Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 7th October 2012

Do this in Memory

We welcome the boys and girls of our local national schools, their parents and family members who join with us at 10.30am and 11.00am Mass this Sunday.  On this occasion the young people will enrol as candidates in the Parish First Holy Communion Programme and begin their preparation for the happy event next Spring.

 Day for Life

‘Choose Life!’ is the theme for this year’s Day for Life message on 7th October. It promotes respect for human life from the moment of conception. For 2012, the Day for Life also marks the beginning of a special Month of Prayer dedicated to the theme ‘Choose Life!’ which concludes on the Feast of All the Saints of Ireland.  Further information including a Pastoral Letter from the Irish Catholic Bishops is available to read or download  on www.chooselife2012.ie.

Key points from Bishops’ Pastoral Letter

· From the moment of conception, every human life is beautiful, every human life is precious and every human life is sacred.

· Government does not have to provide for abortion in Ireland to comply with the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights.

· Legislating for abortion denies the humanity and dignity of the child in the womb and violates the most basic human right of all – the right to life.

· It is never necessary to target the life of the baby in the womb to save the life of the mother. Ireland, without abortion, is consistently one of the safest countries in which to be pregnant.

· Many women who have had abortions speak of their deep regret, and research also confirms the harm that abortion can cause women.

· International experience shows that once abortion is legalised, even in apparently very limited situations, it becomes more widespread than was first intended.

The Year of Faith

Last October Benedict XVI announced a Year of Faith to run from the 50^th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council on 11^th October 2012 to the Solemnity of Christ the King on 24^th November 2013. The starting date, 11^th October, also marks the 20^th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It coincides too with a gathering of bishops from across the world in Rome for a Synod themed, ‘The New Evangelisation for the Transmission of the Christian Faith’.

Outlining the purpose of the Year of Faith, Benedict XVI spoke of the need to give fresh impetus to the mission of the Church by leading people ‘out of the wilderness’ in which they so often find themselves ‘towards the place of life, towards friendship with the Son of God, towards the One who gives us life, and life in abundance.’

The Year of Faith provides the Irish Church with a framework from which to build on the many graces of the recent Eucharistic Congress. At its heart is the programme of renewal set out in the texts of the Vatican Council. These texts ‘have lost nothing of their value or brilliance… there we find a sure compass by which to take our bearings in the century now beginning’. 

The Year of Faith invites us to read these documents afresh and rediscover their original energy and vision.

 

The Year of Faith is an opportunity to celebrate and renew our faith – individually, in families, in parishes and schools, in each diocese, in our country and across our global Catholic community. It is a providential moment for reflecting on how we can know our faith and make it better known through the modern means of communications, through art, through renewal of many of the traditional practices of our faith such as pilgrimages to Marian Shrines and holy sites, through celebration and knowledge of the Irish saints and through a host of other activities.       (Cardinal Brady: abridged)

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Helen Kelly, 67 Springfields and formerly of Blackquarry and John’s Street. Jane Saunders, Ballyragget. Niall Comerford, 11 Fr. Delahunty Terrace. 

Months Mind: Josie Nolan (Sat 7.00).

Anniversaries: Kathleen Roche (Sat 6.15).  Joan Waters (Sun 11.00). Tom O’Neill (Sun 12.00). Evelyn Coppinger (Sun 12.30). John & Mary O’Connell (Tue 9.30). Eddy Dean (Thurs 10.30). Sr. Elizabeth Butler. Patty Reinhardt. Billy Tallent. Garry & Norah Dunne. Mary O’Brien. John Johnson. John Murray. Mary Doyle. Mary Dunne.

Intentions for next weekend: Peter Gaule (Sat 6.15). Judy O’Brien (Sat 7.00). Gerard Moynihan (Sun 9.30). Anne Roche (Sun 11.00). Tom Foley (Sun 12.00). Nicola Conway (Sun 12.30).

 

Rosary at James Green

There will be rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny, James Green on this Sunday at 3.00pm.

 

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The monthly meeting will take place on Friday, 12th October in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre immediately after the 10.30am Mass.

 

Talk for Parents

St. John of God School Parents’ Council invites parents to hear their guest speaker Mr. John Lonergan, former governor of Mountjoy Prison speak on “Parenting - the Challenges and the Rewards”.  This will be a reflective and awareness-raising look at parenting on Wednesday, 16th October at 8.00pm in St. John of God School.

