Book A Mass.
If you would like to book a weekend anniversary mass for your loved one during the months of April, May and June, then bookings will be taken after both of the weekend masses on Saturday March 19th and Sunday March 20th. Masses now need to be shared due to the high demand but if you have a First anniversary during these months you will be given a mass on your own and on the date you choose. It is important that we know about these dates before the bookings so if you have a First anniversary please call Linda Spillane on 051-399925 or 087-9838392 during this week and she will look after you.
Community Alert.
The next meeting of our local community alert group will take place on Monday March 21st at 8pm in Ballyduff Community Centre. All are welcome to attend this meeting. At the previous meeting it was decided that a €5 yearly charge would be collected from all those using the text alert scheme and this is payable at Mondays meeting.
Disco Delight.
Our children will start their Easter holidays this week and no better way for them to kick them off than dancing to all their favourite music. A childrens disco will take place in the Community Centre on Tuesday March 15th from 6.30pm to 8pm. News of this disco has spread and I hear from my secret sources that the Easter Bunny is planning on dropping in and bursting some moves. Admission is €5 so drop in and have some fun.
Peace Proms.
We say a huge congratulations to the pupils from 5th and 6th classes in Ballyduff N.S who travelled to The Hub in Kilkenny recently to take part in The Peace Proms. They joined with hundreds of other pupils from different parts of Ireland and the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland in front of around two thousand people and provided them with a musical and visual treat. I spoke to many parents who were at the concert and they were full of praise and said it was an amazing experience. Congratulations to all the pupils who travelled and to their teachers Muinteoir Connie and Mr. Moynihan.
Kilmeadens Slim-Spiration.
It is hard to believe that the 8 week programme which seems to have only started yesterday is now over and what a success it was. The programme saw us get some wonderful information about eating properly and getting some excercise and saw us take to the roads in our group walks. People made new friends as well as walking buddies and everyone gave support and encouragement to each other. It is hoped that this encouragement will continue and that groups will still remain to meet up to go for a walk or for a run. Hopefully we are facing into nice long bright evenings and we are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful walks in this county.
The organisers have asked me to say a huge thank you to all who joined into the spirit of this group and as well as loosing almost 25 stone between them they also raised €2,500 for their community centre. They would also like to express their gratitude to the four speakers and advisors who shared their vast knowledge with us voluntarily Jemma Kehoe, Sandra O Keeffe, Jason King and Cian Foley. Thanks to Deirdre and Catherine who came out every week to do the weigh in. Lets keep up the good work now and keep Kilmeaden healthy.
First Penance.
Congratulations to the pupils from 2nd class who made their First Penance recently. In a beautiful ceremony the children brought forward a picture they had drawn and placed it in the sin bin (far cry from sitting outside a confession box with your knees knocking isn’t it !!) The children are now very busy preparing for their First Holy Communion which wil take place in May so there is great excitement building.
A True Gent.
Our parish is most certainly a much poorer place this week following the death of Pat Fenlon, Ballyduff Village. Pat was indeed a real gentleman in every sence of the word. He was seen wearing a suit and tie everyday whether he was going to mass or mowing the grass. Pat was a fantastic family man and a wonderful grandfather who doted on each of his grandchildren. A hardworking,diligent man he enjoyed a spot of fishing and listening to music especially the music of John McCormack. He was a wonderful neighbour and friend and gave his time freely and willingly to help others by sharing his time and talents. A gentleman has left us to return to God but we know the Lord will reward him for his devotion to his faith. We offer our deepest sympathy to Pats wife Hannah, his sons P.J and Michael , his daughters Mary and Ann , grandchildren and all the family. May his sweet gentle soul rest in peace.