Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 20th September 2015

Ossory Coach to Eucharistic Congress

The National Eucharistic Congress, in preparation for the main event in the Philippines in January 2016, will be held in Knock on next Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th September. The theme of the Conference is Hope and Mercy.  The Diocese of Ossory is sending an official coach on Saturday, 26^th September.  Fr. Brian Griffin, St. John’s Parish, will accompany the faithful on the coach.  Bishop Freeman will attend the Congress and will meet the Ossory group in Knock. Collection point: 7.00am; Loughboy Car Park, Kilkenny. 7.20am; The Square, Ballyragget.  Cost: €13.00 per person.  Contact: Marian Fennelly at 086 069 3510.  The coach will stop in Moate both ways of the journey.

Altar Servers

Applications forms for new altar servers are now available from the Parish Office.  All boys and girls from 4^th class upwards who have received their First Holy Communion can become an altar server in our parish.  Please note that current altar servers will need to complete the application forms also. 

A.C.T.S. Retreat

The A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) Retreat is a spiritual retreat weekend. The ACTS Team mission is to provide the retreatants a time of reflection, prayer and insight to help them rediscover a new trusting relationship with God, their families and their community. It will foster a spiritual awakening that will be an ongoing witness to all. It is a time to relax and get to know yourself better and to develop friendships with other men from our community.  The retreat will take place on 15 - 18^th October at the De La Salle Pastoral Centre, Castletown, Co. Laois.  For more information please text or call: Joseph Mahon 086 775 8709, Jim Maher 086 127 6649 or Trevor Hayes 086  240 9615.

Camphill Communities Open Day

The annual open day at the Camphill Community in Ballytobin, near Callan, takes place on Sunday, 20^th September from 2.00pm - 5.00pm. 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Eileen McGrath, Ormonde Road. Rosary at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 8.00pm on Sunday.  Funeral prayers at 9.45am on Monday followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church for Requiem Mass at 11.00am.  Burial at Foulkstown. Catherine O’Keeffe, Melville Heights.

Months Mind: Tony White (Sat 7.00).

Anniversaries: Eugene & Paddy Somers. (Sat 6.15). Edward McPhillips, Patrick Johnston. (Sat 7.00). Patrick & Sarah Leahy (Sun 9.30). Ciss Holland (Sun 10.30). Mary Ward (Sun 12.00). Milo Grogan (Sun 12.30). James & Mary Long (Tues 10.30). David O’Rourke. Paddy Larkin. Jimmy Owens. Syd & Elizabeth Bluett. Anna Beale.  Josephine Neary. Bridget Cahill. William & Elizabeth Tyrell.

Intentions for next weekend: Christy Kerwick (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Patrick Murray (Sat 7.00). Helen Kelly (Sun 10.00). Ann Kavanagh (Sun 10.30). Noreen Faul (Months Mind Sun 11.00). Peter Gaule (Sun 12.00). Margaret Jones (Sun 12.30).

May they rest in peace.

Loreto Secondary School

The closing date for application for a First Year place is Wednesday, 7th October 2015.  Application forms and admissions policy can be obtained from our website at www.loretokk.ie or from the school office. 

Open night for 6th Class Girls will take place on Wednesday, 23rd September at 6.30pm. This is a ticketed event and tickets are available by either emailing your request to office@lorettokk.ie or by calling to the school office.

CBS Secondary School

The Parents’ Council of CBS Secondary School, Kilkenny will hold its AGM on Tuesday, 6^th October at 7.30pm in the school.

Dr. Fergus Heffernan will give a talk to parents following the meeting, at 8.00pm.

We look forward to seeing you on the night.  All welcome.  No Fee.

Care for our Common Home

The Association of Catholics in Ireland is hosting a discussion  on the recent encyclical from Pope Francis Laudato si (on the Care for our Common Home -the Environment) on Thursday 15^th October at 8.00pm in the Parish Centre, Leighlinbridge. Speakers: Fr. Sean McDonagh SSC, the well-known environmentalist who advised the team drafting the encyclical and a speaker from Concern.  All welcome.

Climate Change and Farming

The Environment Committee of the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory is holding a conference to raise awareness of the issues surrounding Climate Change and Farming. The Conference will be held in Kilkenny College on Saturday 3rd October  at 2.00pm.  The whole area of climate change is something which concerns everybody and which the Pope has recently addressed.  All welcome.

