St. Patrick's Parish, Kilkenny Newsletter

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 29th, January 2012

2012-01-28T08:07:00.000-08:00

Letter from Bishop Seamus Freeman S.A.C.

to Mark Catholic Schools Week 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This year the theme for Catholic Schools Week is: Catholic Schools: Christ’s living body active in our world. It is a theme that immediately draws us to the Eucharist which is very appropriate as we prepare for the Eucharistic Congress in June. The Congress will be an occasion to reflect on the centrality of the Eucharist in our lives as Catholics and who it calls us to be as individuals and community. At the heart of every parish and indeed every Catholic School is the celebration of the Eucharist, a living memorial of Christ’s saving love. It is at the altar that we encounter the crucified and risen Lord; it is there we offer our lives as Christ does, so that we too can become the Body and Blood of Christ for others. The resources provided for Catholic Schools Week in Secondary Schools have as their backdrop St Luke’s account of the encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus. This much loved post resurrection story has always fascinated believers through the centuries and provided consolation and hope for all who identify with the two disciples. Moreover it contains within it the elements of the Mass and in particular the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

In the liturgy of the Word the Lord not only speaks to us but walks with us. His story helps us to find meaning as we walk our own road with its twists and turns. In the liturgy of the Eucharist the Lord responds to our prayer that he ‘stay with us’. He feeds us, with the gift of himself so that we can have the strength to return to our own Jerusalem, that place where we live, work, teach, minister to others, learn, play and pray, where we experience suffering and joy, and live as witnesses to the resurrection. Those of you called to be teachers and catechists in our Catholic schools draw strength in a special way from the Eucharist. When you teach you do so in the knowledge that Christ is with you, as you fulfill your mission, to “bring the flame of Jesus' love, even if it is a small one, to the hearts of children, and through the children to their parents, thus reopening the places of faith of our time” (Pope Benedict XVI: Meeting with Priests 6th August 2008).

As we begin Catholic Schools Week in the Diocese of Ossory it is my prayer that all of you will avail of this opportunity to consider how the Eucharist enables you to become Christ’s living Body in every aspect of school life. The resources which have been sent to each school and all our priests offer occasions for payer and reflection that will help you to appreciate all the more the invaluable service you provide to children, parents and indeed the whole parish community. In Parishes and Primary Schools that observe Grandparent’s day, it has proved to be a unique occasion, celebrating the contribution of so many people who continue to give generous witness to their faith especially by handing this gift on to their grandchildren. In secondary schools young people will find in the thought for each day and other initiatives opportunities for reflection on how our Catholic faith can be a gift to them in helping them achieve their full potential at school and in society.

Finally it is my hope that during the coming week all of you in your schools or parish churches will have an opportunity to participate in the Eucharist and give thanks that you are Christ’s living Body active in our world.

Praying God’s blessing on all of you in your schools and parishes.

+ Bishop Seamus Freeman SAC

Catholic Schools Week

This Sunday, 29th January, marks the beginning of Catholic Schools Week 2012. The purpose of the week is to highlight and celebrate the enormous contribution that Catholic Schools make to our local communities and society in general. This year’s theme is Catholic Schools: Christ’s Living Body Active in our World.

To mark Catholic Schools Week the St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School Choir will sing the sacred music at the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church on this Sunday.

A Word of Thanks

To our teachers who share their faith with their students, who encourage their students to excel in academics, and who teach their students by their words and example to serve others.

To our parents who make the choice to entrust their children to the teachers in our Catholic schools. Thank you for recognising the wonderful education that is offered in our schools.

To our students who work hard to make their parents and teachers proud - as they grow in their faith, knowledge and their service to others.

Senior Citizens’ Party

The annual dinner and party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the Parish Centre on next Monday, 6th February. Good food and a great night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Tickets €10 are available only from the Parish Office. Tickets are selling well and we advise early purchase to avoid disappointment and to help with catering arrangements. A great night is promised.

St. Brigid’s Day Service

The Kilkenny Gospel Choir will host the annual Service associated with St. Brigid at St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday. The service will pray in particular for those who are experiencing difficulties in life. Red flannel and blessed water from St. Brigid’s Well in Kildare will be available during the service.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Davy Campion, Troyswood. Funeral prayers at his home on Sunday followed by removal to St. Canice’s Church for 2.00pm Requiem Mass. Burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Frank McEvoy, Hebron Road. Christina Dunne, Old Callan Road.

Months Mind: Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming (Sat 7.00), Micheál Walsh (Sun 9.30).

Anniversaries: Kitty Hickey (Sat 6.15), Pat Kearney (Sun 10.00), Fr. Joe O’Shea (Sun 10.30), Maureen Barry (Sun 11.00), Michael Phelan (Sun 12.00), Jim Loughlin (Sun 12.30), Con Noonan (Tue 10.30), Daniel Lanigan (Wed 10.30), Lil, Billy & Eamon Costelloe (Fri 9.30), Patrick O’Keeffe (Fri 10.30), Elizabeth Kavanagh, Patrick Walsh, Fintan Phelan, Annie Delaney, Richie Grace, Pauline English, Seamus Holohan, Eamonn, Frances , Padraig & Seamus Costello, William Culleton, Ann Kenny, Margaret Fanning, Con Noonan, Billy Culleton, Breda Butler, May Morris Allen & Paddy Morris.

Intentions next weekend: Golden Wedding Anniversary (Sat 6.15), Ann Nolan (Sat 7.00), Shane Holland (Sun 9.30), Noeleen Flood (Sun 10.00), Ann & John Waldron (Sun 10.30), Jimmy McGrath (Sun 11.00), Michael Kennedy (Sun 12.00), Michael Moore (Sun 12.30).

Parish Envelopes

Last weekend’s Parish Envelope collection amounted to €1,317.00. Many thanks.

Young at Heart

This Club re-opens in the Parish Centre on Wednesday, 1st February; 2.30pm - 4.30pm.

St John’s Parish Solemn Novena

St John's Annual Parish Solemn Novena commences next Friday, 3rd February and continues until Saturday, 11th February. It will be conducted by the Redemptorists. Daily Sessions (excluding Sunday) are at 7.30 & 10.30am and 7.30pm. Special Sessions include: Saturday 4th, 10.30 am - Anointing of the Sick; Sunday 5th, 3.30 pm - Blessing of Babies & Small Children; Friday 10th, 7.30pm - Special Session for Youth.

Prayer for Healing

There will be a time of Prayer for Healing at St. Fiacre’s Church between 7.30 and 10.00pm on next Thursday evening.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by Bishop Seamus Freeman S.A.C., will take place from 22^nd to 27^th May 2012.

Bookings may be made by contacting Eleanor at glenmore@ossory.ie or telephone 051 880 414 on weekdays except Wednesday. It is important to book as early as possible as places are limited.

First Saturday Devotion

This devotion will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday 4th February after 6.15pm Mass. Prayers and adoration will end at 9.00pm. All are welcome.

DVD of Carol Service

Last year’s very successful carol service at St. Joseph’s Church in Foulkstown has been recorded for posterity. Copies of the DVD are available at the Parish Shop. Cost: €15.

The Carers’ Association

The Carers’ Association would like to convey our gratitude to all parishioners who collected for and donated to our recent Church Gate Collections. Funds raised go towards the local Carers’ Association Centre to provide services to Kilkenny Family Carers. It was a great success and we would like to remind Family Carers of our availability to provide support to them in their role. FETAC Training will take place in March. For further information please contact the Centre on 056 772 1424.

Used Goods Collection

Irish Charity Warehouse Killeshin Road, Carlow in partnership with The Holy Angels Day-care Centre are having a Used Goods Collection. Wanted: furniture, building materials, tools, clothes, shoes, toys, books or any saleable items large or small. Please call 059 914 0622 or text 086 400 4680 and we will collect. Your generosity is appreciated.

Websites of Interest

St. Patrick’s Parish: www.patricksparish.net

Ossory Diocese: www.ossory.ie

Art Classes

Morning art class for adults will resume on Fridays shortly. Beginners are especially welcome. Classes are small, friendly and all materials are supplied on the first class. The classes run in Bishop Birch Institute, Waterford Road, Kilkenny from 10:30 am to 12:00. For more information call Sonja at 083 3941220 or email artwithsonja@gmail.com.

Jesus the teacher

Have you ever had a teacher who had that something you just couldn’t quite put your finger on – that air of authority that made you instantly respect them; that charisma and enthusiasm that inspired you to listen and to think? Maybe you were lucky enough to have a teacher who left a lasting impression or even propelled you towards your chosen career or way of life? Remember how you felt in their presence? What kind of teacher was Jesus? When Jesus taught for the first time in the synagogue, he took the people by surprise. They were ‘astonished’. What stands out from the description, and what marks Jesus’ teaching apart from everyone else, is that he taught with authority: ‘Here is a teaching that is new and with authority behind it.’ His audience had surely been to the synagogue before. Travelling teachers would often preach in the synagogue. Yet, whatever the people were used to hearing, they had encountered no one life Jesus before. Mark points put that ‘unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.

We meet Jesus here at the beginning of his ministry; earlier in the Gospel of Mark he has been proclaiming the good news: ‘The kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news’. Jesus is not simply teaching the Scriptures as the scribes did. He is proclaiming the coming of God’s kingdom.

Triona Doherty

Questions people ask

Do you believe in the devil or is it just a notion from the times before modern psychiatry and understanding of the psyche?

Don’t underestimate the wisdom of olden times as shown in sophisticated mythology. I certainly do believe in the reality and power of evil spirits who would lead people astray into a quagmire of badness. The evidence of evil is all around us. Jesus said that the devil is a murderer from the beginning and the father of lies (John 8:44). Lies, especially when masquerading as half-truths confuse the mind. He called the devil the prince of this world but added that he was about to cast him out (John 12:31). The last petition of the Lord’s Prayer is for deliverance from the evil one. If Jesus took the evil influence of the devil seriously, we should do likewise.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary time, 22nd January 2012

2012-01-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

Senior Citizens’ Party

The annual dinner and party for the senior citizens of St. Patrick’s Parish will be held at the Parish Centre on Monday, 6th February. Good food and a great night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Tickets €10 are available only from the Parish Office. Tickets should be purchased early to avoid disappointment and to help with catering arrangements.

Eucharistic Congress June 2012

St. Patrick’s Parish Pastoral Council is anxious that those travelling to the International Eucharistic Congress from our parish should attend as a group. For this reason we encourage parishioners to travel on the nominated ‘Ossory Day’, Tuesday, 12th June 2012. The Council has booked a coach and, we understand, a special Congress Train will run from Kilkenny station.

It would help greatly if those who may travel would give their names to the Parish Office as an expression of interest. Cost and details will be announced as soon as they come to hand. The 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Dublin’s RDS from 10th—17th June. The final Mass will be celebrated at Croke Park on Sunday, 17th June. Please see www.iec2012.ie for further information.

Eucharistic Congress 1932

The last time an International Eucharistic Congress was held in Ireland was in 1932. Were you there? Have you any stories to tell (personal stories or those of your parents or grandparents) about the 1932 Congress? Have you any photographs or other memorabilia?

The diocese is considering putting together an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia but if we get enough exhibits from our parish we will put together a small local exhibition in the Parish Centre. Have a look in the attic or in that battered biscuit tin or shoe box and see what you can come up with. We promise to carefully copy and return items.

Envelope Collection

Thanks for €1,451.18 contributed to the parish through the envelopes last weekend.

Christian Unity

The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began last Wednesday and continues until next Wednesday, the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. During this time we are asked to pray intensely for the intention of unity among the members of Christ’s Body on earth. Because of Bishop Seamus’s other engagements the usual ecumenical exchanges will not take place this year. Never-the-less, we are asked to continue our prayers for unity. The theme of this year’s Week of Prayer is “We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus” (1 Cor 15:51-58).

Volunteering with the Samaritans

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions to support others yet? Can you listen in a non-judgemental way? Have you time to spare each week? The Samaritans are currently recruiting new volunteers to staff their busy service in Dean Street, Kilkenny. Training begins in March 2012. Interested people should get in touch with the local Samaritans by letter, telephone (056 776 5554) or email (jo@samaritans.org).

“Manage Your Life by Managing your Mind”

The mind is a powerful tool, but without good training, your moods, thoughts and behaviour can sabotage your goals and cause depression and anxiety. This course given by Dr. Fergus Heffernan teaches you to: Build self confidence, Overcome anxiety and depression, Take positive control of yourself and your future, Have fulfilling relationships with family, friends and co-workers, Free yourself from persistent fears and worries, Break bad habits and relive stress, Develop your full potential, Manage yourself and your time, Clarify your goals and your values.

Venue: The Abbey Business Centre, Abbey Street, Kilkenny. Saturday, 28th January from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Cost: €20.

