Corpus Christi, 22nd June 2014

Corpus Christi

We believe that each time we come to Mass, each time we come together to celebrate the Eucharist, we are repeating what Christ did on the first Holy Thursday night - the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. In today’s readings food and drink receive special attention. Moses underlines for us the importance of the manna for God’s people in the desert. Paul speaks to us of the significance of sharing one loaf. Jesus declares that he is the living bread come down from heaven. We are to eat his flesh and drink his blood if we want to have life in us. The need for faith is vital, faith which assures us that the living, risen Jesus is really present under the simple signs of bread and wine.

Jesus tells us to eat his flesh and drink his blood. When we do so he enters into communion with us. St. Paul’s words: “I live, now not I, but Christ lives in me”. The effects of the communion with Jesus vary according to the faith of each individual recipient. We express our gratitude to Jesus by trying to live as he did.

Corpus Christi Procession

The Corpus Christi Procession scheduled to take place this Sunday has been postponed until Sunday 29th June as High Street will be cordoned off as the City Council has planned a Family Day. The arrangements are as follows: Those who wish to take part are asked to gather at St John’s Church at 1.45pm with the procession beginning at 2pm.  The procession will then process through the city to St Mary’s Cathedral for Benediction. It would be great if all or most of the children from our parish who celebrated their communion this year would take part in this procession.  Again it is appropriate that the children wear their First Communion Clothes for the procession.

St. Josephs Young Priest Society

The St. Joseph’s Young Priest Society’s annual pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Saturday, 28^th June.  Bus will leave St. Fiacre’s at 7.45am.   

Parish Pilgrimage to Knock

The annual Parish Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on this Thursday, 26th June.  A coach will leave St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.15am and St. Patrick’s Church at 7.20am. There will be no stops to pick up people. Tickets are only available at the reception desk in the Parish Centre.  Tickets cost €15. Please purchase your Tickets by Tuesday 24th June so final arrangements can be made.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Eileen Brett, Archers Crescent, Bridget Regina Coogan, Connecticut, USA. Ann Patricia Smithwick. Brigid Lambert (Sun 11.00)

Anniversaries: Dan Maher (Sat 6.15). Tim Murphy (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Billy Costelloe (Sun 9.30). Aideen Flanagan (Sun 10.30).  John McEvoy (Sun 12.00). Lillian Beattie (Sun 12.30). Tom Sinnott (Mon 9.30). Marie Coyne (Tues 10.30).  Michael & Christine O’Driscoll. Catherine Kirwan. Bridie Conroy. Alice & Florence McCarthy. Sheila & Dermot O’Donovan. Johanna O’Dwyer.  Ann Emery. Ann Emery. Mollie Dwan. John Hayes. Patrick Doheny. Martin Rowe. John McMyler.  Mary, Michael, Paddy & Anna Bowe. Sean Fitzpatrick. Richard Dunne. Richard McEvoy. Fr. Andy Dwyer.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  John Joe Traynor (Sat 6.15). Dick Martin (Sat 7.00). Ann Comerford (Sun 9.30). Enda Cantwell (Sun 10.00). Teresa Howe (Sun 10.30). Sharon  Galvin (Sun 11.00). Austin Murphy (Sun 12.00). Maureen Walsh (Sun 12.30). 

Local Cemetery Masses

The annual Cemetery Mass in St. Kieran’s Cemetery will be celebrated on next Friday 27th June at 7.30pm. The Cemetery Mass in Dunmore and Johnswell Cemeteries will be celebrated on Friday 4th July at 7.30pm. 

Our annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday 31st July at 7.30pm.  Please remind your relatives and friends, especially those who are living away from home.

Volunteers Needed

Kilkenny Bereavement Support is an organisation of volunteers that supports people of all ages who have been bereaved recently or at some time in the past. In September 2014, a 30 hour training course in bereavement and listening skills will commence.  For more information telephone 056 775 6538 or email: info@kilkennybereavementsupport.com.  Closing date for applications will be  18^th July.

