Mission Sunday, 18th October 2015

Mission Sunday - Abundant Life

Today is World Mission Sunday. The theme this  year is Abundant Life. As Christians each of us  has an obligation to spread the gospel of faith, hope and love in the world. From the time of Jesus Christ, it was the responsibility of His disciples to spread the Good News. He said to  them: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned”. (Mark 16:15-16). We are very proud of our missionaries who  spread the Good News through their teaching and their witness to the Word of God. Charlie Bird said “I have met many Irish missionaries working among the poorest of the poor,  supporting migrant workers, helping victims of trafficking and maltreatment and also involved in environmental issues.” We can help them by praying for them and by providing funds. That  they be faithful to the mission of Jesus and  proclaim the good news.    See www.wmi.ie

Synod on the Family

At present the Synod on the Family is being held  in Rome. Pope Francis has asked for our  prayers:   Lord, you are the guide and  protector of your church. We implore you,  Lord, to fill your servants with a spirit of  understanding, truth and peace that they  may understand your will and may work diligently to bring it to fruition.  Amen.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The monthly collection for the parish conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will take place at all Masses this weekend. Please support.

October Stations

We invite parishioners to contribute towards the income of the parish clergy and bishop through the October Stations.  Special envelopes can be found in the envelope contribution packs or you may use any envelope and mark it “Stations”.  The priests of the parish and bishop acknowledge with gratitude your contributions towards their upkeep.  Thank you.

Harvest Thanksgiving Mass

Our annual Harvest Thanksgiving Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 10.00am on this Sunday, 18^th October. Together we give thanks to God for his goodness and especially for the produce of the harvest.

Monster Bingo for St. Mary’s Cathedral

A Monster Bingo with €15,000 prize money will be held in Cillín Hill, Kilkenny on this Sunday, 18^th October at 3.00pm in aid of St. Mary's Cathedral Restoration Fund.  Please support.

Crisis in Mental Health

On Tuesday, 3rd November at 8.00pm in St. Fiacre’s Church Dr. Fergus Heffernan will speak on The  Crisis in Mental Health in Ireland today. Proceeds to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust, bringing children with special needs to Lourdes at Easter 2016.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Christopher Carroll, Cashel Avenue. Requiem Mass at Bennekerry at 11.00am on Monday.  Mary Hehir, Waterford Road.  Maura Doheny, Ballycallan. Mary Breen, Gowran. Liam Nolan, Claddagh Court. Alice Rice, Castlecomer. John Butler, Castlecomer Road.  Chrissie Furlong, Wexford. Seamus Walsh, Dublin. Carmel Kealy, Ballyfoyle.

Months Mind: Eileen McGrath (Sun 10.30)

Anniversaries: Anthona & Ned Bourke (Sat 6.15). Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00). Gerard Cleere (Sun 9.30). Jennifer Mulhall (Sun 10.00). John Joe Kealy (Sun 11.00). Frank Stapleton (Sun 12.00). Paddy Cullen (Sun 12.30).  Bridgett Butler (Tues 10.30). Tony Adams (Fri 10.30). Helen Raftery (Sat 9.30). Eithne O’Connor. Nancy Coyne. Bill Cody.  Bernadette Dermody. Mick & Mai Brennan.  Julie Burke. Jack Cantwell. Michael Walsh.  Martin  & Ann Mulhall. David Doran.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Breda Hehir (Sat 6.15). Sr. Alma Conway (Sat 7.00). Tom Foley (Sun 9.30). Joseph Eardly (Sun 10.00). Mary McCormack (Sun 10.30). Annie (Nancy) Tiernan (Sun 11.00). Billy Clune (Sun 12.00).  Henrietta Hyland (Sun 12.30).  

Readers of God’s Word in Church

The new readers rota is being prepared. We are particularly in need of readers for the 11.00am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church.  Anyone interested in proclaiming God’s Word at any of our Masses should contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400.

