April 2019 – Issue 20 OSSORY ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

OSSORY TIMES Sharing the life of our Diocese Retreats & Parish Evenings • PARISH GROUPS • FIRST COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION PARENTS • NURSING HOMES • AND MUCH MORE...... a chance to take time to come to pray together.

A time ofTo bookstillness please contactand reflection Ossory Adult Faith Development Office 056-7753624 or email [email protected] APRIL 2019 OSSORY TIMES

Editorial Welcome to the latest edition of the Ossory Times. inthisissue The Easter message, which we proclaim in these Editorial...... 1 days, is one of great hope. Death has been Pastoral Area Gatherings...... 2 overcome - his resurrection is for us a beacon of Suicide...... 10 hope. Where he has gone we are to follow. We believe, then, in a God who offers us welcome Ossory Priests' Retreat...... 12 into eternal life. What good news that is for us. But Morality Matters...... 14 this good news was hewn in hard days; that first Journeying with God and Illness...... 16 journey to Easter was difficult and painful - but it was necessary and its fruits bear life today. Celebrating Confirmation...... 18 Our Lady of Fatima...... 19 Our Church today is making a journey. We Reading God's Word...... 20 know that it is changing; necessitated changes responding to the reality that lies before us, and Sharing together the journey of Lent...... 24 like those who encountered the empty tomb we Post Primary Religion Advisors...... 26 can chose to be downcast or to see the endless Naomh Bríd, Ferrybank...... 27 possibilities that lie in front of us. Throughout Lent, Bishop Dermot has held many conversations in St Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund .... 28 all parts of our Diocese exploring with people Congregational Chapter...... 31 exciting possibilities for the Church in Ossory into the future - parishes and people working together Catholic Schools' Week...... 32 to continue to bring our faith to life. Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.... 36 Canon Law Matter...... 40 As the pages of this edition testify we have reason for great hope. It is wonderful to see so many Pioneer Total Abstinence Association..... 43 people come forward to serve as extraordinary Black Abbey Novena...... 44 Ministers of the Eucharist; to be Ministers of the The Vocation to Encourage...... 46 Word, to populate our Parish Councils and Finance Committees and do so much more in The Cross of Healy...... 49 our parishes. If Lent has taught us anything in Billy's Tea Rooms...... 50 Ossory it is how fortunate we are to have so many Quiz Pages...... 51 people, young and not os young - and all ages in between - engaged in these conversations, preparing for ministry and handing on the faith to others. This edition of the Ossory Reflections on our Pastoral Area Gatherings Times, then, offers some insight into the Page 2 energy for faith we have in Ossory. This too is reason for great hope.

I would like to wish you and your family a very blessed Easter. May the message of the risen Lord inspire a hope that can never be dulled. As always we hope you enjoy this publication. Comments, suggestions and contributions are most welcome for future editions. Articles or advertisements for upcoming events or of recent events, can be sent to:

Rev. Dr Dermot Ryan Ossory Adult Faith Development St Kieran's College, College Road, Kilkenny Tel 056 7753624 Email [email protected] Web www.ossory.ie Catholic Schools' Week PAGE 1 Page 32 OSSORY TIMES APRIL 2019

Bishop Dermot Farrell addresses pastoral areas in Ossory.

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... an opportunity for priests and people to be part of a conversation about the future of their parishes ...

Reflections on our Pastoral Area Gatherings

Gemma Mulligan, Pastoral Coordinator - recognising the workload and unrealistic demands being placed on them. There is In November 2018 at a conference so much happening in parishes all across for clergy and laity, action steps were the diocese and that was evident from identified by way of response to the the feedback as part of the format of the changing nature of the Church in Ossory. meetings. Great discussions took place Moving into Pastoral Areas was one and while there is sadness and perhaps a of the proposals and another stage of fear element in all of this, the future is not consultation about this began during without hope. Lent 2019. Bishop Dermot has visited the 14 proposed Pastoral Areas and met with There is a clear understanding that how the Parish Pastoral Councils and Finance we are as a Church in Ossory at this time Committees from all of these Parishes. is not something we can continue into the future. The meetings were an opportunity for priests and people to be part of a We are in a time of great change in our conversation about the future of their Church, our parishes today look different parishes and how best parishes can work from the ones many of us grew up in and together in new ways. the ones we are most familiar with. This time of change that we are experiencing The meetings for me gave a glimpse once as a family in Ossory diocese is difficult more into the faith life of those who live in but it can also be a time of great hope Ossory. Those who came to the gatherings for us all. Our parishes might begin to look expressed their strong faith, their love for different but this is a time of beginning their Parish and their hope for the future. not of the end. A time for opportunities It was recognised that the decisions that and growth. are made now, and the structures we put in place, are the foundations for what is to Bishop Dermot has said, “This time of come. The moments of great importance reduced numbers may well afford us an in our parishes were discussed and were opportunity to be creative and reimagine similar in all meetings. People shared their the Institutional Church. We have not appreciation and concern for their priests been abandoned by God. God's will is

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to be found in this situation. Let us not gathering. The evening was made up of look back to our own experience of the discussions, some of it robust. The issues church of our youth but look ahead to facing the Diocesewere not new to us. the church in which we will minister and We were all members of Parish Pastoral worship in the years ahead’’ Councils or Finance Committees, some of us were also on the Middle Deanery Bishop Dermot is inviting all the baptised committee.Declining numbers of priests, into a process where we will walk together, fewer numbers going to mass and how to understanding that all of us have a shape the future of our Diocese were all responsibility to carry out the mission discussed. of the Church, the work of God. We understand that the Holy Spirit is leading At the meeting the Bishop listened, and this process and as we continue to pray he understood the concerns but for me for vocations we also pray for leaders two things stood out. and we pray that all of us will recognise 1. When a question was asked it was the responsibility that each of us has by answered but answered with a virtue of our baptism to participate fully in reasoned answer and an answer that the life of our parishes and the mission of could be justified. It showed thought, the Church. consideration and taking on board what had clearly come up in other In his Pastoral Letter Bishop Dermot says meetings that had already taken that ‘good things happen when people place walk and talk together. We inspire each 2. Secondly and possibly most other; we carry each other’s burdens.” importantly, there are decisions that This Lent we came together as a diocese need to be made, the Diocese is to find new ways in how we can work being consulted and decisions are better together as the people of God in being made Ossory. We listened to each other, heard each other’s stories. We walked together On the face if it may appear that a and talked together and I know that crisis is looming. If I’m honest I don’t good things will happen. necessarily agree. What is presented to us is an opportunity. Things that may Alan Burke, St John's Parish have seemed impossible twenty years ago may become our new reality: a lay- And we know that in all things God works led liturgy, with a greater role in running for the good of those who love him, the clustered areas and a level of who have been called according to his involvement that previously would have purpose (Romans 8:28). been unheard of. We as lay people have been given an opportunity and a direct I recently went to a meeting in St Patrick's invitation from the Bishop to get involved. Parish Centre. A dark (it was before the clocks changed), wet Monday night. The This is an opportunity to change, not to four city Parishes had gathered together just change what we do but how we meet Bishop Ferrell. We had gathered think. It is a time for personal reflection to discuss the proposed clustering of also. What church do we wish to be a the city parishes together. I personally part of? We all need to come together to didn’t have any expectation of what embrace this change that is coming and we would discuss. As we sat the room not fear what we may lose but to focus I’m not sure any of us knew what to on what we have to gain. The fulfilment expect, what surprised me was how as of being part of something. We are all a group we were asked questions by part of something bigger and we can all the Bishop. For me it set the tone of the be part of that together.

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We as a Diocese are entering unknown life in our Parish communities can be areas. We need optimism. Optimism that enriched and developed as we move the future can be better than the present into the Pastoral Areas. The most thought- and we have now as members of the lay provoking question was on 'the priority faithful been given the opportunity to be of the Church's mission in the Diocese involved. today.'

My final thoughts go to the words of Some of the parish representatives were Pope John Paul II, ‘This is the condition open to change and realistic about the of the true Christian. He can nurture a future; others were struggling with the trustful optimism, because he is certain concept of the changes to come and of not walking alone. In sending us Jesus, the compromises which inevitably must the eternal Son made man, God has be faced. Bishop Farrell listened to our drawn near to each of us. In Christ he has concerns. He assured us that no churches become ourtraveling companion’. would be closed, but that we would have to travel further than our local churches We are reminded that we are never alone for the Eucharistic celebration at times, and whilst we can’t be sure of what the and become part of a wider pastoral future will bring for us, we can be certain community. He envisaged that each the Holy Spirt will be there to guide us. Parish would continue to have its own Finance Committee and be responsible Windgap Parish Pastoral Council for the upkeep of the church. Each Pastoral Council would send three or Bishop Farrell arranged a meeting to four representatives to an over-arching take place in Dunnamaggin Community Pastoral Council of the three parishes. He Centre on 20th March, to chat with also spoke of the role which parishioners representatives from the Finance could play in terms of Baptismal Teams, Committees and Pastoral Councils of leading the Rosary and prayers at a Windgap, Dunnamaggin and Callan wake, and other such duties. We must Parishes. The purpose of the meeting was embrace change, and, as parishioners to introduce the process of forming a take more responsibility in our parishes. Pastoral Area among the three Parishes, Just as the GAA has embraced change in line with the second strand of the and amalgamated with other clubs to Diocesan Plan. keep those who want to play, playing; so too the joining of three local parishes will Thirty-five to forty people attended, and lead to a new way of working to enhance many of us were apprehensive about the our faith lives. future and the changes which lie ahead. Bishop Farrell addressed the meeting, In Windgap we have the experience outlining the concept of Pastoral Areas of being without a regular and/or and some of the ways in which it is resident priest. We have experienced envisaged that they will function. As the unknown, and the necessity to face part of the process of listening to and change with an open mind, when our late consulting with priests and people in Parish Priest, Fr Martin Cleere, was ill and parishes, we were divided into three died. Parishioners readily came forth and groups and assigned three very thought- volunteered for various roles within the provoking questions to explore and Church. We felt greater responsibility for discuss. They really got us thinking about the future of our faith community. When Fr the faith life of our parishes and the Flavin, RIP, was appointed as Parish Priest central role of the Sunday Eucharistic of both Windgap and Dunnamaggin, we celebration. We thought about how came together and worked together. the high points of the spiritual and faith We kept our Parish identity, even though

