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, 2nd 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, 21st 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 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).
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 5th – 7th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.
