Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 17th January 2016

Migrants and Refugees

Today the Church remembers Migrants and Refugees. In his pastoral letter for this special Sunday in 2015, Pope Francis reminded us that Jesus always considered himself among the strangers and the outcasts. He said Jesus wishes us to recognise Him in the migrants, fugitives, exiles, dispossessed and in the stranger. He asked us to share our means and wealth with them. During the past year we saw thousands of people, women, men and children, fleeing their countries because of wars and persecution. We were saddened by the pictures of refugees published in the media and their suffering goes on. Governments and each one of us ought to make sure that they are welcome and that shelter is provided for them. We can recite this prayer for them:

Lord, be present to migrants and all those dispossessed.  Be present to those who cannot be with their own people.  Be present to those who long to see even one friendly face. Be among those who yearn for a warm greeting. Help us to reach out to your people to create a just world for all. Amen.

Foulkstown Cemetery

Following serious damage to some graves due to careless drivers, the Cemetery Committee has taken measures to protect vulnerable graves at corners of roadways within the cemetery. We have installed new protective kerbs as well as traffic bollards and we hope these will deter bad drivers from taking short cuts across graves and causing damage. 

We ask visitors to Foulkstown Cemetery to note that they (and their cars), enter the cemetery at their own risk. No liability will be accepted by the parish for personal injury, or damage to or theft from vehicles or property while in the cemetery.
We ask those who are driving into the cemetery to please think of others, keep left at the top of the cemetery, park without causing obstructions, take care while turning and please, mind pedestrians!

Parish Senior Citizens’ Party

The annual St. Patrick’s Parish Senior Citizens’ Party will be held at the Parish Centre at 8.00pm on Monday, 25th January.  Tickets (€10) only available at the Parish Centre.  We ask people to purchase tickets to enable us to plan the catering on the night.  Music by the Aces Showband.  Get your party frocks and dancing shoes ready. Over 60’s.

St. Vincent de Paul

The monthly collection for the society is taken up at all Masses this weekend.  The money collected is then used to help local families who are in need.  Your support is all that keeps this voluntary group  running.

Those needing assistance can phone the confidential number 087  6810589 and someone from the society will be in touch.

Fifty-First Eucharistic Congress

A total of 26 pilgrims representing eleven Irish dioceses will travel to Cebu., Philippines later this week for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress.  We all remember with joy the 50th International Congress which was held in Dublin in June 2012.  Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, will be the main celebrant at the English language Mass during the congress in Cebu.  Bishop Doran was Secretary General of the 51st Eucharist Congress in Dublin.  See website: www.iec2016.ph

World Youth Day 2016

World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Poland at the end of July.  Pope Francis will attend the overnight vigil on Saturday and celebrate Mass on Sunday 31^st July.  The Diocese of Ossory invites young people to attend.  Interested young people (over 18) are invited to make contact on wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (087 242 0033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Chris Phelan, Ashurst, College Road.  Funeral prayers on Friday (22nd) at 6.30pm in Johnston’s Funeral Home followed by removal to St. Patrick’s Church.  Requiem Mass, Saturday at 11am.  Interment in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Tommy Doran, Pearse Street and Fr. Sherrin Place. Requiem Mass on Sunday at 11.00am in St. Mary’s Cathedral followed by burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Elizabeth (Bess) Woodcock, Bishopshill and Archersrath Nursing Home. Requiem Mass on Sunday at 11.30am in St. Canice’s Church followed by burial to Cuffesgrange Cemetery. Oliver Dooley, Bandon Cork & Gowran, Kilkenny. Edward Walsh, Newpark Close. Requiem Mass on Sunday at 12.00 noon in St. John’s Church followed by burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery.  Maureen Hegarty, St. James’s Park. Michael Malone, Aylesbury. 

Anniversaries: Billy & Anastasia Hickey (Sat 6.15). Anna Campion (Sat 7.00). Maureen O’Shea (Sun 9.30). Danny O’Leary (Sun 10.00). Paul Prodromou (Sun 10.30). Michael Drennan (Sun 11.00). Julia & Michael Phelan & Brigid Lannon (Sun 12.00). Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30).  John Long (Tue 9.30). Nellie Hennessy (Wed 10.30). Bridie & Lucy Proctor (Thurs 10.30). Albert & Brigid Downes (Fri 9.30). Elizabeth Mulligan (Sat 9.30). Patrick, Delia & Margaret  Taylor. Mary Bartley. Paul Delaney. Ellen & Michael McEvoy. John Joe McGrath. Denis Parsons. Kevin Dowling. Mary Leahy. Toby Keller. Peggy Moore. Patrick & Sally Mullally. Tom Phelan. Carrie Larkin Coyle. Joan Phelan. Anne Wright. Annie Treacy. Thomas Walshe.  Carmel Maher

