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 22nd to 27th 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 21st March to Friday 1st 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 5th – 7th February. For information contact Tony & Anne 01 495 3536 or visit www.retrouvaille.ie.
