Ossory Diocese » Diocesan News

Rosary Rally for Life, James’ Green, Kilkenny

afd admin — Thu, 30 May 2013 08:04:20 +0000

Rosary Rally for Life

A Rosary Rally for Life will be held in James Green Kilkenny (beside St. Mary’s Cathedral) on Saturday June 8th at 3pm.

Prayers led by Bishop Seamus Freeman. Rosary will be followed by Benediction in St. Mary’s Cathedral.

All are encouraged to attend and support this rally. The abortion issue is a very serious moral issue for the Church in Ireland at this time. Everything we can do to support life, from conception to natural death, is both necessary and essential.

For further information please contact: Kay 087 9912047 or Marie 087 6679136.

Dublin Vigil for Life

On Saturday, 8th June, there will be a Vigil for Life in Merrion Square, Dublin from 3.00pm to 4.00pm. The Vigil will send a clear, positive message about safeguarding the lives of mothers and babies in pregnancy. Call 087 266 8702 for bus details.

Annual Diocesan Corpus Christi Procession 2013

afd admin — Tue, 28 May 2013 08:05:45 +0000

Saint John’s to Saint Mary’s, beginning at 2.30 p.m. sharp. All are asked to assemble at St John’s Church at 2.15 for a 2.30pm start.

The annual Diocesan Corpus Christi Procession, through the streets of Kilkenny City, will take place next Sunday, 2nd June.

Bishop Freeman will carry the monstrance, bearing the Blessed Sacrament, in procession from St John’s Church at 2.30pm to St Mary’s Cathedral for Solemn Benediction.

The city parishes will organise ‘prayer stations’ along the route, i.e. St John’s, Canal Square, The Town Hall and The Cathedral, with local parish choirs providing the sacred music at the various stations.

To mark the Year Of Faith, Pope Francis has requested that every Diocese throughout the world would conduct an hour’s Eucharistic Adoration at roughly the same time as he will be conducting one in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome on the feast of Corpus Christi. So, the same prayers that Pope Francis will be using in The Vatican will also be used during our procession, as a sign of our union with the Universal Church.

In this Year of Faith all people from the Diocese are very much welcome and encouraged to come along to celebrate out faith in the Lord, especially those children who have made their First Communion.

All are asked to assemble at St John’s Church at 2.15 for a 2.30pm start.

Michael D. Higgins unveils ‘Journeys’ at Thomastown NS

afd admin — Mon, 27 May 2013 10:20:02 +0000

President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins will unveil the Per Cent for Art sculpture entitled ‘Journeys’ in St. Mary’s National School, Thomastown, on Wednesday, May29th, at 2pm. All are welcome to attend.

The sculpture was carved from limestone by Michelle Byrne, and has greatly enchanced the school grounds.

Please note there will be no parking on the school premises.

International Gospel Choir Festival

afd admin — Mon, 27 May 2013 09:00:33 +0000

14th – 16th June and throughout the Summer months

The 2nd International Gospel Choir Festival takes place in Kilkenny from 14th – 16th June; 17th & 18th July and 8th – 12th August 2013. Full programme of events and details on choir registration available at www.kilkennygospelchoirfestival.co

Kilkenny City has launched itself as Ireland’s “City of Song” with the announcement of the programme for the 2nd International Gospel Choir Festival. Attracting over 2,000 visitors over one weekend in its first year, this year’s Festival will essentially triple in size, extending over June, July and August. The 2013 programme features the country’s first dedicated Gospel Music workshop for children and the biggest ever Gospel Choir performance to take place in Ireland. Choirs from across Ireland, the UK and the US will participate in this year’s Festival and places remain available for other Irish or international singers and choirs seeking to participate.

Internationally acclaimed Choir Director Ja Ronn Thompson is the Guest Director and Artist at the 2nd International Gospel Choir Festival. Director of the San Francisco University Gospel Choir, Thompson will teach 8 to 12 year olds at Ireland’s first Gospel Music workshop for children. The packed programme will also feature Gospel workshops for adults, an open air Gospel concert in the shadows of Kilkenny Castle and a unique Gospel themed tour of Kilkenny City. Festivities in June will culminate in Ireland’s largest ever Gospel Choir concert in the City’s Cathedral. World renowned choirs from Mississippi and the University of Arkansas Gospel Choir will perform at events in Kilkenny in July and August.

