Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Christmas is coming and the geese (in solidarity with us all) are getting
fat. All the Christmassy things become prevalent and important. One of
those Christmassy things is to look back over the year and highlight some
of the important moments and events that we have shared as a Parish Family
this year.
Indeed, it has been a busy year with the First Communions, Confirmations,
Baptisms, the celebration of the Sacraments and the liturgical year and the
all other events that year on year occur in our Church. However,
outstanding in our memories has been the visit of Pope Francis and all the
preparation and events that happened in our Parish to surround and prepare
that beautiful moment. It would be impossible to go through all that was
done and to thank all those who got involved, suffice to say that Balally
Community once again proved itself as a welcoming and happy place to be a
Christian.
But, the whole event highlighted the need to open our hearts and minds to
all families: the perfect and the troubled, the traditional and the new,
the tattered, the tiny, the chirpy and the sad.
Christ was born into a non-traditional family, his life was threatened from
the outset, He was born into poverty, became homeless, was a refugee in a
foreign land and all this as a child.
So, as we enjoy this wonderful time of year let us take time out to be
challenged by the mystery we celebrate, give place to prayer and silence,
to smiles and charity and to open our hearts to this God among us.
Happy Christmas to all our Community,
*Balally Parish Team. *
