3rd Sunday of Lent, 28th February 2016

Save the Date!!!

A farewell Mass for Fr. Dan will take place on Friday 8th April at 7.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre. 

Parish Registration

We are currently updating our parish register and we invite those who are new to St.Patrick’s Parish to register with us.  Please contact the Parish Office by email: stpatricksparish@ossory.ie or by phone 056 776 4400.

Extra Mass for Lent

We offer an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent. 

Sing, Sing, Sing!

Singing is a great joy and, we now know, is also a great therapy. We would be delighted to welcome you to come and sing with us in the choir - especially for the Easter Vigil.  Come along to St. Patrick’s Church on Monday evenings at 6.45pm for our practice or on Sunday mornings at 11am.  All singers welcome.

Holy Hour for Vocations

The monthly Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Ossory with guided prayer and Benediction will be held on Friday March 4th in the Blessed. Sacrament Chapel in St. Mary's Cathedral from 7 to 8 pm. All welcome.

Lourdes

St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee are inviting anyone from the Parish to avail of a sponsored trip to Lourdes in May 2016. So if you are ill, or have been ill, elderly or have just gone through a bad time, please contact the Parish Office. 056 7764400.  The Lourdes annual cabaret will take place on Saturday, 19^th March, in the Village Inn. Raffle and Door prize on the night. The Uptown Band will provide the entertainment. Tickets are €5 available on the door or from the Parish Office.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Months Mind: Tom Cantwell (Sun 10.00).

Anniversaries: Bridie & Tommy Casey (Sat 6.15). Joe Lawlor (Sat 7.00). Tommy McCarthy (Sun 9.30).  John & Brigid O’Rourke (Sun 10.30). Breda Walton (Sun 11.00). Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.00). Vivien Etaferi (Sun 12.30). John Millea (Tues 10.30). Michael McKane (Wed 10.30). Patrick O’Donoghue (Fri 10.30) Vincent Morrissey (Fri 6.15).  Peggy McGrath. Mary Foley. John Millea. Mary Fitzpatrick. May Coyne. William Holland. Mary Tyrell. Peggy Hogan.    

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Brian Griffin (Sat 6.15). Sr. Maureen O’Flanagan (Sat 7.00). Pat Adams (Sun 10..00). Lillie Fogarty (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Sue Daly, Con & Patsy Connelly (Sun 11.00). Ann & John Waldron (Sun 12.00). Bob Cantwell (Months Mind Sun 12.30).

Ossory Diocesan Draw Results

1st: Jim & Dorothy Gorey, Tullaroan. 2nd: Alice Lennon, Gowran. 3rd: James Holmes, Tullaroan. 4th: Tom Dunlop, St. Patrick’s. 5th: Aggie Keoghan, Tullaroan. 6th: John Freeman, St. Mary’s. 7th: Larry O’Keeffe, Clara. 8th: Peggy Hoyne, St. Mary’s. 8th: Kevin & Anne O’Donnell, Gowran. Brian & Theresa O’Shea, St. Mary’s.

The next series of draws begins on the 30th March. Draw cards are available at the Parish Office. 

Marian Movement of Priests

A meeting will take place on Monday 29th February at 7.30pm in St. Joseph’s Mill Hill Fathers, Waterford Road.  Mass, Rosary, Holy Hour.  All are welcome.

Mental Health/Suicide Awareness Talk

Wednesday 9th March in the Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny at 7pm. Speakers on the night are Vincent Byrne, Cycling Against Suicide; Angela Hayes, The Thomas Hayes Trust; Cecilia Shefflin, Mindfulness Coach and Music by Claire Walsh & James Rice. All Welcome. 

First Friday

Next Friday 4th March is the first Friday of March.  The priests of the parish will visit the sick and housebound at the usual times. 

Concert

Liam Lawton in concert with the RTE Concert Orchestra.  Friday 8th April. St. Mary’s Cathedral.  Doors open 7.30pm. Concert 8pm. In aid of St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund.  Tickets €25, available at the Parish Centre.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

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

World Day of Prayer

A service for the World Day of Prayer will take place on Friday 4th March in St. Canice’s Church, Dean St  at 7.30pm.  All are welcome.   