Resolving Family Conflicts

“The Resolution of Conflict with Others in the Family and in the Workplace” will take place at Integritas on Saturday, 28^th June at 10.00am.  (Voluntary contribution on the day).

During this day Fergus Armstrong, Solicitor and Brian Lennon S.J. will explore the dynamics of how longstanding conflicts in families and in the workplace can be resolved.  Drawing on their experiences as mediators, they will reflect upon the underlying spiritual dynamics of dispute resolution and how the Christian ideals of forgiveness, harmony and freedom can become possible in relationships that are locked in dispute and recrimination.

Lunch provided. Please book. Integritas, Ennisnag, Stoneyford. T: 056 772 8902; W: www.integritas.ie; 

South Kilkenny Historical Society

Cross-roads/Platform dance, Sunday, June 29th, 2014 Glenmore Parish Hall grounds (outside, weather permitting) Dancing 8 to 10.30pm. Music by Mary Prendergast and band. Admission: €5 (children free, but must be accompanied by adults).

Event Volunteers Required

Colour Me Kilkenny Event in Support of Barnardos – Sunday, 6^th July 2014

Barnardos could use your help on Sunday 6^th July from 9am for a few hours of colourtasic fun in Kilkenny on  Sunday 6^th July in Kilkenny Castle and the surrounding areas.  

Email Suzanne at volunteers@barnardos.ie or call 01 708 0431 for further details.

Thukolo Gospel Choir and Guests will present a concert in aid of the School of the Holy Spirit at St. Fiacre’s Church on next Thursday, 26th June at 7.30pm.  Tickets are €10 and available from the school, Maria’s Cakes, James Street, John Joe Cullen Butchers, John Street and Parish Centre.  Please support.

Starcamp

Ireland’s leading performance Summer Camp is in St Canice's Community Hall, Kilkenny from June 30 - July 4. Frozen Theme - sing - dance - act – confidence building - show – opportunities! For all 4-13 year old boys & girls.  Places limited. Book now at www.starcamp.ie or call 021 437 7900.

Loughboy Library

Donal Ryan - Award winning Irish author will be the guest speaker at the annual Book Lovers’ night on Thursday June 26th. Doors open at 7.30pm. Free Admission. Summer reading challenge - register from July 1st.

Lost and Found

A sum of money has been found outside the Carpark door at St. Fiacre’s Church last weekend. Contact the Sacristy in St. Fiacre’s Church. 

Masters in Theology

Applications are being accepted for a new Masters in Theology (History of Christianity) programme at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth commencing September 2014. 1 year (full-time) and 2 years (part-time) options available. More information: www.maynoothcollege.ie or by telephoning Admissions Office at 01 708 4772. Course Director: Prof. Salvador Ryan. Email: salvador.ryan@spcm.ie.

Parks Tennis 

Coaching and fun for girls and boys aged 6-17 years.  Just €20/€25 for two weeks. 1 or 1 ½ hours tennis coaching and skills games per day. Starts 7^th July and 21^st July. For info:085 282 8846 (6.00 - 8.00pm only).

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Anyone interested in making a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in September 2015 please contact either Conor on 086 373 8460 or Mollie on 089 206 9317 to register an interest. The proposed pilgrimage with JWT is subject to enough people being interested and will leave Carlow in September 2015.

Most Holy Trinity, 15th June 2014

Most Holy Trinity

Today we celebrate the central mystery of our Faith. The mystery of the Trinity, that our God shows himself in three different ways as Father, Son and Spirit.  This sense of wonder that enables us to recognise our God, is the same sense of wonder that enables the poet to see daffodils dancing, or to recognise God in a rose.  We are made in the image of God and loved unconditionally.  At our Baptism, the sign of the Cross was traced on our foreheads - we were marked with the Trinity.  As we grew into adulthood, Jesus became our friend and companion.  He became real in our world.  His powerful Spirit continues to help, inspire and guide us, as we try to do our best and make a difference in family and community.  Patrick Kavanagh describes the working of the Trinity beautifully and poetically:

Yet sometimes when the sun comes through a gap

These men know God the Father in a tree

The Holy Spirit in the rising sap,

And Christ will be the green leaves that will come

At Easter from the sealed and guarded tomb.

