3rd Sunday of Advent, 13th December 2015

 

 

The Great Jubilee Year of Mercy

The Jubilee Year of Mercy will be inaugurated on 8^th  December 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will run until 20^th November 2016 which is the Solemnity of Christ the King.   Bishop Freeman will inaugurate the Great Jubilee Year of Mercy in our diocese with the celebration of the Eucharist with priests, religious and the lay faithful, on this Sunday, 13^th December 2015 in St. Marys Cathedral at 5.30pm.  The beginning of a Jubilee Year is always solemnly marked by the opening of a Holy Door by the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.  For this Jubilee Year of Mercy Pope Francis asks each bishop throughout the world to include a Holy Door of Mercy in their dioceses so that everyone throughout the world may be able to celebrate the Jubilee.  Bishop Freeman will officially open the Holy Door of Mercy, which is currently being prepared in St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Mother Church of our diocese.    All are welcome.

 

Christmas Mass Cards

Christmas Mass Cards, available at the Parish Centre.  These offer a recipient an share in our Christmas Masses celebrated in our parish.  Cost  €3.00 each.

Annual Christmas Carol Service

The annual and very popular St. Patrick’s Parish Christmas Carol Service takes place on this Sunday, 14th December at 4pm 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. 

St. Vincent De Paul Christmas Collection

The annual Christmas Collection for our local conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul will take place outside our churches this weekend.  Please note that the society will not hold the usual indoor collection We ask you to be as generous as possible in helping the volunteers in our local conference support people in need in our community this Christmas.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Ber Daly, Beaumont, Cork. Bridie McDonald, Willow Close who died in England. Yvonne Inglis, England. Brigid White, Marino.

Anniversaries: Christina Comerford (Sat 6.15). The O’Neill & Brett Family (Sat 7.00) . Martin McCorry (Sun 9.30). Charles Carroll (Sun 10.00). Padraig Butler (Sun 10.30). Michael Bartholomew  (Sun 11.00). Rita Gaule (Sun 12.00). Dick Lynch (Sun 12.30).  Florrie Cleere (Tues 9.30). Margaret (Peggy) Quinlan (Wed 10.30). Sean & Kitty Ryan.  Della Maher Shanny.  Michael & Margaret O’Brien. John Egan. Anne & John Fogarty. Eileen Baker. Hughie Shiels. Seamus, Milo & Ann Fry. Patrick Burke. James Murray. Susan & Joseph Daly.  Anthony Gorski. Mick & Ann Kenny.  Kathleen Redpath.  Syl Gaffney.  Mary O’Neill. Maurice, Margaret , Helen  and Anthony Maher.  Seán & Mary Fitzpatrick.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Hughie Shiels (Sat 6.15). Elizabeth Comerford (Sat 7.00). Michael & Mary Drennan (Sun 9.30). Jane & Jeff Power (Sun 10.00). Rose Harris (Sun 10.30). Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 11.00). Colm McCarthy (Sun 12.00). Mary Blanch (Sun 12.30).

Plan Your Christmas Masses

Christmas Masses in our parish will be as follows:

Christmas Eve: St. Fiacre’s Church at 9.00pm;

St. Patrick’s Church, Latin Mass at 9.30pm.

St. Patrick’s Church at midnight (the only midnight Mass in Kilkenny City).

Christmas Day: 9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm.

St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am and 12.00noon.

St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown: 10.00am.

St. Stephen’s Day and Mon 27th Dec to Sat 2nd Jan: St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each day.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw

The tenth monthly draw will take place in the Cathedral Chapter Room at 8.00pm on this Wednesday, 16th December 2015. Promoters and fundraisers are invited to a reception at 7pm in the Chapter Room, St. Mary’s Cathedral followed by the draw.  We would respectfully remind those who subscribe monthly to submit their money by Tuesday.  

Sacred Music from Paris

The Kilkenny Choir together with Kilkenny Youth Orchestra will present a concert on Sunday 13^th December, 2015 at 4.30pm in St. John’s Church, Kilkenny entitled Sacred Music from Paris with compositions by Liszt, Gounod and Saint-Saens, conducted by Philip Edmondson.  Tickets at the door before the concert. €8/€5.

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

 Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other? Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.

