6th Sunday of Easter, 9th May 2010

Diocesan Listening Sessions
The first two meetings have taken place during this past week. The group work on each night was followed by an open forum. Many people spoke from the heart about their feelings about the Church at this present time.
During this coming week Listening Sessions will take place in Castletown ICA Hall on the 10th May at 8.00pm; Ferrybank Parish Hall on 11th May at 7.30pm; Newpark Hotel on 13th May at 8.00pm and Johnstown Community Centre on 14th May at 8.00pm. The remaining four meetings will be the following week in St Patrick’s Parish Centre on 17th May at 8.00pm; Callan Parish Hall on 18th May at 8.00pm.Canon Malone Hall Ballyragget on May 20th at 8.00pm; Castlecomer Community Hall on the 21st at 8.00pm.
Parishioners are invited to attend the venue for their parish but are welcome to attend one of the other gatherings if the date or venue is more convenient. St Patrick’s Parishioners are invited to join with the people of St. Mary’s Parish and Danesfort Parish at the meeting at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Monday, 17th May at 8.00pm.
These meetings will enable people to reflect upon the situation in the Church at this time, to speak with one another about the past and to reflect upon the present. Bishop Freeman will attend all of these meetings. It will be an opportunity for our bishop to hear the views and opinions from all parishes around the diocese.

An Chéad Chomaoineach Naofa
Comhghairdeas leis na buachaillí agus cailíní ó Rang II, Gaelscoil Osraí, Ranganna Múinteoirí Méabh agus Maria Bríd a ghlac an Chéad Chomaoineach ar an Satharn i Séipéal Naomh Fiacra.
Congratulations to all involved with this year’s First Holy Communion Class at Gaelscoil Osrai. The boys and girls received the Eucharist for the first time on Saturday.
We continue our prayers for the boys and girls from our other schools who will receive the sacrament during the coming weeks.

Local Field Day
St. Patrick’s Parish in conjunction with James Stephens GAA Club is holding a field day in Larchfield on this Sunday, 9th May between 1.30pm and 5.30pm. Stands will include: Wheel of Fortune, Cake Stall, Bottle Stall, Bric-a-Brac, Book Stall. Fun events including Baby Show, Dog Show, Penalty Shoot Out, Kill the Rat and many more. All proceeds going to James Stephens GAA Club and St. Patrick’s Parish. Please support your local community.

St. Joseph's Young Priests Society
The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre on Friday, 14th May immediately after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church. All are welcome to attend.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Billy O’Brien, 22 Hazel Grove. Rosary at his home at 8.00pm on Sunday. Funeral prayers at his home at 11.15pm on Monday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church for Requiem Mass at noon. Burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Sr. Carmel Minnock
Anniversaries: Michael Maher (Sat 6.15), Mary Carroll (Sat 7.00), Lar Doyle (Sun 10.00), William O’Brien Snr, & William O’Brien Jnr & Ann O’Brien (Sun 11.00), Pat Murphy (Sun 12.00), Martin Ryan (Sun 12.30), Patrick O’Neill (Wed 9.30), Michael Deegan (Wed 10.30), Patrick White (Fri 10.30), Moira Bergin, Canice Downes, Liam Meehan, Jim Kelly.
Intentions for next weekend: Anthona Burke (Sat 6.15), Charlie Blackmore (Months Mind Sat 7.00), Pat Horan (Sun 9.30), Ciaran Flood (Sun 10.00), William Brennan (Sun 11.00), Patrick O’Connell (Sun 12.00), John Coppinger (Sun 12.30).

Eucharistic Ministers
A new rota has been compiled for those who serve at the 7.00pm Mass on Saturday evenings and the 9.30am Mass on Sunday mornings. These rotas are available at the Sacristy. Previous rotas for this group are void.

Questions People Ask
What did Jesus mean by speaking of his peace in contrast to the peace that the world can give?
The beautiful Hebrew greeting, Shalom, includes union with God, harmony with all people and the inner strength of tranquillity. Jesus bestows this divine peace through his victory over sin which repairs the damage done by sin and by the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is significant that Jesus spoke of peace on the very eve of his passion. God’s peace resides in the depths of the soul, undisturbed by storms on the surface.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Coláiste Eamann Rís
The Governor of Mountjoy, John Lonergan, has accepted an invitation from the Parent's Council of Coláiste Eamann Rís Callan to speak in the school on Monday, 10th May at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome.
The Parent’s Council of Coláiste Eamann Rís is holding a Buster Draw in Kilkenny Greyhound Track on Friday, 14th May. Tickets are €10 and available from the school or any member of the Parent’s Council . All support is very welcome. If people are available join us at the track as it is a great night’s entertainment.

Attention All Choirs
Tom Kendzia is a liturgical composer and musician working in Kingston, Rhode Island, USA. He writes wonderful music and there is a strong Irish influence in his most recent compositions. Tom has presented his music at many church gatherings in America and in recent years has come to Ireland. Tom will present his music and give input about the place of music in the liturgy at a special workshop at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on this Monday, 10th May at 7.30pm.
All members of our parish choirs and any other individuals or groups interested in quality liturgical music are welcome.
We apologise for the short notice but this not-to-be-missed opportunity only became available during the past few days.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
Please return your outstanding family fast boxes as we intend closing the 2010 account this week. All monies contributed to the parish will be sent to the Diocesan Office for forwarding to Trócaire. Thank you for your generous contributions to date.

Feeling like a Human Being
There’s a memorable scene in The Shawshank Redemption. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) plays Duettino-Sull’aria from Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ over the prison loudspeaker system. Prisoners stop what they’re doing enthralled by the operatic duet. As you watch their rapt features, ‘Red’ Reddings (Morgan Freeman) background commentary tells you that for a few minutes these prisoners feel like human beings again. The beauty of the music blocks out the ugliness of their surroundings and transports them to another place where refinement, beauty and spirit reign. It’s a powerful, touching scene. Now another scene. This time in Suffolk, England. A 5ft by 7ft dilapidated beach hut. Its window is broken. Its paint is peeling. It lacks a door, gar, electricity and water. A local council regulation forbids overnight use of it. For sale at a whopping £40,000, its estate agent says it’ll be snapped up. Other huts similar in size but in better condition have sold even more ‘whoppingly’ for £100,000. Why? Location, location, location. They command a spectacular view of the sea. Again, a place of beauty – and for people of faith, a sense of Presence therein. Out third and last scene is in today’s Second Reading: the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God (Apoc 21:10) Refinement, beauty and Spirit reign there. No need for gas or electricity – not even for the Sun. The glory of God is its light, God’s presence its air. Like the Shawshank prisoners we too need our moments of rapture whether it be from love, nature, art or faith. For without a peek into eternity human nature just cannot peak.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Blessed Sacrament Adoration
In honour of Divine Mercy, there will be an hour of adoration and prayer in the Capuchin Friary Church on this Sunday, 9th May between 3.00 and 4.00pm. All welcome.

Be the Change
Date: 29th May at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre
Time: 10am - 3.30pm.
Charge: €10 for waged; €5 for the unwaged.
Who should attend? Anyone who is interested in where we are as a society - how we got here - what to do if we want to be an ecologically sustainable, socially just, spiritually fulfilling, human presence on this planet
To book: Stella 086 391 8793 or Maeve 086 887 4581 before 21st May.
Lunch: Bring a packed lunch - tea, coffee provided.