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we belonged to a wider community. council would meet together as an The two Pastoral Councils met the priest umbrella body for the three parishes in and arranged reduced mass times to order to make a programme that will best suit the situation. These years have suit the cluster e.g. special day or two prepared us for the inevitable greater lay each month for Baptism, Penitential involvement in the faith life of our Parish Service for the three parishes rotating and for the grouping of Parishes in the to each parish, preparation for First near future. Communion and Confirmation all together but again rotating. We are Breda Campion, Johnstown Parish lucky in the sense that we already have a parish office and secretary During Lent there has been a series shared by the three parishes. of parish cluster meetings with Bishop Farrell. I attended the one designated All in all there was a lot of positivity at for Urlingford, Johnstown and Galmoy the meeting. We all recognise that there with a very good representation from the is a crisis with the scarcity of priests and three Pastoral Councils and the Finance sacrifices will have to be made as regards Committees. some of the services already available, but the group felt that with cooperation After a short introduction from Fr Ollie within the cluster things could run Maher, PP. Urlingford and the opening smoothly. prayer, Bishop Farrell gave a short talk on the shortage of priests in the diocese and The loss of a lot of young people after where do we go from here. The meeting their Confirmation was a worry at our then broke up into three groups which gathering, so perhaps there could be were made up of members from each meetings with young people to chat and parish. Three questions were then given get ideas from them as to what they want to the groups for discussion. from the Church and what they would 1. What are the high points in the faith like. Maybe a junior Pastoral Council life of parishes? The three groups would be a consideration. had more or less the same thoughts Sunday and weekday Masses, the Bishop Farrell then brought the meeting Sacraments, cemetery Masses, to a conclusion and to finish I will say Fr Rosary in Church and in Cemeteries, Ollie makes a mean cup of tea!! funerals, community spirit in the

parish, especially at difficult times. Brid Duffy and Julieann Cantwell, 2. How will these points be developed or Mullinavat Parish enriched when we move into pastoral areas? It was felt that lay people On Wednesday 27th March members could take the lead in lots of areas of the Mullinavat, Ballyhale and e.g. preparation for Baptism, First Aghaviller Pastoral Councils and Finance Communion, Confirmation, evening Committees attended a meeting in prayers and Rosary at funerals, Ballyhale Parish Hall with Bishop Dermot Eucharistic Service on weekdays, but Farrell. training will be needed. 3. What should be the priorities of the The purpose of the evening was to three parishes? It is very important reflect on the life of our diocese and that each parish within the cluster to seek where God is leading us at this retains its own identity. Finances time. Bishop Farrell outlined the current must be kept separate. As regards situation in the diocese regarding the the pastoral services, maybe a few availability of priests, their age profile and representatives from each pastoral the challenges that are ahead with the

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same number of parishes and degreasing he encouraged the community to work numbers of priests. together to create systems that will work for their parish situation. It was an experience of shared dialogue There was agreement that everyone between the three parishes in a collective wanted to maintain at least one Mass approach to reimagine how parishes will in each parish at the weekend, which be served in the future. We looked at the people would need help to adjust to these highlights of faith practice in each parish changes and that there would have to and discussed how we could develop be an increase in lay involvement. and enrich them with fewer resources and in doing so we prioritised the churches People felt that we should work to improve mission in the three parishes. the quality of the liturgical experience in terms of quality of reading, the provision There was consensus in the room around of music and lay participation over what needed to be maintained and and above maintaining the quantity of many solutions offered as to how priests Masses. Going to a well-attended and could be assisted in their work in the properly prepared Mass was viewed as community. far more uplifting than having multiple Masses that are poorly attended. In terms Bishop Farrell demonstrated that he was of the sacramental life of the church well aware of the challenges facing rural there is scope here for trained lay ministry and urban parishes and was very open teams to assist in preparing people for to the solutions being generated on a Baptism, The Eucharist, Confirmation, parish by parish basis recognising the Marriage and Funerals etc. uniqueness of each parish community. Bishop Farrell was not advocating a top- While our current Pastoral Councils will down approach to solve the issues rather remain in each parish, one overarching

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Pastoral Council will be formed for and try to get their way? Is one parish Mullinavat, Ballyhale and Aghaviller to going to be in the driving seat? Because of oversee these changes and to foster that last question I certainly did not want cooperation, communication and to give the impression that Rathdowney consultation among these three parishes. was somehow going to be the presumed Overall there is much to be done but it hub of any new arrangement so the is important to feel reassured that we venue for the meeting became very are aware of the issues and want to be important. I opted not to take the easy proactive in our parish responses. option and went to the other extreme by not only arranging the meeting for In conclusion these changes have outside any of our three parishes but become necessary due to a decline in outside our diocese as well! The meeting vocations and this is something we need was held in the Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix all parishioners to pray for to sustain a which is very local for all three parishes. vibrant church into the future. Meanwhile we need to plan for the current reality I suppose it is important to say that the with a declining number and aging fact the meeting was taking place at all profile of priests in the Diocese of Ossory. was significant. I was struck by the fact the We as parishioners are ready to do our bit vast majority of those present fully accept and we pray that by the grace of God that because of the reduced number of we will sustain our church into the future. priests available for parish ministry there will have to be fairly radical changes to Martin Delaney, Rathdowney Parish how the church operates and ministers at It is never easy being the first ones to a local level. The test of that pragmatism begin something. You have nothing to will come when the number of Masses compare with and nobody to ask how and the changing times of those Masses their session went so that we might get become a reality. Other reality checks some ideas of how to go about the task in could include things such as the time and hand or at least learn from their mistakes. date of family occasions like Baptisms Our three parishes; Durrow, Aghaboe and funerals which may have to be and Rathdowney were to host the first delayed until priests are available. There is Pastoral Area gathering and I was asked a natural tendency when major changes to co-ordinate the meeting. My main are proposed to simply look at the losses task was to find a venue and let my and the challenges which will occur. We colleagues in the other two parishes know are less lightly to immediately see the when and where it was all happening. I new opportunities which may come from wondered where to have the meeting. these new structures. Going back to the The simplest thing would have been to meeting I did detect a certain optimism host it in Rathdowney where I knew the about new possibilities within our pastoral territory and the resources available. area. We committed ourselves to forming However I believe when you begin a a representative group from each of process involving three communities three parishes and we plan to have the who are being asked to form a new first meeting after Easter. On the agenda type of relationship, then all the little for that meeting will be a serious look at things become important. Perhaps I over the Mass schedule but also some exciting thought the whole thing but I felt some proposals for a youth choir in the area. I people would be looking for little signs look forward to the future with a mixture and signals about how this was all going of fear and excitement but I’m mindful of to play out. Was this really a consultation an African proverb someone shared with involving lay people? Would the bishop me recently; ‘If you want to go fast, go really listen? Would the priests take over alone. If you want to go far, go together’.

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Homily of Bishop Dermot Farrell

St John's Church 12th January 2019 at a gathering of those affected by suicide.

This afternoon I pray for strength for those and comfort. Employ whatever it takes: who will stand at their child’s grave, or counselling, medication, exercise, sit down to dinner and search in vain for meditation, or prayer. What we cannot a face of their child that they will never do, must not do, is assume thoughts of again see around dinner table. Their suicide will go away on their own. They pain and sadness caused by suicide is do not. immeasurable, incalculable. The notes people leave reveal a soul in searing and I understand how readily a desolate, pulverising pain. distraught person, alone and weary and unendingly sad, can choose to abandon We could not save our loved ones. Now life. There is no easy answer to suicide we must depend on God to save them, itself, but there are so many ways to heal them, transform them and make address the sorrow, the depression that him happy and healthy and holy and precedes any thought of taking one’s free. That’s the promise of our faith. That own life. The adage is a cliché but God can and will save and transform us. nonetheless true: Suicide is a permanent We hope God will achieve in the next life solution to a temporary problem. what was not able to be achieved in this one. We hope and wait with endurance If you are in a dark place and you don’t for God’s saving grace and mercy in our know where to turn, if you consider lives. This is our hope. This is our faith suicide as a way out, I beg you to take a step in another direction. Please do Most important, let’s not let the last not take that step from which there is no few minutes of any person’s life make return. Do not let this temporary darkness us forget all previous years. Keep your blind your hope for the future. There is favourite images and memories of them no situation that cannot be resolved with present in your mind and heart. help. You do not have to end your life in an untimely manner. There is a way out. I pray for anyone who at this very moment As long as there is life there is hope and is considering suicide. I pray that he or she with God’s help all obstacles will and can pauses, just long enough, maybe to write be overcome in time. down on a piece of paper the names and phone numbers of people to call when There are people that you can talk to, and caught in suicidal thoughts, or suicidal people that can help you: your family, ideation. The idea appears pedestrian your teacher, your friend, your colleague, and pointless, but those names on a your doctor, a counsellor at the end of a piece of paper are a source of strength phone; please talk to someone.

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Suicide is one of the most challenging Another universal factor contributing contemporary problems in Ireland. A to untimely deaths by suicide is the dark cloud has gathered over Ireland in anguish of those who have been sexually recent years. Statistics do not represent abused as children. Tragically this can the real extent of epidemic. Many lives lead to suicide. The Christian vision of have ended in tragic circumstances the human person puts a premium on and others have been darkened by the the innate dignity and value of every heart-breaking reality of the death of person, irrespective of our appearance, a loved one through suicide. The lives our physical or mental capacity or what of the young, in particular, have been we own. A Christian vision of society overshadowed by this cloud. When the puts a premium on friendship, dignity, suicide’s piercing menace invades the community, care and compassion for psyche, more than kindness is required. one another and especially those who More than toughing it out is needed. are in need. The loss of faith may also be More than prayer is required. factor in the increased suicide rate. Faith gave us a framework to interpret pain The devastation left behind can be and suffering as a reality from which God overwhelming, as the element of wants to rescue us and through which we apparent “choice” involved in a death by can triumph. suicide can leave loved ones struggling with intense, often unspoken feelings of So many people suffer from loss, grief, confusion, abandonment, guilt and even guilt, blame or shame as a result of a anger at the person who has died. The single suicide. This makes us appreciate question ‘why’ can take on enormous the wisdom of the ancient Irish proverb “ar significance, with little prospect of an scáth a cheile a mhaireann na daoine”. answer. Because we live in the shadow of one another we can make a difference by We also need to face up to those facing up to the ever increasing rate of values of modern society that may be suicides in Ireland. This task should not contributing to an increase in feelings of be left to the professionals only – if we inner isolation, worthlessness and despair. face up to the problem and become A society which places a premium on acutely aware of it we may be able to image, instant success and what we have rather than who we are needs to find appropriate responses to it. be challenged. Social media is a factor in children's suicides. Spokespersons for the Preventing suicide is a priority concern big social media companies will point out for the Catholic Church, in keeping with that alongside the appalling images that our consistent ethic of the protection can be viewed on their sites, teenagers of life. While the Church teaches that can also look at a greater number of human life is a gift from God and is not positive posts attempting to help them. ours to dispose of, it also recognises that Which is a bit like saying that a photograph suicide is often a response to a situation of a hanged teenager can be offset by of deep despair and distress, for which twenty pictures of cuddly kittens. the individual concerned cannot be considered fully responsible. Our response The culture of excessive drinking and is one of compassion, not condemnation. taking drugs and the debt associated Working together I believe we can help with this lifestyle contributes to depression one another, with our different resources, and despair which may lead to suicide. to offer safe and life-affirming spaces The abuse of alcohol or drugs is second where those who are experiencing to depression as the most frequent risk suicidal feelings can tell us openly how factor for suicidal behaviour. People they feel and receive appropriate help. who abuse alcohol and/or drugs or are We can help to create a community that dependent on them, attempt suicide is life-affirming and hope giving. We can nearly six times more often than people help each other to choose life in every who do not abuse these substances. decision we make.

