Monday, March 24, 2014

2nd Sunday of Lent, 16th March 2014

The Sacrament of Confirmation
We congratulate one young lady and twelve young men from the School of the Holy Spirit who received their Confirmation at St. Fiacre’s Church on last Thursday.  Congratulations to all the parents, teachers and school staff members who helped prepare these young adults to become full members of our Christian Community. 
These young people join 72 others who received the Sacrament of Confirmation the previous weekend.  We wish the young people involved God’s blessing as they put the fruits of the Holy Spirit into action in their lives.
 
St. Patrick’s Day
Ceiliúraimid Lá Fhéile Naomh Pádraig Éarlaimh na hÉireann ar an Luan seo chugainn, ní hamháin in Éirinn ach ar fud an domhain mhór. Tógadh mar sclábhaí é go hAontroim áit ar chaith sé, sé bliana ag aoireacht muc. Bhí sé mar nós aige guí chun Dé céad uair sa ló agus céad uair san oíche. D’éalaigh sé go dtí an Fhrainc agus oirníodh ina shagart é agus ina dhiaidh sin rinneadh easpag de. D’fhill sé ar Éirinn agus chraobhscaoil sé Soiscéal na Críostaíochta.
Tugann an fhéile deis dúinn buíochas a ghabháil le Dia as an tseoid luachmhar seo a bhronn Naomh Pádraig orainn. Gabhaimid buíochas chomh maith dóibh siúd idir chléir agus tuath a scaip an Creideamh ar fud an domhain. Bhí Pádraig umhal de shíor i láthair Dé. Ins an Confessio cuireann sé é féin in aithne dúinn mar seo Mise Pádraig, peacach róthútach, an té is lú de na fíréin go léir agus an té is mó a bhfuil dímheas ag a lán.” Tugaimis ómós dó mar ba chóir.
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig ar chlann mhór dhomhanda na nGael, sa bhaile agus ar fud na cruinne, ar ár lá náisiúnta ceiliúrtha féin.
 
Evening of Reflection
Thanks to 49 people who attended the parish evening of Reflection at Peace in Christ Retreat House on last Wednesday.  By all accounts a worthwhile evening was enjoyed by all.
 
 
Message from the Irish Bishops
As we approach St. Patrick’s Day the bishops of Ireland have issues the following message:
“We pray through the intercession of our national patron, St. Patrick, for the faith and well-being of the people of Ireland.  Saint Patrick was called to serve and bring God to a people far from his homeland.  As Saint Patrick’s Day is a holy day of obligation for Catholics in Ireland, the best way to honour him is to attend Mass.
In 2014 we celebrate our national saint’s day in the midst of an ongoing economic recession which has resulted in domestic heartbreak throughout Ireland for many individuals and families due to the pressure of unemployment and emigration.  As the plight of Patrick, himself a migrant, has been faced by many Irish people who have struggled to live and integrate into new cultures, we encourage all the faithful to pray for migrants at home and abroad as many face the challenges arising from displacement and poverty.”        (For more see: www.catholicbishops.ie)
 
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Joe O’Neill, Archers Avenue. Bernadette Fitzgerald, Circular Road. Kevin Foley, Ossory  Park. Edmund Gaynor (Sun 10.00). Josephien Feeney, New York.
Anniversaries: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15). James & Maureen Kelly (Sat 7.00). Jim & Bernie Cadogan (Sun 10.30). Jimmy Waters (Sun 11.00). Sean Egan (Sun 12.00). Michael McInerney (Sun 12.30). Bridget Eardly (Mon 10.00). Thomas Donnelly (Tue 9.30). Gerry & Mary Coyne (Mon 12.00). Jane & Henry Glynn (Thurs 10.30). Jack & Kitty Murphy (Fri 10.30). Edel Bolger Cullen. Sean Murray.  Billy Connick. Paddy Larkin. Mary Hickey. James Doheny Mary Browne. Ellen & Sheila Audoire. William Meehan. Catherine & Elizabeth Nolan. Tom & Eamonn O’Neill. Michael Purcell
Intentions for next weekend: Jack & John Ryan (Sat 6.15). Chris Kenny (Sat 7.00). Pat Mullins (Sun 11.00). Margaret Dunne (Sun 12.00). Paddy Walsh (Sun 12.30).
 