SOS needs Volunteers

Do you have 2 hours a fortnight to spare helping someone to become an active member of the community?  If you do, please contact Sinead Mehigan. 056 776 4000. Email smehigan@soskilkenny.com

September Literature Course

Explore the poetry of WB Yeats and Seamus Heaney in evening classes suitable for all levels. Eight-week course starts Thursday, 24^th September from 7.00 - 9.00pm at Kilkenny Campus at St Kieran’s College. Fee €120, incl. tea/coffee. Email margaret.irish@nuim.ie or call 086 393 5513.

Historical Society Lecture

O Donovan Rossa Commemorated: Speaker: Mr Gabriel Doherty (UCC). Date: Thursday, 24th September. Time: 8.15pm. Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall. Admission Free. All welcome.

The lecture will be preceded, at 8.00pm, by the launch of the Society’s 1916 Commemoration Programme by Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Chairperson Kilkenny County Council.

Inquisitive about the Priesthood?

Why not join us at St. Mary’s Cathedral for our Vocations Open Day on Sunday, 4th October from 2.00 to 4.00pm.  Informal talks, testimonials and refreshments.  Further information from Fr. Willie Purcell on 087 628 6858 or ossoryvocdir@gmail.com

Future of Our Church

A series of three important public talks will begin at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday, 28^th September at 8.00pm.  First talk: “A poor Church for the poor.” What is our call/response?  Speaker: Fr. Peter McVerry.  Admission €10 per talk or €20 for series.

Fibromyalgia Support Group

Meetings held each Saturday in Ossory Park Community Centre, near Nowlan Park, at 2.30pm. All newcomers are welcome for tea/coffee and chat, sharing of advice. Guest speakers/therapists to be scheduled. Please contact Doris on 086 234 6491or Tommy on 086 108 0291 for further information.

Annual Memory Barrow Walk

The FirstLight Annual Memory Barrow Walk is taking place on Saturday 26^th September from 10.00am. Spend the day walking the Barrow in memory of a loved one. FirstLight supports suddenly bereaved parents nationally. To register call Margaret on 01 8732711 (9.00am -1.00pm).

Papal Pastoral Visits

This week (19^th to 27^th September) Pope Francis will visit Cuba and the United States of America.  Let us pray for the success of these visits and for safety and protection for our Pope.

Heavenly Father,

be pleased to bless and protect our Holy Father, Pope Francis, whom you have chosen as the successor of St. Peter as the chief minister of unity and charity in the Church. Keep him safe in holiness of life and in wise fulfillment of his awesome responsibilities.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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.

Thank you for your support

The Ray of Sunshine Foundation would like to thank St Patrick's Parish for their generous support at last weeks church gate collection. St. Fiacre's raised €638.75 and St. Patrick's raised €187.18, total of €825.93 towards the very worthy cause of a rescue centre for children caught up in the sex trafficking industry. The foundations for this centre have already been laid down and the building will commence in January 2016.

Monastic Experience Days

The Poor Clares in Galway are hosting a Monastic Experience Day on Saturday, 26^th September from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  The day is designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out more about the Poor Clare way of life. To book a place: poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com

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 - see www.gro.ie for more information about this aspect of preparations.

Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. www.gettingmarried.ie is a useful source of information for couples as they plan the big day.

Certificate in Theology

Do you want to know more about your faith? Your Church? Its history? Our Bible? Our moral theology? Our liturgy and the sacraments?  Or just to know more about the God we pray to.  Why not consider taking part in the Certificate in Theology at St Kieran’s College.  A new course starts October 2015 - more at www.ossory.ie 

Tommy Fleming In Concert

Early notice of a concert on Thursday 1^st October 2015 at 8.00pm at St.  Colman’s Church, Conahy Jenkinstown.  Tickets available from Post Office, Castlecomer and Ballyragget, and Rollercoaster Records Kilkenny.

Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 13th September 2015

Ossory Coach to Eucharistic Congress

The National Eucharistic Congress in preparation for the main event in Cebu, Philippines in January 2016 will be held in Knock on Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th September. The main theme of the Conference is Hope and Mercy.  The Diocese of Ossory is sending an official coach on Saturday, 26^th September 2015.  Father Brian Griffin, St. John’s Parish, will accompany the faithful on the bus.  Bishop Séamus Freeman will attend the Congress and will meet the Ossory group in Knock.