Pray For Our Deceased

Recently Deceased: Teresa Hewitt (nee Trait), Henebry’s Cross, Dunmore. Requiem Mass at 10.30am on Monday at St. John’s Church. Mary Bartley, Ashleigh Court. Fr. John O’Brien, Viper, Kells. Baby Toby John Keller. Denis Hayes, Castlecomer Road. Annie Dwyer, Greenridge. Angela Farrell, Johnstown.

Anniversaries: Paul Prodromou (Sat 6.15), Anne O’Shea (Sat 7.00), Nora Foley (Sun 9.30), Christy McLoughlin (Sun 10.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 10.30), John Hennessy (Sun 11.00), John Collins (Sun 12.00), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 12.30), Evelyn (Bobbi) Leahy (Mon 9.30), Patrick & Sarah Leahy (Tues 9.30), Kathleen Kelly (Tues 10.30), Elizabeth Mulligan (Wed 9.30), John Long (Wed 10.30), Margaret & Michael Muldowney (Thurs 10.30), Paddy & Maureen Dwyer (Fri 10.30), John, Ellen, Pat & Mary Butler (Sat 9.30), Cornelius Carroll, John & Brigid Power, James & Annie O’Grady, Christy Mahony, Michael McDonald, Statia Walsh, Tom Langton, Denis Nyhan, Rev John Nyhan, Sean O’Grady. Catherine & John Curry.

Intentions for next weekend: Kitty Hickey (Sat 6.15), Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming (Sat 7.00), Micheál Walsh (Months Mind 9.30), Pat Kearney (Sun 10.00), Fr. Joe O’Shea (Sun 10.30), Maureen Barry (Sun 11.00), Michael Phelan (Sun 12.00), Jim Loughlin (Sun 12.30).

Chernobyl Children

There will be a Coffee Moring and Book Sale at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre between 10.30am and 12.30pm on next Friday, 27th January.

Family Communication & Self Esteem

This is an 8 week parenting course for parents of 9 - 17 year olds. To support parents in building good relationships with their children. Venue: The Drum Youth Centre, McDonagh Junction, Kilkenny. Dates and Times: Every Wednesday morning, 10.15am - 12.45pm from 1st February. Cost: Free.

New Parish Website

The new Parish Website is under construction and will be completed shortly. We value feedback on the new site and what features people might like to see on it. Visitors to the site may need to refresh their browser.

Christmas Cribs

Don’t forget to visit the Christmas Cribs in our parish. In keeping with tradition the cribs will be put away on the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord (2nd February).

GAA Social Initiative

GAA's Social Initiative - Kilmacow H&F Club are hosting a public lecture titled “Kilkenny Hurling - from the One Parish Rule to the Four in a Row”. It will be held on Sunday, 5th February at 6pm in the Community Hall, Kilmacow. OAP's and students are free, members of the public €5. This is part of the GAA's Social Initiative to provide a social outlet for elderly men. Everyone is encouraged to bring an elderly relative or friend who might enjoy the lecture and discussion. The Liam McCarthy Cup will be present and available for photographs.

Church Gate Collection

The Annual Church gate collection for Ossory Youth will take place next weekend 28th and 29th January 2012. Please support.

Dancing Classes

Social Dancing Classes for beginners started on last Monday at the Parish Centre. Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Learn to waltz, quickstep, old time, fun dancing, etc. Need any information: Phone 085 733 8140.

Art Classes for Adults

Morning art class for adults will resume on Fridays shortly. Beginners are especially welcome. Classes are small, friendly and all materials are supplied on the first class. The classes run in Bishop Birch Institute, Waterford Road from 10.00am to 12.00noon. For information: 083 394 1220 or artwithsonja@gmail.com

Mount St. Anne's Retreat Centre

Our Response to Trauma in our Lives 24th and 31st January and 7th February, 2012
Over a series of three Tuesday evenings, we will focus on our response to various traumas in our lives, i.e. bereavement, illness, separation, etc. Each evening will include a short presentation, reflection, sharing, etc
with a ceremony of celebration and renewal on the final night.

Booking essential. 8pm - 10pm. Cost: €30 for three nights. Presented by Mr. Patrick Bannon

Calligraphy Workshop - Saturday 24th March, 2012. 10am - 4pm

This creative workshop is aimed at people who wish to develop this special skill with confidence. Suitable for all levels. Cost: €35 (includes all materials) Bring packed lunch. Tea/Coffee Provided. Facilitated by Sr. Roisin Gannon Booking/Enquiries - Contact the Secretary on 057-8626153 or by email on msannes@eircom.net

Whom do you seek

We seek God, Who alone gives meaning to our lives. Communion with Christ and with one another in love, through a life of prayer centred on Jesus, the Word of God and on the Eucharist, is the focus of our community life. Single young women attracted to this way of life are welcome to attend any of the following weekends in 2012.

10-12 February, 9-11 March, 11-13 May, 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. Tel 041 9838524; email: siena3@eircom.net/www.dominicannuns.ie, http://donimicannunsireland.blogspot.com.

Something Fishy

Our First Reading today doesn’t tell us the whole story. In this, the tail-end of Jonah’s story, we see him respond immediately to God’s call and head off obediently to preach to the people of Nineveh. But that’s only half the story. The earlier chapters of the Book of Jonah saw him stubbornly refuse to do as God asked him, fleeing instead in the opposite direction. It takes a mighty storm, a near shipwreck, and a very close encounter with a big fish to make him see sense and do as he is asked. And even then, as Jonah’s story draws to a close, we see him sulking outside Nineveh because he feels God should not have awarded the very forgiveness he himself has preached! He has certainly earned his title of reluctant prophet.

Not so the disciples in today’s Gospel. When Simon, Andrew, James and John are called by Jesus, they leave their nets and their boats ‘at once’ to follow him. They even leave their families behind, such is their haste to follow Jesus. In the opening pages of the Gospel of Mark, everything happens ‘at once’ or immediately. Jesus’ collecting of disciples is unstoppable, and the work of the kingdom too immediate to wait. There’s no time for dilly dallying. It took some time and some convincing, and being swallowed whole by a fish, before Jonah was ready to fulfil God’s plan. The disciples, by contrast, are ready and willing to respond to Jesus’ call: ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ The choice is ours.

Triona Doherty

Questions People Ask

Q. When Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God was he referring to heaven or to life here on earth?

A. The kingdom is the central theme of the mission of Jesus in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. Sometimes it refers to life with God in heaven, sometimes to the church community, but most often to the establishment of God’s reign on earth, overcoming the power of evil in the world. Jesus began his mission with the proclamation that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. To that end he called people to repent and believe, that is, to leave wrongdoing behind and to follow his way. The apostles, we are told, left everything and followed him.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 15th January, 2012

2012-01-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

Eucharistic Congress Bell

Thanks to all involved in receiving the Eucharistic Congress Bell in our parish on Friday and Saturday. It was edifying to see the procession with the bell from the James Stephen’s GAA Club to St. Fiacre’s Church for the Youth Mass celebrated by Bishop Freeman and attended by young people from many parts of the diocese. Well done and thanks to all involved.

Eucharistic Congress June 2012

At its meeting on Monday evening the Parish Pastoral Council decided to encourage parishioners to travel on the same day to the Eucharistic Congress in June, preferably on the ‘official’ Ossory day (which has not yet been announced). Since the meeting we have learned of the probability of a special train to the event on the ’Ossory’ day. We have also provisionally booked a coach for our parishioners. It would help greatly if those who may travel would give their names to the Parish Office as an expression of interest. Cost and details will be announced as soon as they come to hand.

The 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Dublin’s RDS from 10th—17th June. The final Mass will be celebrated at Croke Park on Sunday, 17th June. Please see www.iec2012.ie for further information.

New Parish Website

The new Parish Website is currently under construction and will be completed in the next couple of weeks. We value feedback on the new site and what features people might like to see on it. Visitors may need to refresh their browser by pressing the ‘Refresh’ button which looks like this

Envelope Collection

The total amount collected for last weekend’s parish envelopes amounted to €2,034. Thank you for your continued support.

Knitting Classes

Knitting classes resume at the Parish Centre on Wednesday, 18th January - 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Anne Brennan, Walkin Street. Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday at 12.00 noon followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Maureen Maher, Paulstown. Patricia (Paddy) Friel, Patricks Gate. Genevieve Petrova, Flaggy Lane, Callan.

Months Mind: James Ryan (Sat 6.15)

Anniversaries: Anna Campion (Sat 7.00), Maureen O’Shea (Sun 9.30), Maura Nolan (Sun 10.00), Michael Drennan (Sun 10.30), Mary Reynolds (Sun 11.00), Beattie O’Connell (Sun 12.00), Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30), Catherine & Joseph Brennan (Thurs 10.30), John Phelan (Fri 10.30), Richard White, Albert & Bridget Downes, Pauline Hogan, Pauline English, Johnny Brennan, Denis Guilfoyle, Sally Mullally, Agnes & Robert Brannigan, Martin Coyne, Dympna O’Byrne.

Intentions for next weekend: Paul Prodromou (Sat 6.15), Anne O’Shea (Sat 7.00), Nora Foley (Sun 9.30), Christy McLoughlin (Sun 10.00), Jack Comerford (Sun 10.30), John Hennessy (Sun 11.00), John Collins (Sun 12.00), Kathleen O’Neill (Sun 12.30).

Parish Shop

The Parish Shop is located in the foyer of St. Patrick’s Parish Centre adjacent to St. Fiacre’s Church. Confirmation items are now available in time of the Parish Confirmation on 25th February. A range of religious goods is available.

A New Organ for St. Fiacre’s Church

Thanks to a very generous donation, St. Fiacre’s Church is getting a church organ. We hope to install the instrument during the week and we hope that it will assist choirs and liturgies in our church. More details later.

Parish Office Opening Hours

The Parish Office is open as follows:-

Mondays: 9.00am - 12.30pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm

Tuesdays: 9.00am - 12.30pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm

Thursdays: 9.00am - 12.30pm, 2.00 - 3.30pm

Fridays : 9.00am - 12.30pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm.

Baptisms, wedding bookings, certificates, etc. are all arranged during office hours.

Data Protection

St. Patrick’s Parish is compliant with the Diocese of Ossory Data Protection Policy. The eight rules of Data Protection.

· Obtain & process information fairly.

· Keep it only for one or more specified, explicit and lawful purposes.

· Use and disclose it only in ways compatible with these purposes.

· Keep it safe and secure.

· Keep it accurate, complete and up-to-date.

· Ensure that it is adequate, relevant and not excessive.

· Retain in for no longer than is necessary for the purpose or purposes.

· Give a copy of his/her personal data to an individual on request.

Personal data is limited on a need to know basis. While we endeavour to assist people researching their family history, we are limited by the Data Protection Policy in the information we can provide access to.

Notices For Newsletter

All notices for publication in the Parish Newsletter should be left into the Parish Office no late than the Thursday afternoon prior to publication. Notices left in at a later time cannot be guaranteed publication. Though not necessarily for publication it is advisable to include a name and telephone details with notices.

Irish Catholic

The Irish Catholic is available for sale in the sacristies of our Churches. It is full of information in relation to the Irish Catholic Church and the Church worldwide. It costs €1.70.

Diabetes Education Programme

X-PERT is a free education programme for people with Type 2 Diabetes. This 6 week (2 ½ hrs per week) group programme is facilitated by a HSE dietician to support people with Type 2 Diabetes. Venue: HSE headquarters, Dublin Road on Fridays from 10.00am to 12.30pm. It will run from Friday, 17^th February to 23^rd March. To book: Health Promotion Office, Dean Street. Telephone: 056 776 1400.

Dates for Your Diary

Parish Confirmation: Saturday, 25th February 2012 at 11.00am in St. Mary’s Cathedral.

First Holy Communion:

Gaelscoil Osraí: 11.00am on Saturday, 5th May at St. Fiacre’s Church.

St. John of God Girls’ N.S.: 11.00am Saturday, 12^th May at St. Patrick’s Church,.

Kilkenny School Project: 12 noon on Sunday, 20th May at St. Fiacre’s Church.

St. Patrick’s Boys’ N.S.: 11.00am on Saturday, 19th May at St. Patrick’s Church.

St. Patrick’s Kells Road: 11.00am on Saturday, 19^th May at St. Fiacre’s Church.

‘Log on Learn’

The ‘Log on Learn’ computer programme for the older generation will begin in the Presentation Secondary School, Loughboy on Wednesday 25th January (11.45am). The course will cover very basic computing skills and will be taught by Transition Year students. Please contact the school secretary on (056) 776 5684 to participate in the programme.

Alliance Française, Kilkenny

Alliance Française run French classes for Junior Infants to Leaving Cert higher and adult classes at all levels from beginners to advanced conversations, evenings or mornings. Enrolment will be on Monday, 6th January in The Club House Hotel from 7.00 - 9.00pm. For further information on class time tables please see website www.afkilkenny.org or email humboltaf@eircom.net Contact Julie 086 660 0436.