L’Arche Charity Trek

L’Arche provides supported living for people with intellectual disabilities.  On St. Stephens Day we are holding our inaugural Slievenamon charity trek. Registration will be open from 9am in the community hall Kilcash, Co. Tipperary.   Please come along and walk off the Christmas Day excess while supporting a wonderful cause. For more details please visit the L’Arche Ireland Facebook page or contact Paul Ahearne @ paul@larcheireland.org.

Divine Mercy

An hour of adoration and prayer  in honour of Divine Mercy will take place in the Friary Church on Sunday 13th December from 3-4pm.  All are welcome. 

Lost and Found

A sum of money was found in St. Patrick’s Church recently.  Please contact the Parish Office 056 776 4400.

Cois Nore

Monday, 21^st December:  Christmas Coffee Morning with Festive Treats, Tea, Coffee and the St John of God School Choir. €5 on the day.  All proceeds will go to Cois Nore. 

Strictly Let’s Dance with the Village

Saturday 13th February at Lyrath Estate Hotel.  MC’s Marty Morrissey  & Edward Hayden . Celebrity Judges Michael Duignan, Tomas Mulcahy and Tracy Millea.  A great night to be had by all. 

Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat

Newbridge College, Co Kildare 18^th – 20^th December 2015. Youth 2000 invites all young adults between ages of 16-35 to a Catholic weekend retreat taking place from 18th-20^thDecember 2015 at Newbridge College, Co. Kildare   The weekend is being organized by young people for young people. Parental consent is essential for all those under 18. All meals are provided for and accommodation is on site!  Don’t let money be an obstacle; just bring a donation and a sleeping bag. Newcomers very welcome! There will be free buses picking up from various areas throughout the country. Booking is essential. For more information on the event or to book your place, see www.youth2000.ie, Youth 2000 Ireland Facebook page or Tel: 00353 (0) 1 6753690

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, 14^th  December at 7.30pm. St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will organise the liturgy. Please note the change of date.

South Kilkenny Historical Society

Winter Solstice at Knockroe - Join the South Kilkenny Historical Society for the Winter Solstice sunset at Knockroe Passage Tomb on Monday, December 21st 2015.  Meeting time and place: 2.30pm at Owning church. All welcome

Silence?

In liturgy, silence is not meant to be an embarrassed, barren or uncontrolled lack of sound which occurs because things have broken down, or no one knows what to do next, but a purposeful period where people communicate in a way that is deeper than words.  For this reason we try to develop in the celebration of our Mass a calmness that provides silence after the readings, after the homily or during or after Holy Communion, so that the powerfulness of God's presence may be sensed in the unique experience of people gathered and being still in silence together.  (Fr. Turlough Baxter)

Papal Blessings

Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop. 

Please enquire at the reception desk in the Parish Centre. There are lots of other items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our parish shop which is located in the Parish Center.

Thinking of Getting Married Soon?

Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following:  Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis.  Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this aspect of preparations.

Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. www.gettingmarried.ie is a useful source of information for couples as they plan the big day.

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoon before publication.  Parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page.  

Afternoon Bridge

Join us on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm - 4.30pm in the Parish Centre for an afternoon of bridge.  No partner required.

World Youth Day 2016

World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Poland at the end of July 2016.  Pope Francis will attend the overnight vigil on Saturday and celebrate Mass on Sunday 31^st July.  The Diocese of Ossory invites young people to attend.  Young people (over 18) are invited to make contact through wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (087 242 0033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).

Friends of Calcutta

Thank you to all who supported their recent clothes collection appeal.  You support is appreciated.

2nd Sunday of Advent, 6th December 2015

 

The Church - A Voice in the Wilderness

In today’s Gospel St. Luke paints a picture as dramatic as any Hollywood epic. While the list of historical figures pinpoint a particular date in history, their inclusion has a deeper significance. Even before Jesus’ public ministry begins, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, even Caiaphas the high priest, with their legions of supporters are lined up as a massed army of opposition forming a ring of steel ready to attack and destroy all that Jesus stands for. Who dares to challenge such a force?

John the Baptist, a very strange character, out in the wilderness with no army behind him, steps forward and proclaims that things are about to change. The Messiah is coming. Very unsettling news for those in power! John’s courageous preaching isn’t about advancing his own importance. He could have been tempted to cash in on the positive reaction he got from the masses as many thought he may be the Messiah. He was clear that his role was to proclaim the Christ, the Messiah.

That is also the role of the church today. In a homily a few years ago, Pope Francis pointed to St. John the Baptist as a model for Church: he didn't claim the Truth, the Word as his own; he diminished himself so Christ could shine.