Co. Kilkenny Suicide Prevention Forum
We invite the young at heart to High Tea in The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel on Thursday 3rd March 2016 from 3pm to 5pm. Tea/Coffee with Scones and Music.

IPT Cake Sale

Many thanks to all who supported out Cake Sale last weekend by baking or buying cakes.  €1600 was raised and help with the cost of sending a young person will special needs to Lourdes this Easter.

Tuesday Morning Tea/Coffee

With the approval of the priests of the parish, we are granting a Lenten dispensation for this week only  for anyone who has given up biscuits for Lent.  Join us in the Parish Centre on Tuesday morning after the 10.30am Mass. 

Cathedral Cafe

St. Mary’s Cathedral Cafe reopens under new management on the 7th March.  Opening hours 9-5 Monday - Saturday.

Kilkenny Bereavement Support

A public talk by International Expert, Dr. Eoin Galavan in the Newpark Hotel on March 3rd at 7.30pm. Entry €5. It is entitled “Understanding Self-Harm and Suicide in Young People”. Dr. Galavan plans to have a workshop for parents or concerned adults in Kilkenny on March 29th.  For more information, phone Kilkenny Bereavement Support at 056 7756538.

Loughboy Library

Creative Writing for Beginners-places still left on a six week course starting Friday March 4^th from 6-8pm. Cost €45/ €40 concession. Tel 0567794176 to book.

Kilkenny Fibromyalgia support group

Informal meetings will now be held on Tuesday nights at 7.30pm in Ossory Park Community Centre, beginning March 1st. (formerly on Saturdays)
The centre is located on the Hebron Road. All are welcome to drop in for advice, a chat, tea and coffee! For further information on this talk or on fibromyalgia support in Kilkenny please contact Doris 086 2346491or Tommy 086 1080291

School of the Holy Spirit

The school of the Holy Spirit will hold its annual Church gate collection to raise much needs funds for complimentary therapies for our pupils. The church gate collection will take on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February, thank you so much for your continuous support.

Psychotherapist

Experienced & accredited.  For an appointment please call Robert 086 878 6353

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature, including Confirmation medals and badges, available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop which is located in the foyer of the Parish Centre. 

 

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoons. As usual parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page (see banner above for addresses).  Due to limited space it is not possible to keep repeating an item each weekend. Items can be emailed to: stpatricksparish@ossory.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.

LARC Community Childcare

A community based childcare centre located at 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. Now taking bookings for Easter Camp for children from 4yrs – 12yrs running from Monday 21^st March to Friday 1^st April 9.30am – 3.30pm daily.  Enrolling for ECCE Pre School places for Sept 2016, register now to avoid disappointment. Places available in our Playschool, Preschool and After Schools programmes. or more information call Annette on 056 7764700. 

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.

2nd Sunday of Lent, 21st February 2016

Second Sunday of Lent

Today is the second Sunday in Lent and we can reflect that Jesus conquered death and revealed life everlasting. Two major events in the life of Jesus are recorded in today’s readings. God revealed to Abraham in the Old Testament that he and his descendants would be blessed and he would be the father of many nations. We see another event. The apostles needed hope before Jesus began His passion. He took Peter, James and John to Mount Tabor. He was transfigured before them and Moses and Elias, two major characters in Israel appeared to them. After this the apostles understood that Jesus was no ordinary person. Peter spoke, Lord, it is good for us to remain here; if thou wish, let us make three tabernacles: one for thee and one for Moses and

one for Elijah They heard a voice from the cloud saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:1- 5)The apostles were terrified but Jesus said to them” let us go and not be afraid. On looking up they saw nobody only Jesus. Like the Apostles, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and hope to be ready for whatever problems and troubles we suffer in this life.

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.

Parish Registration

We are currently updating our parish register and we invite those who are new to St.Patrick’s Parish to register with us.  Please contact the Parish Office by email: stpatricksparish@ossory.ie or by phone 056 776 4400.

Extra Mass for Lent

There will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent.  

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes

Trocaire Boxes are available at the back of all our churches .  The ‘Trocaire Box’ has become a traditional way for families to give practical help to the needy during the 40 days of Lent.  We invite you to take a box and contribute from the money saved from ‘giving up’ something during lent,.  The money raised from the annual Trocaire appeal is used to help the most vulnerable people in many parts of the world.

