Pentecost Sunday, 24th May 2015

The Feast of Pentecost

Pentecost Sunday is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday. The Scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles in the form of tongues of fire. Mary, the apostles and the disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit. The Apostles went out immediately spreading the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Through the preaching of St. Peter three thousand were converted to the Church. The Holy Spirit gave the apostles power to go forth and renew the face of the earth. We receive the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation.

On this Pentecost Sunday let us reflect on our Christianity and that we belong to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth who helps us to lead our lives according to the truth.  Praise be to you Holy Spirit. Fill our hearts with your love and your zeal. Make us bearers of the Good News of Christ wherever we are.  May we live in God’s kinship, in God’s love, in God’s will, in expectation of God, in friendship with God, and in God’s care.  Amen.

Parish Pilgrimage to Knock

Our annual Parish Pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Thursday, 25th June.  A coach will leave St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.15am and St. Patrick’s Church at 7.20am. There will be no stops to pick up people.  Tickets cost €15 and are available at the Parish Office only.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.  

Dates For Your Diary

Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown:  Thursday, 30th July, 7.30pm.  Please inform family members who are away from home.

Queen of the May Devotions

May devotions to Our Lady will be held at St. Canice’s Parish at 7.30pm on every Friday during the month of May.

Public Recitation of May Rosary

The Rosary will be recited at the Grotto on the Callan Road every Sunday at 3.00pm during May in honour of Our Lady.  Please join us.

Parish Choir Members

Members of parish choirs are invited to participate in the ordination of Rev. Brian Griffin at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 28^th June at 3.00pm. The first choir practice will be held at  St John’s Church on this Monday at 7.30pm. All choir members will be welcome to come along - it will be a time for choirs to learn new music together and to enrich their own repertoire while at the same time sing together with some great musicians from the diocese.

Refurbishment at St. Patrick’s Church

Work on the bell tower is now complete. Please take the time to view our new slated tower roof, new louvers and painted statue of St. Patrick. 

This Monday, weather permitting, work will begin on the main roof of the church. This will involve stripping the roof  in sections, insulating, weatherproofing and finally the actual slating. The builder proposes starting on the south side (facing Callan) which means entering the church for daily Mass will be through the front main entrance. 

Unfortunately, as the side door will be inaccessible wheelchair access will be restricted.  We encourage wheelchair users to join us in St. Fiacre’s for Mass at 10.30am.  If however, you have your heart set on attending St. Patrick’s Church then please give us advance notice and we will make arrangements for access.  Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and support for this major renovation.  We look forward to completion in July.

Eucharistic Ministers

Ministers who have borrowed a pyx from the parish which they are no longer using are asked to return it to the Parish Office.

Clothing Collection

In aid of the Irish voluntary charity Friends of Calcutta on Wednesday May 27^th in  Parish Centre Car Park from 4.00 to 6.00pm. All items of clothing, footwear, bed sheets, curtains etc. in any condition very much appreciated. For all enquiries please contact Michael Hopkins 087 907 3074. .

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Mary Conroy, Beechpark. Liam Dowling , The Sycamores.

Anniversaries:  Ellen & Denis Garrehy, Ann Conway & Mary O’Meara. (Sat 6.15). William Doheny (Sat 7.00). Joe Davy (Sun 9.30). Una McLoughlin (Sun 10.00). Brigit Barry (Sun 10.30). Bridget Lambert (Sun 11.00). Tommy, Kitty & Martin Phelan (Sun 12.00). Francis McNulty (Sun 12.30). Jim Murphy (Mon 9.30). John Cleere (Wed 9.30). Maurice Nolan & Eamon Leahy (Thurs 10.30). Sean Monahan. Mary Drennan. Philip Morrissey. Bridget Morrissey. Bridget Culleton. Kathleen Molloy. Kathleen King. Brian Mahon. Agnes Dermody. Jack Carroll. Brigid O’Carroll.  Harry Kelly.

Intentions for next weekend: Ita O’Rourke (Sat 6.15). Kathleen King (Sat 7.00). William & Catherine Roberts (Sun 9.30). Blánaid Cleere Manning (Sun 10.00). Dan Fogarty (Sun 10.30). Stella Hynes (Months Mind Sun 11.00). Mary & Peter Henebry (Sun 12.00). Bernadette Gannon (Sun 12.30).