Dancing Classes

Social Dancing Classes for beginners will start on Monday, 16th January at the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre Loughboy. Time: 7.00pm– 8.30pm. Learn to waltz, quickstep, old time, fun dancing, etc. Need any information: Phone 085 733 8140.

Kilkenny Cancer Support Services

Gala Dinner and music with the Uptown Band at Langton’s, John Street on Friday, 27th January at 8.00pm. Subscription: €30.

Hughes Consultancy Training

Offering FETAC accredited Programmes.

HCT offers both Centre based & off site training. Call now for more details 056 771 2755. Email: info@hughestraining.ie. Website: www.hughestraining.com.

Home Sweet Home

You can tell a lot about a person from where they live. We like to see how people live, and to try and work out what their living arrangements and style tells us about them.

As children when we made friends, it was a big step to be invited to the home of someone from our class. No matter how close you were in the schoolyard, going to someone else’s house was a way of cementing the friendship and getting to know the other person on another level. It is how friendships were forged. As I’ve got older, I’ve always enjoyed visiting the home of a friend for the first time after they’ve moved house. I love the way the same bits and pieces find their home so easily in another place, and how that person’s character comes across in the new space. I love how a certain atmosphere and warmth can transfer from one home to another, just because the same person inhabits it. ‘Come and see,’ It’s such an intimate invitation. These new disciples on today’s Gospel ask their teacher a simple question – Where do you live? – and he responds with an invitation to ‘come and see’. So the disciples tag along. They must have been made very welcome, as they end up staying with Jesus for the rest of the day. This precious early time with Jesus must have set them up for a lifetime of discipleship. We don’t know where Jesus lived, or what his living arrangements were, as he set about the early days of his mission. But we know he wanted to invite his disciples to spend time in his presence and to really get to know him.

Triona Doherty.

Questions People Ask

Q. Why is St. Peter sometimes called Cephas?

A. His original name was Simon. In the Aramaic language which Jesus and the apostles spoke, Cephas means a rock. Peter is its Greek translation and Latin took on the Greek name. By giving him this new name Jesus was indicating his future role as the rock on which he would found his church. The letters of Paul refer to him as Cephas eight times and as Peter twice. The Gospels which were written later than Paul’s letters nearly always us the Greek name, Peter, as the Christian church was by then using Greek and Latin far more than Aramaic.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Baptism of Jesus, 8th January 2012

2012-01-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

The Eucharistic Congress Bell

The Eucharistic Congress Bell will be travelling around the Diocese of Ossory from 8th to 19th January 2012. The aim of the Bell travelling around the Diocese and all around the other Irish Dioceses is to call people to prayer and bring them to a greater awareness of the forthcoming International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin next June.

The Bell will be welcomed into the diocese by Bishop Seamus Freeman during a short prayer service on Rice Bridge, Waterford at 2.00pm on this Sunday afternoon. We encourage as many parishioners as possible to travel to Waterford and participate in the ceremony on Rice Bridge.

Following prayers the Bell will be taken up the River Suir by boat to Polerone in Mooncoin Parish where the local people will become the first parish community to receive the Bell in the Diocese of Ossory. Visitors are welcome at Polerone and Mooncoin for the event. (Polerone is accessed via the road which runs along the side of Mooncoin Parish Church).

During the following ten days the Bell will be taken to many of the parishes in the Diocese of Ossory.

It will be our parish community’s turn to welcome the Bell on next Friday evening and Saturday morning. The Bell will arrive outside James Stephen’s GAA Club, Larchfield at about 7.00pm on Friday evening. From there it will be brought in procession to St. Fiacre’s Church where it will be received by Bishop Freeman and the Parish Clergy. Our parish has been asked to host a concelebrated Mass for the young people of the diocese at St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday evening. This will take place at 8.00pm. We appeal to as many as possible to come along and pray with our young people in the presence of the Bell.

On Saturday morning the Bell will be transferred to St. Patrick’s Church in time for 9.30am Mass. The Bell will be taken to the Black Abbey (10.30am – 11.45am), the Capuchin Friary (12.00 noon – 1.00pm), City Hall and High Street (2.00pm – 4.00pm) MacDonagh Junction (4.00pm – 6.00pm), St. John’s Church (6.30pm Mass), to meet the Mayor and Borough Councillors at City Hall (7.30pm) for procession to St. Mary’s Cathedral for 8.00pm Mass.

Frs. Dan, Roderick and Liam appeal to all our community to come out in response to the Bell’s call to prayer. This is an opportunity to join in solidarity with people throughout our land and beyond in prayerfully preparing for the Eucharistic Congress in June of this year.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Michael Kennedy, “Weggis”, Waterford Road. Funeral Prayers at his residence at 11.00am on Sunday followed by removal to St. Fiacre’s Church for 12 noon Requiem Mass; burial in Foulkstown Cemetery. Maureen Hanrahan, Tullaherin. Hilda Bayliss, Cuffesgrange. Lizzie Brennan, Poulgour. John Hayes, Gaol Street & London. Tim Hickey, Perth, Australia & late of Newpark.

Anniversaries: Billy & Anastasia Hickey (Sat 6.15), Teresa Holden (Sat 7.00), Dick O'Hara (Sun 9.30), Tommy Hickey (Sun 10.00), Michael Kenny & John Condon (Sun 10.30), Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00), Teresa Walsh (Sun 12.00), Catherine Dunphy (Sun 12.30), Paddy O’Byrne (Tues 10.30), Bridget Marchetti (Wed 10.30), Mary Reynolds (Thurs 10.30), Peg Larkin (Fri 10.30), Martin McCorry (Sat 9.30 Months Mind), Roseanna Smyth, Eileen Kenny, Tom Purcell, John, Mamie & Terry Brett, Maura Molloy, Christopher & Mary Ryan, Patrick, Delia & Margaret Taylor, Rita Bourke, Mick & Annie Ruth, Mary Kate Hayes, Jimmy Coyne, Peg Larkin, Michael Kelly, Rose Walsh , Ann Smyth, John Lanigan, Lorenzo Mahony, Frank O’Shea, Tommy, Mary & Thomas Drohan, Pauline Hogan.

Intentions for next weekend: James Ryan (Months Mind Sat 6.15), Anna Campion (Sat 7.00), Maureen O’Shea (Sun 9.30), Maura Nolan (Sun 10.00), Michael Drennan (Sun 10.30), Mary Reynolds (Sun 11.00), Beattie O’Connell (Sun 12.00), Oliver Mannion (Sun 12.30).

St. Joseph's Young Priests Society

The monthly meeting of St. Joseph's Young Priests Society will take place in the Parish Centre, immediately after the 10.30am Mass, on Friday, January 13th 2012. All welcome.

Divine Mercy

An hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy will take place in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday 8th January from 3.00pm - 4.00pm. All are welcome to come along and join in our prayers.

Envelope Collection

The total amount collected for last weekend’s parish envelopes amounted to €3,431.00. Thank you for your continued support.

First Saturday Devotion

Will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday January 7th after 6.15pm Mass. Prayers and adoration will end at 9pm. All welcome.

Eucharistic Ministers

We ask Eucharistic Ministers to continue to be vigilant in their ministry of Holy Communion. In particular we ask you to keep watch for people taking the Sacred Host back to their seat with them and people presenting pyxs in order to take Holy Communion away with them. Remember to refer such requests to the priest. We thank you for your cooperation.

Parish Office Opening Hours

The Parish Office is now open during the following hours:-

Mondays: 9.00am - 1.00pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Tuesdays: 9.00am - 1.00pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Thursdays: 9.00am - 1.00pm, 2.00pm - 3.30pm

Fridays : 9.00am - 1.00pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

Baptisms, wedding bookings, certificates, etc. are all arranged during office hours.

Afternoon Bridge

Afternoon Bridge at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Tuesday afternoons, 3.00pm - 5.00pm. No partner required. All are welcome.

KRSP

Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership offers the following: Hydrotherapy sessions (warm water exercises for people with reduced mobility); Reduced Rates Adult Swim Lessons; Morning Meet & Train Group/Strollers Groups (with buggies); Parents and Tots exercise class. All classes in the Watershed and can be booked on 056 772 0870. We would like to invite you to join us for Operation Transformation Kilkenny in Castlecomer Discovery Park on 14^thJanuary at 11.00am. Contact us for more information.

Type 2 Diabetes Education Programme

X-PERT- free education programme for people with Type 2 Diabetes. This 6 week (2 ½ hr per week) group programme is facilitated by a HSE Dietician to support people with Type 2 Diabetes. It will be held in the HSE headquarters, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, on Friday mornings, from 10am to 12.30pm. It will commence on Friday 17^th February 2012 ending on Friday 23^rd March 2012. Places are limited. To book a place on this course, please contact: Frances Leahy , Health Promotion Office, Dean Street, Kilkenny

Telephone: 056 776 1400.

What’s The Catch?

The majority of us are more careful with money now than we ever were. I’m sure I’m not the only one who sometimes has to check my finances before I accept an invitation to go somewhere. Over the past few years, many of us have had to think carefully about how we spend our money, maybe even turning down an invitation here or there. Even those whose jobs previously came with a certain level of perks have found that ‘freebies’ are now far fewer.

Yet today’s First Reading from Isaiah issues a no-strings-attached invitation: ‘Oh, come to the water, all you who are thirsty; through you have no money, come!’ And, even more astonishingly: ‘Buy corn without money, and eat, and, at no cost, wine and milk’. Not only do we not need money, but good things come for free. So it is when we answer God’s call.

Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, the moment when God revealed Jesus as his Beloved Son. It marks the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Our readings are rich with water imagery, from the call to the water of our First Reading, to the joyful imagery of the psalm: ‘With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.’ We are called to the water, to that moment when we recognise who Jesus really is – the Beloved Son, God’s favoured one – and what he has to offer. (Triona Doherty)

Questions People Ask

Q. The gospel Mark will be used on Sundays this year. What should I look for in Mark?

A. Mark is a great storyteller with the gift of bringing the reader right into the heart of the action. You will read of Jesus establishing eye contact with people or reaching out to touch people. This is a great Gospel for the sort of mediation that asks you to put yourself into the scene and became part of the story. Mark moves the story forward at a great pace and develops a sense of drama. He presents Jesus as a victim of misunderstanding and rejection. It seems as if his mission was a failure as Jesus dies with a cry of desolation, ‘My God, why have you forsaken me.’ But just then, dramatic things happen and the Roman centurion declares Jesus to be the Son of God. There is a powerful message of hope in this portrait of Jesus in solidarity with those who suffer injustice, misunderstanding and rejection.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, 1st January 2012

2012-01-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

The priests in the parish and the Parish Pastoral Committee join in wishing all a very happy and peaceful New Year. We hope the Lord will bless you throughout 2012.

Bank Holiday Arrangements

As Monday is a bank holiday the only public Mass in our parish will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am. We revert to the usual weekday programme on Tuesday.

Parish Centre Reopens

The St. Patrick’s Parish Centre and the Parish Office will reopen for business at 9.00am on Tuesday, 3rd January.

First Friday Home Visits

The first Friday of January occurs this week. Fr. Roderick will visit those on his list on Thursday. Frs. Dan and Liam will visit on Friday.

If you cannot get out to Mass on a weekly basis now is the time to get your name on the priests’ lists. Likewise if someone known to you is unable to get to church regularly the priests would be happy to make home visits. Contact the Parish Office (056 776 4400).

Feast of the Epiphany

Next Friday, 6th January, is the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. It is a holyday of obligation and Masses will be celebrated at the usual weekend times.

The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the oldest Christian feasts, though, throughout the centuries, it has celebrated a variety of things. Epiphany comes from a Greek verb meaning “to reveal,” and all of the various events celebrated by the Feast of the Epiphany are revelations of Christ to man.

Like many of the most ancient Christian feasts, Epiphany was first celebrated in the East, where it has been held from the beginning almost universally on 6th January. Today, among both Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, the feast is known as Theophany - the revelation of God to man.

Congress Bell in our Diocese

The Eucharistic Congress Bell began its pilgrimage through the Dioceses of Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day in 2011. Like St. Patrick’s Bell, the Congress Bell is being rung across the land calling God’s people together, to hear anew the good news that God is present among us and calls us to communion.

On next Sunday, 8th January at 2.00pm Bishop Freeman will receive the Congress Bell from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore at Rice Bridge in Waterford. There will be a short roadside prayer service on the bridge before the bell is brought by boat to Mooncoin Parish. We encourage as many as possible from our parish to join in this reception service. During the following week the bell will be brought to various parishes throughout the diocese arriving in Kilkenny City at 11.00am on Friday, 13th January. The bell will visit various secondary and primary schools, hospitals and convents in the City during the day before arriving at St. Fiacre’s Church for a youth Mass at 7.00pm at which Bishop Freeman will be principal celebrant.

