The generous sower
Can you picture it? I love the image of Jesus sitting in a boat, addressing the crowds on the beach. He certainly knew how to hold their attention. And he knew they would understand him more clearly if he used the language of stories. Those listening would have been familiar with the cycle of planting seeds and waiting for them to produce a crop. One of the purposes of parables is to challenge the hearers to reflect and respond with faith. So this parable of the sower requires Jesus’ audience to decide what kind of soil they are. There is a message of judgment for those who are hardened like the rocky soil, and a message of hope for those who are receptive like the rich soil. The figure of the sower is important too. The sower does not confine the seeds to soil that is fertile and ready for growth. Rather, the seeds are scattered everywhere – on the path, patches of rock, and among thorns. Jesus does not discriminate. His love is given out for all. He knows that some of it may be rejected, or accepted only on a superficial level, but he offers it anyway. That offer of love is never withdrawn. It might take a while to bear fruit, but it is always there.
‘Always there are doors that are not closed. Look for the doors that are at least a little bit open, enter and talk about common things and go on. Step by step.’ Pope Francis
Tríona Doherty
Dates for your Diary
Foulkstown Cemetery Mass - Thurs 27th July at 7.30pm.
St. Fiacre’s Well, Sheestown - Sun 27th August at 3.30pm.
St. Vincent De Paul
The monthly collection for the St. Vincent De Paul will be taken up in the second collection at all Masses this weekend. `
St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
The next draw for St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund takes place on Wednesday 26th July 2017. If you would like to subscribe to the draw please contact the Parish Office or Fr. Roderick.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Mary Nolan, Assumption Place.
Months Mind: Sean “Georgie” Leahy (Sat 7.00). Denis Byrne (Sun 9.30).
Anniversaries: Eileen O’Brien (Sat 6.15). Jimmy Byrne (Sun 10.00). Bridget Kelly (Sun 10.30). Marie & Annmarie Manogue (Sun 11.00). Mary Hogan (Sun 12.00). Jer Doheny (Sun 12.30). Pat Murray (Thurs 10.30). Kitty Larkin (Fri 9.30). Mary Holland. Brigid Murray. John Walsh. Patrick O’Brien. Bridget Ward. Bridie Walsh. Mary Slattery. The Roche Family. Fr. John F. Bourke. Tony Henderson. Felix Campbell.
Intentions for next weekend: Chris Murphy (Sat 6.15). Hugh McCorry (Sun 9.30). Davina Crosbie (Sun 10.00). Eileen Glennon (Sun 11.00). Ivan Power (Sun 12.00). Vera & Bobby Brannigan (Sun 12.30). Anniversaries must be submitted to the office by Thursday at the latest. Anniversaries after that will be published the following week.
Cleaners Needed
Anyone interested in giving an hour or two of their time to clean St. Fiacre’s Church is asked to contact the Sacristy
Reek Sunday – 30th July 2017
The annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick, Reek Sunday takes place this year on Sunday 30 July. Mass will be celebrated hourly on the summit at 8:00am; 9:00am; 10:00am; 11:00am; 12:00pm; 1:00pm & 2:00pm. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated from 7:30am - 2:00pm.
Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Island
Wexford - Sunday 23rd July 2017
Mass will be celebrated at 3pm followed by Rosary Procession around the island & Benediction. Bus leaves St. Fiacre’s Church at 11.30am. Cost €15
You may bring a packed lunch and light refreshments will be available in cafés near the church before and after the ceremonies. All are welcome
Phone Phil 086 833 3029 or leave your name at reception in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre.
Relic of Mother Teresa
A First Class relic of St Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) is currently making a tour of the Cathedrals of Ireland. The Relic will arrive at St Mary’s Cathedral Kilkenny at 7 pm on Tuesday 18th July and remain until 3 pm on Thursday 20th July.
The Cathedral will remain open until 10 pm each day of the visitation. There will be special celebrations to coincide with the visit including Mass on Wednesday 19th July at 9 am (in thanksgiving for the gift of human life) & Mass for the sick with anointing that evening at 7 pm. On Thursday Mass will be celebrated at 9 am & 1 pm in the Cathedral. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available at certain times during the public veneration of the Relic. On Tuesday & Wednesday evenings a film on the life of Mother Teresa will be shown in the Cathedral Chapter Room at 8 pm. For further information please see poster & flyers or go to www.ossory.ie or www.stmaryscathedral.ie Cathedral Parish Office ( 9.30 am - 1.30 pm Mon. - Fri.) Tel. 056 7721253.
Mill Hill Fathers
Mgr. Michael Ryan, Administrator, Diocese of Ossory has issued a statement on the Departure of the Mill Hill Fathers from the Diocese of Ossory:
“I wish to associate our retired Bishops—Bishop Laurence Forristal and Bishop Seamus Freeman—with my words of thanks and appreciation on behalf of the people, priests and religious and on my own behalf, for the important ministry of the Mill Hill Fathers since coming to the Diocese of Ossory in 1932. In 1989 the Fathers moved to St Joseph’s on the Waterford Road in Kilkenny City, to continue their apostolate, particularly through the distribution of their magazine which helps readers to know more about the Missionary work of the Order. There is a deep regret in the Diocese at the departure of the Mill Hill Fathers, I know the faithful will miss the quiet ministry that was characteristic of the House. May I wish the Fathers who are leaving Kilkenny every blessing and peace in their new homes.”
The full statement is available a the back of the churches.
Youth 2000 Summer Festival
Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary from Thursday 17th—Sunday 20th August 2017. For young people aged 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new people, with over 1400 young people from all corners of Ireland attending last year. The festival is donation only. Free buses travelling from all around Ireland. For more info and to book online, see www.youth2000.ie or Tel: 01 6753690.
Lough Derg 2017
You may begin the Three Day Pilgrimage on any day up to and including Sunday 13th August. Advance booking is not necessary. There are various travel options available countrywide. The Lough Derg team can help you to co-ordinate public transport or link up with Pilgrimage Organisers in your locality. Telephone Maureen or Lorraine on 071 9851518 (from NI 00353 71 9861518). Email: info@loughderg.org www.loughderg.org
Theological Studies
St. Kieran’s College, as part if its mission of education and formation, wishes to offer, on behalf of the Diocese of Ossory, a programme of education for the people of the diocese. The programme will begin next September and will be offered on the Kilkenny Campus of NUI Maynooth, based at St. Kieran’s College. Further information from Declan Murphy on 056 775 3624 or 087 908 1470 or on declanmurphy@ossory.ie
The Village Day Centre
The Village Day Centre in Kilkenny City is open Monday to Friday and provides an opportunity for people with dementia to socialise and get involved in some of the dementia specific activities. . To avail of the service or for information call 056 777 1230.
Lost & Found
A phone was found in St. Patrick’s Church during the week. Contact the Parish Centre 056 7764400.