The Church today, must hear the Word of Jesus and raise her voice, proclaim it boldly. The Church which is the mysterium lunae which has light from Christ must diminish herself so that He may grow!

Feast of The Immaculate Conception

Tuesday is the feast of the Immaculate Conception and is a holyday of obligation.  Beginning with 6.15pm Vigil Mass on Monday evening our Mass times will follow the usual weekend schedule.

Rosary Procession

The annual Candlelight Rosary Procession on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception will leave from the Parade at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 8^th December.  Benediction will take place at the Black Abbey.

Christmas Mass Cards

Christmas Mass Cards, offering Masses celebrated in our parish, are available at the Parish Centre.  €3.00 each.

The Great Jubilee Year of Mercy

The Jubilee Year of Mercy will be inaugurated on 8^th  December 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will run until 20^th November 2016 which is the Solemnity of Christ the King.   Bishop Freeman will inaugurate the Great Jubilee Year of Mercy in our diocese with the celebration of the Eucharist with priests, religious and the lay faithful, on Sunday, 13^th December 2015 in St. Marys Cathedral at 5.30pm.  The beginning of a Jubilee Year is always solemnly marked by the opening of a Holy Door by the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.  For this Jubilee Year of Mercy Pope Francis asks each bishop throughout the world to include a Holy Door of Mercy in their dioceses so that everyone throughout the world may be able to celebrate the Jubilee.  Bishop Freeman will officially open the Holy Door of Mercy, which is currently being prepared in St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Mother Church of our diocese.    All are welcome.

Parish Carol Service

Our parish choirs are busy practicing for our annual Parish Christmas Carol Service which will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on next Sunday, 13^th December at 4.00pm.  All welcome - keep the date free.

St. Joseph’s Young Priest Society

The monthly meeting of St Joseph Young Priests Society will be held in Parish Centre after 10.30 Mass on Friday next 11^th December.  All are welcome.

Annual Christmas Concert

St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band will hold their 16^th Annual Christmas Concert in St. Patrick’s Church on Wednesday 16^th December at 8.00pm.  Guests Artists: En Caelo Chamber Choir.  A great evening promised.

Book Signing by Local Priest-Author

Fr. Jim O Connell, Mill Hill Missionaries, will be in the Cathedral Bookshop to sign copies of his book: A Life to Live – Awakening to God’s Abiding Presence (Columba Press 2015) on the 12^th December from 11.00am to 3.00pm.  An ideal Christmas present.

St. Vincent De Paul Christmas Collection

The annual Christmas Collection for our local conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul will take place outside our churches next weekend.  Please note that the society will not hold the usual indoor collection that weekend.  We ask you to be as generous as possible in helping the volunteers in our local conference support people in need in our community this Christmas.

Kilkenny Christmas Tree Festival

An event which displays Christmas trees of all kinds - natural or artificial, big or small, baked or crocheted, metal or paper - all of which have been decorated by our participants.  Coffee shop, seasonal stall, events for children, a class in seasonal decorations and a raffle.  St. Canice’s Cathedral from 11^th to 13^th December.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Brede Dunne, Nore Terrace. Requiem Mass at St. John’s Church at 10.30am on Monday. Anne Madden, Larchfield & Friary Street.  Lorcan Bergin, Rioch Street. Vitalijus Sidorovas, Robertshill. Johanna Hayes, Lower Newpark.

Anniversaries: Michael Dullard (Sat 6.15). James Fox (Sat 7.00). James Rafter (Sun 9.30). Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00). Laurence & Maeve Healy (Sun 10.30). Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00). Michael O’Dwyer (Sun 12.00). Eileen & Gerard Moynihan (Sun 12.30). Myra Treacy & Margaret Doyle (Tues 10.00). Christopher Lawlor (Tues 12.30). Seamus & Mary Kelly (Wed 10.30). Bart Keaney (Fri 10.30). Thomas Dowling. Rory McPhillips. Philip & Richard O’Dwyer. Mick & Bess Delaney. Patricia Fitzpatrick. Michael Fitzmaurice. Christina Walshe.  Margaret  & Michael O'Neill. Maureen Mullally. Christy Galvin. Annie Wall. Paddy Griffin. Joseph Emery. Eric & Mary McGrath. 

