The Ascension of the Lord
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. For forty days after His Resurrection Jesus appeared to the Apostles at different times. We see the power of God at work in the Resurrection and Ascension. Jesus was taken body and soul into Heaven. The apostles were frightened and downcast. Jesus asked them to continue His mission on earth. He told them to stay in Jerusalem and promised to send them the Holy Ghost as His work on earth was completed. Jesus is now in Heaven interceding for us and for the
whole church.
Today is World Communications Day. We live in the technological age. Every year it is celebrated by the Church on the Sunday before Pentecost Sunday. It emphasises how the media can promote Gospel values. The day was established by Pope Paul V1 in 1967. We are invited to reflect on the opportunities and challenges of the media. The media has an obligation to promote the truth at all times. This is a prayer for today:
God of truth who enlightens us, guide the media. May they endeavour to support the dignity of the person through words and images. Give them discernment. May the Holy Spirit come to us and give us the courage to be witnesses to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the pupils from the School of the Holy Spirit and St. Patrick’s School, Kells Road who received their First Holy Communion in St. Fiacre’ s Church this week. We look forward to welcoming the girls from St. John of God School who will receive the sacrament next Saturday at St. Fiacre’s.
The Kilkenny Novena
St John’s Church, May 3 – 11
The Kilkenny Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Hope continues in St John’s Church, Kilkenny until Wednesday 11th May. 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: Maria Lee, Kells Road. Thomas Roche, Newpark. Richard Bourke, Killumney, Cork. Joe Brassil Snr, Co. Cork. (Sat 6.15). Kathleen Hall, Howth.
Months Mind: Eileen Harrington (Sat 6.15). Jim O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00). Jim Doyle (Wed 10.30).
Anniversaries: Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00). Rose Lawless (Sun 10.00). Paddy Ryan (Sun 10.30). William O’Brien Snr, William O’Brien Jnr, Billy, Ann & Martin O’Brien (Sun 12.00). Gerard Carolan (Sun 12.30). Michael Deegan (Thurs 10.30). Liam Meehan.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Martin (Buddy) Roche (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Patrick O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00). Jackie Byrne (Months Mind Sun 10.30). Bridget Lawlor (Sun 11.00). Patrick O’Connell (Sun 12.00). John Coppinger (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
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
A meeting of the society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday 13th May after 10.30am Mass.
The Rosary
Will be recited each Sunday in month of May at 3pm in the Grotto on the Callan Rd.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
Its not too late to join the draw. Subscription €10 per month. Please contact the Parish Office 0567764400.
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 14th 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.
Go for Life Games Day
Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership are organising a County Go for Life Games Day for Over 50’s on the 9th May 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. To register, email Michelle with your name and contact information to michelle@krsp.ie or text 087 0650983.
Dates For Your Diary
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.
Kilkenny Flower Club
Members are looking forward to a demonstration by Lamber de Bie on Thursday, 12th May at 8 p.m. in Butler House. Visitors will be most welcome (€10)
Summer Concert
St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band will play a Summer Concert in St. Patrick’s Church on Thursday, 19th May. The band will be playing a whole new programme. No cover charge.
Plant Sale
Rothe House & Garden are holding their annual plant sale on Saturday May 28th between 10.30am and 5pm. There will be a large selection of plants available to purchase in the historic garden. Admission Free. guided tour at 11am, 1pm or 3pm. All most welcome.
Camp Veritas
Camp Veritas is a one week 'play and pray' sleep away summer camp for teens 12 to 18 years old. It is being held in Maynooth University Campus from the 26th June to July 1st this year. Cost is €450 with an early bird reduction for early registration. Volunteers are also needed and can be aged 18 and upwards... (free for volunteers). Lots of fun and lifelong friendships to be made and a chance to deepen your relationship with Christ Our Lord. or more information and registration log on to www.campveritas.ie.
South Kilkenny Historical Society
1916 Commemoration Conference and Exhibitions
Friday, May 20th - 7.30pm - Official opening, announcement of Primary Schools' Competition winner and keynote lecture by Mr Patrick Mannix.
Saturday, May 21st - 10am - 3pm - Panel discussions. Session 1 - Easter 1916 - The case For and Against; Session 2 - 1916 to 2016 - Was it 'For this that all that blood was shed'; Session 3 - 2016 to 2116 - The ideals of 1916 - Their relevance for a new century. Panellists include: Mr David Begg, Mr Eamon O Cuiv, Mr Noel Whelan and Mr Padraig Yeates. Venue: The Rising Sun, Mullinavat.
Al-Anon
Meetings take place every Wednesday at the Parish Centre from 11.30am - 1pm.
Loughboy Library
Alzheimers Tea Day-thanks to all who donated money. We raised €600.00 for our local branch.
The Voices of Hope Choir will perform at the library next Thurs May 12th at 11am. All welcome.
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.
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.