Collection point: 7.00am; Loughboy Car Park, Kilkenny. 7.20am; The Square, Ballyragget.  Cost: €13.00 per person.  Contact: Marian Fennelly at 086 069 3510.  The coach will stop in Moate both ways of the journey.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Jimmy Long, Maple Drive. Sean Curran, Connolly Street. Alice Stapleton, St. Francis Terrace. Mona Lambe, Monaghan. Josephine Hoyne, Dublin Road.  Mary Cotter, Cork. Dr. Martine Millet-Johnston, Bennettsbridge.

Anniversaries:   Sean O’Keeffe (Sat 6.15). Chrissie Scott (Sat 7.00). Mary & Joan Bissett (Sun 9.30). Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00). Eileen Barham (Sun 10.30). Matthew Dwyer (Sun 11.00). Catherine Grace (Sun 12.00). Lillie Coyne (Sun 12.30). Rita McCarthy (Wed 10.30). Marian Lennon (Thurs 10.30). Ciss Holland (Fri 10.30). Ger Kavanagh. Billy & Statia Tallent. Molly Browne. Sally Holden. Kathleen Murphy. Maureen Holden. Margaret Morris. Anastatia Ayres. Tom Little. Mary Cotter.

Intentions for next weekend: Eugene & Paddy Somers. (Sat 6.15). Edward McPhillips, Patrick Johnston  & Months Mind of Tony White (Sat 7.00). Mary Ward (Sun 12.00). Milo Grogan (Sun 12.30).

SOS needs Volunteers

Do you have 2 hours a fortnight to spare helping someone to become an active member of the community?  If you do, please contact Sinead Mehigan. 056 776 4000. Email smehigan@soskilkenny.com

Monastic Experience Days

The Poor Clares in Galway are hosting a Monastic Experience Day on Saturday, 26^th September from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  The day is designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out more about the Poor Clare way of life. To book a place: poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com

Divine Mercy

An hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy will take place in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday, 13^th September from 3.00 - 4.00pm. 

Solidarity  with Syria

Carlow/Kilkenny Solidarity with Syria is one of a number of groups taking initiatives collecting and fundraising to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need.  On Saturday, 19^th September they are holding a collection day for Calais in St. Canice’s Parish Hall on the Granges Road from 10.00am until 2.00pm.  It is hoped donated items will be packaged and forwarded on to Cork for a convoy of goods which leaves on 24^th September.  Full details of items that we can receive are on the Drop Off Day for Calais Facebook page and will be published in the Kilkenny People this week.

Understanding the Suicidal Mind

Kilkenny Bereavement Support is hosting a free public talk, “Understanding the Suicidal Mind” on Thursday, 17^th September at 7.30 in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny.  It will be given by leading psychologist, Dr. Eoin Galavan. He will explain what happens in the suicidal mind and how we can understand the psychology behind the suicide. All welcome.

Irish Patchwork Society

Meetings every 3^rd Thursday of the month in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre from 7.30pm. For further information: 086 608 9828.  All are welcome.

Loughboy Library

Summer Reading Challenge: awards day and crafts on Thursday, 17th September from 10.00am.

Culture Night: Ceolaltas Ceoltoirí Ēireann will perform from 6.30pm. All welcome.

Climate Change and Farming

The Environment Committee of the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory is holding a conference to raise awareness of the issues surrounding Climate Change and Farming. The Conference will be held in Kilkenny College on Saturday 3rd October  at 2.00pm.  The whole area of climate change is something which concerns everybody and which the Pope has recently addressed.  All welcome.

Seeking Refuge

Trócaire is calling on the Dáil to be recalled early to establish an immediate and effective response from Ireland. The people of Ireland have made it clear that they want to help distraught refugees arriving in Europe and are looking for leadership on how we as a nation can act. In the past year, 3,573 people have died attempting to reach Italy, Greece and Spain by sea, an average of ten people a day. This is both a humanitarian crisis and a crisis of humanity. The EU must apply humanitarian standards to save lives, protect those most vulnerable and reduce the scandalous suffering being met by refugees reaching European borders.

Trócaire is responding to the growing needs of extremely vulnerable refugees in partnership with Caritas Serbia and has allocated €50,000 so far to provide sleeping bags and raincoats, hygiene kits, health services and psychosocial support. Trócaire also works with partners in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Somalia, which are burdened by protracted conflicts and in Jordan and Lebanon, countries which are hosting 1.75 million Syrian refugees. 

