30th Sunday in Ordinary time, 29th October 2017

Charity and Dignity

A number of years ago, I began working for a well-known homeless charity. At the induction week we had the privilege of being addressed by a leading campaigner against homelessness in Dublin city. ‘Do not give broken cups to broken people’ resonated from the address and has stayed with me ever since.

As acts of charity many people are often inclined to give or donate old items that they no longer have use for. Within this there is a sincere act of generosity and perhaps a desire of not letting anything go to waste. However, there is a challenge here to consider the recipient’s feelings on being handed worn out clothes, almost out of date food or damaged toys. How, perhaps, is this impacting on their feeling of worth in society today? Are they not worthy of some new clothes to regain their sense of pride? Some fresh and tasty food to nourish their bodies? Some new, clean toys, the same as other children their age?

These are superficial examples but point towards a challenge to society to provide services of the highest standards to vulnerable people. History and even recent news stories from both home and abroad have presented infuriating examples time and again. Good intentions need to be coupled with thoughtfulness and a determination to give only the best to our neighbour most in need, to show them that they are respected and loved.

Mary Anne Stokes

Bank Holiday Weekend

As this is a bank holiday weekend the only public Mass in our parish on Monday will be at St. Pat-rick’s Church at 11.00am. There will be no exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Fiacre’s Church on Monday.

Holy Day Mass Times

Wednesday is the feast of All Saints and is a holy day of obligation for all Catholics. The following are the Parish Mass times for this holy day. Vigil Mass; 7pm St. Patricks; 6.15 St. Fiacres. Holy Day: 10 am Foulkstown; 11.00 am St. Patricks; 12.00 noon St. Fiacres.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Mary Hennessy, Grovine. Requiem Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 12noon Sunday. Burial in Foulkstown Cemetery. Maurice Ryan, Laurel Avenue.

Months Mind: Noreen Tomney (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Mary Dowling (Months Mind Sun 9.30). Marie Holohan.

Anniversaries: Ned O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Tom, Madge & Barry McIntyre (Sun 10.00). Declan Patrick Walsh (Sun 10.30). Eileen & Gerard Moynihan (Sun 11.00). Sean & Statia Cantwell (Sun 12.00). Tom Shanahan (Sun 12.30). Jack Devlin (Tues 10.30). Mary Shannon (Wed 11.00). Pearl Moore (Sat 9.30). Peggy O’Brien. Joe Dowling. Kitty Stallard. Annie Delaney. Anne, Mary, Paddy & Michael Bowe. Mary Russell. Laurence Tynan. Michael Walsh. Peggy O’Brien. Tess O’Neill. Elizabeth O’Keeffe. Martin & Ann Mulhall.

Intentions for next weekend: P.J. Marrinan (Sat 6.15). Olive Barry (Sat 7.00). Maura Brennan (Sun 9.30). Cormac Cullen (Sun 10.00). Kevin & Evelyn Hughes (Sun 10.30). John Joe Kealy (Sun 11.00). Ann Nugent (Sun 12.00). Vivien Etaferi (Sun 12.30).

Anniversaries must be submitted to the office by Thursday at the latest. Anniversaries after that will be published the following week.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw Results

1st: Jim & Ann Purcell, Clogh. 2nd: Marie & Eamon Fitzpatrick, Borris-in-Ossory. 3rd: Dermot O’Shea, St. Patrick’s. 4th: Paddy Bambrick, St. Mary’s. 5th: Dympna Kennedy, Callan. 6th: Jerry Meaney, St .Mary’s. 7th: Kathleen Brennan, Muckalee. 8th: Tom Fitzgerald, Castlecomer. 9th: Cloneen Hurling Club, Clogh. 10th: Cathal Cullen, Tullaherin. The next draw will take place on Wednesday 29th November 2017. Many thanks for your continued support. Please contact Fr. Roderick to join.

Readers

The new readers rota will be compiled in the coming weeks. Anyone interested in becoming a reader at any of our Masses should contact the Parish Office. 056 776440.

