Sunday, 11th February 2024
Just a few days ago someone said to me ‘ we still have some of the Christmas cake left’! And here we are just a few days out from Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent. Of course Ash Wednesday and St Valentines day fall on the same day this year. That will be interesting! Hopefully the flowers and chocolates will not be replaced by ashes! Next weekend, after we have had an opportunity of a few days to settle in to lent, we will launch our Lenten programme for 2024. Lent is an opportunity to renew our relationship with the Lord and with our neighbour especially through prayer, acts of generosity, and through sacrifice - going without something that allows us to enter into solidarity especially with the poor and with the whole creation. Lent is a springtime when we allow the new life of Easter which we will celebrate at the end of March to refresh and revive us.
Lent is traditionally the time of year when we seek new people to volunteer for our various ministries. We would be delighted if many of you would consider volunteering as Ministers of the Word, Eucharistic Ministers, etc.
I would especially appeal to young people - those in secondary school upwards to consider volunteering for one year. There are many areas of parish life where you could be involved in and I would be delighted to hear from you.
If anyone is interested in ministry or volunteering please contact me directly at kieranoshea@ossory.ie or 086 8272828. Young people under 18 years should ask their parents to make contact. All volunteers are subject to safeguarding protocols.
Kieran

Weekly Collections
Envelope Collection: €915
St. Patrick’s Baskets: €333.77
St. Fiacre’s Baskets: €1370.91
Foulkstown Basket: €243.47
Thank you for your continued support.

Popes Intentions - February
For the terminally ill. We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.

Pray for Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased:  Stephen Murphy, Thomas Square & formerly Maple Drive. Anne Delahunty, Shellumsrath & formerly Patrick St.  Stephen Sheehan, Kilsheelin Heights & Meadow Hill. Dermot Keary, Clane.
Anniversaries:
6.15pm: Rory Quinn. The Drennan Family.
10.30am: Nancy O’Sullivan.
12.00noon: Michael Walsh & Milo Bourke. John Ryan. Paddy O’Brien.
Fri. 10.30am: Margaret & Michael Muldowney.
Anniversary List: Michael Dargan. Willie Walsh. Colm Kennedy. Michael O’Dwyer. Eamon Talent. John O’Grady. Tom Kavanagh. Fr Philip Ryan. Patrick Ryan. John Delaney.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Eamon Gaffney. Mary Funcheon (Sat 6.15). Ann Condon. Mick, Mary & Liam Costello. Tom Brett (Months Mind) (Sun 10.30). Bill O’Connor. Peter Maher. Molly Johnston (Sun 12.00).
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed and forever dear.

Parish Contribution Envelopes
The parish envelopes for the coming year will soon be ordered and will be delivered around the first week of April to those households who contribute to the parish in this manner. Those who contribute by standing order will receive a pack of 5 envelopes for the support of priests and bishop. These special collections are separate from parish contributions.
If you are not receiving parish envelopes and would like to contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the parish and the priests, please contact Michelle in the Parish Office by phone 056 776 4400 or email stpatricksparish@ossory.ie during this coming week. Many thanks to all who already contribute. It is much appreciated.

Trócaire Family Fast Boxes
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.

Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins
Ash Wednesday occurs this week and is the beginning of the Season of Lent. At our Masses on Ash Wednesday we will bless ashes and begin our Lenten observance. Please note that pupils from our local schools may be present for the distribution of ashes at 9.30am and 10.30am Masses.

Ash Wednesday Celebrations
9.30am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church
10.30am Mass in St. Fiacre’s Church
1pm – Liturgy of the Word in St. Fiacre’s Church and distribution of ashes

Dates for your diary 2024
Confirmation Workshops - Wednesday 14th, 21st, 28th February at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church.
Parish Confirmation - Friday 15th March.
First Holy Communion Programme Dates - St. Fiacre’s Church/Parish Centre at 7pm. Tues 20th February, Tues 5th March, Tues 12th March (First Confession), Tues 16th April.
First Holy Communion - Sat 27th April & Sat 18th
May. Please note dates/times for workshops/programmes may change.

Our Lady of Lourdes
Today the 11th February is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1858 Our Lady appeared for the first time to Bernadette Soubirous a poor, fourteen old girl. Christians from all over the world come to the Sacred Shrine every year seeking healing from illness and seeking spiritual grace. The following prayer is taken from Ár bPaidreacha Dúchais.
Virgin Mary, glorious, gentle, beautiful, you are my beloved, my sustenance, my treasure, you are my
guiding star, leading me on my way, and in this valley of tears you are my friend. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Medjugorje Mass
The monthly Medjugorje Mass takes place in St. Fiacre’s Church at 7.30pm on Monday 12th February. All are welcome.

CMVC Open Night
For new members, Monday 22th February 2024,
Avalon House Hotel, Castlecomer at 7.30pm. Please! Bring your musical instruments! Bring your lovely voices. Castlecomer can be proud of its Male Voice Choir celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2024. There are not many communities in Ireland the size of Castlecomer that can boast of having a 30 +strong male voice choir. The choir is not confined to Castlecomer, we draw members from Clogh, Moneenroe, Coon, Ballyragget, Ballylinan, Kilkenny City, Johnswell Paulstown and Hugginstown. We extend an invitation to any male singers to come and join us on the Open Night
For over 40 years we have met and made many great friends and may we meet and make many more over the next 40 years.

St Valentine’s Day Blessing

May the Lord bless you when St. Valentine’s Day is here
May He keep you in his loving care
everyday throughout the year
and may He grant you happiness
in everything you do
for in everything you seek and share
His love is always with you
Happy St. Valentine’s Day

Young at Heart
The Young at Heart Club meet every Wednesday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Parish Centre. All are welcome.