The bell will overnight at St. Fiacre’s Church before transferring to St. Patrick’s Church for 9.30am Mass on Saturday morning. From there the bell will be brought into the City where it will be rung by the Mayor and members of the Borough Council.

We invite as many as possible to get involved in the Masses and Prayer Services associated with the bell’s visit. Full details of the bell’s itinerary are available on www.ossory.ie

Eucharistic Congress Volunteers

The organisers are still recruiting volunteers to help next June. While the Congress will take place from 10th - 17th June volunteers will be needed for a few days on either side of the main event. Over 700 volunteers have already registered. Volunteers have an integral role to play and many more volunteers are needed. To register, please contact www.iec2012.ie/volunteer

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Fr. Martin Cleere PP, Windgap and late of Foulkstown. Requiem Mass in Windgap at 1.30pm on Sunday followed by interment at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Bridie Meaney, Clifden. John Walsh, Rioch Court. Micheal Walsh, Sycamore Drive. Seamus Fahey, Francis Terrace. Michael Manley, McDonagh Street. Declan Lanigan, Cuffesgrange.

Anniversaries: Attracta Bradley (Month’s Mind) & John Bradley (Sat 6.15), Denis O’Shea (Sat 7.00), Mary Costello (Sun 10.00), Thomas Drohan (Sun 10.30), Geraldine Cody (Sun12.00), Eddie Taylor (Sun 12.30), Christina & Rose Leahy (Thurs 6.15), Philomena Brennan (Thurs 7.00), Jack, Peg & Breda Molloy (Fri 10.30), Sean Devane (Fri 11.00), Anna Reynolds, Bill Esmonde, William Kavanagh, Agnes Brannigan, Joseph Ayres, Anastasia Ayres, William Ayres, Mary Burke, Eamonn O’Farrell.

Intentions for next weekend: Billy & Anastasia Hickey Sat 6.15), Teresa Nolan (Sat 7.00), Dick O’Hara (Sun 9.30), Tommy Hickey (Sun 10.00), Michael Kenny & John Condon (Sun 10.30), Sean O’Dwyer (Sun 11.00), Teresa Walsh (Sun 12.00).

Men’s Shed

What is Men’s Shed? A Men’s Shed is a workshop where skilled and unskilled men meet and share their experiences with each other, swap stories and work together on community/personal/group projects. All men are welcome from age 18 and above. Membership is free. Meetings are every Tuesday from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. Activities include restoring old furniture, gardening, personal projects, learn new skills and hone old ones plus many more. Contact Ann 056 772 2566 or email kilkenny@menssheds.ie

Foulkstown School Reunion

The Foulkstown National School Past Pupils’ Reunion will take place on Saturday, 19th May 2012. There will be a special Mass in Foulkstown Church at 7.30pm and a dinner dance in Springhill Court Hotel immediately afterwards. Please tell any friends and relatives who may be home for the holiday season.

Are you Registered in our Parish?

The Parish Team Leader is obliged to keep the parish records as up to date as possible. We need accurate figures for planning and budgeting and we are financially levied by the diocese according to the numbers of registered parishioners. It is to our benefit to record the numbers as accurately as possible. Please contact Michelle at the Parish Office (056 776 4400) if you feel your family is not registered and we will put matters right for you without delay. Thanks.

Parish Events during 2011

St. Patrick’s Parish is a busy place. We believe we are the largest parish in the diocese and currently the only one with three full time priests. During 2011 we received 127 new members into our Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. 197 people received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the year. 38 happy couples were married in our parish churches during the past 12 months and perhaps as many more of our men folk were married in the brides’ home parish. Finally, and sadly, we celebrated 47 funerals in our parish churches during the year.

Tridentine Mass

Please note the Latin Mass on Friday, 6th January at St. Patrick’s Church will be celebrated at 6.00pm and not at the usual time.

St. Patrick’s Parish Calendars

We are delighted to offer parish calendars again this year. Calendars may be picked up at the back of all our parish churches. Please feel free to take a few and pass them on to friends.

Thanksgiving Dinner Dance

Christmas Thanksgiving Dinner Dance in aid of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will take place in Langton’s Hotel, John Street Kilkenny on Friday, 6th January at 8.00pm. Sit down dinner, music by 'The Uptown Band' with special guest Don Mescal and the Kilkenny Gospel Choir. All for only €5. Tickets and information from Langton’s Hotel, John Street.

Parish Website

Please see our parish website for up to the minute information and local news. Updated regularly: www.patricksparish.net

Questions People Ask

Q. While I do have devotion to Mary, I hesitate at calling her the Mother of God. How could any human being be the Mother of God who existed long before her?

A. A little history lesson might help. Nestorians claimed that Jesus was only human, not divine, when born of Mary and that divine powers were somehow bestowed on him later in life. The Council of Ephesus, 431, rejected this teaching and declared that Jesus, born of Mary, was not only human but truly divine at all times. As a consequence, Mary can be called Mother of God, not from all eternity but as his human body was formed in her womb. It is said that when the people of Ephesus heard the Council’s declaration they danced around chanting ‘Holy Mary, Mother of God’ and this was the beginning of the second half of the Hail Mary.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Mary our Model

The words of today’s First Reading are familiar to us as the blessing often used at the end of Mass: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.’

The image of God ‘uncovering his face’ is often used as a way of describing how God reveals himself to us. As Archbishop Diarmuid Martin puts it: ‘God uncovers his face in Jesus Christ who becomes God with us and does so in such a remarkable manner, in the humility and obscurity of his birth, far away from all signs and trappings of earthly power and wealth.’

Today, the first day of a new year, we reflect on Mary. Mary was the first one to whom God ‘uncovered his face’ and revealed the coming of Jesus. In today’s Gospel we see her continue to accept God’s will and to face the future.

I love the image of Mary ‘treasuring’ and ‘pondering’. Like any pregnant woman, Mary marvelled at the new life growing inside her, all the while pondering God’s mysterious plan. And now that her son has arrived, strangers are hurrying to see him and telling her great things about him.

Let’s make a new start. Let us take time to listen, to treasure and to ponder. May the Lord bless you and keep you, as you enter a new year.

Christmas Day, 25th December 2011

2012-01-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas

Frs. Dan, Roderick and Liam join in wishing all associated with St. Patrick’s Parish a holy, peaceful and happy Christmas. May God bless and protect us in this holy season. May all travellers be safe and may patience and Christian love and goodwill mark this holiday time.

We take this opportunity to thank everyone who help out in any way to make this wonderful parish function so well. We won’t name names, because there are so many people who help in prayer, action and support. People help out so quietly and generously that all runs so smoothly. To everyone, we offer a sincere and heartfelt ‘thank you’.

We also say thanks to all for your generous support this Christmas and indeed throughout the year. We appreciate your prayers, kind words and material support. We pray that the New Year will be filled with every grace and blessing for you.

We hope those who join us for Christmas - either as visitors or former parishioners returning for the festivities - will have a wonderful time among us.

Parish Office

The Parish Office will be closed all next week. However, if you need to contact one of the priests or conduct parish business you may call 056 776 4400 and follow the computerised prompts. If the person you require is not available immediately you may be invited to leave a message.

In urgent cases you can contact the priest on duty by dialling 056 776 4400 and pressing Option 2.

Christmas Thanks

Sincere thanks to all who are helping to make our Christmas celebrations more meaningful and prayerful.

We are grateful to all in our choirs, sacristies, those who read the Word of God and distribute the Eucharist, those who collect and who clean; sometimes thankless tasks but we are grateful. Thanks also to all who help run and maintain our Parish Centre.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Ted Kelly, Clologue, Ferns. Reposing at his residence. Removal from his residence on Monday at 1.30pm to St. Briget's Church Clologue for Funeral Mass at 2.00pm with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Rosaleen Crotty, Archers Mount.

Months Mind: James Ryan (Sat 11.00).

Anniversaries: Betty Furniss (Sun 9.30), Mary & Christopher Coogan (Sun 12.00), Jimmy King (Mon 11.00), James Kearney (Wed 11.00), Roseanna Smyth (Thurs 11.00), Ann & John Bissett (Fri 11.00), Ted Kenny, Norah Bartholomew, Kathleen Fahey, Nancy Ronan, Brigid & Michael Kenny, Bridget & Tommy Casey, John Condon, Richard Gaule, Martin Doheny, Brendan Doheny, Mary Doheny, Martin Browne, Peg Browne, Mary O’Dwyer, John & Mary Rhatigan, Angela Davis.

Intentions for next weekend: Attracta Bradley (Month’s Mind) & John Bradley (Sat 6.15), Denis O’Shea (Sat 7.00), Mary Costello (Sun 10.00), Thomas Drohan (Sun 10.30), Geraldine Cody (Sun 12.00), Eddie Taylor (Sun 12.30).

May they rest in peace. Amen.

Men’s Shed

Foulkstown School Reunion

Mass Times This Week

Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each day during the coming week. This will be the only public Mass in our parish during the week.

Eucharistic Adoration

There will be no Eucharistic Adoration at St. Fiacre’s Church on Monday 26th December (St. Stephen’s Day). Eucharistic Adoration will continue at St. Patrick’s Church on Friday, 30th December from 4.00pm - 9.00pm.

Envelope Collection

The total collected in last weekend’s envelopes amounted to €3,725.00. Thank you for your support in this collection and in all our collections during the year.

DVD of Carol Service

This year’s very successful carol service at St. Joseph’s Church in Foulkstown has been recorded for posterity. Copies of the DVD will be available for sale at the Parish Shop. Cost: €15.

Eucharistic Congress Bell 2012

The Eucharistic Congress Bell will travel through the Diocese of Ossory from 8th to 19th January 2012. The purpose of the Bell travelling around the diocese and around the other Irish dioceses is to call people to prayer and bring them to a greater awareness of the forthcoming International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin next June.

Our diocese will receive the Bell from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore at Rice Bridge in Waterford on Sunday 8th January and will pass it on to the Diocese of Ferns on New Ross Bridge on Thursday, 19th January.

The Bell will be in St. Patrick’s Parish on Friday, 13th and Saturday, 14th January. Among the events in our parish will be a Diocesan Youth Mass celebrated by Bishop Seamus at St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 13th January. Visit http://www.ossory.ie/2011/12/eucharistic-bell-itinerary-for-ossory/ for more information on the bell and it’s itinerary.

Need Someone to Listen?

Christmas can be a lonely and a trying time for many people. Some may feel isolated and alone. There is someone to listen 24 hours of every day. Call the Samaritans on 056 776 5554 or 056 776 5750 at any time. The Carlow/Kilkenny Samaritans are based at 2 Abbeybridge, Dean Street, Kilkenny.

Bishop’s Christmas Message

Bishop Seamus Freeman has issued a special Message for Christmas 2011. Among other things he says: “Christmas calls all of us to deepen our awareness of being Christians. This should mean something special and important to each one of us. As St. Paul reminds us, as Christians we are members of one another.

Many people this Christmas will not be as happy as they would wish to be. This should be a concern for all people of good will. For the past number of years Irish generosity and solidarity has been so generous to help the various victims, in different parts of the world, with extraordinary generosity. This year the greatest need is probably as home, at least for many of our citizens. Let us pray that our generosity can be as effective as is our tradition. People are without their homes, their jobs, and their dignity. Let us all do whatever we can to alleviate the pain of so many of our brothers and sisters.”

The full text of Bishop Seamus’ message is available on www.ossory.ie

Society of St. Vincent De Paul

The members of the St. Patrick’s Parish Conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul wish to acknowledge the many donations of money, food, toys and material goods received in recent weeks. The gifts received are being used to help in our community.

Parish Website

We remind our visitors - especially our former parishioners - that our parish website (www.patricksparish.net) is updated regularly with news and information about our activities. We invite you to keep an eye on it.

Questions People Ask

Q. Do we know for certain that Jesus was born on 25 December?

A. We have no way of knowing the actual date. Two reasons are given for the selection of this date. It took over from the Roman feast of the Unconquered Sun at the winter solstice. Christians decided to celebrate the birth of Jesus as the light of God who came to conquer the darkness of sin. The second reason is that it is nine months after the feast of the Annunciation and the conception of Jesus. The Annunciation was an older feast than Christmas. It was celebrated on 25 March to connect with the Jewish tradition that this was the first day of creation and the day when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. Thus the conception of Jesus was linked with creation and sacrificial death.

The X Factor

Some people may not acknowledge today as Christ’s Day, that He is the X-Factor of the X-Mass scene. This world is crying out for Light, for Hope, for Joy, for Love and today we celebrate that God is present with us in this world: EMMANUEL. We must allow that Love to penetrate our hearts and celebrate with our family and friends the Joy that lives amongst us. And when we have finished celebrating the X Factor of Christmas, remember that then the real work of Christmas begins: When the song of the angels is stilled. When the star in the sky is gone. When the kings and princes are home. When the shepherds are back with their flocks. The work of Christmas begins to find the lost; To heal the broken; To feed the hungry; To release the prisoner; To rebuild the nations; To bring peace among people; To make music in the heart.

