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!
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 31st 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, 21st 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, 19th 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 5th – 7th 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).
