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, 11th 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, 23rd May and Saturday, 20th 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 16th 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, 5th June and each Friday until 10th 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, 17th 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 22nd to 27th 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.