Give Blood
Local blood donation clinics are as follows:
Sunday, 9th May from 11.45am to 3.15pm. Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th May from 4.30pm to 8pm at Rivercourt Hotel, Kilkenny.

Concert
Carlow Choral Society presents Haydn’s ‘The Seasons’ at 8pm Sunday 16th May in the Cathedral of the Assumption Carlow. Tickets are available at the following locations: Empire Records, Roxy Records and the Carlow Tourist Office.

Healing Prayer Service
There will be a prayer service for healing at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Thursday evening between 7.30 and 10.00pm.

Parish Shop
The Parish Shop located in the Parish Centre is the ideal place to purchase quality religious goods, candles and cards. The shop is currently stocking a range of First Holy Communion and Confirmation goods.

Pilgrimage to Oberammergau
A group from St. Patrick’s Parish has joined together to plan a pilgrimage/holiday around a trip to this year’s Passion Play at Oberammergau. The group will be led by Ted Byrne and Fr. Dan and to date numbers about twelve people. Cost will be €1,675 and travel dates are 20th to 27th August inclusive. There is room for more travellers. Please contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400, Ted Byrne or Fr. Dan for further details or booking forms.

A Talk Not to be Missed.
Tanguy de Toulgoet will give a talk at Kilkenny Flower Club on next Thursday in Butler House at 8.00pm. It will be interesting and informative as he grows vegetables and flowers organically in his garden in Durrow and will tell us how to keep weeding to a minimum. Tanguy is a gifted teacher and will give a prize of a gardening course to a lucky winner. More details are available on www.dunmorecountryschool.ie

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 24th April 2010

LISTENING SESSIONS
Bishop Freeman is initiating a series of “Listening Sessions” throughout the Diocese. These meetings will enable him to listen to what people are feeling about the Church in the aftermath of the Ryan and Murphy Reports, He writes “I am now asking the three Deanery Pastoral Councils to organise listening sessions that will give an opportunity to all the people of the Diocese to express their feelings and have them heard. This will be the beginning of a process of reflective speaking, listening and discernment that will, I hope, be very fruitful as we move forward.”
All are welcome to attend these meetings. A facilitator will be present and a full report of each meeting will be recorded. Parishioners are invited to attend the venue for their parish but are welcome to attend another gathering if the date or venue is more convenient.

Loughboy Library
Join us to celebrate Bealtaine Festival 2010. Leave Friday mornings at 11am free to participate in card-making, flower-arranging, composting and creative writing workshops at Loughboy Library. More details and bookings at 7794176.
The Kilkenny Active Retirement Association are exhibiting their works from may 17th to 21st.

Eucharistic Ministers
Please collect your new rota which is available in the sacristies. Those who have already collected their rota from the 7pm mass and the 11am mass please note that a newer rota is available to take account of an omission.

Knitting Circle
Every Monday night 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Parish Centre. All are welcome.
Pray For Our Deceased

Recently Deceased: Joan Smithwick, Birchfield, Kells Road, Nathaniel Burke.
Anniversaries: Mary Glennon (Sat 7.00),Joe Brennan (Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), Pierce Grace (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.30), Des Hehir (Mon 9.30), Mary & Eddie O’Keeffe (Tues 10.30), Tobias Butler (Wed 10.30), Michael & Catherine Doherty, Eileen Hickey, Noel O’Dwyer, Mary Brennan, Patrick Skehan, Bridget Cantwell, Sr. Marguerite Cantwell, Stephen (Noel) O’Dwyer, William Leahy, James Morris, Johnny Murphy, Patrick Browne, Mary Brennan, Joe & Austin Kelly, Martin Browne
Intentions for next weekend: Months Mind: Billy Morris (Sun 11.00), Paddy Bourke (Sun 12.30), Patrick Dorney (Sat 6.15), Fintan Brennan (Sat 7.00), John Byrne (Sun 10.00)

Questions people ask
In the light of clerical scandals do you ever regret being a priest?
The vast majority of priests are faithful, dedicated people. Sure, none of them is perfect, but the majority are dedicated to the worship of God and loyal in the service of people. It is a privileged calling, but, in the words of an advertising slogan, nobody said it would be easy. Regret it? Not for one second. Rather, I am deeply grateful for the call of God and for the goodness of all who trust me and support me in many ways. It’s a great calling, thank God.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Field Day
To celebrate La na gClub on 9th May, James Stephens GAA Club and St. Patrick’s Parish are holding a field day in the GAA grounds in Larchfield. Activities will include Cake and book stalls, Wheel of Fortune, BBQ, dog show, children’s events and schools painting competition plus many more fun events. You can help by letting us have your old books, baking a cake and passing on any unwanted toys etc. In good order. More details next week. All proceeds will be divided between club and parish. Please support your local community.

Is chronic illness part of your life?
Are you a carer or do you have a chronic health condition?
Would a Self-Management Programme help? Self management is about using simple skills to take control of the way you think and feel about your health condition/your caring situation and how you cope in everyday life. Six week courses will begin:
Tues 27th April, 10.00-12.30. The Core Clinic, Clonturbrid, Freshford.
For further information contact Anne Cody 0879028534, annecody@ceart.ie,or check the website www.ceartpatientwise.ie

Blessed Edmund Rice House, Westcourt, Callan
May week Masses for the blessings of Blessed Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation.
MONDAY, 3rd May
Liturgy prepared by: Winegap Parish Community. Theme: Vocations
TUESDAY, 4th May
Liturgy prepared by: Dunamaggin Parish Community. Theme: Family
WEDNESDAY, 5th May
Feast Day of Blessed Edmund
Liturgy prepared by: Ballycallan, Kilmanagh & Killaloe Parish Community
Theme: Reconciliation
Celebrant: Most Rev. Seamus Freeman, Bishop of Ossory
THURSDAY, 6th May
Liturgy prepared by: Danesfort & Cuffesgrange Parish Community. Theme: Hope
FRIDAY, 7th May
Liturgy prepared by: Callan Parish Community. Theme: Suffering
N.B. Anointing of the sick will take place during this Mass

Trocaire
Trócaire has extended its sincere thanks to all of those who gave to their Haiti Emergency Appeal after the earthquake on January 12. Thursday marked 100 days since the disaster and Trócaire's work continues thanks to the kind donations of parishes all over the country. In all over €6million was given to Trócaire and already, working with the Caritas network, 900,000 people have been provided with shelter. Over one million have been given health care. Over one-and-a-half million have been given regular food supplies or hot meals. Over 200,000 people have already been given access to clean water or have been provided with hygiene kits. None of this could have been possible without your help. Go to www.trocaire.org to find out more about where your money is being spent. Go raibh míle maith agaibh!

Congratulations
We wish to extend hearty congratulations to St. Patrick’s Adult Folk Choir on their 20th anniversary of giving song and music at 7 o’clock mass. Keep up the good work. Best wishes from St. Fiacre’s Folk Choir.

More congratulations
Well done to all the young people from our parish schools who received this Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend. We pray that God’s Holy Spirit will light and guide their journey through this life an into the next.