Volunteer Appreciation Night

Many thanks to all who attended our Volunteer Appreciation Night in Hotel Kilkenny last Sunday Night. The evening was held in recognition of the enormous contribution all our volunteers make to the development and life of our Parish. It was a wonderful evening of good food, music, song and dance. Thanks to Hotel Kilkenny for their professional service, to the sponsors of the many spot prizes, the organising committee and all who helped to make the evening so enjoyable. A great night was had by all.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

The Ossory Adult Faith Development group is organising a diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land. From 2nd to 10th October 2018 you will have an opportunity to prayerfully follow in the footsteps of Jesus around many of the locations that framed his life and ministry. Visit Jerusalem, Jericho, the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, the River Jordan, Bethlehem, the Garden of Gethsemane and many other places as we reflect on the life of Jesus and his earliest followers. Pilgrimage Chaplains: Fr. Kieran O’Shea & Fr. Dermot Ryan. Return flights and accommodation €1,295 per person sharing (single rooms also available with supplement). More information at www.ossory.ie or from the Ossory Adult Faith Development Office on 056 775 3624.

Come on the Village!!!

We wish James Stephens Hurlers all the best as they take on Dicksboro in the County Senior Hurling Final this afternoon. This will be the first time the two teams have met since 1937 when the Village won 3-8 to 1-2. We also wish the James Stephens Minor hurling team all the best as they take on O’Loughlin Gaels. The Village abú.

Eucharistic Ministers Rota

Due to an error in the rota for the 12 noon Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church, an updated rota is available in the Sacristy. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Rosary at the Grotto

The Rosary will be recited every Sunday during October at The Grotto on the Callan Rd. at 3pm. All are welcome.

Dates for your Diaries

Remembrance Service: Thursday 30th November at 7.30pm in St. Fiacre’s Church.

Parish Confirmation: Saturday 24th February in St .Mary’s Cathedral at 11am.

First Holy Communion

Gaelscoil Osraí- Saturday 28th April at 11am in St. Fiacre’s.

School of the Holy Spirit - Friday 4th May at 11.30am in St .Fiacre’s.

KSP - Sunday 6th May at 12noon in St. Fiacre’s.

St. Patrick’s, Kells Road - Saturday 12th May at 11.00am in St. Fiacre’s.

St. John of God - Saturday 19th May at 11am in St. Fiacre’s.

St. Patrick’s De La Salle - Saturday 26th May at 11am in St Patrick’s

Novena to St. Martin De Porres

Black Abbey, Kilkenny

Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th: 10.30am & 7.30pm

Sunday 29th: 3pm with Sacrament of the Sick

Monday 30th & Tuesday 31st: 10.30am & 7.30pm

Wednesday 1st: 10.30am & 7.30pm (All Saints Day)

Thursday 2nd to Saturday 4th: 10.30am & 7.30pm

Preacher: Fr .Ciaran Dougherty OP, Holy Cross Friary Sligo

Loughboy Library

Technology Support-help with mobile phones, computers, tablets, ipads etc Fridays 4-5pm. Free service.

Pop-Up Gaeltacht-takes place in the Education Centre, Callan Road from Nov 27th-30th nightly from 7-9.30pm. Cost € 20. Registration and more information at Loughboy library OR Dan 0868527400.

29th Sunday in Ordinary time, 22nd October 2017

The Third Side of the Coin

Most of us have been raised to believe that there are two sides to every issue. So often we hear the term ‘there are two sides to every story’ or ‘two sides of a coin’ but there is, in fact, a third. A story always has your version, their version, and the truth. When it comes to a coin, there is the head side, the tail side, and the edge of the coin! One side of the coin may represent a particular point of view; the other its opposite. However, if we just stand the coin on its edge, we can see both sides more clearly and, more often than not, a third way.

What a loaded question the Pharisees’ disciples and the Herodians asked Jesus. If Jesus said the taxes shouldn’t be paid, he would have pleased the Pharisees but then they could report him and have him arrested as a rebel. If he said they should be paid, he would have gained the support of the Herodians but almost certainly lost all support from his followers.

But Jesus did not come into the world to discuss Roman taxation, temporal revolutions or political action. Neither did he come to only see two sides of a coin! He neither endorses Caesar as divine sovereign (as the inscription on the coin indicates) nor does he discourage the paying of taxes. He simply reminds his questioners that these are worldly affairs in a worldly kingdom but there is another kingdom yet to come with a much higher authority. ‘Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.’