You can donate to Trócaire by phone or online: 1850 408 408 and www.trocaire.org

Cooking with Kangen

At the Village Inn, Patrick Street on Monday, 14^th, at 1.30pm and 6.30pm executive chef John Flynn will cook a delicious dish showing how alkaline ionized water gives you healthier, cleaner, tastier food. Feel free to bring along a sample of water for testing.

A.C.T.S. Retreat

The A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) Retreat is a spiritual retreat weekend. The ACTS Team mission is to provide the retreatants a time of reflection, prayer and insight to help them rediscover a new trusting relationship with God, their families and their community. It will foster a spiritual awakening that will be an ongoing witness to all. It is a time to relax and get to know yourself better and to develop friendships with other men from our community.  The retreat will take place on 15 - 18^th October at the De La Salle Pastoral Centre, Castletown, Co. Laois.  For more information please text or call: Joseph Mahon 086 775 8709, Jim Maher 086 127 6649 or Trevor Hayes 086  240 9615.  A representative of ACTS will provide some further information at all Masses this weekend.

Camphill Communities Open Day

The annual open day at the Camphill Community in Ballytobin, near Callan, takes place on Sunday, 20^th September from 2.00pm - 5.00pm. This is an important fund-raising occasion for our community which cares for children and adults with special needs.

Stop Smoking Group

The HSE is running a free 6 week stop smoking group at St Patricks Parish Centre, Loughboy.  Starting Date: Thursday 17^th September. Time: 7.30pm – 8.30pm. Topics which will be covered: benefits of quitting, tobacco addiction, nicotine replacement therapies, healthy eating and physical activity while quitting, managing stress. If you would like to attend this course please contact Bernie O’ Brien. Phone 056 773 4863 or email bernadette.obrien1@ hse.ie 

Certificate in Theology

Do you want to know more about your faith? Your Church? Its history? Our Bible? Our moral theology? Our liturgy and the sacraments?  Or just to know more about the God we pray to.  Why not consider taking part in the Certificate in Theology at St Kieran’s College.  A new course starts October 2015 - more at www.ossory.ie 

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 - see www.gro.ie for more information about this aspect of preparations.

Contact the parish where you now reside where pre-marriage papers will be prepared for forwarding to the place of marriage. www.gettingmarried.ie is a useful source of information for couples as they plan the big day.

Church Gate Collection

The Ray of Sunshine Foundation will hold a church gate collection this weekend to aid in the building of a Rescue Centre for Children in Mombasa, Kenya.

Tommy Fleming In Concert

Early notice of a concert on Thursday 1^st October 2015 at 8.00pm at St.  Colman’s Church, Conahy Jenkinstown.  Tickets available from Post Office, Castlecomer and Ballyragget, and Rollercoaster Records Kilkenny.

Theology Matters!

The Priory Institute invites you to join their enthusiastic student community and study theology from home or in class.  Application deadline is 21^st September.  Email: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com or phone 01 404 8124.

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.

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, 6th September 2015

Come on the Cats !!!

We wish the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team and management the best of luck in the All Ireland Hurling Final against Galway this Sunday.  In particular we wish Brian Cody and the panel members from St. Patrick’s Parish the very best of luck.  Let’s bring Liam home!!!!!!

Parish Celebration of Consecrated Life

A special Mass will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday evening in St. Patrick’s Church.  This Mass is a celebration of all those in consecrated life in our parish and as an appreciation of the contribution they have made and continue to make in our community.  We are blessed to have members of the St. John of God Congregation, the Religious Sisters of Charity, the Mercy Congregation and the Mill Hill Missionaries living and working among us. All parishioners are invited to come along and show our appreciation for our local religious.

Parish Choirs

All the members of our parish choirs are invited to a practice at 6.30pm on Tuesday evening in St. Patrick’s Church.  The combined choirs of the parish will provide the sacred music for the celebration of Mass for Consecrated life.

Refreshments After Mass on Tuesday

The holiday season is over and we are again in a position to offer light refreshments after our Tuesday morning Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church.  When you have finished in church on a Tuesday morning feel free to proceed to the Parish Centre for a tea or coffee and a chat with neighbours and friends.

Public Recitation of the Rosary

The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 6^th September at 3.00pm.  All are welcome. 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Christy Kerwick, Sycamore Drive. Eileen Gibbons, St. Theresa’s Terrace.  Mona Lambe, Smithboro, Monaghan. Norah McGrath, Clogh. Maureen Cuggy, Newpark. Requiem Mass at Freshford at 11.00am on Monday.  Michael Keith, Ballyraggett.