The Great Hunger

Parish Pilgrimage to Knock

The annual Parish Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Thursday, 26th June.  A coach will leave St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.15am and St. Patrick’s Church at 7.20am. There will be no stops to pick up people. Tickets are only available at the reception desk in the Parish Centre.  Tickets cost €15 and must be purchased in advance.

Masters in Theology

Applications are being accepted for a new Masters in Theology (History of Christianity) programme at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth commencing September 2014. 1 year (full-time) and 2 years (part-time) options available. Monday and Wednesday evenings. More information: www.maynoothcollege.ie or by telephoning Admissions Office at 01 708 4772. Course Director: Prof. Salvador Ryan. Email: salvador.ryan@spcm.ie

Corpus Christi Procession

The Fourth Annual Corpus Christi Procession in Kilkenny City will take place on next Sunday, 22^nd June which is the feast of Corpus Christi.  Those who wish to join the procession are asked to gather at St. John’s Church at 1.45pm.  Procession will begin at 2.00pm and process through the city with stops at Canal Square, The Parade, The Tholstel before arriving at St. Mary’s Cathedral for Benediction.  This year’s First Holy Communicants and their families are asked to make a special effort to be part of the procession.

Low Mass and Benediction in Latin

The will be Low Mass and Benediction of the most Blessed Sacrament in St. Patrick’s Church at 7.30pm on Thursday 19^th June (Traditional Feast of Corpus Christi).  All are welcome to attend.

St. Josephs Young Priest Society

The St. Joseph’s Young Priest Society’s annual pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Saturday, 28^th June.  Bus will leave St. Fiacre’s at 7.45am.  All are welcome.

Volunteers Needed

Kilkenny Bereavement Support is an organisation of volunteers that supports people of all ages who have been bereaved recently or at some time in the past. This means meeting with bereaved people in a one to one situation and being with them for as long as is necessary.  To meet growing needs, we are now recruiting volunteers. In September 2014, a 30 hour training course in bereavement and listening skills will commence.  For more information telephone 056 775 6538 or email: info@kilkennybereavementsupport.com.

The ideal volunteer is one who has good listening skills and has come to terms with his/her own experience of loss.  Closing date for applications will be  18^th July.

St. Vincent de Paul

The monthly collection to assist the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is this weekend as part of the second collection.  Thanks for your support of this local charity. People needing assistance from the Society can contact 087 681 0589 .

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Mary Moore (Connolly), Liss, Tullaroan.  Jake Brennan, Lintown Grove.  Mass of the Angels, Sunday 2.00pm in St. John’s Church.  Funeral afterwards to St. Kieran’s cemetery. Eilis O’Rourke, Castlecomer.  May they rest in peace.

Anniversaries: Paddy Noonan (Sat 6.15). John Kenny (Sat 7.00).  Bridget Rhatigan (Sun 9.30). Martin Brennan (Sun 10.00). Jimmy Hogan (Sun 10.30). Andy Lawlor (Sun 11.00). Deceased Residents of Dukesmeadows (Sun 12.00).  Jonathan Barry (Sun 12.30). Margaret & John McCarthy (Wed 9.30), Noreen Llewellyn (Thurs 10.30). Billy & Cait Barry (Fri 10.30). Margaret Wrigley. Declan Wylie. John Costigan. Des Manning. Phil Kavanagh. Dan Carroll. Michael Larkin. Tommy Hayes. Michael & John Barry.  Matty Power. Liam & Phil Drohan.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Dan Maher (Sat 6.15). Tim Murphy (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Billy Costelloe (Sun 9.30). Lilly Purcell (Sun 10.00). Aideen Flanagan (Sun 10.30). Brigid Lambert (Sun 11.00). John McEvoy (Sun 12.00). Lillian Beattie (Sun 12.30).

