Understanding the Papacy of Francis
The Papacy of Francis has attracted the attention of our world. His words, spoken clearly and simply, seem to offer us great hope. Searching for a common theme around which his papacy can be understood is not a difficult task. The Mercy of God and a resulting merciful Church is at the heart of his faith and teachings. Through this series of talks the Ossory Faith Development group hope to explore this idea. Why not join for these free lectures, the first taking place on this Wednesday at St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy at 7.30pm.
Wednesday, 4th November: Chris Hayden, the bible - a mercy taught. Wednesday, 11th November: Albert McDonnell, the new process of marriage annulments - a mercy applied. Wednesday 18th November: Sean McDonagh, Laudato Si’ and caring for our world - a mercy lived.
Readers of God’s Word in Church
The new readers rota is being prepared. Anyone interested in proclaiming God’s Word at our Masses should contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400.
Eucharistic Ministers
The new rota for Eucharistic Minsters is available for collection in the sacristies.
Bangers and Mash Lunch
The Samaritans Kilkenny Branch are hosting a Bangers and Mash Fund Raising Lunch on Thursday, 5th November at the Pembroke Hotel, Patrick Street from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Donation only €10. Drop by for a quick lunch to support this very worthy cause.
Triduum in Honour of St. Martin De Porres
The annual Triduum in honour of St Martin De Porres takes place at the Black Abbey: Tuesday 3rd (Feast of St. Martin): 10.15am: Rosary and Mass. 7.30pm: Lectio Divina. Wednesday 4th: 10.15am: Rosary and Mass 5.00pm: Sacrament of Reconciliation. 7.30pm: Lectio Divina. Thursday 5th: 10.15am: Rosary, Mass and Sacrament of the Sick 7.30pm: Lectio Divina. www.blackabbey.ie/martin
All Saints Day
On 1st November we celebrate All Saints Day. It is a victorious celebration of our relatives and friends who have reached their goal. As we know from the first book of the Apocalypse, “These are they who came through the great testing, and their robes have been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb” (7: 14). They defended and proclaimed the gospel during their lives. Today we celebrate that they are now in the presence of God praying for us.
All Souls Day
The Church always prays for the dead. November 2nd is devoted to the faithful departed, especially those who have nobody to pray for them. We can visit a cemetery, light a candle and/or say the following prayer for our ancestors and for all those who have gone before us to eternal life. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Our departed loved ones will be remembered at our parish Masses during November. Please inscribe their names on a sheet of paper and place it before the altars in our churches.
Crisis in Mental Health
On this 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. All welcome.
Christian Meditation
Christian Meditation has resumed in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre at 4.00pm each Wednesday.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw Results
1st: James Holohan, St. Canice’s. 2nd: Margaret Murphy, Muckalee. 3rd: Fr. Pat Dalton, Gowran. 4th: Claire McEvoy, Durrow. 5th: Tom & Breda Griffin, Mullinavat. 6th: Tom Gregg, St. Canice’s. 7th: Mike Cantwell, St. Mary’s. 8th: Luke Leydon, St. John’s. 9th: Eileen Raggett, St. Canice’s. 10th: Ann & Liam Delahunty. St. Mary’s. Thanks for your continued support.
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Sr. Frances Lombard, Religious Sisters of Charity, Kells Road. Sr. Éilís Bergin, Presentation Sisters, Thurles. Sr. Agnes Ryan, Loreto Sisters, Freshford Road. Requiem Mass on Sunday at 12.30pm in St. Mary’s Cathedral followed by burial in the Convent Cemetery. Pauline Brennan, Bennettsbridge. Michael Killeen, Freshford. Maura Fry (nee Geoghegan), England & late of Jail Road. Funeral prayers on Tuesday evening at 5.30pm in Johnston’s Funeral Home followed by removal to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Requiem Mass on Wednesday at 11.00am. Funeral to St. Kieran’s Cemetery.
