Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins
Ash Wednesday occurs this week and is the beginning of the Season of Lent. At our morning Masses we will bless ashes and begin our Lenten observance. Please note that pupils from our local schools may be present for the distribution of ashes at 9.30am and 10.30am Masses. If you wish to avoid the large crowds, we have an evening Mass at 6.15pm in St. Fiacre’s Church.
Extra Mass for Lent
As mentioned above, starting on Wednesday there will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent.
Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2015
Pope Francis’ Message for Lent was published by the Vatican on the theme ‘Make Your Hearts Firm’ (James 5:8). The full text is available at www.irishbishops.ie and on our Facebook page.
Do Something Special this Lent!
Many people choose to abstain from alcohol for the duration of Lent. Take this opportunity to help someone you love with an alcohol or drug problem by offering up your sacrifice as a prayer for their freedom and wellbeing. Take the Short-Term Pledge and make a difference to someone’s life! Visit www.pioneerassociation.ie or contact Fr. Liam on 056 776 4400.
Lent Text Message
This Lent why not have a short daily message sent to your mobile phone - a line of scripture or a thought for the day. This will come at no cost to you. If you would like to receive these daily texts text your mobile number to the Ossory Adult Faith Development Group at 085 831 3100 or email afd@ossory.ie or telephone 056 775 3624 or write your mobile number on the sheets provided at the back of the church.
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
The annual Trócaire Lenten Appeal begins on Wednesday. Trocaire Boxes are available at the back of all our churches as a way of helping the needy. Please do take one and use it during Lent.
Parish Pastoral Council
A meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place on Monday, 16th February at 8.00pm in the Parish Centre. Members are asked to attend.
An Evening of Prayer
You are invited to join with neighbours and friends from St. Patrick’s Parish for an Evening of Prayer at Peace in Christ Retreat House, Sion Road on Tuesday 24th February. Peace in Christ has provided guided prayer, retreats, vigils, parish evenings and other spiritual direction since its inception in 1967. Sadly the retreat house is to close this summer so this may be our last opportunity to enjoy the welcome provided by the sisters and staff. Please consider joining in this parish celebration on Tuesday week. The evening starts at 8.00pm and concludes at 10.30pm. Booking is important: please contact the Parish Centre on 056 776 4400.
Altar Servers
We are currently compiling a new rota for Altar Servers in all our churches. If your son or daughter would like to become a server at any of our Masses and has made their First Holy Communion please contact Michelle in the Parish Office on 056 776 4400.
Meet Others Bereaved by Suicide
Kilkenny Bereavement Support will host six nights of Group Support for Adults Bereaved by Suicide in recent times or in the past. It will take place on Tuesday nights commencing on 24th February at 8.00pm at Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road.
The group will provide the bereaved with the experience of a safe and comforting place where they will receive the support of fellow bereaved. The group experience will help participants to understand the grieving process, remember the deceased and discuss coping strategies for difficult times, e.g., special dates and events. For more information please call 056 775 6538 or 087 961 0334.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2015
The diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 22nd to 27th May. Cost is €755pps. All bookings at Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414.
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Joseph Barry, St. Joseph’s Road. Requiem Mass at St. Canice’s Church at 11.30am on Sunday. Mick Loftus, Castlecomer Road. Maura Wall, Gortnahoe. Leo Ryan, late of Kilkenny & Bedford who died in Spain. Funeral arrangements later.
Anniversaries: Tom Kavanagh (Sat 6.15). Michael Walsh & Milo Burke (Sat 7.00). Peggy Shanahan (Sun 9.30). Mickey, Mary & Liam Costelloe (Sun 10.00). Fr. Joe O’Shea (Sun 10.30). Eileen Cummins (Sun 11.00). Paddy Burke (Sun 12.00). Ursula Maher (Sun 12.30). Anne, Johnnie Snr, Tommy, Johnnie Jnr & Miley Delaney (Tues 9.30). Jenny Clancy (Thurs 6.15). Tim & Sarah Drea (Fri 10.30). Philomena Somers (Fri 6.15). Billy Ayres. Peter & Jimmy Browne. Seamus Culleton. John O’Rourke. JJ Murphy. Michael Dargan. Colm Kennedy. John & Bridget Dunne. Ann Somers.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Nicky Healy (Sat 6.15). Stephen Bennett (Sat 7.00). Kitty Morris (Sun 9.30). John Walsh (Sun 10.00). Julia Phelan (Months Mind 10.30). Molay Johnston (Sun 11.00). Rita O’Rourke (Sun 12.00). John Collins (Sun 12.30).
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
St. Patricks Lourdes Committee is now inviting applications from parishioners for a sponsored place on this year’s Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes on May 22nd to May 27th. Please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400 if you know somebody who is ill, elderly or going through a difficult time and who would be interested.
Medugorje Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage travels from 12th - 19th of April. Cost is €599. Full religious programme included. Contact: Sean Hickey on 086 371 5882.
Redefinition of Marriage/Rights of Children
A talk on ‘The Redefinition of Marriage and the Rights of Children’ will take place on Monday, 16th February at 7.30pm in the Marshal Pembroke Suite at the River Court Hotel. Talk presented by Dr. Tom Finegan and Paddy Manning. All welcome!
Journey into Freedom
‘Giving God Another Chance’: For the six Thursdays of Lent starting 19th February in the Capuchin Friary, Kilkenny we will be holding the ‘Journey into Freedom’ course. This comprises of talks, testimonies, discussions, songs and prayer leading towards greater meaning and peace in your life. Starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 9.00pm. Hosted by Parish Cells in Ossory.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration
Bishop Séamus has launched the St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund Draw with the first draw taking place in March. Subscription is €10 per month with an annual prize fund of €60,000.
St. Mary’s Cathedral is the ‘mother church’ of Ossory and it is expected that each parish community will play its part in restoring our magnificent cathedral. Your help is needed. To subscribe please contact the Parish Office or one of the priests. We are also in need of promoters to take cards and recruit subscribers. Please contact one of the priests or the Parish Office if you can help.
Clothing Appeal
A clothing appeal in aid of Friends of Calcutta, will take place in the Parish Centre Car Park on this Thursday from 4.00 - 6.00pm. (www.friendsofcalcutta.net)
Lent: A Time of Preparation
The Gospels tell us that Jesus often left the crowds and spent some time alone praying to the Father. We ought to follow His example. During Lent the Church invites us to turn towards God and away from sin. It is a time of forty days in preparation for the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter. It is one of the most important seasons in the liturgical year in which we are invited to pray, repent and practise self denial. At the beginning of Lent, we are asked to examine our lives, to see if we are serious about following Christ and faithful to our faith.
Let us welcome Lent because it gives an opportunity to repent of our sins and follow the example of Christ who will be with us every step of the way.
Lenten Resources available at www.ossory.ie
Spring Literature Course
Part 2 of our evening course exploring the work of Seamus Heaney and William Trevor begins on Thursday, 19th February. Newcomers welcome. Classes from 7.00 to 9.00pm at Kilkenny Campus, located at St. Kieran’s College. Six-week course fee €100. To book, please email margaret.irish@nuim.ie or call 086 393 5513.
Starburst Easter Camp
30th, 31st March & 1st April. Art, Drama, Music & Games. Suitable for children aged 4-12 years. Contact Kate on 0851142686 for more details.
Irish Hospice Foundation
Get on your bike for the Irish Hospice Foundation this June. Call 890 717 000 or www.hospicefoundation.ie.
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.
Kilkenny Search and Recovery
KSAR would like to sincerely thank you for your financial support and your kind words of appreciation during their recent church gate collection. KSAR provide a voluntary service to the community.