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Ossory Priests' Retreat

On a brisk Sunday afternoon in mid the priests, calling on us to think again, in January the Bishop and priests of the the company of God, about the various Diocese gathered in Ballyvaloo Retreat aspects of our life and work. Centre, Wexford for the annual priests' retreat. This wonderful gathering afforded As important as the time away was for the priests a chance to come together each of the priests, individually it also for five days of prayer and reflection. offered an opportunity for us to come together, to chat, to pray and to catch This year the retreat was led by Fr Gerard up on friendships. Ballyvaloo was the McCarthy SVD. Fr Gerard is a member perfect location offering wonderful of the Divine Work Missionaries and he hospitality, some quiet space for prayer is based in a parish in Galway. Since his and beautiful beaches for long walks. return from Africa he has been actively involved in the Biblical Apostolate These retreats offer a chance for the and in leading Retreats. In an easy priests of the Diocese to reconnect with conversational fashion Fr Gerard led what is important - to spend time with each of the moments of reflection for God, a God we share with others.

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MORALITY MATTERS

Michael Shortall Give me a crash course in... Exclusion from Holy Communion

Easter is upon us. and action, to what we believe. It seems appropriate that we celebrate As for any specific situation, it would be the Resurrection of Christ during the unfair for me to go into it, as I wouldn’t spring, as nature returns to life. know enough. As each season rolls around, we continue Talk to me instead of the some of the to face many challenges. guidelines. True. Yet sometimes older dilemmas have There are many places we can look. new aspects. One source is Canon Law. There are a Yes. The ripple effects after the number of relevant passages. Canon 915 Referendum on the Eighth Amendment names those not to be ‘admitted to Holy on Abortion continue. One issue that got Communion’. First things first. Exclusion public attention is refusing someone Holy is not excommunication. It requires a Communion because of a public stance person to abstain from Holy Communion. in favour of abortion. Such a person is still able to participate in This is an issue, not only because abortion the church. is such a grave matter, but because And what do other Canons say? Holy Communion is one of the deepest Well, Canon 912 says: “Any baptised acts of faith for Catholics. An act of faith person not prohibited by law can and is an act of acceptance. In receiving must be admitted to Holy Communion.” Holy Communion we receive the gift of Canon 213 says: “The Christian faithful Christ and his message. To receive Holy have the right to receive assistance from Communion while publicly rejecting that the sacred pastors out of the spiritual message is contradictory. Instead, the goods of the church, especially the word call for all of us is to remain true, in word of God and the sacraments.”

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You mean that there is an entitlement for principles. Bishops can legitimately make all Catholics – not prohibited by law or different judgements on the most prudent grave sin – to receive Holy Communion. course of pastoral action. There are two And so in Canon 213, there is a key parts to that long quote: What sort responsibility on the Minister of the of decision is it? And who makes the Eucharist, in this case, the priest, to decision? provide Holy Communion. Talk to me about the first question. But like all law, it needs to be interpreted It makes the case that a ‘prudential’ and applied. judgement must be made. Prudence Yes. And for this reason, Canon 18 says is a matter of good judgement. The that any penalty must be subject to “strict Catechism of the Catholic Church says: interpretation.” In other words, people Prudence is “right reason in action,” … cannot be excluded without the most The prudent man determines and directs serious of reasons, and due consideration. his conduct in accordance with this So what about our dilemma? judgment. With the help of this virtue we The context for your question is the apply moral principles to particular cases. engagement of Catholics in political life. (paragraph 1806) The worry is about a Catholic politician Let me see, if I got that right. It is a decision who supports policies contradictory to on what should be best done in practice, the Catholic teaching on a moral issue. while being guided by our values. (And what may be said of a political To be prudent is to know that doing the candidate may also be said of a citizen) right thing is also about doing it at the The United States has long experience in right time, in the right way and with the this area. Still the only Catholic President right people. of the US, John F. Kennedy, maintained a And then the second question. distinction between his personal religious The decision to exclude someone from convictions and the responsibilities Holy Communion in this situation is to under the Constitution. Since then, many be made by the bishop. It is for them to Catholic politicians have said the same make the prudential decision. thing. But the distinction became a So in this case, it is not for a priest, or serious conflict with new laws regarding indeed an extraordinary Minister of the the sacredness of human life from Eucharist, to make that decision. conception to natural death. Personally, I would think so. It is of such Which is what is happening in Ireland importance that the decision needs to be now. reflected upon as a church community. It The new laws drew attention to a is the bishops’ role to consider all aspects, contradiction between political actions while listening and being faithful to our and professed belief in the gravest of values. They have been entrusted with matters. In the US, after a number of making a final decision. high-profile cases, the bishops released I think the general reticence to excluding a common statement called Catholics in Catholic politicians from Holy Communion Political Life (2004). It asked the question is understandable. They are making a ‘whether the denial of Holy Communion prudential judgement that the Eucharist to some Catholics in political life is should not be turned into a political necessary because of their public support flashpoint by anyone – on any side of this for abortion on demand?’ It responded: very important issue. It is for each of us, Given the wide range of circumstances including Catholic politicians, to live in involved in arriving at a prudential a manner that truly reflects the deepest judgement on a matter of this seriousness, meaning of the Eucharist, in which God, we recognise that such decisions rest through the death and resurrection of with the individual bishop in accord with Jesus, by his love, re-affirmed the sanctity the established canonical and pastoral of each person’s life and all life.

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Journeying with God and Illness

Jim Cassin

Having being healthy all my life I found Having got the call at 11.30am I was at the myself in the Blackrock Clinic on the eight hospital by 3.00pm. of February 2016. Eventually the doctors diagnosed and said I'd either get a new I met a number of nurses and doctors who lung or face death. By August I was living prepared me for surgery. I overheard the in Kilkenny and on 'stand by' for a lung doctors speak about surgery and preparing transplant. On the seventh of September the lung for transplant. That scared me 2016 I was spending time visiting relatives somewhat. I remember the doctors asked if here in Kilkenny and that day I was invited I would be ready to accept a reconditioned to visit my cousins, Nora and Denis Cassin lung and I agreed. Luckily, I was prepared and family in Ballycocksuist in Inistioge. to go to surgery and was ready for lung Suddenly, I was informed, this fore noon, I transplant. Sometimes there may be a 'hold was due to have a lung transplant in the up,' as bloods do not match etc, and you Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in may be turned down as not suitable for Dublin 7. I was due to be in an ambulance donation on that occasion. within an hour and the ambulance personnel prepared me to go to Dublin. My meeting with the Chaplain was very On advice to be ever ready I had prepared helpful. He was Indian and I enjoyed his visit some goods to bring with me to the hospital. to me. He asked if I was prepared to entrust

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I was challenged in my faith. I was no longer sure that I believed in the same God I used to believe in. myself to the women and men who had number of exercises to prove I was able to competence with preparing people for swallow. transplant and carrying out same. I readily agreed. I don't remember much of the I had a visit from another of the Chaplaincy preparations that got me ready for surgery. Team, Margaret Sleator. During that time she interviewed me about my experience The following day, after the surgery, I in hospital. I recalled it with difficulty and remember very little. As I woke from deep with joy. It was difficult in that I was going sleep I remembered thinking how I was through a very demanding time in my life, going to survive this ordeal and waking up personally, and that I was going for a lung in this particular situation. These questions transplant. Subsequently RTE showed the caused me some concern. Was I going to series as a documentary, called Ministry be like this forever? But I recovered and of Hope. "It follows the men and women now I recall this time with memories of whose job it is to bring faith, hope and love trauma and joy as I think how ill I was and how I succeeded in recovering. to strangers in different Irish institutions. They do, however, face the challenge of an There are a few memories that I have of this increasingly secular Ireland." time. I recall how blood clotted about my lung and it was necessary for the team of Returning to my visit with Margaret Sleator it doctors to enter the area again. This was was difficult in that I was challenged in my extremely dangerous for me as they were faith. I was no longer sure that I believed entering the wounded area I might not in the same God I used to believe in. As have survived. But I was to survive, thank Margaret said, "men find it more difficult to God. believe in the same God that offered them consolation in life." For some time, I seemed I remember that the following day, after I to be going through the valley of darkness. had surgery I was encouraged to walk. My However the Lord was there with his crook physiotherapist was Irene to whom I used to and his staff and he has given me comfort. sing: "Good night, Irene." I remember that I had a 'set back' in that my blood pressure Overall I found the experience of hospital dropped. I remember later mentioning to very assuring and I was helped to believe in an Indian male nurse that I was close to God who was my salvation. The nurses and death. He reassured me that everything doctors were very supportive and helped at the hospital was the best available me to reassess my life situation in regard to and that I would recover and the best of illness. Mr Seyed Javadpour was in charge expertise was present for me. This reassured of my surgery. Professor Jim Egan, who is the me and I learned to relax. So many nurses and doctors helped me through this difficult the chairman of organ donation in Ireland, time. has been attentive to me before and since the surgery. I owe my life to the donors of I recall during this time that I would be organs. It is a life gift that I will always be required to lie in the position of having my grateful for. Thank you again and again. head below my anatomy. This was difficult. I I encourage others to consider being am aware that I had difficulty in swallowing donors. Approximately eighty organs are food and that I was required to practice a donated per year

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Celebrating Confirmation

Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire

Urlingford Parish Council

There is something in the human psyche that draws us to marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. In traditions and cultures around the world the passage from childhood towards adulthood is marked in many ways: Aboriginals will go ‘walkabout’; Native Americans have a ‘vision quest’; Jewish children have a ‘bar mitzvah’ or 'bat mitzvah' and Christians have ‘Confirmation’.