Julieann Moran

Society of Missionary Children

Volunteer Appreciation Night

Our Volunteer Appreciation Night takes place in Hotel Kilkenny tonight, Sunday, 22nd October 2017 at 8pm. This evening gives us an opportunity to show appreciation to the multitude of people who volunteer in our Parish in many different ways. We look forward to seeing you in Hotel Kilkenny to-night.

Be still and Know that I am God - Psalm 46

Christian Meditation continues in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on every Wednesday at 4pm. All are welcome.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Kieran McEvoy, Larchfield. Req-uiem Mass on Sunday at 12.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church. Burial in Foulkstown Cemetery. Peg McGuire, Mayfield.

Months Mind: Josie Purcell (Sun 12.00). Edward O’Byrne (Thurs 6pm St. Fiacre’s)

Anniversaries: Ned & Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15). Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00). Gerard Cleere (Sun 9.30). Dan Gorey (Sun 10.00). Paddy Cullen (Sun 10.30). Michael Phelan (Sun 11.00). Frank Stapleton (Sun 12.30). Bridget Butler (Wed 10.30). Nancy Coyne. Mary McCormack. Joseph Eardly. Garry & Norah Dunne. Annie “Nancy” Tiernan. John Drennan. Bernadette Dermody. Kathleen Balle. David Doran.

Intentions for next weekend: Noreen Tomney (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Ned O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Mary Dowling (Months Mind Sun 9.30). Tom, Madge & Barry McIntyre (Sun 10.00). Declan Patrick Walsh (Sun 10.30). Eileen & Gerard Moynihan (Sun 11.00). Sean & Statia Cantwell (Sun 12.00). Tom Shanahan (Sun 12.30).

Anniversaries must be submitted to the office by Thursday at the latest. Anniversaries after that will be published the following week.

Readers

The new readers rota will be compiled in the coming weeks. Anyone interested in becoming a reader at any of our Masses should contact the Parish Office. 056 776440.

October Stations

We invite parishioners to contribute towards the income of the parish clergy through the October Stations. The October envelope is in your contribu-tion pack which you received earlier this year. Please contact the Parish Office if you didn’t receive parish envelopes and would like to. The October Station is one of five collections taken up to support the priests. Thanks to all who have contributed so far. We are grateful for your generosity.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw

The next draw will take place on Wednesday 25th October 2017. Many thanks for your continued sup-port. Please contact Fr. Roderick to join.

Do this in Memory

We welcome all the children who are participating in the “Do this in memory” programme as preparation for their First Penance and First Holy Communion to 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s and the 11.00am Mass in St. Patrick’s.

Rosary at the Grotto

The Rosary will be recited every Sunday during October at The Grotto on the Callan Rd. at 3pm. All are welcome.

Knock

Knock Shrine is seeking a Faith Renewal Co-Ordinator Be a part of the new and exciting developments at Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo. Applications are invited for the post of Faith Renewal Co-ordinator to develop, design, co-ordinate and deliver faith renewal programs at Knock Shrine. This is a full-time position. A third-level qualifica-tion in theology/spirituality with a least two year experience in faith related programs in either a parish or educational setting. The closing date for applications is Friday 27th October. For full details, job description and how to apply, please visit https://www.knockshrine.ie/job-vacancies/

Dates for your Diaries

Parish Confirmation

Saturday 24th February in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 11am.

First Holy Communion

Gaelscoil Osraí- Saturday 28th April at 11am in St. Fiacre’s

School of the Holy Spirit - Friday 4th May at 11.30am in St .Fiacre’s

KSP - Sunday 6th May at 12noon in St. Fiacre’s

St. Patrick’s Kells Road - Saturday 12th May at 11.00am in St. Fiacre’s

St. John of God - Saturday 19th May at 11am in St .Fiacre’s St.

Patrick’s De La Salle - Saturday 26th May at 11am in St Patrick’s

Day of Recollection

St. Benedict's Priory, Cobh, Co. Cork: Day of Recollection. Saturday 28th October, 9am-3.30pm. The theme is Devotion to Mary in the Spirituality of Mother Marie Adele Garnier. Lunch Provided - please book your place by calling Mother Prioress on 4811354 or mail cobhtyburnconvent@gmail.com

Camphill

The Annual Craft Fair at the Community in Kyle, near Coolagh, Callan takes place on this Sunday 22nd October from 1pm - 5pm. All are welcome.