 

St. Kieran’s College

At St Kieran’s College: Courses starting soon. Ten Great Songwriters (Tuesdays 7 - 9pm, 10 weeks, €150), Nature in Poetry and Prose (Thursdays 10 - 12am, 8 weeks, €120), Writing for Radio (November 2nd & 3rd). For information: www.nuim.ie/kilkenny or call 056 777 5910.

Parish Website

Visit www.patricksparish.net to see revised front page and lots of information and links about our parish and the Church.

 

October  Stations

The October Stations for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop are taken up this month.  This is one of five special collections that are taken up each year. Please use the green envelope in your envelope pack or any envelope with your name and address attached.  We are grateful to all who support us financially, especially in these current tough economic times.  Thanks!

 

Did you know?

In the eyes of the Revenue Commissioners priests are classed as ‘self employed’ and as such pay taxes at the same time and rate as everyone else.

 

Kilkenny Flower Club

Kilkenny Flower Club will have a work night on Thursday, 11th October. Details are on www.kilkennyflowerclub.wordpress.com.  Bring a plant, buy a plant in aid of WAFA Ireland.

 

Healthy Town

Monday, 8^th October at 7.00pm, Canal Square – The KRSP/HSE City Walk series. Free for everyone!  All levels are very welcome.

Magnificat

This booklet is published monthly and contains all the texts of daily Mass, with a meditation from the great writers of the Church and the Prayer for Morning and Evening based on the Liturgy of the Hours.  You will also find lives of the saints and articles on spiritual topics and prayers at night in each issue. Available: Parish Office at €5 each.

Life Institute hold Public Meeting

Find out how you can help keep abortion out of Ireland. Meeting at Club House Hotel, Kilkenny on Thursday, 11th October at 7.30pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 30th September 2012

Sr. Gerard Forrestal

1925 - 2012

Sr. Gerard Forrestal, St. John of God Congregation, died peacefully on Monday, 24th September 2012.  All who knew her were saddened to learn of her passing following a short illness.

Sr. Gerard, a native of Moyne Templetuohy, Co. Tipperary, was a member of the Congregation of St. John of God since 1952 - she celebrated the diamond jubilee of profession just ten weeks ago.  She served the congregation in many places including Wexford, Dublin, Edenderry and Rome  before coming to Kilkenny where she took on the role of sacristan at St. Patrick’s Church.  It is for this work she will be fondly remembered by the priests and people of the parish.  Sr. Gerard was generous to a fault with her time and energy, meticulous in her work and loyally served the parish long after most people would have retired.

An avid reader of the Tipperary Star she never failed to remind people of her Tipperary roots and supported the ‘Blue and Gold’ to the end.

We give thanks to God for her life and influence among us and thank her for her loyal service to her Congregation and the Church.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilís.

 

Loans to Parish

Five years ago many parishioners gave loans to St. Patrick’s Parish to help finance the development of the Parish Centre.  Such loans  reduced interest costs and enabled us to structure our financing in a more beneficial way. 

The five year loan term is up now and we have already repaid those loans received in August and September 2007 with the rest to follow on a monthly basis.  Thanks to those involved for your original generosity and thanks again to a number of donors who have been able to convert the original loans into outright gifts to the parish.  Your generosity to the parish in difficult financial times helps enormously.

First Holy Communion Dates

The following dates have been agreed with the schools involved:

Saturday, 27^th April: Gaelscoil Osraí, St. Fiacre’s Church at 11.00am.

Saturday, 11^th May: St. Patrick’s De La Salle, St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am.

Sunday, 12^th May: Kilkenny School Project, St. Fiacre’s Church at 12 noon.

Saturday, 18^th May: St. John of God, St. Patrick’s Church  at 11.00am.

The Do This in Memory preparation programme for First Holy Communion candidates begins next weekend: candidates from Gaelscoil Osrai are asked to attend 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church while those who attend St. Patrick’s De La Salle and St. John of God are asked to attend 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church.

 

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Frank Coyne, 32 Michael Street and late of St. Fiacre’s Place.  Sr. Gerard Forrestal, St. John of God Convent. Mae Scanlon. Johnnie Dumburs.

Months Mind: Muggers Larkin (Sun 12.30).

Anniversaries: The Byrne Family (Sat 6.15). Patrick Traynor (Sat 7.00). Dan Gorey (Sun 10.00). Ciss Holland. Michael Doyle. Christopher Kenny. Syd & Elizabeth Bluett. John Casey. Helen Lynch.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Kathleen Roche (Sat 6.15). Josie Nolan (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Joan Waters (Sun 11.00). Tom O’Neill (Sun 12.00). Evelyn Coppinger (Sun 12.30).