“Ireland has a very special relationship with Gospel music, which has been only been enhanced as our country becomes increasingly multicultural. Gospel music is a marriage between music, spirituality and worship, all of which play a large part in our psyche. It’s a particularly tough time for many people in Ireland at the moment and we hope this year’s Festival, which includes an increased programme of public events and performances will, in a small way, help to lift people’s spirits and morale. We invite all music lovers to come to Kilkenny, our “City of Song” this Summer to help us to raise the roof!” said Fr Willie Purcell, Chairperson, 2nd International Gospel Choir Festival.

“We were astounded with the success of last’s years Festival and how the people of Kilkenny and the country at large took the Festival to its heart. We’ve increased the size of this year’s Festival three-fold and in this the year of The Gathering we expect to attract even greater numbers of choirs and visitors from overseas. We’re particularly proud to welcome Ja Ronn Thompson as our Guest Director and Artist. Ja Ronn’s philosophy is to help people to sing and to live “with passion and without fear” and we believe this is a very positive message for Irish people in 2013.”

The Ossory Lourdes Pilgrimage 2013

afd admin — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:51:34 +0000

The Ossory Lourdes Pilgrimage takes place from May 22nd – May 27th. More than 300 pilgrims have travelled from Ossory led by Bishop Freeman SAC. Among the Ossory group will be 65 sick pilgrims and 46 young people who represent many of the secondary schools in Ossory.

In a special way all who helped the pilgrimage, through advertising or donations or in any way will be remembered in our prayers and when we light the Pilgrimage candle.

Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes

Lord Jesus, at Lourdes

Mary told Bernadette

“I am The Immaculate Conception”.

She asked for prayer, repentance

and penance. Give me your help,

forgiveness and strength.

I entrust to you all my joys and sorrows,

my successes and disappointments.

Be a comfort to the sick a consolation

to the bereaved and a strength

to the wearied.

I thank you for the graces given at Lourdes.

For the forgiveness you have shown,

for the vocations and promises

you have inspired and witnessed.

To you be glory and praise forever.

Amen

Safeguarding Audit Invitation

afd admin — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:32:36 +0000

At the invitation of Bishop Séamus Freeman, SAC., the National Board for Safeguarding Children, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, will carry out a Safeguarding Audit in the Diocese of Ossory. The Audit will begin on Monday, 17^th June 2013.

Bishop Freeman welcomes this visit to our diocese by staff from the National Board and ensures that the diocese will fully co-operate in making all safeguarding files available.

Bishop Freeman encourages anyone who has a child safeguarding concern or wishes to report an allegation of child abuse to contact the Diocesan Designated Team and An Garda Siochana and HSE.

Designated Team:

Father Daniel Bollard 087 6644858
Ms. Mary Brennan 085 7701716
Father Daniel Cavanagh 087 2335432
Mr. Tom Hunt 085 7701718

Statutory authorities:

Kilkenny

Gardai 056 7775042
HSE Social Work 056 7784532/7784600

Laois/Offaly

Gardai 057 8674100
HSE Social Work 087 9370700

Waterford

Gardai 051 305300
HSE Social Work 051 842800

Nationwide

Childline/ISPCC 1 800 66 66 66

Towards Healing

Ireland 1 800 303416
Northern Ireland 0800 096 3325
www.towardshealing.ie

Rosary for the Month of May

afd admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:05:57 +0000

Rosary for the Month of May

The month of May is dedicated to Our Lady. With this in mind we invite as many weekday Massgoers as possible to make a special effort to join in the rosary which is recited before daily Mass at 9.10am in St. Patrick’s Church and 10.10am in St. Fiacre’s Church.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Launch of Faith Fest 2013 with Liam Lawton Concert

afd admin — Sat, 04 May 2013 08:05:34 +0000

This year we celebrate the Year of Faith. As part of our celebration the Diocese is holding Faith Fest 2013: Celebrating Faith in Ossory, on the weekend of Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May 2013. Much of the weekend’s activities will take place in St Kieran’s College, celebrating all that is good here in the diocese. Parishes and organisations in Ossory will be represented for that weekend on Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 2pm to 6pm, which will provide an opportunity to highlight some of the work and service that is in the diocese. On this weekend there will also be many workshops, talks and lectures, sporting events as well as activities for younger members of the family…

To launch the weekend of the Faith Fest 2013 a concert will be held in St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday 10th featuring Liam Lawton with special guests the Unity Singers. Doors open 7pm, concert 8pm.

