What Would Jesus Do Today?
Today’s Gospel is a disturbing one and should challenge our very reasons for being part of a worshipping faith community. What would Jesus find in our churches today? Although he probably wouldn't find cattle or sheep, would he find the same attitude - religious rituals being just a business? Is the church building simply a place where people and God take care of business? Can worship become centred on the rituals, the things we do, rather than the God who is present, giving to us and forgiving us in Word and Sacrament?
Can “church as business” be a problem for the “professionals” in the church? Can leading worship for the clergy become simply a job for which we are paid?
It can happen that we think of God more as a vending machine - put in our sacrifices or offerings or good deeds and out comes blessings. We can even misuse our obedience to the Ten Commandments as bargaining chips with God.
Let us worship him in spirit and in truth!
Extra Parish Mass for Lent
Each weekday, Monday to Friday, we have an evening Mass for Lent at St. Fiacre’s Church. This is provided as a way of helping people in their Lenten journey. To date this Mass is very well attended - all are welcome to join us.
Brass and Reed Band Concert
St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will appear in concert in the Watergate Theatre on this Wednesday, 11th March at 8.00pm. Admission €10. The band will be joined by “Tweed” who are currently enjoying a successful tour of Ireland. Come along and enjoy a wonderful evening’s entertainment.
Youth Pilgrimage to Knock
In conjunction with the John Paul II Awards young people aged 16 – 20 are invited to participate in a pilgrimage to Knock on next Saturday, 14th March. Cost €20. Leaving Kilkenny: 7.30am sharp. Director: Fr Willie Purcell, 056 772 1253.
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Alf Duffin, Kickham Street. Michael (Milo) Dunne, Warrington. Therese Quinn, Ardee. Mary Jo Dowling, Borris. Mary Shortall, Blanchfields Park, Clifden. Kathleen Browne, Dunamaggan. Jim Lyons, Callan.
Months Mind: Peter Garrehy (Sun 11.00). Stephanie O’Meara.
Anniversaries: Vincent Morrissey (Sat 6.15). Lulu Lynch (Sat 7.00). Maryanne Tynan (Sun 10.00). Andy Henderson (Sun 10.30). Brian Griffin (Sun 12.00). Michael (Mick) Brophy (Sun 12.30). Bernadette Fitzgerald (Mon 9.30). Tess & Jack Kelly (Tues 10.30). Mary Teresa Drea (Thur 10.30). Bridie Carroll (Fri 10.30). Olive Malone (Fri 6.15). Patrick Leahy. Mick Cahill. Rose Cantwell. Patrick Brennan. Lizzy Ryan. Ellen McCabe.
Intentions for Next Weekend: John Dooley (Sat 6.15). Mary & Michael Brannigan (Sat 7.00). Joseph O’Neill (Sun 10.30). Matthew Gleeson (Sun 12.00). John Barry (Sun 12.30).
Feast of St. John of God
This Sunday, 8th March, is the feastday of St. John of God. However, as it is also a Sunday during Lent the feast is not celebrated liturgically. We join in wishing all the Sisters of St. John of God a very happy feastday and pray God’s abundant blessings upon them and their congregation.
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in the Capuchin Friary on this Sunday, 8th March from 3.00pm - 4.00pm. All are welcome to come and join in the prayer.
Annual Novena to St. Joseph
The annual Mill Hill Missionaries Novena to St. Joseph begins on Wednesday 11th March and continues until Thursday 19th March. Novena Mass and prayers every evening at 8.00pm in the Community Chapel at Mill Hill Missionaries , St. Joseph’s, Waterford Road, Kilkenny. All are welcome.
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
Members of the St. Patrick’s Conference of the Society are providing information leaflets outside our churches today. Those interested in knowing more about St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society and those interested in praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life are invited to take a leaflet.
The monthly meeting of Society will be held in St. Patrick's Parish Centre after 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday 13th March. All welcome.
24 Hours for the Lord
The Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelisation is inviting dioceses and parishes across the world to take part in the ‘24 Hours for the Lord’ initiative for 2015. The initiative was received with great enthusiasm when it was introduced in 2014 and it will be celebrated once again on next Friday, 13th and Saturday, 14th March. The Dominican Black Abbey has taken responsibility for the event in the Diocese of Ossory. Beginning at 5.30pm on next Friday evening and continuing until midnight there will be a programme of Mass, Evening Prayer, Adoration and opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance at the Black Abbey. At midnight the focus will transfer to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at St. Mary’s Cathedral for all night adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Returning to the Black Abbey at 9.00am on Saturday the programme will continue until the Vigil Mass at 6.00pm on Saturday evening. All are welcome to drop in for a time of prayer and reflection and an opportunity to celebrate Christ’s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance.
“But if a person, whether a layperson, priest or sister, goes to confession and converts, the Lord forgives. And when the Lord forgives, he forgets. This is important.” (Pope Francis).
IPT Cake Sale
Fr. Dan and his fellow pilgrims would like to say a sincere thanks to all who supported the Irish Pilgrimage Trust cake sale in the Parish Centre last Sunday.
St. Patrick’s De La Salle Family Fun Run
A Family Fun 5k and 10k walk or run in aid of St. Patrick’s De La Salle School in our parish will take place on Sunday, 22nd March. Race starts at James Stephens Club Grounds, Larchfield. Registration from 10.00am. All welcome - buggies, dogs on lead; fun for all the family. Entry: €10 per Adult; €5 per student; €25 per family or return a sponsorship card. Contact St. Patrick’s De La Salle 056 776 1081 for further information or sponsorships cards.
Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee is inviting applications from parishioners for a sponsored place on this year’s Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400.
Kilkenny Flower Club
Kilkenny Flower Club’s demonstrator on next Thursday, 12th March will be Frances Cosgrave. Competitions: ‘Mardi Gras'’. Visitors is €8.
Loughboy Writers’ Group
This group invites you to the launch of the first issue broadsheet of writings “Writing News” at the Library, Loughboy from 6.00 - 8.00pm on Friday, 20th March 2015. “Writing News” is a free broadsheet.
Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership
The Go for Life Games aim to involve older people in recreational sport and focus on three sports that can be played in singles, pairs and teams. KRSP has two games scheduled for Kilkenny on the 23rd March and 27th April in the Watershed. They can be played in singles and teams. Contact 056 779 4990.
Church Gate Collection
The Kilkenny Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold a church gate collection next weekend.
Thank You
The Thomas Hayes Trust says “Thank You” for your generosity at St. Fiacre’s Church last weekend. €760 was raised for the Trust.
Starburst Easter Camp
30th, 31st March and 1st April. Art, Drama, Music and Games. Suitable for children aged 4 - 12 years. Contact Kate on 085 114 2686 for more details.
Medugorje Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage travels from 12th - 19th of April. Cost is €599. Full religious programme included. Some places are still available. Please contact: Sean Hickey on 086 371 5882.