Lenten Stations

Sincere thanks all who contributed to the Lenten collection for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop.  Your generosity to this collection, and every collection is greatly appreciated.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Maura Tyrrell, Meadow Way. Phil O’Brien, Kells. Peter Alley, Dundrum.  Rev Fr. Godfrey Philip Ryan, Atlanta, Georgia, formerly 71 High St, Kilkenny.

Anniversaries: Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15). Stephen Bennett (Sat 7.00), John Walsh (Sun 10.00). Molly Johnston (Sun 10.30). Sadie McGrath (Sun 11.00). Patrick & Teresa O'Rourke (Sun 12.00). Eily Connelly (Mon 9.30). Mick & Ann Purcell (Tue 10.30). Mikey Holland (Thurs 10.30).  Michael Murphy (Fri 10.30). Anne Mulhall. Catherine Cullen. Paddy Barry. Ellen Doyle. Patrick & Teresa Kennedy. Jimmy Gahan. Marjorie Foskin. Martin Dermody. Jason McGovern. Dan Kennedy.  Deirdre McGuinness.  Sarah Tynan.  May Morris Allen. Peter & Jimmy Browne. Ann Somers. Kitty Morris. Sadie McGrath.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Bridie & Tommy Casey (Sat 6.15). Joe Lawlor (Sat 7.00). Tommy McCarthy (Sun 9.30). Tom Cantwell (Months Mind Sun 10.00). John & Brigid O’Rourke (Sun 10.30). Breda Walton (Sun 11.00). Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.00). Vivien Etaferi (Sun 12.30).

Enable Ireland

The amount collected in St. Patrick’s Parish for the recent church gate collection was €913.19.

Lourdes

St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee are inviting anyone from the Parish to avail of a sponsored trip to Lourdes in May 2016. So if you are ill, or have been ill, elderly or have just gone through a bad time, please contact the Parish Office. 056 7764400. 

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

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

World Day of Prayer

A service for the World Day of Prayer will take place on Friday 4th March in St. Canice’s Church, Dean St  at 7.30pm.  All are welcome.   

IPT Cake Sale

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust will hold a cake sale in the Parish Centre after all Masses this weekend.  Please help send a young person with special needs to Lourdes at Easter.

Mental Health/Suicide Awareness Talk

 Wednesday 9th March in the Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny at 7pm. Speakers on the night are Vincent Byrne, Cycling Against Suicide; Angela Hayes, The Thomas Hayes Trust; Cecilia Shefflin, Mindfulness Coach and Music by Claire Walsh & James Rice. All Welcome

Fundraising Bag Pack

GROW Mental Health, wish to inform you that Bag Pack in Dunnes Stores, Kieran Street, Kilkenny has been cancelled, at end of the month.  Thank you.

Irish Asthma Society

The Society will hold their annual church gate collection will take place this weekend 20th/21st February.  Please support. 

School of the Holy Spirit

The school of the Holy Spirit will hold its annual Church gate collection to raise much needs funds for complimentary therapies for our pupils. The church gate collection will take on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February, thank you so much for your continuous support.

Loughboy Library

Writing Workshop for Beginners with Tara Heavey commences at Loughboy Library on Friday March 4th from 6-8pm. The course will run for six weeks. Cost €45/ €40.  Booking 056 7794176.

Kilkenny & Carlow Contact

A befriending & support organisation for older people. Befriending is all about building a one to one relationship based upon trust, confidentiality and support.  This service is free to the older person. 

If you would like to avail of our befriending service or become a volunteer please contact Eleanor Doyle at 086 8530994 or 7772151.

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoons. As usual parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page (see banner above for addresses).  Due to limited space it is not possible to keep repeating an item each weekend. Items can be emailed to: stpatricksparish@ossory.ie.

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature, including Confirmation medals and badges, 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.

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.

 

LARC Community Childcare

A community based childcare centre located at 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. Now taking bookings for Easter Camp for children from 4yrs – 12yrs running from Monday 21^st March to Friday 1^st April 9.30am – 3.30pm daily.  Enrolling for ECCE Pre School places for Sept 2016, register now to avoid disappointment. Places available in our Playschool, Preschool and After Schools programmes. or more information call Annette on 056 7764700.

