Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 7th September 2008

I am my Brother’s Keeper
The word of God can be confusing. And thank God for that! Otherwise, we might become intolerable, especially when it comes to doing what today’s First Reading tells us to do: to warn the wicked when God instructs us to. The confusing bit here is how to know that we have been so instructed. As Thomas Merton once wrote in Contemplation in a World of Action: ‘The prophetic charism is a gift of God, not a duty of man.’ Becoming the moral mouthpiece for God is a tricky path to tread. That said, however, someone has to do it. For those so called, a question to ask before giving the warning: why does God warn the wicked? No confusion here. God wants them to change for their good, not God’s. Concerned, God meets them half way through a ‘sentinel’ (v.7). That concern should set the tone of our warning. It should be positive not condemnatory.
When approaching the wicked to convince them of the folly of their ways it’s good to recall that one of the most important trips we can make is to meet someone halfway.
Perhaps Charles Davis should have the last word: ‘Human pride has led to a notion of freedom and equality as meaning, “you’re on your own”. But we cannot be human on our own.’ (A Spirituality For the Vulnerable, p.66)
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Rosary.
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the Statue of our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 7th September at 3pm. All are welcome.

Christian Meditation
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46
Christian Meditation will resume in Peace in Christ Retreat House every Wednesday at 4pm from 17th September 2008. New members welcome.

Questions people ask
Q. What did Jesus mean when he spoke of binding and loosing on earth and in heaven?
A. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, the mission of Jesus became the mission of the Church, the community of his disciples. Binding and loosing express two aspects of this mission. Binding refers to the Church’s responsibility to speak with heaven’s authority in declaring that sinful behaviour binds a person in guilt before God. The image of loosing expresses God’s forgiveness when the sinner repents and confesses. It is important to have a Church not afraid to tell us when we are wrong.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
The annual general meeting of the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on Friday, 12th September, after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church. New members especially welcome.

Medjugorje Visionary to Visit City
The National Medjugorje Council of Ireland with the Kilkenny Youth Prayer Group are pleased to announce the visit of Jakov Colo, Medjugorje visionary, to St. Mary’s Cathedral, on Tuesday the 16th of September at 7.30pm. The evening of Prayer will include Rosary, Mass, Adoration and Prayers for Healing. Confession will be available throughout the evening. All are welcome.

Camphill Community Open Day
The annual Open Day at the Camphill Community in Ballytobin, near Callan, takes place on Sunday, 21st September from 2pm to 5pm. This is an important fund-raising occasion for the Camphill Community which, as you know, cares for children and adults with mental disability. Please support.

Kilkenny Contact
Kilkenny Contact is a voluntary organization, bringing friendship to older people by visiting them in their own homes. We only visit at the request of the older person. Could you volunteer one hour a week to have a friendly chat with someone? If so Kilkenny Contact might be the group for you. We are a voluntary organisation that aims to help older people who may feel lonely and isolated through the onset of illness or of living alone. We do this by organising weekly visits and we are currently looking for volunteers throughout the City of Kilkenny. The befriending service we offer, works by linking up people in the community to form friendships. Volunteers commit themselves to visiting an older person for one hour per week and Kilkenny Contact links them with the most suitable person. Each volunteer is interviewed and Garda clearance is sought. Volunteers are made aware of the need for confidentiality and commitment of their visit.

Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Dick Furniss, Upper Patrick Street and Australia (Sun 12.30). Ned O’Gorman, Kilcreene Road.
Month’s Mind: Joe Woodlock (Sat 7.00)
Anniversaries: Sharon McEvoy (Sat 6.15), Anastatia Ayres, Tom Byrne, Joe Dunne, Bridget Kenny, Richard DeLoughry, The Cassin Family, Rita McCarthy.
Intentions for next weekend: Eileen Grace (Month’s Mind Sat 6.15). Sr. Presentation Breen (Sat 7.00), Ernie Harrington (Sun 10.00), Rita McCarthy (Sun 12.00), Enda Cody (Sun 12.30).

Platinum Celebration
This weekend we join in congratulating Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming of the St. John of God Community on the platinum anniversary of her profession. Sr. Marie Joseph, who comes from Springhill, Waterford Road, was professed in September 1938. Congratulations. Ad multos annos!

Eucharistic Adoration
“Could you not watch with me one hour?”
Adorers needed each Friday, in St. Patrick’s Church for Eucharistic Adoration, especially for the hours from 11.00am to 12 noon, and from 12 noon to 1.00pm. If interested please ring 777 0472 or contact any of the priests at 776 4400.

Come on the Cats!!!
We would like to wish the Kilkenny Senior and Minor Hurling Teams the best of luck in this weekend’s All Ireland Hurling Finals. In particular we wish Brian Cody, Richard Mulrooney and the panel members from our parish every luck in the big games.

Medjugorje Pilgrimages
The Medjugorje Irish Centre, located beside St. James Church and owned and managed by the Mullan Family from Omagh, is the meeting place for all of Medjugorje’s Irish Pilgrims. The Centre provides information, aid collection point, restaurant, laundry, phone, internet & foot massage. Apartment accommodation from as little as €20 per night. We can arrange apartments, flights, airport transfers to and from Split or Dubrovnik. If we can be of help please contact us. www.medjugorje-properties.com. Email: darren@medjugorje-properties.com Telephone Noelle on 048 8224 1888

Kilkenny FIT4LIFE Club
It is that time of year again when Kilkenny City Harriers provides a fitness programme for the “perhaps not so athletically inclined”. The Kilkenny FIT4LIFE Club starts back on 9th September and will meet and train twice weekly: Tuesdays in James’s Park at 7.00pm and Saturdays in Upper Field, Castle Park at 9.00am. All welcome.

L.A.R.C Autumn Activities
‘New U’: Single Parents Group, Mondays 10.30 - 12.30. Activities: Taster Workshops, Cookery, Nutrition, Child Behaviour, Arts and Craft, D.I.Y Drama and lots more.
LARC Women’s Group: Activates: Taster Workshops, Art and Craft, Cookery, Stress Management, Holistic Therapy and more.
Parents In Touch: Tuesdays 10.30 - 12.00.
Activities: Time out for you. An opportunity to meet and chat with other parents while your child is in Pre School.
Hop Scotch: Wednesdays 10.30 - 12.30.
An opportunity for parents and toddlers to meet to play and socialise together, while creating opportunities for toddlers to develop their skills and personalities.
Yoga & Well Being: Thursday 10.30 - 12.30
A yoga class especially designed for mature people with health conditions, restricted mobility those who want a gentle yoga class.
Art and Creativity Group and Digital Photography. If you are interested in any of the above programmes contact Connie in LARC at 776 4700. See posters on notice boards

Kilkenny Flower Club
Kilkenny Flower Club will resume monthly meetings at the new venue Butler House on next Thursday at 8 p.m. Demonstration is by Angela Behan-O'Carroll from Carlow Flower Club. We look forward to seeing members and especially some new faces. Refreshments will be served.
Thanks for you Help
Thanks to almost 60 parishioners and friends who helped with our fundraising bag pack at Caulfield’s Supervalu this weekend.