St. Patrick’s Adult Choir

Fill your hearts with joy!  Singing in a choir is a more effective way to improve your physical and mental wellbeing than taking part in a team sport, according to recent research. If you enjoy singing we’d be glad to welcome you along to enhance the mood with the Adult Choir in St. Patrick’s Church on Mondays at 6.45pm (or on Sundays at 11.00am). 

Christian Mediation

“Be still and know that I am God”  Psalm 46.

Christian Meditation has resumed in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 4.00pm each Wednesday. Newcomers welcome. 

Loughboy Library

Mobile phone and computer help is available on Fridays from 2.45 - 3.45pm.  Just drop in.

Halloween Storytime & Crafts for children takes place on Thursday 29^th October at 11.30am.

St Canice’s Parish Light of Hope Project

St Canice’s Parish Light of Hope Project continues on this Wednesday with the following events:

11.00am: Audio visual presentation on Pope Francis at St. Canice’s Parish Centre.

7.30pm: Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, former Archbishop of Westminster, on ‘Francis: A Witness to Mercy’.  Cardinal Cormac will reflect on  Francis’ ministry to date and what this Argentinean Pope means when he speaks of Mercy.

All are welcome.

Rosary at the Grotto

The rosary will be recited on each Sunday during October at The Grotto adjacent to Seville Lodge on the Callan Road at 3.00pm.  All are welcome.

Vocational School

Kilkenny City Vocational School welcome past and present staff, students, friends and their families to a Memorial Service on Friday, 23^rd October at 11.15am. Queries: Helen Duggan on 086 048 8922.

Evangelisation Outreach

A weekend retreat in Seville Lodge, Kilkenny on Friday 23^rd to 25^th October.  We invite you to join us with Fr. Kevin O’Boyle S.S.C., an experienced missionary who has worked in Chile for many years; he will help us to see the Holy Spirit in action.  This retreat is aimed at people who will respond to the call of Pope Francis to  “go out and wake up the world”.  Evangelisation Outreach is formed by adults and young people who come together for prayer and formation and become active in service to the Church in the Diocese of Ossory in sharing the “Joy of the Gospel”.  Further information Joe Bolger 087 252 7930, Mairin McGrath 087 621 1395, Geraldine Maher 086 108 5266.

Celebrating Religious Life in our Diocese

Sunday 29^th November at St. Kieran’s College from 12noon - 5.00pm concluding with Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 5.30pm. 

Gardening Lecture

Lecture by Frances McDonald, Wexford Garden Tour Manager, on Thursday 22^nd of October at 8.00pm at Clubhouse Hotel. Entrance and Refreshments:  €7 All welcome.

Noreside Resource Centre

Free 8 hour basic computing course.  An ideal course for the elderly.  Noreside Resource Centre, 3 St Canice’s Court, Dean Street on 056 776 2146.

Parent to Parent

P2P is a peer support group for parents and carers of children with special needs. First Wednesday of the month in St. Patrick's Parish Centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Contact 087 904 0208 or 086 160 8341.

Lost Near St. Fiacre’s Church

A small brown envelope. Important!  056 776 4400.

Suicide Grief Awareness Programme

Kilkenny Bereavement Support is running a six week programme. Venue: Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny. Time and Dates: 8.00pm on Tuesdays 20^th, 27^th October and 3^rd November.  Enquiries to Bereavement Support on 056 775 6538.

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.

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.

Suicide Grief Awareness Programme

Kilkenny Bereavement Support is running a six week programme. Venue: Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny. Time and Dates: 8.00pm on Tuesdays 20^th, 27^th October and 3^rd November.  Enquiries to Bereavement Support on 056 775 6538.

Kilkenny Arch Club

Kilkenny Arch Club is a social club for Children aged between 6 and 14 years with extra support needs and their siblings. It runs on alternate Saturdays of school calendar year commencing Saturday 3rd Oct 11am to 1pm   in S.O.S. Sports hall, Seville lodge Callan Road. New members and new volunteers please phone Noreen @ 083  151 7217 or Frances @ 087 689 6211.  