Months Mind: Paddy Henderson (Sun 12.00).

Anniversaries:   Eileen Lacey (Sat 6.15). William (Bill) Hackett (Sat 7.00). Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 11.00). Bernard, Margaret, Brian & Anthony Casey. Daniel Johansen. Jane Casey Duggan & Peter Duggan (Sun 12.30). Bill & Gretta Delaney (Tues 9.30). John & Helen Corrigan (Tues 10.30). Michael Reddy (Fri 9.30). Catherine Carroll. Michael & Bridget Slattery. Catherine (Kitty) Ralph. Joe Dunne. John & Mary Brennan.  Annmarie Manogue. Paddy Ryan.

Intentions for next weekend: Sean O’Keeffe (Sat 6.15). Chrissie Scott (Sat 7.00). Mary & Joan Bissett (Sun 9.30). Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00). Eileen Barham (Sun 10.30). Matthew Dwyer (Sun 11.00). Catherine Grace (Sun 12.00). Lillie Coyne (Sun 12.30).

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The AGM of the St. Patrick’s Parish Branch of the society will be held in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday next 11^th September.  All are welcome.

Vocations Awareness Afternoon

An afternoon of conversation and reflection for men 18+ on becoming a priest in the Diocese of Ossory will take place in the Chapter Room, St. Mary's Cathedral on Sunday 4^th October from 2.00 to 5.00pm. Information: Fr. Willie Purcell, Vocations Director on 087 628 6858 ossoryvocdir@gmail.com

Monastic Experience Days

The Poor Clares in Galway are hosting Monastic Experience Days on Saturday, 26^th from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  The days are designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out more about the Poor Clare way of life. To book a place contact:     poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com

Fr. Joseph Lubula

Fr. Joseph Lubula from Uganda continues to live and work on temporary mission in our parish.  Thanks for the warm welcome he has received to date.

Eucharistic Congress Knock

The Eucharistic Congress in preparation for the main event in Cebu, Philippines in January 2016 will be held in Knock on Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th September. The main theme of the Conference is Hope and Mercy. Many eminent speakers will give the talks and conduct workshops.  A bus will leave from outside St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy on Saturday 26^th September at 7.00am to enable people to participate in the events. All are welcome. Cost €20.

Young at Heart

The Young at Heart Club resumes on Wednesday, 9^th September at 2.30pm in the Parish Centre.

Young People Volunteer in the Parish

Would you like to become an altar server or junior reader? Please let us know through the Parish Office at 056 776 4400. We are particularly keen to invite children who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2016. Being an altar server is a good way to put your Confirmation commitment into practice. Training will be provided for all new readers and altar servers. 

St. Fiacre’s Well Celebrations

We had record crowds at St. Fiacre’s Well for all our celebrations up to and including our annual outdoor Mass last weekend.  Thanks to all who attended.  A special word of thanks to the landowners and local committee for facilitating and organising the events.

Thanksgiving for Peace in Christ

We appreciate the efforts of all from our parish who attended the recent celebrations to give thanks for almost a half century of ministry at Peace in Christ.  As a parish community we gained a lot from the dedication and work of the sisters and staff - it was good to have an  opportunity to say “Thank you”.

Understanding the Suicidal Mind

Kilkenny Bereavement Support is hosting a free public talk, “Understanding the Suicidal Mind” on Thursday, 17^th September at 7.30 in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny.  It will be given by leading psychologist, Dr. Eoin Galavan. He will explain what happens in the Suicidal Mind and how we can understand the psychology behind the suicide.  All are welcome.

Welcome Back

We are delighted to welcome the various choirs as they return to enhance our weekend worship following the summer break.  Your contribution is appreciated.  All our choirs welcome new members and this is a particularly appropriate time to join.  Approach a member of whichever choir you are interested in.

Speech and Drama

A confidence building course for boys and girls from 1^st to 6^th class with emphasis on correct speech and communication skills.; 5^th & 6^th class: public speaking; 1^st to 4^th class: drama, puppet theatre, mime and speech games in a fun setting.  Ann O’Grady 056 776 5282.