Certificate in Theology

St. Kieran’s College presents a Certificate in Theology Course for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of our religion and church teachings and to enable people to live out their Christian mission within the community.  While the idea is that all participants will receive a certificate at the end of the course there have been several who have simply attended the course not concerned with the marks or accreditation but still getting benefit from the course.  Please call Declan Murphy on 087 908 1470 or Michelle in the Parish Office for information.

Monastic Experience Days

The Poor Clares in Galway are hosting a Monastic Experience Day on Saturday, 20^th June from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  The day is designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out about the Poor Clare way of life.  Information from poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com.

Lough Derg Pilgrimages

Lough Derg pilgrimage season is now open. Contact: 071 986 1518  or email:  info@loughderg.org

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Let us join in prayer and solidarity with those from our diocese who are in Lourdes on our diocesan pilgrimage. On Sunday 24^th  at 7.30am (Irish time) the Grotto Mass in English, involving Ossory, will be streamed on www.en.lourdes-france.  May this annual event bring blessings upon all of us.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw

The May Cathedral Draw will take place at the Chapter Room on Wednesday at 8.00pm.  Subscriptions (€10 per month or €100 for rest of the year) should be with your promoter on Tuesday at the latest. Tickets available at St. Patrick’s Parish Office.

Choral Concert

St. Canice’s Parish Church will hold a concert on Tuesday 2^nd June featuring The Nebraska Honor Choir, The Unity Singers, Sospiro and pupils from St. Canice’s Co-Ed National School in aid of St. Canice’s Homes for the elderly at Troy’s Court. Adm €10 available from St. Canice’s Parish Centre or Troy’s Court.  Please support.

The Thomas Hayes

Members of the Defence Forces, Firemen and Hurlers will take part in a 24 hour Around the Clock Charity Cycle 4.00pm on Friday, 29^th until 4.00pm Saturday, 30^th  at the Town Hall, High Street.  Special guests.

On Sunday 31^st May at 12 noon, Teddy Bears Picnic in the Scouts Den, Bennettsbridge Road.  €10 family entrance fee – Tea/coffee/buns, Face painting, Bouncy castle, Teddy Bear hunt, Toy Stall, games and much more all provided free.   www. thethomashayestrust.com

Contact Angela on 087 656 6377 for more information.

Summer Camp

Starburst Summer Camp is back. 6^th,7^th and 8^th of July. 10.00am - 1.00pm daily in St Patrick’s Parish Centre. The camp is suitable for children aged 4 - 10 years. Art, Music, Drama and Games. Please contact Kate on 085 114 2686.

St. Patrick’s Parish on the Internet

www.patricksparish.com

facebook.com/StPatricksKK

The Carers’ Association Training

Training QQ1 Fetac Level 5 - “Care of the Older Person”.  Commencing Friday, 5^th June and each Friday until 10^th July from 9.30am - 4.00pm.  If interested please contact us at The Carers’ Association at 056 772 1424 or at kilkenny2@carersirland.com

Mass Attendance Census

To facilitate good pastoral planning the Parish Pastoral Council is anxious to calculate accurate figures for Mass attendance in our parish.

We need volunteers to stand at the doors as Mass comes to an end to count the numbers in attendance.  Best practice would suggest we do this on three consecutive weekends so as to calculate an average attendance.  Please call to the sacristy or Parish Office (056 776 4400) and offer your help.

The Ascension of the Lord, 17th May 2015

The Feast of the Ascension

This Sunday in many parts of the world, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. This is one of the great solemnities of the Church because it is one of the great events in the resurrected life of our Lord Jesus.

The first reading is very clear about what happened! Jesus appeared alive to His disciples after He had died on the cross and had been buried. In these appearances, He spoke intimately with His followers about the kingdom of God and its demands on them. And Jesus tells His followers finally to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit that would be sent to them.

The Gospel is even clearer about the demands on the followers of Jesus: they must preach the Gospel to others and certain signs will accompany those who believe: in the name of Jesus they will drive out demons; they will speak new languages; they will pick up serpents with their hands; if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.

