Fifth Sunday of Easter, 18th May 2014

Congratulations

We join in congratulating the boys of St. Patrick’s De La Salle School, Cootes Lane and the boys of St. Patrick’s School, Kells Road who made their First Holy Communion on Saturday.  A great day was enjoyed by all and God blessed the boys and their families with warm sunshine.

We pray God’s blessing on the young people from six primary schools in our parish who received the Eucharist for the first time during the past month.  Congratulations to them, their families and teachers and we look forward to their joining us again and again at our weekly Masses.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The local conference of the society will hold their monthly collection at all Masses this weekend.  We appeal for your usual generous support for the less well off in our area.

Conference members may be contacted in strict confidence by calling 087 681 0589 or dropping a note to SVP Society, C/O Parish Centre.

Prayer Petitions for Lourdes

Petition boxes have been placed at the back of our churches for those who would like to have petitions placed at the shrine in Lourdes. Your petitions will be brought to Lourdes youth from our parish as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage on 22nd May.  NB: Do not place money with the petitions. 

James Stephen’s Kells Road Development

We congratulate the committee and members of the James Stephen’s GAA Club on the official opening of their new pitch and facilities on the Kells Road. The grounds will be officially opened by Liam Ó’Néill, Uachtarán CLG and blessed by Fr. Dan at 5.15pm on this Sunday evening. To mark the occasion, three in a row National Hurling League Champions Kilkenny will play All Ireland Senior Hurling Champions, Clare.  Throw-in at 6.30pm. Tickets are €10.  Children free.  Come along and support our local GAA club on this wonderful occasion.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Margaret (Marie) Slattery, 57 Lord Edward Street. Una McLoughlin, Larchfield. Brigid Lambert (nee Bissett), Nottingham and late of Haltigan Terrace.  Christy Fredrickson, Kincora, Sion Road and late of Patrick Street. Damien Mahon Pococke Lower. Requiem Mass at 10.30am on Monday at St. John’s Church. Berna Dowling, Shandon Park.

Months Mind: Elizabeth (Lizzie) McCorry

Anniversaries: Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15). Moira Bergin (Sat 7.00). Kathleen King (Sun 9.30). Patrick O’Connell (Sun 10.00). Kathleen Tobin (Sun 10.30). David McGrath (Sun 11.00). Ellen Garrehy (Sun 12.00). John Coppinger (Sun 12.30). Deceased Members of Kilkenny Active Retirement (Thurs 10.30). Brigid Barry (Fri 9.30). Fr. Richard Conway (Fri 10.30). Joe Davy (Sat 9.30). Robert Kenny. Julia Doheny. Martin Ryan. Michael (Mick) Smyth.  Breda Conaboy. Tom & Oliver Kennedy. Mary Walsh. Noreen McDonald. Patricia Frawley. Margaret Maher, Helen Maher, Nora Bambrick.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Emmanuel Joseph English (Months Mind Sat 6.15). William Doheny (Sat 7.00). Harry Kelly (Sun 10.00). John Cleere (Sun 10.30). Tom Crowe (Sun 11.00). Tommy, Kitty & Martin Phelan (Sun 12.00). William Roberts & Catherine Roberts (Sun 12.30).

Public Rosary at Seville Lodge Grotto

The Rosary will be recited at the Grotto, Seville Lodge, Callan Road at 3:00pm each May Sunday.

Pilgrimage to Holy Cross

Padre Pio Mass at 3:00pm on Sunday, 25th May at Holy Cross, Tipperary. Coach leaving St. John’s Church.  Contact Vera 059 972 7313.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes

Please return your Trócaire Fast Boxes by the end of this week as we would like to close the Trócaire account for this year.  Alternatively the contents may be returned to the address on the box.  Thank you.

