A Word from Fr Jim
Fr Jim becomes an honorary life member of
Naomh Olaf’s GAA Club
I was surprised and deeply honoured when I was invited
recently to become and honorary life member of
Naomh Olaf’s GAA Club. I am deeply grateful to
John Somers ( Chairman) and Brendan McGlynn to welcome me and my cousin Geraldine to the club. As a
lifelong GAA fan this honour meant the world to me.
Interestingly, the club was founded on the evening of Monday 13th July 1981 at the very time I was celebrating my
first Mass.!! The GAA is such a positive force in our area.
I was thrilled to see so many young people and children with their parents participating in such a healthy activity on the evening of my visit. I hope I can wear the jersey proudly.
My visit to Glenstal Abbey
On the weekend of Pentecost I spent some lovely days in
Glenstal Abbey, Murroe, Co Limrick
Abbot Christopher (who recently blessed our icons)
and led compline/ night prayer and Fr Fintan (Paddy)
Lyons send their best wishes. They both very much enjoyed their visits to Balally. I went for two main reasons—to pray for our parish and its future ( Our Building Hope Initiative )
(a parish which contemplates and serves)
I also went to re-new my own batteries. The last few months have been wonderful but tiring. My own temptation is to over work but my time in Mepkin has taught me that if I am to be part of this new vision for the parish, I too need to live a
balanced life where there is adequate time each day for
meditation and service. What I am talking about is a proper balanced lifestyle where work and prayer is accompanied by
silence, exercise, food and sleep.
It’s a challenge but I have to lead by example.
I hope in the years a head that many of our parishioners will be able to gain some of the deep spiritual fruits I have gained when they visit Glenstal with me. With Love Fr Jim