 

Thukolo Gospel Choir Fundraiser

Local gospel choir Thukolo will perform a concert at The Watergate Kilkenny on Saturday, 6th October with The Memphis Cats. Proceeds to Chernobyl Kilkenny Outreach Group. Tickets €10. This promises to be a wonderful evening's entertainment as always. Please support this very worthy cause.

Come on the Cats

Once again we wish Brian Cody, Eoin Larkin, Jackie Tyrell and Matthew Ruth and their teammates all the best as they take on Galway in the replay of this year’s All Ireland Hurling Final. We look forward to welcoming ‘Liam McCarthy’.

 

Altar Servers

Application forms available at sacristies of all churches.  These must be completed by parents of existing and new servers.

 

First Friday

The priests will visit the sick and housebound at the usual times. Please let the Parish Office know if you know of someone to be included.

 

Blessing of Animals

There will be a blessing of animals at St. Canice's, Church, Dean Street on Saturday, 6th October at 3.00pm.

 

Westcourt News

The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt, Callan  on Monday, 1st October at 7.30pm.

 

First Saturday Devotion

St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy on Saturday, 6th October after 6.15pm Mass. Ends at 9.00pm.

 

Kilkenny Bereavement Support

Kilkenny Bereavement Support will hold a meeting for people bereaved by suicide in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Kilkenny on Thursday 4^th. October at 8.00pm. All welcome. 056 775 6538

 

CBS Parents’ Council

The C.B.S. Parents’ Council is organising a presentation by the staff of the Aislinn Adolescent and Addiction Treatment Centre for parents on Thursday, 4th October at 7.30pm in the school. All welcome.

Commemoration of Hope Ceremony

Kilkenny Drug Awareness Week is from 1st to 6th October 2012.  On Saturday 6^th of October Kilkenny Drug Awareness Week will be closed with an event to remember those who lost their lives to drugs.  There will be a tree planting ceremony at 3.15pm on John’s Quay and the Remembrance Ceremony will begin on the Parade at 4.00pm with and address from religious leaders and music provided by Kilkenny Gospel Choir.  Among other speakers the Mayor of Kilkenny will give an address and lead a candlelit procession to the Town Hall where a balloon will be released in memory of lost loved ones.  The event will be closed by further addresses from representatives of community initiatives responding to substance misuse and the chair of Kilkenny County Drugs Committee. Refreshments in the Council Chambers.  All welcome to attend.

 

Healthy Town Project

On Tuesday 2^nd October at 7.00pm at Langton’s Hotel Dr Tadgh Crowley GP and Kilkenny Hurling Team doctor will a talk on “Planning for Healthy Ageing”. This will be of interest to all who want to improve their health and quality of life as they age.

 

Festival of Activities for Older Adults

Kilkenny Sports Partnership are hosting an Older Adults Festival in the Watershed, Kilkenny, Thursday 4th of October. The range of activities on will include Bowling, Skittles, Pilates and Fit Walk among others. On Friday 5^th, there will be a free pool session for older adults from 2.00 to 3.00pm. All activities are free of charge.  You may register by contacting the office on 056 779 4990 or email info@krsp.ie

 

St. Brigid’s College

An open evening for prospective students enrolling in September 2013 will be held in St. Brigid’s College, Callan, on Thursday 4th October 2012 at 6.30pm.  Info: 056 772 5189.

GROW

GROW - World Mental Health Organisation urgently needs your help. We are holding our first National Flag Day on Oct.10th. World Mental Health Day.  We need VOLUNTEERS this  day to give 2hrs of your time. Contact Eileen or Mary at 056 7761624 or email southeastregion@grow.ie

 

 

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 19th August 2012

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena

The annual novena at the ancient site of St. Fiacre’s Well begins on Saturday, 18th August with the traditional prayers at 8.00pm.  There will be prayers at the Well each evening during the coming week with the concluding Mass at the site on Sunday, 26th August at 3.30pm.

Special features with photographs of the Well will be updated on our website and Facebook page during the coming week.

St. Fiacre’s Well is located out the Bennettsbridge Road about 2 miles from the Bennettsbridge Road Roundabout.  By kind permission of the owner entry is through the avenue of Sheastown House which is on the left hand side of the road.