In Urlingford recently the Confirmation of fifty five of the local young people into the Catholic faith was marked. They had been baptised into the faith some eleven or twelve years previously, but on 5th April 2019, they stood in their own right as their own person confirming that they wanted to become full members of the Catholic Church. This therefore marks a new chapter in their lives within the Catholic faith. No longer are they following their parent’s footsteps in the faith, but they are forging their own paths willingly and by choice. Witnessed by their families, community and by Bishop Farrell, Canon Dunphy and Fr Ollie Maher these fifty-

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five young people renewed the promises beyond capacity with people dressed that were made on their behalf at their in their finery. The walls of the church baptism. were adorned with beautiful art works by the Confirmation class attesting to the Given the sacrament of Confirmation preparation that had been done in the is a rite of passage, including ‘The lead up to this very special day. Music Pledge’ as part of the ceremony seems and song filled the air throughout the fitting. Making a choice to commit to ceremony adding to the ambience of abstaining from alcohol until 18 years celebration. of age is a decision the young people consider before entering into. They are So these fifty-five young people, and invited to make the commitment during all those many others throughout who the ceremony if they wish, declaring to celebrated Confirmation this year, are the whole community the path they wish to be congratulated and welcomed as to take towards adulthood. They also full members of our church. To the young committed to abstaining from drugs for people themselves embarking on the life. journey of life, some words of wisdom from St Catherine of Siena, "Be who you The day itself was a great community were created to be, and you will set the celebration. The church was packed world on fire."

Our Lady of Fatima

Sheila Walsh

Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima visited St Colmcille's Church Inistioge the 15th February for Mass and Devotions.

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LITURGY MATTERS

Reading God's Word

Jim Murphy

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Adult Faith Development offered an opportunity for all readers of our Diocese to come together for an evening of reflection, why not join us next time...

The Bible invites us into the mystery of God Charles de Foucauld, the hermit in the revealing himself to us. It is a sacred history desert, read the Bible and dialogued which includes each one of us. Psalm 94 with God. I remember a visit of one of the invites us "to bow and bend low; let us kneel Little Brothers of Jesus, Ian Lathaam, to St before the God who made us... O that Kieran's and I would see him kneeling and today you would listen to his voice! Harden bent down in prayer; or Fr Emmanuel Asi not your hearts...". Hebrews 11:1-6 gives us Cowell, and an image of him also reading the exemplary faith of our ancestors. his Bible in Urdu. I remember, too, seeing the monks on Atlas mountains in Morrocco at Lectio at 5.00am "when the mind is clear Own your Bible, use it, read it, not just and the heart is free". commentaries about it. There are so many Blbles lying unused, gathering dust. Readers, enjoy the experience. Open your Recently I visited Hodges Figgis Bookshop hearts. Invoke the Holy Spirit. God is present, in Dublin - three floors of books of all kinds speaking to me. Yours is an important task. and styles. The Bible has many story styles. No rush. I think of the old brother in Roscrea Enjoy it. Enter into the story. Let the story when we are on retreats. He reads calmly speak. When the Seanachaí Eamon Kelly slowly, with love. Fr Jim Forristal was visually told the stories, years ago, on radio, we impaired and learnt off the Gospels by let our imaginations go wild. He painted heart. It was obviously well prayed over pictures in word. We sampled some texts and over. Three American priests, who were eg Genesis 1 - a poem of Creation; Ezekial returning from a scripture course in Rome, 34:11-16 God the caring Shepherd; Hosia were so edified by the visually impaired 11:1-6 God's kindness and vengence; 1 priest reading the Gospel from his heart. It is Kings 19:9-13; John 1:1-18. I remember the a great help to read the text beforehand - story of Joseph and his brothers being read use the St Paul Sunday Missal or Magnificat. in school and pondering on it on the walk Take time to appreciate the beauty of along the country road home. We had the Creation, enjoy listening to the birds, the joy of reading Exodus in the Office of spend time in the silence savouring the Readings during Lent - God reaching out Word. I met a friendly resident of the centre on the Kell's Road walking with his carer to save his people. in the woods last week. He had picked Primroses and Bluebells. It reminded me of There are many themes to explore in the the brother who cared for a young patient Bible, viz Covenant, Land, Kingdom, Sin for three years and who thirty years later, and Failure, Pardon and Forgiveness. recognised him when he came to visit. "He The Psalms are echoing these themes - called me by my name". God is called by variations on the themes. name in Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15. Our God invites us into a personal relationship. Let us Reading the Blble should lead us to prayer. listen to his voice. Lectio Divina is the prayerful slow reading of the Scriptures - Meditatio (reflection), We enjoyed the stories of our local Oratio (prayer) and Contemplatio Seanachaí Jim Maher at the tea afterwards. (contemplation). On your iphone look at Thanks to the team at St Kieran's College the App Universalis for a great introduction. for making us so welcome.

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Alex Murphy and Mollie Lennon

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Readers' Evening Monday 1st April

Alex Murphy

An evening of reflection on the role of day four, day two with five, day three the Reader was held on Monday 1st April with six and day seven connecting the in St Kieran’s College and led by Fr Jim whole together. Murphy. As new readers, my best friend, Mollie Lennon and I went along partly Other bible stories helped emphasise Fr to have a look around the competitor’s Jim’s message. Moses looking into the home ground!! From the start, the setting burning bush was not a sign of madness, was impressive. We took our seats (at but demonstrated the trust between God the back of course) in a fabulous room and Moses. with brockage wallpaper, paintings and old mahogany furniture, underneath the Music was also a nice piece of the school motto Hiems Transiit (Winter has evening. Probably a bit grownup for me, passed). I can only assume the students give me some Coldplay any day. But the are heavily supervised in such a beautiful classical music seemed to match really room! nicely with the tone of the evening and allowed time to absorb the themes he Fr Jim Murphy is parish priest in St Canice’s discussed. parish. He welcomed all with a note of surprise at the turn out. From the The role of the reader in sharing the beginning of his talk, I understood why. He message of the bible was his key point of was captivating and entertaining, mixing the evening. He spoke of the importance the evening seamlessly with stories, music, of taking your time when you read to tips and most importantly the central role allow time for everyone to hear the of the bible in his life. words. For this he told my favourite story of the evening about his friend who met We spoke from the outset about how a man travelling on the continent. The important the Bible is in our lives. Fr man gave him a beautiful handcrafted Jim showed us his well-used Bible and cane with the following advice. If you suggested everyone should have his/her are walking up hill, lean on it, if you are own Bible to revisit regularly. He had, of sleeping, hold it for protection, if you are course, marked his favourite passages lost, use it as a guide and when you get and even showed us his bible stand home, give it away. The message being, taken from Middle Eastern culture that through reading you can give away, or him allowed to visit his bible with ease. share, the message of the bible to the congregation. He spoke about the poetry of the bible, describing it as a love story between Fr Jim’s passion and enthusiasm for the our-selves and God. He cautioned message he was spreading was infectious. about taking it too literally and gave the I quickly found myself enamoured in his example of the Book of Genesis. If God teachings and stories. I couldn’t believe created heaven and earth and the moon how quickly time flew by, and faster than and the stars on day One, then how could I realised it was time to go home. Even He possibly create the Sun on day four, later in the evening as I was relaxing surely, Fr Jim noted, that is scientifically and waiting to go to bed I found myself impossible. Rather, Fr Jim spoke about the remembering his memorable anecdotes Hanukkah candle, linking day one with with a smile.

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Sharing together the journey of Lent, and being nourished by the table of the Word

Pauline Haughney

“With one heart all these (the apostles) joined constantly in prayer, together with some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:14

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Why not join us at our next Faith Development Scripture Evening at St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny

As they gathered together with one discovery was more easy and safe for accord we gathered together each people to do in pairs, followed by an Tuesday of the season of Lent in a warm, invitation to share into the bigger group hospitable sitting room in St Kieran’s if they so wished. College for one hour. In this time with the help of the booklet ‘Praying the In our concluding prayer we moved from Scriptures,’ (produced very beautifully, heart to hands, ‘what Lord are you calling with much discernment of the Holy Spirit me to do?’ What is the transformation evident in its production, by the Ossory you want to undertake at this time in my Adult Faith Development Group) we life? The candle, lit at the beginning of invited the Holy Spirit to open our minds our time, a symbol of our invitation to the and hearts to receive the Good News of Holy Spirit to be present among us and on the Gospels for the Sundays of Lent. us, it is now extinguished with the words of blessing, “let us take the light into our How can we pray unless we know who homes, our communities, wherever we God is, we are given the Holy Word of find ourselves. Let us go now to love and the Bible through which we can unfold serve the Lord.” and grow in our relationship with God. The booklet gave us a ‘guide’ with The group are encouraged to read this which to approach our understanding passage again in the coming days. Each and reflection on the Gospel readings. Gospel passage contains in the booklet a This guide uses the monastic tradition of number of reflections and questions that ‘Lectio Divina’ (reading the Holy Word). can help to illuminate our understanding We read and we listen to the Word as a from head, to heart, to hands. It is not journey from the head to the heart to the expected that each reflection and hands. question be gone through systematically, they are there to stimulate the discussion In our first listening to the Gospel story or to add to what is being shared. we are asking the question at our head level; ‘what does it teach me about the Lord?’ We take some moments of silence A strong feeling arising out of our shared following the reading to ponder on this time together with the Gospels is how question. The facilitator invites us to share essential this is to igniting our love for our thoughts, there is no rush, and there is God, His Word takes root in our hearts time to speak so as to be heard. and lives. We can better understand why the writer of Hebrews encouraged the In the second hearing of this Gospel story Christians to “—not give up the habit of we are moving from the head to the meeting together, as some are doing.” heart, this time as we listen, we are asked The meeting together was seen as a to consider ‘how does it draw me to love means of encouraging one another to the Lord?’ There is an invitation here to persevere and to take delight in, our stay on a word, or an image that you find journey of faith in Christ. has nourishment. This nourishment may comfort, strengthen or challenge you in Let us encourage one another to form some way. There is a time of silence for our own small groups in each parish to reflection after this second hearing of the reflect and be nourished by the Word Word. The sharing for this more personal and our testimonies of faith.