 

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.

1st Sunday of Lent, 14th February 2016

Extra Mass for Lent

There will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent.  We offer this extra Mass  as a way of allowing people who would like to include the Holy Mass as part of their preparation for Easter.  You are welcome to join us.

Monday Exposition

Every Monday, after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church, we have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.  This lasts until 9pm (with a break for evening Mass).  Many people find spending time in front of Jesus, present in the Sacred Host in the monstrance on the altar, a most precious time with the Lord.  If you can’t make Mass every day during lent, why not join us each Monday?  Time spent before the Blessed Sacrament  is time well spent indeed.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes

The annual Trócaire Lenten Appeal began last  Wednesday.  Trocaire Boxes are available at the back of all our churches .  The ‘Trocaire Box’ has become a traditional way for families to give practical help to the needy during the 40 days of Lent.  We invite you to take a box and contribute from the money saved from ‘giving up’ something during lent,.  The money raised from the annual Trocaire appeal is used to help the most vulnerable people in many parts of the world.

Lenten Station

Sincere thanks all who contributed to the Lenten collection for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop.  Your generosity to this collection, and every collection is greatly appreciated.

Lourdes

St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee are inviting anyone from the Parish to avail of a sponsored trip to Lourdes in May 2016. So if you are ill, or have been ill, elderly or have just gone through a bad time, please contact the Parish Office. 056 7764400. 

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Very Rev. Kieran Cantwell, Danesfort.  Séamus Curraoin, Circular Road.

Months Mind: Kitty Sweeney (Sun 11.00).

Anniversaries: Thomas Kavanagh (Sat 6.15). Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00). Peggy Shanahan (Sun 9.30). Mary, Mick & Liam Costello (Sun 10.00). Michael & Stella Hynes (Sun 10.30). Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00). Ursula Maher (Sun 12.30). Rosemary Nichols (Tues 10.30). Jenny Clancy (Tues 6.15). Michael, Annie & Rita Bourke, Dorothy McGirr & Rena Flanagan (Wed 10.30). Ann & Michael Kelly (Fri 10.30). Seamus Culleton. Catherine Beckett. Jack Talbot. Peggy Beckett. Tina O’Driscoll. Michael O’Dwyer. Eileen Cooper. Elizabeth & Edward Geoghegan. Elizabeth & Patrick Fry. Michael Dargan. William Ayres.  JJ Murphy. Joseph Kirwan.  Christopher Walsh.  Daniel Cody. Bill Carroll. Catherine Maher. Colm Kennedy.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Nicholas Healy (Sat 6.15). Stephen Bennett (Sat 7.00), John Walsh (Sun 10.00). Molly Johnston (Sun 10.30). Sadie McGrath (Sun 11.00). Patrick & Teresa O'Rourke (Sun 12.00).

Foulkstown Cemetery

We appeal to people visiting the cemetery, especially in cars to take extra care while in the cemetery.  We especially ask people to think of others and park responsibly.  This is especially important at the top end of the cemetery where the road is narrow.  Some visitors have  been ‘abandoning ‘ their cars on the roadway resulting in other motorists being unable to pass.

Please note that those who enter the cemetery, either driving or walking do so at their own  risk.  The parish does not  take responsibility for damage, injury or loss  to any person, vehicle or property,  Thank you for your cooperation.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

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

IPT Cake Sale

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust will hold a cake sale in the Parish Centre after all Masses next weekend.  Please help send a young person with special needs to Lourdes at Easter. The Parish Centre will open at 3.30pm on next Saturday to enable people to drop in the cakes and buns. 

Divine Mercy

An hour of prayer in honour of Divine Mercy will be help in the Friary on Sunday 14th from 3 -4pm. 

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome

From 29^th August to 3^rd September 2016.  Staying in the heart of Rome at the Irish College. Visiting all the major pilgrimage places of Rome. Audience with the Holy Father. Half day trip to the beautiful town of Castelgandolfo on Lake Albano. Mass beside the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Cost: €860 per person sharing.  Ossory Adult Faith Development.  Tel: 056 775 3624. Email: afd@ossory.ie. 