Schools Reopening

St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, St. John of God Girls’ School and Gaelscoil Osrai have informed us that they will reopen for business on Thursday, 30th August.

Congratulations and Well Done

We congratulate all from our parish who received their Leaving Certificate results on last Wednesday.  Well done on your achievements and we hope you are pleased.  Good luck to those waiting for CAO on Monday.  We pray God’s blessing on you as you decide on future courses and careers.

National Public Novena

The National Public Novena in honour of Our Lady of Knock takes place in Knock Shrine, Co Mayo from 14-22 August 2012. The theme for this year's Novena is ‘Eucharist and Life’.  Services are celebrated twice daily: in the afternoon at 3.00pm and in the evening at 8.30pm (Except Sunday 19th, when ceremonies commence with the Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm. During the Novena the ceremonies will be broadcast live from the Basilica on www.knock-shrine.ie.

www.facebook.com/StPatricksKK

Have you visited our Facebook page yet?

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Jackie Coonan, Cedarwood Avenue. Michael Lalor, Blackmill Street & London. Josephine Naughton, Rioch Terrace. Kathleen Brophy, Derdimus. Martina McGrath, Dublin (wife of Michael McGrath, formerly St Fiacre’s Place).

Months Mind: Kathleen Quinn (Sun 9.30). Aileen Kelly (Sun 12.00).

Anniversaries: Tom Casserly (Sat 6.15). Eddie Kelly (Sat 7.00). Jim Drohan (Sun 10.00). Larry & Ciss Langton (Sun 11.00). Patrick McDonald (Sun 12.30). Christina Murphy (Mon 9.30). Eileen Tynan (Tues 9.30). John, Ellen, Pat & Mary Butler (Tues 10.30). Moscow Larkin (Thur 10.30). Paddy Wallace (Fri 9.30). James & Joe Delaney (Sat 9.30). Richard Kenny. Christina Gargan.    Winnie & Peter Keenan. Ray Bolger. Edward O’Shaughnessy Snr. Edward O’Shaughnessy Jnr. Christopher  & Mary Ryan. Anastasia Tallent. Josie & Dick Walsh. Evelyn Hughes. Paddy Cooke. Peggy Ryan. Patty Lavender.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Brigid Kenny (Sat 6.15), Maureen Griffin (Sat 7.00), Billy O’Neill (Sun 9.30), Paddy Mullen (Sun 10.00), Tom & Mary Byrne (Sun 10.30), Mary Fahey (Months Mind 11.00), Della Harney (Sun 12.00), Margaret Cantwell (Sun 12.30).

St. Vincent de Paul Collection

The monthly collection for our local conference  of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul takes place this weekend.  Thanks to all who support this charity: all donations to the St. Patrick’s Parish conference is used to help families in our parish.

Many thanks to the conference members who undertake this work on a totally voluntary basis.

Those needing assistance may leave a note into the Parish Centre in Loughboy or into any of the priest’s houses (Place your note in a sealed envelope and clearly mark it for the attention of Society of St. Vincent de Paul).  Alternatively, those seeking assistance may ring 087 681 0589.

Weekly Envelope Collection

Last weekend’s envelope collection was €3,027.62.  Many thanks to all.

St. Patrick’s Boxing Club

The reconstituted St. Patrick’s Boxing Club opened its doors for training at the Watershed this weekend and there was a very promising turnout.  Training continues as follows: Mondays, 7.00 - 9.00pm; Thursdays, 7.00 - 9.00pm; Saturdays, 11.00am - 1.00pm.  This is an excellent means of keeping fit while developing discipline and strength of character.  New members from 10 year olds to adults are welcome.  Come along to any of the sessions or call 086 803 2069 for information.

Priest on Duty

St. Patricks’ Parish operates an after hours priest on duty service. This means that anyone who telephones the parish number (056 776 4400) and presses option 2 on the menu will be connected to the mobile phone of the priest on duty. If your call is not answered immediately (for example while the priest on duty is celebrating Mass) please leave a message for the priest who will deal with your call as soon as possible.

Parish Centre Bookings

In all cases, please contact Mr. Ted Byrne to book rooms or to enquire about facilities, availability and costs.  Telephone 776 4400.

Well Done

Well done to Richie Moloney, Warrington Equestrian Centre, who represented Ireland in the Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show on Friday.

Come on the Cats

Best of luck to Brian and all the lads from our parish as they take on Tipperary in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship semi-final in Croke Park.

