Saint Mark
The feast of St. Mark the Evangelist is celebrated on the 25th April. He was the assistant of St. Peter and also helped St. Paul who mentioned him in his Letter to the Colossians. He founded the Church in Alexandria in 42 AD. According to literary experts Mark’s was the first gospel to be written although at first it was thought to be a summary of Matthew’s Gospel. Modern scholars do not concur with this opinion but consider Mark an independent, accomplished, skilled and able evangelist. He wrote for the people among whom he lived, Christians from Jewish and Gentile traditions. His aim was to unite the community. He taught that Jesus is the foundation of Christianity and their belief in Him united them in the Christian family. He tells us Jesus is the Messiah and the Risen Jesus is the corner stone of the Christian
Faith. He taught that our faith will save us.
Lord, enlighten our minds and hearts.
Amen
An Chéad Chomaoineach Naofa
Comhghairdeas leis na buachaillí agus cailíní ó Rang II, Gaelscoil Osraí, a ghlac an Chéad Chomaoineach ar an Satharn i Séipéal Naomh Fiacra. Congratulations to the 52 pupils of Gaelscoil Osraí who received their First Holy Communion at St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday morning. Well done to the pupils themselves, their parents and families and their teachers.
On next Sunday at 11.00am pupils from Kilkenny School Project will receive the Sacrament at St. Fiacre’s Church.
Dates For Your Diary
KSP First Holy Communion: 1st May, 12noon, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy
St. John of God First Holy Communion: 14th May, 11am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy
St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: 21st May, 11am St. Patrick’s.
Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown: Thurs 28th July, 7.30pm.
St. Fiacre’s Well Mass: Sheestown: 28th Aug, 3pm.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Ellen Costello, Wallslough. Bridget Geoghegan, Fr. Delahunty Terrace. Lilly O’Keeffe, Knocktopher
Months Mind: John O’Sullivan (Sun 10.30).
Anniversaries: John Hennessy (Sat 6.15). Kay Hennessy (Sat 7.00). Betty Byrne (Sun 9.30). Eileen, Kieran & Tommy Hickey (Sun 10.00). . Dr. W.J. & Daisy Phelan, Edward Cody. Nin & Moya Bligh (Sun 11.00). Michael Gaule (Sun 12.00). Jimmy O’Neill (Sun 12.30). Joe Ayres (Mon 9.30). Mary & Eddie O’Keeffe (Wed 10.30am). Kathleen Tobin (Thurs 10.30). Des Hehir (Fri 9.30). Michael Martin (Fri 10.30). Noel & Ann O’Dwyer. Jimmy Maher. Richard Bolger. Mary Crotty. Patrick Browne. Mary & Jack Brennan. Joe Kelly. Michael Holden. Mary Muldowney.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Ted O’Dwyer & Paddy Dorney (Sat 6.15). Maureen & Jimmy Kelly (Sat 7.00). Kitty & Billy Roberts (Sun 9.30). John Byrne (Sun 10.00). Christy Leahy (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Marian Fitzpatrick (Months Mind 11.00). Luke Bateman (Sun 12.30). May they rest in peace.
Al-Anon
Meetings take place every Wednesday at the Parish Centre from 11.30am - 1pm.
St. Joseph’s Bell
We are pleased to announce that, after an 18 year absence, the bell from St. Joseph’s Church in Foulkstown has once more been restored. When the church was extensively renovated back in 1997/98, the bell was not put back due to safety and structural concerns. But the bell hadn’t been forgotten and with many hands making light work, combined with generosity of those who contribute to the parish, it was possible to re-mount the bell once again.
Using stone to match the church, as well as the original stone from the bell housing, the bell now stands to the left of the church overlooking the main part of the cemetery. It is hoped that, once the ground work is complete, the bell will ring once again.
Thanks to all who were involved in the planning, preparation and works involved in bring this small piece of history back to life in our parish.
Marian Movement of Priests
A meeting of the Marian Movement of Priests will take place on Monday 25th April at 7.30pm in St. Joseph’s, Mill Hill on the Waterford Road. Mass, Rosary & Holy Hour. All are welcome.
Baptisms
Two weeks notice is required for a baptism in the parish. Baptisms take place on the 2nd (St. Patrick’s)& 4th (St. Fiacre’s) Saturdays and the 3rd (St. Patrick’s) Sunday of each month. Please contact the parish office 056 776 4400.
Parish Centre Bookings
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre is available for meetings and social groups etc. All bookings for the Centre to be made through Mr. Ted Byrne. 056 776 4400
St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
Its not too late to join St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw. Subscription €10 per month. Please contact the Parish Office 0567764400. 11 draws left in this years draw.
Loughboy Library Notes
Recollections of 1916 and its Aftermath – will be presented by historian Maurice O’Keeffe at Loughboy library on Thursday April 28th at 11am. The presentations will incorporate personal Kilkenny reminiscences of the events surrounding 1916. – Free Event. All are welcome.
Alzheimer’s Tea Day – will be held on Thursday May 5th.
Concert
The Kilkenny Choir will present a concert in St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny on Saturday 14 May at 8pm. The Choir will be accompanied by professional soloists and orchestra and conducted by Philip Edmondson. We will perform Haydn’s Missa in Tempore Belli and Te Deum along with Mozart’s Litaniae Lauretanae, Sancta Maria, Mater Dei K273 and Alma Dei Creatoris K 277. Tickets €20/€15 at the door.
Ossory Times
Copies of the quarterly diocesan magazine are available in the sacristies of our churches. Cost is €2 which covers the cost of printing the high-quality magazine. It features many articles on faith and our diocese. Well worth a look!
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. 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 their big day.
Church Gate Collection
Last weekends church gate collection for St Canice's parish homes yielded €2,700. Many thanks to all.
Holy Father Quote
“If we are truly in love with Christ and if we sense how much He loves us, our heart will ‘light up’ with a joy that spreads to everyone around us.
Pope Francis.