Concert
The Kildavin/Clonegal G.A.A. Club presents Anthony Kearns, Ireland's Finest Tenor in Concert with accompanist Patrick Healy and featuring Kilkenny Gospel Choir in the Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on Friday, 19th September at 8.00pm. Subscription is €25. Tickets: The Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, 914 2002 or by contacting 087 662 8095 or 087 790 5344.

Escorted Tours and Pilgrimages
Fully escorted, half board, includes entry fees and tips. Full itinerary on request.
Magical Switzerland: Saturday, 27th September to Saturday, 4th October 2008.
Holy Land, Jordan: Saturday, 25th October to Sunday, 2nd November 2008.
Details from Deirdre at 056 775 5151 or 086 3853989 or Sr. Teresa 086 8312537.

Proclaim the Good News
The Waterford/South East Charismatic Conference will be held at the Rhu Glenn Hotel, Slieverue next weekend. Speakers: Fr. Tom Forrest CSsR and Frances Hogan. Experience the joy of the Lord and the anointing of the Holy Spirit in two days of prayer, praise, worship, music, scripture, teaching, healing and testimony. Adm: €15. Information from 087 270 1311. All welcome.

Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 31st August 2008

Annual Mass at St. Fiacre’s Well
Bishop Séamus Freeman will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Annual Mass at St. Fiacre’s Well on this Sunday. The final novena prayers will be recited at 3.15pm with Mass following at 3.30pm. All are welcome.
The ancient well of St. Fiacre is situated at Kilfera, about four kilometres out the Bennettsbridge Road. Access is via the avenue to Sheastown House (with thanks to the owners.) Local people have been coming here since the seventh century to implore the saint’s intercession. Please come and help maintain our ancient heritage.

St. Fiacre’s Novena Poster
For your interest we have reproduced opposite the text of a poster for the 1931 pilgrimage. The original is a typed A4 page and contains a number of typographical and formatting errors.

The Annual Pilgrimage
To
St Fiacre’s Holy Well and Hermitage,
Sheestown, Kilkenny,
Sunday, 30th August, 1931.
Devotions begin at 3.30, (New Time)


The “Pilgrims’ Walk” to the Holy Well by the lovely banks of the River Nore, a
distance of two miles, by which many devout people have gone to the Holy Well every year, will start, weather permitting, from the Canal Walk at 2 o’clock. This is the route followed by the pilgrims in ancient times, centuries before the road was made. The Saint’s Hermitage is about 100 yards from the Well.


Buses will ply from the Parade from 2 o’clock till 8.
Fare each way, 3d.


A Kilkenny’s Ladies’ committee will supply teas on the grounds at 6d. Teas seated in enclosed, 8d.


Cars parked and minded and bicycles stored past the turn
at the end of avenue.


The usual Novena to St. Fiacre after the feast will be made every afternoon at 4 o’clock, and every evening at 9 o’clock. (New Time), till Tuesday, Sept. 8th. Rosary and Hymns. Teas at 6d.


TO PILGRIMS AND VISITORS: Please give a small contribution to cover the great expenses incurred.


Prayer to St. Fiacre
Prayer: Give ear O Lord, to the supplications which we offer Thee on the Festival of Blessed Fiacre, Thy Confessor; that as we trust not in our own merits, we may be by the prayers of him who was so pleasing to Thee, through Christ our Lord. Amen.


After an interval for tea, a spectacular performance of the Mortality Play and Tragedy, “The King” by Padraig Pearse, accompanied by
St. Patrick’s Band, will be given in the upper field by the Sheestown Players. Tickets for seating accommodation in the enclosure, 4d.

N.B. There will be no dancing, sports, games, and
no other amusements whatever.


Questions People Ask
Q. In making my will I want to leave a large sum of money for Masses to be offered over the years for my eternal salvation but my local priest is not in favour of taking it on. Where can I turn to?
A. Isn’t it a bit selfish to be thinking only of yourself when other people have very urgent requests such as impending operations? I’m sure that it would please God far more to give your money to help the poor. Jesus never said to give money for Masses but he did say to give to the poor. Charity covers a multitude and is the surest way to heaven.

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Richard Furniss, Upper Patrick Street & Australia. Tom Costello, Graiguenamanagh. Jim Bolger, England & Grovine; burial of ashes at Foulkstown at 12 noon on Monday, 1st September.
Months Mind: Sr. Vianney Hickey (Sat 7.00), Joe Cody (Sun 12.30)
Anniversaries: Mary & Paul Cody, Bill Marnell (Sat 6.15), Patrick McDonald (Sun 9.30), Jim Ryan (Sun 10.00), Jim Bambrick (Sun 10.30), Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 11.00), Ann Marie Manogue (Sun 12.00), Patty Mulhall, Bridget (Beezie) Slattery, Patrick Culleton, Peg Brennan, Elizabeth Carroll.
Intentions Next Weekend: Sharon McEvoy (Sat 6.15); Richard Furniss (Sun 12.30).
Foulkstown Stations of the Cross
We have managed to acquire a set of Stations of the Cross from the Sisters of Mercy in Westport (the same community which kindly donated the organ to St. Patrick's Church). We propose to use these stations in St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown. We would like your opinion. We have placed one of the stations in the Church to parishioners to see them. If people approve we will fit the rest of them in due course.

Parish Schools Reopen
The St. John of God Girls’ School and the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School will reopen for Senior Infants to Sixth Class at 9.20am on Monday, 1st September and for Junior Infants at 9.20am on Tuesday 2nd September. We wish all involved with our schools the best of luck for the year ahead.

Bag Pack
Thank you to all those who have volunteered their time for our fundraising bag pack on next Thursday, Friday & Saturday. We acknowledge the great response we have received so far but needless to say there is room for a few more. Please contact the Presbytery on 056 776 4400 if would like to give an hour or two on any of the three days.

St. Vincent de Paul Golf Classic
A golf classic in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be held at Kilkenny Golf Club on Wednesday, 3rd of September. Teams of three: €75. Please call 776 5400 to book your team.
Westcourt News
Mass for the canonisation of Blessed Edmund Rice will be celebrated in Westcourt on Monday, 8th September at 7.30pm. The members of Camphill Community are preparing the liturgy for this Mass. All welcome.

Lost and Found
These is an amount of lost/found property in the sacristies in all of our churches. We will shortly pass the cache to a local charity shop.

Computer Classes
Computer classes will begin in Castlecomer Community School in September. Classes will be laid on for those wishing to pursue the Basic ECDL and ECDL AutoCAD (both courses cost €350). Those who successfully complete either course will receive internationally recognised certification. Prices include tests and notes. Classes run for two to two and half-hours per night, one night per week. Please contact 086 823 0888.

Become a qualified Life Coach
This Diploma is the highest accredited Coaching Course in Ireland. On Completion of course you will be an expert in Human behaviour, Coaching and Facilitations of groups, please see below for FETAC Awards. Help coach people through personal blocks and challenges. Sept 13th, 14th, then one weekend every month for 10 months. Empower Training, Newtown Manor, New Orchard Road, Kilkenny.