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11th October 2015

St. Canice - Patron of Kilkenny

St. Canice, patron of our City, is usually commemorated on 11^th October.  However as this falls on a Sunday this year the saint’s feast is not formally celebrated. 

St. Canice was born in Co. Derry in 515 or 516 and died in Aghaboe, Co. Laois in 600.  His father was a distinguished bard from Waterford who found his way to the north and settled at Glengiven.  His mother was called Maul; her name is commemorated in the Church of Thomplamaul in Kilkenny.  (St. Maul’s Cemetery is adjacent to the former hospital at Wolf Tone Street, Kilkenny).  St. Canice studied under St. Finian at Clonard and was ordained in 545.  He travelled to Rome and later to Scotland where his name is recalled in the ruins of a number of ancient churches.  He established a great abbey at Aghaboe in Co. Laois (in our diocese) and tradition asserts that he founded a monastery in Kilkenny by the round tower and cathedral which bears his name.  A man of great eloquence and learning he wrote a commentary on the Gospels, known for centuries as Glas-Channigh.

Harvest Thanksgiving Mass

St. Patrick’s Parish will host a Harvest Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 10.00am on next Sunday, 18^th October.  The Mass will give thanks to God for his goodness and especially for the produce of the harvest. Parishioners are invited to bring suitable produce to the church between 6.00pm and 7.00pm on Saturday, 17th October.  This might consist of flowers, vegetables, fruit, grain, jams,  etc. to be used in decorating the environs and for presentation during the offertory procession.

October Stations

We invite parishioners to contribute towards the income of the parish clergy and bishop through the October Stations.  Special envelopes can be found in the envelope contribution packs or you may use any envelope and mark it “Stations”.

The priests of the parish and bishop acknowledge with gratitude your contributions towards their upkeep.  Thank you.

Foulkstown Cemetery

We ask people who visit Foulkstown Cemetery to note the following:

· Dumping is not permitted in the cemetery.

· Please bring home used wreaths etc and dispose of them in a proper manner.

· If you are driving into the cemetery, we ask you to be very careful to avoid damaging graves. This is a particular issue in the newer part of the cemetery where the roadway is narrow. 

· The Parish is not liable for any damages to cars or graves. 

If you do notice any suspicious activity or dumping please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400.

Future of Our Church

A final talk in this series will take place at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday, 12^th October: “Woman, the Elephant in the Church.” Speaker: Dr. Mary T Malone.  Adm: €10.  Mary T Malone is a challenging author and speaker and will raise some interesting questions.

Suicide Grief Awareness Programme

Kilkenny Bereavement Support is running a six week programme. Venue: Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny. Time and Dates: 8.00pm on Tuesdays 13^th, 20^th, 27^th October and 3^rd November.  Enquiries to Bereavement Support on 056 775 6538.

Monster Bingo for St. Mary’s Cathedral

A Monster Bingo with €15,000 prize money will be held in Cillín Hill, Kilkenny on next Sunday, 18^th October at 3.00pm in aid of St. Mary's Cathedral Restoration Fund. Books €15 and €20. Single Sheets (3 in number) €2. Raffle tickets €2 or more.  This is a fundraiser for our diocesan cathedral and your support is requested.

A.C.T.S. Retreat

The A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) Retreat will take place on 15^th - 18^th October at the De La Salle Pastoral Centre, Castletown. See notices and application forms on our church notice boards.  For information text or call: Joseph Mahon 086 775 8709 or Jim Maher 086 127 6649. 

Date for your Diary!

On Tuesday, 3rd November at 8.00pm in St. Fiacre’s Church Dr. Fergus Heffernan will speak on The  Crisis in Mental Health in Ireland today. Proceeds to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust, bringing children with special needs to Lourdes at Easter 2016.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Joe Hennessy, Dunmore Road. John Johnston, Old Golf Links Road. Una Godfrey, Derry. Teresa Deacy, Rosses Point, Sligo. John Hogan, The Sycamores.  Sr. Ailís Phelan, Holy Family Convent, Newbridge and formerly of Windgap.