Renewal and Responsibility

There is a growing awareness today of the need for a great shift in our understanding of who we are as the people of God and how we fulfil our baptismal calling within the Church.

St. Patrick’s Parish Centre is proud to host Empowering Today’s Church for Ownership and Outreach - a series of four lectures by top class international speakers which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and explore the responsibility we all have within our Church communities.

Monday, 17th September, 7.00 - 9.00pm

Richard Gaillardetz, Boston College

Monday, 24th September, 7.00 - 9.00pm

Ethna Regan, Mater Dei Institute, Dublin City University, formerly University of West Indies

Monday, 1st October, 7.00 - 9.00pm

Sandra Cullen, Mater Dei Institute, Dublin City University

Saturday, 6th October, 10.00am - 1.00pm

Liam Power, Diocese of Waterford and Lismore.

This is an excellent opportunity to hear some excellent speakers right here in our own parish and we encourage as many as possible to attend.  See posters and flyers in the church porches.

Church Gate Collection

The annual S.O.S. Church Gate Collection takes place on this Saturday and Sunday.  Please support this organisation with strong parish links provides essential accommodation and sheltered work for people with special needs.

Notices for Newsletter

Please have notices, especially anniversaries, into the Parish Office by Thursday for inclusion in the following Sunday’s newsletter.  If announcements  arrive any later than this we cannot guarantee publication that weekend.

Please note that leaving notices into the churches, sacristies or the priests’ houses is not the best way to ensure publication as they can easily get mislaid or a particular priest may be away that week.

We try our best to include all items sent in for inclusion in the newsletter but space is limited and parish notices take priority.  Suggestions  for the newsletter are welcome.

Why Not Study Theology?

The Dominicans are offering an affordable distance-learning programme in theology which can be followed either for academic credit or for personal enrichment.  People study from home, with occasional study-days at weekends, and with the support of on-line academic tutors.  Hundreds of people have completed some or all of the programme.  Perhaps you would like to know more?  Contact: The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24.  Telephone 01 404124.  enquiries@prioryinstitute.com

www.prioryinstitute.com

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 12th August 2012

Welcome

We welcome all who join us for worship this weekend.  We are conscious that many visitors to our City for the Arts Festival will make their way to one of our churches - we are delighted to have you with us in St. Patrick’s Parish and we hope your visit will be of spiritual benefit to you.

15th August is a Holyday

This Wednesday, 15th August, is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It is a holyday of obligation for all Catholics.  Beginning with the Vigil Masses on Tuesday evening at 6.15pm and 7.00pm the Masses for this holyday follow our usual weekend timetable.

Latin Mass

Solemn  High Mass will be celebrated on the feast of the Assumption, at St. Patricks Church on Wednesday, 15th August at 7.30pm.  All are welcome. 

Facebook

St. Patrick’s Parish now has a Facebook page; at the moment we have 30 ‘likes’ for our page and are keen to get more. Thank you to all who have already ’liked’ our page.  Type www.facebook.com/StPatricksKK and this will take you directly to our parish page. 

St. Patrick’s Parish Office

The Parish Office will be closed for the next two weeks as Michelle, our secretary, is on holidays. Should you need anything during this time please contact one of the priests directly or leave a message at the reception desk at the Parish Centre.

Priest on Duty

St. Patricks’ Parish operates an after hours priest on duty service. This means that anyone who telephones the parish number (056 776 4400) and presses option 2 on the menu will be connected to one of the priests of the parish.  If your call is not answered immediately please leave a message for the priest who may be busy at that particular moment. The priest on duty will return your call as soon as possible.

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena

The annual novena at St. Fiacre’s Well begins on Saturday, 18th August. There will be novena prayers at the well at 8.00pm each evening during the following week.  Final novena prayers at the well on Sunday, 26th August at 3.00pm.  Annual Mass follows at the well at 3.30pm.  All welcome.  St. Fiacre’s Well is accessed via the avenue of Sheastown House situated about three miles from Kilkenny on the Bennettsbridge Road.

We continue to be surprised by the number of people in our parish who have not visited or even heard of the ancient Well of St. Fiacre. For further information and photographs please visit our parish website or Facebook page.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Michael Kenny, Grange, Ballyragget, Jimmy Leahy, 21 Fr. Murphy Square, Clare Donnelly, Fatima Place,

Months Mind: Bridget Kelly (Sun 10.30).