Parish Accounts

A statement of St. Patrick’s Parish Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2013 is available at the back of all our churches.  Overall it was a good year from a financial point of view and we thank all who continue to support the parish and the clergy.  We invite those who have contributed to date and those who have allowed their contributions to lapse to consider subscribing to our parish.  Please take a copy with you and familiarise yourself with our financial situation.

Exam Students

Let us continue to remember our young people, especially those sitting public exams, in our prayers. 

Coffee Morning

There will be a Coffee Morning, Cake Sale and Raffle in the Capuchin  Friary Church, Kilkenny to raise funds for teenagers’ pilgrimage to Medjugorge on Saturday, 21^st June 2014 after the 10.30am Mass.   All welcome.

Foróige Drum Youth Centre

Drop In (facilities include pool table, internet access, games, Wii) every Tuesday from 4.30pm to 6.00pm for those who have just finished 1^st or 2^nd Year and every Thursday and Saturday for 3^rd to 6^th Years from 4.30 to 6.30pm. And guess what? It’s free!

June 23^rd – 25^th and July 1^st – 2^nd: Youth Leadership Course for those aged 15 to 18 years.  Please contact Kate on 086 7736 975 for details.  A €15 fee applies.

July: Mixed Activity Programme over 3 days for young people who are moving from 6^th Class into 1^st Year.

Mixed Activity Programme for those who have just finished 1^st and 2^nd Year.  Each programme will be €15.

Contact: Kate Carroll 086 773 6975 or Eimear Glendon 086 773 6976; www.facebook.com/drumyouthcentre; or twitter.com@drumyouthcentre.

Resolving Family Conflicts

“The Resolution of Conflict with Others in the Family and in the Workplace” will take place at Integritas on Saturday, 28^th June at 10.00am.  (Voluntary contribution on the day).

During this day Fergus Armstrong, Solicitor and Brian Lennon S.J. will explore the dynamics of how longstanding conflicts in families and in the workplace can be resolved.  Drawing on their experiences as mediators, they will reflect upon the underlying spiritual dynamics of dispute resolution and how the Christian ideals of forgiveness, harmony and freedom can become possible in relationships that are locked in dispute and recrimination.

Lunch provided. Please book. Integritas, Ennisnag, Stoneyford. T: 056 772 8902; W: www.integritas.ie;

Home Instead Senior Care

Caring people needed – All Kilkenny/Carlow Areas

We are seeking compassionate, dependable and experienced carers to assist our clients with day to day living.

FETAC Care Qualifications and Patient Moving and Handling experience desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. Fluent English. Please call 056  780 0508 or email marie.anderson@hisc.ie.

 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Anyone interested in making a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in September 2015 please contact either Conor on 086 373 8460 or Mollie on 089 206 9317 to register an interest. The proposed pilgrimage with JWT is subject to enough people being interested and will leave Carlow in September 2015.

Safeguarding Children

If you or anyone you know has a child protection concern or wishes to report an allegation of child abuse in relation to any member of Church personnel directly to Church authorities, please contact a member of the Diocesan Designated Team: Fr. Daniel Bollard on 087 6644 858; Fr. Daniel Cavanagh on 087 2335 432; Ms. Mary Brennan on 085 7701 716 or Mr. Tom Hunt on 085 7701 718.

Alternatively you can report to the statutory authorities: Kilkenny Gardaí on 056 777 5042 or HSE Social Work Department on 056 778 4532/778 4600.

The Ossory Diocesan  Policy on Safeguarding Children is available on www.ossory.ie.

South Kilkenny Historical Society

Cross-roads/Platform dance, Sunday, June 29th, 2014 Glenmore Parish Hall grounds (outside, weather permitting) Dancing 8 to 10.30pm. Music by Mary Prendergast and band. Admission: €5 (children free, but must be accompanied by adults)

Church Gate Collection

The Irish Wheelchair Association is holding their annual church gate collections at all Masses next weekend. Any support is greatly appreciated. With your support IWA can continue to maintain vital services to people with disabilities in this parish.