Howard Thurman

Fourth Sunday of Advent, 18th December 2011

2011-12-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

Parish Christmas Programme

Next Sunday is Christmas Day. We look forward to welcoming many people to our Masses and services. The following parish Mass schedule will apply:

St. Fiacre’s Church:

9.00pm Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve.

10.30am and 12.00noon Mass on Christmas Day.

St. Patrick’s Church:

9.30pm in St. Patrick's (Latin) on Christmas eve

Midnight Mass in St. Patrick's (English)

9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm Mass on Christmas Day

St. Joseph’s Church: 10.00am on Christmas Day.

During the week after Christmas the only public Mass in our parish will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each day.

Come and celebrate the birth of our Saviour with us.

Do This In Memory

We welcome the Frist Holy Communion candidates and their families from Gaelscoil Osrai and Kilkenny School Project to the 10.30am Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church this weekend. We welcome those from St. John of God Girls’ School and St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School to our 11.00am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church.

This is part of the Do This In Memory programme which enables families and members of our Mass-going communities help prepare our young people for their First Holy Communion.

Characters of Advent

Fr. Willie Purcell will conclude his series of talks on the Characters of Advent - Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph at the Parish Centre on this Tuesday morning at 11.30am. All are welcome.

Envelope Collection

The total collected in last weekend’s envelopes amounted to €1902.09 Many thanks.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Martin McCorry, England & late of Garden Villas (Sun 9.30am). Michael Lacey, Dublin. Mary Reynolds, Parliament Street. Eamon Hennessy, Threecastles. Requiem Mass in Tulla Church at 11.30am on Monday. Andy Heffernan, Michael Street. Requiem Mass in St. John’s Church at 11.30am on Monday.

Anniversaries: Elizabeth Comerford (Sat 6.15), Julia O’Carroll (Sat 7.00), Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 10.00), John Carroll, Thomas, Barbara & Eileen Gunn, Brian & John Gavin (Sun 10.30),George Byrne (Sun 11.00), Podge Butler Jnr (Sun 12.00), Dick Lynch (Sun 12.30)., Thomas Saunders (Tues 10.30), Tommy & Kitty Clooney & Margaret Fox (Thurs 9.30), Kathleen Redpath, Della Shanny, Jim Dollard, Edward McCormack, John Mamie & Terry Brett, Jimmy Bergin., May Campbell, Edward Taylor, Patrick, & Rose Wixted, Mary Dowling, Richard & Maureen Free, Seamus Fry, Patrick Burke, Peggy Blanchfield, Mary O’Neill, Maurice & Margaret Maher, Sean & Mary Fitzpatrick.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Betty Furniss (Sun 9.30), Mary & Christopher Coogan (Sun 12.00).

Christmas Penitential Service

Our parish Penitential Service in preparation for Christmas will be held at St. Patrick’s Church at 7.30pm on Tuesday evening. St. John the Baptist urges us to make straight the way for Christ to come into our lives. Confessing our sins and receiving absolution is an excellent ways of preparing our souls for Christmas. All are welcome.

Parish Centre and Parish Office

The Parish Centre and the Parish Office will close from Wednesday, 21st December for the Christmas Holidays and will reopen on Tuesday, 3rd January 2012. Our automated telephone system will enable you to reach the priest on duty, discover Mass times, leave messages or contact any of the priest’s personal lines during the holidays.

All in the Centre join in wishing you a Very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Parish Fundraising Bag Pack

Thanks to the many people who helped with our fundraising bag pack at Caulfield’s Supervalu over the past few days. We appreciate your time given to the parish. Thanks also to the management at Caulfield’s Supervalu and to the generous shoppers who contributed to the collection. Well done to Rita Byrne and Mary Parsons for mobilising such a willing team. Money raised will help defray our parish debt. The total raised came to €3,871.45 Well done!

Eucharistic Adoration

There will be no Eucharistic Adoration in St. Patrick’s Church on Friday, 23rd December 2011. Adoration will resume on Friday, 30th December 2011.

Seasonal Items at the Parish Shop

Christmas Cribs are available to buy in the Parish Centre. Among other items available are free-standing crosses, religious calendars Advent Calendars and other seasonal items.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The members of the local conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul would like to sincerely thank those who supported last weekend’s annual Christmas collection. Your generosity was phenomenal and the proceeds are being used locally. Also a sincere ‘thank you’ to all those who left donations at the Parish Centre. Your generosity will help a lot of families who are struggling this Christmas.

Loughboy Library

Seasons Greetings - we wish all our customers a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to serving the community in 2012. The library closes on Friday, 23rd December and re-opens on Tuesday, 3rd January.

Christmas Storyline with crafts for your children takes place on next Thursday at 11.30am

Church Gate Collection

The church gate collection this weekend is for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Parish Penitential Service

Our Christmas Penitential Service will take place this coming Tuesday at 7.30 in St. Patrick’s Church. All are welcome to attend this time of confession to cleanse our souls and welcome the birth of Jesus among us. Why not bring a friend?

Annual Christmas Concert

The band will also play at 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Christmas morning.

Advent Scripture Booklet and CD

Ossory Adult Faith Development offers a booklet and CD to facilitate prayerful scripture-based reflection as we approach Christmas. These are suitable for personal or group use and are available at the Parish Centre. Booklets cost €3 while the CDs cost €5.

Eucharistic Congress Bell 2012

Our diocese will receive the Bell on Sunday 8th January from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore and will pass it to the Diocese of Ferns on Thursday, 19th January.

The Bell will be in our parish on Friday, 13th and Saturday, 14th January. Among the events in our parish will be a Diocesan Youth Mass celebrated by Bishop Seamus at St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 13th January.

Let it be!

Today’s Gospel focuses on Mary’s vocation. It is her ‘Yes’, her ‘Let it be’, that brings light into this world. We can take the opportunity today to look at our own life situations and ask to what it is that we are being called. Mary may have had other plans for her life before the Angel Gabriel dropped in unannounced. God is so full of surprises for each one of us. Mary’s choice was no easy one under any human circumstance. It was very much like passing a death sentence.

Can our attitude be like Mary’s: to search for God, to hear ourselves being called by name, to remember that nothing is impossible with him, and to accept his will?

If I, a little, stumbling faithful soul say ‘yes’, and others in so many other places do the same, then once again, all Heaven will stand on tiptoe, and all creation hold its breath, as in our day the way is opened up for God to come. I wonder, will God begin again with us this Christmas? Ruth Patterson (Jane Mellett)

Parish Website

www.patricksparish.com - please visit.

Questions People Ask

Q. The religious meaning of Christmas seems to mean less to me every passing year. Any suggestions on how I can rediscover the religious excitement of my younger years?

A. Do you have a crib at home? Read the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke and like Mary ponder on these things in your heart. Take time to reflect on the Angelus, or at least the Hail Mary, this week. Attend a Carol service. Bring Christmas cheer to somebody who needs it. Be moderate in spending and do not overindulge in eating and drinking. Each day welcome Jesus into your life and your home. Bring Christ back into Christmas.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Proper Decorum in Church

There is some concern of late about a growing lack of respect in our churches - people talk and laugh and show little respect for the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and for those who like to prepare for Mass and reflect afterwards.

We appeal to all to maintain a dignified respect and a quiet atmosphere in our churches.

3rd Sunday of Advent, 11th December 2011

2011-12-11T12:54:00.001-08:00

Annual Christmas Carol Service

The annual St. Patrick’s Parish Carol Service takes place on this Sunday, 11th December at 4.00pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown. For many this has become a must-attend event in the lead up to Christmas and all are welcome. Seasonal refreshments will be served in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after the service.

Fundraising Bag Pack

A fundraising bag pack for the parish will take place in Supervalu, Loughboy on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Some of our parishioners will pack your shopping to raise money towards the cost of our new Parish Centre. If you have a couple of hours to spare on any of the days and would like to help out, please contact the Parish Office on 056 776 4400. Many hands make light work!

Parish Christmas Programme

Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year. The following parish Mass schedule will apply.

St. Fiacre’s Church: Vigil Mass at 9.00pm

10.30am, 12.00 noon

St. Patrick’s Church: Midnight Mass

9.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm

St. Joseph’s Church: 10.00am

During the week after Christmas the only public Mass in our parish will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 11.00am each day.

Come and celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Advent Scripture Booklet and CD

Ossory Adult Faith Development offers a booklet and CD to facilitate prayerful scripture-based reflection as we approach Christmas. These are suitable at the Parish Centre for personal or group use. Booklets cost €3 while the CDs cost €5.

Characters of Advent

Fr. Willie Purcell is currently presenting a series of talks on the Characters of Advent - Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph. This week’s talk takes place on Monday 12th December at 11.30am in the Parish Centre.

Pray For Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Sr. Marie Joseph Fleming, St. John of God (in her 103rd year). Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Sunday followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery. Bridget Carroll, Killenaule (Mother of Mairead McLoughlin, ex St. John of God School). Reposing at Carroll’s Funeral Home, Killenaule from 4.00pm on Sunday. Removal at 6.30pm to St. Mary’s Church Killenaule. Requiem Mass at 11.30am on Monday with interment in St. Crohane Churchyard. Mary Coyne, Assumption Place. Helen West, Dean Cavanagh Place.

Dina Walsh (nee Drennan) late of Ballinalina, Kells Road, who died in England. Jim Long, Connolly Street. Kathleen Johnston, Meath.

Anniversaries: Thomas O’Dowd (Sat 6.15), Pat Kearney (Sat 7.00), Michael Hynes (Sun 9.30), Jane & Geoff Power (Sun 10.00), Eddie Slattery (Sun 11.00), Michael Dwyer (Sun 12.00), Mary Blanchfield (Sun 12.30), Kathy & Francie McKenna (Tue 9.30), Margaret (Peggy) Quinlan (Wed 10.30), Patrick & Eleanor Murray (Thurs 9.30), Florrie Cleere (Thur 10.30), Bart Keaney, Christina & Thomas Walsh, Eric & Mary McGrath, Annie Wall, Mary Maher, John Egan, James Murray, John Hayes, Margaret Larkin, Christy Galvin, John & Ann Fogarty, James Hogan, William & Ellen Bergin, Mary Delaney, Christopher & Mary Ryan.

Intentions for next weekend: Elizabeth Comerford (Sat 6.15), Julia O’Carroll (Sat 7.00), Joe & Nan Mulhall (Sun 10.00), John Carroll, Thomas, Barbara & Eileen Gunn, Brian & John Gavin (Sun 10.30),George Byrne (Sun 11.00), Podge Butler Jnr (Sun 12.00), Dick Lynch (Sun 12.30).

Notices for Newsletter

We strive for accuracy in compiling our weekly newsletter. However, being human, we sometimes make mistakes. It is advisable to deliver items for the newsletter directly to the Parish Office rather than leaving them in church or handing them to priests after Mass. Messages may also be delivered by telephone (776 4400) or email (stpatricksparish@ossory.ie).

Pope’s Wishes for Christmas

Before lighting Christmas Tree lights during the week Pope Benedict expressed three wishes for Christmas. “My first wish is that our gaze, that of our minds and our hearts, not rest only on the horizon of this world, on its material things, but that in some way, like this tree that tends upward, it be directed toward God. God never forgets us but He also asks that we don't forget Him.”

The Holy Father's second and third wishes relate to light. “The Gospel,” he said, “recounts that, on the holy night of Christ's birth, a light enveloped the shepherds, announcing a great joy to them: the birth of Jesus, the one who brings us light, or better, the One who is the true light that illuminates all. This great tree will illuminate the darkness of the night with its light. My second wish is that we recall that we also need a light to illumine the path of our lives and to give us hope, especially in this time in which we feel so greatly the weight of difficulties, of problems, of suffering, and it seems that we are enshrouded in a veil of darkness. But what light can truly illuminate our hearts and give us a firm and sure hope? It is the Child whom we contemplate at Christmas, in a poor and humble manger, because He is the Lord who draws near to each of us and asks that we receive Him anew in our lives, asks us to want Him, to trust in Him, to feel His presence, that He is accompanying us, sustaining us, and helping us.”

The Pontiff presented his third wish. “This great tree is formed of many lights. My final wish is that each of us contributes something of that light to the spheres in which we live: our families, our jobs, our neighbourhoods, towns, and cities. That each of us be a light for those who are at our sides; that we leave aside the selfishness that, so often, closes our hearts and leads us to think only of ourselves; that we may pay greater attention to others, that we may love them more,” the Pope wished. “Any small gesture of goodness is like one of the lights of this great tree: together with other lights it illuminates the darkness of the night, even of the darkest night.”