St. Patrick’s Parish July Draw
1st Prize - €1000
Veronica Duffy, 3 Smithlands Court
2nd Prize - €200
John English, 14 Loughboy Park
3rd Prize - €100
Owen Kiely, 50 Melville Heights
4th Prize - €100
Phil Walsh, 4 Cashel Downs
5th Prize - €100
John Walsh, c/o Promoter
6th Prize - €50
Lil Dunne, Riverview
7th Prize - €50
Mary Doran, c/o Promoter
8th Prize - €50
Michael Hanrahan, 12 Oak Road
9th Prize - €50
Jean Condon, c/o Promoter
10th Prize - €50
Kevin Moloney, 12 Laurel Grove
11th Prize - €50
Frank Murphy, 73 Marble Crest
12th Prize - €50
Mrs. A. Daly, Archers Avenue
13th prize - €50
Caroline Walsh, 47 The Paddocks
Promoters’ Prizes
Helen Devlin, 30 Cedarwood Drive, Sean Leahy, Ashley Court
All Ireland Tickets
Brigid Armstrong, 21 Archers Crescent

Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time, 24th August 2008

Our Inscrutable God
How do you make God Laugh? Just tell him your plans! The hymn of praise that is today’s Second Reading soaring on a loftier plane than that opening quip, nonetheless points to the same reality: the inscrutability of God.
Down from the heady heights of Paul’s vision of God, what does it mean for us in daily life that God is inscrutable? Well, let’s say first what it doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean that we can’t know anything about God, so there’s no point in trying to. It means that we can’t know everything about him. Coming to terms with God in our life is our number one priority, or should be. Sadly, for many it is not.
And when we try to come to terms with God we find, as Thomas Merton points out in Love and Living: ‘There is a disconcerting aura of secularity about much of God’s activity as recorded in the Bible, and uneasiness with this has generally led certain types of philosophic religiosity to improve on the concept of God, seeking to make it more spiritual, more impressive to humans minds, in a word, more “divine”.’ Not only is that secularity found in the Bible, it’s found in real life too. Compare the number of times we’re told in the Bible to pray to the number of times we’re told to love our neighbour. And showing that love is very down-to-earth stuff indeed – the stuff of the Good Samaritan. The sleeves up, hands on approach. God wants action not just intention.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Redecorating St. Fiacre’s Church
As the construction work approaches an end at St. Fiacre’s Church we are about to redecorate the building itself. The walls outside and inside will be washed and painted shortly. Preparatory work will begin soon - we ask your patience as we try some colour samples.
We also intend to re-cover the floors in the church and this will be attended to as soon as the other ‘dirtier’ work is completed. Thanks for your patience.

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena
The annual novena at St. Fiacre's Well begins at 8.00pm on this Saturday and continues each evening at the same time. The novena is part of an ancient tradition and consists of the rosary and some particular prayers of intercession to St. Fiacre. This year’s novena ends on Sunday, 31st August with open-air Mass at 3.30pm at the Holy Well. Bishop Séamus Freeman, who since his consecration has made a point of visiting the sites associated with the principal patrons of the diocese, will be the main concelebrant and homilist at the Mass. We hope and pray for good weather and a large congregation to mark the first visit of our bishop to St. Fiacre’s Well.
The ancient well of St. Fiacre is situated at Kilfera, a number of kilometres out the Bennettsbridge Road. Access is via the avenue to Sheastown House. The people of Kilkenny City and its environs have been coming here since the seventh century to implore the saint’s intercession. All are welcome but this year in particular we encourage people who have recently arrived in our parish to come along and join in the celebration.

Transport to the Well
If there is enough interest the St. Fiacre’s Well Committee is willing to organise a bus from the City to this year’s Mass. Please contact Tommy on 087 688 3647 if you would be interested in availing of a bus. If enough people express an interest a bus will be organised.

Our Lady’s Island, Wexford
There will be Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm on each day of the pilgrimage season, 15th August to 8th September. See posters.

Pray for the deceased
Recently Deceased: Jim Bolger, England & Grovine. Burial of ashes following Requiem Mass at Foulkstown at 12 noon on Monday. Fintan Wallace, Derdimus. Bridget O’Gorman, Cuffesgrange. Ann Dwan, Piltown. Patty Murray-Lavender, Pearse Street & England.
Anniversaries: Tom & Michael Casserly (Sat 6.15), Eddie Kelly (Sat 7.00), Paddy Mullen (Sun 10.00), James Rhatigan (Sun 10.30), Michael White (Sun 11.00), Della Harney & Mary Campion (Sun 12.00), Annie McKenna (Sun 12.30), James Delaney (Mon 9.30), Moscow Larkin (Tue 9.30), Patrick Culleton, Pat Phelan, Dick Walsh, Cissie de Loughry, Kitty Mullins, Pierce & Catherine Marnell, John & Catherine Waldron, John & Mary Brennan, Josie Hackett, John, Ellen & Pat Butler, Joe O’Shea, Mary & Patrick Blanchfield, Anastatia Tallent, Josephine McKenna, Martin Ward, Frank Moran.
Intentions for next weekend: Mary & Paul Cody & Bill Marnell (Sat 6.15), Sr. Vianney Hickey (Month’s Mind Sat 7.00), Patrick McDonald (Sun 9.30), Jim Bambrick (Sun 10.30), Jacqueline Rainey (Sun 11.00), Ann-Marie Manogue (Sun 12.00), Joe Cody (Month’s Mind Sun 12.30).

Parish Draw
The August Draw will be held at the Sacristy of St. Fiacre’s Church on this Tuesday, 26th August at 8.30pm. All welcome. Monies and tickets may be returned directly to Ted Byrne or to St. Fiacre’s Sacristy from 6.30pm on Tuesday evening. There will be a special draw for two All Ireland Hurling Final tickets on the night.

Theology at a Distance
The Priory Institute, Tallaght invites people to join in the study of theology from the comfort of their own homes. For information: dial 01 404 8124, email enquiries@prioryinstitute.com or write The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24.

Mayor of the Village
Some interested parishioners are organising a Mayor of the Village ‘election’ in aid of St. Patrick’s Houses for the Elderly. Would you or do you know of someone who would like to be Mayor/Mayoress of the Village? We are looking for people to nominate or place their own names forward for this competition. Names can be given at the Parish Office and for further information contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400.

Fund Raising Bag Pack
The management of Supervalu Supermarket, Loughboy has kindly agreed to allow us have a fundraising bag-pack for our new parish centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4th, 5th and 6th September. To reap maximum benefit from this opportunity we need a lot of adult volunteers to help during shopping hours on these days. A similar initiative in February raised in excess of €5,000 for the funds. We intend approaching those who gave so generously of their time on that occasion but, without doubt, some of these people will not be available in September. This means we will need more volunteers. Please contact the Presbytery on 776 4400 if you can offer any time at all to avail of this excellent opportunity to help our parish raise essential funds for our development. The organising committee continues to develop a rota for the days in question. In this case it is genuinely a case of Many hands make light work — all help will be gratefully received.

Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland
The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland in Kilkenny is setting up a home care service for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is where a trained dementia care worker will go into the family home for a designated number of hours a week offering stimulation and activities to the client and allowing the main carer to take a break. For further information contact Marie O’Shea, Home Care Coordinator on 086 609 0421.

National Grandparents Pilgrimage
The National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage takes place in Knock this year on Sunday, 14th September. The Chief Celebrant at this year’s Pilgrimage Mass will be Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala. Fr. Liam Lawton will be guest singer at the event and David Quinn of the Iona Institute will be deliver the keynote address. Additional information is available on nationalgrandparentspilgrimage.com.

