Monday, March 3, 2014

Eight Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2nd March 2014

Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins
Ash Wednesday occurs this week and is the beginning of the Season of Lent.  At our morning Masses we will bless ashes and begin our Lenten observance.   Please note that pupils from our local schools will be present for the distribution of ashes at 9.30am and 10.30am Masses.  If you wish to avoid the large crowds, we have an evening Mass at 6.15 in St. Fiacre’s Church.
 
Extra Mass for Lent
As mentioned above, starting on Wednesday there will be an evening Mass at St. Fiacre’s Church at 6.15pm on each weekday of Lent.  In the past this has been a very popular celebration for people wishing to make Mass a part of their Lenten observance.  All are welcome to join us.  Our morning Masses remain at the usual times: St. Patrick’s Church at 9.30am and St. Fiacre’s Church at 10.30am. 
 
Do Something Special this Lent!
Many people choose to abstain from alcohol for the duration of Lent.  Take this opportunity to help someone you love with an alcohol or drug problem by offering up your sacrifice as a prayer for their freedom and wellbeing.  Take the Short-Term pledge and make a difference to someone’s life!  Visit www.pioneerassociation.ie or contact Fr. Liam on 056 776 4400.
 
First Friday of March
The first Friday of March occurs this week.  The priests of the parish hope to visit the sick and home bound at the usual times.  Please inform the Parish Office (776 4400) if you would like to have a name added to the list.
 
First Saturday Devotion
Will take place in St. Fiacre’s Church on Saturday March 1st after 6.15pm Mass. Prayers and adoration will end at 9pm. All are welcome. 
 
 
‘The Joy of the Gospel’
Would you like to join a group to read and discuss the above short book by Pope Francis?  Meeting at St. Patrick's Parish Centre on Mondays at 11.00am.  All are welcome.  This book by Pope Francis is now available at The Chapter House Book Shop in the Cathedral grounds.  It costs 4.99 and is well worth reading and reflecting upon.
 
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2014
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to our Lady’s Shrine at Lourdes will take place between 22nd and 27th May this year.  Places are available at 745 per person sharing.  For bookings please contact Ms Eleanor O’Connor, Glenmore Parish Office.  Telephone 051 880 414 (10.30am - 2.30pm on Monday, Thursday and Friday) or glenmore@ossory.ie
 
 
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Very Rev. Seamus Canon Henry, Freshford.
Months Mind: Eilish Dunne (Sun 10.30)
Anniversaries: Mena Somers & Frank O’Brien (Sat 6.15). Pat Adams (Sat 7.00). Davy Maher (Sun 10.00). Michael Muldowney (Sun 11.00). John Hennessy (Sun 12.00). Bill O’Connor (Sun 12.30). Philly & Statia Grace (Tues 10.30). Evelyn Herlihy & Christian Maher (Wed 9.30). Michael & Mary Maher (Wed 10.30). Jenny Clancy (Thurs 6.15). Tess & John Kelly (Fri 10.30). Vincent Morrissey (Fri 6.15).  Mikey Holland. Lizzy Ryan. Eamon Muldowney. Michael McKane. Patrick Leahy. Mary Fitzpatrick. Sr. Teresa Landy. Catherine McDonald. Mick Cahill. Liam Bergin. Joanna Fanning. John & Annie Free. Stan Landers. Ellen & Carmel Hayes. Tony Mulhall. Denis Gorey.  Tommy McCarthy.
Intentions for next weekend:  Michael ‘Mick’ Brophy (Sat 6.15). Lulu Lynch (Sat 7.00). Bobby Brannigan (Sun 9.30). Peggy McGrath (Sun 10.00). Brian Griffin (Sun 10.30). Michael & May Brannigan (Sun 11.00). John Dooley (Sun 12.00). Canice & Michael Dunphy (Sun 12.30).
 
An Croí Nua
An adult faith development programme compiled especially for those looking towards renewal in Ireland. The programme is based on our Celtic Spirituality with scripture woven throughout. A wonderful opportunity to share faith and to meet others interested in renewal. The programme will take place in the Parish Centre during the Tuesdays of Lent starting on Tuesday, 4th March  from11.15am to 12.45pm.  As this is a small group booking is essential.  It interested please book your place by calling Eileen Ross on 087 206 4262. If overbooked we will look at the possibility of running a second group, maybe at night if possible.
 
Trocaire Boxes
The annual Trocaire Lenten Appeal begins on Wednesday.  Trocaire Boxes are available at the back of all our churches as a way of helping the needy.  Please do take one and use it during Lent.
 
Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 2nd March at 3pm.
 
Anniversary Notices 
Please try to get all anniversary notices into the office by Thursday before publication.  We ask that you write the details on a page (not a tiny scrap of paper which can easily be misplaced), telephone the details to 056 776 4400 or send an email to stpatricksparish@ossory.ie. We endeavour to include all notices accurately but we cannot accept responsibility for misspellings and late submissions.
 
Loughboy Library
Craft Club on Wednesday at 2pm. Free computer tips on Fridays @ 3.45pm. Five week computer course commencing on Tues April 1st. Free exhibition space for art, crafts and photography. Free raffle for all visitors on World Book Day March 6th Tel: 7764176. 
 
Workshop
How the Story of the Earth and the Universe connects with the God Story and with our own Human Story.  Sr. Colette Cullinan RSM.  Date: Saturday 22nd March 2014. Time: 10.00am to 4.30pm at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre. Cost - 10 – please bring packed lunch – tea and coffee will be provided.
Booking:   Please book before 11th March by contacting Pam or Catherina at 056 772 2870 from 9.00am to 5.00pm.  This workshop will help us explore how to articulate our faith in today’s world and find authentic ways of being Church today.
 
Widows Association
The Widows Association meet the first Thursday of each month in The Club House Hotel at 2.30pm. New members welcome.
 
James Stephens Camogie
Camogie Registration will take place in the Club Rooms Larchfield on Friday, 7th March from 8.00 - 9.00 p.m.  U18 - 35.00. Over 18 - 70.00. Looking forward to the return of all members and hoping to see lots of new members. Come and enjoy the fun.
Further details - 086 2031623.
 
World Day of Prayer
(International and Interdenominational) ‘Streams in the Desert’ Prepared by the Christian Women of Egypt
Friday 7th March 2014. Women and men welcome. Service takes place: The Presbyterian Church, New Road, Kilkenny. Time 8pm. 
 
Mass Bookings
For the main part we are happy to book particular Masses for special intentions like anniversaries etc.  However, we take the booking on the understanding that funeral Masses take precedence.  If an anniversary Mass is booked for a time required for a funeral the earlier intention will be mentioned and the Mass offered at the earliest time agreeable to the relatives and priest.
 
Walk the Camino This Summer
31st May 2014: seven days in the beautiful hilly and historic surroundings of Northern Spain.  See the sights and cultural highlights of the Camino De Santiago. Flights, transfers, accommodation and a meal per day included. Anyone aged 18 to 65 can take part; no hiking experience needed, just a basic level of fitness. All funds raised will go to Youth Programmes, Clubs and Opportunities for Young People in the Diocese of Ossory. For details:  Desert Hall, New Street or contact Dave on 056 776 1200.