Anniversaries: Tom O’Neill (Sat 6.15). Judy O’Brien (Sat 7.00). Richard Kelly (Sun 10.00). Eddie Dean (Sun  10.30).  Nicola Conway  (Sun 11.00). Della Harney (Sun 12.00). Joanie Waters (Sun 12.30). Gary & Nora Dunne (Wed 10.30). Kay Doran (Thurs 10.30). Stella O’Rourke (Fri 10.30). Michael Dollard & Family.  Sr Gregory Ryan. Jimmy Bateman. Mary Dunne.  Margaret McNamara. Mary O’Brien. Michael O’Leary. Paul Grace.  Patrick Tynan. Eileen Barry. Tom  O’Neill. Billy Maher.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Anthona & Ned Bourke (Sat 6.15). Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00). Gerard Cleere (Sun 9.30). Jennifer Mulhall (Sun 10.00). Eileen McGrath (Months Mind Sun 10.30). John Joe Kealy (Sun 11.00). Frank Stapleton (Sun 12.00). Paddy Cullen (Sun 12.30). 

May they rest in peace.  Amen.

Westcourt News

The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt on Monday, 12^th October at 7.30pm.  Please note the change of date. 

October is Month of the Missions

The Church by constitution is missionary but this aspect of her life is especially emphasised during October every year.  Next Sunday is Mission Sunday when we are encouraged to pray for the missionary activity of the Church and to offer a little financial assistance to the younger churches in the world..  World Missions Ireland offers spiritual and practical support worldwide.  www.wmi.ie

St Canice’s Parish Light of Hope Project

Wednesday, 14th October:

10.00am - 12.30pm: Workshop for Confirmation Classes and Secondary School Students on Third World issues in St Canice’s Parish Centre.

1.00pm: Soup and Solidarity; a simple lunch and Prayer Service with blessing of second Light of Hope Candle in St Canice’s Parish Centre.

7.30pm: Keynote Address by Mr Conor O’ Loughlin, Humanitarian Director Trocaire.

Music by Sospiro Male Voice Choir, Refreshments served afterwards in Parish Centre.

St. Joseph’s Abbey

A retreat at Mount St. Joseph’s Abbey, Roscrea takes place on 16^th to 18^th October. Presentations by Dom Laurence Walsh, former Abbot of Mount St. Joseph and by M. Marie Fahy, Abbess of St. Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn. Contact Eileen on 0505 25600 between 2.00 and 7.00pm, Monday to Friday or email info@msjroscrea.ie.

Bake Sale and Coffee Morning

At. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on this Sunday, 11^th October after 10.30am and 12 noon Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church.  In aid of Loreto Secondary School Public Assess to Law Team.  All are welcome. 

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 Environment) on Thursday, 15^th October at 8.00pm in the Parish Centre, Leighlinbridge. Speakers: Fr. Sean McDonagh SSC.  All welcome.

Christian Mediation

“Be still and know that I am God”  Psalm 46.

Christian Meditation has resumed in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 4.00pm each Wednesday. Newcomers welcome. 

Cooking for Seniors

Join us at School of Food, Thomastown on Friday, 16th October for our Cooking for Seniors morning. Contact: 056 775 4397  or info@schooloffood.ie

Parent to Parent

P2P is a peer support group for Parents and carers of Children with special needs. It is held on the first Wednesday of the month in St.Patrick's Parish Centre Loughboy from 10.30am to 12.30 p.m. Children most welcome. Runs during school calendar year. Contact Therese @ 0879040208 or Claire @ 0861608341

Kilkenny Arch Club

Kilkenny Arch Club is a social club for Children aged between 6 and 14 years with extra support needs and their siblings. It runs on alternate Saturdays of school calendar year commencing Saturday 3rd Oct 11am to 1pm   in S.O.S. Sports hall, Seville lodge Callan Road. We are looking for new members and new volunteers please phone Noreen @ 083  151 7217 or Frances @ 087 6896211.  