The Ascension changes the focus of the faith of the early Church away from the presence of Christ in His own body or in His resurrected body. The focus of the Church after the Ascension is on the presence of Christ in those who believe. Yes, of course, we still have the stunning presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist! However, we who believe now become His mouth for preaching, His hands for healing, His eyes for seeing and His feet for walking.

The Ascension is about the building up of the body of Christ, about attaining the unity of faith and knowledge in Jesus. It’s about maturing in Christ and about becoming completely alive in Jesus Christ. It is not simply a story of the past and yet it points us clearly to the coming of the Spirit so that we, the Church, can become what we are meant to be: His divine presence for all those who do not yet believe and His pardoning presence for those of us who do believe and yet fail.

Dates For Your Diary

Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown:  Thursday, 30th July, 7.30pm.  Please inform family members who are away from home.

Pastoral Letter on Marriage

As the referendum on marriage approaches Bishop Seamus Freeman has published a Pastoral Letter to the People of the Diocese of Ossory.  Copies are available at the back of the churches in our parish.  The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has also published a reflection on the subject and copies are also available this weekend.  Please take copies as you leave the church.  The bishops have also launched a web page, www.meaningofmarriage.ie, which has a lot of information on the topic.

First Eucharist Congratulations

We congratulate the students from St. Patrick’s De La Salle School and St. Patrick’s School, Kells Road who, on Saturday, received the Eucharist for the first time during celebrations at St. Patrick’s Church and St. Fiacre’s Church respectively.  All enjoyed wonderful celebrations and we thank the parents and teachers for their marvellous work in preparing the young people for this special event in their lives.

We pray God’s blessing on all who receive the Eucharist for the first time about now.

Queen of the May Devotions

May devotions to Our Lady will be held at St. Canice’s Parish at 7.30pm on every Friday during the month of May.

Public Recitation of May Rosary

The Rosary will be recited at the Grotto on the Callan Road every Sunday at 3.00pm during May in honour of Our Lady.  Please join us.

Mass Attendance Census

To facilitate good pastoral planning the Parish Pastoral Council is anxious to calculate accurate figures for Mass attendance in our parish.

We need volunteers to stand at the doors as Mass comes to an end to count the numbers in attendance.  Best practice would suggest we do this on three consecutive weekends so as to calculate an average attendance.  Please call to the sacristy or Parish Office (056 776 4400) and offer your help.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Gabriel Doran, Evans Lane and formerly of Larchfield. Joe Coyne, Assumption Place.  Tommy Murphy, Kells. Mary Denieffe, De La Salle Place.

Anniversaries: Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15). John Coppinger (Sat 7.00). Dr. Richard & Lily Purcell (Sun 9.30). Norma Bolster (Sun 10.00). Kathleen Tobin (Sun 10.30). Dave McGrath (Sun 11.00). Patrick O’Connell (Sun 12.00). Andy Lawlor (Sun 12.30). Seamus Kelly (Mon 9.30). Jim Lanigan (Tues 10.30). Patrick Lennon (Wed 10.30). Richard Conway (Fri 10.30). Michael (Mick) Smyth. Sean Monahan. Martin Leahy. Annie Bourke. Molly Owens. Elizabeth Somers. Tom & Oliver Kennedy. Margaret Maher. Helen Maher. Nora Bambrick. Martin Straph.

Intentions for next weekend: Ellen & Denis Garrehy, Ann Conway & Mary O’Meara. (Sat 6.15). William Doheny (Sat 7.00). Joe Davy (Sun 9.30). Una McLoughlin (Sun 10.00). Brigit Barry (Sun 10.30). Bridget Lambert (Sun 11.00). Tommy, Kitty & Martin Phelan (Sun 12.00). Francis McNulty (Sun 12.30). 

Monastic Experience Days

The Poor Clares in Galway are hosting Monastic Experience Days on Saturday, 23^rd May and Saturday, 20^th June from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  The days are designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out about the Poor Clare way of life.  poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com.  

The Carers’ Association Training

Training QQ1 Fetac Level 5 - “Care of the Older Person”.  Commencing Friday, 5^th June and each Friday until 10^th July from 9.30am - 4.00pm.  If interested please contact us at The Carers’ Association at 056 772 1424 or at kilkenny2@carersirland.com

John Paul II Awards

On Saturday evening next Patrick Kennedy and Alan Mooney will receive the Papal Cross Award at a Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Cathedral.  This is the highest award in the John Paul II awards and we congratulate the recipients. 

