St. Brigid – a Woman for our Time
At the present time as we constantly hear stories of global warming and of the damage being done to the earth many people are looking for a spirituality that is inclusive of all creation. St Brigid, with her closeness to nature, makes her very appealing to all people. Those who are concerned about the environment and the future of the earth are inspired by the reverence she showed for all creation. She is being invoked to heal our wounds and green our earth.
St. Brigid was also the foundress of monastic life in Ireland. As abbess of the monastery in Kildare she played a significant role in society and in the church of her time. She was a model of equality and is a powerful symbol of womanhood revealing in many ways the compassionate and feminine face of God.
During the Year of Consecrated Life the Pope is asking all men and women religious to constantly thank God who has called them to follow Jesus. He asks them to reflect on the Gospel and to fully embrace its message and to be witnesses of God's love and mercy throughout the world.
In St Brigid we have the model of someone who lived the Gospel message by her love for God and for all God's people especially the poor and by her love for all creation.
Brigid is known as Mary of the Gael and she is one of Ireland’s patron saints. She was born in Faughart near Dundalk in 451 AD. There are wells dedicated to St. Bridget throughout the country.
St. Brigid’s Day Service
The annual St. Brigid’s Day Service will be held at St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.30pm on this Sunday evening. Water from the well of St. Brigid in Kildare and red flannel will be available at the service. Music ministry by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir.
Senior Citizens’ Party
Many thanks to all who attended and helped out at our annual Senior Citizens’ Party on last Monday evening. A great night was enjoyed by all. A special word of thanks to Marble City Swingers for the music.
Presentation of the Lord - Candlemas Day
This feast is celebrated on Monday, 2nd February. Our Lady offered her Son to God in the temple. As was the Jewish custom, she also offered pigeons, a sign of her purgation. Simeon was happy as he took the child in his arms and thanked God. Anna was also in the temple and she believed and praised God.
Candles are blessed on this day to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Candles (for church and home use) will be blessed at all Masses in the parish. Please place any personal/family candles on the table near the altar before Mass.
St. Blaise , Bishop and Martyr
St. Blaise, whose feast is celebrated on Tuesday, is the patron of those with sore throats and of sick cattle. He was a physician before becoming a bishop. The blessing of St. Blaise, which will be celebrated during all Masses in the parish on Tuesday, is a sign of our faith in God’s protection and love for us and for the sick.
Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from all ailments of the throat and from every other evil, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
First Friday Visits
Frs. Dan and Liam will be making their calls on this Friday, 6th February. Fr. Roderick will attend as arranged with those he visits regularly. Let us know in the office if you would like to be included.
The Kilkenny Solemn Novena
The annual Kilkenny Solemn Novena takes place in St. John’s Parish from this Tuesday, 3rd February to Wednesday, 11th February. Services at usual Mass times on Sundays and on weekdays at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm each day. There will be a number of special events during the novena: Mass and Sacrament of Reconciliation at 7.30pm on Thursday; Mass for children, parents and grandparents at 11.45am on Friday. Mass led by Young People at 7.30pm on Friday. There is a space and a place for all. Everyone is welcome. For further details see flyers in our parish churches.
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Peter Garrehy, 2 Sion Meadows, Sion Road. Reposing at his home from 2.00pm on Sunday with rosary at 7.00pm. Funeral prayers at 11.00am on Monday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church for Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon. Burial afterwards at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Danesfort. Michael Lanigan, Old Callan Road. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Sunday at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Burial afterwards at Foulkstown Cemetery. Christina Lenehan, Freshford Road. Rosa Henry, Broguemaker's Hill. Mary Renehan, Kilree. Mary Mahon, Bennettsbridge. Mary Parker, Assumption Place.
Months Mind: Sr. Brigid Leech (Sat 7.00). Loretta Barr (Sun 10.30).
Anniversaries: Michael White (Sat 6.15). John & Ellen McDonald (Sun 9.30). Lil, Billy & Eamon Costelloe (Sun 10.00). Jim Loughlin (Sun 11.00). Billy Clune (Sun 12.00). Michael Moore (Sun 12.30). Patrick O’Keeffe (Tues 10.30). Con Noonan (Wed 10.30). Daniel ‘Algie’ Lanigan (Thurs 10.30). Rory Quinn (Fri 10.30). Sean O’Grady (Sat 9.30). Jimmy O’Neill. William Culleton. James Hayes. John Quigley. Anne Delaney. Thomas Traynor.. Maura Gaffney, Annie Ruth. James & Mary Hogan.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Teresa Howe, William & Margaret Howe & Mary Mullally (Sat 6.15). Noeleen Flood (Sat 7.00). Rory Quinn (Sun 10.00). Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 11.00). Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00). Mary McHugh (Sun 12.30).
Bridge
Come and enjoy a game of bridge every Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 2.30pm. Everyone welcome. No partner required.
Taizé Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage
The third youth pilgrimage to Taizé in France organised by Ossory Youth and under the patronage of the Bishop of Ossory will take place from 16th to 23th August 2015.
The pilgrimage is open to TY, 5th Year and LC students. Closing date for applications is Friday, 13th February. For information, including application forms: Joseph Mguni, at 056 776 1200 or 087 937 9546.
Coeliac Support Group
The next meeting of the Kilkenny Coeliac Support will take place in St. Patrick's Parish Centre, Loughboy on Monday next, February 2nd at 8.00pm. Any person affected by this disease or looking for information is welcome to attend. Tá fáilte roimh gach duine chuig an gcruinniú seo.
Mill Hill Fathers
A Mass in honour of St Joseph will take place at 8.00pm on the first Wednesday of every month in the Mill Hill Chapel, Waterford Road. The next Mass will be on Wednesday 4th February. Please join with us.
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, 2nd February at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
Art Classes
Art Classes in Watercolour Painting with Mary Dillon. 'Let your creativity flow...!' start at St. Patrick's Parish Centre on Wednesday, 4th February at 10.30am. Contact Mary on 087 222 4260 or dillonmary@eircom.net
Irish Hospice Foundation
Get on your bike for the Irish Hospice Foundation this June (21st-27th) and join former professional cyclist Paul Kimmage on the Genoa to Rome cycle challenge. Register before 13th March: call 890 717 000 or www.hospicefoundation.ie for more information.
Carers Association Open Day
There is an Open Day in the Carers Association Kilkenny on 5th February from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All are invited.
Young at Heart
The Young at Heart Club returns on Wednesday 4th February from 2.30pm - 4.30pm in the Parish Centre.
Koemba Parenting
Beginning at 7:30pm on Tuesday, 24th February in St Patrick’s Parish Centre: Connecting and Communicating With Your Child. Facilitated by parenting expert and author Val Mullally. www.koemba.com or 087 760 9355.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2015
Under the Patronage of the Bishop Seamus Freeman S.A.C., Bishop of Ossory, takes place from May 22nd – May 27th 2015. Cost is €755pps. All bookings for both regular and assisted pilgrims please contact: Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414 or email glenmore@ossory.ie Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10.00am - 2.30pm & Friday 9.15am – 12.15pm (closed on Wednesday).
South Kilkenny Historical Society
The Marlhill Murder and the South Kilkenny connection. Speaker: Mr Eddie Dalton. Thursday, 5th February. Time: 8.00pm. Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall. Admission: €5 (members free). All welcome.