(Zenith.org)

St. Vincent De Paul Collection

The St. Patrick’s Parish Conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul will hold their annual Christmas Collection on this Sunday 11th December. The collection will take place outside the church and not as part of the 2nd collection. Please give generously.

Divine Mercy

An hour of adoration and prayer for Divine Mercy will take place in the Friary Church on Sunday, 11th December from 3.00 - 4.00pm. All are welcome.

Craft Exhibition

The S.O.S. Craft Exhibition and Coffee afternoon takes place on Sunday, 11th December from 2.00 - 5.00pm. Come and buy your Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings, and many festive products.

Annual Christmas Concert

St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band’s annual Christmas Concert will take place in St. Patrick’s Church on Monday, 19th December at 8.00pm. Guest Artists: Audrey Larkin, Eugene Dewberry, MC Noel Power. The band will also play at 9.30am Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Christmas morning.

Cribs For Sale

In the Parish Shop, located in the foyer of the Parish Centre, there are a number of beautiful Christmas cribs for sale. Christmas isn’t the same without remembering and casting a prayerful eye upon the scene of the Holy Nativity. Many families use the traditional crib as a way of teaching and involving younger children in the nativity scene. Some even put the three wise men on display, some distance away from the crib and move them closer each day to signify the journey they make to worship Jesus. Why not start your own journey?

Parish Pastoral Council Members

We are delighted to welcome the newest member of our Parish Pastoral Council who will help shape the future direction of our parish.

Liam Lawton - 20th Anniversary Tour

Tickets are still available for the Liam Lawton Concert at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer on Tuesday 13th December. Tickets €20 available at Castlecomer Parish Centre (444 1262) and The Book Centre, High Street and at the door.

Questions People Ask

Q. Why did they have to put big words like ‘consubstantial’ into the new translation of the Creed? A priest friend of mine told me the word isn’t even in his dictionary!

A. There is no simple English word to express the deep theology of the unity of Jesus Christ with God the Father. The old translation was ‘of one Being with the Father’. Being is a shorter word than consubstantial but it is a philosophical term not easy to understand. The former translation was just as difficult as the new. As for your priest friend, get him a decent dictionary for Christmas! (Fr. Silvester)

Weekly Envelope Collection

Thank you for your contribution of €2,360.00 last weekend. We appreciate your generosity.

Loughboy Library

Scrabble Games - for over 50s take place on Wednesdays at 2.00pm.

Exhibition by local artist Caroline Sloane continues until 31st December.

Computer Classes for Beginners are ongoing on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Re: Alzheimers and Dementia

The new location of the Day Care Centre for People Living with Alzheimers or Dementia is 39a Hebron Business Park, Kilkenny. Meals provided and plenty of entertainment. Open: Monday - Friday from 9.30am to 4.00pm. Contact Ruth or Margaret 777 1230.

Human Rights Day

“Those who oppress the poor show contempt for their Maker but whoever is kind to the needy honours God.” (Proverbs 14:31). As we mark International Human Rights Day (10th December) Trocaire asks us to help the poor people in Pakistan who are living under wealthy landowners as modern day slaves. The Global Gift of Freedom will help stop this abuse. www.trocaire.org or call 1850 408 408.

From Another Newsletter

To our Christian friends, ‘Merry Christmas.’ To our Jewish friends, ‘Happy Hanukkah’. And to our atheist friends, ‘Good luck!’

Think Pink

Today is GAUDATE Sunday which means ‘Rejoice’. We light the pink Advent candle and perhaps we should THINK PINK or even wear pink as St. Paul says to us: ‘Brothers and Sisters: Rejoice always!’ These final days of preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth are sacred.

There is much darkness around us in society, in our church community and Advent expresses the complexity of the world, the yearning for the Light. We could easily become cynical but today we are asked to REJOICE (think pink!), to be thankful for those who come as witnesses for Christ (think pink!) whether they be the Mother Teresas of this world or in the words of Margaret Silf: ‘The teacher who helps a child solve a problem; the teenager who stops to share a word and a sandwich with a homeless person; the activist who insists on justice for the asylum seeker – they are all reflecting the glory of the Lord.’

Today, THINK PINK, remember we are all called by the Lord. Remember the great things he has done and continues to do for you. Remember how your goodness and compassion can bring the Light of Christ to others. And of course, remember to THINK PINK. Jane Mellett

First Sunday of Advent, Year B, 27th November, 2011

2011-11-27T00:56:00.001-08:00

First Sunday of Advent

Advent, which begins on this Sunday, is a period of joyful expectation during which we prepare to welcome Christ into our lives.

The celebration of Advent has evolved in the spiritual life of the Church. The origins of Advent are hard to determine with great precision. In its earliest form, beginning in France, Advent was a period of preparation for the Feast of the Epiphany, a day when converts were baptized; so the Advent preparation was very similar to Lent with an emphasis on prayer and fasting which lasted three weeks and later was expanded to 40 days. In 380, the local Council of Saragossa, Spain, established a three-week fast before Epiphany. Inspired by the Lenten regulations, the local Council of Macon, France, in 581 designated that from Nov. 11 (the Feast of St. Martin of Tours) until Christmas fasting would be required on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Eventually, similar practices spread to England. In Rome, the Advent preparation did not appear until the sixth century, and was viewed as a preparation for Christmas with less of a penitential bent.

The Church gradually formalized the celebration of Advent. The Gelasian Sacramentary, traditionally attributed to Pope St. Gelasius I (d. 496), was the first to provide Advent liturgies for five Sundays. Later, Pope St. Gregory I (d. 604) enhanced these liturgies composing prayers, antiphons, readings, and responses. Pope St. Gregory VII (d. 1095) later reduced the number of Sundays in Advent to four. Finally, about the ninth century, the Church designated the first Sunday of Advent as the beginning of the Church year.

Despite its “sketchy” history, the importance of this season remains to focus on the coming of our Lord. (Advent comes from Latin adventus, meaning “coming.”) The Catechism stresses the two-fold meaning of this “coming” : “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His second coming” (No. 524).

The Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath is exactly what the word implies, a wreath of evergreens. It is either suspended from the ceiling or placed on a table in the living area of the house. Fastened to the wreath are four candles standing upright, at equal distances. These candles represent the weeks of Advent.

Daily at a certain time (usually in the evening), the family gathers for a short time of prayer. Every Sunday of Advent one more candle is lit, until all four candles shed their cheerful light to announce the approaching birthday of the Lord. All other lights are extinguished in the room, and only the gentle glow of the live candles illuminates the darkness. After some prayers, the family might sing one of the traditional Advent hymns or a song in honour of Mary.

The traditional symbolism of the Advent wreath reminds the faithful of the Old Testament, when humanity was “sitting in the darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 2:79); when the prophets, illumined by God, announced the Redeemer; and when the hearts of men glowed with the desire for the Messiah. The wreath – an ancient symbol of victory and glory – symbolizes the “fulfilment of time” in the coming of Christ and the glory of His birth.

Why not have a simple Advent Wreath in your home to bring a spiritual dimension to your family’s wait for Christmas?

Advent Ideas

For Advent pastimes for younger people have a look at www.catholicmom.com/advent which offers printable colouring pages, puzzles and instructions for making an Advent Wreath.

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

There was a very good attendance at the Forty Hours Adoration for the Feast of Christ the King in St. John’s Church last weekend. Thank you to all those who spent time in adoration.

Bereaved by Suicide

Kilkenny Bereavement Support will hold an open support group for people who have been bereaved by suicide. It will take place in Villa Maria, Talbots Inch, Freshford Road, on Thursday 8th December at 8.00pm. The group is open to anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or co-worker to suicide.

In the group, the bereaved can share their feelings about their losses, be supported by other participants, get information regarding their experiences or just listen in silence.

For further information, please phone 056 775 6538.

Wake-up Call

Many of us will have noticed a change in the language used at Mass in recent weeks. Since September we have been getting used to a series of changes to the Mass, and today, the First Sunday of Advent, the new translation of the Missal comes fully into effect.

You will be aware that some of the congregation’s responses are changing such as the use of ‘And with your spirit’ instead of ‘And also with you’. There are also changes to some of the people’s prayers such as the Confiteor, the Gloria, the Creed, and the Sanctus, and to the parts of the Mass spoken by the priest. Specially produced congregational cards and missalettes are available in our parishes to assist us as we familiarise ourselves with the new wording.

We will all need to be on our toes to make sure we are getting the responses and prayers right. Until we get used to the new wording, we will be more alert than usual. We will not be able to rattle off prayers without thinking as can be so easy to do when the words are so familiar.

What a fitting time, then, to introduce the new translation. In today’s Gospel, Jesus urges his disciples to ‘be on our guard’, ‘to stay awake’. It is very much in the spirit of Advent that we stay alert. When we pray we do more than recite words. Let us use this time to discover anew the meaning of the Mass.

Triona Doherty.

Advent Scripture Booklet and CD

Ossory Adult Faith Development offers a booklet and CD to facilitate prayerful scripture-based reflection as we approach Christmas. These are suitable for personal or group use. Contact ADF Office on 056 775 3624 or email afd@ossory.ie. Booklets cost €3 while the CDs cost €5. Available at the Parish Centre.

Characters of Advent

Fr. Willie Purcell will give a series of talks on the Characters of Advent - Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary and Joseph. Starting on Tuesday 6th December at 11.30am and running for three weeks in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. A cup of tea will be available before the meeting, after 10.30am Mass, if desired. Queries: Kathleen @ 087 246 8443.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Michael Hoyne, 2 Wellington Square. Peggy Smullen, Rosemount, Newpark.

Months Mind: Olive Barry

Anniversaries: Michael Hickey (Sat 6.15), Mark Butler (Sat 7.00), Joseph Murray & Family (Sun 9.30), Charles Carroll (Sun 10.00), Ramie, Breda, Marie, Phyllis & Thomas Dowling (Sun 10.30), Deceased Members of St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band (Sun 11.00), Margaret Roche (Sun 12.00), John Hand (Sun 12.30), Jeremiah Mullally (Thur 10.30), Phillip O’Dwyer, Oliver Bergin, Rory McPhillips, Maureen Nolan, Joe McKane, Patrick J. Crotty, James Donnelly, James Donnelly Jnr, Sean Donnelly, Eileen Barry, Mary Delaney, Jimmy Delaney, Catherine Connors, Dollie & Pearse Butler, Patrick (Pa) O’Neill, Thomas, Margaret & Patrick Beehan.

Intentions for next weekend: Michael Fitzmaurice (Sat 6.15), Richie Delaney (Sat 7.00), Patrick Fitzpatrick (Sun 9.30), Angela Murphy (Sun 10.00), Kathleen Brown (Sun 10.30), Maeve Healy & Laurence Healy (Sun 11.00), Thomas Dowling (Sun 12.00), Elaine Quinn (Sun 12.30).

May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

First Friday

As the first Friday of December occurs this week the priests will visit the housebound. Contact the Parish Office if you, or someone known, to you would like a visit.

Christmas Craft Fair

Kilkenny City Woodturners and Crafts Christmas Fair, Ormonde College, December 3rd and 4th. Featuring artists like Pat Holland, Willie Maher, Mick Morrissey, Sarah Neill, Canice Ryan, Ciaran Walsh.

L’Arche Christmas Fair

L’Arche Christmas Fair on this Sunday 27^th November from 12.00 noon - 5.00pm in the L’Arche Workshop, Fair Green Lane, Callan.

Something for all the family: candles, cards, pottery, weaving, cakes, tea and coffee.

Also L’Arche Christmas Shop will open from Wednesday 30^th till Monday 21^st December Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm.

Envelope Collection

The amount collection in last week’s weekly envelopes amounted to €1,015. Many thanks.

Events at Peace in Christ

The Diocesan Retreat Centre provides us with an opportunity to celebrate Advent and prepare for Christmas with a number of events...

The Word Was Made Flesh: a pre-Christmas Weekend Silent Retreat. Guided by Monsignor Jim Cassin, Ms Christine Kelly and Sr. Margaret Moloney. Friday 9th to Sunday 11th December. Telephone 772 1054 for information.

Our Faith for the Future

Over the past few weeks young people from secondary schools in our diocese have taken part in a public speaking competition which was framed around faith based topics. It has been a tremendous success. In addressing the issues put before them the students asked questions of themselves and caused those in attendance to reflect.

The final of this competition will take place on Thursday next, 1st December, at 8pm in St Patrick's Parish Centre when Secondary School Students from our diocese will publically discuss and engage in questions on the topic "Church: we are the future and the present." All welcome.

Mount St. Anne’s

Christmas Carol Service - Friday 9th December, 2011 at 7pm

Enjoy an evening of music and song in preparation for the Christmas Season.

There is no charge - all are welcome.