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust

South East Region 40^th Anniversary

The South East Region of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust has been taking young people to Lourdes since 1974.  To mark our 40^th anniversary we would like to invite all who travelled to Lourdes with us during those years to a Mass of Celebration at the Church of the Annunciation, Clonard, Wexford at 3:00pm on Sunday, 25th May.  The chief celebrant will be Bishop Denis Brennan, Bishop of Ferns. All who travelled during these years as helpers or guests and their family members are welcome to attend.

We also invite our collaborators - those who helped raise funds or sponsored the pilgrimage in any way. The present committee is unable to contact individually those who were involved over such a long period and we look forward to seeing as many as possible at the event.  Light refreshments will be served. Contact Fr. Dan on 087 907 7769 for information.

Middle Deanery Pastoral Council

The following matters were discussed at the May meeting of the Ossory Middle Deanery Pastoral Council (MDPC):

Meeting with Young Adults: A sub committee of the MDPC met a group of young adults from the Middle Deanery parishes to discuss issues around young adult faith development. Arising from this discussion it was decided that members of the MDPC would host two further meetings: (1) with young people with the aim of organising a large youth orientated event; (2) with Ossory Adult Faith Development discussing better methods of communicating issues of adult faith.

Ossory Diocesan Pastoral Council

The May meeting of ODPC mainly focused on the Ossory Diocesan Plan.  Pat O’Shea, the MDPC representative on the ODPC, attended this meeting and detailed the summary of the MDPC May Meeting to the group. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 11^th June.

Integritas Centre of Christian Spirituality

On Wednesday, May 21st at 8.00pm Peter Hannan S.J. will give a presentation entitled: “Maintaining in Adult Life What Our Parents Gave Us As Children – the Conviction of Being Loved”. This evening will explore what is at the centre of all of our desires - the conviction of being loved, how our parents give us our first sense of this wisdom and how it can be maintained through prayer and reflection. Voluntary contribution only.

Integritas is based at Ennisnag, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny.  Tel No: 056 772 8902. 

 

Life in the Spirit Seminar

At the Black Abbey every Tuesday at 7.00pm until 17th June.  Baptism in the Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, 8th June at 2.00pm. All welcome.

Fun Run for Astro Turf Pitch

Sunday, May  25th at 12 noon.  Registration online at  www.runireland.com or at Gaelscoil Osrai: contact michelle@osrai.com. Entry Fee: Adult €15 online & €20 on the day. Child: €5. Family: €40. Group of 5: €50.  Training Monday and Wednesday 6.30pm at the Gaelscoil Osrai.

Thank You from VMM

Volunteer Mission Movement would like to sincerely thank Mass-goers for the contribution of €2,062.86 in response to last weekend’s appeal.

Loughboy Library

Bealtaine Festival: Reflections, poetry and stories with Josie will take place at the Library on Tuesday, 20th at 11.00am.  All welcome.

 Free Educational Workshop

For family carers and those concerned about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Date: Thursday 29^th May. Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Location: Butler House, Patrick Street. To book or register for future dates: Marie on 056 780 0508.  www.homeinstead.ie

 

Road Race & Family Fun Run

Sunday 8^th June, 10km Road Race (over 18’s only) & 5k Family Fun Run in Johnswell Village at 1pm.

 Prizes-10K Top 3 men/women and 5K Top man/woman/girl/boy. Entry fee €15 for 10K chipped runner. 5K Adult €10, child €5 & family of 4 €25. Register on the day from 11am. Reduced fee for online entry. Details at facebook.com/pages/Johnswell-Fun-run. Refreshments will be served after the race and proceeds in aid of Johnswell Community.

Fourth Sunday of Easter, 11th May 2014

Congratulations

We congratulate the boys and girls from the School of the Holy Spirit who received their First Holy Communion on Friday, 9th May and the girls of the St. John of God School who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday, 10th May.  Both ceremonies were held at St. Fiacre’s Church.  On Saturday the girls were joined by a young lady from Barcelona who returned to Ireland to receive her First Holy Communion in Kilkenny. All enjoyed wonderful celebrations. 