Parks Tennis 

Coaching and fun for girls and boys aged 6-17 years.  Just €20/€25 for two weeks. 1 or 1 ½ hours tennis coaching and skills games per day. Starts 7^th July and 21^st July. For information call 085 282 8846 (6.00 - 8.00pm only).

Pentecost Sunday, 8th June 2014

Feast of Pentecost

Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church.  The Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in the form of fiery tongues.  Mary and the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit.  This is the account given in the Acts of the Apostles “And when the days of Pentecost were drawing to a close, they were all together in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a violent wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  And there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, which settled upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign tongues, even as the Holy Spirit prompted them to speak” (Acts 2: 1 – 4).  The apostles were no longer afraid.  They went out immediately spreading the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  Three thousand converted to the Church as a result St. Peter’s sermon.  The Holy Spirit invites us to membership of God’s Family through our Baptism and Confirmation.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.  Amen.

Parish Pilgrimage to Knock

The annual Parish Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Thursday, 26th June.  A bus will leave St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.15am and St. Patrick’s Church at 7.20am. There will be no stops to pick up people. Tickets are limited and are only available at the reception desk in the Parish Centre.  Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets cost €15.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The monthly meeting of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will be held in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on next Friday, 13th June. Please come and join us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

First Saturday Devotion

The usual First Saturday Devotion will be held at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Saturday after 6.15pm Mass. Prayers and adoration will end at 9.00pm.  All are welcome. 

Novena in Honour of St. Anthony

The Capuchin Friary, Kilkenny is hosting a novena in honour of St. Anthony.  Mass and sermon each morning at 10.30am. Fr. Dermot Lynch OFM Cap will preach at the final four days of the Novena.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Peggy Whelan, Graiguenamanagh. Maureen Woods, 12 Pearse Street. Thomas Carroll, Old Callan Road. Tim Murphy, New York & late of Upper New Street.  Martin Treacy, Parnell Street.

Months  Mind: Paddy Ryan (Sun 10.00)

Anniversaries: Ellen Ryan (Sat 6.15). Josie Kenny (Sat 7.00). Mary Maher (Sun 10.30). Margaret McGrath (Sun 11.00). Jim O’Brien (Sun 12.00). Denis Garrehy, Ann Conway, Mary O’Meara (Sun 12.30).  Sarah Mullally (Mon 9.30). Patrick & Mary Teresa Drea (Tues 9.30). Patrick Cantwell (Tues 10.30). Mary O’Dwyer. Bill & Bridie O’Neill. Seamus Dowling. Cathy Purcell. Nicky Dullard. Fred & Ellen Clarke. Annie Carroll. Leo Rice.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Paddy Noonan (Sat 6.15). John Kenny (Sat 7.00).  Bridget Rhatigan (Sun 9.30). Martin Brennan (Sun 10.00). Jimmy Hogan (Sun 10.30). Andy Lawlor (Sun 11.00). Deceased Residents of Dukesmeadows (Sun 12.00).  Jonathan Barry (Sun 12.30).

International Gospel Choir Festival

As part of the International Gospel Choir Festival in Kilkenny from Friday, 13th to Sunday,15th June a concert of Gospel Music entitled “Be inspired to live the Gospel” will take place in the Dominican Black Abbey Church on Saturday, June 14th June at 8.00pm.  Choirs include The Catholic Black American Gospel Choir; Dr. Eddie Jones Arkansas Gospel Choir; Kilkenny Gospel Choir; Tipperary Gospel Choir; Dungarvan Gospel Choir; Enniscorthy Gospel Choir and guests.  Free admission.  All welcome.

Prayer in Honour of Divine Mercy

There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in honour of Divine Mercy in the Capuchin Friary Church on this Sunday, June 8th from 3.00pm - 4.00pm.  All welcome.