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Tommy Tyrrell Snr & Derek Tyrrell (Sat 6.15). Ann O’Shea (Sat 7.00). Ned Larkin (Sun 9.30). Martin Meally (Months Mind Sun 10.00) Peg Brennan (Sun 10.30). Nora Foley (Sun 11.00). Jack Comerford (Sun 12.00). Ed Crowley (Sun 12.30).

Ossory Times

Ossory Times is published by our diocese every quarter and the Christmas edition, which costs €2, is available now in all our churches. 

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Bookings are now being taken for the annual Ossory Diocesan a Pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place from 22nd to 27th May 2016. Please call Eleanor at 051 880 414 or glenmore@ossory.ie for further information and booking.

Welcome to our Parish

We extend a warm welcome to Srs Margaret Maloney and Kathleen Clancy of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph who have recently moved into our parish.  The sisters have ministered at Peace in Christ for many years and we look forward to their participation in St. Patrick’s Parish.

Respite Care Staff

Family Carers Ireland (formerly The Carers Association) are recruiting for respite care staff for Kilkenny City, Thomastown, Callan and Kells who hold a Full FETAC Level 5 Award in Healthcare Support.  If you are interested please contact 056 772 1424.

Short Literature Course

Explore the poetry of Eavan Boland and the short stories of Edna O’Brien in an evening class suitable for all levels. Six-week course starts Thursday, 21^st January from 7.00 to 9.00pm at the Kilkenny Campus at St Kieran’s College. Course fee €90, including tea/coffee. Booking essential - contact margaret.irish@nuim.ie or 086 393 5513.

Bowling and Go for Life

Tuesday Nights - Over 50’s:  The Go for Life Games involve three sports that can be played in Singles, Pairs and Teams. The emphasis of the games is on participation and fun with the games played in a non-competitive way. The 3 games are Lobbers (adaption of Boules), Flisk (adaption of Frisbee and Horseshoe Pitching) and Scidil (adaption of Ten-Pin Bowling and Skittles).

All Over 50’s are welcome to come along. Games start back on Tuesday, 19^th  January 2016. The Watershed, Bohernatounish Road, Kilkenny 8.30pm to 9.30pm.  Cost €3 per night.

Afternoon Bridge at the Parish Centre

Join us on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Parish Centre for an afternoon of bridge.  No partner required and all are welcome.

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Center. 

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.

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other?  Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.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.

· 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.

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoon before publication.  As usual parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page (see banner above for addresses).

The Baptism of the Lord, 10th January 2016

The Baptism of the Lord

Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of  Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. It  was an important event in the history of  redemption. Jesus began his public life. Each  gospel lays emphasis on the anointing of Jesus with the Holy Spirit at his baptism. The heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and alight on him. And a voice  from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with him I am well pleased. Listen to him.’ (Mat 3:16 - 17). All the gospels refer to the heavens opening.  Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit Jesus went around doing good and thwarting the power of sin.

From the beginning of Christianity there is a close connection between the baptism of  Christ and our baptism. We were baptised in the  name of the Blessed Trinity. We can reflect on this  and on our lives today. We can also renew our  baptismal vows. The Holy Spirit works quietly helping us to live according to the gospel.

Come, O Holy Spirit;

Enlighten us in everything we do.

Guide us on our way through life,

And direct us to everlasting life. Amen

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoon before publication.  As usual parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page (see above).  

Year for Consecrated Life

To conclude the Year for Consecrated Life an hour of prayer and reflection led by Fr. Dan will be held in St. Fiacre’s Church on Tuesday, 2^nd February from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.  All are welcome.

Strictly Let’s Dance with the Village

Saturday, 13th February at Lyrath Estate Hotel.  MCs Marty Morrissey and Edward Hayden . Celebrity Judges Michael Duignan, Tomas Mulcahy and Tracy Millea.  A great night to be had by all.  

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Thomas Walsh, Lord Edward Street. Max Salomon, Czech Republic.