Third Sunday of Easter, 18th April 2010

Jack-of-all-trades
Jack has been the most popular name for baby boys in Britain for 13 years running. In Ireland for a number of years it was the second most popular name to… yes, Seán. No playmate leapfrogging from John to Jack. It was up front, plain and simple, in-your-face-from-the-start, Jack. So what, you may ask. Well, it might indicate that the poetry of life has gone out the door for many parents and that a pedestrian prose has replaces it. If so, what a pity! With due apologies to the Jacks of all shades, the name does have its yawn factor. The equally soporific Charles, on the other hand, can be an intoxicant when followed by the name Dickens for collectors of curious. Proof? Well, a 150-year-old wine bottle of his sold for £1,500. Just the bottle, empty! But then, it did have part of a label on the outside and dried sediment on the inside. But it was the owner’s name that counted. Joe Blogg wouldn’t have got a look in.
Today’s First Reading refers to a name: As they left the council they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name. (Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41) If a famous name can add so much value to an otherwise worthless object how much more so the name of Jesus when branded by baptism on a human heart! It’s important that the ‘brand’ name ‘Christian’ be recognised through its bearer becoming ‘all things to all men’, and not just a Jack-of-all-trades to the few.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Bereavement Support Group
The St. Patrick’s Parish Bereavement Support Group offers one-to-one support to bereaved parishioners. Telephone 086 162 9089 to make an appointment to meet members of the group, in the Parish Centre. This is a free and confidential service. Appointments necessary.

Happy Birthdays!
Congratulations and best wishes to Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming, St. John of God Convent who was 101 on Friday and to Margaret Cantwell, Drakelands Nursing Home (formerly St. Fiacre’s Place) who was 100 on Saturday!

Questions People Ask
Q. What do you think people who are officially signing themselves out of the Church?
A. I feel sorry for people who would deprive themselves of the privilege of participating with Jesus in the Eucharistic worship of the Father, and turn their backs on the astounding invitation to receive Jesus as the Bread of Life. The Lord’s presence in the Eucharist is not conditional on the holiness or sinfulness of the priest at the altar. It is a divine gift, not something of human making. The first person to say count-me-out was Judas as he left the Last Supper. The Gospel says that he went into the dark. Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Bill Brennan, Bodalmore. Dan Bolger, Bennettsbridge.
Anniversaries: Michael & Mary Burke (Sat 6.15), Margaret Banahan (Sat 7.00), Patrick Morris (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00), Billy & Ken Dunphy, Betty Byrne (Sun 12.00), Dick Keating (Sun 12.30), Johnny Cullen (Thurs 9.30), Andrew O’Neill (Thurs 10.30), Margaret Layton (Fri 10.30), Andrew O’Neill, Wendy Curly, Geraldine Carroll, Mary Muldowney, Eileen Mullins, Peggy & Michael Bourke, Patrick & Tom Delaney, Johnny Delaney, Mary Crotty, William Maher, Mary, Kate Coyne.
Intentions Next Weekend: Joe Brennan ( Sun 10.00), Michael Gaule (Sun 10.30), Pierce Grace (Sun 11.00), John Hennessy (Sun 12.30).

Spring Gardens
A meeting of volunteer gardeners for St. Patrick’s Parish Centre will take place in the Parish Centre on Thursday next, 22nd April at 7.30pm. More volunteers are needed and anyone interested will be most welcome.

Another Birthday!
Pope Benedict celebrated his birthday on Friday last and Monday, 19th April will be the 5th anniversary of his election as Pope.

St. Patrick’s Folk Choir
The very popular Folk Choir which provides music at the 7.00pm Mass on Saturdays celebrates its 20th birthday this year. To mark the occasion the choir will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Patrick’s Church at 7.00pm on next Saturday evening. All former members are invited to attend and join in the singing.
A reception will be held in Delaney’s Bar, Patrick Street following the Mass. All past members and supporters welcome.

Polish Tragedy
MultiCity, the Polish Association in Kilkenny, has written: It is our great honour to invite you to attend the Mass which is going to take place on 18th April at 5.00pm on Sunday at St. John’s Church, Dublin Road. We would like to pay tribute to the victims of the tragedy which deeply affected our nation. The Mass is on the same day of their burial, let’s say a prayer all together along with participants of the ceremony in Krakow.

St. Vincent de Paul Society
The monthly collection for the local conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please support the local conference in these difficult times.
The local conference can be contacted at the Parish Centre on Monday evenings from 8.00pm or by telephone on 087 681 0589. All enquires are dealt with in strictest confidence.

Computer Classes
We will soon restart computer classes in the parish centre. The dates are: Monday 19th April, Friday 23rd April from 10am to 12 noon. If you are interested then contact Debbie on 087 968 5901. Beginners and more advanced are welcome. St. Patrick’s Parish Centre maintains a dedicated computer room for use in training and other computer related work.

Children with Special Needs
The annual diocesan church gate collection for children with special educational needs will take place this weekend. Please be generous.

Parish Confirmation
Almost 100 young people from schools within our parish will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on next Saturday morning. Bishop Seamus will be on hand to confirm pupils from St. John of God Girls’ School, St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, the School of the Holy Spirit and Kilkenny School Project. The ceremony will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral and is timed to begin at 11.00am.

Parish Team
The members of the Parish Team are asked to attend a meeting at the Parish Centre on Thursday evening at 8.00pm.

Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual pilgrimage will be held from 22nd to 27th May inclusive. Insurance, flights, transfers, full board and pilgrimage programme costs €720. Contact Eleanor on 051 880 414 or email glenmore@ossory.ie weekdays, 10.30am to 2.30pm except Wednesdays.

Pilgrimage to Oberammergau
Gripped by war, poverty and plague, the villagers of Oberammergau, in Bavaria, southern Germany vowed to put on a ‘passion play’ every ten years… That was back in 1633. They survived, and performed the first Oberammergau Passion Play in 1634. Ever since, their descendants have carried out that pledge. For the past four centuries the tradition has continued, every ten years. Only villagers have been allowed to take part. And that is what will happen yet again in 2010
A small group parishioners from St. Patrick’s Parish has joined together to plan a pilgrimage/holiday around a trip to this year’s Passion Play. The group will be led by Ted Byrne and Fr. Dan Carroll and to date numbers about twelve people. Cost will be €1,675 and travel dates are 20th to 27th August inclusive. There is room for more travellers. Please contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400, Ted Byrne or Fr. Dan for further details or booking forms. Non parishioners are also welcome.

Diamond Jubilee
We congratulate Sr. Agnes O’Dwyer of the St. John of God Community on her diamond jubilee of religious profession which she celebrated on last Thursday. Ad multos annos!

Listening Sessions
To enable him to listen to what people are feeling about the Church in the aftermath of the Ryan and Murphy Reports, Bishop Seamus Freeman is initiating a series of “Listening Sessions” throughout the diocese of Ossory. He writes: I am now asking the three Deanery Pastoral Councils to organise listening sessions that will give an opportunity to all the people of the diocese to express their feelings and have them heard. This will be the beginning of a process of reflective speaking, listening and discernment that will, I hope, be very fruitful as we move forward.
Dates and venues for people from our area will be announced very shortly.

