How Do We Hear God’s Word?
Day after day we are given exciting opportunities to respond to God’s word. Day after day we are given life changing opportunities to respond to God’s plan for us. Trouble is, just how good are we at listening to what God has to say, and just how good are we at putting his plans for us into action?
Today’s Gospel reading focuses on how we listen, and more importantly, how we respond to God’s word. The parable of the sower and the seeds illustrates the different ways in which God’s Word is received or not received. The seed sown on the path that grew quickly but was stolen by the birds represents those of us who hear the Word but fail to understand it. The Word eludes us. The seed sown on the rocky ground represents those of us who hear the Word and receive it at once, but because the seed has no roots it is short lived. When trial and tribulation rear their ugly heads our commitment to God’s Word is abandoned because our faith wasn’t deep rooted to begin with. The seed sown among thorns represents those of us who hear the Word and would like to act upon it, but are so overwhelmed by worldly anxieties and diversions that the Word bears no fruit. Lastly, the seed sown in rich soil represents those of us who hear the Word, act upon it and realise results.
The Bible, and the messages contained in it, are God’s legacy to us. The messages that we hear in our Sunday readings are so massively important, that we have to leave Mass determining to lead our lives a little differently.
It’s obvious that a seed needs fertile ground to grow. Similarly, it’s obvious that we need fertile hearts and open minds for God’s Word to seed and bear fruit. Today’s challenge is to listen with an open mind, reflect and do something.
Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
Our annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 31st July at 7.30pm. Please remind your relatives and friends, especially those who are living away from home..
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Sr. Mary Christopher O’Regan, Religious Sisters of Charity, Kells Road. Philip Cairns Snr, Dublin. Mary Hogan, Emmett Street. Jim McDonald, Ferrybank. Cora McMorrow, late of Nuncio Road. Josephine Ryan, Greenfields.
Months Mind: Eileen Brett (Sat 7.00).
Anniversaries: Joan Cody (Sat 6.15). Pauline Kennedy (Sun 10.00). Maurice Nagle (Sun 10.30). Aileen Kelly (Sun 12.00). Ger Doheny (Sun 12.30).
Gretta & William Delaney (Mon 9.30). Bridget Kelly (Wed 10.30). Marty Neylon (Thurs 10.30). Marie Manogue. Felix Campbell. Peg Horgan. Ann Quirke. Mary Holland.
Gretta & William Delaney (Mon 9.30). Bridget Kelly (Wed 10.30). Marty Neylon (Thurs 10.30). Marie Manogue. Felix Campbell. Peg Horgan. Ann Quirke. Mary Holland.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Eileen O’Brien (Sat 6.15). Sr. Baptiste Casey (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Elizabeth, Hugh & Martin McCorry (Sun 9.30). Mary Norris (Sun 10.30). Eileen Glennon (Sun 11.00). Joe Cody (Sun 12.30). John Delaney Snr. John (Gonnie) Delaney.
Attention Ministers of the Word
All Sunday readings are now available on the diocesan website - www.ossory.ie. Go to the “Get more info” tab and the readings for the following Sunday can be found under “Faith Resources”.
Youth 2000 Summer Festival
This will be held at Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary from Thursday, 14th to Sunday, 17th August. For young people aged 16 – 35 years. This festival has been nicknamed the “Holy Oxygen” with over 1,000 young people from all corners of Ireland attending last year. Free buses will run from towns throughout Ireland. For information and booking on line: www.youth2000.ie or telephone 01 675 3690. All welcome.
St. Patrick’s Parish Website
We have upgraded our parish website and are in the progress of making it more accessible and informative. Have a look and let us know what you think. www.patricksparish.com
Active Retirement Group
The next meeting will be on Monday, 14th July at 2.30pm in the Club House Hotel. All are welcome.
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in the Capuchin Friary from 3.00pm to 4.00pm on Sunday, 13rd July. All welcome.
Relay for Life
Relay for Life Kilkenny will be held at the Watershed Complex from 3.00pm on Saturday 19th July to 3.00pm to Sunday 20th July. This relay has teams of volunteers who walk to celebrate cancer survivors and life. At dusk we light Luminaria around the track to remember those who we have lost because of cancer and we pledge to fight back against cancer by community education and raising funds for the Irish Cancer Society towards research and services.
We ask cancer survivors to come and be the beacons of hope and courage for those who may have a cancer diagnosis in the future. This event was wonderful last year, however this year we would love to see more people from the locality come join us.
Gospel Choir on Television
Fr. Roderick will be the principal celebrant of the broadcast Mass on RTE 1 at 11.00am on next Sunday, 20th July. The music will be provided by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir. We wish them all the best.
Kilkenny Active Retirement Association
The next meeting will take place on Monday 14th July at 2.30pm in the Club House Hotel. All members welcome.
The Village Day Centre
The Village Day Centre, Kilkenny City for people with Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.00pm. There are lots of activities to suit all users: bingo, music, cards, art, garden walks, quizzes, reminiscence, daytrips, and rings... For more information contact your local GP/PHN or phone Ruth on 056 777 1230.
Please Welcome Our New Deacon
We welcome Rev. Brian Griffin to St. Patrick’s Parish this weekend. In June Brian was ordained deacon for the Diocese of Ossory and, please God, he will continue his studies at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth before being ordained a priest next year. Rev. Brian will deliver the homily at 10.00am, 11.00am and 12.00 noon Masses on this Sunday.
Rosary Mass
Including prayer for healing on Monday, 14th July at 8.00pm at St. Joseph’s, Mill Hill, Waterford Road.
Our Lady’s Island Pilgrimage
The St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society annual pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Island, Wexford takes place on Sunday, 27th July. There will be Mass, rosary procession and benediction beginning at 3.00pm. All events will be held outdoors if weather is suitable. Coach leaving St. Fiacre’s Church at 11am. Fare is €15 return. Contact Phil on 086 833 3029.
Is God Calling You to Priesthood?
Dear Young People, do not bury your talents, the gifts that God has given you! Do not be afraid to dream of great things. (Pope Francis)
Loughboy Library
Poetry Workshop at Loughboy Library with Michael Creagh on Friday 25th July at 11.00am. Suitable for children 8 to 12 years. Booking essential Telephone: 056 779 4176.
Lost and Found
A VHI Healthcare card was found in St. Fiacre’s Church last weekend. Contact 056 776 4400.
The Joe Boland Memorial Walk
The Joe Boland Memorial Walk will take place from Graiguenamanagh on Saturday 19th July. Registration is at 12.30pm outside Murray's Bar on the Main Street. There are two options for the walk: 4.5 miles and 9 miles by the river between Graiguenamanagh and St. Mullins. Entry is €20 in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