Anniversaries: Teresa Walsh (Sat 6.15). Mary Reynolds (Sun 9.30). Maura Nolan & Fr. Tomas Nolan (Sun 10.00). Jack Byrne (Sun 10.30). Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00). Brigid O’Connell (Sun 12.00). Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 12.30). Bridget Marchetti (Tue 10.30). Mary Reynolds (Wed 10.30). Johnny Brennan. Denis Guilfoyle. Catherine Brett. Christopher & Mary Ryan. Mary McHugh. Kitty McEvoy. Lorenzo Mahony. Denis Nyhan.  Frank O’Shea. John Lanigan. Patrick Byrne. Monsignor Paul Fitzgerald. Fr. Martin Cleere. Nuala Farrell. Kathleen Carroll. Con & Brigid Carroll. Pauline Hogan. Mick Kelly. James & Annie O’Grady.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Billy & Anastasia Hickey (Sat 6.15). Anna Campion (Sat 7.00). Maureen O’Shea (Sun 9.30). Danny O’Leary (Sun 10.00). Paul Prodromou (Sun 10.30). Michael Drennan (Sun 11.00). Julia & Michael Phelan & Brigid Lannon (Sun 12.00). Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30).

Parenting Programme

Are you a parent of school aged children (6 to 16 years)? 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 will be delivering the Common Sense Parenting (CSP) programme, starting at the end of January and are currently seeking participants. The skills covered in this parenting programme can be applied to every family. The proactive skills and techniques taught in CSP classes have helped parents from diverse backgrounds create healthy family relationships that foster safety and well-being at home, in school and in the community. To find out more about this programme and book your place please contact Kate Carroll, Foróige DRUM Youth & Family Project on 086 7736975 or via email to kate.carroll@foroige.ie

Divine Mercy

There will be an hour of prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in the Capuchin Friary from 3 to 4pm on this Sunday, 10th January.  All are welcome.

Afternoon Bridge

Join us on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Parish Centre for an afternoon of bridge.  No partner required and all are welcome.

Short Literature Course

Explore the poetry of Eavan Boland and the short stories of Edna O’Brien in an evening class suitable for all levels. Six-week course starts Thursday, 21^st January from 7 to 9.00pm at the Kilkenny Campus at St Kieran’s College. Course fee €90, including tea/coffee. Booking essential - email margaret.irish@nuim.ie or call 086 393 5513.

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Center. 

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.

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.

· 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.

World Youth Day 2016

World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Poland at the end of July.  Pope Francis will attend the overnight vigil on Saturday and celebrate Mass on Sunday 31^st July.  The Diocese of Ossory invites young people to attend.  Interested young people (over 18) are invited to make contact on wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (087 242 0033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).

Loughboy Library

New in 2016: Free library membership for everybody. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm.  Friday evenings from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

Kilkenny Waterford Boundary

The location of the boundary between Kilkenny and Waterford is currently being reviewed by The Waterford Boundary Committee.  It is important that the people of Kilkenny have their say as changes to the boundary could impact the whole of Kilkenny. Please visit www.waterfordboundaryreview.ie or call into the public offices of Kilkenny County Council or any of the library branches to find out how you can make a submission.  The closing date for submissions is the 15th January 2016.

Ossory Times

Ossory Times is published by our diocese every quarter and the Christmas edition, which costs €2, is available now in all our churches.

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

 Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other?  Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.

Second Sunday of Christmas, 3rd January 2016

Feast of the Epiphany

Next Wednesday, 6th January, is the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.  It is a Holyday of Obligation and Masses will be celebrated at the usual weekend times.

The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the oldest Christian feasts, though, throughout the centuries, it has celebrated a variety of things. Epiphany comes from a Greek verb meaning “to reveal,” and all of the various events celebrated by the Feast of the Epiphany are revelations of Christ to man.

Like many of the most ancient Christian feasts, Epiphany was first celebrated in the East, where it has been held almost universally on 6th January. Today, among both Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, the feast is known as Theophany - the revelation of God to man.

Nativity Wisdom

And as we remember Epiphany...A little girl and her mother were looking at the Nativity scene. The mother was explaining that the Wise Men were presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn King. The little girl looked in great adoration at the babe in the manger, then turning to her mother, thoughtfully said: “It might have been better if they had brought Him a bed!”

Annual Parish Calendar

Our annual parish calendar is still available at the porches of our churches.  Please take a copy for yourself and one for neighbours and friends if required.