Pilgrimage to Rome
Mooncoin Parish is organising a pilgrimage to Rome between 25th July and the 1st August.
Led by Fr. Eamonn O’Gorman PP, Mooncoin. Pilgrimage will include as the major sights of Rome. Trips to Assisi, Subiaco and Castelgandolfo will be included. Audience/Angelus with the Holy Father. Cost €1,195 (including taxes).
Places are limited so if you are interested in traveling please contact the Mooncoin Parish Office at 051 895 123. (Monday to Friday 9am - 12.30pm).

Come & See
Painting, flowers and portraits in pastel by Mary O’Brien, showing at Loughboy Library 12th to 26th April 2010. All welcome.

Parent and Toddler Group
The Loughboy Area Resource Centre Parent and Toddler Group runs every Wednesday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Resource Centre, Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Road. The group welcomes all parents and love to see you there. Contact Connie at 056 776 4700 for more information.

LARC Book Club
The book club is a new group which meets the second Monday of every month from 11.30am in Loughboy Area Resource Centre, Bishop Birch Training Institute, Nuncio Road. If you would like to take part contact Connie at 056 776 4700 to find out what book the group is currently reading.

Making a difference… in just a day
Happy Heart Weekend 13th - 15th May 2010
The Irish Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers who will come on board and help keep hearts beating this Happy Heart Weekend. With just one day of your time, or even less - volunteers can directly have an impact on saving a life - maybe even the life of someone they know. Make a difference - sign up today. Contact Ciara Mealy on 01 668 5001 or email cmeally@irishheart.ie or visit our website at www.happyheartweekend.ie.


Novena to the Sacred Heart
3—11 June 2010
We are all invited to make this Novena in our own homes, with friends and family in the Parish. This Novena is available in leaflet form (30c) or is published in the June issue of The Sacred Heart Messenger. Order you leaflets from: Messenger Publications, 37 Lower Leeson St, Dublin 2. Phone 01 676 7491. Email: sales @messenger.ie, www.messenger.ie

Holy Souls Crusade Pilgrimages
Divine Mercy, Krakow - 22nd - 29th August, 7 nights half - board. Visiting Czestochowa, Wadowice, Kalwaria & Zakopane. €640 - €250 deposit. Garbandal - 9th-16th October 7 nights (6 at full-board). Visiting Potes, Picos de Europa, Santo Toribio, Covadonga, Oviedo & Limpias, €630 - €250 deposit. Holy Land 2011 - assessing interest. Dates & costs to be arranged. Details: Mary Mullins 091 798407/0872255739

2nd Sunday of Easter, 11th April 2010

Gno your Genome
If you had $70,000 to spare you might want to buy the latest status symbol: a USB drive on a black velvet tray. But it’s not any old finger file. It contains a digital version of your genome; sequenced, decoded and ready for use. So far, fewer than one hundred of the world’s wealthiest individuals have succeeded in getting one. There were only three personalised genomes on the planet in 2007. Since then the waiting list has increased steadily, world recession not withstanding. The urge to splurge springs not from scientific interest but from self-interest. The file’s information may soon be able to tell its owner what he or she will die of. Consequently, they may be able to do something about it; thus thwarting the Grim Reaper’s unwelcome embrace – at least for a time.
That’s not the sort of healing we hear about, however, in today’s First Reading. (Acts 5:12-16) It’s completely unscientific and Spirit driven. Significantly, it’s more a case of seeking health than of thwarting death. As resurrection people we don’t fear death, whatever about the business of dying. At least, we shouldn’t. There is such a thing as a healthy acceptance of death as there is an unhealthy fear of it. Let’s go further. For people of faith death is never followed by a full stop. In our thoughts, however, sometimes it is. That’s why we need the Easter season – to remind us that death is not an ending of life but a beginning of resurrection. After all, we were born not for death but for eternal life.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Computer Classes
We will soon restart computer classes in the parish centre.
The dates are: Monday 19th April, Friday 23rd April. If you are interested then contact Debbie on 087 9685901. Beginners and more advanced are welcome.
St. Patrick’s Parish Centre maintains a dedicated computer room for use in training and other computer related work.

Questions people ask
In the Gospel of John the Holy Spirit came on the Apostles on Easter Sunday whereas Luke, in Acts, says it was on Pentecost, fifty days later. Which date is correct?
First day of fiftieth? Both days are correct because the Holy Spirit comes every day. John highlights Easter Day as the beginning of a new age and mission. The mission of Jesus, sent by the Father, was completed on Good Friday. Now the mission of the Church begins….’so I am sending you’. The Holy Spirit is bestowed on the Apostles. As Luke emphasises the world-wide dimension of the mission, he selects Pentecost, a harvest festival, when people of far flung lands and different languages were gathered in Jerusalem.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased
Recently Deceased: William Morris, Fr. Albert Place. Charles Blackmore, Rathleek, Rosemary Harrington, Edenvale Close. Matthew Keyes, England
Months Mind: Paddy Burke (Sat 7.00), Andy Henderson (Sun 12.30)
Anniversaries: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15), Sheila Keaney (Sun 10.30), Paddy McGrath (Sun 11.00), Denis Kavanagh (Sun 12.00), Michael O’Reilly (Mon 9.30), Eileen Mullins (Tues 10.30), Nancy Webster & Charlotte Lee (Wed 10.30), Michael & Mary Conway, Kate & Mary Mullally, Patrick Cahill, Kathleen Esmonde, William Nugent, Johnny Cullen, Patrick & Tom Delaney, Christina Walsh, Martin O’Driscoll, Peggy Beckett, Hannah Delaney, Michael Malone.
Intentions for next weekend
Anniversaries: Michael & Mary Burke (Sat 6.15, Margaret Banahan (Sat 7.00), Patrick Morris (Sun 9.30), Eileen Byrne (Sun 10.00), Dick Keating (Sun 12.30),

Get Out Your Knitting Needles
Knitting classes take place in the parish centre on Monday nights starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome to ‘Cast’ on.

Afternoon Bridge
Afternoon Bridge takes place in the Parish Centre every Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm. Everyone is welcome. No partner required and no competition, just come and play!

Parish Confirmation
Our Parish Confirmation will be held on the 24th April in St. Mary’s Cathedral. We keep in our prayers all who are about to receive this important sacrament.

Young at Heart
The Young at Heart Club will hold their usual meeting in the Parish Centre on Wednesday 14th of April. New members welcome.

St. Patrick’s Adult Folk Choir
The adult folk choir is celebrating its 20th year. To mark the occasion the choir will sing at a celebratory mass on Saturday, 24th April at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church. They would love all former members to come and join them on this special evening. All are welcome. There will be a ‘get together’ after mass in Delaney’s, Patrick Street.

James Stephens GAA Club
The club will launch their development draw next Thursday 15th April at 8.30 pm in their club rooms in Larchfield. All are welcome to attend.
A Field Day will be held in Larchfield grounds on May 9th—Lá na gClub—details to follow.

Life in the Spirit Novena
The Novena takes place in Castlecomer Church every Tuesday starting at 7:45pm. Dates are: April 13th, 20th , 27th, May 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Mass of Thanksgiving on Monday May 30th at 7:45pm.
Speakers are Eddie Stones, Fr. Cathal Price, Fr. Thady Doyle, Bishop Freeman, Fr. Damien Ryan, Mgr. Pat Lynch, Miriam McGee and Don Devaney. All are welcome to attend and take part.

