We are delighted to have the Parish Liturgy Group in action again. The members have prepared short introductions to our Advent Sunday Masses and a reflection after the Communion Rite.
Speech and Drama
Starburst School of Speech and Drama has added a new class in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 4.45pm on Tuesdays. Beginners welcome. Classes starting January 2015. Contact Kate 085 114 2686.
Tax Rebate Scheme
As we come to the end of the year we are looking again at the tax rebate scheme from which St. Patrick’s Parish has benefited enormously, thanks to the co-operation and generosity of so many of our parishioners and families.
Throughout the scheme, our parish has benefited greatly, at no extra cost to you, from the tax you have already paid. Tax paid by you can remain with the Revenue Commissioners or it can be reclaimed by way of refund to any eligible charity including St. Patrick’s Parish. This scheme has made a huge difference to our parish finances and repayments.
If you are not part of it you might contact the Parish Office in the days ahead: 056 776 4400. Thank you.
Lullabies for the Christ Child
On 21st December, the day of the winter solstice, the Kilkenny Choir will present a selection of early carols and plainchant, wishing light into this darkest day. This year they will be accompanied by Kilkenny Youth Orchestra. Venue: St. John’s Church, Kilkenny. Sunday 21st December, 4.30pm. Philip Edmondson; conductor. Tickets €8/€5 at the door.
Cake Sale
A Cake Sale fundraiser will take place in the Rugby Club on Sunday, 21st December from 10.30am - 12.00 noon. All proceeds to the U12 Junior team.
Mindfulness
A 9 week course will commence in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Thursday 8th January from 6.45 - 9pm. Contact Dympna on 086 894 6633.
South Kilkenny Historical Society
Winter Solstice Sunset at Knockroe Passage Tomb. Meeting point and time: 2.30pm at Owning Church.
Design and Dine
One day course in interior styling with tapas lunch in Lautrecs. €75 which includes course, materials and lunch. Phone Elaine 087 410 5500 or call to Kieran Street Design Studio.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The 2015 Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place between 22nd and 27th May. Cost is €755 pps. It is possible to purchase vouchers for whole or part fares. Please contact 051 880 414.
Free Advent Text Messages
During Advent why not avail of a special Text Message (a thought or line of scripture) which will be sent daily to your telephone, at no cost to you. Text your number to 085 831 3100 or email afd@ossory.ie or if you prefer telephone 056 775 3624 and leave your details.