First Friday Visits

The priests of the parish will make their calls  to the sick and housebound on Friday, 8th January.   If you, or someone you know are housebound and would like a visit, please contact any of the priests.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Josephine Grace, Lord Edward St. Street.  Requiem Mass, St. Canice’s, Tuesday 11am.  Interment, St. Kieran’s.  Sr. Peter Claver Shanahan, Loreto Convent.  Tom Cantwell, Lisheen, Springmount.  Kitty Sweeney, Nuncio Road. Margaret O’Shaughnessy / English, Melville Heights. Timothy Buckley,  Talbots Inch..  Patrick Bergin, Lower Conahy.

Months Mind: Anne Madden (Sun 11.00).

Anniversaries:   Denis & Maura Molloy (Sat 6.15). Denis O’Shea (Sat 7.00). Fred Lee (Sun 9.30). Josephine & Paddy McGrath (Sun 10.00). Jack, Peg & Breda Molloy (Sun 10.30).  Michael Kennedy (Sun 12.00). Loretta Barr (Sun 12.30).  Peg Larkin (Thurs 10.30).  Annie & Michael Ruth.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Teresa Walsh (Sat 6.15). Mary Reynolds (Sun 9.30). Maura Nolan & Fr. Tomas Nolan (Sun 10.00). Jack Byrne (Sun 10.30). Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00). Brigid O’Connell (Sun 12.00). Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 12.30).

Back to Normal

From this Monday, our parish resumes its normal running and schedule:

· The Parish Centre is open from 9am, Monday to Friday and we welcome back the volunteers and groups that use our facilities.

· The Parish Office is open, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 4pm

· Daily morning Mass in St. Patrick’s Church is at 9.30am. 

· Daily Mass (Monday to Friday) in St. Fiacre’s Church, 10.30am.

· Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Monday, St. Fiacre’s  11am, to 9pm

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoon before publication.  Parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page.  

Silence...

In liturgy, silence is not meant to be an embarrassed, barren or uncontrolled lack of sound which occurs because things have broken down, or no one knows what to do next, but a purposeful period where people communicate in a way that is deeper than words.  For this reason we try to develop in the celebration of our Mass a calmness that provides silence after the readings, after the homily or during or after Holy Communion, so that the powerfulness of God's presence may be sensed in the unique experience of people gathered and being still in silence together.  (Fr. Turlough Baxter)

Our Parish Shop

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. 

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.

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.

 

Afternoon Bridge

Join us on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm - 4.30pm in the Parish Centre for an afternoon of bridge.  No partner required.

World Youth Day 2016

World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Poland at the end of July 2016.  Pope Francis will attend the overnight vigil on Saturday and celebrate Mass on Sunday 31^st July.  The Diocese of Ossory invites young people to attend.  Young people (over 18) are invited to make contact through wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (087 242 0033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).

 

Strictly Let’s Dance with the Village

Saturday 13th February at Lyrath Estate Hotel.  MC’s Marty Morrissey  & Edward Hayden . Celebrity Judges Michael Duignan, Tomas Mulcahy and Tracy Millea.  A great night to be had by all. 

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, 4th January 2016 at 7.30pm. Callan Active Retirement Group will organise the liturgy for the mass. All are welcome.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests

The monthly meeting of St Joseph Young Priests Society will be held in St Patricks Parish Centre after 10.30am Mass on next Friday 8th January. All are welcome.

Ossory Times

Ossory Times is published by our diocese every quarter and the Christmas edition, which costs €2, is available now in all our churches.

Suicide Awareness Gathering

The above event is on in st johns church on Monday night, 7.30 pm  4th of Jan. Guest speaker is current all star hurler Maurice Shanahan. Music by The Tukolo Gospel Choir and Alan Hayes. All welcome to attend.

The Holy Family, 27th December 2015

The Feast of the Holy Family

The feast of the Most Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is celebrated on this Sunday.  The Holy Family is seen as the model for the human family, the religious community and the Church itself.

The Coming Week in Our Parish

For the coming week, Monday to Saturday, the Daily Public Mass in our parish will be at 11.00am in St. Patrick’s Church. 

There is NO 9.30am or 10.30am.  Please also note that, on account of many being away, there will be NO exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Monday in St. Fiacre’s Church. 

Masses For Your Intentions

In the lead up to Christmas many people purchased Christmas Mass cards at the Parish Centre.  All weekday Masses in our parish (with the exception of wedding and funeral Masses) between 26th December and 2nd January inclusive will be offered for these specific intentions.  Those who purchased these cards are invited to make an effort to join in some of these Masses.

Priest on Duty

Although Christmas week is quiet and people (including priests) are spending time with family and friends, there is always a priest on duty in St. Patrick’s.  To contact him at any time, phone the parish number 7764400 and press  2 when prompted.  The system will then put you in touch with one of the priests.