CHY3 Certificates

The Parish Finance Committee is sending out CHY3  Certs for parishioners’ signatures at the moment.  These enable the parish - at no extra cost to parishioners - to benefit from money already paid to the Revenue Commissioners.  We ask that you sign the forms and return to the Office as soon as possible.

Refurbishment Work at St. Patrick’s

Work continues on St. Patrick’s Church at a slightly slower pace than we expected.  Work is focused on the chimney at the moment and this should be completed soon. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation.

Summer Camp

Starburst Summer Camp is back. 6^th,7^th and 8^th of July. 10.00am - 1.00pm daily in St Patrick’s Parish Centre. The camp is suitable for children aged 4 - 10 years. Art, Music, Drama and Games. Please contact Kate on 085 114 2686 .

Loughboy Library

Bealtaine Festival continues on Fridays at 11.00am. May 22^nd: Healthy Living and Exercise with Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership.

May 29^th: Traditional Irish Music Session & Sing-along. All welcome.

Exhibition: “Flowers for the Honey Bee” by Monica Dunne. Free space available.

Join the Writers’ Group any Thursday at 2.00pm.

Computers Made Easy

One to one tuition or group sessions.  Learn the basics about computers and apply it to your everyday life.  Contact Majella - 086 371 3573.

Speech and Drama

Classes for boys and girls from 1^st to 6^th Class. Developing confidence and communication skills through drama, puppet theatre, mime and public speaking with emphasis on correct speech.  Contact Ann O’Grady 056 776 5282 for more information.

St. Patrick’s Parish on the Internet

www.patricksparish.com

facebook.com/StPatricksKK

First Holy Communion Gifts

Looking for First Holy Communion gifts?  The Parish Shop has been stocked with many items for First Holy Communion.

6th Sunday of Easter, 10th May 2015

What’s in a Name? - I call you Friends

A British publication once offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. The winning definition was the following; “A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”

We all need friends. We need people we can trust and who can trust us. We need people we can rely on and who can rely on us. A servant is told his worth by his pay. A friend is invited into a priceless relationship. A servant is told only what to do. A friend is invited to discuss what needs to be done.

We’ve been chosen to be a friend of Jesus, but it’s our choice whether we accept that relationship or not. This is a risky relationship. When we accept this relationship it confronts us and challenges us. It confronts us with the knowledge that while our friend Jesus promises to accompany us wherever we go, this is a mutual relationship. And in mutual relationships, sometimes, a lot of times, a friend invites, encourages, leads and insists that we accompany them to places we’ve never been before.

Mother Teresa was once introduced to a gathering as “the greatest woman in the world.” But she went on to reply, “I am nothing close to being the greatest woman in the world, but I will tell you the greatest thing about my life. I've been able to be a tiny pencil in the hand of God, someone through whom God writes love letters to the world.”

When we accept and step into the friendship Jesus offers, each and every one of us becomes a tiny pencil through which God can write love letters to the world.

Gaelscoil Osraí Confirmation

Congratulations to the girls and boys of Gaelscoil Osraí on receiving their Confirmation in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday.  A great day was enjoyed by all.  Thanks to the teachers, parents and family members who helped prepare the young people for the sacrament.  We pray that the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit will guide and direct their lives and bring them many blessings.

First Eucharist Congratulations

We congratulate the boys and girls from the School of the Holy Spirit who received their First Holy Communion on Friday, 8th May and the girls of the St. John of God School who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday, 9th May.  Both ceremonies were held at St. Fiacre’s Church.  All enjoyed wonderful celebrations. 

The boys from St. Patrick’s De La Salle will receive the Eucharist for the first time at 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on next Saturday while students from St. Patrick’s School on the Kells Road will receive their First Holy Communion at 12 noon at St. Fiacre’s Church on the same day.  We pray God’s blessing on all who are receiving the Eucharist for the first time about now.

First Holy Communion Gifts

Looking for First Holy Communion gifts?  The Parish Shop has been stocked with many items for First Holy Communion.

Queen of the May Devotions

May devotions to Our Lady will be held at St. Canice’s Parish at 7.30pm on every Friday during the month of May.