South Kilkenny Historical Society Lecture

The sinking of the SS Coningbeg and SS Formby, December 1917. Speaker: Mr Richard McElwee Date: Thursday, October 26th. Time: 8pm Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall (opposite church) Admission: €5 (members and students free)

Novena to St. Martin De Porres

Black Abbey, Kilkenny

Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th: 10.30am & 7.30pm

Sunday 29th: 3pm with Sacrament of the Sick

Monday 30th & Tuesday 31st: 10.30am & 7.30pm

Wednesday 1st: 10.30am & 7.30pm (All Saints Day)

Thursday 2nd to Saturday 4th: 10.30am & 7.30pm

Preacher: Fr .Ciaran Dougherty OP, Holy Cross Friary Sligo

Loughboy Library

Irish for Adults - a conversation group meets every Wednesday at 11am and a writing group on the last Friday of the month, also at 11am.

Technology Tips-a TY student from CBS will be at the library on Fridays from 4-5pm for to assist with mobile phones, tablets, ipads and other modern technology. Please ring to make an appointment. E-mailing, typing, printing, scanning and photocopying facilities are available.

28th Sunday in Ordinary time, 15th October 2017

The Third Side of the Coin

Most of us have been raised to believe that there are two sides to every issue. So often we hear the term ‘there are two sides to every story’ or ‘two sides of a coin’ but there is, in fact, a third. A story always has your version, their version, and the truth. When it comes to a coin, there is the head side, the tail side, and the edge of the coin! One side of the coin may represent a particular point of view; the other its opposite. However, if we just stand the coin on its edge, we can see both sides more clearly and, more often than not, a third way.

What a loaded question the Pharisees’ disciples and the Herodians asked Jesus. If Jesus said the taxes shouldn’t be paid, he would have pleased the Pharisees but then they could report him and have him arrested as a rebel. If he said they should be paid, he would have gained the support of the Herodians but almost certainly lost all support from his followers.

But Jesus did not come into the world to discuss Roman taxation, temporal revolutions or political action. Neither did he come to only see two sides of a coin! He neither endorses Caesar as divine sovereign (as the inscription on the coin indicates) nor does he discourage the paying of taxes. He simply reminds his questioners that these are worldly affairs in a worldly kingdom but there is another kingdom yet to come with a much higher authority. ‘Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.’

Julieann Moran

Society of Missionary Children

Volunteer Appreciation Night

Our Volunteer Appreciation Night takes place in Hotel Kilkenny tonight, Sunday, 22nd October 2017 at 8pm. This evening gives us an opportunity to show appreciation to the multitude of people who volunteer in our Parish in many different ways. We look forward to seeing you in Hotel Kilkenny tonight.

Be still and Know that I am God - Psalm 46

Christian Meditation continues in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on every Wednesday at 4 pm. All are welcome.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Peg McGuire

Months Mind: Josie Purcell (Sun 12.00). Edward O’Byrne (Thus 6pm St. Fiacre’s )

Anniversaries: Ned & Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15). Ned Nolan (Sat 7.00). Gerard Cleere (Sun 9.30). Dan Gorey (Sun 10.00). Paddy Cullen (Sun 10.30). Michael Phelan (Sun 11.00). Frank Stapleton (Sun 12.30). Nancy Coyne. Mary McCormack. Joseph Eardly. Garry & Norah Dunne. Annie “Nancy” Tiernan. John Drennan. Bernadette Dermody. Kathleen Balle. David Doran

Intentions for next weekend: Noreen Tomney (Months Mind Sat 6.15). Ned O’Neill (Sat 7.00). Mary Dowling (Months Mind Sun 9.30). Tom, Madge & Barry McIntyre (Sun 10.00). Declan Patrick Walsh (Sun 10.30). Eileen & Gerard Moynihan (Sun 11.00). Sean & Statia Cantwell (Sun 12.00). Tom Shanahan (Sun 12.30).

Anniversaries must be submitted to the office by Thursday at the latest. Anniversaries after that will be published the following week.