Noreside Resource Centre

Free 8 hour basic computing course.  An ideal course for the elderly.  Further information please contact, Noreside Resource Centre, 3 St Canice’s Court, Dean Street, Kilkenny or telephone 056 7762146.

Loughboy Library

Mobile Phone Tips for the Elderly covering phones, PCs, laptops, ipads, ipods, facebook etc will take place on Fridays from 2.45-3.45pm commencing on Oct 16^th.  Just drop in.

Vocational School

Kilkenny City Vocational School welcome past and present staff, students, friends and their families to a memorial service on Friday 23rd October @11.15am. This is to honour all in the school community who have passed away. Any queries please contact Helen Duggan on 086 048 8922

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.

 

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.

Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, 4th October 2015

Cherishing Life, Accepting Death

The ‘Day for Life’ is celebrated each year.  It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the meaning and value of human life at every stage, and in every condition.  The theme for this year is ‘Cherishing Life, Accepting Death’, and it will be celebrated in Ireland on this Sunday. Printed copies of the bishops’ Day for Life Pastoral Message ‘Cherishing Life, Accepting Death’ is available this weekend.

In their message the bishops share a reflection on end of life matters: “At the end of life there are two thoughts that can help guide us all.  The first is that we love life.  Every person is loved by God and every life is a precious gift never to be destroyed or neglected.  It is wrong to hasten or bring about death… The second is that we accept death.  This means that there is no obligation to pursue medical treatment when it no longer serves its purpose – that is when treatment is having no effect or indeed is harming the patient.”  See www.catholicbishops.ie

Harvest Thanksgiving Mass

St. Patrick’s Parish will host a Harvest Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown at 10.00am on Sunday, 18^th October.  The Mass will give thanks to God for his goodness to us and especially for the produce of the harvest. Parishioners are invited to bring produce  - the fruits of the earth. 

Future of Our Church

A series of important public talks will continue at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday, 5^th October: “The Church of Pope Francis.” Speaker: Fr. Eamonn Conway. 12^th October: “Woman, the Elephant in the Church.” Speaker: Dr. Mary T Malone.  Adm: €10.

Suicide Grief Awareness Programme

Kilkenny Bereavement Support is running a six week programme (one and a half hours per week) that could support you and your family and friends. Venue: Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny. Time and Dates: 8.00pm on Tuesdays 6^th, 13^th, 20^th, 27^th October and 3^rd November.  Enquiries to Kilkenny Bereavement Support on 056 775 6538.

Altar Servers

Applications forms for new altar servers are now available from the Parish Office.  They can also be downloaded from http://www.ossory.ie/safeguarding/safeguarding-resources/. Boys and girls from 4^th Class and upwards who have received their First Holy Communion can become an altar server in our parish.  Current altar servers will need to complete the application forms also. 

Westcourt News

The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt on Monday, 12^th October at 7.30pm. Please note the change of date. 

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Anne Kirwan, Jacob Street.

Anniversaries: Kathleen Roche (Sat 6.15). The Byrne Family (Sun 9.30). Ann Roche (Sun 11.00). Evelyn Coppinger  (Sun 12.00).  Kathleen Kenny (Sun 12.30). Bridget McKenna (Mon 9.30).  Mass for Retired Teachers (Fri 10.30).  Statia Cantwell. Paddy Wallace.

Intentions for next weekend: Tom O’Neill (Sat 6.15). Judy O’Brien (Sat 7.00). Richard Kelly (Sun 10.00). Eddie Dean (Sun  10.30).  Nicola Conway  (Sun 11.00). Della Harney (Sun 12.00). Joanie Waters (Sun 12.30).

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.  Amen.

Mass for Retired Teachers

The annual Mass for retired teachers takes place on Friday next, 9^th October in St Fiacre's Church at 10.30a.m followed by tea/coffee in the Parish Centre. All are welcome.