Anniversaries: Mary Coogan (Sat 6.15), Margaret Shanahan & Joe Maher (Sat 7.00), Phil O’Neill (Sun 10.00), Gabriel Warde (Sun 12.00), Phelim & Nuala McConville (Tues 10.30), Noreen O’Halloran (Wed 11.00), Mary & Martin Burke (Thurs 10.30), Brigid Long (Fri 10.30), Fintan Wallace (Sat 9.30), Walter Kavanagh, Peader Blanchfield, Michael Conroy, Claire Mahon, Richie Leahy.

Intentions for next weekend: Tom Casserly (Sat 6.15), Eddie Kelly (Sat 7.00), Jim Drohan (Sun 10.00), Larry & Ciss Langton (Sun 11.00), Aileen Kelly (Months Mind Sun 12.00), Patrick McDonald (Sun 12.30).

Schools Reopening

The dreaded (?) day is fast approaching.  St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, St. John of God Girls’ School and Gaelscoil Osrai have informed us that they will reopen for business on Thursday, 30th August.

Weekly Envelopes

The total collected in the last weekend’s envelope collection was €1,283.00.  Many thanks to all.

Prayer for Divine Mercy

An hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy will take place in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday, 12th August from 3.00 - 4.00pm.  

Attention Eucharistic Ministers

Please keep in mind that Ministers of the Eucharist are not to give extra Communion Hosts to those who present a pyx or request an extra host.  Such requests should be brought to the priest at Mass and not the ministers. Genuine people commissioned to bring Communion to the housebound are aware at this stage that they should approach the priest to request an extra host. 

Those receiving Holy Communion should consume the host at the altar steps and not bring it back to their seats.  When necessary a priest or Eucharistic Minister will happily  take Holy Communion to those who are unable to approach the sanctuary.  It is never permissible to remove a Sacred Host from the church without explicit permission from the priest.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

Coffee Morning for Cancer Support

Cois Nore Cancer Support Service will hold a Coffee Morning on Thursday, 16th August  from 11.00am to 12 noon at the Centre in Walkin Street. Chamber Music, Coffee and Cake Sale.  Please support.  All are welcome.

St. Patrick’s Boxing Club

After a break of a number of years St. Patrick’s Boxing Club, Kilkenny is back in the ring!  The club first started in 1946 and has long associations with our parish.  The revived club will open for membership and coaching at the Watershed Sports’ Centre on Saturday, 18th August. Males and females of all ages and from all areas are invited to come along.  More information from 086 803 2069.  Perhaps we have the next Katie or John Joe in our parish.

Certificate in Theological Studies

The course aims at providing religious education, faith formation and spiritual enrichment for those actively engaged in parish life or in the pastoral care of people, young and old. The course would be of enormous help and value to people involved in teaching at primary level or indeed for those finding themselves teaching R.E. at second level without any formal training or qualification in the area. The programme is a Level 7 Certificate accredited by St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. It provides a solid foundation for many fields of ministry. It helps create confidence and conviction for future volunteers in the life of the church.

The programme runs for 24 weeks, September – May; Mondays and Thursdays, 7.00 – 9.30pm, with modules in the Old and New Testament Scriptures, Church History, The Church past and present, Moral Theology, Liturgy and the Sacraments.  For further details apply to Declan Murphy, Course Director, St Kieran’s College on 087 908 1470 or 056 772 1086; email declanmurphy@ossory.ie. Closing date: 24th August 2012.

Loughboy Library

Kilkenny Arts Festival presents Boaz and Vered Zur in Storytime at Loughboy Library on Tuesday 14th at 3pm.  Age Group 8-12 years.  Booking at 7794176.  Free event.

St. Patrick’s Centre, Kells Road

Congratulations to all involved with the St. Patrick’s Centre on the Kells Road.  This weekend they celebrated the delivery of six new minibuses for use by the service users at the facility. This is a wonderful achievement which was marked by Mass celebrated by Bishop Seamus Freeman followed by a barbeque and party for all involved.  Well done and safe driving.

Whom do you seek?

Single young women attracted to the Dominican way of life are welcome to attend any of the following weekends in 2012: 14 - 16 September; 26 - 28 October ; 16 - 18 November or at other times by arrangement.  Please contact: Sr Mairéad OP, Monastery of St Catherine of Siena, The Twenties,  Drogheda, Co. Louth. Telephone: 041 983 8524 or e-mail siena3@eircom.net.  Visit: www.dominicannuns.ie