Springtime
A meeting of the voluntary gardeners for the Parish Centre Gardens will take place on Wednesday 14th April at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. Current volunteers and those who would like to be involved in maintaining the gardens are very welcome to attend.

Horticultural Society
The society is holding a lecture on ‘Planting Roses, Garden and Herbivorous Plant Maintenance’ Lecture by Patrick Comerford. Raffle and plant sale. Venue is Club House Hotel and admission is €5.

Divine Mercy Sunday
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday. A celebration in honour of the Divine Mercy will place in the Friary Church this Sunday 11th from 2pm to 5pm. All are welcome.
St. Patrick’s Church recently received a lovely picture of the Divine Mercy from two parishioners and we are grateful to them. It is placed next to our Lady at the sacristy door.

Loughboy Library News
Read Yourself Well—A Bibliotherapy Collection for the family.
A stock of self-help books to assist with a variety of mental health issues that may affect families has been introduced to Loughboy Library.
These books have been recommended by psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists working in Ireland. Titles available can be accessed online at www.kilkennylibrary.ie under the Family Reading List or by calling into the library and asking for the Bibliotherapy Collection.
Remember, library membership is free if you are unwaged.
Well done to the library for their excellent service to the public.

Parish Website
Suggestions? Comments? Please let us know: www.patricksparish.com

The Popes Pastoral Letter
Following the recent publication of Pope Benedict's Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland which was positively received by most people, it is now time to implement some of the requests our Holy Father has made of us.
‘I now invite all of you to devote your Friday penances, for a period of one year, between now and Easter 2011, to this intention. I ask you to offer up your fasting, your prayer, your reading of Scripture and your works of mercy in order to obtain the grace of healing and renewal for the Church in Ireland. I encourage you to discover anew the sacrament of Reconciliation and to avail yourselves more frequently of the transforming power of its grace.
Particular attention should also be given to Eucharistic adoration, and in every diocese there should be churches or chapels specifically devoted to this purpose.’
(Section 14 of Pastoral Letter).
Starting next Friday, we plan to hold an hour’s exposition in St. Patrick’s and St. Fiacre’s Church. At the masses on Friday, the Pope’s prayer will be read and then after mass, exposition will take place.
There is already exposition taking place in St. Patrick’s Church every Friday.
In addition we will begin an hour’s exposition every Friday in St. Fiacre’s Church from 11am to 12noon for the grace of healing and renewal in our Church in Ireland. We invite all who would like to be part of this special prayer to attend either Church on the Friday and offer this holy hour.
If this is not possible due to other commitments, we can still offer up our fasting, scripture reading and works of mercy for this intention. Keep in mind that fasting doesn’t have to be food, it could be giving up some special treat or something you enjoy on Friday’s instead.
This is the beginning of our pastoral response to healing the hurt which scandals and cover-ups have caused. It’s a small but important beginning. Do join us if you can.
For those who haven’t yet read the Pope’s letter there are copies available in the porches of all our church’s and the letter is available on our website.

Parish Centre Shop
Our parish shop is proving to be a great success with a wide variety of religious goods on sale.
There are many items available for Confirmations and First Communions. Feel free to have a look and see.

Parish Envelopes
Virtually all the new parish envelopes have been distributed by now and we’re grateful to all who took the time to distribute these. Thanks also to everyone who contributes using these envelopes and by standing order. We greatly appreciate your support. Didn’t receive any? Contact the parish office.

Easter Sunday 4th April 2010

Happy Easter
The priests and members of the St. Patrick’s Parish Team wish all in our community a very happy Easter. May the blessings of the Lord’s resurrection give us new hope and strengthen our faith.

Holy Week Liturgies
Thanks to all who helped celebrate our Holy Week Liturgies. Many people worked away in the background while others came forward to help in the sanctuary. Thanks to one and all.
Thanks also to all who attended our Holy Week Liturgies. It was uplifting to join in prayer with so many like-minded people from within our community and beyond.

Easter Week in our Parish
Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each morning during the coming week. Please note: there will be no 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church and no 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.

Blessed Sacrament Exposition
All are invited to come to St. Fiacre’s Church at any time between 11.00am and 10.00pm on Monday to spend some time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Parish Envelopes
New sets of parish contribution envelopes are being distributed at the moment. Distributers who have not yet received their envelopes from the Parish Office are asked to contact Fr. Liam during the week (776 4400).
Parishioners who do not receive an envelope pack within the next few weeks are asked to contact the Parish Office (776 4400). Those who have not received contribution envelopes in the past and wish to contribute to the parish and priests in this way should contact the Parish Office and request a pack.
We take this opportunity to thank those who contribute to the parish and priests through the envelope pack and/or standing orders.

Surfing in the Highest
According to The Times newspaper (14/12/2009) millions of young people in Britain are lonely despite having hundreds of so-called ‘friends’ on social networking sites. Presumably Britain is not alone in this. Those who seek friends at arms-length are bound to be unhappy. Friendship is intended to be right up close and personal. Virtual reality can’t substitute for the real thing. Surfing the Net may seem cool, bright and breezy, even exciting; but it’s well to remember that it’s not called ‘the net’ for nothing. Being trapped by virtual friendships that may well be just illusionary, if not downright predatory, won’t fill the void within an individual. The survey of more than 2,000 adults found that loneliness was a major worry for 21 per cent of people aged 18-24, compared with only 8 per cent of those aged 55 and over. Easter Sunday is the Church’s most important celebration. It may seen a bit of virtual reality to some, but not to those of faith. Jesus came right up close and personal to bring us resurrection. Today’s Second Reading (Col 3:1-4) tells us what we should be ‘surfing’ for: the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The ‘catch’, if you want to call it that, is that resurrection can’t be found in virtual reality. You won’t find it outside daily living with those who like and dislike. Resurrection is rising through reality – even because of reality – to the glory God has in store for those who value real friends in real life.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

St. Patrick’s Adult Folk Choir
The Adult Folk Choir is celebrating its 20th year since formation. To mark the occasion the choir will sing at a celebratory Mass on Saturday, 24th April at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church. They would love all former members to come and join them on this special evening. All are welcome.
There will be a ‘get together’ after Mass in Delaney’s, Patrick Street.

Questions People Ask
Q. Why isn’t there a set date for Easter as for Christmas? Wouldn’t it be much more practical for arranging school terms, holidays, etc?
A. We celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, that is, 21st March. This ancient tradition developed from the Jewish Passover. By taking account of the cycle of the sun and the phase of the moon, the resurrection is connected to the entire universe. It points to the exalted position of Jesus Christ, the Beginning and the End, to whom all the time belongs and all creation. Having a set date for Easter might be practical, but we need reminders that there is more to life and religion than practical planning. Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Eileen Martin, late of Newpark, Kilkenny. Requiem Mass at St. John’s Church at 12.00 noon on Sunday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Patrick Burke, Kells Road. Michael (Mick) Grace, Palmerstown.

Months Mind: Matthew Gleeson (Sun 12.00)

Anniversaries: Josephine O’Neill (Sun 10.00); Sheila Ramsbottom (Thur 11.00), Pope John Paul II; Martin & Elizabeth Brennan; Edward, Mary & Theresa McDonald; Mary Lawlor; Paddy Slattery; Neil Cooke; Paddy & Billy Cleere; Ellen Kelly; Alan Kelly.

