Selfless love
It can be difficult to understand why anyone would willingly place a burden on themselves. We are bombarded daily with promises of a better, easier life. Magazines and lifestyle gurus offer us a better work-life balance. New gadgets pledge to remove obstacles or irritations and make our lives less stressful. It's all a bit of a contrast to the message of to- day's gospel, where Jesus says that his followers must take up their cross. Why would we deliberately suffer, or take on a burden? Surely we should aim to make our lives as easy as possible!
Yet, we see self-sacrifice all the time. Parents make sacrifices for their children, and many people tend lovingly to elderly parents or relatives. Friends give up their time to listen and support each other. Teachers go the extra mile for a vulnerable child, and nurses, doctors, and care workers often go beyond the call of duty. Countless people give up their time and resources to help those in need, whether it's raising funds for charities or offering practical sup- port to those who are sick, homeless, or struggling. And it's all done out of love.
When Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to suffer grievously and be put to death, they naturally react with shock, as it seems like a strange path to choose. But he is not doing it simply to make life difficult for himself. His sacrifice stems from his passionate love for us, just as we would sacrifice everything for someone we love dearly. Being a follower of Jesus means being prepared to sometimes put others' needs before our own.
Tríona Doherty
St. Mary's Cathedral Draw Results
1st: Mary Griffin, Ferrybank. 2nd: Eugene Kealy, St. Mary's. 3rd: Mary O'Meara, Castlecomer. 4th: Paula Phelan, St. Mary's. 5th: Jack & Aggie Keoghan, Tullaroan. 6th: Mrs Kelly, St. Mary's. 7th: Tullaherin Choir, Tullaherin. 8th: Lil Quinn, Lisdowney. 9th: John O'Shea, Templeorum. 10th: Fr. Frank Maher, Johnstown. The next draw will take place on Wednesday 27th September 2017.
Many thanks for your continued support. To join the draw please contact Fr. Roderick.
Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Dixie Leahy, Riverside Drive. Willie Duggan, Dunmore. Mary Dunne, Birmingham (Wed 10.30).
Months Mind: Sr. Eithne McHale (Sat 7.00). Michéal Brennan (Sun 10.30). Mary Dwyer (Fri 10.30). Anne Kelly (Sat 9.30).
Anniversaries: Denis Staunton (Sun 10.00). Jacquel- ine Rainey (Sun 11.00). May Tallent (Sun 12.00). Michael "Muggers" Larkin (Sun 12.30). Brigid Kenny (Tues 10.30). Johnny Sheridan. The Cassin Fami- ly. Joe Dunne. Ben Delahunty. Annmarie Manogue. Paddy Ryan.
Intentions for next weekend: Sean O'Keeffe (Sat 6.15). Chrissie Scott (Sat 7.00). Michael Reddy (Sun 9.30). Michelle Reynolds (Sun 10.00). Catherine Grace (Sun 10.30). Living & Deceased Relatives of the Duggan Fami- ly (Sun 11.00). Eileen Barham (Sun 12.00). Jimmy Long (Sun 12.30). Anniversaries must be submitted to the office by Thursday at the latest. Anniversaries after that will be published the following week.
Baptisms
Two weeks notice is required for a baptism in the parish. Baptisms take place on the 2nd (St. Patrick's) & 4th (St. Fiacre's) Saturdays and the 3rd (St. Pat- rick's) Sunday of each month. 056 7764400.
St. Joseph's Young Priests Society
The AGM of St. Joseph's Young Priest Society will take place in St. Patrick's Parish Centre after 10.30am Mass next Friday, 8th September. All, especially new members are invited to attend.
Theological Studies
St. Kieran's College, as part if its mission of education and formation, wishes to offer, on behalf of the Diocese of Ossory, a programme of education for the people of the diocese. The programme will begin next September and will be offered on the Kilkenny Campus of NUI Maynooth, based at St. Kieran's College. Further information from Declan Murphy on 056 775 3624 or 087 908 1470 or on declanmurphy@ossory.ie.
Young at Heart
The young at Heart Club resumes on Wednesday, 13th of September at 2.30pm in the Parish Centre
Online Theology Course
Join our supportive student community and study theology by distance learning this Autumn. Application deadline September 26th. 01 404 8124. enquiries@prioryinstitute.com www.prioryinstitute.com.
Rosary
The monthly rosary on the first Sunday in James's Green at the statue of Our Lady of Kilkenny continues this Sunday 3rd September at 3pm.
Kilkenny Carer's Support Group
Tuesday September 5th, 3.00-4.30pm at The Village Day Centre (behind the Village Inn Pub).
Information and support for past/present carers of people with Alzheimer's/Dementia. Everyone welcome. Drop in to group or for more information call 056 777 1230.
Kilkenny Medjugorje Pilgrimage
Wed 4th Oct. €649 for 7 nights. (inclusive tax and insurance). Bed and Breakfast evening meal. House near church. Contact Ann Fitzpatrick 056 776 5840 or 086 882 5622 Loughboy Library News Loughboy Library will close for renovations from Sept 4th-26th. It will re-open on Wed Sept 27 . Patrons are asked to use Johns Quay library and other branches during this time. Johns Quay library will remain open until 8pm on Fridays in addition to its normal hours. There will be a returns box in the post office. We apologise for the inconvenience to our patrons.
Light & Hope
Teac Tom, Light & Hope Community Walk takes place on Sunday 10th September from 6.30pm at McDonagh Junction, Kilkenny. Registration €10. Everyone will receive a balloon to carry along the route remembering our loved ones lost to suicide. Teac Tom supporting Families "Giving Light & Hope". Contact Amy: 086 2073220. www.thethomashayestrust.com.
Westcourt News
Mass will be celebrated in Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel, Westcourt on Monday, 4th September 2017 at 7.30pm to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund in our lives and for his canonisation. All are welcome.
Knock Shrine
Handel's Messiah - Saturday 18th November at 7.30pm sees the return of the RTÉ Concert Orches- tra to present Handel's 'iconic' Messiah at Knock Basilica. Conducted by Proinnsías Ó Duinn with soloists, Soprano Claudia Boyle, Alto Anne Marie Gibbons, Tenor Julian Hubbard and Bass Christopher Cull together with Our Lady's Choral Society, Cór Mhaigh Eo and Ballina Chamber Choir. Presented by Liz Nolan, RTE lyric fm. Tickets available now at www.knockmessiah.com and at the Witness to Hope office Knock Shrine and Downtown Records Castlebar & Westport.
Bargue Gerome Cours De Dessin
(Drawing Course). Explore this famous and fabled 19th-century drawing course. 10-week course, every Wednesday from 10.00am-12.30pm, starting 27 September 2017 at St. Patrick's Parish Centre. Cost: € 200. All materials supplied. 10% discount from Cork Art Supplies. See www.classicalartatelier.com or telephone 087 660 9644 for info and booking.
Alliance Francaise
Enrolment night in Club House Hotel on Tuesday 5th September from 7pm to 9pm. Classes in French in all levels - beginners, improvers and advanced. Cultural evenings. All welcome.
GROW Table Quiz
Thursday 14th September 2017 at 8.30pm in Billy Byrnes Pub, John St. Kilkenny.
Parish Centre Bookings
St. Patrick's Parish Centre is available for meeting and social/parish groups etc. Parish Office. 056 776 4400
