Thursday, August 7, 2014

Eigteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 3rd August 2014

Be With Us Jesus
During the month of August be with us, Jesus. The month of wheat, the beginning of harvest time, month of the mown fields, month of the ‘stubble moon’ – the brightest one of the year. The Pope’s intentions for this month are:
That refugees, forced by violence to abandon their homes, may find a generous welcome and the protection of their rights.
That Christians in Oceania may joyfully announce the faith to all the people of that region.
Next Wednesday, 6th August is the Feast of the Transfiguration and is celebrated worldwide.  Jesus confirmed the faith of apostles Peter, James and John in preparation for His Passion. “He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.  Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.  Peter answered, and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here.  If you want, let us make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’  While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud  overshadowed them.  Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.’ (Matthew 17:2-5).  In this way Jesus illustrated to the Apostles a little of the glory that awaits us because of the Resurrection, through Christ, true God and true Man.  Praise be to God.  Amen!

Public Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues on this Sunday, 3rd August at 3.00pm.  All are welcome.

St. Rioch’s Cemetery Mass
The annual cemetery Mass in St. Rioch’s Cemetery, Walkin Street will take place on this Thursday, 7th August at 7.30pm.  If the weather is unsuitable the Mass will take place in the Capuchin Friary. This is one of the ancient cemeteries in our area and we appeal to as many as possible to attend.

Bank Holiday Weekend
This Monday, being a bank holiday, the only public Mass in the parish will be at 11.00am in St. Patrick’s church.  There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Fiacre’s Church on account of people being away for the bank holiday.

Foulkstown Cemetery
Thanks to all who were involved in the annual cemetery  Mass at Foulkstown Cemetery on last Thursday.  It was a very prayerful celebration and we are grateful to all who worked to make it such a success.
A special word of thanks to the Cemetery Committee for their untiring work, not just for the Mass but throughout the year when they brave the elements to keep the resting place of our loved ones in fine shape.  
Many people have been complimentary of all the work that has taken place at the cemetery, the development of the new section plot (€22,000), the re-building of the stone wall (€10,000) and the laying of tarmac pathways (€8,000), all paid for by St. Patrick’s Parish and the annual cemetery Mass Collection.  We are committed to maintaining our cemetery and we are grateful to all for your support.
We continue our appeal for people to be vigilant against illegal dumping in Foulkstown Cemetery.  Take note of any suspicious activity, note any car registrations and let know in the Parish Office.  We will then take appropriate action with the civil authorities.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Months Mind: Michael Ruth (Sat 7.00).
Anniversaries: Eileen Grace (Sat 6.15). Davina Crosby (Sun 10.00). Mary Fahy (Sun 12.00).  Marie & Ann Marie Manogue (Tues 10.30). Mollie Gahan. Doreen Tallent. Margaret Tynan. Breda O’Hara.  Tommy McGuire.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Jim & Margaret Bambrick (Sat 6.15). Jackie Coonan (Sat 7.00). Phil O’Neill (Sun 10.00). Annie Lennon (Sun 10.30). Martin Mulhall (Sun 11.00). Mary Coogan (Sun 12.00).  May they rest in peace.

Pope Pleads for Peace
Pope Francis once again made an impassioned appeal for peace in the Middle East, Iraq and Ukraine. Addressing thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square on last Sunday Pope Francis recalled that the following day marked the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I.  “As we remember this tragic event, I hope that the mistakes of the past won’t be repeated, but that the lessons of history will be taken into account, so that peace always prevails through patient and courageous dialogue,” he said.
He prayed that God  grant the “peoples and leaders” in the Middle East, Iraq and Ukraine “the wisdom and strength to pursue the path of peace with determination and to face each dispute with the tenacity of dialogue and negotiation and the power of reconciliation.”  Every decision, he said, “must not be based on particular interests but on the common good and on respect for each person.  Remember that all is lost with war and nothing is lost with peace.
Pope Francis – who had hosted Israeli and Palestinian leaders at a prayer meeting for peace at the Vatican in June — particularly decried the impact of the fighting on children.  “I think especially of the children whose hopes for a dignified future are taken from them, dead children, injured and mutilated children, orphans and children who have bits of weapons as toys, children who don’t know how to smile,” he said. “Please stop, I ask you with all my heart.

St. Fiacre’s Well Mass
The annual Novena and Mass to St. Fiacre will take place at the well  in Sheestown on Sunday, 31st August at 3.00pm.  All are welcome: please put the date in your diary and let your friends know.

Carer Support Group
Family Carer Support group for past and present carers of people with Alzheimer's/Dementia meets on Wednesday, 6th August from 4.00 - 5.30pm at the Village Day Centre, 1 Fr Walsh Close, Cootes Lane, Kilkenny.  Information exchange and support.  For more information call Ruth on 056 777 1230.

Ministers of the Eucharist and Readers
We are blessed with a large number of Readers and Ministers of the Eucharist in our parish and long may that continue.  We appeal to those who have taken on these ministries to be faithful to their rotas.  At a number of Masses each week, some Ministers and Readers are missing on a regular basis.  This puts pressure on others to fill in their places and sometimes there is no one to step in.
If a Eucharist Minister or Reader is unable to attend we ask that they get a replacement or at the very least let us know through the Parish Office (telephone or email). 
Likewise, if anyone is no longer able or willing to read, minister Holy Communion or serve, please let us know and we will make further arrangements.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Certificate in Theological Studies
The course aims at providing religious education, faith formation and spiritual enrichment for those actively engaged in parish life or in the pastoral care of people, young and old.  The programme runs for 24 weeks from September 2014 to May 2015.  For details apply to Declan Murphy, St Kieran’s College 087 908 1470 or 056 775 3624 or email declanmurphy@ossory.ie

Step Back in Time
Come and enjoy an afternoon with the residents of Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick. “Step back in time” to recreate the days of the platform dance. Bucket collections and a raffle where all proceeds raised will be going towards the Kilkenny Alzheimer's society.  This Sunday from 3.00 - 6.00pm. Music by Danny. For more info call: 056 883 1318.

Sponsored Walk
Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge on Sunday 24th August in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Walk starts at picnic tables in Maudlin Street @ 11.00am sharp. Registration @ 10.30am.  €10 entrance fee to the charity. Length: 11km each way.  Return lifts can be arranged.  Contact Aoife on 085 810 7890 for info and sponsorship cards.

South Kilkenny Historical Society
Coach trip to Clontarf and the Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Thursday, August 21st 2014. Bus departing Mullinavat at 8am, returning 10pm (approximately). Cost: €55, (€50, members), which includes bus fare, guided tours and evening meal in Dublin. For bookings and further information please contact Brigid: 051 885300, 087 9507295 or Eddie 086-8124349, edsynnott@yahoo.co.uk.