Dearest Parishioners,
This is Fr Peter. As we face in to more restrictions I wanted to write to you to thank everyone who has kept the Parish going during my absence; Fr Dermot and Fr Padraig have been extraordinary, the Parish staff and all our volunteers have done a wonderful job. I’m sure that all of us feel proud that our Parish Council and Finance committee have taken on a role of leadership and so have demonstrated that the laity is well able to guide a parish even in the most difficult circumstances. Thank you to you all. Gratitude is also due to those who upgraded the parish lighting, fencing and painting in the Parish and to all who continue faithfully to support the parish and the priests.
Many have asked where I have been over the last months. In fact some have suggested that the Parish runs just as well without a Parish Priest and a few have commented that since the PP has been away there have been no funerals …. ‘maybe he might stay away a little while longer’. Rumours that I was spotted with Jimmy Finnegan on a staycation in Mountjoy are not credible.
Not wishing that my personal situation should in any way be a theme in the Parish I had tried to avoid explanations but as we face new challenges it is only proper that you be informed.
I’ve been waiting for a Consultant appointment since July and though my condition is not really serious it does impede me from doing certain tasks. The delay In receiving an appointment was an unlucky set of circumstances but the consultant’s office has promised that the situation will be resolved in the next few weeks.
During these new restrictions we will continue to follow the Mass through the web- cam and stay informed from the Parish website and bulletin. As in the first lockdown we will remember in prayer all those who suffer during the pandemic and convert our homes into domestic churches. I invite you to light a candle at 20.00 hrs every night to pray for those who have died on this little island and to continue with our Balally tradition of making sure that no one is forgotten and that every life is celebrated and handed back to God in a loving way.
God Bless,
Father Peter
Just for a laugh: Before my first appointment I asked the doctor should I bring anything to the consultation. “Just your brain”- the doctor replied. When I turned up at the clinic with the aforementioned organ the doctor looked disappointed “Father, you’re not giving me very much to work with are you?” …
Dear Fr Peter,
My husband and I used to join you for Night Prayers and Mass during the last lockdown. Your calming presence helped make a horrible situation more tolerable. Plus you sang my husband’s favourite hymn, ‘Hail Queen of Heaven’. I am sorry to hear you are unwell and will pray for your recovery.
Your tales of Jimmy Finnegan amused us both and I wondered if he is ‘real’.
God bless you for all the wonderful work you do for your parish. They are very lucky to have such a caring priest.
Take care and get well.
Doreen Lambert
Thank you so much Doreen. May God Bless you and all your family. Please keep Father Peter in your prayers.
We miss you!
Get well soon. With God’s help, we won’t die soon; but if He calls us, we don’t hold you responsible!
Manuel and Ana
Dear Father Peter,
We are praying for you.
How are you?
Merry Christmas!
Manuel and Ana Moreira
Padre Peter una gran alegría me dió encontrarlo en un video, le mando un fuerte abrazo y espero que se mejore y me encantaría verlo aunque sea por zoom y agradecerle todo lo que hizo por mi.
Hola Enrique, Envíe su dirección de correo electrónico a ballyparishwebteam@gmail.com y le enviaremos sus datos al Padre Peter.