Questions People Ask
Q. Was Jesus ever called Christ before St. Peter used that title? For instance, at home with Mary and Joseph, was he known as Christ?
A. Jesus was his personal name, a name meaning Saviour, announced by an angel and given to him at birth. Christ was a title which identified him as the long-awaited messiah. This title means the anointed one sent by God. Jesus told Simon Peter that it was only a special grace which enable him to recognise Jesus as the Christ. I find it impossible to understand how any Christian could be insensitive to the sacred character of these sacred names.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Columnist Bereaved
We offer our sympathy on the death of his mother to Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap who writes our weekly ‘Questions People Ask’ column. Mrs. Kathleen O’Flynn was 103 years of age. May she rest in peace.

Kilkenny Gospel Choir
The Kilkenny Gospel Choir will provide the sacred music at the 12 noon Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on next Sunday. All are welcome. The choir will have copies of their latest CD Someone’s Praying available for sale after the Mass.

Medjugorje Visionary to Visit City
The National Medjugorje Council of Ireland with the Kilkenny Youth Prayer Group are pleased to announce the visit of Jakov Colo, Medjugorje visionary, to St. Mary’s Cathedral, on Tuesday the 16th of September at 7.30pm. The evening of Prayer will include Rosary, Mass, Adoration and Prayers for Healing. Confession will be available throughout the evening. All are welcome.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
From Friday, 19th to Friday 26th September. Spiritual Director: Fr. C. Fox M.H.M. Coach to Dublin Airport. Cost €669 (inclusive). Bookings Ann 056 776 5774 or 086 882 5622.

Eucharistic Adoration
“Could you not watch with me one hour?”
Adorers needed each Friday, in St. Patrick’s Church for Eucharistic Adoration, especially for the hours from 11.00am to 12 noon, and from 12 noon to 1.00pm. If interested please ring 777 0472 or contact any of the priests at 776 4400.

Vincentian Annual Pilgrimage
The annual Vincentian Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock will take place on Saturday, 13th September 2008. Further details when they come to hand.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 17th August 2008

Method in the Madness
It’s not often that Jesus language seems crude, but in today’s Gospel (Matt 15:21-28) it does. Using the common Jewish designation for Gentiles, viz, dogs, he says It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs (Matt 15:25). Perhaps knowing it’s common coinage removes some unease at its use. Perhaps. Perhaps being so removed from the language and culture of Jesus time the word sounds harsher now than it did then. Perhaps. Perhaps the diminutive form of dog that’s used, softening it to puppy, removes the harshness. Perhaps.
But what about Jesus tone of voice, facial expression and body language as he utters those words? Is he surly, spiteful, or cruel? Hardly. We can all too easily picture him as almost terminally serious, without a laugh in his body. Well, if Jesus has no joy in his heart, no lightness in his spirit, no humour on his lips, then whatever else he brings it’s not good news, and it isn’t the fullness of life.
I suspect a mischievous, yet friendly, banter here between Jesus and the woman; also, that Jesus orchestrates the entire encounter to teach his disciples a lesson. She’s a Canaanite, despised by Jews. Yet, she doesn’t take offence in the least at what Jesus says. She even turns the tables on him and (dare one suggest it?) makes him chuckle at her wit and bowls him over by her good humour.
Clearly, that’s a winning combination, for Jesus tells the chosen ones that this despised one has great faith, and grants her what she wants. Nothing crude there!
Fr Tom Cahill SVD (tomcee@eircom.net)

Leaving Cert Results
Best wishes to all who received their Leaving Certificate results during the week. Well done and congratulations! As a community we pray God’s guidance for you as you make decisions about future courses and careers.

Questions People Ask
Q. Was Jesus ever called Christ before St. Peter used the title? For instance, at home with Mary and Joseph was he known as Christ?
A. Jesus was his personal name, a name meaning Saviour, announced by an angel and given to him at birth. Christ was a title which identified him as the long-awaited Messiah. This title means the anointed one sent by God. Jesus told Simon Peter that it was only a special grace which enabled him to recognise Jesus as the Christ. I find it impossible to understand how anyone could be insensitive to the sacred character of these sacred names.
Fr Silvester O’Flynn (silvesteroflynn@gmail.com)

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena
The annual St. Fiacre’s Well novena begins at 8.00pm on Saturday, 23rd August and continues each evening at the same time. Bishop Freeman has agreed to be principal celebrant at this year’s concluding open-air Mass on Sunday, 31st August.
If there is enough interest the Well Committee is willing to organise a bus from the City to this year’s Mass. Please contact Tommy on 087 688 3647 if you would be interested in availing of a bus. If enough people express an interest a bus will be organised.

Mayor of the Village
In aid of St. Patrick’s Houses for the Elderly. Would you or do you know of someone who would like to be Mayor/Mayoress of the Village? We are looking for people to nominate or place their own names forward for this competition. Names can be given at the Parish Office and for further information contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400.

Organ Recital
Ronan Murray - organist - accompanied by his sister Niamh Murray - soprano - will perform at St. John’s Catholic Church at 3pm this Sunday, 17th August. Donations in aid of Church Centenary Fund.

Pray For Those Who Have Died
Recently Deceased: Mary Heffernan, Foulkstown. Catherine Burke, Thomastown. Ger Devane, Freshford Road. Christy Carpenter, 34 Fatima Place. Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 11am on Monday followed by cremation at Mount Jerome Crematorium.
Anniversaries: Evelyn Hughes (Sat 6.15), Margaret Shanahan & Joe Maher (Sat 7.00), Christine Murphy (Sun 9.30), Denis Treacy (Sun 10.00), James & Mary Brennan (Sun 11.00), Jack Bolger (Sun 12.00), Joseph McHugh (Sun 12.30), Patrick Morris (Mon 9.30), The Connick Family (Tue 9.30), John Joe Henebry, Peggy Ryan, Anastatia Quinn, Richard Kenny, Dick Walsh., Malachy O’Connor, Pat Phelan, Jim Drohan.
Next Weekend: Tom & Michael Casserly (Sat 6.15), Eddie Kelly (Sat 7.00), Paddy Mullen (Sun 10.00), Della Harney (Sun 12.00).

Redecorating St. Fiacre’s Church
As the construction work approaches an end at St. Fiacre’s Church we are about to redecorate the building itself. The walls outside and inside will be washed and painted shortly. Preparatory work will begin soon - we ask your patience as we try some colour samples.
We also intend to re-cover the floors in the church and this will be attended to as soon as the other ‘dirtier’ work is completed.
Thanks for your patience: we’re nearly there!

Theology at a Distance
The Priory Institute offers an extended series of fifteen-week modules in the study of theology which is open to everyone. Since its inception, over 1,000 people, ranging from young adults to senior citizens, have taken part in the Institute’s programmes.
The Priory Institute invites people from every walk of life to join in the study of theology from the comfort of their own homes. No previous knowledge of theology is required. For information: dial 01 404 8124, email enquiries@prioryinstitute.com or write The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24.