Readers

The new readers rota will be compiled in the coming weeks. Anyone interested in becoming a reader at any of our Masses should contact the Parish Office. 056 776440.

October Stations

We invite parishioners to contribute towards the income of the parish clergy through the October Stations. The October envelope is in your contribution pack which you received earlier this year. Please contact the Parish Office if you didn’t receive parish envelopes and would like to. The October Station is one of five collections taken up to support the priests. Thanks to all who have contributed so far. We are grateful for your generosity.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw

The next draw will take place on Wednesday 25th October 2017. Many thanks for your continued support. Please contact Fr. Roderick to join.

Rosary at the Grotto

The Rosary will be recited every Sunday during October at The Grotto on the Callan Rd. at 3pm.

All are welcome. 

Knock

Knock Shrine is seeking a Faith Renewal Co-Ordinator Be a part of the new and exciting developments at Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo. Applications are invited for the post of Faith Renewal Co-ordinator to develop, design, co-ordinate and deliver faith renewal programs at Knock Shrine. This is a full-time position. A third-level qualification in theology/spirituality with a least two year experience in faith related programs in either a parish or educational setting. The closing date for applications is Friday 27th October. For full details, job description and how to apply, please visit https://www.knockshrine.ie/job-vacancies/

Taize

Br Jean-Marie of Taize will meet with students, some lecturers and the young people from the Holy Family Mission in WIT on Monday, 23rd October 2017 at 2pm. There will be a chance to meet and pray in the evening 7.30 - 9.00pm in the Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel, Mount Sion, Waterford. All are welcome!

Camphill

The Annual Craft Fair at the Community in Kyle, near Coolagh, Callan takes place on this Sunday 22nd October from 1pm - 5pm. All are welcome.

South Kilkenny Historical Society Lecture

The sinking of the SS Coningbeg and SS Formby, December 1917. Speaker: Mr Richard McElwee Date: Thursday, October 26th. Time: 8pm Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall (opposite church) Admission: €5 (members and students free)

Day of Recollection

St. Benedict's Priory, Cobh, Co.Cork: Day of Recollection. Saturday 28th October, 9am-3.30pm. The theme is Devotion to Mary in the Spirituality of Mother Marie Adele Gar-nier. Lunch Provided - please book your place by calling Mother Prioress on 4811354 or email cobhtyburnconvent@gmail.com

Safeguarding Policy

St. Patrick’s Parish values and encourages the partic-ipation of children and young people in parish litur-gies 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.

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. 

27th Sunday in Ordinary time, 8th October 2017

Where is God?

As someone who has willingly left these shores to assist people on the margins, I am familiar with the inhumanity of man to his fellow man, where millions of people are left to their own devices, forgotten in their own poverty. The I’m alright attitude permeates not just the so called ‘developing world’; it is alive and well here in Ireland.

Does God, like the absentee landowner in the gospel parable, leave us and depart for another country? A personal relationship with anybody means that the person is present. God should be no different. God is deep within our heart, not something out there and distant! I battle with the castigation of the high priests and elders, the negative portrayal of the people of God, and the raw deal for the slaves that came to rescue the situation. Is this the forgiving God that out of the worst injustices can transform human hearts?

So where is the hope? Jesus doesn’t condemn in the passage: he invites us to understand his meaning. He asks the elders what they would do. This question is asked of us too.

Jesus then refocuses the parable: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’. This is the high point of this gospel, where Jesus reminds us of the marvel that he is: the one that was rejected, the one that was overlooked – the one abandoned by us. It is this stone, this rock, that becomes our Saviour. The rock symbolises one who never leaves us. God loves us not because we are good but because God is good.

Shane Halpin, Viatores Christi

Volunteer Appreciation Night

The Parish Pastoral Council will hold 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 appreciation of your volunteers spirit. Tickets available free from the Parish Office.

Pray for Our Deceased

Friends Recently Deceased: Fr. Finbar (Matthew) Kelly OP, Black Abbey. Sr. Agnes Dominic Quirke, Sisters of Charity, Kells Road. Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Thomas, Dean Kavanagh Place.

