A Grain of Wheat Must Die
Unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies,
it remains only a single grain;
but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest.
Every line can be taken and reflected upon in today’s Gospel - the parable of the seed. A grain of wheat must die and be buried before it can reach the next stage of its journey towards fruitfulness. The paradox is how can death be fruitful?
When we experience the death of a loved one, the Gospel encourages us to live through the apparent loss and wait for the new life that is the natural consequence. In nature it is an ever-turning wheel. In the Christian life the signs are not so obvious. We know from our faith that life continues; we are reborn not into another physical journey, but somehow we are caught up into the Divine in such a way that our personal story continues.
What enables us to live in faith is the reflection on our life journey. We can look back and see little deaths, loss of physical ability, loss of dreams, seemingly dead ends, relationships that have ended, all these little deaths have not been an end, but have led us painfully to a new vision of our life.
Of course it takes a while before we can come to recognise this and during the process we have to cope with anger, pain, and depression that can bring us to the edge of despair. If we allow the dying, the fruit will follow.
Jesus, I pray, may your presence encourage me
in good times; and may it be my strength.
Parish Contribution Envelopes
This year’s parish envelopes are prepared and ready for distribution. We ask the usual distributors to please call to the Parish Office from Tuesday to collect envelopes for your assigned areas.
We are in need of volunteer distributers in certain streets, estates, roads, neighbourhoods and townslands in our parish. Volunteers agree to distribute a small number of envelopes to houses in a particular area. Please contact the Parish Office to offer help.
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Anne Kelly, Ballycallan. Anna May Hogan, Keatingstown.
Anniversaries: John & Jack Ryan (Sat 6.15). Chris Kenny (Sat 7.00). Jimmy Waters (Sun 9.30). Billy Norris (Sun 10.00). Denis Kavanagh & Jessica Harper Brennan (Sun 10.30). Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00). Con & Patsy Kenealy & Sue Daly (Sun 12.30). Jane & Henry Glynn (Tues 10.30). James & Mary O’Brien (Wed 10.30). Des Cullen (Thurs 10.30). Tommy Byrne (Fri 6.15). Lou McCarthy. Philip, Johanna & John Larkin. Eamon O’Neill. Adrian Bligh. Paddy Walsh. Kitty O’Neill. Benny Grogan. Catherine & Elizabeth Nolan. Eileen Quigley. Patrick (Rusty) Scanlon. James, Mark & Mary Nugent.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Paddy Tomney (Sat 6.15). Maureen & Jimmy Kelly (Sat 7.00). Michael Whelan (Sun 9.30). Oliver Kelly (Sun 10.00). Milo Dunne (Months Mind) & Maudie Dunne (Sun 10.30). Michael McInerney (Sun 12.00). Breda Walton (Months Mind 12.30).
St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
Now is the time to purchase a ticket in the St. Mary’s Cathedral Refurbishment Draw. Tickets cost €10 are available from all priests and at the Parish Office. The first draw will take place at the Chapter House, St. Mary’s Cathedral at 8.00pm on Wednesday next. All are welcome to attend and refreshments will be served.
Our sincere thanks to the many parishioners who have purchased tickets so far - good luck in the draw.
St. Patrick’s De La Salle Family Fun Run
With the solar eclipse and the spring equinox behind us it is now time for our next cosmic event: the St. Patrick’s De La Salle School Family Fun 5k and 10k Walk or Run. This event takes place on this Sunday morning and starts at James Stephens Club Grounds, Larchfield with 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. Support appreciated.
Fundraising Clothing Appeal
A clothing appeal will be held at the Parish Centre Car Park on Friday, 10th April from 9.30am to 11.30am. Funds raised will assist a young student parishioner who is travelling to Delphi as a Suas volunteer this summer.
This is an ideal opportunity to spring clean your wardrobe while helping young people to realise their full potential in life, and to create positive change in their society. www.suas.ie for more information.
School of the Holy Spirit
On behalf of all associated with the School of the Holy Spirit we wish to say a big thank you to all those who very generously supported our recent church gate collection. All monies will go towards complimentary therapies which all the pupils greatly benefit from. Special thanks to our volunteers who made the collection such a success.
Daffodil Day Service
The annual Daffodil Day Service will take place in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Friday, 27th March at 7.30pm. The service will include the blessing with the first class relic of St. Peregrine and the oil of St. Peregrine from his shrine in Italy. Music ministry by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir. All welcome.
Extra Parish Mass for Lent
We continue to provide and extra weekday Mass for Lent. Mass is celebrated at 6.15pm each Monday to Friday at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Carers’ Association
We have a support group meeting for carers on Thursday, 26th March at 11.00am at The Carers’ Association, Waterford Road, Kilkenny.
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. Contact 056 779 4990.
Towards Peace
“Towards Peace”, a Spiritual Support Service for those whose faith has been damaged by abuse, was launched recently by Bishop Séamus Freeman. “Towards Peace” offers spiritual support for survivors of abuse by Church personnel whose faith has been damaged and who wish to continue their search for meaning and for God. It is a free service for those who have experienced abuse by Church personnel, including former residents of Church run institutions and their families. Enquiries should be made to Sister Mary Whyte, Co-ordinator, Phone: 01 505 3028 or 086 771 0533. www.towardspeace.ie
Cosmology/Spirituality Workshop
Together we will explore Who is God? Who are we? How shall we live?
Workshop facilitated by Colette Cullinan RSM at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Saturday, 18th April from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Cost is €10 - bring your own packed lunch. To book contact 056 772 2870 before 14th April. Sponsored by Sisters of St. John of God.
Spring Is In The Air!
Mary Dillon’s Watercolour Painting Day for beginners and those with experience! At St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Saturdays 28th March, 18th April, 6th June from 10.00am to 3.00pm each day. Contact Mary on 087 222 4260.
Horticultural Society AGM
Kilkenny Horticultural Society Annual General Meeting will be held in Club House Hotel on Thursday 26th March at 8.00pm. Lecture by Eamonn Maher, Arboretum Garden Centre.
Kilkenny Historical Society
The society will hold a lecture entitled “W B Yeats and Irish Politics” on Thursday, 26th March at Mullinavat Parish Hall. Admission €5.00. Members free. Speaker: Dr. Jay Starliper. All welcome.
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.
The Irish Hospice Foundation
is expanding its fundraising team and it is now seeking to appoint: Experienced, energetic people to raise funds in the local area through a variety of fundraising activities canvassing for donors, who are willing to support its work through regular monthly payments.
These positions are self-employed long term.
Excellent communication skills are essential for this role which will involve a variety of fundraising activities. Full training will be provided. For further information contact Mary Tupper 01 679 3188.