Advent Reflection Afternoon - Sunday 11th December, 2011 - 3pm to 6pm

Join us for an afternoon of prayer and reflection in preparation for Advent.

No Charge - Donations welcome

Mounts St. Anne's Retreat & Conference Centre, Killenard, Portarlington.

For further details or should you wish to reserve a place, contact the Secretary on 057-8626153

Questions People Ask

Q. These changes to the Mass will be the last straw for people who are barely hanging on. Don’t you think that they will be leaving the Church in droves?

A. Obviously there are people who are easily frustrated and have no patience with any change. But looking at the changes in a positive way, the new translation might make us slow down and look with fresh eyes at the beauty of the prayers and responses at Mass. There is a greater reverence in the new translation and that is a good thing. Instead of rattling off the Gloria or Creed at top speed, the fresh wording is an opportunity to ponder on the majesty and beauty of these prayers. Instead of leaving the Church, people might actually grow in faith and reverence.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

Christ the King, 20th November 2011

2011-11-19T08:40:00.001-08:00

In memory of…

These few words, and the symbols we use to recall departed loved ones, give us great comfort. It is important that we cherish the memory of those who have been truly significant and part of each one of us. The gift of memory brings us great consolation and healing. The more we invite memory the more we are gifted with healing.

This Thursday evening we invite you to gather at St. Fiacre’s Church to remember in a prayerful way your departed loved ones. We ask you to join with us as we recall those who have died, to give thanks to God for blessings received through their presence in our lives and to seek healing for our broken hearts and minds.

Our annual service begins at 7.30pm and will conclude with refreshments in the Parish Centre. Special prayers will be offered during the ceremony for those from our parish who died during the past twelve months. Please come and join with us.

‘Thank You’ from Peace in Christ

The Retreat House Team would like to thank most sincerely all those who contributed so generously to the recent collection in aid of Peace in Christ Retreat House. We would especially like to thank those who organised and carried out the collection on our behalf.

The amount collected in our parish was €968.62. Thank you.

Weekly Envelope Collection

The total collected in last weekend’s weekly envelope collection amounted to €1,360.00. Many thanks.

Coffee Morning

The School of the Holy Spirit will hold its annual Coffee Morning and Sale of Work on next Saturday 26th November between 10.30a.m and 12.30pm in the school in Seville Lodge on the Callan Road. Why not enjoy a free cuppa and scone while you get some great bargins? You may even win a hamper while supporting such a good cause. For more details phone Therese Buckley@ 087 904 0208.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Jack Hoyne, Fatima Place. Funeral prayers at Hehir’s Funeral Home at 6.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday followed by burial at St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Thomas Harold, Gowran and formerly of Pearce Street. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday in St. Canice’s Church followed by burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery. Michael Smullen, 11 Rosemount, Newpark. Frank Walsh, Newpark Lower. Jonathan Faul, Monaghan.

Anniversaries: Maura Leahy (Sat 6.15), James Fox (Sat 7.00), James Rafter (Sun 9.30), Bill Keogh (Sun 10.00), Margaret (Madge) O’Brien (Sun 10.30), Rena Brett (Sun 11.00), John Byrne (Sun 12.00), Henrietta Hyland (Sun 12.30), Joan Taggart (Mon 9.30), Paul O’Dwyer (Wed 9.30), Kitty McMyler (Thurs 10.30), James Fahy, Dick & Annie Burke, Margaret Guilfoyle, Michael Gibbons, Thomas & Owen Beehan, Michael Beale, Catherine McDonald, May O’Connell, Joan Meehan.

Intentions for Next Weekend: Michael Hickey (Sat 6.15), Mark Butler (Sat 7.00), Joseph Murray (Sun 9.30), Charles Carroll (Sun 10.00), Ramie, Breda, Marie, Phyllis & Thomas Dowling (Sun 10.30), Deceased Members of St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band (Sun 11.00), Margaret Roche (Sun 12.00), John Hand (Sun 12.30), Olive Barry (Months Mind).

Our Faith for the Future

Would you like to engage with questions about our faith as we face a future together? Who better to have this conversation with than the younger members of our communities? On next Thursday 24th November at St. Patrick's Parish Centre 9 Senior Cycle Secondary School students will publically discuss and engage in questions on the topic: ‘You begin to feel compassion for people in difficulties and you are eager to do something to help them. You want to come to the aid of the poor and the hungry, you want to comfort the sorrowful, you want to be kind and generous. And once these things begin to matter to you, you are well on the way to becoming saints’. (Benedict XVI). Young people as 21st Century Saints: An old man’s dream or a recipe for a truly radical life.

Entrance free - all are welcome. Come along and hear the thoughts of our young people.

Advent Scripture Booklet and CD

Ossory Adult Faith Development offers a booklet and CD to facilitate prayerful scripture-based reflection as we approach Christmas. These are suitable for personal or group use. Contact ADF Office on 056 775 3624 or email afd@ossory.ie. Booklets cost €3 while the CDs cost €5. A limited supply will be available at the Parish Centre from mid-week.

Lectio Divina Style Prayer

To support and encourage people to pray the scriptures Ossory Adult Faith Development has issued a simple sheet to accompany a lectio divina style prayer. These leaflets are available after Mass to members of prayer groups and to individuals who would use them at home in prayer. Collect yours at the back of the church.

New Missal on RTÉ

On this Sunday at 11.15am RTÉ One television will broadcast a special live studio Mass at which - for the first time on television in Ireland - the priest and congregation will pray the full version of the new translation of the Roman Missal. This Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Patrick Jones, National Centre for Liturgy.

St. Vincent de Paul Collection

The monthly collection for the St. Patrick’s Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. Please be as generous as possible as the conference is constantly asked for help.

Events at Peace in Christ

The Diocesan Retreat Centre provides us with an opportunity to celebrate Advent and prepare for Christmas with a number of events...

Entering the Advent Season. Guided by Fr. Martin Delaney and Ms Christine Kelly. Sunday, 27th November from 10.30am to 5.00pm.

Unsung Heroes

Have you ever seen the TV programme Secret Millionaire? In each episode a millionaire leaves his or her luxury life behind, takes on a secret identity, and lives undercover in a deprived area to find out who needs their help. The work alongside local people, discovering individuals and projects they think deserve a share of their fortune, before coming clean and surprising them with monetary gifts to help them in their work. Often those who most impress the benefactor are those who are quietly working for the benefit of others, who give generously of their time and talents to make a better life for those in their local community. They are the ones who, in spite of their busy lives, are also the most welcoming and helpful to the undercover millionaire. They are not in it for the money. They are not generous to the visitor among them because he is rich or because they expect to get something out of them. They are the people who see a need and do something to tackle it, and their simple acts of generosity lead to great rewards. Jesus expects us to treat everyone we encounter with sensitivity and generosity. Today’s Gospel reminds us of our responsibility to care for our fellow man; to feed the hungry , who make strangers welcome, provide for those who are without, visit those who are sick or imprisoned. There are simple acts of mercy we can carry out each day. Such love for others is love for God: as the Gospel tells us, ‘In so far as you did this to the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.’

Triona Doherty.

Healing and Reconciliation

St. Canice’s Parish Community invites you to join them for the final reflection in their Voices of Hope series. On this Wednesday there will be a service of healing and reconciliation led by Bishop Brendan Comiskey. St. Canice’s Church at 7.30pm on this Wednesday, 23rd November. All welcome.

Parish Website

www.patricksparish.net is updated regularly and offers up-to-date information on our parish.

Public Speaking Course

A free course in public speaking confidence will be held in St John’s Day Centre, beginning Saturday evening November 27th. This course will suit students, Mass readers, wedding speakers and anyone wishing to develop public speaking confidence in small group settings. For full details and to book a place please call or text 086 151 0158.

Christmas Food and Craft Fair

Sunday 20th November, from 11.00 to 5.00 in The Dolmen Hotel, Carlow. 35 stands, with handmade products of food and craft, from home baking, glass painting to bog oak and jewellery. Lucky dip stand for the kids on the day, with proceeds going to the LauraLynn Hospice. Santa's letter box, and Christmas music and entertainment for all the family.

Historical Society Lecture

‘Knockroe Passage Tomb and the Mysterious Stone Age of South Kilkenny’ by Muiris O’Suilleabhan, School of Archaeology, U.C.D. at 8.00pm on Thursday, 24th November. Venue: Mullinavat Parish Hall. Admission: €5.

Eucharistic Congress 2012

The Congress is now recruiting volunteers for a wide range of roles and if you would like to get involved please visit the IEC2012 website www.iec2012.ie/volunteer and fill out an online application or request an application form from the Congress Office.

Your Mental Health and Caring for It

Are you trying to keep too many balls in the air? Do you get anxious? Are you a worrier? Do you worry when meeting new people? Do you think you don’t measure up? Could you learn to laugh a bit more? We all deserve a better quality of life – Would you like to improve yours?

Free 6 week course (2 hours each week). : Thursdays, 11.00am – 1.00pm, starting 1^st December at GROW, Barrack Street, Kilkenny. For bookings 087 284 3424.

A Tribute to Dave Prim

In the Set Theatre, Friday 25^th November 2011. Tickets €10.00 (available from Set Theatre). All proceeds to Enable Ireland, O’Neill Centre, Kilkenny.

Questions People Ask

Q. What is the temporal punishment due to sin? Does it mean that God forgives us but imposes some sort of punishment at the same time?

A. I don’t think you’ve got it right. This punishment is called temporal as opposed to the eternal punishment which is the hell of unrepented evil. God does not impose the punishment but it is something self-inflicted. Any time I behave in a sinful manner I am damaging my character. If I lash out at somebody in anger I have damaged my spiritual health. The good news is that healing is available for this damaged character if we cooperate with the graces of the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist.

Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 13th November 2011

2011-11-13T10:53:00.001-08:00

The Midas Touch

When you were at school or college, was there that one person who was good at everything, who got As in every subject, was a skilled sportsperson, a gifted musician, and was involved in every activity going? We all know people who seem to be good at anything they turn their hand to. Everything they touch turns to gold.

In the parable in today’s Gospel, the skills of the servants really do result in gold! The ‘talents’ which the servants are given are units of currency – the first two servants double their money, while the third, afraid to take a risk, buries his in the ground. But the point is not the amount of talents given to each. What pleases the master is how the talents are used. The greatest crime is to ‘hide your talent in the ground’, to fail to use the gift you have been given.

This parable is often seen as an exhortation to use our God-given talents and to take risks for his sake. God gives talents to every person, and they vary from person to person. However, we eventually have to give an account of these gifts and what we did with them. The poet John Milton reflected on this parable in his sonnet ‘On His Blindness’:

When I consider how my light is spent

Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,

And that one talent, which is death to hide,

Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

My true account, lest He, returning, chide.

Triona Doherty

Forty Hours Adoration

Forty Hours Adoration for the Feast of Christ the King will commence after the 7.30pm Mass at St. John’s Church on Friday 18th November. The exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will conclude with 12.00pm Mass on the Feast of Christ the King, Sunday 20th November. Anyone willing to volunteer to spend even half an hour before the Blessed Sacrament should call to the Sacristy after Mass and enter their name on the rota.

Pray for the Deceased

Recently Deceased: Joan Bollard, Kieran Street. Funeral prayers at her son Kieran’s residence on the Dunningstown Road at 6.30pm on Sunday followed by removal to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on Monday followed by burial at Foulkstown Cemetery. Paul Maloney, Laurel Grove. Paddy Mullins, Loreto Avenue. Kathleen Cantwell, Meadow Way.

Anniversaries: Una Heffernan (Sat 6.15), Sr. Sheila Lynch (Sat 7.00), Gerald & Patricia Moore (Sun 9.30), John Brennan (Sun 10.00), May Muldowney (Sun 10.30), James & Mary Mulrooney (Sun 11.00), Mary & Ann O’Shea (Sun 12.00), Margaret & Annastatia Moore (Sun 12.30), Eugene & Nora Curley (Tues 10.30), Retired & Deceased Nurses (Wed 10.30), Peggy Costigan (Thur 7.30, Foulkstown), Henry Tiernan, Michael Kennedy, Peter Blanchfield, Dymphna Condon, Sean O’Keeffe, Christy McLoughlin, Barbara Rhatigan, Patrick Cantwell, John Doyle.

Intentions for next weekend: Maura Leahy (Sat 6.15), James Fox (Sat 7.00), James Rafter (Sun 9.30), Bill Keogh (Sun 10.00), Margaret (Madge) O’Brien (Sun 10.30), Rena Brett (Sun 11.00), John Byrne (Sun 12.00), Henrietta Hyland (Sun 12.30).

Questions People Ask

Q. Are the souls in Purgatory in suffering?

A. The Catechism is very consoling on this point. “All who die in God’s grace and friendship but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven’ (CCC, 1030).