The boys from St. Patrick’s De La Salle will receive the Eucharist for the first time at 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on next Saturday while students from St. Patrick’s Special School on the Kells Road will receive their First Holy Communion at the same time at St. Fiacre’s Church.  We pray God’s blessing on all who are receiving the Eucharist for the first time.

Vocations: Witness to the Truth

Today, Sunday 11th May, the Catholic Church around the world will celebrate World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  This year’s theme is ‘Vocations: Witness to the Truth’. In his message for Vocations Sunday the Holy Father Pope Francis encourages all in the Church to expect great things from God and from ourselves in His service.  Pope Francis says, “A vocation is a fruit that ripens in a well cultivated field of mutual love that becomes mutual service, in the context of an authentic ecclesial life.  No vocation is born of itself or lives for itself.  A vocation flows from the heart of God and blossoms in the good soil of faithful people”.

Prayer Petitions for Lourdes

Petition boxes have been place at the back of our churches for those who would like to have petitions placed at the shrine in Lourdes. Your petitions will be brought to Lourdes as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage on 22nd May.  

NB: Do not place money with the petitions.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Mairead Moran. Bernard Rookard, Callan, Co. Kilkenny. Mary Marnell, Kilmanagh. Maisie O’Brien. Stephen Lawlor, Cleveland, Australia late of Kennyswell.

Months Mind: Pauline Morris (Sun 10.30).

Anniversaries: Patrick O’Donoghue (Sat 6.15). Paddy O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Jim Thornton (Sun 9.30).  Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00).  Bernadette Gannon (Sun 11.00). William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr, Anne, Martin & Billy O’Brien. (Sun 12.00). Gerard Carolan (Sun 12.30). Jim Lanigan (Tues 10.30). Michael Deegan (Wed 10.30). Henry & Paddy Glynn (Thurs 10.30).  Eileen Culleton. Angela Quigley. Liam Meehan. Margaret (Peggy) Lawlor. Patricia (Pat) Murphy.  Patrick Kavanagh Jr & Snr, Mary &Lena Kavanagh..

Intentions for next weekend: Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15). Moira Bergin (Sat 7.00). Kathleen King (Sun 9.30). Patrick O’Connell (Sun 10.00). Kathleen Tobin (Sun 10.30). David McGrath (Sun 11.00). Ellen Garrehy (Sun 12.00). John Coppinger (Sun 12.30).

Volunteer Mission Movement

We welcome Eugene Smith to our parish this weekend.  Eugene is a member of the Volunteer Mission Movement which began working in 1969 in Uganda. Since then VMM has worked in nearly 40 countries, with the principle: that authentic human development must foster the development of each person and of the whole person.

Eugene will share some of his experience with  VMM at our masses this weekend and make an appeal on behalf of the VMM

Holy Cross

Padre Pio Mass at 3:00pm on Sunday 25th May.  Coach leaving St. John’s Church, Kilkenny.  Contact Vera 059 9727313.  

A Prayer for Vocations

O Jesus, send labourers into yours fields,

which are awaiting holy apostles,

saintly priests, heroic missionaries and

dedicated sisters and brother.

Enkindle in the hearts of men and women

the spark of a vocation.

Grant that Christian families may

desire to give your Church, helpers

in the work of tomorrow. 

Amen.

In Concert

Davidson College Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, South Carolina, USA.  Monday 19th May at 8pm in St. Canice's Cathedral. Free entrance with retiring collection in aid of St. Canice’s Cathedral Music & Restoration Fund.

Starcamp

Ireland's leading and most renowned performing and fun Summer Camp, is coming to St Canice's Community Hall, Kilkenny, from the 30th of June to the 4th of July. Open to boys and girls aged 4-13. Starcamp's core ethos is to instil confidence and self-esteem through praise and recognition. Sing, Dance and Act all while making new friends and having fun. Run by professional, experienced, fully trained and Garda vetted leaders, choreographers and drama coaches. To book your child's place or see a full list of locations, visit www.starcamp.ie or call 021 4377900.