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Post Primary Religion Advisors

At the end of the 2017/18 school year, Week to be led by Bishop Farrell. On Sr Louise Phelan called time on her role Tuesday, 29th of January 2019, teachers as Diocesan Advisor to post-primary from all over the Diocese gathered at the teachers of Religious Education within Chapter House, including teachers from the Diocese after many years of great Kilkenny CBS, St Kieran’s College, Loreto service. Over the years Sr Louise did a Secondary School, St Brigid’s Callan, St lot of work in her attempts to act as a Fergal’s Rathdowney, to meet about the support and guide to all subject teachers teaching of Religious Education within in order to develop and educate post- their respective schools. As a follow primary teachers to teach the subject to up, the Diocesan Advisors decided to the highest possible standard. create a resource sharing website for all teachers of Religious Education in With such an important role now vacant, Ossory in order to share ideas that could Bishop Dermot Farrell swiftly moved to fill it be used in different schools around the and appointed Ms Olivia Maher (Kilkenny Diocese. The Diocesan Advisors remain CBS), Ms Paula Farrell (Loreto Secondary in regular contact to discuss different School) and Mr Fergal Brennan (St possibilities to expand and develop the Kieran’s College) as Diocesan Advisors teaching of Religious Education within for Religious Education teachers. With the Diocese. If you have any queries/ Olivia, Paula and Fergal so motivated, questions with regard to any aspect of and indeed currently teaching the Religious Education, please feel free subject, they set out to aid teachers in the to contact Olivia, Paula or Fergal on Diocese to the best of their capability. [email protected]

The Diocesan Advisors felt that it was The Diocese of Ossory wish to thank firstly important to gather all Religious Sr Louise on all her hard work over the Education teachers together for a years and wish our new Diocesan team discussion on the importance of the of Olivia, Paula and Fergal all the best subject within secondary schools across in supporting teachers who continue to the diocese. The Diocesan Advisors spread the faith in our secondary schools organised a Mass during Catholic Schools' throughout our Diocese.

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Naomh Bríd Ferrybank This year, 2019, is significant in the life of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Ferrybank since it marks 140 years of the Sisters arrival from Bezier, France. Their initial ministry was in St Brigid’s primary school (now Good Counsel school). Since 1879 education has developed enormously in both the primary and secondary sectors in Ferrybank. Over the years the sisters saw the necessity to undertake other ministries and became involved in various social and pastoral organisations as well as missioning sisters to Africa and Brazil

The campus once used for secondary education has now been developed into residences for the elderly and retired sisters of the congregation. Because of the ageing profile of the sisters there is an ever increasing demand for suitable facilities which respond to their growing needs. In response to these needs Naomh Bríd was erected to provide accommodation for eight sisters. Most of these sisters ministered in the Ferrybank area at different stages.

March 19th, the feast of Saint Joseph, was the day chosen for the official opening of Naomh Bríd. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Dermot Farrell, assisted by Fr Kieran O'Shea and Fr Jim Crotty. Bishop Farrell acknowledged the legacy of the sisters by referring to the poverty of that time compared to the more affluent society of today. The Mass celebrated the dedication of the sisters of the past as well as hope and optimism for the future. After the mass the Blessed Sacrament was installed in Naomh Bríd oratory after which Bishop Farrell blessed the entire building.

All present shared a celebratory meal in Madonna House, the residence of sisters who need nursing care. During the meal antidotes about past times were shared and enjoyed by all. We appreciated the presence of Bishop Dermot from his busy schedule and the presence of Fr Kieran and Fr Jim.

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Time takes its toll on all things including buildings and with the Cathedral celebrating 155 years in 2012 it was time to initiate another phase of restoration.

St Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund Draw 2019/2020

St Mary’s Cathedral Fundraising Committee.

As we enter Year Five of our Diocesan Draw we take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported this vital part of our fundraising for the restoration of St Mary’s Cathedral. Thank you to the promoters who have been so committed in their support of the restoration work and thank you to each and every member of the Draw. Without your support the Draw would not be a success and having raised €456,000 for the restoration fund over the past four years there is no doubt it has been successful.

The proceeds of the Draw go towards the cost of restoring St Mary’s Cathedral. There is only one Cathedral in each Diocese, which holds the Chair of the Bishop of the Diocese and is known as the Mother Church of the Diocese. St Mary’s Cathedral is the Mother Church of Ossory and we are indeed indebted to our ancestors who built our beautiful Cathedral.

The building of St Mary’s Cathedral was initiated by Bishop William Kinsella, who laid the foundation stone in 1843. Despite the great hardship experienced by the people during the famine years from 1845 to 1849 and the high emigration during and after the famine, the people continued to support the construction of the Cathedral. After fourteen years of construction costing approximately 25,000.00 pounds St Mary’s Cathedral was consecrated by Bishop Edward Walsh in October 1857. There have been many additions and

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improvements since then including the something to be proud of and is there for addition of a number of prominent and all to see, enjoy and appreciate. historical features such as the marble sculpture of the Madonna by Giovanni The motto adopted by the Fundraising Maria Benzoni and the Sacred Heart Altar Committee is ‘Together we can do it’ by James Pearse, father of Patrick Pearse. and so we ask for you to join with us in supporting the restoration work. The Time takes its toll on all things including current debt has to be repaid and further buildings and with the Cathedral work is required to restore and maintain celebrating 155 years in 2012 it was time to the Cathedral. The Draw gives supporters initiate another phase of restoration. The a chance to help us to raise the required current project has seen the restoration funds to continue the good work. of the Sanctuary area which included the removal, repair and re-leading of Draw tickets which cost €10 per month are the stained glass windows, the repair available in every Parish or by contacting and cleaning of the beautiful mosaics on the Sanctuary walls and floor and the the Diocesan Office, James’s Street, restoration of the painting and gold leaf Kilkenny, Tel: 056 7762448. The draw, for a work on the highly ornate ceiling. The monthly prize fund of €5,000, takes place Stations of the Cross have been repaired at 8.00 pm on the last Wednesday of every and repainted to their original splendour. month in the Chapter Room at St Mary’s A new Blessed Sacrament Chapel was Cathedral (due to the Easter break the established under the Sanctuary of the April Draw will be held on 1st May 2019). main church in what was the coal store. All are welcome to attend. Your support The beauty of the work completed is would be greatly appreciated.

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SISTERS OF ST JOHN OF GOD Congregational Chapter May 2019 Helen Maher

A Congregational Chapter of the Sisters of St John of God will take place in Perth, Western Australia, during the month of May. A Congregational Chapter, which happens every six years, brings together Sisters, representing the whole Congregation, to come to key decisions regarding its life and mission.

The mission of the Congretation is Situating the coming Chapter in the described in the Constitution: rapidly changing and complex world The Congregation seeks of today, Sr Brid Ryan, Congregational to continue and make present again Leader,writes in her Report: in concrete, specific time and place “It is precisely amid the uncertainties, the liberating mission of Christ, which we share with so many of our and in particular, contemporaries, that we are called to to show forth by its ministries, practice the virtue of hope...Despite our by the witness of its consecrated increasing age profile and decreasing members number of members, the Call to the and by the visibility of its corporate Congregation and to each one of existence, us remains constant ... Our context is the compassionate care of Christ for changing rapidly but the call is clear: to his people. trust and live into the Mystery of God at work in our world today.” In preparation for a Congregational Chapter, over a period of time, all The theme for the 2019 Chapter is: the Sisters participate by prayer, study Open to the abundant life of now, we and involvement in the consultational journey together in hope processes established for this purpose This sets the tone for the deliberations that and then each Region elects delegates will engage the members of the Chapter who will represent them at the Chapter gathering. event. Eight elected Sisters will represent the Irish Region. As a delegate to the Chapter I look forward to meeting Sisters from other parts The task of the Chapter is to review the of the Congregation and sharing these life of the Congregation, to discern weeks with them. My prayer is that we will where and how it is being called to live be open and trusting in the Lord as we out its mission in the coming six years and plan for the future. I also look forward to to elect a Congregational Leader and enjoying the lovely surroundings in Safety Team to lead it in the direction that has Bay, the location south of Perth where we been articulated by the Chapter. will be living.

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Catholic Schools' Week 2019

@ CBS KILKENNY CBS Kilkenny is a proud Catholic school in the Edmund Rice Schools Trust tradition reminded us of the presence of God and celebrates and lives out@... this ethos through his Word. every day. An Edmund Rice School creates a This year’s theme for Catholic Schools' Caring Community: Our TY students have Week was very much a celebration of been busy spreading their message of the ongoing work of our Catholic schools. Advocacy in our school community. We reflect on the Gospel values on The students have been presenting which all Catholic schools are built and workshops within the Junior C.S.P.E consider how each of us contribute to classes. The workshop covers the history our characteristic spirit. of Edmund Rice, his vision and his mission, Edmund Rice International and the work An Edmund Rice School Nurtures Faith, our Cumann ERST does here in the school Christian Spirituality and Gospel based to promote Advocacy. Values: The commencement of each day started with a piece of Religious music played directly before school across the Working for Social and Ecological Justice: intercom. Alongside this a ‘Thought for The promotion of environmental issues the Day’ was read by students across is a core element of the work of our the school body. It was hoped that this Cumann ERST in conjunction with the shared “opening prayer would highlight Green Schools Committee. We aim to the nature of the special week we were give the environment a voice and spread involved with.” awareness around best practice here in our local community. Our T.Y students A Prayer Room is an opportunity to draw have been busy presenting information aside, take time out and meet with God. It on Eco-justice here in the school and we is a dedicated space where people can hope to spread this to our community. go to pray and seek God, to intercede and petition. This year we undertook An Edmund Rice School Excels in to revamp and rededicate our prayer Teaching and Learning: As part of CSW room. During CSW we held a short service 2019 we ran a number of competitions. led by Fr Jim Murphy, where he reopened For example, ‘The Recognise the Charity the room with a scripture reflection and Logo Competition’. All First, Second and

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The five students from CBS Kilkenny above created beautiful artwork and were chosen as winners from their respective class groups. Prayer Service of Rededication of An Cillín Prayer Room at CBS Kilkenny for Catholic Schools' Week

Loreto student’s unique and creative designs were CBS Cumann ERST members presenting to 1st Year exhibited in the main hall of the school students. #awareness #advocacy #EREBB #greenschools

Third years were invited to match a list to submit a photo of a special place in of Charities with a Partial Logo of the their community along with a description. Charity. It was hoped that the pupils We received many fantastic entries for would become more aware of the range our Photo Competition. and work of the charity sector in Ireland. An Edmund Rice School is committed to inspiring and Transformational Leadership @ Loreto Kilkenny We also ran a poster competition for ‘Celebrating the Work of Our Local all First Year students. The theme of the Catholic School’ was the theme for the poster was 'In Service of My Community'. current year and with this in mind, students Throughout the week the importance of in Loreto were set the task of incorporating community was emphasised in religion this theme into their school crest. The girls classes, and the students were tasked highlighted what it means to them to with creating a poster which captured be a part of a Catholic school and also their local community and how it serves considered how their school welcomes them. As part of a poster competition, everyone into their community. Some of students were also given the opportunity the student’s unique and creative designs