Public Recitation of May Rosary

The Rosary will be recited at the Grotto on the Callan Road every Sunday at 3.00pm during May in honour of Our Lady.  Please join us.

Mass Attendance Census

To facilitate good pastoral planning into the future the Parish Pastoral Council is anxious to calculate accurate figures for Mass attendance in our parish.

We need volunteers to stand at the doors as Mass comes to an end and count the numbers in attendance.  Best practice would suggest we do this on three consecutive weekends so as to calculate an average attendance.  Therefore we need nine volunteers at St. Fiacre’s Church, four at St. Patrick’s Church and one at Foulkstown. Please call to the sacristy or Parish Office and offer your help.

The Marriage Referendum

What are the consequences of its passing that we can see?  All are invited to a public presentation by Mr. Patrick Treacy S.C. at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 7.30pm on Monday, 11^th May.  Patrick has written a booklet on the Marriage Referendum and copies are available at the back of our parish churches.  This booklet can also be downloaded at www.integritas.ie by clicking onto ‘Marriage Referendum’ on the left hand side of the homepage.

The Meaning of Marriage

The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has launched a new and interesting web page entitled www.meaningofmarriage.ie in preparation for the forthcoming referendum.  It is well worth a look.

Other material is available at the back of our churches.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Teresa Kelly, College Square.  W. Frank Scott, Broguemakers Hill. Betty Doheny, Fatima Place. Philomena Barry, Bishop Birch Place.  Nichola Tyrrell, Thomas Square.

Months Mind: Anthony Cantwell (Sat 6.15). Sr. Maureen O’Flanagan (Sat 7.00).  Sadie Lawlor (Sun 11.00)

Anniversaries: Mary Cantwell (Sat  6.15). Martin Ryan (Sun 9.30). Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00). Tony Class (Sun 10.30). William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr, Billy, Ann & Martin O’Brien (Sun 12.00). Gerard Carolan (Sun 12.30). Michael Deegan (Tues 10.30). Deceased members of Kilkenny Active Retirement Association. (Wed 10.30).  Eileen Culleton.  Peg & Joe Fleming. Liam Meehan. Rosemary Tierney. Margaret Lawlor. Bernard Rookard. Molly Fitzgerald. John Doheny. Michael Holden.

Intentions for next weekend: Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15). John Coppinger (Sat 7.00). Dr. Richard & Lily Purcell (Sun 9.30). Norma Bolster (Sun 10.00). Kathleen Tobin (Sun 10.30). Dave McGrath (Sun 11.00). Patrick O’Connell (Sun 12.00). Andy Lawlor (Sun 12.30).

Divine Mercy

There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in the Capuchin Friary on this Sunday at 3.00pm.

Our Lady of Fatima

The relics of the Children of Fatima will be available for blessing on the feast of our Lady of Fatima, Wednesday,13th May in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, St. Mary’s Cathedral at 7.00pm. All welcome.

Monastic Experience Days

The Poor Clares in Galway are hosting Monastic Experience Days on Saturday, 23^rd May and Saturday, 20^th June from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  The days are designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out about the Poor Clare way of life.  poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com 

Free Concert

A free concert featuring Inistioge based choir En Caelo, Alpinehornfruenden Belchenland, Germany and the Communications Workers’ Union Band, Dublin will take place in the Black Abbey on Saturday next the 16^th of May at 8.00pm. A wonderful night’s entertainment is assured. Donations to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin.

Loughboy Library

Bealtaine Programme continues with “Make Your Own Natural Beauty Products” demonstration this Friday at 11.00am. All welcome.

Online Resources: ebooks, audiobooks and magazines are available free on www.kilkennylibrary.ie

The Carers’ Association Training

Training QQ1 Fetac Level 5 - “Care of the Older Person”.  Commencing Friday, 5^th June and each Friday until 10^th July from 9.30am - 4.00pm.  If interested please contact us at The Carers’ Association at 056 772 1424 or at kilkenny2@carersirland.com

Kilkenny Alzheimer Society Fun Run

Date: Sunday, 17^th May. Time: 12.00pm. Runners can register online.  Walkers/Fun Runners can register on the day, 10.00am - 11.30am. Entry Fee: €20 for runners and €10 for walkers/fun runners. Stoneyford Village. In Aid of Alzheimer Day Centre & Alzheimer Care in Kilkenny. For sponsorship card/T-shirt: 056 777 1230. 

