May
Today is May day. It was one of four festivals celebrated by the ancient Celts. Month of May, month of Our Lady, of flowers, of the cuckoo, the key to Summer. In the month of May, be with us O Lord.
The Pope’s intentions for this month are:
That in every country of the world, women may be honoured and respected and that their essential contribution to society may be highly esteemed. That families, communities, and groups may pray the Holy Rosary for evangelization and peace. It is still a custom to have a May altar in homes and recite the rosary daily during the month of May. This custom is kept in many schools. It is good to continue such customs as we pray:
Virgin Mary, you are queen of heaven, protector of the weak, sea of kindliness, pacifier of the complainer, fount of virtue, fullness of grace, the Cliodhna wave of mercy.
Amen.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the pupils from Kilkenny School Project will receive their First Holy Communion at 12noon Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church today. We look forward to welcoming the girls from St. John of God School who will receive the sacrament next Saturday at St. Fiacre’s.
Bank Holiday Weekend
As this is a bank holiday weekend the only public Mass in our parish on Monday will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am. There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Fiacre’s Church on Monday.
The Kilkenny Novena
St John’s Church, May 3 – 11
The Kilkenny Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Hope begins on May 3rd in St John’s Church, Kilkenny. The theme of this year’s Novena is Mercy, incorporating issues such as Family, Conflict, Sacredness of Life, Forgiveness and Prayer. There will be three sessions on each weekday at 7.30am, 10.30am and 7.30pm.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Patrick Downes, Jacob St. Edward (Ned) Buggy, Doonane, Crettyyard, Laois. Michael Bergin, Lower Dunmore. Gabrielle O’Brien, Clonmel, Tipperary.
Months Mind: Christy Leahy (Sun 10.30). Marian Fitzpatrick (Sun 11.00). Michael Leahy (Mon 11.00).
Anniversaries: 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). Luke Bateman (Sun 12.30). Mary Glennon (Tues 10.30), Helen Renehan. Bridget Maher. John & Mary Twomey. Patrick & Ellen Moran.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Eileen Harrington (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00). Rose Lawless (Sun 10.00). Paddy Ryan (Sun 10.30). Jim O’Dwyer (Months Mind Sun 11.00). William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr, Billy, Ann & Martin O’Brien (Sun 12.00). Gerard Carolan (Sun 12.30).
Ossory Vocations Information Day
Saturday May 14th, The Chapter Room, St. Mary’s Cathedral at 10.30am. Contact Fr. Willie Purcell for further information. ossoryvocdir@gmail.com. Tel: 087 628 6858. Facebook: ossoryvocdir.
''Priests of the country and city, with their anointing, have given strength to the people, have passed on the teaching of the faith, have given the sacraments; and in a word given holiness." Pope Francis
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
Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday of the month in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 1st May at 3pm. All are welcome.
May Rosary Vigil 2016
Sunday 1st May 2016 4.15pm. Dominican Black Abbey, Kilkenny. The Most Holy Rosary. Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious & Luminous Mysteries.
Legion of Mary
There will be rosary at the Grotto on the Callan Road at 3pm every Sunday during May in honour of Our Lady. Everybody welcome.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
April Draw Results - 1st: Mem Dunphy, Ballyragget. 2nd: Monica Murray, St. Mary’s. 3rd: Fr. Noel Maher, Aghaboe. 4th: Cardinal C. Murphy O’Connor, St. Mary’s. 5th: Mary Sullivan, Mooncoin. 6th: Michael & Mary O’Connor, Muckalee. 7th: Kate Morris, Callan. 8th: Michael Hyland, Aghaboe. 9th: Brendan Walshe, Ballyragget. 10th: Sr. Imelda, St. Mary’s. Its not too late to join the draw. Subscription €10 per month. Please contact the Parish Office 0567764400. 10 draws left in this years draw.
Westcourt News
To mark the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice on Thursday, 5th May 2016, mass will be celebrated in Westcourt on Thursday, 5th May 2016 at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
First Holy Communion Gifts
Looking for First Holy Communion gifts? The Parish Shop has been stocked with many items for First Holy Communion. Medals, rosaries, prayer books, cards etc and a wide range is available.
Concert
The Kilkenny Choir will present a concert in St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny on Saturday 14 May at 8pm. 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.
Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
We are about to close the Trócaire Parish Account for this year. Outstanding boxes should be returned to the Parish Office before next Sunday. Thank you.
Irish Catholic Nurses Guild
Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Saturday 7th May 2016. Depart from the Butts Green at 7.30am. Bookings - contact Ann Kennedy 056 772 2204 or 087 932 9561.
Loughboy Library
Alzheimer’s Tea Day-takes place on Thursday (May 5th) from 10am-1pm. Your support for this very worthy cause is appreciated. A selection of knitted confectionary from Sarah in Knit Wits can be purchased on the day. All monies raised will help those in our community who are living with Alzheimers.
Knitters Wanted-meet Sarah, who knits for charities, at the library on Wednesdays at 10am.
Go for Life Games Day
Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership are organising a County Go for Life Games Day for Over 50’s on the 09.05.16 from 10.30am to 1.00pm in The Watershed. It is FREE and scones, tea & coffee shall be provided. Open to ALL Over 50’s. You don’t have to be involved in any club or have any experience of sports. To register, email Michelle with your name and contact information to michelle@krsp.ie or text 087 0650983.
Dates For Your Diary
School of the Holy Spirit: Friday 6th May, 11.30am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy.
St. Patrick’s School, Kells Road: Saturday 7th May, 11am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy.
St. John of God First Holy Communion: Saturday, 14th May, 11am, St. Fiacre’s, Loughboy
St. Patrick’s de la Salle, First Holy Communion: Saturday, 21st May, 11am St. Patrick’s.
Cemetery Mass at Foulkstown: Thurs 28th July, 7.30pm.
St. Fiacre’s Well Mass: Sheestown: 28th Aug, 3pm.
Al-Anon
Meetings take place every Wednesday at the Parish Centre from 11.30am - 1pm.
Success is Yours!
Workshop with Jo Flood, Life Coach, Saturday May 7th in the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny. It’s a day of fun and exploration and relates to personal development and motivation techniques and tools to help you stay in a positive mental space. It’s also an opportunity to take a day out for yourself and connect with like-minded people. Maybe have a girl’s day out! The Hotel is very central and parking is free in the car park opposite the entrance. Early Bird €50 or Pay on the day €60. Bookings call 087 2240135
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 Centre. Papal blessing parchments to mark weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, jubilees and some other occasions are available through the Parish Shop.
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.
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.