 
Holy Day Mass Times
Sunday Evening: St. Fiacre’s Church (6.15pm).  St. Patrick’s Church (7.00pm).
Monday: St. Patrick’s Church (9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm). St. Joseph’s Church (10.00am). St. Fiacre’s Church (10.30am and 12.00noon).  No parish Masses on Monday evening.
 
Sung High Mass
There will be a sung high Mass in Latin at St. Patrick’s Church at 5.00pm on St. Patrick’s Day. 
 
Extra Weekday Mass for Lent
Thanks to all who attend our extra Lenten Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church.  Mass is at 6.15pm each weekday and all are welcome.
 
St. Vincent De Paul Collection
The monthly collection for the local conference of the St. Vincent De Paul will be taken up at all Masses this Saturday and Sunday.  Please support.
 
Cake and Craft Sale
Local parishioners are hosting a Cake and Craft Sale for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre next weekend. The sales will take place after Masses at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on Saturday, 10.30am and 12.00noon on Sunday.  A wide variety of cakes, tarts, breads and dainties will be available on the day.  There will also be tables with various knits, crafts, hand-made cards, costume jewellery, handbags and pashminas.  The proceeds will help send young people with special needs to Lourdes at Easter.
 
St. Patrick's Community Games
Thank you to everyone who supported last week’s church gate collection.  It was lovely to hear past stories of National Finals in Mosney and thanks to all who wished us well for the future of the games.
 
Trócaire Boxes
Trocaire Family Fast Boxes are available in all our churches this weekend.  Please do take one and use it during Lent. www.trocaire.org for more information.
 
 
Danger of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
The Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative wishes everyone a happy and healthy Saint Patrick’s Day and encourages individuals and families to celebrate the national holiday without an over reliance on alcohol. Bishop Eamonn Walsh said, “Parents are the most important influence on children in terms of alcohol use, and the example set by parents will have a major effect on the relationship young people will have with alcohol.  Although we tend to underestimate our influence on the behavior of children towards alcohol, national and international research indicates that parental influence is much more significant than peer influence.  Pastoral experience in parishes highlights the value of talking to our young people about alcohol use in a calm context.”  (irishbishopsdrugsinitiative.com)
 
GAA 30km Family Fun & 80km Get Fit
On Saturday, 22nd March at James Stephen's Clubrooms, Larchfield. Registration: 9.30am to 10.40am. Cycle start time: 11.00am. Entry Fee: €20 single adult (entry + ticket for prize draw); Family €30 (2) €40 (3). U16a €10. Prize draw and refreshments will be served after the cycle. Information: Liam Power (085 724 0012) or Tim Butler (087 676 4747).
 
Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Kilkenny Branch of this society will hold a Church Gate collection next weekend.
 
Computer Course
Kilkenny Leader Partnership is taking registrations for a Benefit 4 Computer Class which they will be delivering shortly. The course is a good basic computer course covering topics such as using the internet, emails, digital photography, Skype and using social media such as Facebook and Twitter. The course is for 5 weeks commencing on Monday, 24th March in Kilkenny City. Fee for the course is €10.00. For more information or to register for course please contact Connie McGee on 086 771 8040.
 
 
Lenten Stations
The Lenten Station envelope for the support of the priests of the parish and the bishop is taken up around this time.  It is the next white envelope in your pack of contribution envelopes that you received last year.  Sincere thanks to all who support us through these contributions.  We are conscious that many people are finding these time tough and it makes us all the more grateful for your generosity and prayerful support.
 
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2014
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place between 22nd and 27th May.  Places: €745 pps.  For bookings please contact Eleanor, Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414.