Tuesday, March 11, 2014

First Sunday of Lent, 9th March 2014

The Sacrament of Confirmation
We congratulate 71 boys and girls from St. Patrick’s De La Salle Boys’ School, St. John of God Girls’ School and the Kilkenny School Project and one guest from Atlanta, USA who celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend.  Bishop Séamus Freeman SAC joined us on Saturday morning for the ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral and a wonderful occasion was had by all.
We look forward to next Thursday morning when Bishop Séamus will join us again to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with 13 boys and girls from the School of the Holy Spirit.  This celebration will be at St. Fiacre’s Church at 11.30am and we look forward to a great occasion.
Congratulations to all the parents, teachers and school staff members who helped prepare these young adults to become full members of our Christian Community.  We wish the young people involved God’s blessing as they put the fruits of the Holy Spirit into action in their lives.
 
Invitation to Parishioners
You are invited to spend a few hours with your neighbours and friends at Peace in Christ Retreat House on this Wednesday evening from 8.00 to 10.00pm.  During this time the Retreat House Team will lead us in a time of reflection and prayer culminating in the celebration of the Mass. All parishioners - men and women - are invited and it is hoped a goodly number will turn up.  Bring your neighbours and friends.  However, to facilitate seating and refreshments, it is important that you let us know if you intend being there.  Please telephone the Parish Office (776 4400)early to book your place.  Choir members, readers and Eucharistic Ministers are encouraged to make an effort to attend.
 
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.
 
 
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! Contact Fr. Liam on 776 4400 or visit www.pioneerassociation.ie
 
Extra Mass for Lent
Don’t forget we have an extra Mass at 6.15pm at St. Fiacre’s Church every weekday during Lent.
 
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Dinny Carrigan, Ballyfoyle. Kitty Whelan, Finglas and Conahy.
Anniversaries: 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). Andy Henderson(Mon 9.30). Fr. Phil O’Brien (Tues 6:15), Bridie Carroll (Wed 10.30). Patrick Cantwell (Wed 6.15). Olive Malone (Thurs 6.15). Fr. Phil O’Brien, Vincent Morrissey. Brigid Slattery. Patrick Brennan. Ellen McCabe. Paddy Hanrahan
Intentions for next weekend: Eamon O’Toole (Sat 6.15). James & Maureen Kelly (Sat 7.00). Edmund Gaynor (Sun 10.00). Jimmy Waters (Sun 11.00). Sean Egan (Sun 12.00). Michael McInerney (Sun 12.30).
 
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.
 
 
Procedures for Forms and References
The priests of the parish are often asked to sign forms, witness signatures and provide references and they are happy to do so but please note:
Pension forms, passport applications and other documents that are used to verify one’s identity MUST be signed BY the person whose name is on the form in the presence of the priest   It is not acceptable to send in a mother, father, granny or other person to get these forms signed and a refusal can cause upset.
When requesting a reference, you must be at least known to the priest as he must give an honest appraisal of the person seeking the reference.  Asking a family member or someone else to look  for a reference on your behalf is not acceptable.  Keep in mind there is a legal requirement to correctly witness  signatures etc.  Thank you for your co-operation.                      Fr. Liam
                                        
St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society
A meeting of the local conference will take place in St. Patrick’s Parish Centre after the 10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church on Friday, 4th March.  All are welcome to attend. 
 
Divine Mercy
There will be an hour of prayer and adoration in honour of Divine Mercy in the Capuchin Friary Church on Sunday, 9th March from 3.00 to 4.00pm.
 
Attention Young People!
An hour of Adoration and Healing in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, St. Mary’s Cathedral every Sunday evening from7.30pm.  Secondary school age and upwards.  Contact Sean on 086 371 5882.
 
Walking With Christ @ St. Mary’s
Wednesdays during Lent at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Mass at 9.00am. Reflective reading for Lent: Chapter Room at 10.00am.
 
Whist Drive
A whist drive will be held in the Community Centre, Tullaroan on Wednesday12th March at 8.30pm. Proceeds go to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust, Group 174.
 
 
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2014
The annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place between 22nd and 27th May.  Places: €7456 pps.  For bookings please contact Eleanor, Glenmore Parish Office on 051 880 414.

 
Novena to St. Joseph
The annual Mill Hill Missionaries novena to St. Joseph begins on Tuesday, 11th March.  Novena Mass and prayers each evening at 8.00pm in the Mill Hill Chapel, St. Joseph’s, Waterford Road.  All welcome.
 
Kilkenny Flower Club
Kilkenny Flower Club will welcome Beatrice Hartog to demonstrate in Butler House on Thursday, 13th March at 8.00pm. All welcome.
 
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 from 11.15am 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.
 
GAA 30km Family Fun & 80km Get Fit
On Saturday, 22nd March at James Stephens’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), U16s 10. Prize draw and refreshments will be served after the cycle. Information: Liam Power (085 724 0012) or Tim Butler (087 676 4747).
 
Loughboy Library
Computer Course: for beginners/improvers starts on Tuesday, 1st April. Application forms are available at Loughboy Library. Course provider is SOLAS.
Computer Tips: Continue on Fridays at 3.45pm.
Exhibitions: Free space for paintings, crafts, etc.
 
 
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.
 
Church Gate Collection
The Kilkenny Branch  of  the Multiple Sclerosis Church gate collection will take place 15th and 16th March. 
 
‘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.
 
Reaching Out Together
Ireland Reaching out & Ancestry.com will hold free information seminar in Portlaoise Parish Centre on April 9th at 8pm. The seminar supported by Laois Partnership Company will explore how to use Ancestry.com and also discuss reverse genealogy techniques. Please reserve your place by emailing roadshow@irelandxo.com or call 091 842 013. 
 
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.