Parish Statistics

Coming to the end of the year, we take a look at  past-events in our parish.  We are delighted to note there were 120 children baptised in our parish this past year.  38 couples were married in our churches and sadly we said goodbye to 52 people.  May God’s blessing be with them all. 

We pray that the coming year of 2016 will bring blessings to all of us.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Kitty Sweeney, Nuncio Road.  Prayers 6pm Sunday at Johnston’s Funeral Home.  Removal afterwards to St. Patrick’s Church.  Requiem Mass, Monday at 11am.  Interment in St. Kieran’s.

Tom Cantwell, Lisheen, Springmount.  Reposing at his home from 4pm Sunday.  Rosary at 8pm.  Prayers at 9.30 am followed by removal to St. Mary’s Cathedral for Requiem Mass and 10.30.  Interment in Foulkstown Cemetery.

Martin Meally, Goslingstown.  James Byrne, Newpark Lower. Michael O’Higgins.  Ann Tobin., Marian House, St. Patrick’s, Kells Road.  Lisa Brennan-Matthews, Dublin & Shandon Park. Catherine (Kitty) Doyle, Dominic Street.  Larry Hanton, Fr. Murphy Sq. 

Anniversaries:   Michael Kenny & John Condon (Sat 6.15). Jimmy King (Sat 7.00). Vera Phelan (Sun 10.00). James & Mary Mulrooney (Sun 10.30). Kevin Hughes (Sun 11.00). Geraldine Cody (Sun 12.00). Eddie Taylor (Sun 12.30). Jim Costigan. Jimmy Coyne. Roseanna Smyth.  Edward Taylor. Michael Gleeson.  Tommy Drohan.  Peter & Winnie Keenan. Kathleen & Martin Cawley. John, Mamie & Terry Brett. Liam & Mary Ryan. Tom, James & Margaret Purcell.  May Campbell. Nancy Ronan. Nora Bartholemew. Bill Esmonde. Paddy Doyle.

Intentions for Next Weekend:   Denis & Maura Molloy (Sat 6.15). Denis O’Shea (Sat 7.00). Fred Lee (Sun 9.30). Josephine & Paddy McGrath (Sun 10.00). Jack, Peg & Breda Molloy (Sun 10.30).  Anne Madden (Months Mind Sun 11.00). Michael Kennedy (Sun 12.00). Loretta Barr (Sun 12.30).  May Campbell

Parish Calendar

The St. Patrick’s Parish calendar for 2016 is available in our churches.  It contains many important details about our parish as well as upcoming important dates.  Feel free to take a copy or two!

First Friday Visits

Although the first Friday of January is next Friday, 1st (New Year’s Day). The priests of the parish will make their calls on the following Friday, 8th January.  

Silence?

In liturgy, silence is not meant to be an embarrassed, barren or uncontrolled lack of sound which occurs because things have broken down, or no one knows what to do next, but a purposeful period where people communicate in a way that is deeper than words.  For this reason we try to develop in the celebration of our Mass a calmness that provides silence after the readings, after the homily or during or after Holy Communion, so that the powerfulness of God's presence may be sensed in the unique experience of people gathered and being still in silence together.  (Fr. Turlough Baxter)

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.

Ossory Times

The latest edition of the Ossory Times is now available in the sacristies.  This quarterly edition give many interesting stories from around the diocese.  Cost €2

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoon before publication.  Parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page.  

 

World Youth Day 2016

World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Poland at the end of July 2016.  Pope Francis will attend the overnight vigil on Saturday and celebrate Mass on Sunday 31^st July.  The Diocese of Ossory invites young people to attend.  Young people (over 18) are invited to make contact through wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (087 242 0033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).

Retrouvaille a Lifeline for Marriage

 Is your marriage stressed, unloving or cold? Do you feel alone or distant from your spouse? Have you lost the desire to communicate with each other? Do you feel disillusioned or bored in your marriage? Have you separated, divorced, or are you thinking of doing so, but want to try again? The Retrouvaille programme can help you recover your marriage. Next programme 5^th – 7^th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.

Strictly Let’s Dance with the Village

Saturday 13th February at Lyrath Estate Hotel.  MC’s Marty Morrissey  & Edward Hayden . Celebrity Judges Michael Duignan, Tomas Mulcahy and Tracy Millea.  A great night to be had by all. 

Christmas Offering

Sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the priests collection for Christmas.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.