Tickets cost €20 and are now on sale for this performance and available from:

Adult Faith Development Office. Tel. 056-7753624, email afd@ossory.ie

Online Sales www.ossory.ie

St Mary’s Cathedral Chapter House Bookshop, Kilkenny. Tel. 056-7703884

Roller Coaster Records, Kilkenny. Tel. 056-7763669

Liam Lawton is as at home as a solo performer as he is singing with a Choir or with an Orchestra but where he is most at home, is performing his own music. His music has been called spiritual, haunting, evocative, celtic, liturgical and numinous. He has been called “a master of melody” but shuns such descriptions. “I always worry that each new song will have a uniqueness about it, and wont have been replayed from a previous existence” – difficult when you record 14 collections!

His music has found all kinds of platforms, public and private and can be found in many different cultures, languages and places. “The most profound and satisfying experience is to know that a piece of music that I have struggled with may give hope and consolation to hurting hearts in obscure places, that I will probably never hear about, and that’s part of the blessing also”

He will always include some music in his native Irish language, “I count myself very fortunate to come from a culture that has its own rich and beautiful language which is steeped in spirituality. We are the keepers of tradition and if we don’t value and protect this legacy, who will hand it down to future generations?”

Song and Story are vital ingredients in the compositions and performances of Liam Lawton. One cannot exist without the other and leads to a unique live experience in concert. “I am surrounded by a great team on stage and off who make music making a real blessing. God has indeed blessed me!”

Ossory Faith Fest 2013: Workshops

afd admin — Sat, 04 May 2013 08:02:25 +0000

Parishes and organisations in Ossory will be represented for that weekend on Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 2pm to 6pm, which will provide an opportunity to highlight some of the work and service that is in the diocese.

On this weekend there will also be many workshops, talks and lectures, sporting events as well as activities for younger members of the family…

You can contact Ossory Adult Faith Development for further information on 056-7753624, email afd@ossory.ie or log on to www.ossory.ie for updated information about Faith Fest 2013.

Click here for Full Programme of Events which can be downloaded. Please note: Workshops may be subject to change.

Click here for Full Workshop of Events which can be downloaded. Please note: Workshops may be subject to change.

FRIDAY 10TH MAY 2013

8pm Concert with Liam Lawton featuring Unity Singers. At St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. Doors 7pm. Concert 8pm.

Saturday 11th May 2013

11.00am Passion symbols in Ossory with Ms Siobhan de h’Oir. Siobhain is a longtime member of the Royal Society of Antiquaries and has written on many local history topics. She has had a specific interest in the Passion Symbols, especially in the Diocese of Ossory.

11.30am Parish liturgies without a priest with Fr Martin Tobin. Martin is a priest of the diocese, following his ordination in 1986 he spent two years in the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle before returning to take up pastoral duties in Ossory. He is presently in Clogh/Moneenroe. He is a member of the Diocesan Liturgy Committee.

11.30am A pilgrimage of faith – A reflective walking tour of the Churches of Kilkenny City led by Fr Jim Murphy. Jim is a priest of the diocese and grew up in poulgour. He was ordained in 1972. Jim is serving in St Canice’s parish and has travelled extensively around the world in his work as president of the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests.

11.45am The youth and our church: a future walked together – A workshop exploring the possibilities of encouraging young people to take an active part in the life of the church with Fr Willie Purcell. Willle is a priest of the Diocese of Ossory. He is currently Director of Vocations in the Diocese and in 2011 was appointed National Vocations Coordinator. He holds a masters degree in theology with a specialisation in Liturgy.