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St Kieran's College students during Catholic Schools' Week

were exhibited in the main hall for the rest and parishes to affirm Catholic schools as of the school community to enjoy. places of faith and learning. We marked First year classes in Loreto also focused Catholic Schools' Week with a number of on how Pope Francis encourages us to reminders around our school. Inspirational ‘serve others’. Catholic Schools' Week quotes and messages could be found on gave students an opportunity to reflect the Television Screens and in strategic about what it means to serve both God places in our corridors. Some of these and others around them. Students were were inspirational thoughts about life also asked to take time to reflect on how from famous people. Others were quotes Loreto reaches out and supports a wide from some of the other World Religions. variety of people on a daily basis. The girls Some were taken from our own sacred put this into the context of their everyday text, inspirational quotations from both lives in school and each designed a the Old and the New Testaments. In our poster. These posters highlighted the busy daily routines, these quotes serve ways in which they can show service to remind our students and staff about to those around them on a daily basis. what’s important in our lives. Many wonderful and creative posters were displayed around the school to During Catholic Schools' Week, some of encourage students to serve others. the Fifth Year ‘Cairdeas’ students also got the opportunity to teach Religion in @ St Kieran’s College different primary schools around the city. From 28th January – 1st February 2019, we It is used as a way of creating awareness celebrated Catholic Schools' Week in St of the importance of our identity as a Kieran’s College. In celebrating Catholic Catholic School while also promoting schools as places of faith and learning the values of the Gospel through the we are acknowledging that Catholic teaching of Religious Education to the education is not closed or self-absorbed. young people in our city. Each fifth year It is open to the world and to new ideas. student was tasked with creating and This year, Catholic Schools' Week gives carrying out out a lesson lasting one us an opportunity in our homes, schools hour incorporating students from 2nd-6th

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class. At this point, we would also like to can bring real joy to them. This year was acknowledge the help and co-operation no different as our first year students of St Canices Co-Ed and St John’s Primary implemented a prayerful and uplifting school in allowing our students to carry service incorporating all their various out the message of Catholic Schools' gifts into the mass. Students performed Week within the younger generation of readings, played instruments, sang students. This part of Catholic Schools' and brought up gifts. The students also Week, involving our fifth year students decided to bring up a number of words allowed us to incorporate the theme for that they felt help celebrate the work Thursday 31st of January as ‘In Service of in our Catholic School. These significant our Community’. words included ‘just’, ‘kind’, ‘school’, ‘family’, ‘welcome’, ‘everyone’ and ‘live On Wednesday, January 30th, we like Jesus’. The students then invited their included the theme ‘Celebrating the grandparents back to the college for Nation - Grandparents Day’ by inviting some tea and refreshments. first year students to prepare and execute a mass which would be attended by their Grandparents in St Patrick’s Church. To conclude Catholic Schools' Week, we Each year, the Wednesday of Catholic used the theme of ‘Celebrating faculty, Schools' Week is designated as the day staff and volunteers’ by treating all our when the school community celebrates staff members to a delicious cake to and pays tribute to grandparents and the acknowledge all their hard work within our role they play in handing on the faith to Catholic School. All in all, a huge number their grandchildren and in supporting the of people helped to make Catholic community of faith at home and in the Schools' Week at St Kieran’s College, a parish. They bring joy to the lives of their very enjoyable and peaceful time for grandchildren and in turn grandchildren everyone within our school community.

Deputy Principal Liam Smith receives ashes on Ash Wednesday.

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The Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist

BARBARA JOYCE God is the supreme being and, in this, we must realise that man and woman St Kieran’s College Kilkenny was the must, in the natural law of creation, be venue for Lenten lectures in March subject to God and respect His law i.e. 2019. Three evenings were set aside to the law of love and respect for our fellow give lectures on the history and spiritual man and the world in which our creator aspects of Eucharistic Ministry. Professor placed us. It reminds me of the words of Salvador Ryan provided a very interesting the hymn Love is His Word…God created account of the passage of two thousand everything in love, through love and with years; no small task in a timeframe of an love. All we need to do is to love Him in hour and a half! return. We are all aware of the story of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. The first book in the Bible, Genesis Chapter It is to be remembered that, when God 1, is the story of creation. This book shows created man and woman, He gave them right from the very beginning of time free will. They disobeyed and hence the power of God. It also indicates the original sin was the result of their actions. magnitude of love that is God. Everything The cause and effect of man’s actions that God created was good. We see that have consequences for either good or

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During Lent each year the Adult Faith Development Group offer a course of preperation for those who are to be commissioned as extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist in our Diocese

bad, as seen throughout the ages ever to us and we say ‘Amen’ to receive Jesus. since. The Ten Commandments give us The Eucharist is the food of life. I am the the compass by which we should live way, the truth and the life.Jesus gives in accordance with God’s love. Which Himself to us and we surrender to Him. commandment is the greatest was a We are changed by His love. The ministry question asked of Jesus, and His reply of the Eucharist is one service I have the was ‘You should love the Lord your God experience of. It is, for me, and I am sure with all your heart and all your soul, and for all in that special role, very humbling. with all your mind. The second, you shall Christ has placed Himself in my hands to love your neighbour as yourself’. serve others for Him. The communication between Jesus in Holy Communion and In both the old and new Testaments the the Eucharistic Minister who serves and essential element was evident in prayer is almost beyond words. The love of the life. The dialogue between God and man server grows deeper each time; we are is as essential to us today as it was so many in the position of minister. Service is there years ago. The relationship between God for all of us. There are different varieties and man; man’s search for meaning; for of service we can render depending you my soul is thirsting, the God of my life. on the gifts with which we are blessed. The same Spirit is present, and the same Fr Kieran O’Shea’s topic was on living our Lord. It is the same God who activates all Christian calling in our parishes today. the different activities and gifts in each. What do we mean by parish? The parish There is, of course, the matter of how we is the family of God, the community respond. My life is more enhanced by of the faithful. The community gather being asked to serve both as a Minister together to celebrate the Eucharist. All of the Eucharist and as a Minister of the together we form one body: the church, Word. with Christ at the head of this body and directed by the Holy Spirit. There is a unified Spirit living within each of us as we I started reading at Mass when I was go about our daily activities. We are one 13 years old. I am inclined to say that in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord…and it helped me to be where I am today. I they will know we are Christians by our am truly grateful to the Sacred Heart love…the words of a popular hymn. nuns, Convent Hill, Roscrea for all their encouragement. We celebrate the Eucharist each Sunday or Saturday evening when we gather The Minister of the Eucharist may, at times, together, usually in our churches. There be called to serve the sick and elderly is a sense of joy in this coming together and those confined to their homes. These for the highlight of the week. We share are special cases and the eagerness everything. We come together as God’s of those people to receive Our Lord is family to worship and praise God and to a very holy and significant moment in celebrate the Eucharist. Christ, our Lord, is time. Everything stands still. We pray for truly present to us. ‘The Body of Christ’ are them and share the silence of the Divine the words said as the sacred host is raised Presence between us.

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What you are thinking this opportunity. I was pleased that my parish priest saw something in me to about being Ministers consider me a suitable candidate. There are many other parishioners who serve of the Eucharist in your the church as Ministers of the Word, altar school or parish? servers, sacristans, musicians, etc., so I decided that I too could contribute in the distribution of Holy Communion. CIARA WALL

Being a Eucharistic Minister is a very On Saturday 30th March, I attended a important role to me, as I can give back training day in St Kieran's College where to my school/parish and also to God. It I met many other people from my parish is such a great achievement to be able and across the Diocese. There were to hand out the body of Christ. When I people of all ages there, members of the was given the opportunity to become a youth who were becoming Eucharistic Eucharistic Minister I was excited to take Ministers for the first time and more part in such a rewarding roll for both experienced adults who had been school and parish, and also for myself, distributing Communion in their own as I find God is always helping me but parishes for many years. am I always helping God? No, I am not. I receive so much from God and getting The training day was led by Mr Ken the chance to become a Eucharist Maher who spoke to us about his own Minister means I get to give a little bit back experience as a Eucharistic Minister. He to God for everything he does for me. I also explained the process of ministering also was delighted to become a Eucharist Communion, going to the altar, washing Minister as the number of young people our hands, receiving the ciborium, nowadays that are religious is very small. distributing the hosts and returning the We are the generation that need to carry ciborium to the latar. Everybody was on Catholic beliefs and traditions and given an opportunity to practice giving show our children how to live a religious out Holy Communion so it wouldn't be life. For many years to come the Catholic as dautning when we finally have to religion will still be popular and will still be do it in our own parishes. When giving thought about. I like to think that just by Communion, we learned to be m indful becoming a Eucharistic Minister I have of the elderly or disabled who may need a small role to keep long traditions and Communion brought to themn, people beliefs going. who are coeliac who may need to receive gluten-free hosts fromt he altar NICK DOHENY and young children who may not have While I go to Mass regularly and never made their First Holy Communion. mind being asked to do small jobs for the church, I never imagined that All who attended the traning day will be someday I would become a Eucharistic commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers on Minister. It was totally unexpected to Holy Thursday and we will then begin to be offered this role and so I was a bit distribute Communion in our own parishes hesitant. After giving it a bit of thought, on a regular basis. I look froward to serving I realised it was an honour to be given in this role that God has chosen for me

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Some young ministers reflect ...

and hope that I can lead by example in that when we are under these stresses, my pairshg to encourage more young our faith relieves us greatly, reassuring us people to get involved in the church. in our times of doubt or distress. For this reason, I chose to strengthen my faith by What the training becoming more involved in my religious communities: both at school, and in morning was like... my local parish Tullaroan. At first, the prospect of playing such a significant role HANNAH MURPHY in a mass service was daunting; however, When I arrived at St Kieran's College I was I am now comfortable with the idea of greeted by Father Dermot Ryan and Mr being a Eucharistic Minister. I believe Ken Maher. I went into the church and the overall experience will nourish my signed my name on the attendance self-confidence, as well as enrich my on- sheet. When everyone had arrived we going religious journey throughout life. began the course. We began the course by discussing the ministry service. We are EMILY HUGHES being called by God to become more like Jesus and our personal gifts to help On the 30th of March, myself and four and serve others. As a group we then other fifth years students from Loreto gathered around the altar and listened attended a training course to become to Mr Ken Maher outline the practical Eucharistic Ministers. This course was held guidelines of the ministry of communion. in the chapel in St Kieran's College. There We then practiced approaching the were other people attending the course altar carrying communion vessels, also, ranging in different ages. Ken Maher returning the ciborium to the tabernacle the Vice Principal of St Kieran’s College and giving out communion. It was an presented the talk to us. He has been enjoyable day and a good experience a Eucharistic minister for many years. as I now feel confident about being a He taught us about the importance of Eucharistic minister and serving my parish the body of Christ and the important and school. role of being a Eucharistic Minister. He taught us all the different situations that HANNAH MOORE could happen when handing out the On Saturday the 30th of March 2019, I was body of Christ at mass. For example, so honoured as to get the opportunity to if the host falls on the ground, to make train as a Minister of the Eucharist. The sure not to panic, this should not make training took place in St Kieran’s College a difference as the body of Christ is so Kilkenny and was run by Fr Dermot Ryan important, believers of Jesus should not and Mr Ken Maher. As a fifth year student be disgusted and receive the holy bread in such a devoted catholic school, Loreto Kilkenny, I feel extremely privileged to anyway. We then got the opportunity have been given this chance. I am the to practise handing out hosts to one youngest child in a family of six and am another; this was challenge at the start. I fully aware of the pressures a typical really enjoyed the training morning and I teenager is faced with in their school, am delighted I got to take part. It was a family and social lives. I firmly believe great experience.