Coeliac Support Group

The next meeting of the Kilkenny / Carlow Coeliac Support Group will take place in St. Patrick's Parish Centre, Loughboy, Kilkenny on Monday next, May 12 at 8.00pm. This will be our final meeting till October. Ta fáilte roimh gach duine.

Grotto

There Rosary will be recited in the Grotto, Seville Lodge, Callan Road each Sunday during the month of May in honour of Our Lady.  Please come if you can. 

St. Patrick’s Boxing Club

Best of luck to St Patrick’s boxing club members who take part in the Irish girl’s championships at the national stadium this weekend, Jennifer Courtney and Sharon.

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust

South East Region 40th Anniversary

We would like you to join us in Celebrating this Special Occasion. Our Thanksgiving Mass takes place at 3pm on Sunday the 25^th May 2014 at Church of the Annunciation, Clonard, Wexford. The Chief Celebrant will be Bishop Denis Brennan

We hope to reminisce with old friends and benefactors.  Light refreshments will be served. RSVP –   info@irishpilgrimagetrust.com  091 796622   or Mary Wade 087 2905976 or Catherine Breen 087 7407331 or Helen Kirwan 087 6817648 or John G Doyle 087 9043996

Baptism Notice

We regularly remind people of the following: Those intending to have children baptised in our parish must give at least two weeks notice.  Families living outside the parish  and request to have their children baptised here are asked to provide a letter of permission from the parish they're are currently living in. We celebrate communal baptisms but if a family wish to have a private baptism, they must provide their own priest.

When choosing godparents, please note they must be practicing Catholics over the age of 16.

Contact Michelle in the parish office to make a booking.

Third Sunday of Easter, 4th May 2014

Bank Holiday Weekend

As this is a bank holiday weekend the only public Mass in our parish on Monday will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am.  There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Fiacre’s Church on Monday.

Eucharistic Ministers Rota

The new Eucharistic Ministers Rota is available in the sacristy of the church in which you minister. The rota is also available on our parish website www.patricksparish.com.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The monthly meeting of the society will be held in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday 9th May.  All are welcome to join in praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

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, 5^th May at 7.30pm. The 5^th May is the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice and all are welcome to this Mass of thanksgiving.

Public Rosary

The monthly rosary on the First Sunday at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny in James’ Green  continues on this Sunday 4th May at 3:00pm.  All welcome.

National Hurling League Final

We join in wishing Brian Cody, the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team and especially the players from our parish all the best in this Sunday’s NHL Final against Tipperary in Thurles.

Road Safety

We repeat the appeal by the Irish Catholic Bishops encouraging all of us to use our roads with safety this holiday weekend.  Care for one another in our community is a basic human value which travels across all faiths and cultures. Please be careful at all times.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Paddy McCarthy, Gallows Hill. Sr Aloysius O’Mahony, Presentation Convent, Thurles. Cieran Hutchinson, McDonagh Street, Liam Maher, Cellarstown, Celia Traynor, Emmet Street & Bristol.  Declan O’Riordan. Ellen O’Brien (Tues 10.30). Bernie Hoban (Fri 10.30).

Anniversaries: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15). Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00). John Byrne (Sun 10.00). William Norris (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Teresa & Paddy Delahunty (Sun 11.00), Anastatia Fitzpatrick & Kathleen & Pierce Grace (Sun 12.30). Mary Glennon (Tues 9.30). Des Hehir. Peg & Joe Fleming. Catherine (Kit) Grace. Molly Fitzgerald.

Intentions for next weekend: Patrick O’Donoghue (Sat 6.15). Paddy O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Jim Thornton (Sun 9.30). Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00). Pauline Morris (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Bernadette Gannon (Sun 11.00). Billy O’Brien, Anne & William O’Brien Sr, Martin, Billy & William O’Brien Jr. (Sun 10.00). Gerard Carolan (Sun 12.30).

Ossory Times

The latest edition of the diocesan magazine ‘Ossory Times’ is available in the sacristies.  Cost is €2 and it features lots of articles and diocesan news.

