I am a grumbler
Many of Jesus’ parables are difficult. We are invited to place ourselves in the story. Which character do we identify with? To which group would we be-long? Sometimes we find ourselves sympathising with the character who turns out to be in the wrong. God’s ways are not our ways!
The parable of the labourers in the vineyard is one of those tricky ones. We are drawn into the story, and we feel some sympathy for the crowd who end up grumbling at the landowner. These early birds who were hired at daybreak have done the most work. They have toiled all day in the heat, doing far more labour than those who were hired only at the last minute – yet they all receive the same pay. It’s hardly fair, is it?
But the landowner makes his point: ‘Why be envious because I am generous?’ Of course, Jesus anticipates the discomfort of his audience. He uses parables to gently pull the rug from under their feet, to challenge their assumptions, and offer them a new way of thinking that is focused not on themselves, but on the wider community.
Place yourself in the story. If you identify with the grumblers, ask yourself why. Why should we be concerned about what others are getting? Who are we to judge what others deserve? Surely we, too, should want God’s love and blessings to be extended to everyone!
Tríona Doherty
St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw
The next draw will take place on Wednesday 27th September 2017. Many thanks for your continued support. Please contact Fr. Roderick to join.
Marian Movement of Priests
A meeting will take place on Monday 25th Sep-tember at 7.30pm in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch on the Freshford Road.
Be still and Know that I am God - Psalm 46
Christian Meditation will continues in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on every Wednesday at 4pm. All are welcome.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Edward O’Byrne, Cashel Downs. Mick Kavanagh, St. Francis Terrace. Frances Cregan. Seanie O’Brien.
Anniversaries: Milo Grogan (Sat 7.00). Paddy Moore (Sun 10.30). Deceased Members of the Byrne Family (Sun 11.00). Jack Nolan (Sun 12.00). Mary Ward (Sun 12.30). Mary, John & David Doran (Tues 10.30). Patrick Traynor. Mary Hen-nessy. Bridget Cahill. Molly & Jonee Blanchfield. Diarmaid Ryan. Eddie O’Donoghue. Frank & Mary Nolan. Josephine Neary.
Intentions for next weekend: Ann Kirwan (Sat 7.00). Ann Kavanagh (Sun 10.00). Ann Roche (Sun 11.00). Peter Gaule (Sun 12.00). Anniversaries must be submitted to the office by Thursday at the latest. Anniversaries after that will be published the following week.
Notices for Newsletter
Please, please, please, have notices in for publication by Thursday at the latest. The Newsletter is edited and published on Friday morning and late notices cannot be included after that. This is especially important regarding anniversaries. Please have them in by Thursday, either by ringing the office, dropping the notice into the parish centre or send it by email. Leaving notices into sacristies is no guarantee they will reach us on time. Help us avoid upset by putting notices in on time. On a final note, space is limited on the newsletter so priority is given to parish and diocesan notices.
Mass Cards
Individual & Shared Mass cards signed by the priests of the Parish are available at the Parish Centre. The shared Mass is offered every Thursday at St. Patrick’s Church at 9.30am. If you have purchased one of these intention cards, why not join us for the Mass as well? Individual Masses are offered by Aid to the Church in Need.
Our Parish Shop
There are lots of items of a religious nature available at reasonable prices in our Parish Shop located in the foyer of the Parish Centre. Feel free to call in and have a look.
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 the big day.
Safeguarding Policy
St. Patrick’s Parish values and encourages the participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and in activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. We recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children and young people and are committed to their protection and support in a way that promotes their human dignity and integrity as children of God. Further details and information on posters in our churches and on www.patricksparish.com.
Knock Shrine
Handel's Messiah - Saturday 18th November at 7.30pm sees the return of the RTÉ Concert Orches-tra 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 Cham-ber 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.
Eucharistic Ministers
Copies of the New Eucharistic Ministers Rota are available from the sacristies.
Volunteer Appreciation Night
The Parish Pastoral Council has decided to have a Volunteer Appreciation Night in Hotel Kilkenny on Sunday 22nd October 2017. We cordially invite volunteers in all ministries in St. Patrick’s Parish to come and enjoy this function which is being held especially for all of you, as a token of our deep ap-preciation of your volunteers spirit. Further details later.
Loreto Secondary School
1st Year Enrolment September 2018
The closing date for applications for a First Year place is Thursday 12th October 2017. Application forms and admissions policy can be obtained from out website www.lotetokk.ie or the school office.
Open night for 6th class Girls
An open night will take place on Monday 25th Sep-tember 2017 at 6.30pm. This is a ticketed event and tickets are available by either emailing your request to office@loretokk.ie or by calling to the school office.
A Cursillo Weekend
Are you willing to experience a Cursillo Weekend in Seville Lodge, Kilkenny? Are you seeking Happi-ness, 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 5th to 8th October 2017. Women’s Weekend on 12th to 15th October 2017. For Details, Contact: Fr. Seán Kelly, OFM, Cap, Kilkenny Capuchin Friary on 087 055 0584 or email:kellybrosean@aol.com.
South Kilkenny Historical Society lecture
The Origins of Waterford Glass. Speaker: Dr. Martin Hearne. Date: Thursday, September 28th. Time: 8pm. Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall (opposite church). Admission: €5 (society members and stu-dents free). All welcome.