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CANON LAW MATTERS

Albert McDonnell A Community of Christ’s Faithful What does Canon Law say about parishes?

Ireland has 1,359 Catholic parishes. When ‘a certain community of Christ’s faithful people hear the word ‘parish’ various stably established within a particular images come to mind – often inspired by Church, whose pastoral care, under sport, place or heritage. For Catholics, the authority of the diocesan Bishop, is what does the word ‘parish’ mean? The entrusted to a parish priest as its proper Code of Canon Law describes a parish as pastor’ (canon 515§1).

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Canon Law promotes involvement by the members of the parish in all aspects of its life, including decision making.

There are lot of interesting ideas here. in mainland Europe and North America First and foremost, parishes are about have significantly reduced their number people and pastoral care. The people of parishes. This process is beginning in concerned are usually those who live Ireland. In recent months Galway and in a certain area delineated on a map. Dublin Dioceses have amalgamated However, it could also be people who parishes. speak a minority language, share a culture or have particular pastoral needs Each parish should have a clearly (canon 518). Dublin Diocese has a parish identifiable person or group of people for the travelling people who live in that responsible for its pastoral care, including diocese. The focus is on people rather involvement by a priest. Appointing an than territory or buildings or money. individual priest as parish priest of each parish is regarded as the ideal by the code Outside the urban areas, most Irish (canon 526§1). This was the situation in parishes are old. They often trace Ireland from the late nineteenth century their roots to medieval times when the onwards. However, this started to change system of pastoral care centred on the during the 1990s and today several Irish monasteries, whose ruins now dot our dioceses are on the cusp of not having a countryside, came to an end and a resident priest for each parish. Examples new parish-based system took its place. abound: The Bishop of Ossory in his 2019 On mainland Europe the parish system is Lenten Pastoral Letter predicts that older still and developed as a means of the number of priests in that diocese providing pastoral care to Christians who will have halved by 2029. The Bishop of lived beyond the cities. The code regards Killala (north-west Connaught) expects the parish as stable, it is established for that diocese to have only six priests or the long term. less by 2037. It is estimated that Cloyne Diocese in Cork will drop from having 75 Canon Law tells us that each diocese priests available to serve its parishes at should be divided into parishes (canon present to 34 in 2038, almost all of them 374). The bishop can establish, suppress aged over 65 years. It is also noteworthy or alter parishes (canon 515§2). However, that many candidates for ordination in before the bishop can amalgamate or Ireland are older and in some cases their close down parishes he has to consult. ordination results in an increase in the There have been a considerable number average age of the presbyterate in their of appeals to Rome against the closure diocese. The ratio of priests to Catholics in of parishes. Many have succeeded Ireland appears healthy by international on the ground that the bishop did not standards. However, the age structure engage in sufficient consultation before of Irish diocesan priests and the very low acting. We had a great many new number of ordinations, indicates that we parishes established in Ireland during the stand at the edge of a precipice. 1970s and 1980s particularly in the new suburbs of Dublin and other cities. Today What happens when a diocese doesn’t we are beginning to see the opposite have enough priests to appoint a parish dynamic as the number of clergy priest to each parish? The bishop has a decreases and dioceses find it difficult number of options: (1) he could entrust to care for its parishes. Many dioceses a number of neighbouring parishes to a

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single priest (canon 526§1); (2) he has the Parishes are not part of divine law. They option of appointing a group of priests are a strategy, a choice the Church has working as a team to care for a plurality made as part of its mission to preach and of parishes (canon 527§1); (3) he could live the Gospel. They have a long tradition entrust the care of a parish to a deacon and are still regarded as appropriate. or lay person(s) under the direction of a Pope John Paul II encouraged bishops to priest (canon 517§2) or (4) finally (as we use the full flexibility provided by canon law saw above) a bishop could amalgamate to adapt parish structures to current day parishes (canon 515§2). needs. In their Directory for the pastoral ministry of bishops, the Congregation What should happen in a parish? What for Bishops urges bishops to organise are parishes for? The Code of Canon Law the parish structure of their dioceses to identifies several key activities. The word favour the preaching of the Gospel, the of God should be proclaimed especially celebration of the Sacraments, works of by means of the homily at Mass on charity and pastoral care. Sundays and Holy Days of obligation. Social justice should be promoted. The Contemporary strategies in Ireland to religious education of children should adapt parish structures to current day be fostered and there should be an needs centre on increased co-operation outreach to those who no longer practise between parishes and the nourishment of the faith (canon 528§1). The Eucharist the charisms of all the baptised. Canon and the other Sacraments should be 374§2 endorses the joining together of celebrated, and family and community neighbouring parishes into groups. There prayer promoted (canons 528§2, 530). is a new focus on the need to identify The parish priest is to offer Mass for the new pastoral structures which will lead intentions of the members of the parish parishes from a closed self-sufficiency on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation to becoming part of a broader network (534§1). He is also to maintain registers of which builds on and nourishes the baptisms, marriages and deaths (canon charisms of all. Pastoral plans prepared 535§1). by European and North American

dioceses in recent decades are usually The parish priest should strive to get to know the members of the parish ‘sharing centred around these goals. Nourish in their cares, anxieties, and sorrows’. the charisms of all and restructure the Home visitation is specifically mentioned. diocese as a community of communities. The parish priest is also to help the sick, Until relatively recent times in Ireland, we the dying, the poor, the lonely and those spoke little about lay ministry. Whether ‘burdened with special difficulties’. driven by virtue or necessity, today lay (canon 529§1). The parish priest is to ministry is central to discussions about the reside near the parish church (canon future of our Church. 533§1) and is the legal representative of the parish (canon 532). Our faith in Christ is received, nourished, lived and shared as part of a community. Canon Law promotes involvement by Our parishes, which traditionally provided the members of the parish in all aspects that framework, are under considerable of its life, including decision making. Each strain. Time will reveal the precise nature parish is to have a pastoral council (canon of the new reality that will emerge. 536§1) and a finance council (canon However, faith communities, gathered 537). The parish priest is to promote the in the divine-human actions of taking, role of the laity and co-operate with the breaking, blessing, giving and receiving bishop and other priests of the diocese bread and wine, will always be the (canon 529§2). cornerstone.

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Leinster Activities Committee Pioneer Total Abstinence Association

Peter McCrum

Kilkenny outing during the year Leinster Pioneer Activities Committee Ossory

The Leinster Activities Committee includes the Sunday 21 July Diocese of Ossory. The committee meets three to • Pioneers from Leinster attend pilgrimage to four times a year. We hold our AGM in September. Our Lady’s Island, Wexford Up to the 15 September 2018 all meetings were • Meeting with existing pioneers in the Diocese held in the Day Care Centre, Portlaoise. Our of Ossory meeting on the 3 November was held in St Brigid’s Boy’s School, Killester. Our last meeting was held Finance and Fundraising: Annual raffle, Private in the Day Care Centre Portlaoise on 16 February Members’ Draw, Church Gate Collection, etc. 2019 and we have arranged our next meeting The annual raffle has the potential to raise around for St Brigid's Boys’ School in Killester on Saturday €80,000. Raffle tickets will be in the May issue of 13 April at 7:00pm, future meetings are planned the Pioneer magazine. The Private Members for Kilkenny and Carlow during the coming year. Draw runs for six months from November to April, annually. The Association depends solely on the Our meetings are called to discuss upcoming sales of the magazine, emblems, our fund raising events like the National Ball, Quiz, Gradam events and the support of our members and Award, Matt Talbot Pioneer Pilgrimage to Knock those with good will towards the Association to Shrine and Spirituality Day in Cuan Mhuire. One keep it going. very important item on every agenda is the Child Safeguarding Policy. Finance and Fundraising Child Safeguarding: Now that the Pioneers’ is another topic that comes up regularly along Safeguarding Hand book is completed, we with the Leinster Pioneer Reports. hope to have safeguarding training for those that require it during the month of May. Dates of upcoming events: • Leinster Quiz Finals in Rochfortbridge, Sunday We are delighted to feature in this edition of 31 March, 2019 the Ossory Times; during 2019 we are aiming to • Pioneer National Ball in Anner Hotel, Thurles, 6 rejuvenate the Pioneer Movement in Ossory. April 2019 We would love to hear from Pioneers and are • All Ireland Quiz Finals, Ballyjamesduff, Saturday very welcome to join us at our next meeting, or 27 April if interested in joining the Association contact • Gradam Award Presentation in May Pioneer Head office and they will put you • Sponsored Walk, Goresbridge Co Kilkenny, in touch with our committee: John Dowling, Saturday 22 June Chairperson of Leinster Activities Committee • Spirituality Day, Cuan Mhuire, Sunday 7 July and John Oxley, Secretary of Leinster Activities • Matt Talbot Pioneer Pilgrimage, Knock Shrine, Committee

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Eucharistic Adoration at the Black Abbey.

Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima 2019

Andy Heavey

The Dominican Black Abbey Laity, May 2019. The Theme this year is ‘Fatima together with Fr Michael Dunleavy (Prior) and the Holy Rosary’. The Preacher is Fr and all the Dominican community have Columba Mary Toman OP. now organised our 3rd annual ‘Novena to Our Lady of The Rosary of Fatima’. The This year our Fatima Novenawill Novena will take place at Dominican commence on Sunday 5th May at 3pm Black Abbey Kilkenny from 5th-13th of with a procession with the crowned

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statue of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, and will conclude with Crowned Statue and Great Rosary Window. a procession to the special Black Abbey Fatima shrine on 13th May (Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima) ‘O’Fatima Farewell’. There will be two sessions each day at 10am and 7pm except for the first day Sunday 5th, and the following Sunday 12th, when there will be just one session starting at 3pm.

Each Novena Session will commence with the recitation of a contemplative Holy Rosary, and in order to remind us of that divine light which streams through the mysteries of Christs Life, we plan to project the great Rosary window images. Following the recitation of the five decades of the Holy Rosary, the Novena prayers will be recited. The high point of each session will of course be the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the homily. After each Novena session there will also be a special period of Eucharistic Adoration. The Sacrament of Confession will be available throughout.

On Thursday 9th we will have a special day of prayer for all young people and because of the time of the year there will of course be special prayers for students doing exams. There will also be a visit this day by the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia from Limerick.

Sunday 12th will be a special day of prayer for the sick with and administration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will take place during the 3pm. session. (Keep and eye out for a more detailed programme which will be published in church posters Fr Pat and Andy Heavey. and newsletters shortly).

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The Vocation to Encourage

Kieran O'Shea

The upcoming World Day of Prayer for we acknowledge that the church still Vocations on the fourth Sunday of Easter echoes the Lord's call to young men to provides an opportunity to reflect on how follow him by discerning a vocation to we understand the ministry of the priest ordained ministry. and our mission to encourage those called to priesthood today. However the challenges that the Church has faced in recent times, increases We are truly blessed in our Diocese that our reluctance to propose a life of total so many people live out their baptismal commitment to God and his people as calling with enthusiasm. Their positive a priest. There may also be a sense of response to the Lord's call enriches the despondency that as candidates for life of the local church and indeed that priesthood are few and far between, of society in general. When people the prospect of the situation improving witness to the Gospel of Jesus each day any time soon is negligible and we might in families, schools, workplaces, sports as well give up the ghost! This attitude, clubs, parishes and many other situations although understandable, naturally they are living out their vocation as leads to an acceptance of the status bearers of God's promise. quo and quite often limits our ability to see ordained priesthood as a viable and While we rightly celebrate the diversity of necessary ministry in the church now and gifts and generosity of so many people in the future.

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Nonetheless, before we can even begin 3) The priest as collaborative leader; 4) to talk about promoting vocations The priest as public representative of the to priesthood we need to talk about church; 5) The priest as practitioner of priesthood. We need to ask some pastoral charity. important questions. How do we understand the role or mission of the These are not just aspects of ministry they ordained priest? Do we see the ministry can also assist us in identifying candidates of the priest as relevant in today's who show that they have the capacity changing Church? In what way does the to become inspiring preachers of the ministry of the priest enrich the life of the gospel, effective leaders of worship and community? What do we require of our priests? Are our expectations realistic? prayer, collaborative leaders with men What kind of priests do we want to see and women willing to share responsibility emerging from our formation systems? for the life and mission of the Church, faithful representatives of the faith If we think these questions are important community in church and society, and to then the answers are more important still. be pastorally available to people in the In fact the answers will not only determine ups and downs of life. our understanding of ministry but also our willingness or not to nurture the gift of Having identified these qualities in an vocation already present in the hearts individual or at least an openness to of younger disciples. Should we come grow in these characteristics the question to a conclusion that the ministry of the arises as to what role the community may ordained priest is still relevant today, and have in encouraging that same person that our church needs leaders whose to think about the possibility of service as ministry is rooted in the teachings of the a priest. In the account of the healing of Second Vatican Council, and indeed Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52) Jesus says to the more recently in the teaching of Pope Francis, then we owe it to ourselves and crowd 'call him here' and they respond to those who come after us to find ways by encouraging Bartimaeus ' take heart, of encouraging those who feel called to get up, he is calling you'. It is clear that begin the process of responding. the Lord wants all of us to be involved in the ministry of encouragement, helping Sometimes we may be unsure as how young people in the very challenging to approach the task of promoting environment of today to have the vocations. There are always the traditional courage to take a risk for God's promise. methods which have had varying God is still calling. Let us by lives of faith in degrees of success down the years but Christ and filled with hope for the future of perhaps a more direct approach may our Church be ready to assure the ones be worth considering. It is important, as called that it is ok to respond and that alluded to already, that candidates for they will be supported in their journey of ordination have the necessary qualities discernment. that will serve the community well. A recent document published by Boston A 'Come and See' weekend for those College on the ministry of priests presents what it describes as five central aspects of who feel they would like to explore a priestly ministry drawn from the teaching vocation to priesthood or to learn more of the second Vatican Council and more about the life of a priest will be held in St recent church teaching on the ministry of Patrick's College Maynooth on May 18th priests. These aspects or characteristics and 19th 2019. For further information include 1) The priest as preacher; 2) The or to book please contact Fr Kieran 051 priest as leader of worship and prayer; 830813 or [email protected]

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PAGE 48 APRIL 2019 OSSORY TIMES

The Cross of Healing

Breda Campion

At the beginning of Lent 2005 a strange During Lent the Cross is placed towards looking cross with holes and nails arrived the altar but for the rest of the year it is still to St Kieran's Church, Johnstown and in the side aisle of the church. a similar one to St Michael's Church, Crosspatrick. Both crosses were made by If you are hurt or perhaps at odds with someone, resentful, in doubt or troubled a parishioner from rosewood donated by in any way, the placing of your nail puts another parishioner. your problems in the care of the Lord and the prayer of the "stranger" for that The crosses are about 4 ft high with a intention will be very powerful. series of holes on the down timber and across the arms with a box at the base In placing your nail in the Cross, you make containing large nails. We discovered an act of acknowledging that your faults that it is a cross of healing and it provides contribute to the suffering of Christ while the opportunity to venerate the cross making an act of faith that through His and at the same time to be caring for Wounds all can be healed. one another in our prayers to the Lord. Visit the Cross often and perhaps say this When you visit the cross, you take a nail prayer.... O Jesus, Who are the beginning and end from it and say a prayer for the intention of all things, life and virtue, remember that of the person who placed the nail there, for our sakes You were plunged in an abyss even though you do not know who they of suffering from the soles of your feet to are, and you place the nail in the box. the crown of your head. In consideration Before leaving you place a nail in a hole of the enormity of your wounds, teach for your own intention and eventually me to keep your commandments, whose someone will remove your nail and pray way is wide and easy to those who love for you intention. you. Amen

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Billy's Tea Rooms and Shop

Billy’s Tea Rooms and Shop dates back We held numerous information evenings to the 19th Century. It is believed to have to keep the Community informed of our been a gate lodge to an estate known as progress. We had great support as we had The Gardens, was a dispensary until 1964 numerous fundraising events including and was subsequently taken over by the two concerts in the Friary in Knocktopher Council. The last person Billy Kiely, hence at which we had the Kilkenny Gospel the name, who inhabited it died in 2006 Choir and the High Hopes Choir singing. and it deteriorated until it became a ruin We were partly financed by LEADER and and a danger to the public. by Kilkenny County Council.

In the past number of years, Ballyhale has To keep the Community ethos we had an seen the closure of five shops, three pubs, evening where we looked for shareholders post office and numerous businesses. and volunteers. We were amazed by the This was due to the motorway and the wonderful response we received. We recession. We knew something had to be have won an award as Kilkenny People done to alleviate the rural isolation which of the Year in the Community Section and now existed without a retail outlet of any description in the village.We researched recently featured on the RTE Nationwide the feasibility of opening a Community programme with Anne Cassin. based project. It was agreed we open a Community Tea Rooms and Shop, run We source the majority of our produce by the Community for the benefit of the locally to support local businesses. All Community. We formed a Limited Co proceeds from our TeaRooms goes back Operative Company, the shareholders of into the Community. which are all members of the Parish. We appointed a Committee of 10 people We presently have over 50 volunteers who run the Tea Rooms on behalf of the working in the premises which is open 7 Co Operative. days a week from 8am to 6pm.

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Send your entries, with your Easter Crossword name, address, email and mobile number, to: “Ossory Times Competition”, Ossory Adult Faith Development, St Kieran’s College, College Road, Kilkenny, by 23rd August 2019, first correct entry from the hat wins!

Prize for age 5-8 Colouring Competition €20 Voucher for Toy Shop

Prize for age 8-13 Wordsearch Competition €30 Voucher for Toy Shop

Prize for Adult Crossword Competition €50 Voucher for Chapter House Bookshop

Congrats to the winners from the Ossory Times Issue 19 competitions:

Adult Crossword: Ted O'Dwyer Urlingford

Children’s Wordsearch, age 8-13: Emma Tobin Ferrybank

Children’s Colouring, age 5-8: Coinneach Maher Kilkenny

PAGE 51 OSSORY TIMES APRIL 2019 Wordsearch Colouring Competition Competition

For ages 8-13

For ages 5-8

Answers to Ossory Times Issue 19

PAGE 52 DIOCESE OF OSSORY ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL RESTORATION FUND DRAW 2018/2019

12 MONTHLY DRAWS March 2018 to February 2019 MONTHLY PRIZES 1st Prize ...... €2,000 2nd Prize ...... €1,000 3rd Prize ...... €500 4th Prize ...... €300 5th Prize ...... €300 6th Prize ...... €200 7th Prize ...... €200 8th Prize ...... €100 9th Prize ...... €100 10th Prize ...... €100 Promoters’ Prize €100 1st Prize Winner Promoter €100 2nd Prize Winner Promoter

Subscription €10 per month. Draw will be held at 8pm on the last Wednesday of each month in the Chapter Room, St Mary’s Cathedral, James’s Street, Kilkenny. All are welcome to attend. Thank you for your support! Diosese of Ossory Tuesday 11th June 2019 7.30pm-9.30pm St Kieran’s College Kilkenny Music in the Liturgy A Worshop for Singers, Choirs, Musicians and all who are interested in music in the Liturgy

Workshop led by Dr John O’Keeffe, Director of Sacred Music St Patrick’s College Maynooth based on the publication “Feasts and Seasons 2”

Cost of Workshop, which includes a copy of “Feasts and Seasons 2 (with CD) €15. Booking: email [email protected] or online www.ossory.ie

OSSORY ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT Tel 056 7753624 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ossory.ie