National Grandparents Pilgrimage
The National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage takes place in Knock this year on Sunday, 14th September. The Chief Celebrant at this year’s Pilgrimage Mass will be Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala. Liam Lawton will be guest singer at the event and David Quinn from the Iona Institute will be deliver the keynote address.
The importance of grandparents in the lives of young people is something that needs to be highlighted and applauded. Grandparents play a unique role in the lives of their grandchildren. They have had an invaluable role in passing on tradition, culture and, most of all, the Christian faith to generations of people. Last year’s Grandparents’ Pilgrimage saw children from all over the country writing prayers for their grandparents. A selection of these prayers as well as additional information on the pilgrimage is available on the www.nationalgrandparentspilgrimage.com

Year of Vocation Pilgrim Walk
On Sunday 24th August there will be a Year of Vocation pilgrim walk from Shannonbridge to Clonmacnois, Co Offaly. People are invited to join with us on this walk and to pray for vocations. The event is being organised in conjunction with the Ursuline Sisters in Shannonbridge. The Pilgrim Walk will start at 2.00pm sharp on Sunday, 24th August at the church car park in Shannonbridge. The route from there to Clonmacnois is approximately four miles. There will be several stops along the route for prayers and reflection at the Coffin Trees, the Mass Rock, St. Ciaran’s Well and then into the monastic site for prayer and reflection at the Cross of Scriptures and Temple Ciarán. Parishes are encouraged to invite pilgrims to this event.
People are also invited to send in their prayer petitions which will be prayed for during the pilgrim walk. Petitions can be emailed to: bdrumm@catholiccommunications.ie or posted to: The Year of Vocation Office, Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co Kildare.

Our Lady’s Island, Wexford
Each day of the pilgrimage season, 15th August to 8th September: Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm. When there are no official services pilgrims are invited to make their own way around the island reflecting on the mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary. See posters in church for further details.
A bus to Our Lady’s Island will leave the Parade, Kilkenny at 5pm on Friday, 22nd August. Fare €12. Bookings 776 4783 or 776 1308. All welcome.

St. Vincent de Paul Society
The monthly collection for the local St. Vincent de Paul conference will be taken up in church this weekend. As usual your support and generosity is appreciated.
During the summer months the local conference meets at the Presbytery, 7 Ormonde Road every second Monday evening. The Society can be contacted through the Presbytery on Ormonde Road or by telephone on 776 4400.

Vincentian Annual Pilgrimage
Join the Vincentian Fathers, Daughters of Charity, Society of St. Vincent De Paul and the Sisters of the Holy Faith as they pilgrimage to Knock to honour Our Blessed Lady and give thanks for the many blessings we receive. Pilgrimage will take place on Saturday, 13th September 2008. Further details when they come to hand.

Castlecomer District Hospital
There will be a night of music and dance in aid of the Castlecomer District Hospital on Friday, 22nd of August in Castlecomer Community Hall at 8pm. Performances will include African Drumming, IrishDancing, Hip Hop and contemporary dance. For further information, contact Alan Gleeson on 087 645 2015.

The Seven Wonders of the World
A group of 12 year olds was asked to list what they thought were the seven wonders of the world. The greatest number of votes went to: The Great Pyramids, The Taj Mahal, The Grand Canyon, The Cliffs of Moher, Newgrange, St. Peter’s Basilica and The Great Wall of China. Quiet Josephine came up with a different seven: 1) To see; 2) To hear; 3) To touch; 4) To feel; 5) To laugh; 6) To love...
The whole classroom went silent as they waited for the seventh and greatest wonder of the world. Finally, Josephine said that number 7 was God’s amazing love for us that he sent his only Son Jesus to set us free and to give us eternal life!

Our Parish Website
Visit us at: www.patricksparish.com Tell your friends about our parish website. Those living away from the parish may be interested in using the site to keep abreast of what is happening in the parish.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 10th August 2008

Shattered
In his Hymn of the Universe (p. 24) Teilhard de Chardin prays: “Shatter, my God, through the daring of your revelation the childishly timid outlook that can conceive of nothing greater or more vital in the world than the pitiable perfection of our human organism.” Today’s First Reading and the Gospel put me in mind of that prayer. They shatter the dubious certainties of small minds. They shatter the shaky security of a mind trapped inside predictable parameters, bound by the banal, fearful of the unknown, unable to probe the eternal. Those two readings come with thoughts and imagery nearly too powerful to comprehend and too incredible to accept. You have Elijah meeting God at Horeb. And how does God appear? In a mighty rock-splitting wind? No. In a terrifying earthquake? No. In a ferocious fire? No. But in the most unlikely sound of sheer silence. When the clutter goes, God comes. Then in the Gospel reading you have Jesus walking on water. Another epiphany of God’s presence in the creation of calm. The imagery of Psalm 107:29 is used here: he made the storm be still, and the waves of the seas were hushed. When the noise and turmoil stops God’s presence begins to be felt. This is the something greater and more vital than Teilhard prayed for: the realization that God is never far away, but is active within his creation, and for a purpose. Only an outlook shattered by revelation can hope to grasp its implications.
Fr. Tom Cahill

Vincentian Annual Pilgrimage
Join the Vincentian Fathers, Daughters of Charity, Society of St. Vincent De Paul and the Sisters of the Holy Faith as they pilgrimage to Knock to honour Our Blessed Lady and give thanks for the many blessings we receive. Pilgrimage will take place on Saturday, 13th September 2008. Further details when they come to hand.

Questions People Ask
Q. I like to go to Knock every year but my son insists that these apparitions are hallucinations or imaginary voices. How can I answer him?
A. The best test of any alleged apparition is what Jesus said: By their fruits you shall know them. Here are three tests: Is the teaching in accord with scripture and sound faith? Does it strengthen and improve the moral life of people? Is there evidence here of God’s healing power? Knock passes on all three criteria. The apparition there is a deep, silent contemplation of the sacrifice of Jesus, Lamb of God, in the company of Mary and the saints.
Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Castlecomer District Hospital
There will be a night of music and dance in aid of the Castlecomer District Hospital on Friday, 22nd of August in Castlecomer Community Hall at 8pm. Performances will include African Drumming, IrishDancing, Hip Hop and contemporary dance. For further information, contact Alan Gleeson on 087 645 2015

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Ellen Spencer, Cullohill, Co. Laois. Con O’Shea, Vicar Street, Joe Woodlock, St. Fiacre’s Place.
Months Mind: Mary Norris (Sun 10.00), Theresa Delahunty (Sun 12.30).
Anniversaries: Mary Coogan (Sat 6.15), Sr. Catherine Fennessy (Sun 9.30), Ellen McEvoy (Sun 10.30), Tony Henderson (Sun 11.00), Gabriel Warde (Sun 12.00), Patrick Brophy, Peter Keenan, Diane Keenan, Jim Keenan, Nance O’Neill, Walter Kavanagh, Breda O’Hara, William Deegan, Joe Delaney.
Intentions of next weekend: Evelyn Hughes (Sat 6.15), Margaret Shanahan & Joe Maher (Sat 7.00), Denis Treacy (Sun 10.00), James & Mary Brennan (Sun 11.00), Jack Bolger (Sun 12.00), Joseph McHugh (Sun 12.30).

Divine Mercy Prayer
In honour of Divine Mercy there will be an hour of prayer and adoration in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 10th August between 3 and 4.00pm. All welcome.

Good Luck to the Cats!
We join in wishing the Kilkenny hurlers all the best this weekend. We especially wish every success to those from our parish involved with the teams.