LARC Community Childcare

A community based childcare centre located at 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. Now taking bookings for Easter Camp for children from 4yrs – 12yrs running from Monday 21^st March to Friday 1^st April 9.30am – 3.30pm daily.  Enrolling for ECCE Pre School places for Sept 2016, register now to avoid disappointment. Places available in our Playschool, Preschool and After Schools programmes. or more information call Annette on 056 7764700

Fundraising Bag Pack

GROW Mental Health, are holding a Bag Pack in Dunnes Stores, Kieran Street, Kilkenny, Saturday, 20^th February, 2016, 10 am to 6pm, to help raise funds that are vitally important to continue supporting people with Mental Health problems.  Please come along and support, any contribution big or small, would be gratefully received.

Kilkenny & Carlow Contact

A befriending & support organisation for older people. Befriending is all about building a one to one relationship based upon trust, confidentiality and support.  This service is free to the older person. 

If you would like to avail of our befriending service or become a volunteer please contact Eleanor Doyle at 086 8530994 or 7772151

Parish Newsletter

All items for inclusion must be submitted by Thursday afternoons. As usual parish and diocesan notices take priority. Late notices will appear on our Facebook and web page (see banner above for addresses).  Due to limited space it is not possible to keep repeating an item each weekend.

Loughboy Library

Writing Course for beginners commences on Friday March 4th from 6-8pm and continues for 6 weeks. Cost €40.00. Tel 7794176 to book a place.

Getting Ireland Online. A free computer course will take place on Friday mornings commencing shortly. Participants will attend for 2 hours per week for 4 weeks. The course will cover email and attachments, transferring photos to your computer, buying online etc. Tel 7794176 to book a place.

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature, including Confirmation medals and badges, 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.

Lost & Found

A sum of money was found in St. Patrick’s Church in November.  Please contact the Parish Office 056 776 4400.

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.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 7th February 2016

Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins

Ash Wednesday occurs this week and is the beginning of the Season of Lent.  At our morning Masses we will bless ashes and begin our Lenten observance.   Please note that pupils from our local schools may be present for the distribution of ashes at 9.30am and 10.30am Masses.  If you wish to avoid the large crowds, we have an evening Mass at 6.15pm in St. Fiacre’s Church.

Extra Mass for Lent

As mentioned above, starting on Wednesday there will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent.

Do Something Special this Lent!

Many people choose to abstain from alcohol for the duration of Lent.  Take this opportunity to help someone you love with an alcohol or drug problem by offering up your sacrifice as a prayer for their freedom and wellbeing.  Take the Short-Term Pledge and make a difference to someone’s life!  Visit www.pioneerassociation.ie or contact Fr. Liam on 056 776 4400.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes

The annual Trócaire Lenten Appeal begins on Wednesday.  Trocaire Boxes are available at the back of all our churches as a way of helping the needy.  Please do take one and use it during Lent.

Confirmation

Congratulations to the girls and boys of St. John of God School, St. Patrick’s De La Salle School and Kilkenny School Project on receiving their Confirmation yesterday (Saturday) in St. Mary’s Cathedral. 

We look forward to celebrating the Sacrament with the boys and girls of  the School of the Holy Spirit on Thursday of this week.  We pray that the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit will guide and direct their lives and bring them God’s blessing.

Lourdes

St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee are inviting anyone from the Parish to avail of a sponsored trip to Lourdes in May 2016. So if you are ill, or have been ill, elderly or have just gone through a bad time, please contact the Parish Office. 056 7764400. 

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased:  Helen Bannon, Ballyragget.  Tom Morrisson, Fermoy, Cork. Joan Farrell, Garringreen. Funeral prayers on Monday 8th Feb at 9.30am at Hehir’s Funeral Home followed by removal to st. John’s Church for 10.30am requiem Mass. Cremation afterwards at Mount Jerome Crematorium.  Margaret (Maggie) Davis, Croan, Danesfort. Angela Walsh, Jerpoint.