Intentions for next weekend: Martin Hoyne (Sat 6.15); Paddy Burke (Sat 7.00 Months Mind); Sheila Keaney (Sun 10.30); Paddy McGrath (Sun 11.00); Denis Kavanagh (Sun 12.00); Andy Henderson (Sun 12.30, Months Mind).

Rosary
The monthly rosary on the First Sunday in James Green at the Statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 4th April at 3pm. Come and celebrate the Risen Christ.

A Walk on the White Side
An exhibition of Paintings by Pat Holland now showing at Loughboy Library. The exhibition runs until 10th April.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The April meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on Friday 16th April (not on the second Friday) due to the Easter Break. New members always welcome.

Healing Service
A healing service will take place in St. Fiacre’s church on Thursday, 15th April at 7.30pm. Healing service and Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Thurs 29th April at 7.30pm.

IHCPT Lourdes Pilgrimage
Fr. Dan and a number of local volunteers head to Lourdes with the Irish Children’s Pilgrimage Trust very early on this Easter Sunday morning. The Trust raises money and brings young people with special needs to Lourdes each Easter. Adult helpers pay for themselves but agree to raise funds to provide for the young people. Funds were particularly low this year and the members of the local group would like to say a special thank you to those who supported our fundraisers so generously. Your generosity enabled us to reach our target once again.
A special Trust Mass will be celebrated in Lourdes on Thursday morning next at 9.00am (Irish time). The Trust group will also be at the grotto for Mass on Friday morning at 7.30am (Irish time). Both of these celebrations will be broadcast live on the internet at www.lourdes-france.com

Fundraiser
The Irish Professional Photographers Association are fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. The money raised in Kilkenny will go to providing isolation facilitates for people living with CF in the area should they need hospitalisation. The local participating photographer is Maria of Kilkenny (Oliver’s) on High St. For a donation €25 to CFAI we will provide a mini portrait session and desk portrait. 100% of all monies raised will go to the charity. This is the 5th year of the event and we have raised €180,000 so far.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
Thanks to all who contributed to Trócaire during Lent by using the Family Fast Boxes. Please return the contents to our church as soon as possible and the money will be forwarded to Trócaire on your behalf. It is possible to write a cheque for the amount collected and forward it directly to Trócaire - details on the boxes.

Westcourt News
The Mass for the blessings of Edmund Rice on our lives and for his canonisation will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 5th April 2010 at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Pilgrimage to Knock
There will be a pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Sunday next the 11th April for Divine Mercy Sunday. A bus will run from the Parade, Kilkenny at 8am. Booking Murphy’s Boutique, 11 High Street, Kilkenny. Tel 056 772 1495.

Daffodil Day Thanks
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support us on Daffodil Day Friday, 26th March! Whether you took to the streets and sold Daffodil Day merchandise or bought some on the day, please know we simply could not do it without you!
Every daffodil, keyring or pin sold allows the Irish Cancer Society to continue to provide information services and free cancer patient care.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme
A new scheme of financial support for long-term nursing home care has recently been introduced by the HSE. If you or a loved one is in need of nursing home care, or if you would simply like to find out more about the new scheme, please call the HSE Infoline on 1850 24 1850 and ask for information on the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal. Alternatively, log on to www.dohc.ie/issues/fair_deal.

Eucharistic Ministers
A number of parishioners were commissioned as Ministers of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday evening and some more were recommissioned having served the parish for three and six years. Thanks to all who provide this wonderful service to the local community.

More on Envelope Distributors
We need distributors for the following areas:
Beechpark, Archers Avenue, and Castle Gardens. If you think you can help please contact Fr. Liam. Thanks once again.

Parish Office
The Parish Office will be closed this coming week. Notices can be left into the Parish Centre and to Fr. Liam (Green Door) or Fr. Roderick’s house (Red Door). Please do not leave notices into Fr. Dan’s.
Notices for the newsletter must be in by Thursday at the latest in order to guarantee publication. Thanks for your cooperation.

Passion (Palm) Sunday 28th March 2010

Holy Week Ceremonies
We appeal to all to make a special effort to join with our local Christian Community in celebrating Holy Week. We have a wide range of celebrations at various times in our parish and we invite you to come along.
We particularly invite all to the Solemn Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. This should be the highlight of the year for those who believe that Christ died for our sins and rose again to save us from eternal damnation.

Chrism Mass
The annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Wednesday, 31st April at 7.30pm. Sacred Oils, for use in the diocese during the coming year, will be consecrated during the liturgy. Bishop Séamus invites all to attend.
At this Mass, the priests of the diocese gather and renew their priestly vows. To mark the current Year of the Priest, Frs. Dan, Roderick and Liam invite you to come along and join with them in prayer. The sacred music for the occasion will be provided by the St. Patrick’s Adult Folk Choir and the St. Fiacre’s Folk Choir.

Mass for Lent
Thanks to all who attended the extra 6.15pm Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church during Lent. Please note there will not be a 6.15pm Mass on Wednesday to enable priests and people attend the Chrism Mass at the cathedral. See the timetable printed on the front for our full Easter ceremonies.

Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Patrick’s Church every Friday (except Good Friday) from 10.00am until 1.00pm and from 4.00pm until 9.00pm. On Holy Thursday after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Patrick’s Church the Blessed Sacrament will be on the altar of Repose in the Nun’s Chapel until 10pm. All adorers are welcome.
New adorers urgently needed. Contact Grace on 056 777 0472.

New Parish Envelopes
New Parish Contribution Envelopes will be distributed in the coming weeks. We are grateful to all who use these envelopes or Standing Orders to contribute to the income of the parish and the priests. These are the chief sources of income for the parish and its priests. If you are new to the parish, or haven’t received envelopes in the past and would like to receive them now, then please contact any of the priests or the Parish Office. Once again, thanks to all who support us and our work.

Parish Centre Hours
The Parish Centre will be closed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Weekend including the Bank Holiday. Groups that use our facilities on these days are asked to take note. The priests can always be contacted by dialling 056 776 4400 and following the auto prompts.

Pope’s Pastoral Letter
Quote from the Holy Father’s recent letter to the Catholics of Ireland: ‘I now invite all of you to devote your Friday penances, for a period of one year, between now and Easter 2011, to pray for an outpouring of God’s mercy and the Holy Spirit’s gifts of holiness and strength upon the Church in your country. I ask you to offer up your fasting, your prayer, your reading of Scripture and your works of mercy in order to obtain the grace of healing and renewal for the Church in Ireland. I encourage you to discover anew the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to avail yourselves more frequently of the transforming power of its grace. Particular attention should also be given to Eucharistic adoration.’
As part of our parish response to the Holy Father’s request, it is proposed that every Friday in St. Fiacre’s Church, we will have an hour of exposition after Mass from 11.00am to 12.00 noon. We invite anyone who wishes to pray for healing and renewal for the Church in Ireland to join us.
Also, at each Mass on Friday, the Pope’s prayer for Ireland will be read.
More next week on when this devotion will start.

Envelope Distributors
The new boxes of parish envelopes are currently being distributed. We need a distributor in Larchfield. All it entails is dropping envelope boxes into houses in this area. Please contact Fr. Liam if you think you can help. Thanks.