Masters in Theology

Applications are being accepted for a new Masters in Theology (History of Christianity) programme at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth commencing September 2014. 1 year (full-time) and 2 years (part-time) options available. Monday and Wednesday evenings. More information: www.maynoothcollege.ie or by telephoning Admissions Office at 01 708 4772. Course Director: Prof. Salvador Ryan. Email: salvador.ryan@spcm.ie

Kilkenny Flower Club

The Kilkenny Flower Club will have a Work Night in Butler House, Patrick Street on Thursday, 12th June at 8.00pm. This is always enjoyable and a good learning experience.       https://www.facebook.com/kilkennyflowerclub for more details.

National Widows’ Association

The National Widows’ Association meets on the first Thursday of every month at 2.30pm in The Club House Hotel.  New members always welcome.

Foróige Drum Youth Centre

Drop In (facilities include pool table, internet access, games, Wii) every Tuesday from 4.30pm to 6.00pm for those who have just finished 1^st or 2^nd Year and every Thursday and Saturday for 3^rd to 6^th Years from 4.30 to 6.30pm. And guess what? It’s free!

June 23^rd – 25^th and July 1^st – 2^nd: Youth Leadership Course for those aged 15 to 18 years.  Please contact Kate on 086 7736 975 for details.  A €15 fee applies.

July: Mixed Activity Programme over 3 days for young people who are moving from 6^th Class into 1^st Year.

Mixed Activity Programme for those who have just finished 1^st and 2^nd Year.  Each programme will be €15.

Contact: Kate Carroll 086 773 6975 or Eimear Glendon 086 773 6976; www.facebook.com/drumyouthcentre; or twitter.com@drumyouthcentre.

Summer Bridge

Venue: Dunmore Hall. Time 10.00am to 12.30pm. Date: Starting on Monday, 9th June. For information call 056 776 7869 between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.

Gardening Blitz

Our usual volunteer gardeners will meet at the Parish Centre at 7.00pm on this Monday, 9^th June. We would welcome some extra help from others on this evening to get the garden totally in shape for the summer.  This is a once-off event.  Please bring garden implements as we may not have enough for everyone.

Resolving Family Conflicts

“The Resolution of Conflict with Others in the Family and in the Workplace” will take place at Integritas on Saturday, 28^th June at 10.00am.  (Voluntary contribution on the day).

During this day Fergus Armstrong, Solicitor and Brian Lennon S.J. will explore the dynamics of how longstanding conflicts in families and in the workplace can be resolved.  Drawing on their experiences as mediators, they will reflect upon the underlying spiritual dynamics of dispute resolution and how the Christian ideals of forgiveness, harmony and freedom can become possible in relationships that are locked in dispute and recrimination.

Lunch provided. Please book. Integritas, Ennisnag, Stoneyford. T: 056 772 8902; W: www.integritas.ie; E: enquiries@integritas.ie

Parkrun Information Evening

KRSP will host an information meeting on the establishment of Parkrun Kilkenny to be held at the Castle Park on Saturday mornings at 9:30am.  Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. We would like to see this become an option for Kilkenny.  Guest Speaker will be Mr Matt Sheilds from Parkrun on Thursday,12th June in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 7:30pm.  See www.parkrun.com or contact (KRSP) Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, Johns Green House, Kilkenny (056 779 4990).

Home Instead Senior Care

Do you care for a loved one? Home Instead Senior Care invites you to join them for a Coffee Morning on Wednesday, 11^th June from 9.30am to 12.30pm at our office in Butler Court, Patrick Street, Kilkenny. Celebrating Carer’s Week. Please come along and take a break with Tea/Coffee/Scones etc. Call Philomena on 056 780 0508 or email: philomena.fennelly@hisc.ie for more information.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Anyone interested in making a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in September 2015 please contact either Conor on 086 373 8460 or Mollie on 089 206 9317 to register an interest. The proposed pilgrimage with JWT is subject to enough people being interested and will leave Carlow in September 2015.

Safeguarding Children

If you or anyone you know has a child protection concern or wishes to report an allegation of child abuse in relation to any member of Church personnel directly to Church authorities, please contact a member of the Diocesan Designated Team: Fr. Daniel Bollard on 087 6644 858; Fr. Daniel Cavanagh on 087 2335 432; Ms. Mary Brennan on 085 7701 716 or Mr. Tom Hunt on 085 7701 718.