St. Mary’s Cathedral September Draw

1st: John Flynn,  St. John’s Parish. 2nd: Maureen Dunne, Lisdowney. 3rd: Kathleen Moran, St. Patrick’s Parish. 4th: Stephen O’Connor, Thomastown. 5th: Rosbercon Parish Council. 6th: Peter Delaney, St. Mary’s Parish. 7th: Anne Lawlor, St. Mary’s Parish. 8th: Pat & Chris O’Neill. 9th: John & Mary O’Shea, Durrow. 10th: Conor Langton, St. John’s Parish.  Thanks for your continued support.

St Canice’s Parish Light of Hope Project

A series of Talks and Events entitled “The Light of Hope” during the month of October in St. Canice’s Church.  Speakers include: Sr Noelle Corscadden, Head of Loreto Order Worldwide (7th October); Mr Conor O’ Loughlin, Humanitarian Coordinator with Trocaire (14th October); Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster (21st October) and Dr Breda Lynch, Historian (28th October).

Contact: 056 772 1533. Full details on www.ossory.ie. and www.stcanicesparish.ie. All at 7.30pm. Adm: free. 

Monster Bingo

A Monster Bingo with €15,000 prize money will be held in Cillín Hill, Kilkenny on Sunday, 18^th October at 3.00pm in aid of St. Mary's Cathedral Restoration Fund. Books €15 and €20. Single Sheets (3 in number) €2. Raffle tickets €2 or more.  Please support.

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 following the meeting at 8.00pm. All welcome.

Rosary Sunday

A rosary vigil will be held in the Black Abbey, Kilkenny on this Sunday, 4th October 4.15pm - 6.00pm with blessing of the roses. www.blackabbey.ie/rosary.

A.C.T.S. Retreat

The A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) Retreat is a spiritual retreat weekend. The retreat will take place on 15 - 18^th October at the De La Salle Pastoral Centre, Castletown. See notices and application forms on our church notice boards.  For information text or call: Joseph Mahon 086 775 8709, Jim Maher 086 127 6649 or Trevor Hayes 086  240 9615.

Carer Support Group

Kilkenny Carer Support Group, Wednesday 7^th October, 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.

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.

St. Joseph’s Abbey

A weekend retreat at Mount St. Joseph’s Abbey, Roscrea takes place on 16^th to 18^th October and concentrates on the theme of the family and coincides with the Synod on the Family being held in Rome.  Presentations by Dom Laurence Walsh, former Abbot of Mount St. Joseph and by M. Marie Fahy, Abbess of St. Mary’s Abbey, Glencairn.

Contact Eileen on 0505 25600 between 2.00 and 7.00pm, Monday to Friday or by email to info@msjroscrea.ie.

Ossory Times

The latest edition  of the Ossory Times  Magazine has been published.  This interesting publication features many articles from around the diocese as well as valuable information on Church teaching and life.

Copies are available in the sacristies and cost €2. 

Foróige

Seeking enthusiastic people who would like to make a difference in young people’s lives by donating a few hours a week. Contact: Pierce Dunne, on 086 780 5202 or  email  pierce.dunne@foroige.ie

Are you a parent of school aged children? Would you like to learn some techniques to address issues of communication, discipline, decision making, relationships, self-control and school success?

The Foróige DRUM Youth and Family Project plan to roll out the Common Sense Parenting (CSP) programme in autumn and are currently seeking participants. For more information contact Kate Carroll, 086 773 6975 or email kate.carroll@foroige.ie

Date for you Diary!

Tuesday, 3rd November at 8.00pm in St. Fiacre’s Church Dr Fergus Heffernan will speak on “The  Crisis in Mental Health in Ireland today”. Proceeds to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust , bringing children with special needs to Lourdes.

Kilkenny Flower Club

Christine Hughes will attend Kilkenny Flower Club in Butler House on Thursday, 8th October @ 8.00pm to teach Plant Manipulation. It will be interesting. Check website or Facebook for list of materials if you'd like to take part.

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

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.

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.

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.