Parish Shop

Items for Confirmation and First Holy Communion are available for sale in the Parish Shop. Call in and have a look without obligation.

St. Kieran’s College Past Pupils Newsletter

There is a copy of a past pupils’ newsletter for St. Kieran’s College available at all Masses this weekend.  To help maintain contact with its past pupils the college hopes to produce an eNewsletter which will be available online or by email in the future - but so as to draw attention to this and to invite it’s past pupils to submit their emails, we have decided to produce this first edition in printed format.  Take a copy for yourself or a past pupil you know.  Stay in touch with us... Much is going on here...

 GROW Table Quiz

Table Quiz, Cleere’s Pub, Parliament Street, Kilkenny, 13^th May 2014, in aid of GROW Mental Health Movement. Loads fun, food, prizes, €5 per person, table x 4.  All welcome. Support appreciated.

Kilkenny Flower Club

Kilkenny Flower Club will meet in Butler House on Thursday 8th May at 8:00pm.  Eva Holmes will give a teaching demonstration which will be invaluable for inexperienced flower arrangers. Visitors welcome. Admission for non-members is €6 this includes refreshments.

10k Challenge

Represent the Kilkenny Alzheimer Society in the Stoneyford 10k Challenge on 11th May at 10.30am in Stoneyford Village. Take a sponsorship card, to raise funds for services for people living with Alzheimer's and Dementia in Kilkenny. For Sponsorship Card, Entry Form and T-shirt Contact Ruth on 056 777 1230.

The Irish Workhouse, Past & Present

The first national conference on “The Irish Workhouse, Past and Present” will be held in Portumna, Co. Galway on Saturday, 17th and Sunday, 18th May. One hundred and sixty-three workhouses operated in Ireland from the 1840s to the 1920s. The workhouse or poorhouse has been described as “the most feared and hated institution ever established in Ireland.” Every area had a workhouse. For info: tel: 090 975 9200 or visit www.irishworkhousecentre.ie

Kilkenny Leader Partnership Courses

The following courses are commencing in O’Loughlin Court in May. The courses are open to all but priority will be given to people in receipt of Unemployment Benefits. Courses include: Basic Digital Photography, Improvers Computer Skills, Woodwork, Ceramics, Health & Fitness. We also have places left on the Sewing and Dressmaking Course. Contact Connie McGee on 086 771 8040 or email Connie.mcgee@cklp.ie

Congratulations

We congratulate the boys and girls from Gaelscoil Osraí who received their First Holy Communion at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Saturday morning.  A wonderful celebration was enjoyed by all. 

The boys and girls from Kilkenny School Project will receive the Eucharist for the first time at noon Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Sunday.  We wish them God’s blessing.

Well done to all the children from both schools, their family members, teachers and those involved with their preparation.

Do You Invite Jesus Into Your Home?

In today’s gospel story Jesus joins the two disciples as they journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus.  The disciples are not in good spirits because they have heard about Jesus’ Resurrection and it is too unbelievable.

As they walk, Jesus teaches them all about Himself and why He endured all that He did. As they reach their destination, they invite Jesus into their home. As they sit for dinner, Jesus takes the bread, changes it into His body, and breaks it. It is at the breaking of the bread that the disciples recognise him.  Jesus disappears. 

Do you invite Jesus into your home?  Do you make time for him in prayer?  Do you share prayer with the family?  Perhaps this is one of the best lessons of today’s scripture.

Educational Workshop

Free Educational Workshop for family carers and those concerned about Alzheimer’s Disease or other Dementias.  The workshop will cover how to Understand Behavioural Changes, Encourage Engagement and Care for Yourself While Caring for a Loved One.  Date: Wednesday, 7^th or Thursday, 8^th May. Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Location: Home Instead Senior Care, Butler Court, Patrick Street, Kilkenny. To book your place or register for future dates call Enda on 056 780 0508 – you will be very welcome.  www.homeinstead.ie