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Some places are still available on this year’s diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place from 22^nd to 27^th May.  To book your place contact Eleanor in Glenmore Parish on 051 880 414 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10.00am - 2.30pm) or glenmore@ossory.ie

Refurbishment Work at St. Patrick’s

Work continues on St. Patrick’s Church.  The pinnacles have been re-pointed and work has begun on the bell tower and chimney.  Once these are complete the main task of insulating and re-slating the church roof and sacristy will commence.  Work is on schedule and if the weather holds up work should finish on time.  Thanks for your patience and understanding during this time.

Dates For Your Diary

St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: 16th May, 11.00am St. Patrick’s Church.

Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown:  Thursday, 30th July, 7.30pm.

St. Fiacre’s Well Mass:  Sheestown: 30th August, 3.00pm.

5th Sunday of Easter, 3rd May 2015

Gaelscoil First Holy Communion

Congratulations to the children of Gaelscoil Osrai who made their First Holy Communion on Saturday.  Unfortunately the weather was unpleasant but we hope a great day was enjoyed by all.  Well done to all involved. 

The children from Kilkenny School Project will receive the Eucharist for the first time at 12.00 noon Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Sunday.  We wish them God’s blessing.

Bank Holiday Weekend

As this is a bank holiday weekend the only public Mass in our parish on Monday will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am.  There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Fiacre’s Church on Monday.

Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice

Blessed Edmund Rice Memorial Chapel, Westcourt, Callan is presently closed for renovations. Visitors are still welcome to visit the Visitors’ Centre and Edmund Rice Cottage. To celebrate the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice on Tuesday, 5th May Mass will be celebrated in Callan Parish Church at 10.00am.  All are welcome.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The next meeting of the St. Patrick’s Parish Branch of the Society will take place in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on next Friday, 8^th May 8th after 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church.  All are welcome.

Diocesan Draw Results

Congratulations to the following winners in the St. Mary’s Cathedral Refurbishment Draw.  Two of the prize winners purchased tickets in our parish.

€2,000: John Clement, St. John’s Parish.  €1,000: Kitty & John Hanrahan, St. Mary’s Parish.  €500: Fr. Dan Cavanagh, Rosbercon. €300: Kevin Hennessy, St. Patrick’s Parish. Rev. James Nolan, Castlecomer. €200: Gertie Kenna, Ballyraggett. Richard Dore, St. Mary’s Parish. €100: Gowran Parish Fund. Claire McEvoy, Cullahill.  Mary Egan, St. Patrick’s Parish.

Ossory Times Magazine

The latest edition of the Ossory Times is available in the sacristies.  €2.00 each.  This edition documents a significant moment in our diocese: the development of a pastoral plan.  This plan has been shaped slowly through a long process of listening, exploring and only then compiling.  The article offers not only a look back on the work that was done to achieve this but also and more importantly, a glance ahead at the vision the Ossory Pastoral Council has shaped for the diocese and its people for the years ahead.

Mill Hill Missionaries Mass

Mass in honour of St Joseph will be celebrated at the Mill Hill Chapel, Waterford Road at 8.00pm on this Wednesday, 6^th May. Please join us.

First Holy Communion Gifts

Looking for First Holy Communion gifts?  The Parish Shop has been stocked with many items for First Holy Communion.  Medals, rosaries, prayer books, cards etc and a wide range is available.

Public Recitation of May Rosary

The Rosary will be recited at the Grotto on the Callan Road every Sunday at 3.00pm during May in honour of Our Lady.  Please join us.

The monthly recitation of the Rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 3^rd May at 3.00pm. 

Queen of the May

May devotions to Our Lady will be held at St. Canice’s Parish at 7.30pm on every Friday during the month of May. 

Refurbishment Work at St. Patrick’s

Work continues on St. Patrick’s Church.  The pinnacles have been re-pointed and work has begun on the bell tower and chimney.  Once these are complete the main task of insulating and re-slating the church roof and sacristy will commence.  Work is on schedule and if the weather holds up work should finish on time.  Thanks for your patience and understanding during this time.

