A Word from Father Jim
On Wednesday night we had a wonderful gathering of parish ministers. 75 people were present.
Thanks to Brid for facilitating it. We heard the story of 20 parish groups. There are 7 groups in addition which have closed down, hopefully temporarily, since Covid. We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for in our vibrant, Spirit filled parish. Thanks to all who do such tremendous work in bringing joyful life to our parish. I’m so grateful to serve in a parish with so many wonderful people involved. The meeting also brought to light some urgent challenges. Rather than addressing them now I will take time to reflect and pray and write something in the coming weeks. We don’t need to be afraid of them, it’s a chance to grow further. In the meantime I would like to invite ALL to our course on worship and the Eucharist beginning next Wednesday 19 January. A special welcome to those of you who are active in the liturgy eg choirs, Ministers of the Eucharist, Readers, Junior Readers,Altar Society, Sacristans, Funeral and Baptism Teams etc. If you can only come to one session please put 16th February in your diary, as that will address practical matters.
The programmed course is…
Wed 19th January: (Father Dermot)
How can we make the way we celebrate the Eucharist more appealing to young people and the not so young.
Wed 26th January: Liturgy. (Bríd)
Feasts & Celebrations
Wed 2nd February: Eucharist (Father Jim)
It’s Parts & Movements
Wed 9th February: Father Dermot, Bríd, Father Jim
Other Forms of worship: a dialogue.
Wed 16th February: Father Jim
From good to great: improving our practice.
Wed 23rd Feb:
Towards a Parish Liturgy Committee.
(Strongly Recommended)
At the meeting I also announced the
“First annual Father Dermot Lane Balally Lenten Justice Lecture. “
It will celebrate Father Dermot’s work as Pastor, Educationalist and Theologian.
It will be held here in Balally on Tuesday 15 March at 7pm. I’m delighted to say our inaugural speaker will be President Mary Robinson. A date for all our diaries and an opportunity to honour our beloved Father Dermot
With love
Father Jim