Year of Vocation Pilgrim Walk
The focus for the month of August for the Year of Vocation is pilgrimage. On Sunday 24th August there will be a Year of Vocation pilgrim walk from Shannonbridge to Clonmacnois, Co Offaly. People are invited from across the country to join with us to make this walk and to pray for vocations. The event is being organised in conjunction with the Ursulines in Shannonbridge. The pilgrim walk will start at 2.00pm sharp on Sunday, 24th August at the church car park in Shannonbridge. The route from there to Clonmacnois is approximately four miles. There will be several stops along the route for prayers and reflection at the coffin trees, the Mass Rock, St Ciaran’s Well and then into the monastic site for prayer and reflection at the Cross of Scriptures and Temple Ciarán. Parishes around the country are encouraged to invite pilgrims to this event.
People are also invited to send in their prayer petitions which will be prayed for during the pilgrimage on August 24th. Petitions can be emailed to the following address: bdrumm@catholiccommunications.ie or posted to - Year of Vocation Office, Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co Kildare.

“The Rock” Youth Project
We are very grateful to all who helped or supported so generously with bag-filling at Supervalu. Over €2,800 was collected.

Our Lady’s Island, Wexford
Each day of the pilgrimage season, 15th August to 8th September: Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm. Pilgrims are invited to make their own way around the island reflecting on the mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary.
· Friday, 15th August: Feast of the Assumption: Mass at 3.00pm. Eucharistic Procession at 3.45pm concluding with benediction.
· Sunday, 17th August: Mass and General Anointing of the Sick at 3.00pm.
· Sunday, 24th August: Liturgy of Light at 8.30pm.
· Sunday, 31st August: Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm.
· Sunday, 7th September: Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm.

Assumption of Our Lady
Next Friday, 15th August is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven. Beginning with the Vigil Masses on Thursday evening services in our parish will follow the usual weekend timetable. There will be no Mass on Friday evening.

Clonmacnois Youth Festival
The Youth 2000 Summer Festival will take place near the ancient ruins of the Clonmacnois monastic site in Co. Offaly. The festival is for young people age 16 - 35 and will take place over the weekend of Thursday, 14th - Sunday, 17th August 2008. The weekend will include inspiring talks, dramas, a concert, prayer, Mass, games, and times of sharing. It promises to be a great opportunity for young people for all around Ireland to explore their Catholic faith, meet new friends and have some craic! This is a donation-only retreat. Free buses are available throughout the country - just bring a sleeping bag and a pair of wellies. (Over 18s may like to bring their own tent.) For further information see posters at the back of the church or www.youth2000.ie or 01 675 3690.

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena
The annual St. Fiacre’s Well novena begins at 8.00pm on Saturday, 23rd August and continues each evening at the same time. Bishop Freeman has accepted our invitation to be principal celebrant at this year’s open-air Mass on Sunday, 31st August.
St. Fiacre’s Well is approached through the grounds of Sheastown House a few miles out the Bennettsbridge Road.

Organ Recital
Ronan Murray - organist, pianist, songwriter, sacred, classical, pop, improvisation - accompanied by his sister Niamh Murray - soprano (widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most versatile talented and charismatic artists). St. John’s Catholic Church, Dublin Road at 3pm on Sunday afternoon, 17th August. Donations in aid of Church Centenary Fund.

Golden Jubilee
We join in wishing Monsignor Francis Pattison all the best as he celebrates the golden jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood. Monsignor Pattison, who is a native of the parish, was ordained at St. Mary’s Cathedral in 1958 before going to work in San Diego, California. He is brother of former Ceann Comhairle Séamus Pattison and is a regular visitor to our parish. All are welcome to join in a special Golden Jubilee Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 12.30pm on next Saturday.

Mayor of the Village
In aid of St. Patrick’s Houses for the Elderly. Would you or do you know of someone who would like to be Mayor/Mayoress of the Village? We are looking for people to nominate or place their own names forward for this competition. Names can be given at the Parish Office and for further information contact the Parish Office at 056 776 4400

National Grandparents Pilgrimage
The National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage takes place in Knock this year on Sunday, 14th September. This is the second year of the pilgrimage which was launched last year by Catherine Wiley. The 2007 pilgrimage was a resounding success with almost 6,000 people in attendance at the event in Knock. The Chief Celebrant at this year’s Pilgrimage Mass will be Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala. Liam Lawton will be guest singer at the event and David Quinn from the Iona Institute is the keynote speaker.
There will be a link up this year between the Year of Vocation initiative and the National Grandparents’ Pilgrimage. The importance of grandparents in the lives of young people is something that needs to be highlighted and applauded. Grandparents play a unique role in the lives of their grandchildren. They have had an invaluable role in passing on tradition, culture and most of all the Christian faith to countless generations of people.
Last year’s Grandparents’ Pilgrimage saw children from all over the country writing prayers for their grandparents. A selection of these prayers as well as additional information on the pilgrimage is available on the official website for the pilgrimage — www.nationalgrandparentspilgrimage.com

Redecorating St. Fiacre’s Church
As the building work approaches an end at St. Fiacre’s Church we are about to redecorate the building itself. The walls outside and inside will be washed and painted shortly. Preparatory work will begin soon - we ask your patience as we try some colour samples.
We also intend to recover the floors in the church and this will be attended to as soon as the other ’dirtier’ work is completed.
Thanks to all who have been so patient during the past 14 months. The work will be completed very soon.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 3rd August 2008

Faith’s Strength
I’ve just finished reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins with my faith intact despite running the gauntlet of rational, and at times seemingly irrational, assault. I think that his approach to eradicating religion is rather like fighting fire with wind. It may blow it out, but then again it may just fan the flames.
Anyway, today’s second reading reminds us of a very important fact with regard to faith. It’s not primarily a matter of our relationship with God, but of God’s relationship with us. That’s its strength.
Paul puts it boldly as he asks: ‘Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword’ separate us from Christ? To which he gives us a resounding No! Neither will ‘death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come...’ (including science and Dawkin’s book?) – nothing, simply nothing, can separate us from the love of God. In other words nothing can touch God’s love for us. That’s what we believe, wonderfully unscientific though it may be.
And the faith we have – or, more accurately, that has us – is not for hoarding but for sharing. It’s a gift to improve the quality of human life by bringing out all that is good within and around us. That’s the point of today’s Gospel reading too. The crowds are hungry, in a barren place. Jesus tells his followers – those with faith in him – to feed the crowds. Once the faith is present, the miracle happens.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

Castlecomer District Hospital
There will be a night of music and dance in aid of the Castlecomer District Hospital on Friday, 22nd of August in Castlecomer Community Hall at 8pm. Performances will include African Drumming, IrishDancing, Hip Hop and contemporary dance. For further information, contact Alan Gleeson on 087 645 2015

Questions People Ask
Q. Could heaven be boring? Eternal life, going on and on with no end, doesn’t appeal to me at all.
A. Try thinking of eternity not in terms of time but as a total experience of love, joy, celebration etc. We get little glimpses of the eternal in moments of beauty when we would like the clock to stop right there. Jesus promised: ‘I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you’ (John 16:22). St. Paul wrote that no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no imagination has managed to visualise all that God has prepared for those who love him. That doesn’t sound like the recipe for boredom!
Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Pray for the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Eileen Grace, 6 Cypress Court, Loughboy. Funeral prayers at Johnston’s Funeral Home at 6.00pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church. Requiem Mass on Monday at 11.00am followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Sr. Vianney Hickey, St. John of God Convent, College Road. Sr. Imelda Mullins, St Patrick’s Convent, Kells Road. Paddy O’Neill, Castlecomer. Richard White, Dublin Road. John Bosco O’Mahony, Wexford.
Anniversaries: Margaret & Lawrence Langton (Sat 7.00), Angela Tiernan (Sun 10.00), Martin Mulhall (Sun 11.00), Tom Burns (Sun 12.00), Ger Dooley & P.J. O’Neill (Sun 12.30), Paddy Hickey, Mick Coonan, Chrissie Drennan, David Gaffney, James Browne, Joseph Brown, Sheila & George Mastino, Marie Kealy Carson, Doreen Tallent, Jack Allen, Michael Browne, Clare Mahon, Rita Thompson.