St. Patrick’s Boxing Club

St Patrick’s Boxing Club, established in 1946, is opening its new full time gymnasium on next Tuesday, 8^th September at 7.00pm. Training schedule:  Mondays to Fridays 7.00pm to 9.00pm for both boys and girls.  Adult classes available.  New members welcome for the coming season. Contact Coach: 086 803 2069. 

Free Dementia Workshop

Home Instead Senior Care is hosting a free Dementia Workshop based on our CARE: Changing Ageing Through Research and Education educational programme. This is a training programme for professional CAREGivers and we want to make it available to family carers in the community.  Date: Wednesday 9^th September. Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm. Location: Butler House, Patrick Street. To book your place or register for future dates contact: 056 780 0508 or enda.bohan@homeinstead.ie ,  www.homeinstead.ie

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.

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 

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

Theology Matters!

The Priory Institute invites you to join their enthusiastic student community and study theology from home or in class.  Application deadline is 21^st September.  Email: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com or phone 01 404 8124.

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 1^st October 2015 at 8.00pm at St.  Colman’s Church, Conahy Jenkinstown.  Tickets available from Post Office, Castlecomer and Ballyragget, and Rollercoaster Records Kilkenny.

Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 30th August 2015

Fr. Joseph Lubula

This weekend we welcome Fr. Joseph Lubula to our parish.  Fr. Joseph is a Ugandan priest ordained in 2010 for ministry in the Lugazi Diocese.  He is currently a student priest in Rome where, at his bishop’s request, he is pursuing further studies in social communications at the Pontifical Salesian University.  He has already served as assistant priest in two Ugandan parishes for a period of  four years and as Director of Communications for his diocese for four years.  Fr. Joseph will be with us for the month of September experiencing life in an Irish parish community and perhaps learning a little about hurling before he returns to his studies in early October.  Please make him feel welcome in our community.

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena and Mass

The annual novena to St. Fiacre concludes with prayers and Mass at the well on this Sunday, 30th August.  The prayers start at 3.15pm and the Mass follows at 3.30pm.  We invite you to come and join with us in this celebration which has continued uninterrupted for generations.

There is a very interesting and informative article and photographs of St. Fiacre’s Well at:

http://irelandsholywells.blogspot.ie/2012/07/saint-fiacres-well-kilkenny.html

Prayer to St. Fiacre

Give ear, O Lord, to the supplications we offer Thee on this the Festival of St. Fiacre, Thy confessor, so that we trust not in our own merits, but may be aided by him, who was so pleasing to thee, through Christ Our Lord.  Amen.

New Ossory Seminarian

Last Sunday St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth welcomed seventeen new seminarians who have commenced their formation for the priesthood in Irish dioceses.  We rejoice and give thanks to God that one of their number is from the Diocese of Ossory.  Let our thoughts and prayers be with these seventeen men who have taken the first step along the road to ordained ministry and to placing their lives at the service of Christ and his people..

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: William A. White, College Road.

Months Mind: May Spain (Sun 10.30).

Anniversaries:   Brigid Kenny (Sat 6.15). Jim Ryan (Sat 7.00). Michael White (Sun 9.30). Paddy Mullen (Sun 10.00). Tony Madden (Sun 11.00). Michael Phelan (Birthday Remembrance Sun 12.00). Michael “Muggers” Larkin (Sun 12.30). Joe & James Delaney (Mon 9.30), Terence & Anne O’Shaughnessy (Wed 10.30), Mary & Patrick Blanchfield. Eamonn Martin. Christopher & Mary Ryan. Maureen Griffin. Elizabeth Carroll. The Cassin Family. Mick & Maura Coonan. Mary O’Donnell. Ben Delahunty.

Intentions for next weekend:  Eileen Lacey (Sat 6.15). William (Bill) Hackett (Sat 7.00). Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 11.00). Bernard, Margaret, Brian & Anthony Casey. Daniel Johansen. Jane Casey Duggan & Peter Duggan (Sun 12.30).

First Friday

The first Friday of September occurs this Friday and the Fr. Dan & Fr. Roderick will visit those who are housebound at the usual times.  Fr. Liam on Tuesday 8th September. 

Peace in Christ Retreat House

Recognising and honouring almost half a century of service given by the Sisters at Peace in Christ, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated in St. John’s Church on Wednesday, 2^nd September at 7.30pm followed by refreshments in Langton House Hotel. Since its foundation by Bishop Peter Birch in 1967 the people of St. Patrick’s Parish have had a long and fruitful relationship with the sisters and staff at Peace in Christ Retreat House.  Many members of our parish have greatly benefited from retreats, parish evenings, days of prayer and reflection and other initiatives taken by the sisters through the years.  Let us show our appreciation of the sisters and staff by joining in this concelebrated Mass to mark the closure of the retreat house.  All are welcome: please keep the evening free.