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Christina Comerford (Sat 6.15). The O’Neill & Brett Family (Sat 7.00) . Martin McCorry (Sun 9.30). Charles Carroll (Sun 10.00). Padraig Butler (Sun 10.30). Michael Bartholomew  (Sun 11.00). Rita Gaule (Sun 12.00). Dick Lynch (Sun 12.30).

Public Rosary

The monthly rosary on the First Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 6^th December at 3.00pm. 

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, 14^th  December at 7.30pm. St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will organise the liturgy. Please note the change of date.

Christmas Fair

St. Patrick’s Special School, Kells Road will host a fantastic Christmas Fair on this Sunday, 6^th December between 2.00 and 6.00pm.  Books, DVDs, CDs, Jewellery, Toys, Paintings, Prints, Cakes, Sweets, Bric a brac, Santa’s Golden Ticket, Nail Painting and Present Wrapping.  Come along and support us.

Events at Cois Nore

Sunday, 13^th December: Carols for Cancer with the Kilkenny Gospel Choir and Trish Carroll in Rothe House at 6.30pm. Tickets: €10. Contact Cois Nore Centre on 056 775 2222 or 085 888 2583.

Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight

50^th Anniversary Gala concert. Carlow Choral Society, Niall Kinsella - conductor. Saturday 12^th December 2015. 8.00 pm in Carlow Cathedral.  All welcome.

Lost and Found

A sum of money was found in St. Patrick’s Church recently.  Please contact the Parish Office 056 776 4400.

Used Clothing Collection

Clothes Collection supporting Friends of Calcutta on Friday, 11th December with collection from 2.00pm-4.00pm at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. All enquiries to Michael Hopkins 087 907 3074.

Loughboy Library

Traditional Christmas Storytime for all the Family featuring Jim Maher, Seanchaí and Geoff Rose takes place on Friday 11^th December at 6.30pm. Free event; all welcome.

Sacred Music from Paris

The Kilkenny Choir together with Kilkenny Youth Orchestra will present a concert on Sunday 13^th December, 2015 at 4.30pm in St. John’s Church, Kilkenny entitled Sacred Music from Paris with compositions by Liszt, Gounod and Saint-Saens, conducted by Philip Edmondson.  Tickets at the door before the concert. €8/€5.

Night of Reminiscing

Invitation to join the South Kilkenny Historical Society for its Night of Reminiscing on Thursday, December 10th, at 8pm at Mullinavat Parish Hall (opposite church). Free admission. Refreshments served later. This will be a night of recalling, with affection, old habits and customs which have since died away. There will be opportunities for all in attendance to participate if they so wish in remembering Irish history and social change. All are welcome.

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

 Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other? Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.

L’Arche Charity Trek

L’Arche provides supported living for people with intellectual disabilities.  On St. Stephens Day we are holding our inaugural Slievenamon charity trek. Registration will be open from 9am in the community hall Kilcash, Co. Tipperary.   Please come along and walk off the Christmas Day excess while supporting a wonderful cause.

For more details please visit the L’Arche Ireland Facebook page or contact Paul Ahearne @ paul@larcheireland.org.

Cois Nore

Monday, 21^st December:  Christmas Coffee Morning with Festive Treats, Tea, Coffee and the St John of God School Choir. €5 on the day.  All proceeds will go to Cois Nore. 

Strictly Let’s Dance with the Village

Saturday 13th February at Lyrath Estate Hotel.  MC’s Marty Morrissey  & Edward Hayden . Celebrity Judges Michael Duignan, Tomas Mulcahy and Tracy Millea.  A great night to be had by all. 

Silence?

In liturgy, silence is not meant to be an embarrassed, barren or uncontrolled lack of sound which occurs because things have broken down, or no one knows what to do next, but a purposeful period where people communicate in a way that is deeper than words.  For this reason we try to develop in the celebration of our Mass a calmness that provides silence after the readings, after the homily or during or after Holy Communion, so that the powerfulness of God's presence may be sensed in the unique experience of people gathered and being still in silence together.  (Fr. Turlough Baxter)

Papal Blessings

Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop. 

Please enquire at the reception desk in the Parish Centre. There are lots of other items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our parish shop which is located in the Parish Center.

Thinking of Getting Married Soon?

Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following:  Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis.  Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this aspect of preparations.

Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. www.gettingmarried.ie is a useful source of information for couples as they plan the big day.

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoon before publication.  Parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page.  

Afternoon Bridge

Join us on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm - 4.30pm in the Parish Centre for an afternoon of bridge.  No partner required.