Anniversaries: Mena Somers (Sat 6.15). Noeline Flood (Sat 7.00). Richard & Lilly Purcell (Sun 9.30). Lil, Billy  & Eamon Costelloe (Sun 10.00). John & Jack Ryan (Sun 10.30). Michael Moore (Sun 11.00). John Collins (Sun 12.00). Rory Quinn (Sun 12.30). Sean O’Grady (Wed 10.30), John O’Rourke (Fri 10..30). Brian Murphy. Michael Blanchfield. Ellen Egan. Bernie Dunne. Tom Bolger. Anne & John Morrissey. Michael Kenealy. Jim Murphy. Maura Gaffney. Ellen Bourke. Janet Rooney. Mary & Cecil Pullan. Mary Hayes.

Intentions for Next Weekend:  Thomas Kavanagh (Sat 6.15). Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke (Sat 7.00). Peggy Shanahan (Sun 9.30). Mary, Mick & Liam Costello (Sun 10.00). Michael & Stella Hynes (Sun 10.30). Kitty Sweeney (Months Mind Sun 11.00). Peter Quinn (Sun 12.00). Ursula Maher (Sun 12.30).

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome

From 29^th August to 3^rd September 2016.  Staying in the heart of Rome at the Irish College. Visiting all the major pilgrimage places of Rome. Audience with the Holy Father. Half day trip to the beautiful town of Castelgandolfo on Lake Albano. Mass beside the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Cost: €860 per person sharing.  Ossory Adult Faith Development.  Tel: 056 775 3624. Email: afd@ossory.ie.  

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

Monthly meeting of St Joseph Young Priests Society will be held in Parish Centre on Friday next 12th February after 10.30 mass in St Fiacre's Church.

Rosary

The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 7th February at 3pm.  All are welcome. 

Church Gate Collection

Enable Ireland will hold their annual church gate collection next weekend 6th/7th February outside all Masses.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes

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

Our Parish Shop

There are lots of items of a religious nature, including Confirmation medals and badges, 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.

The Brickx Club

The Brickx Club Kilkenny is a social club especially for children aged 4-12 years of all abilities - we are holding a two hour building workshop in The Watershed Kilkenny on Saturday 20th February from 11-1pm - €15 per child - to book please contact Alison on 087-2417568 or see our Facebook page - The Brickx Club Kilkenny

Table Quiz

In Aid of Temple St. Friday 19th February at 9.30pm in Kyteler’s Inn.  €40 per table.  All are welcome. 

Starburst Easter Camp

Starburst Easter Camp is back. 21st, 22nd & 23rd March. 10-1pm daily.  Suitable for children 4-12 yrs. The camp takes place in The Scout's Den. Drama, Art, Music, Games and much more. Contact Kate on 0851142686 for more information  or to make a booking.

Coláiste Pobail Osraí

Tá me fhéin agus mo fhoireann ag glacadh páirte i gcomórtas Gaeilge ar scoil. Dúshlán 50 an t-ainm atá ar. Niamh Ní Ruiséil is ainm dom. Tá Carolyn Ní Eochaidh agus Éabha Ní Shluain ar mo fhoireann chomh maith. Freastlaímíd ar Coláiste Pobail Osraí. Is scoil lán Gaeilge í. Mar pháirt don chomórtas dúirt siad linn píosa faoin ghaeilge agus ár bhfoireann a chur san nuachlitir in ár paróiste áitiúil. Béimíd fíor bhuíoch má thugann gach duine tacaíocht dúinn agus don gaeilge mar theanga. Go raibh maith agat.

Thomastown Parish

Gala Concert Thomastown Parish Church Celebrating the newly refurbished Organ  on Sunday 7^th February 2016 at 7pm with St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band, Sospiro Male Voice Choir, featuring Organ solos by Derek Verso and Dr. Frank Lawrence. Admission Free.  Donations welcome.

Kilkenny Flower Club

Demonstration by Maura Donnelly at Kilkenny Flower Club in Butler House on Thursday, 11th Feb at 8pm

Samaritans

Carlow Kilkenny Samaritans will hold an information evening in Butler House, Patrick Street, Kilkenny at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9th February 2016.

Parish Newsletter

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

LARC Community Childcare

A community based childcare centre located at 54/55 Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. Now taking bookings for Easter Camp for children from 4yrs – 12yrs running from Monday 21^st March to Friday 1^st April 9.30am – 3.30pm daily.  Enrolling for ECCE Pre School places for Sept 2016, register now to avoid disappointment. Places available in our Playschool, Preschool and After Schools programmes.

For more information call Annette on 056 7764700

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.