These blessed people know they are saved. They are very close to God. So they must be very happy, yet suffering the pain of recognising how poorly they had appreciated God’s love and used their God-given talents. I think it is like the child who has been bold but now cuddles up in the parent’s loving arms, crying in the recognition of how wrong he/she had been. The suffering of purgatory is the result of knowing how much we have been loved and how poor was our response to that love.

Bishop’s Invitation

Bishop Seamus invites all of us to a special Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral to launch formally the new translation of the Roman Missal. Please join Bishop Seamus at St. Mary’s on this Sunday at 3.00pm.

Choir Workshop

In conjunction with the above Fr Liam Lawton will work with choirs and singers before the Mass introducing his recently composed Glendalough Mass. Choir members are invited to be in the cathedral at 1.00pm for a workshop with Fr Liam - there will be a break before the celebration of Mass at 3.00pm.

Youth; Faith and our Future

Would you like to engage with questions about our faith as we face a future together? Who better to have this conversation with than the younger members of our communities? Why not join us, then, on this Thursday 17th November when Senior Cycle Students from our diocese will publically discuss and engage in questions on the topic… "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Tim 12:4).

Venue: St Patrick’s Parish Centre – 8.00pm.

Parish Pastoral Councils

The Ossory Adult Faith Development has arranged a series of training evenings for those who are involved in, or hoping to establish, Parish Pastoral Councils here in the diocese.

· Mullinavat: Monday 14^th, 21^st November

· St. Patrick’s Centre, Kilkenny: Tuesday 15^th, 22^nd November

· Canon Malone Hall, Ballyragget: Wednesday 16^th, 23^rd November

Each night will run from 8pm to 9pm.

Westcourt News

The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession and blessings of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place on Monday, 14th November in Westcourt at 7.30pm.

Divine Mercy

There will be an hour of adoration and prayer in honour of Divine Mercy in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday Nov 13th from 3pm - 4pm. All welcome.

Mass for Nurses

There will be a special Mass for deceased and retired nurses on Wednesday, 16th November at 10.30am in St. Fiacre’s Church. This will be followed by Coffee/Tea Morning in the Parish Centre with a fundraiser for the Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare Team. All are welcome.

Parish Envelope Collection

The total contributed in last weekend’s envelopes amounted to €1,725. Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Clothing Appeal

Dochas Nasamu, which is an Irish built and Irish run orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, is looking for used clothing for ladies, gents and children for the orphans and their extended families. Also, shoes, household linens i.e. towels, sheets, blankets, etc. Also, soft toys. This appeal will take place on Monday 14th November, before 11 o'clock, at St. Patricks Parish Centre. For further information, please contact Marie on 087 689 0995.

Fashion Show

Patents’ Association at Loreto Secondary School is holding a fashion show in Langton's on Wednesday 16th November. Tickets cost €15. Spot prizes, goodie bags on the night. All are welcome.

Liam Lawton in Concert

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer hosts Fr. Liam Lawton in concert on Tuesday, 13th December. Special Guests: Castlecomer Male Voice Choir. Tickets are €20 at Castlecomer Parish Centre (444 1262), The Book Centre, High Street, Kilkenny and www.ticketsireland.ie and at the door. Doors open 7.30pm. Concert 8.00pm. Patrons with tickets will be admitted first.

Eucharistic Congress 2012

Public Speaking Course

Loughboy Library

Toddler Hour: with storyline and crafts, every Thursday at 11.30am. Library membership is free for children.

Scrabble for over 50s: starting on Wednesday 23rd November at 2.00pm. There will be a prize for the highest score each week.

Book Clubs - order your monthly title today.

Senior Help Line

Senior Help Line is a national service providing a confidential listening service to older people who are lonely, worried or just need someone to talk to. The Kilkenny service will link to the National Network of over 11 centres who provide telephone support for older people who call for a variety of reasons. This support is primarily provided by listening and responding empathically.

Would you like to support Senior Help Line for three hours per month? Kilkenny Age Friendly County Programme Ltd and Third Age invite applications for the Senior Help Line Training Course. Applicants should have good listening skills and be available to commit to 3 hours per month on Saturday afternoons from 4.00 - 7.00pm as part of the call answering team.

Further information and an application form are available from Kilkenny’s Age Friendly County Office, 42 Parliament Street, Kilkenny. Phone 056 777 2787 or email agefreindlycounty@gmail.com or visit our website. Applicants should be available for training on 24/25/26^th January in Kilkenny for the service which will commence in early February.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 6th November 2011

2011-11-13T10:51:00.001-08:00

Have you ever run out of fuel? Many of us will be familiar with the panic of seeing the red fuel light appear on the dashboard when we are miles from a petrol station, or had to deal with a flat tyre or a dead car battery. Thankfully, these days, we have mobile phones and roadside rescue to bail us out. But even with all the warning signals available to us, we can still run out once in a while.

In this wedding story, the bridesmaids who run out of oil for their lamps are condemned as ‘foolish’. Among the wedding customs in Jesus’ time was a torch-lit procession at night time from the bride’s home to the groom’s. Bridesmaids were required to be in a constant state of preparedness, since the groom could appear at any time.

In this parable, the fact that the bridesmaids fall asleep is not the issue; all 10 bridesmaids grow drowsy and fall asleep. The issue is that some of them – the five foolish ones – were not sensible or watchful enough to ensure they had sufficient oil, and because of this they miss out on the wedding feast. There was no one to bail them out; the other bridesmaids had to carry on, for fear that sharing their oil would mean no one would have enough to continue. They must have got a shock when they eventually arrived at the bridegroom’s house, only to be denied and turned away.

This parable must have served as a dramatic warning to the early Christian community, who were hoping for Jesus’ speedy return. It let them know that they could be in for a long wait – ‘you do not know either the day of the hour’ – and that they must be prepared. As well as having the light of faith, they must possess the fuel – the motivation and the actions – to keep it lit.

Triona Doherty

Parish Envelope Collection

The weekly envelope collection for last week amounted to €1,485.00. Thanks to those who contributed to the October Stations. The November Offerings are now being accepted. Thanks for your continued support.

Pray for our Deceased Friends

Recently Deceased: Roberta A. O’Brien (nee McKeown), Rossbog, Aherlow, Tipperary.

Months Mind: Kathleen Roche (Sun 12.30)

Anniversaries: Mary Millea (Sat 6.15), John Glynn (Sat 7.00), Margaret Hutchinson (Sun 9.30), Jennifer Mulhall (Sun 10.00), John Cullen (Sun 10.30), Breda Phelan (Sun 11.00), Martin Brett (Sun 12.00), Deceased Residents of Larchfield (Tues 10.30), Dominic Coll (Wed 10.30), Margaret Shiels & Ellen Hickey (Thurs 10.30), Michael Kennedy (Sat 9.30), James Maher, John & Kathleen Dollard, Joe Gargan. Those mentioned on our November Lists of the Dead.

Intentions for next weekend: Una Heffernan (Sat 6.15), Sr. Sheila Lynch (Sat 7.00), Gerald & Patricia Moore (Sun 9.30), John Brennan (Sun 10.00), May Muldowney (Sun 10.30), James & Mary Mulrooney (Sun 11.00), Mary & Ann O’Shea (Sun 12.00), Margaret & Annastatia Moore (Sun 12.30).

Training for Parish Pastoral Councils

Ossory Adult Faith Development is offering a series of Training Evenings for those involved in Parish Pastoral Councils. These evenings are intended to help those involved in Parish Pastoral Councils.

Mullinavat Parish Hall: Mondays: 7th, 14th, 21st November, 8.00 - 9.00pm

St. Patrick’s Centre, Kilkenny: Tuesdays: 8th, 15th, 22nd November, 8.00 - 9.00pm

Canon Malone Hall, Ballyragget: Wednesdays: 9th, 16th, 23rd November, 8.00 - 9.00pm.

We invite members of our Parish Team to attend one of these series.

Westcourt News

The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession and blessings of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place on Monday, 14th November in Westcourt at 7.30pm. The members of Callan Co-Operative will organise the liturgy. All are welcome. Please note the change of date. There will be no Mass in Westcourt on Monday, 7 November 2011.

Closure of Embassy to Holy See

Statement by Cardinal Séan Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland.

“… I wish to express my profound disappointment at this decision which means that Ireland will be without a resident ambassador to the Holy See for the first time since diplomatic relations were established and envoys were exchanged between the two States in 1929. I know that many others will share this disappointment.

This decision seems to show little regard for the important role played by the Holy See in international relations and of the historic ties between the Irish people and the Holy See over many centuries.

It is worth recalling that for the new Irish State the opening of diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1929 was a very significant moment. It was very important in asserting the identity and presence of the Irish Free State internationally in view of the fact that Irish diplomatic representation abroad was then confined to the Legation in Washington, the Office of the High Commissioner in London, the Permanent Delegate to the League of Nations, and the Embassy to the Holy See.

I hope that despite this regrettable step, the close and mutually beneficial co-operation between Ireland and the Holy See in the world of diplomacy can continue – based on shared commitment to justice, peace, international development and concern for the common good…”

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society

The monthly meeting of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on this Wednesday 9th November in the Parish Centre, immediately after the 10.30am Mass. All welcome.

Evening of Prayer for Vocations

An evening of prayer to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church, at 7.30pm on this Thursday 10th November. Fr. Dan will lead us in a Hoy Hour, followed by the Rosary and conclude with Mass. A cup of tea will be served in the Parish Centre afterwards. All welcome.

New Translation of Roman Missal

On next Sunday, 13th November Bishop Séamus Freeman will celebrate Mass in St Mary's Cathedral to formally present the revised texts of the Roman Missal to the diocese. This will be in anticipation of the use of the revised texts in all churches in the diocese from the first Sunday of Advent onwards. All parishioners, especially members of the Parish Pastoral Council, Eucharistic Ministers, Readers and others who exercise ministry in our parish, are invited to this diocesan celebration. The Mass will commence at 3.00pm.

Choir Workshop

Forty Hours Adoration

Forty Hours Adoration for the Feast of Christ the King will commence after the 6.30pm Mass on Friday, 18th November in St. John’s Church. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Séamus Freeman and will conclude with Solemn Benediction.

There is a Rota for Adoration in the Sacristies of our parish churches. Anyone who would like to volunteer to spend an hour or even half an hour before the Blessed Sacrament should call to the Sacristy after Mass.

Rosary at James Green

The monthly Rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday, 6th November at 3.00pm. All are welcome.

Church Gate Collection

The annual church gate collection in aid of Peace in Christ Retreat House will take place this weekend, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November. Peace in Christ is our diocesan retreat house. Please support generously.

Mass for Nurses

Our Faith for the Future

Would you like to engage with questions about our faith as we face a future together? Who better to have this conversation with than the younger members of our communities? Why not join us, then, on Thursday 17th November when 6 Senior Cycle Secondary School Students from our diocese will publically discuss and engage in questions on the topic… "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Tim 12:4)

Venue: St Patrick’s Parish Centre – 8.00pm

Knitting Classes

Knitting Classes will continue in the St. Patrick’s Parish Centre on Wednesday evenings from 7.00pm - 9.00pm. All are welcome.

Swimming Classes

Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership are organising a new introductory swimming class for Older Adults in The Watershed, beginning Thursday, 10th of November from 11.00am - 11.45am. This is a 6 week programme for complete beginners and costs €20 for the set of lessons.

Irish Wheelchair Association

Please support the Irish Wheelchair Association’s sale of angel pins, pencils, phone charms and fun packs in Kilkenny city and the surrounding towns and villages on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th of November.

Secondary Schools Talent Final

Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny on Thursday 10^th November @ 8.00pm. Schools represented: Kilkenny CBS, Presentation, St Kieran’s College, Loreto, Colaiste Pobail Osrai, Grennan College, Thomastown, Castlecomer Community School and Duiske College, Graiguenamanagh. Tickets available from the Watergate Theatre: 056 776 1675. Proceeds to Enable Ireland, O’Neill Centre, Kilkenny.

International Eucharistic Congress

Volunteers urgently needed for the 50^th International Eucharistic Congress 2012
The 50th International Eucharistic Congress 2012 (IEC2012) will take place in Dublin from 10th to 17^th June 2012. Volunteers will have an integral role to play in the success of the Congress. Between two and three thousand volunteers will be needed during the week of the Congress and also to assist in preparations in the months leading up to the Congress. The Congress is now recruiting volunteers for a wide range of roles and if you would like to get involved please visit the IEC2012 website www.iec2012.ie/volunteer and fill out an online application or request an application form from the Congress office. For more information please contact the IEC2012 offices on (01) 2349900 or volunteeradmin@iec2012.ie The Congress is planning for 80,000 participants in the closing ceremony; 25,000 participants each day; 12,000 international pilgrims, 5 continents and 2,500 young people. This will be the biggest international event in Ireland in 2012, one that will have a significant impact for Ireland with the largest gathering of the Irish Catholic Church since 1979.