World Youth Day 2016

World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Poland at the end of July 2016.  Pope Francis will attend the overnight vigil on Saturday and celebrate Mass on Sunday 31^st July.  The Diocese of Ossory invites young people to attend.  Young people (over 18) are invited to make contact through wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (087 242 0033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).

1st Sunday of Advent, 29th November 2015

Today is the First Sunday of Advent

Advent means ‘the coming of’ Christmas.  The feast of the Birth of Christ is coming and we have to prepare for it. We fuss about presents, lights, cards, food, drink and Santa Claus and it is easy to forget the deeper meaning of Advent. We often neglect the spiritual preparation. Advent looks in two directions. During Advent we remember the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem on the first Christmas and we look ahead towards the coming of Jesus again at death and at the end of the world. Our attention is directed towards the fulfilment of God’s plan when His kingdom will come.

Jesus comes to us in every Mass. Let us welcome Him and recall His great mercy and love for us. We ought to spend some time each day of Advent in prayer to obtain a better understanding of the meaning of the coming of Christ. During Advent we have an opportunity to thank God for unending love by sending His son on earth. “Come to us, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ossory Faith Development has prepared a prayer leaflet “A Daily Prayer for Advent.”  Please take one from the back of the church and use it for family prayer.

Celebrating Religious Life in our Diocese

The mark the close of the Year For Religious Life and to celebrate the contribution of religious to our diocesan community there will be a special display by religious orders on this Sunday, 29^th November at St. Kieran’s College from noon until 5.00pm.  Bishop Freeman will lead a concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 5.30pm.  Please come and show your appreciation for the work of religious sisters, brothers and priests in our diocese during the past few hundred years., at present and into the future.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw Results

1st: Sr. Anthony Barlow, Callan. 2nd: Sr. Hannah Frisby, Callan. 3rd: Brendan Murphy, Muckalee. 4th: Marie Delaney, St. Canice’s. 5th: Trish Campion, Johnstown. 6th: Denis Molloy, St. Mary’s. 7th: Dorothy Kennedy, St. Mary’s. 8th: Michael Hoyne. Thomastown. 9th: Gowran Parish. 10th: Eugene O’Donovan. Callan.  Thanks for your support.

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.  Cost is €3.00.

Vocations to Priesthood and religious life

Be on the watch!  Allow God to lead you in the ways of truth and justice.  How is God calling you to serve? If you think God is calling you to priesthood, call Fr. Willie Purcell, Ossory Vocations Director on 056 777 0261 or email ossoryvocdir@gmail.com.

Kilkenny Christmas Tree Festival

An event which displays Christmas trees of all kinds - natural or artificial, big or small, baked or crocheted, metal or paper - all of which have been decorated by our participants.  Coffee shop, seasonal stall, events for children, a class in seasonal decorations and a raffle.  St. Canice’s Cathedral from 11^th to 13^th December.

Talks for Readers of the Word

Ossory Adult Faith Development is holding two talks for  all Ministers of the Word in our parishes. The second talk will take place on Tuesday, 1^st December at 7.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church.  These evenings are intended for those who are already reading at Masses and for those who are starting.  The talks are free, and informative. Readers are encouraged to attend.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Margaret O’Neill, St. Francis’ Terrace. Eamon Walsh, Danesfort.

Months Mind:  Anne Kirwan (Sat 6.15)

Anniversaries: Sr. Joanne Holohan (Sat 7.00). Michael Hickey (Sun 10.00). James Ryan (Sun 10.30). Hugh Tiernan (Sun 11.00). Elaine Kelly (Sun 12.00).  Jeremiah Mullally (Tues 10.30). Patrick Malone (Wed 10.30). John & Brigid Drew (Fri 10.30). Pat Kearney. Tony Bolger. Josephine Randall.  Eileen Barry. Maureen Nolan. Eileen McCormack.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Michael Dullard (Sat 6.15). James Fox (Sat 7.00). James Rafter (Sun 9.30). Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00). Laurence & Maeve Healy (Sun 10.30). Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00). Michael O’Dwyer (Sun 12.00). Eileen & Gerard Moynihan (Sun 12.30).

Parish Carol Service

Our parish choirs are busy practicing for our annual Parish Choir Service which will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown on Sunday, 13^th December at 4.00pm.  Keep the date free.