First Friday
As the First Friday of April is Good Friday Fr. Dan will make his calls on Wednesday 30th March. Fr. Liam will make his calls on Thursday, 1st April. Fr. Roderick has visited already.

Online in Touch?
Who would think that the Internet is threatening the jury system! Well, it seems it is, according to England’s most senior judge. The more people use the Internet, and the more people who use it, the fewer there are who get their information by listening. You go down the tubes and YouTube takes your place. So, sitting down for a long listen, concentrating on what’s being said to evaluate its content may well become an art-form alien to a gadget-groping generation. What, then, to make of today’s first reading? The Lord has given me the tongue of a teacher … to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens my ear. Use the Internet to get that sustaining word across? Well, it would get it out for sure, but across is another matter entirely. Getting something across means getting it in. It means entering someone’s mind with a thought, a value, an understanding, perhaps even a vision and leaving it there. It means penetrating someone’s heart to lay a gift of life-giving inspiration, of uplifting hope, of reassurance of one’s worth before God, but above all to lay down his gift of shared love. That’s what a teacher’s tongue can do, coming from the hand of God. That’s what an ear can hear and a mind can comprehend when open to the Teacher’s word. The question is: can that be done online? Should liturgy be in cyberspace, not sacred space? Would a virtual reality Palm Sunday skirt a real life Golgotha? The jury needn’t be out too long on that. Fr Tom Cahill SVD

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Betty Healy, S.O.S & Coon; James Tynan, Kells Road; Kitty O’Neill, 34 O’Loughlin Road; Nancy Gleeson, Thurles.
Months Mind: Seamus Brennan (Sun 11.00), Jim Horan (Sun 12.30), Tommy McCarthy (Mon 10.30).
Anniversaries: Paddy Tomney (Sat 6.15), Oliver Kelly (Sat 7.00), Chris Kenny (Sun 9.30), Margaret Dunne (Sun 12.00), Ella Cuddihy (Mon 9.30), Bessie, Margaret & May Buckley (Tues 10.30), Mary Delaney (Wed 9.30), Michael Slattery (Thurs 6.15), William Meehan, Mary Grace, Rose Kenny, Michael & Mary Conway, Mary & James Nugent, Michael & Patrick Massey, Bridget Della Maher, Shane O’Neill, James Doheny, Mary Browne, Ellen Audoire.
Anniversaries Next Weekend: Matthew Gleeson (Month’s Mind, Sun 12.00 noon).

Latin Mass at St. Patrick’s Church
Palm Sunday Procession and Sung Latin Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church on this Sunday at 4.00pm. All are welcome.

Good Friday Walk
Kilkenny Outreach Group is holding this year’s Good Friday Walk in remembrance of those whose lives have been touched by abuse.  The walk will begin at 7.30 pm on Good Friday evening from the outside car park of McDonagh Junction (Site of the old Workhouse) and end in the Chapel of the Mill Hill Community on the Waterford Road. (The old St. Joseph’s Orphanage)  A service will be held in the Mill Hill Chapel at 8.20 pm. All are welcome to join this walk or to attend the service.

IPPA Fundraising
The Irish Professional Photographers Association is fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. The money raised in Kilkenny will go to providing isolation facilities for people living with CF in the area should they need hospitalisation. Local participating photographer is Maria of Kilkenny (Oliver’s), High Street. For a donation of €25 to CFAI she will provide a minis portrait session and desk portrait. 100% of fee to charity.

Week of Prayer
A week of continuous prayer will take place in the Methodist Church, William Street, Kilkenny. It begins at 1.00pm on Palm Sunday and run until the morning of Easter Sunday. All are invited to go along and join in prayer.

Co. Kilkenny Horticultural Society
A.G.M., Lecture & Plant Sale
Wednesday, 31st March at 7.30pm sharp
Club House Hotel
The evening will feature a lecture on Summer and Spring Planting by Robert Miller (Horticulturist). There will be refreshments and a raffle on the evening. Free Admission. All are welcome.

Questions people ask
Q. If Jesus was the Son of God how could he be forsaken by God the Father?
A. Since Jesus loved his people to the utmost, he became the victim of sin. In so doing, he suffered the feeling of being forsaken, but in actual fact was not forsaken for one second by the Father ... nobody ever is, even the worst sinner. The sinner might have turned away from God but God does not forsake the sinner. There is always hope. No matter how God-forsaken one might feel, Jesus can be met there because he entered that experience of alienation in Gethsemane and on the cross. Since then it is no longer true that any life is God-forsaken.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Loughboy Library News
Library Book Club will meet this Thursday April 1st at 10.30am and will be discussing “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” amongst other favourites. All readers welcome.

The Parish Team/Finance Committee wish to thank all who promoted and subscribed to our Parish Draw. The total raised from this years draw is €104,000 which goes towards the cost of our Parish Centre.

Holy Week Timetable in St. Patrick’s Parish
Spy Wednesday
Morning Masses 9.30am 10.30am
No Evening Mass in St. Fiacre's

Holy Thursday
Morning Prayer 10.30am St. Fiacre's
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 6.15pm St. Fiacre's (Families, 6.30pm St. Joseph's, Foulkstown, 8pm St. Patrick's.

Good Friday
Morning Prayer 10.30am St. Fiacre's
Stations & Penitential Service 12 noon St. Patrick's.
The Lord’s Passion 3pm St. Fiacre's, 3pm St. Patrick's
Stations of the Cross 7.30pm St. Joseph's
Taize Prayer Around the Cross 8pmm St. Patrick's  
 
Holy Saturday
Morning Prayer 10.30am St. Fiacre's
Easter Vigil 9.00pm St. Patrick's  
 
Easter Sunday
Masses as per normal Sunday

Fifth Sunday of Lent, 21st March 2010

Pastoral Letter from Pope Benedict XVI to the People of Ireland
Pope Benedict XVI:
says to the victims of abuse and their families: ‘You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry’
expresses deep dismay at ‘sinful and criminal acts and the way the Church authorities in Ireland dealt with them’
calls on Church leaders in Ireland to continue to cooperate with the civil authorities
says that only decisive action carried out with complete honesty and transparency will restore the respect and good will of the Irish people towards the Church
concludes his Letter with a special Prayer for the Church in Ireland, which he composed himself.

Cardinal Sean Brady welcomes the Pope Benedict’s Pastoral Letter
“Today is a very historic day for the Catholics of Ireland.
Pope Benedict has written a pastoral letter to express his closeness to us at this challenging time. He says ‘with words that come from my heart… I wish to speak to each of you individually and to all of you as brothers and sisters in the Lord’. He speaks of the wounds inflicted on Christ’s body by child sexual abuse and of the sometimes painful remedies needed to bind and heal them. He talks of the need for unity, charity and mutual support in the long-term process of restoration and renewal.
I welcome this letter. I am deeply grateful to the Holy Father for his profound kindness and concern…
My dear people, as Pope Benedict said at his General Audience this week on St. Patrick’s Day, I ask you that you read this letter with an open heart and in a spirit of faith.
The Holy Father concludes his Letter with a special Prayer for the Church in Ireland, which he composed himself. He asks us to make use of this prayer in our families, parishes and communities.
Let us pray that the Holy Father’s Pastoral Letter will be the beginning of a great season of rebirth and hope in the Irish Church, under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In a spirit of faith – and in conclusion - let us pray together Pope Benedict XVI’s Prayer for the Church in Ireland.”

