There was a flurry of activity around Balally again this week.
Detailed preparations for the Service of Christian Unity were going on in the background and on Thursday night they came to fruition in a very beautiful liturgy. Pastor Stephan Arras, a Lutheran minister, joined our community and visitors from neighbouring churches and parishes. The reading Scripture, our choir, the use of light and salt, the dialogue between Pastor Arras and Fr. Lane and the sign of peace helped to highlight the reflections on the unity in diversity and the meaning of the forthcoming celebrations of the Lutheran Community…. As always the liturgical service was crowned by splendid hospitality by the Hike team in the Parish Centre.
On Wednesday night the Confirmation children from Queen of Angels participated in the Ceremony of Light, wherein Parents pass on the candle of faith to their Children. The young adults also made promises in regard to alcohol and drugs. You can see the promises in big envelopes in front of the altar.
The Year of Mercy has been highlighted by the acquisition of some new vestments with the Mercy Logo and the invitation to be “Merciful like the Father”. See can you spot them…
The first steps were taken towards the installation of web cams in the Parish so that the liturgies could be streamed live to the housebound, to people who are unable to attend special events (weddings, funerals, baptisms ..). We will keep you posted about the progress.
Funny Not So Funny: “I’m not going to buy my kids an encyclopaedia. Let them walk to school like I did.”— Yogi Berra
Francis Frase: “.. The Name of God is Mercy”_Pope Francis
