Safeguarding Sunday
Sunday, 30th November 2014 has been designated by the Diocese of Ossory as ‘Safeguarding Sunday’. The purpose of having a Safeguarding Sunday is to highlight the safeguarding policies and procedures in place in our diocese in order to ensure that children who participate in our Church do so in a safe environment. Safeguarding information leaflets/brochures are available in our parishes and more information is available on www.ossory.ie.
Please pick up a copy of Bishop Freeman’s letter to parishioners at the doors of our churches today.
First Sunday of Advent: Stay Alert!
The Gospel for today, the First Sunday of Advent, tells us to stay alert and be vigilant. We stay alert by living the values of Jesus in our own place and time. His memory comes alive when we bring him and his values into the present time. In Jesus, God pursues all creation with a love that is tireless. Jesus walked the roads of Palestine seeking out the lost, the broken and the wounded. He told people about God’s care for them, for the lilies of the field and for the birds of the air. Just as Jesus told his followers to be aware of what was happening in their world, He is telling us to be aware of what is taking place in our time. How aware are we?
May God bless us with anger at all injustice, oppression and exploitation of others!
May God bless us with a passionate love for all of God’s creation, with an understanding of earth as a home for all!
May God bless us with wisdom to believe that we can make a difference in the world so that we can do what others think can not be done to bring justice, love and kindness to all God’s children.
Parish Liturgy Group
The Parish Liturgy Group will have an input into all our Advent Masses. We can expect an introduction to the Masses and the readings and a short reflection after Holy Communion. We welcome the initiative and thank the members.
Annual Christmas Carol Service
The annual St. Patrick’s Parish Carol Service takes place on 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 come along and join in the carols.
Parish Shop
Our Parish Shop, located in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, has restocked with 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.
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Vivien Etefari, Callan and Nigeria. Requiem at Callan Parish at 11.00am on Saturday, 6th December. Burial afterwards at Foulkstown Cemetery. William Fitzgerald, St. Patrick’s Centre, Kells Road and Cahir. Michael Quinlan, Upper Patrick Street. Peg Walsh, Tullaroan. Jo Culleton, Fr. Murphy Square.
Months Mind: Kitty Stallard (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: Julia & Peter Carroll (Sat 7.00). Michael Hickey (Sun 9.30). James Ryan (Sun 10.00). Peggy & Jim Costigan (Sun 10.30). Mary & James Mulrooney (Sun 11.00). Elaine Kelly (Sun 12.00). Jeremiah Mullally (Mon 9.30). Patrick Malone (Tues 10.30). Tom O’Dowd. Rory McPhillips. Catherine Jordan. Ellen Delaney. Eileen Barry. Kit Cooke. Philip O’Dwyer. Richard & Maureen Free. Ollie Bergin. Maureen Nolan. Eileen McCormack. Hugh Tiernan.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Rita Gaule (Sat 6.15). Sr. Alma Conway (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Patricia Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30). Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00). Maeve & Laurence Healy (Sun 10.30). Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00). Michael O’Dwyer (Sun 12.00). Margaret & Michael O’Brien (Sun 12.30).
Pray for and Encourage Vocations
“Father, we are the work of Your hands.” Is God’s work in you to be of service to Him as a priest in the Diocese of Ossory? Call or email Fr. Willie Purcell Ossory Vocations Director for further information: ossoryvocdir@gmail.com or 056 777 0261.
First Friday
The first Friday of December occurs this week. The priests intend visiting the sick at the usual times.
Mill Hill Missionaries
Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Fr. Maurice Crean MHM will take place at 11.30am next Saturday 6th December at the Mill Hill Chapel, Waterford Road. All welcome.
Mass in honour of St Joseph takes place on the first Wednesday of every month. The next Mass will be at 8.00pm on Wednesday, 3rd December in the Mill Hill Chapel, Waterford Road. Join us if you can.
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, 1st December at 7.30pm. The St. Joseph Young Priests Society will prepare the liturgy for this Mass. All are welcome.
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 phone, 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.
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 on 13th and 14th December. Please note there will be not be a collection for the Society within the churches on that weekend. Please support this collection the proceeds of which will be used for those in need in our parish.
Advent at Peace in Christ
Prepare for Christmas with a one day retreat for men on Saturday, 6th December led by Fr. Eamonn O’Gorman and the Retreat House Team or two non-residential reflective silent retreat days on Saturday and Sunday, 13th and 14th December. Contact the Retreat House on 056 772 1054 for details.
Rosary Procession
The annual Candlelight Rosary Procession on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception will leave from the Parade at 8.00pm on Monday, 8th December. Benediction and enrolment in the Brown Scapular will take place at the Black Abbey. Candles and scapulars will be available at the Parade before the procession. All are welcome to attend.
Table Quiz
St Patrick's Lourdes’ Committee will hold a table quiz in The Village on Friday, 5th December at 9.00pm. Table of 4 is €20. Great prizes.
Troy’s Court Fundraising
Please support a fundraising concert in aid of St Canice’s Parish Homes for the Elderly, Troy’s Court on next Sunday 7th December at 8.00pm in St. Canice’s Parish Church. Featuring Sospiro, Valday, Simply Strings, Whirlwind and Ruth O’Leary on cello. Adm €10. Tickets at St. Canice’s Parish Centre or from Troy’s Court.
Coeliac Support Group
The next meeting of the Kilkenny/Carlow Coeliac Support Group will take place in St.Patrick's Parish Centre on Monday, 1st December at 8.00pm. Representatives from companies producing gluten free products will be in attendance. All welcome.
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 for more information or to make a booking.
Christmas Gift Idea
A Trócaire Gift brings real hope and opportunity to families living in poverty. Not only does it change the lives of the families receiving the gift, it also changes the lives of the local business owners and farmers that supply the gifts. www.trocaire.org/gifts.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The 2015 Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place between 22nd and 27th May. Cost is €755 pps. Please contact Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 for all bookings.
Loughboy Library
Christmas themed reading on Friday December 5th at 6.30pm. All writers and poets, young and old are welcome to share their Christmas stories, both real and imaginary. Contact the library beforehand 056 77691765. Seasonal refreshments will be served.
Christmas Retreat
Youth 2000 Ireland will be hosting their annual Christmas Retreat in Newbridge College, Newbridge, Co. Kildare from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th December 2014. Many young people from across Ireland (aged 16-35) are expected at this donation only event, with all newcomers very welcome. This is a great opportunity to find out what your faith is all about in a friendly, chilled out atmosphere. Free buses available. Online booking necessary, see www.youth2000.ie or phone 01 675 3690.