We have rushed to provide some copies of the Pope’s Pastoral Letter at our parish churches this weekend. Please feel free to take one. The entire Pastoral Letter is available for download at www.ossory,ie, www.patricksparish.com and www.catholicbishops.ie We join with the Pope in encouraging all to obtain a copy and to read it with an open heart and with a spirit of faith.

Lunchtime Theology
Why not join us for a cup of soup and a roll at the Hole in the Wall, 17 High Street, Kilkenny at 1pm this Friday (26th March) for the last session of our lunchtime theology programme? 
The subject this week will be: “A Result - The After Life: What can we hope for?”  Speaker: Fr. Kieran O’Shea.
Thanks to all who attended the series of talks.

St. Vincent De Paul
The monthly collection for the local conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be taken up during all Masses this weekend. Please give as generously as possible.

Peace in Christ
Thanks to all who supported the recent evening of prayer for St. Patrick’s Parish held at Peace in Christ Retreat House. The evening was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Parish Draw
The final draw in the present series takes place in the Parish Centre on Tuesday evening next at 8.30pm. All are welcome to come along to this event. We would like to say thank you to all our promoters and subscribers.

Parish Website
Encourage all to visit www.patricksparish.net

Pilgrimage to Rome   
Why not join the Parish of Mooncoin on a pilgrimage to Rome this summer? 
Rome is a wonderful city and as you will see from our itinerary we will have the opportunity to visit all it’s major sights.   
July 25th  - August 1st  2010. Led by Fr. Eamonn O'Gorman PP, Mooncoin.
All major sights of Rome: Trips to Assisi, Subiaco and Castelgandolfo: Audience/Angelus with the Holy Father.  Cost: €1195 (including all taxes). Places are limited so if you are interested in travelling please contact the Mooncoin Parish Office at 051-895123. (Tuesday to Friday 10am-12noon).

Pray for our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Gerard Dowling, Carrigeen, Mooncoin: Requiem Mass at Carigeen Church at 12 noon on Sunday, (Brother of Gretta Kelly, Parish Team Member). Ailish Meighan, Sligo and Castlecomer Road
Months Mind: Daphne Phelan (Sun 12.30), Joe Lawlor (Fri 6.15)
Anniversaries: Michael O’Sullivan (Sat 6.15), John Walsh (Sun 10.00), Pat Delahunty (Sun 10.30), Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00), Michael McInerney (Sun 12.00), Mary & Cecil Pullan (Mon 6:15), Eamon O’Neill (Tues (10.30), Jane, Henry & Paddy Glynn (Tues 6.15), Des Cullen (Fri 10.30), Ella Cuddihy (Thurs 6:15), Billy Wallace (Sat 9.30), Paddy Larkin, Kathleen Daly, Patrick Rusty Scanlon, May, Bill & Martin Costello, Elizabeth Kavanagh, Mary Hickey, Johanna, Philip & John Larkin, May& William Meehan, Paddy Walsh, John Tynan, Thomas Long, Lou McCarthy, The Stafford Family, The Mulvin Family.
Anniversaries Next Weekend: Paddy Tomney (Sat 6:15), Oliver Kelly (Sat 7.00), Chris Kenny (Sun 9.30), Seamus Brennan (Months Mind Sun 11.00), Margaret Dunne (Sun 12.00).

Latin Rite Mass
Mass for the Feast of the Annunciation 5.00pm Thursday, 25th March.
St. Patrick’s Church at 4.00pm on Palm Sunday.

World Water Day
World Water Day is celebrated on 22nd March 2010. As water becomes scarcer and more precious we wonder how many more will we have.
The human right to water is one of the most widely denied. We must oppose the privatisation of water. Our wastage can affect the global water table. The UN millennium goal is to bring clean water to 300,000 people every day by 2015. The €7.5 billon required is less than that spent on bottled water in Western Europe in 2007. Let us participate.

Pandemic Flu
The Irish Church has received the following advice from the HSE:
“The rates of pandemic flu infection are now very low. All of our health locations are advised to take down leaflets relating to pandemic flu. Religious settings and churches should do this also please. The HSE website on swine flu and flu information telephone help- line will cease operation on April 7th. While infection precautions can be reduced (no need for alternative to sign-of-peace; chalice usage resumed etc.) we continue to recommend good hand hygiene is observed as this is best practice.”

Kilkenny Christian Churches for Haiti
Concert this Sunday 21st March
The four main Christian Churches in Kilkenny have joined in a project to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti - Kilkenny Christian Churches for Haiti (KCCH). The KCCH Account is open at St. Canice’s Credit Union until Easter (account No. 60741K).
The highlight of the project is a Concert for Haiti to be held on this Sunday, 21st March, at 7.30 p.m. in St. Canice’s Cathedral. Admission to the concert is free. Those attending will be treated to music of the highest quality from local choirs and musicians, and are asked simply to contribute whatever they can to a collection that will be taken up during the concert in aid of the Concern Haiti Appeal.

Lourdes Invalid Fund
The St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Committee still have remaining two free places on this years Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. If you have a relative, friend or acquaintance who is or has been ill or is going through a difficult time please submit their name to any of the following committee members: Martin Brett, 087 265 1272; Bernie Cantwell 086 333 7188; Eamonn Brennan 087 257 7514; Bill Mullally 086 603 0414; Michael O’Dwyer 087 633 0294; Anne Tierney 086 861 7244; Tommy Mullins 056 776 3427; Mary Gypps 056 776 2721 or leave their name into the Parish Office 056 776 4400. Deadline is 31st March 2010.

Loughboy Library News
Count down to earth hour - takes place at 8.30pm on 27th March this year. To coincide with this event the library is hosting a free “energy drop-in” workshop with Bernadette Moloney, Environment Awareness Officer with Kilkenny County Council on Wednesday, 24th March from 2.00 - 5.00pm. Bernadette will give information and advice on matters ranging from the use of CFL bulbs, reducing your bills, building energy ratings and renewable technologies suitable for a home.

Church Gate Collection
The annual church gate collection in aid of Rehab Kilkenny takes place on Saturday and Sunday 27th & 28th March 2010.
Healing Service at St Fiacre’s
A healing service within Mass will take place at St. Fiacre’s Church on Thursday, 25th March at 7.30pm.

SOS Parish Appeal
The SOS house to house appeal takes place in St Patrick’s Parish during the months of March and April. Leaflets will be dropped through your door during the next while and those involved ask you to be as generous as possible. SOS, Callan Road, Kilkenny provides work and accommodation for adults with special needs.

Family Liturgy
Don’t forget our weekly Family Liturgy at St. Fiacre’s Church. Young people with their parents gather to celebrate the liturgy at 10.30am Mass each Sunday. Practice is after the 6.45pm Mass on Thursdays. All welcome.

Extra Mass for Lent
We have introduced an extra Mass for Lent. You are invited to join with us at St. Fiacre’s Church every weekday evening at 6.15pm.

The All Ireland Talent Show
Well done to parishioner Ross Hennessy and his group Na Fianna on their performance in the RTE 1 All Ireland Talent Show last weekend. A truly wonderful performance.

Read the Pope’s Pastoral Letter on our website.