The Beginning of Wisdom
The Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher Confucius once told us that it is “By three methods we may learn wisdom:
· first, by reflection, which is noblest;
· second, by imitation, which is easiest;
· and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
For any of us who have experienced hindrance or success, either in an endeavour or in life, this surely rings true. And indeed the Greek Philosopher Aristotle tells us that “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
This reminds me of a little story I heard, which was written by C.L. James. A big cat saw a little cat chasing its tail and asked, “Why are you chasing your tail so?” Said the kitten, “I have learned that the best thing for a cat is happiness, and that happiness is in my tail. Therefore, I am chasing it: and when I catch it, I shall have happiness.” Said the old cat, “My son, I, too, have paid attention to the problems of the universe. I too, have judged that happiness is in my tail. But, I have noticed that whenever I chase after it, it keeps running away from me, and when I go about my business, it just seems to come after me wherever I go.”
Wisdom and happiness often go hand in hand, but sometimes the pursuit of both can wear us out in a seeming unending futile chase. Perhaps in the pursuit of happiness and wisdom, we might take a lesson from our first reading today which portrays wisdom as a lady, inviting us to a feast. At a feast, one normally relaxes, rests and enjoys the fare. Remember wisdom and happiness are like a butterfly which, when pursued, are always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, they may alight upon you!
St. Fiacre’s Well Novena
The annual novena to St. Fiacre begins with rosary and prayers at the well in Kilfera on next Saturday, 22nd August at 8.00pm. This will continue each evening at 8.00pm with concluding prayers and Mass on Sunday, 30th August at 3.00pm. All welcome.
Faith and Family Novena
The annual Knock Novena started on Friday and runs until 22nd August. Daily ceremonies at 3.00pm and 8.30pm. Workshops at 12.00 noon and 6.00pm. This year’s theme is “Faith and Family”. Speakers include: Cardinal Dolan, New York; Archbishop Eamon Martin, Armagh; Bishop Kevin Doran, Elphin; Peter Sutherland, UN Special Representative on International Migration; Joan Freeman, Pieta House. Full programme on www.knockshrine.ie
Our Lady’s Island Pilgrimage 2015
The annual pilgrimage runs from 15th August to the 8th September. Mass and Anointing of the Sick at 3.00pm on Sunday, 16th August. “A Time to Heal” at 8.00pm on Wednesday, 19th August. Closing Ceremony followed by Torchlight Procession at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 8th September. Full programme is available on www.ourladysisland.ie
Legion of Mary Pilgrimage
The Legion of Mary pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Island Wexford takes place on Wednesday, 19th August. Bus leaves the Parade at 5.00pm. For bookings telephone Pat on 056 776 4783 or Kay on 087 942 8305. Fare €10. All are welcome.
Theology Matters!
The Priory Institute invites you to join their enthusiastic student community and study theology from home or in class. Application deadline is 21st September. Email: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com or phone 01 404 8124.
Thinking of Getting Married Soon?
Couples wishing to be married in our parish are asked to note the following: Contact the Parish Office (776 4400) as early as possible to book your preferred date. Bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that it is a civil requirement to inform the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths of your intention to marry at least three months before the date.
Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. www.gettingmarried.ie
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Noreen Faul, College Road. Funeral prayers at Hehir’s Funeral Home at 6.30pm on Monday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Tuesday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Edward Fox, Assumption Place. Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 11.15am on Sunday followed by removal to St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown for 12.00 noon requiem Mass. Internment in adjoining cemetery. Margaret Brett, Newpark. Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 6.00pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. John’s Church. Requiem Mass at 10.30am on Monday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Bernadette Roberts, Goslingstown. Nancy Waters, Ballyraggett. Annmarie Jordan, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Bridget Kelly, Greensbridge. (Sun 12.00). Sr. Alphonsus Sheehy, Callan.