Alternatively you can report to the statutory authorities: Kilkenny Gardaí on 056 777 5042 or HSE Social Work Department on 056 778 4532/778 4600.

The Ossory Diocesan  Policy on Safeguarding Children is available on www.ossory.ie

The Ascension of the Lord, 1st June 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.  We join in welcoming to our parish all who have returned home for the weekend and those who have come to Kilkenny for the festival.

New Deacon

We rejoice this weekend as Brian Griffin is ordained to the diaconate for the Diocese of Ossory.  Brian is a native of Slieverue Parish and worked for many years as a production engineer before entering the seminary in 2009.  Following his ordination to the diaconate he will return to St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth to study for a further year.  It is expected he will be ordained to the priesthood during 2015.

We wish him well and pray for him as he begins this new stage in his life.

The occasion also prompts us to pray for and actively promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our diocese.  Brian is the only person to be ordained to the diaconate in our diocese during the past fifteen years.  We urgently need many more vocations: is God calling you?

Holy Hour for Vocations

There will be a holy hour for vocations to the priesthood and religious life at The Blessed Sacrament Chapel, St. Mary’s Cathedral between 7.00pm and 8.00pm on next Friday, 4th June.  Please join with us in prayer.

Novena in Honour of St. Anthony

Beginning on Thursday, 5th June and continuing until the Feast of St. Anthony on Friday, 13th June the Capuchin Friary, Kilkenny will host a novena in honour of St. Anthony.  Mass each morning at 10.30am. Preachers include: Fr Frank Purcell; Fr Jim Murphy; Fr Dan Carroll; Fr Willie Purcell and a Dominican Priest. Fr. Dermot Lynch OFM Cap will preach at the final four days of the Novena.  All are welcome.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Tom Holden, Kellsgrange. Tony Class (Sun 12.00). Mary O’Dwyer, Leggetsrath. Kitty Blanchfield, Graiguenamanagh. Deva Duffy, Deloughry Place. William Keating, Thomastown.

Anniversaries: Jimmy McGuire (Sat 6.15). Sr Albert Kenny (Months Mind) & Sr. Mary Buckley (Sat 7.00). Blánaid Cleere Manning (Sun 10.00). Richard Ruth (Mon 11.00). Jerry Gray (Tues 9.30). Patrick Lanigan (Tue 10.30). Edwin Stallard (Wed 10.30). Ann O’Sullivan (Fri 10.30). Gerald Keys. Joseph ‘Joe’ Curry. John Scott. Catherine Brennan. Catherine Murray. Mary Drennan. Eamon, Frances, Padraig & Seamus Costello. Eileen O’Keeffe. Julie Ann & Patrick O’Mahony. James & Mary O’Brien. Ellen Mooney. Michael O’Carroll. Mick O’Donnell. Mary Lanigan.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Ellen Ryan (Sat 6.15). Josie Kenny (Sat 7.00). Paddy Ryan (Months Mind Sun 10.00). Mary Maher (Sun 10.30). Margaret McGrath (Sun 11.00). Jim O’Brien (Sun 12.00). Denis Garrehy, Ann Conway, Mary O’Meara (Sun 12.30).

May they rest in peace.  Amen.

Exam Students

At all Masses during the coming weeks we will include special prayers for those who are sitting their Leaving and Junior Certificate examinations.  All join in wishing you peace of mind, calmness of heart, focused study and anticipated questions.

Prayer for Exam Students

Lord, I come before you in need.  Exams are approaching and I am worried.

Give me courage to face the coming weeks.  Concentrate my mind on my studies.  Help me to use my time well.  May I work hard, but also rest and relax a little. During each exam, may what I have studied  appear on the paper.  May I read each question carefully, identify what is asked, and answer well.

When the results come, may I be satisfied that I did my best.  May whatever path I choose in life bring me happiness and give me opportunities to better the world. Amen.