Anniversaries: Kitty Stallard (Sat 6.15). Ned O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Maura Brennan (Sun 9.30). Cormac Cullen (Sun 10.00). William & Margaret Howe, Mary Howe Mullally (Sun 10.30). Michael Phelan (Sun 11.00). Anne Power (Sun 12.00). Tom Shanahan (Sun 12.30). Jack Garrehy (Wed 10.30). Joe Brennan Thurs 10.30). Pearl Moore (Fri 9.30). Dominic Coll (Fri 10.30). Vivian Etaferi (Sat 9.30). Anastatia Muldowney. Thomas Tynan. Philip O’Brien. Richard & Julia Ryan. Jack Wellford. Anna, Michael, Mary & Paddy Bowe. Tess O’Neill. Jack Devlin. Joe Gargan. Martin Brett. Mary Russell. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Ned & Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15). Sr. Brigid Leech (Sat 7.00). Mary Shannon (Sun 9.30). John Glynn (Sun 10.00). Kathleen Redpath (Sun 10.30). Peter, Julie & Willie Carroll (Sun 11.00). Ann Nugent (Sun 12.00). Mary Hanrahan (Sun 12.30).
First Friday
The first Friday of November occurs this week. Fr. Dan and Fr. Roderick will visit the sick and housebound on Friday. Fr. Liam will visit on Thursday.
St. Joseph Young Priests Society
Ossory AGM of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place at Chapter Room St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday 5th November beginning with Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 7.30pm. All members are invited to attend.
John Paul II Award Medal Found
A John Paul II Award medal was found in the Lidl car park . Please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400 with details.
Month of the Holy Souls
Many people choose to abstain from alcohol for the month of November and offer this prayerful act in honour of their deceased loved ones or for someone they know or love with an addiction. You can do likewise! Take the Short Term Pledge for November. Visit at www.pioneerassociation.ie or contact 01 874 9464 for more information.
Irish Wheelchair Association
The Irish Wheelchair Association will hold its national fund raiser “Angel Days” on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th November. Angel pins, angel car air fresheners and angel fun packs will be on sale throughout Kilkenny city and surrounding towns at a cost of €2 each. All funds raised are spent on services for local people with physical and sensory disabilities. Thank you for your ongoing support.
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, 9th November at 7.30pm. Please note the change of date. All are welcome
Alcohol-Free Bar
Kilkenny’s first “Alcohol-Free” Bar is open every Thursday night from 9.00 - 11.00pm in Flipside Studios, Colliers Lane, Kilkenny. The main purpose of this space is to provide a social outlet for people (aged 18+) that doesn’t revolve around alcohol; somewhere people can relax, at night time, with a mineral/cuppa and good company. On occasion we may have different events taking place i.e. local musicians playing, table quizzes etc. The bar will be run by volunteers and is supported through the Kilkenny Men’s Shed.
Knock Conference on the Environment
Leading eco-theologian to speak at Knock conference on the environment. Knock Shrine is holding a day conference with leading thinker and writer in the field of eco-theology, Fr Sean McDonagh SSC, on Saturday, 14th November. The conference will explore Pope Francis’ writings in his ground breaking Encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home. Fr McDonagh is known around the world for his work to promote environmental justice and sustainable development and he advised the Vatican on the first draft of Laudato Si’. The conference is an excellent opportunity to hear from a leading expert in this area. It takes place at St John’s Rest & Care Centre, Knock Shrine, at 10am on Saturday, November 14. Booking is advised. Telephone Knock Shrine Faith Renewal Council on (094) 937 5321 or (087) 692 7850. Alternatively, email faithrenewal@knockshrine.ie. The conference costs €30 and includes lunch.
Celebrating Religious Life in our Diocese
There will be special events to mark the contribution of our religious in our diocese on Sunday, 29th November at St. Kieran’s College from noon until 5.00pm. The day will conclude with Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 5.30pm.
St. Patrick’s Adult Choir
New singers are welcome to join the Adult Choir in St. Patrick’s Church, especially now in the lead-up to Christmas. Come along on Mondays at 6:45pm (or on Sunday mornings at 11:00am).
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.