Anniversaries: Kathleen Brophy (Sat 6:15). Patrick Curran & Edna Carolan (Sat 7.00). Evelyn Hughes (Sun 9.30). Davina Crosby (Sun 10.00). Tom Ryan (Sun 10.30). Jim Drohan (Sun 11.00). Eddie Kelly & Bridget Kelly. Margaret Shanahan (Sun 12.30). Bridget Long (Mon 9.30). Moscow Larkin (Wed 10.30). John, Ellen, Pat & Mary Butler (Thurs 10.30). Pat Owens. John & Catherine Waldron. John & Helen Waldron. Christina Gargan. Dick Walsh. Peadar Blanchfield. Ray Bolger. Peggy Ryan. Michael Gibbons.
Intentions for next weekend: Tom & Mary Byrne (Sat 6.15). Paddy McDonald (Sat 7.00). Annie McKenna (Sun 9.30). Mary & John Heslin (Sun 10.00). Paddy Heffernan (Sun 10.30). Tom & Michael Casserly (Sun 11.00). Patsy Ryan (Sun 12.00). Joe McHugh (Sun 12.30).
National Dawn Walk for Cancer
The walk will take place on Saturday morning 22nd August at 5.45am. It is a 10km journey over Mount Leinster, from The Nine Stones to Myshall, Co. Carlow. Walk will be led by Bishop Denis Nulty. Places limited so book early to avoid disappointment. The cost is €10 per adult and €5 per child. Further information and booking: call 085 747 3522. or please see our website at www.nationaldawnwalkforcancer.com.
French Group Visit Parish
A youth group from a French parish will visit our parish on Monday and Tuesday. Made up of about 35 young people and their leaders the group is cycling through the South of Ireland as part of a Summer Camp, Pilgrimage and Spiritual Exercise. They will be accommodated in the Parish Centre on Monday and Tuesday with Latin Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church at 9.00am on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you meet them be sure to make them feel welcome.
Certificate in Theology
Do you want to know more about your faith? Your Church? Its history? Our Bible (Old and New Testaments) Our moral theology? Our liturgy and the sacraments? Or just to know more about the God we pray to. If so why not consider taking part in the Certificate in Theology at St Kieran’s College. A new course starts October 2015 - find out more at www.ossory.ie
Irish National Eucharistic Congress
The Irish Catholic Bishops Conference will celebrate a National Eucharistic Congress on the weekend of 26th -27th September 2015 at Knock Shrine. The Congress will serve both as a spiritual preparation for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress 2016 in Cebu next January and as an opportunity to focus in the light of our Eucharistic communion on some of the important pastoral questions in the life of the Church at this time.
The theme for the National Congress, echoing the theme of IEC2016, is “Christ, our Hope” (Col 1:27). This theme will be reflected in all homilies and presentations given at the Congress. The Congress, which is free of charge, will have a particular focus on Marriage and the Family as well as the Year of Consecrated Life and the upcoming Jubilee of Mercy.
Loughboy Library News
Summer Reading Challenge finishes on 22nd August. Please return completed cards to the library.
Heritage Week - an introduction to Tracing your Family Tree on Tuesday, 25th August. Please book.
Caring For Your Dog: Wednesday, 26th August at 2.30pm.
Typing and Computers
Courses beginning in September. One-to-one or group sessions, beginner and improver levels. Suitable for secondary school and college students, professionals and older people. Call Majella on 086 371 3573 for further information.
Papal Blessings
Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop. Please enquire at the reception desk in the Parish Centre.
There are lots of other items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our parish shop which is located in the Parish Center.
Tommy Fleming In Concert
Early notice of a concert on Thursday 1st October 2015 at 8.00pm at St. Colman’s Church, Conahy Jenkinstown. Tickets available from Post Office, Castlecomer and Ballyragget, and Rollercoaster Records Kilkenny.
Staff Required
The Carers Association are recruiting for Home care workers in the Callan, Kells, Borris, Graiguenamanagh & surrounding areas. If you have completed FETAC level 5 in Healthcare Support or currently working towards it, could you please contact 056 7721424 or email Kilkenny@carersireland.com
Notices for the Newsletter
Please ensure that all notices for inclusion in the parish newsletter are in by Thursday. Parish and diocesan notices take priority.