12 noon The role of justice and charity in facing the current economic crisis with Dr Suzanne Mulligan. Suzanne is a lecturer in the Department of Moral Theology at the Pontifical University, Maynooth. She has also lectured at the Milltown Institute, Dublin. Her research interests include the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the Developing World, Catholic Social Teaching, and Christian approaches to war and conflict.

1.00pm Jesus: model and teacher of prayer in Luke with Rev Dr Fergus O’Fearghaill. Fergus was ordained for the diocese in 1974 and following ordination he completed his doctorate in scripture in the biblicum, Rome. He lectures in Mater Dei in Dublin and in Carlow College. While continuing his research he also currently works as diocesan archivist.

2-5pm A time for prayer: an opportunity for a prayer, confession or a chat with a priest in the college chapel with Fr Ray Dempsey and other priests of the diocese. Ray is a priest of the diocese and was ordained in 1997. He has served in several parishes in the diocese and holds a masters in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction.

2.00pm Blessed are those who die in the Lord – A music worshop exploring the use of music in the parish context of celebrating the liturgy of Christian Burial: The Rite of Reception of the Body at the Church and The Funeral Mass with Fr Richard Scriven. A native of Callan, Richard was ordained in 1984 and has worked in St Kieran’s College, parishes in England and Ireland. Richard has always had a keen interest in liturgical music working with choirs at parish, college and diocesan level.

2.00pm The heritage (archives, plate, vestments, pictures) assembled at St Kieran’s College with Mr John Kirwin. John a native of Inistioge, holds an MA in History and Archaeology from UCD. He has had many articles on local history published over the years in a variety of journals. His most recent work was ‘Kilkenny Families in the Great war which he did with his cousin, Niall R. Brannigan.

3.00pm The Eucharist in Scripture with Ms Olivia Maher. Olivia is from the parish of Tullaroan. She has completed a Masters in Theology with Scripture as her major area of interest. Olivia currently teaches religion in CBS Kilkenny and on the Certificate of Theological Studies at St Kieran’s College. She is also a member of the Ossory Adult Faith Development group and the Diocesan Forum.

3.00pm Morality: what’s the point of it all? with Rev Dr Michael Shortall. Michael, a native of Castlecomer and a past pupil of St Kieran’s, is a priest of the Dublin diocese, has his Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Gregorian University. He lectures in moral theology at Maynooth College, while helping out at the Parish of Saggart, Rathcoole and Brittas.

3.30pm Go forth, the Mass is ended: Stories that will provide food for the journey with Fr Martin Delaney. Martin Delaney is a priest of the Diocese of Ossory. He is co-author of Do This in Memory a parish based programme in preparation for First Eucharist. Martin is Parish Priest of Rathdowney County Laois and chair of the council of priests.

4.00pm Surmising on suffering: Some reflections on the Cross in the life of the disciple of Christ with Rev Dr Gearoid Dullea. Gearoid is a priest of the Diocese of Cork and Ross and currently works as Secretary of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. He has previously worked in a parish in Cork and, following postgraduate studies, as a hospital chaplain. In 2008 he underwent major surgery for a serious illness.

4.00pm Viewing “The Secret of Kells” (nominated for the best animated feature film award Oscars 2010) – with a Q&A session with the director Tomm Moore (Offered to students studying art in secondary school and College). Tomm founded Cartoon Saloon In 1999 with Paul Young while studying animation at Ballyfermot Senior College, Dublin. Having completed his first feature film “The Secret of Kells”, Tomm is currently working on his latest feature film “The Song of the Sea” which is due for release in 2014.

4.30pm The Catholic School: learning, teaching and leading with Mgr James Cassin. Jim, a priest of the diocese and was ordained in 1972. Having served as President of St Kieran’s College and lectured in Moral Theology there. Jim currently works as Executive Secretary of the Bishops’ Education Commission.

4.30pm How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ (Romans 10:15) – The ministry and privilege of the Reader with Ms Julie Kavanagh. Julie is a member of the Kildare and Leighlin Faith Development Services with particular responsibility for liturgy and parish ministry. She is also a member of the Council for Liturgy (Bishops’ Conference) and is on the panel of lecturers for the National Centre for Liturgy.