Bank Holiday Mass Times
There will be no Mass at 9.30am or 10.30am on Monday. Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. Fiacre’s at 11.00am.
St. Rioch’s Cemetery Mass
The annual cemetery Mass in St. Rioch’s Cemetery will take place on Thursday, 7th August at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 3rd August at 3pm. All are welcome.

Vincentian Annual Pilgrimage
Join the Vincentian Fathers, Daughters of Charity, Society of St. Vincent De Paul and the Sisters of the Holy Faith as they pilgrimage to Knock to honour Our Blessed Lady and give thanks for the many blessings we receive. Pilgrimage will take place on Saturday, 13th September 2008.

Our Lady’s Island, Wexford
Each day of the pilgrimage season, 15th August to 8th September: Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm. Pilgrims are invited to make their own way around the island reflecting on the mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary.
· Friday, 15th August: Feast of the Assumption: Mass at 3.00pm. Eucharistic Procession at 3.45pm concluding with benediction.
· Sunday, 17th August: Mass and General Anointing of the Sick at 3.00pm.
· Sunday, 24th August: Liturgy of Light at 8.30pm.
· Sunday, 31st August: Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm.
· Sunday, 7th September: Mass at 3.00pm and 8.00pm.
Special Evenings of Reflection
· Friday, 22nd August: Mass at 8.00pm. Very Rev. Aidan Jones: “Our Lady and the Other Christian Churches”.
· Friday, 29th August: Mass at 8.00pm. Prayer Around the Cross at 9.00pm.
· Friday, 5th September: Island Voices Gospel Choir Concert of Sacred Music at the parish church at 8.30pm.

“The Rock” Youth Project
We are very grateful to all who helped or supported so generously with bag-filling at Supervalu. Over €2,800 was collected.

Clonmacnois Youth Festival
The Youth 2000 Summer Festival will take place near the ancient ruins of the Clonmacnois monastic site in Co. Offaly. The festival is for young people age 16 - 35 and will take place over the weekend of Thursday, 14th - Sunday, 17th August 2008. The weekend will include inspiring talks, dramas, a concert, prayer, Mass, games, and times of sharing. It promises to be a great opportunity for young people for all around Ireland to explore their Catholic faith, meet new friends and have some craic!
This is a donation-only retreat. Free buses are available throughout the country—just bring a sleeping bag and a pair of wellies. (Over 18s may like to bring their own tent.)
For further information see posters at the back of the church or www.youth2000.ie or 01 675 3690.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
Pilgrimage departs Kilkenny on Friday, 19th September and returns on Friday, 26th September. Spiritual Director is Fr. Christy Fox MHM. Coach to Dublin Airport included. Cost €669 inclusive. Bookings: Ann 776 5774 or 086 882 5622.

Redecorating St. Fiacre’s Church
As the building work approaches an end at St. Fiacre’s Church we are about to redecorate the building itself. The walls outside and inside will be washed and painted shortly. Preparatory work will begin soon - we ask your patience as we try some colour samples.
We also intend to recover the floors in the church and this will be attended to as soon as the other ’dirtier’ work is completed.
Thanks to all who have been so patient during the past 14 months. The work will be completed very soon.

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena
The annual St. Fiacre’s Well novena begins at 8.00pm on Saturday, 23rd August and continues each evening at the same time. Bishop Freeman has accepted our invitation to be principal celebrant at this year’s open-air Mass on Sunday, 31st August.
St. Fiacre’s Well is approached through the grounds of Sheastown House a few miles out the Bennettsbridge Road.

Prayer is Important
“Often we are not convinced of the importance of prayer and that is why we easily neglect it. Above all, we live it with little depth. We must believe that with prayer we can make many people return to the Lord.”
(Cardinal Angelo Comastri,
Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica,
speaking in the Vatican this week.)


St. Patrick’s Parish July Draw

Prize Winner Promoter
1st Prize - €1000 Teresa O’Brien, 17 St. Fiacre’s Place Lena McCarthy
2nd Prize - €200 John Walsh John Comerford
3rd Prize - €100 Mary Walton, The Glebe, Kells Road Mary Parsons
4th Prize - €100 Nancy Doyle, Rose Inn St Kitty Byrne
5th Prize - €100 Pat Millea, Wallslough Michael Costello
6th Prize - €50 Peter Barrett, Waterford Road Helen Devlin
7th Prize - €50 Anthony Kavanagh, Archers Crescent Brigid Armstrong
8th Prize - €50 Shane Murray, 11 Beechpark Breda Murray
9th Prize - €50 Rita Holohan, St. John of God School Ena McEntee
10th Prize - €50 Derry Noonan, Larchfield Kitty Byrne
11th Prize - €50 Niamh Brennan, Archer’s Court Michael Brennan
12th Prize - €50 Jane Gillman, Springfields Pauline Purcell
13th prize - €50 Jean Rafter, Tennypark Ann Condon
Promoters’ Prizes
Joan Cody, Kilfera and Mary White, Sheastown

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 27th July 2008

No Shortcuts
The Manual of Zen Buddhism by Cheng-tao ke tells us that the sage:
Walks always by himself, goes about always by himself;
Every perfect one saunters along one and the same passage of Nirvana;
His tone is classical, his spirit is transparent, his airs are naturally elevated,
His features are rather gaunt, his bones are firm, he pays no attention to others.
Compare that Buddhist sage to the Biblical one found in today’s First Reading. There, Solomon prays for a discerning mind – one that can distinguish between good and evil, to enable him to govern God’s people fairly. No elitism there. No focus on a lean and hungry look. Outward appearance means nothing to God. And, there’s no aloofness either. No indifference to other people’s plight. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Biblical wisdom is geared to engagement, to service, to responsibility.
The wise one is he, or she, who knows how to live well with others. Biblical wisdom is outward looking. While it comes from on high it’s found at the coalface. It’s found in those who don’t settle for the sidelines, who are not afraid to make the journey to authentic self. As Robert Jingen Gunn puts it in Journeys into Emptiness (p.7): ‘Yet we remain deeply ambivalent about becoming ourselves. Afraid of the anxiety that attends self-knowledge, afraid of the possible demands of authentic life, we run away, hiding in false selves, or smaller selves, avoiding the challenge of our true self.’
Solomon faced God, God’s people and himself to acquire wisdom. There are no shortcuts.
Fr. Tom Cahill SVD

First Friday
The first Friday of August occurs this week. The priests will visit the sick at the usual times. Contact the Parish Office if you or a friend would like to be added to the list.