Coffee Morning

The School of the Holy Spirit will host its annual coffee morning on this Sunday, 29th November between 11.00am and 1.00pm in their School at Seville Lodge, Callan Road.  Enjoy a cuppa, home bakeries and pick up a few bargains and perhaps win a hamper or two.

Christmas Fair

St. Patrick’s Special School, Kells Road will host a fantastic Christmas Fair on next Sunday, 6th December between 2.00 and 6.00pm.  Books, DVDs, CDs, Jewellery, Toys, Paintings, Prints, Cakes, Sweets, Bric a brac, Santa’s Golden Ticket, Nail Painting and Present Wrapping.  Come along and support us.

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

 Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other? Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie

Trócaire Christmas Gift Range

Trócaire has launched it’s Christmas gift range that will directly benefit families in some of the world’s poorest countries. From olive trees for farmers in Palestine (€5/£4) to business support for women in Ethiopia (€250/£200) when you buy a Trócaire gift you're not just giving, you're joining the fight for justice.   trocaire.org/gifts

Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight

50^th Anniversary Gala concert. Carlow Choral Society, Niall Kinsella - conductor. Saturday 12^th December 2015. 8.00 pm in Carlow Cathedral.  All welcome.

Growing up in Callan

A new book on memories of growing up in Callan 70 years ago by Fr. Jim O’Halloran will be launched at Stonehouse Books, Kieran Street on Saturday 5^th of December at 3.00pm.  It is called Giving Life Away: Memories.  It costs €10 and is signed by the author – an ideal Christmas gift for friends abroad.

Book Signing

Fr. Jim O Connell MHM will be in the Cathedral Bookshop to sign copies of his book: A Life to Live – Awakening to God’s Abiding Presence (Columba Press 2015) on the 12^th December from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

Go for Life Games

Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership is organising an Inter County Go for Life Games Day for Over 50s on 3^rd December from 10.30am to 2.00pm in The Watershed. It is free and lunch shall be provided. Open to all Over 50s. You don’t have to be involved in any club or have any experience of sports.    The emphasis of the games is on participation and fun. To register email Michelle with your name and contact information: michelle@krsp.ie or text 087 065 0983.

Gold Star Kilkenny

Gold Star Kilkenny aims to promote the development of universal access at all levels from people with disabilities to our older citizens. We invite you to have your say by attending The Springhill Court Hotel on 30th November from 7.00pm.

Events at Cois Nore

Wednesday, 2^nd December: Coping with Holidays and Family Occasions discussion group at 7.00pm in the Cois Nore Centre. Free; booking essential. 

Sunday, 13^th December: Carols for Cancer with the Kilkenny Gospel Choir and Trish Carroll in Rothe House at 6.30pm. Tickets are €10.

Monday, 21^st December:  Christmas Coffee Morning with Festive Treats, Tea, Coffee and the St John of God School Choir. €5 on the day.  All proceeds will go to Cois Nore.  Details please contact Cois Nore Centre on 056 775 2222 or 085 888 2583.

Knitting Lessons

Interested in learning how to knit?  Warm, friendly, welcoming atmosphere.  Proceeds to Charity. Contact Liz on 086 835 9425 to express an interest.

Silence?

In liturgy, silence is not meant to be an embarrassed, barren or uncontrolled lack of sound which occurs because things have broken down, or no one knows what to do next, but a purposeful period where people communicate in a way that is deeper than words.  For this reason we try to develop in the celebration of our Mass a calmness that provides silence after the readings, after the homily or during or after Holy Communion, so that the powerfulness of God's presence may be sensed in the unique experience of people gathered and being still in silence together.  (Fr. Turlough Baxter)

Papal Blessings

Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop. 

Please enquire at the reception desk in the Parish Centre. There are lots of other items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our parish shop which is located in the Parish Center.

Thinking of Getting Married Soon?

Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following:  Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date.  Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis.  Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date - see www.gro.ie for more information about this aspect of preparations.

Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. www.gettingmarried.ie is a useful source of information for couples as they plan the big day.

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoon before publication.  Parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page.  

Afternoon Bridge

Join us on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm - 4.30pm in the Parish Centre for an afternoon of bridge.  No partner required.

World Youth Day 2016

World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Poland at the end of July 2016.  Pope Francis will attend the overnight vigil on Saturday and celebrate Mass on Sunday 31^st July.  The Diocese of Ossory invites young people to attend.  Young people (over 18) are invited to make contact through wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (087 242 0033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).