4.30pm Meditations with Ms Christine Kelly. Christine holds an M.A in Pastoral Care Chaplaincy Experience. She has served as a Parish Pastoral Worker n the diocese and works extensively with the retreat team of Peace in Christ. Chris has co-authored the book: The Art of Stillness.

Sunday 12th May 2013

2.30pm Walking, building and professing while sitting around a table – the challenge to Parish Pastoral Councils today with Mr Dermot McCarthy. Dermot chairs the boards of All Hallows College and St Andrew’s Resource Centre and is a member of the boards of St Patrick’s College and the Irish School of Ecumenics Trust. A former civil servant, he is the chair of the Pastoral Council in his parish in Dublin.

2.30pm Viewing “The Secret of Kells” (nominated for the best animated feature film award Oscars 2010) – with a Q&A session with the director Tomm Moore (Offered to primary school children with a different focus to the previous day’s showing). Tomm founded Cartoon Saloon In 1999 with Paul Young while studying animation at Ballyfermot Senior College, Dublin. Having completed his first feature film “The Secret of Kells”, Tomm is currently working on his latest feature film “The Song of the Sea” which is due for release in 2014.

2-5pm Time for prayer: An opportunity for a prayer, confession or a chat with a priest in the college chapel with Fr Ray Dempsey and other priests of the diocese. Ray is a priest of the diocese and was ordained in 1997. He has served in several parishes in the diocese and holds a masters in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction.

3.00pm The year of God’s favour: Luke’s Gospel and debt forgiveness with Ms Jane Mellett. Jane is a Parish Pastoral Worker in the Archdiocese of Dublin and is based in the parishes of Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot Assumption. A native of Carlow, she holds Masters in both Theology (St. Patrick’s College Maynooth; specialisation in Scripture) and Development Studies (Kimmage DSC, Dublin) and has taught Religious Studies in Southampton (UK).

3.00pm A pilgrimage of faith – A reflective walking tour of the Churches of Kilkenny City led by Fr Jim Murphy. Jim is a priest of the diocese and grew up in Poulgour. He was ordained in 1972. Jim is serving in St Canice’s parish and has travelled extensively around the world in his work as president of the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests.

3.30pm Producing a CD – a workshop for parishes and choirs on how to produce a CD of their music with Fr Eamonn O’Gorman. Eamonn is a priest of the diocese and was ordained in 1981. Eamonn as well as having taught in St Kieran’s and served as chaplain there, has served in several parishes in the diocese. Eamonn is a gifted musician and has great expertise with the interface of technology and music.

4.00pm Why belief is the most reasonable response to reality with Mr John Waters. John was born in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, in 1955. As a journalist, magazine editor and columnist, he has specialised in raising unpopular issues of public importance, including the repression of Famine memories and the denial of rights to fathers. John, a recognised author, has written plays for radio and stage.

4.00pm Baptism in today’s world – a look at the celebration of the sacrament of Baptism in the church today (offered to parents and baptismal teams in the diocese) with Fr Willie Purcell. Willie is a priest of the Diocese of Ossory. He is currently Director of Vocations in the Diocese and in 2011 was appointed National Vocations Coordinator. He holds a masters degree in theology with a specialisation in Liturgy.

RTÉ Radio Mass For Dunmore

afd admin — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:28 +0000

On Sunday, May 12^th (Feast of The Ascension of The Lord), Mass will be broadcast live by RTÉ from the Church of The Most Holy Trinity, Dunmore at 11.00 a.m. This honour, graciously accepted by the community of Dunmore, will create much excitement as preparations for the liturgy get under way.

In addition, the occasion will also be enhanced as Dunmore Community Hall, following major renovations and refurbishment, will be available for refreshments afterwards.

RTÉ, in recent times, has changed its Sunday Mass from 10.00 am to 11.00 a.m. However, please note that Religious Services on RTÉ Radio 1 are broadcast on the following media only:

(1) Online on the Radio 1 Extra Stream,

(2) Long Wave 252, and

(3) on Radio 1 Extra on DAB Digital Radio sets in the Greater Dublin area, Cork and Limerick.

So, you might need a little practice in tuning into any of these media if you intend listening in to the broadcast.