First Friday of June

The first Friday of the June occurs this week.  Fr. Dan and Fr. Liam intend visiting those on their First Friday lists as usual. Fr. Roderick has made alternative arrangements. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to have a name added to the lists.

Life in the Spirit Seminar

These seminars continue in the Black Abbey on Tuesday evenings until 17th June. Topics include: Tuesday, 3rd June - Receiving God’s Gift. Pentecost Sunday, 8th June - Baptised in the Spirit.

Public Rosary

The monthly rosary on the First Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues on this Sunday, 7th June at 3.00pm.

Safeguarding Children

If you or anyone you know has a child protection concern or wishes to report an allegation of child abuse in relation to any member of Church personnel directly to Church authorities, please contact a member of the Diocesan Designated Team: Fr. Daniel Bollard on 087 6644 858; Fr. Daniel Cavanagh on 087 2335 432; Ms. Mary Brennan on 085 7701 716 or Mr. Tom Hunt on 085 7701 718.

Alternatively you can report to the statutory authorities: Kilkenny Gardaí on 056 777 5042 or HSE Social Work Department on 056 778 4532/778 4600.

The Ossory Diocesan  Policy on Safeguarding Children is available on www.ossory.ie

After-Hours Priest On Duty

Those who need to contact a priest urgently may do so by calling 056 776 4400 and pressing 2 at the prompt.  This will put you through to the priest on duty.  Please note this number is intended for emergencies only and not for general business.

Summer Bridge

Venue: Dunmore Hall. Time 10.00am - 12.30pm. Date: Starting on Monday, 9th June. For information call 056 776 7869 between 6.00pm and 8.00pm).

Masters in Theology

Applications are being accepted for a new Masters in Theology (History of Christianity) programme at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth commencing September 2014. 1 year (full-time) and 2 years (part-time) options available. Monday and Wednesday evenings. More information: www.maynoothcollege.ie or by telephoning Admissions Office at 01 708 4772. Course Director: Prof. Salvador Ryan. Email: Salvador.ryan@spcm.ie

Road Race and Family Fun Run

Sunday, 8^th June, 10k Road Race (over 18s only) and 5k Family Fun Run in Johnswell Village at 1.00pm.   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 and family of 4 €25. Register on the day from 11.00am.

Hospice Sunflower Days

Take place on 6^th and 7^th June. All funds raised locally, stay locally. For more information and to volunteer with your local hospice service for Sunflower Days visit www.sunflowerdays.ie

Kilkenny Bridge  Club & Samaritans

The Samaritans Kilkenny Branch will benefit from a Fund Raising event on Saturday 7^th June 2014 at the Kilkenny Bridge Centre (Directly across from the Watershed Complex off the Ring Road).

A Bring & Buy/Cake Sale & Coffee Morning has been arranged by all the Bridge Clubs affiliated to the Bridge Centre. The event will run from 10.00a.m to 1.00p.m.  There will also be a Flower Arranging Demonstration by “Flowers by Lucy” @ 11.30am. Your support would be appreciated – all funds raised will be donated to the local branch. The Samaritans provide a 24 hour service on 1850 60 90 90.

Coffee Morning

On next Thursday, 5th June in the Community Centre beside St. Vincent De Paul Shop, Butts Green. In aid of Ceart Rehabilitation Centre, Callan.  All home bakes and coffee.

Grow Mental Health

Table Quiz in Sean Byrnes, Parliament Street at 8.30pm. €5 admission in aid of GROW Mental Health Movement.  Plenty of food and prizes to be won.  All welcome.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Anyone interested in making a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in September 2015 please contact either Conor on 086 373 8460 or Mollie on 089 206 9317 to register your interest. The proposed Pilgrimage with JWT is subject to enough people being interested in going, and will leave from Carlow in September 2015. We look forward to hearing from you.

Church Gate Collection

The annual church gate collection in aid of the Irish Red Cross will take place on Sat 31st May and Sun 1st June.