Community Living
No community is without its problems. Wherever two or three are gathered, there will be two or three different opinions!
Today's gospel has a valuable message about community. When we think of our own parish or church community, we might feel uncomfortable with the advice on how to deal with sin. But this passage is just as relevant now as it was to the early Church. First of all, it acknowledges that the Church is not perfect; it is made up of sinners, who will go astray and disagree at different times. It emphasises the importance of dialogue - if a brother (or sister) sins, the first step is to discuss it with them, and then to enlist the help of the community if necessary. Presumably the other members will do the same for you, if and when you need it. We all have a responsibility, as members of the Church, to help those who are struggling or lost.
If you have a spare few minutes, read the passag- es that come immediately before and after this one in Matthew's Gospel. Before, the parable of the lost sheep tells us that God rejoices when one who has gone astray is found. After, Jesus tells us we should forgive each other as many as seventy-seven times. The context is God's generous love and forgiveness, on which we are expected to model our Church.
Jesus is present where two or three meet in his name - even with our human struggles and disagreements and sins. We have a responsibility to be present to each other, and to forgive one another. That's what it means to be Christ's Church.
Tríona Doherty
St. Mary's Cathedral Draw
The next draw will take place on Wednesday 27th September 2017. Many thanks for your continued support. To join the draw please contact Fr. Roderick.
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. 056 7764400.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Elizabeth Campion, Hollybank Lawn, Clongowan. Reposing at her son's home at 6 Orchard Park, The Curragh from 2pm on Sunday with Rosary at 7pm. Requiem Mass on Monday at 10am in St. Brigid's Church, The Curragh Camp. Burial in St. Conleth's Cemetery, Newbridge. Paddy Kavanagh, College Square and formerly Urlingford. Thomas Maher, Meadow Hill. Eddie Ryan, Cellarstown. Martin O'Connor, Ballingarry. Marie Herbert (Fri 10.30).
Anniversaries: Sean O'Keeffe (Sat 6.15). Chrissie Scott (Sat 7.00). Michael Reddy (Sun 9.30). Michelle Reynolds (Sun 10.00). Catherine Grace (Sun 10.30). Living & Deceased Relatives of the Duggan Family (Sun 11.00). Eileen Barham (Sun 12.00). Jimmy Long (Sun 12.30). Lillie Coyne (Tues 10.30). Joan Breden (Wed 9.30). Retired Teachers (Wed 10.30). Rita McCarthy Thurs 10.30). Bridget Bateman. Christina O'Shaughnessy. Mary O'Don- nell. Statia & Billy Tallent.
Intentions for next weekend: Eugene & Paddy Somers (Sat 6.15). Marian Lennon (Sun 10.30). Mary & Joan Bissett (Sun 11.00). Margaret Jones (Sun 12.00). Patrick Johnston (Sun 12.30). Anniversaries must be submitted to the office by Thursday at the latest. Anniversaries after that will be published the following week.
Light & Hope
Teac Tom, Light & Hope Community Walk takes place on Sunday 10th September from 6.30pm at McDonagh Junction, Kilkenny. Registration €10. Everyone will receive a balloon to carry along the route remembering our loved ones lost to suicide.
Teac Tom supporting Families "Giving Light & Hope". Contact Amy: 086 207 3220. www.thethomashayestrust.com.
Knock Shrine
Handel's Messiah - Saturday 18th November at 7.30pm sees the return of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra to present Handel's 'iconic' Messiah at Knock Basilica. Conducted by Proinnsías Ó Duinn with soloists, Soprano Claudia Boyle, Alto Anne Marie Gibbons, Tenor Julian Hubbard and Bass Christopher Cull together with Our Lady's Choral Society, Cór Mhaigh Eo and Ballina Chamber Choir. Presented by Liz Nolan, RTE lyric fm.
Tickets available now at www.knockmessiah.com and at the Witness to Hope office Knock Shrine and Downtown Records Castlebar & Westport.
Time for a Cuppa
Recommencing on Tuesday after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre's Church, why not join us for a chat and a cuppa in the Parish Centre. All are welcome. Tell your friends and bring them along.
GROW Table Quiz
Thursday 14th September 2017 at 8.30pm in Billy Byrnes Pub, John St. Kilkenny.
Youth Choir Returns
Our parish youth choir, which provides music and song at the 12.30pm Sunday Mass at St. Patrick's Church, returns following the Summer break on next Sunday, 16th September. Practice resumes on this coming Thursday (14th Sept) at 7pm in the Parish Centre. New members are always welcome.
Adult Folk Choir
We are delighted to have the Adult Folk Choir return to the Saturday evening 7.00 o'clock Mass at St. Patrick's Church following their Summer break. The choir practices at the St. Patrick's Parish Centre on Thursday evenings between 8.00pm and 9.00pm. New members are welcome.
Young at Heart
The Young at Heart Club resumes on Wednesday, the 13th September at 2.30pm in the Parish Centre.
Online Theology Course
Join our supportive student community and study theology by distance learning this Autumn. Applica- tion deadline September 26th. 01 4048124. enquiries@prioryinstitute.com www.prioryinstitute.com.
A Cursillo Weekend
Are you willing to experience a Cursillo Weekend in Seville Lodge, Kilkenny? Are you seeking Happiness, Peace, Joy, Friendship, Human and Spiritual Development and wish to become the person Jesus wants you to be, then the Cursillo in Christianity Weekend is for you. Men's Weekend on the 5th to 8th October 2017. Women's Weekend on12 to 15th October 2017.
For Details, Contact: Fr. Seán Kelly, OFM, Cap, Kilkenny Capuchin Friary on 087 055 0584 or email:kellybrosean@aol.com
Contemplative Religious Life
The Poor Clares in Galway are hosting a Cloister Day on Saturday, 16th September from 10.00am to 5.00pm. The day is designed to help young women between the ages of 21 and 40 to find out more about the Poor Clare way of life with a view to vocation discernment. To book a place contact: Sr. Faustina at: poorclaresgalwayvocations@gmail.com.
Kilkenny Flower Club
Kilkenny Flower Club resumes meetings on Thurs. 14th Sept. in Butler House at 8pm. Demonstration by Lorraine O'Brien. Non-members always welcome too.
Retired Teachers
The Annual Mass for Retired Teachers takes place at 10.30am on Wednesday 13th September in St. Fiacre's Church followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.
Bargue Gerome Cours De Dessin
(Drawing Course). Explore this famous and fabled 19th-century drawing course. 10-week course, every Wednesday from 10.00am-12.30pm, starting 27 September 2017 at St. Patrick's Parish Centre. Cost: € 200. All materials supplied. 10% discount from Cork Art Supplies.
See www.classicalartatelier.com or telephone 087 660 9644 for info and booking.