The Meaning of Marriage

The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has launched a new and interesting web page entitled www.meaningofmarriage.ie in preparation for the forthcoming referendum.  It is well worth a look.

There is other material related to marriage available at the back of our churches.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Rose Lawless, late Larchfield and Chapelizod, Dublin. Requiem Mass at St. Joseph’s Church at 10.00am on Sunday. Luke Bateman, late Upper Patrick Street.  Stella Hynes, Mayfield.  Brenda McGuinness, Maudlin Street. Seamus Murphy, Newpark. Reposing at his home.  Prayers at 9.30am on Monday followed by removal to St. John’s Church for 10.30am Requiem Mass.

Anniversaries: Patrick Dorney & Ted O’Dwyer (Sat 6.15). Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00). John Byrne (Sun 10.00). Paddy Ryan (Sun 10.30). Mary Glennon (Sun 11.00). Mary Marnell (Tues 10.30). Sheila Lennon & Agnes Hanrahan (Wed 10.30). Helen Renehan (Thurs 10.30). Gretta Brett.  Elizabeth O’Keeffe. Bridget Maher.  Bernard Rookard. Michael O’Hara. John & Elizabeth Tynan. 

Intentions for next weekend: Anthony Cantwell (Months Mind) & Mary Cantwell (Sat  6.15). Sr. Maureen O’Flanagan (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Martin Ryan (Sun 9.30). Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00). Tony Class (Sun 10.30). Sadie Lawlor (Months Mind 11.00). William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr, Billy, Ann & Martin O’Brien (Sun 12.00). Gerard Carolan (Sun 12.30).

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Some places are still available on this year’s diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place from 22^nd to 27^th May.  To book your place contact Eleanor in Glenmore Parish on 051 880 414 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10.00am - 2.30pm) or glenmore@ossory.ie

Donation Thanks

Sincere thanks to a parishioner for a donation of €1,200 towards the re-slating of St. Patrick’s Church.  Every Euro helps towards defraying the costs estimated at over €200,000.00.

I Am The Vine: You Are The Branches

Our Easter celebration continues, even as nature, bursting out in colour and song, shares and expresses our inner joy. Equally, we are reminded that we are all interconnected to each other and all God’s creation, in Christ.

We are also now in Mary’s Month of May and should ask her to deepen our sense of being one family of faith and hope in the Church.  Mary is, in fact and faith, Mother of the Church, so let us share her joy in her risen Son by humming, as we go along, the May favourite:

“O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today,

Queen of the angels and Queen of the May.”

Entwined in her Son and each other through our Eucharistic living, may our joy be contagious! Happy Easter Season and Happy Mary’s May.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes

We are about to close the Trócaire Parish Account for this year.  Outstanding boxes should be returned to the Parish Office before next Sunday.  Thank you.

Choral Concert

The Kilkenny Choir will present a concert in St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny on Saturday, 9^th May at 8.00pm. The Choir will be accompanied by professional soloists and large orchestra and will sing Schubert’s Mass in A flat major and Intende Voci. Conductor: Philip Edmondson.  €20/€15 at the door.

Kilkenny Alzheimer Society Fun Run

Date: Sunday, 17^th May. Time: 12.00pm. Runners can register online.  Walkers/Fun Runners can register on the day, 10.00am - 11.30am. Entry Fee: €20 for runners and €10 for walkers/fun runners. Stoneyford Village. In Aid of Alzheimer Day Centre & Alzheimer Home Care in Kilkenny. For sponsorship card and T-shirt: 056 777 1230.

Kilkenny Alzheimer Tea Day in St Patrick’s Parish Centre on Thursday, 7^th May  10.00am - 1.00pm. All welcome. Proceeds to local services for people living with Alzheimers/Dementia. Information: 056 777 1230.

Dates For Your Diary

Gaelscoil Confirmation: 9th May, 11.00am, St. Mary’s Cathedral.

St. John of God First Holy Communion: 9th May, 11.00am, St.  Fiacre’s, Loughboy.

St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: 16th May, 11.00am St. Patrick’s Church.

Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown:  Thursday, 30th July, 7.30pm.

St. Fiacre’s Well Mass:  Sheestown: 30th August, 3.00pm.