Anniversaries: Tom O’Neill (Sat 6.15). Joanie Waters (Sat 7.00). Sean Kennedy (Sun 10.00). Kathleen Roche (Sun 10.30). Biddy Slattery (Sun 11.00). Evelyn Coppinger (Sun 12.00). Nicola Conway (Sun 12.30). Mary Hehir (Tues 9.30). Matthew Butz (Thurs 10.30). JJ & Peggy O’Dwyer (Fri 10.30). Mary O’Brien. Margaret McNamara nee Tiernan. Walter & Joe Kavanagh. May Dunne. Billy & Patty Reinhardt. The Dullard Family.

Intentions for next weekend: Eddie Dean (Sat 6.15). Judy O’Brien (Sat 7.00). Richard Kelly (Sun 9.30). Jennifer Mulhall (Sun 10.00). Mary Elizabeth Woodgate (Sun 11.00). Tom Foley (Sun 12.00). Eithne O’Connor (Sun 12.30). Anniversaries must be submitted to the office by Thursday at the latest. Anniversaries after that will be published the following week.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Draw

The next draw will take place on Wednesday 25th October 2017. Many thanks for your continued support. Please contact Fr. Roderick to join.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

A meeting of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will be held in St. Patrick’s Parish centre on Friday 13th October after 10.30 am Mass. All welcome.

Be still and Know that I am God - Psalm 46

Christian Meditation continues in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on every Wednesday at 4pm. All are welcome. Rosary at the Grotto The Rosary will be recited every Sunday during October at The Grotto on the Callan Rd. at 3pm. All are welcome.

Medjugorje Mass

A Mass organised by the Medjugorje Youth Group will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Monday 10th October at 8pm. Please note that Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will finish at 7.30pm.

Memorial Mass

St Luke’s Hospital, Carlow and Kilkenny will be holding its Annual Memorial Mass for all deceased patients of the Hospital on Tuesday, October 17th at 7.30pm. This year, the Mass will take place in St Canice’s Church, Kilkenny. We extend a very warm welcome to all families who have been bereaved during the past year. The names of those who died at St Luke’s Hospital between September 1st 2016 and August 31st 2017 will be displayed close to the Altar. All attending the Mass will be invited to light a candle on arrival at the church and place it close to the display of names before Mass begins. Family members and Staff members of the hospital along with the choir of St Canice’s Church will participate in the liturgy. All are invited to tea and refreshments after wards.

Safeguarding Sunday

The Diocese of Ossory celebrates Child Safeguarding Sunday this week-end 7/8th October 2017. Child Safeguarding Sunday is a reminder to each one of us of our role in the safeguarding of children so that the abuse that happened in the past should not be allowed to happen again. In our Parish, we vale and encourage the participation of children and young people in all parish activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. We recognise the dignity and rights of all children and are omitted to ensuring their protection and support. In keeping with this, we will work to do all in our power to create safe environments for children and young people to secure their protection and enable their full participation in the life or our parish and church.

The Safeguarding Reps in this Parish are: Maureen McCormack - 086 3262475. Samantha Dolan - 087 9976492.

If you, or anyone you know has a Safeguarding concern please contact: TUSLA: Kilkenny 059 93 6570 or An Garda Síochána 1800 555 222.

If you wish to report an allegation directly to the Church Authorities please contact the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: 087 100 0232.

Seeing Life through the lens of the Gospels

Matthew 21:33-43

1. The target audience of this allegorical parable are the Jewish chief priests and elders portrayed here as rejecting Jesus and his teaching, and as a consequence losing out on what God was offering them. It is a story of opportunity for life presented and rejected, and they lose out in the process. How important have you found it to recognise and accept opportunities for growth, development and new life when these were presented to you?
2. The parable is also a cautionary tale about the destructive effects of greed – doing violence to the rights of others and eventually destroying the greedy themselves. What attitude towards possessions has helped you to be at peace in yourself and at peace with others?
3. The vineyard of the Lord is an image for God’s people. As we look at the vineyard we have been given we can ask ourselves ‘are we good tenants?’ Recall times when you have been a good tenant, and reached out caringly for those around you.
4. ‘It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone. This was the Lord’s doing and it was wonderful to see’. Sometimes a person not highly regarded plays a key role in a project, and it is wonderful to see. Can you recall examples of this?

John Byrne OSA

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.