A Word From Father Jim: 28th April 2022
May promises to be a busy month in Balally. Fresh from the wonderful visit of Father Fintan (Paddy Lyons) we will be celebrating 1st Communion / Confirmation for the children in St Olaf’s and Queen of Angels. Our Parish Mission will take place 14th—18th May led by Father Joe Kerrigan. Father Joe is the pastor of St Joseph’s Parish Bound Brook , New Jersey and an Inspirational preacher and leader. He spent a year in Mepkin Abbey with me and on his return to active Diocesan Ministry is working to build up a contemplative, justice seeking parish in St Joseph’s. Father Joe will speak at the weekend Masses on 14th & 15th May and will be with us for 1st Communions for Queen of Angels. The programme for Father Joe is…
Monday 16th May Mass & Homily 10am: Father Joe Available for confession/ conversation 7– 8.30pm. Tuesday 17th Morning Prayer & Homily 10.00am Talk to parents of children in Schools at 7.00pm Wednesday 18th Mass & Homily 10.00am Conclusion & Summary especially for those unable to attend in the mornings, ending with Glenstal Night Prayer 7pm.
Archbishop Farrell has invited all the Parishes of the Diocese to reflect prayerfully on their future. I have set up a small working group to guide this process . Martina Kavanagh (Chair) Sarah Lane (Vice Chair) Sr Mary Leahy, David Healy (Secretary) John Ryan, Father Dermot & myself. We will keep you briefed. Copies of the Archbishop’s letter ‘Building Hope’ Is available at the back of the Church and on the Website. This stage of the initiative will conclude with a Parish assembly on the morning of the Feast of the Ascension, (the Parish Feast) Sunday 29th May time and details to follow.
Finally, my dear friend from China Rev Sr Rosa Wang will speak to us next weekend and make an appeal for the Church in China. With Love Father Jim