Questions People Ask
Q. Jesus had many parables about the kingdom of heaven. Do these parables refer to the next life or to present reality?
A. At the beginning of his preaching Jesus announced that his mission this world would be about the kingdom or reign of God. Its perfection would be in the next life but its growth would begin in this life. The kingdom on earth means what life would be like if everybody lived according to the ideals of the gospel. A beautiful prospect indeed, involving repentance and believing. Jesus said it is a treasure waiting to be discovered, a precious pearl to be sought by every means at our disposal.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Ossory Pilgrims Return Home
World Youth Day came to an end last weekend in Sydney. An all-night vigil was spent on Saturday night in Randwick Stadium finishing with an open air Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in Randwick Stadium on Sunday morning. At the conclusion of the Mass the Holy Father did not say goodbye but rather arrivederci to the international group of pilgrims as he announced that the next WYD would take place in Madrid in 2011. Following the Mass on Sunday morning 450,000 pilgrims made the walk back into Sydney and gradually left the host city on their journey home.
The Ossory Pilgrims enjoyed three days in Sydney before their departure on Thursday arriving back in Dublin on Friday morning. Accompanied by Bishop Freeman all were delighted with the three weeks spent ‘down under with Pope Benedict’ and spoke of the experience that was deeply religious.
Congratulations to all who raised the Ossory flag in Australia renewing many links through meetings with the Irish Christian Brothers in Sydney, the Sisters of Mercy in Parramatta, the St. John of God Sisters in Ballarat and the home of Count O'Loughlin in Bungaree and Dunstown and the Kilkenny Association in Sydney.

Our Youth Head for Medjugorje
Almost sixty young people from the diocese of Ossory - including fourteen from St. Patrick’s Parish - head to Medjugorje this weekend. During the next two weeks over 40,000 young people and 400 hundred priests from all over the world will assemble at the Croatian shrine for the annual youth festival of prayer, testimonies, music, procession, adoration, concert and dance.
This is the 19th International Youth Festival or ‘Mladifest 19’ as it is called. The theme of the encounter is, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). This theme is in harmony with the theme of the 23rd World Youth Day, which has just ended in Sydney. The Holy Father is addressing his word to young people: “My dear young friends, the Holy Spirit continues today to act with power in the Church, and the fruits of the Spirit are abundant in the measure in which we are ready to open up to this power that makes all things new. For this reason it is important that each one of us know the Spirit, establish a relationship with Him and allow ourselves to be guided by Him.
I know very well that you young people hold in your hearts great appreciation and love for Jesus, and that you desire to meet Him and speak with Him. Indeed, remember that it is precisely the presence of the Spirit within us that confirms, constitutes and builds our person on the very Person of Jesus crucified and risen. So let us become familiar with the Holy Spirit in order to be familiar with Jesus.
May Mary, united in prayer with the Apostles in the Upper Room, accompany you throughout these months and obtain for all young Christians a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit to set their hearts on fire. Remember: the Church has confidence in you! We pastors, especially, pray that you may love and lead others to love Jesus more and more and that you may follow Him faithfully. With these sentiments I bless you all with deep affection.”

Pray For the Deceased
Recently Deceased: Joe Cody, 11 Noremount. Funeral prayers on Sunday morning at 11.15am followed by removal to St. Patrick's Church for requiem Mass at 12.30pm. Interment afterwards in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Rosary at his home on Saturday evening at 9pm. Edward Kirwan, Wexford and formerly Gregara, Jenkinstown. Tommy Byrne, Blanchfields Park, Gowran.
Anniversaries: Thomas McGuire (Sat 6.15), Devina Crosby (Sun 10.00), Ann Quirke, Peter Wiltshire, Mary Guiry, Annie Campion, Delia O’Hara, Jimmy Bourke, Billy Bourke, Catherine Manogue, Nancy Larkin, Mary Tynan, Mary Holland.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Angela Tiernan (Sun 10.00), Martin Mulhall (Sun 11.00), Tom Burns (Sun 12.00), Ger Dooley & P.J. O’Neill (Sun 12.30).

Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
The annual Mass at Foulkstown Cemetery will take place at 7.30pm on next Thursday. All are encouraged to assist our hard-working Cemetery Committee by attending to family graves before the event. Christian virtue insists that we help those who are unable to care for their family plots. Please do the best you can to help neighbours and friends who are unable to attend to their family plots.
Recalling the heavy traffic which accumulates in the area on the occasion of the Mass we ask that people come as early as possible and be patient on leaving the area.

Clonmacnois Youth Festival
Want a different kind of Summer festival? The Clonmacnois Youth Festival is a lively 4 day festival with workshops, concert, inspiring talks, great music and prayer. And plenty of time for relaxing, chilling out and meeting new people. Age 16 - 35. No cost/free bus from Kilkenny. Bring a sleeping bag. Further information is available on www.youth2000.ie or 01 675 3690.

Croagh Patrick
For the first time the national “Reek Sunday” pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick will be televised live on RTÉ1. The annual pilgrimage, which takes place on this Sunday 27th July, will be led by Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam. Television coverage will begin at 10.45am and include Mass from the summit at 11.00am.
In keeping with this specially dedicated Year of Vocation for the Catholic Church in Ireland, the theme for the 2008 Croagh Patrick pilgrimage is ‘Vocation’.

St. Fiacre’s Well Novena
The annual novena at St. Fiacre’s Well begins at 8.00pm on Saturday, 23rd and concludes with Mass on Sunday, 31st August. Bishop Freeman has accepted our invitation to be principal celebrant at this year’s Mass.

Our Lady’s Island
The annual pilgrimage season is from 15th August to 8th September. The Opening Ceremony will be on the Feast of the Assumption, Friday, 15th August: Assembly on the Island at 2.45pm; Mass at 3pm; Eucharistic Procession at 3.45pm concluding with benediction. Mass will be celebrated at 3pm each day of the pilgrimage season. Further information on our church notice boards.

Parish Draw
The July Draw will be held at the Sacristy of St. Fiacre’s Church on this Tuesday, 29th July at 8.30pm. All welcome. Monies and tickets may be returned directly to Ted Byrne or to St. Fiacre’s Sacristy from 6.30pm on Tuesday evening.

Lectors at Weekend Masses
Readers are asked to call to the sacristy before Mass. This will ensure that the celebrant can be confident of the lector’s presence and any last minute arrangements can be communicated. Thanks.

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
Coming up during August:
August 2: Summer sounds from the best loved classical and popular pieces with Tanya Sewell and choir. Admission €12.
August 16: A tri-cophany of sound from Moonlight, the Garda Band and Kilkenny Gospel Choir. Admission €12.
Tickets for all the summer events can be obtained from O'Connor's Shop, Kilmanagh and The Book Centre, High Street, Kilkenny.

Life Coaching Course
Beginning in September Empower Training is offering a course leading to a Diploma in Life and Personal Coaching in Kilkenny. Further information from Colette at Empower Training on 777 6736 or 087 988 8575.