Churchgate Collection

In aid of GROW takes place this weekend 29th and 30th August.

Holy Hour for Vocations

The monthly holy hour for vocations with guided prayer and Benediction will be held on Friday 4^th September in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St. Mary’s Cathedral from 7 – 8pm. All welcome.

A Back to School Prayer

Dear God, please watch over the pupils as they go back to school. Keep them safe every day.  Help them treat others with kindness and respect, and to learn new things about God and the world each day.  Give them joy and peace as they put their trust in you. Amen.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw

1st Prize: Brigid Nolan, Clara. 2nd Prize: Marie & Denis Dowd,  St. Mary’s. 3rd Prize: Marian Doherty, Johnstown. 4th Prize: Michael Kealy, St. Mary’s. 5th Prize: Seamus & Eileen Fitzpatrick, Ferrybank. 6th Prize: Joe Dunphy, Mooncoin. 7th Prize: Shane Dalton, St. Mary’s. 8th Prize: Anne Dooley. Camross. 9th Prize: Milo & Kathleen Phelan, St. Mary’s. 10th Prize: Cormac Troy, Seir Kieran.

Thanks to all who continue to support this diocesan draw for the refurbishment of St. Mary’s Cathedral.  The next draw will take place on  30th September.

Irish National Eucharistic Congress

The Irish Catholic Bishops Conference will celebrate a National Eucharistic Congress on the weekend of 26^th -27^th September 2015 at Knock Shrine.

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.

Ladies Friendship Club

Ladies Friendship Club resumes on Wednesday 2^nd September at 8.30pm in the Social Services Centre , Waterford  Road. New members very welcome.

Loughboy Library

Summer Reading Challenge-completed forms must be returned to the library by Tues Sept 1^st. Tickets will be sent by post to the Watergate Show on Sat Oct 10^th.  Culture Night Fri Sept 18^th- Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Ēireann will host a traditional music, dance and singing session from 6.30pm. All welcome.  Book Club-new members are invited on Thursday Sept 3^rd at 10.30am.

National Association of Widows

The National Association of Widows meet on the 1st Thursday of each month in the Club House Hotel, Patrick St at 2.30pm. New members always welcome. 

Volunteer Befriender’s Needed

If you are a good listener and would like to make a difference to someone’s day, we’d love to hear from you! Can you offer companionship to an Older Person in your area who may feel socially isolated? We are currently looking for male and female volunteers in the Kilkenny area who can commit to 1 or 2 hours per week. For more information please contact our office on 056-7772151 or Eleanor on 086-8530994. Kilkenny & Carlow Contact 

Support Group

Kilkenny Carer Support Group, Wednesday 2nd September 2015, 4.00-5.30pm at The Village Day Centre (behind the Village Inn Pub). Information and support for past/present carers of people with Alzheimer's/Dementia. All new members welcome.

Marble City Boxing Club

We wish all the best to Sean Purcell, who boxes with the Marble City Boxing Club all the best as he goes to St. Petersburg, Russia to represent Ireland in the Junior World Boxing Championships this Tuesday.  We wish him a safe journey and we will keep him in our prayers.

  

Free Dementia Workshop

Home Instead Senior Care are hosting a FREE Dementia Workshop based on our CARE: Changing Ageing Through Research and Education educational programme. This is a training programme we provide to our professional CAREGivers and we want to make this first-of-its kind training programme available to family carers in the local community. Date:        Wednesday 9^th September 2015. Time:         7.00pm-9.00pm. Location: Butler House, Patrick Street, Co Kilkenny. To book your place or register for future dates contact us on 056 7800508 or enda.bohan@homeinstead.ie – we look forward to hearing from you. www.homeinstead.ie

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 

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

Theology Matters!

The Priory Institute invites you to join their enthusiastic student community and study theology from home or in class.  Application deadline is 21^st September.  Email: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com or phone 01 404 8124.

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 1^st October 2015 at 8.00pm at St.  Colman’s Church, Conahy Jenkinstown.  Tickets available from Post Office, Castlecomer and Ballyragget, and Rollercoaster Records Kilkenny.

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.