Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. These words, attributed to Martin Luther King and quoted in a newspaper column, seem relevant as we reflect on the current world situation and search for signs of hope. People generally are opposed to terrorism and oppression and wish to see an end to it. Many see war as the answer while others have serious doubts about the morality of war and, in practical terms, about its ability to provide a just and lasting solution. It seems to the more reflective among this latter group that something more powerful, if less tangible, than munitions is needed to break the cycle of violence, revenge and hatred in which the world seems to be caught up. That the United Nations seemed unable to chart an agreed way toward a peaceful solution, has been a big disappointment.
Light and Love are important words for the Christian. As he lights the Easter Candle the priest prays May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds. Lighted from the Easter fire this candle symbolises a new creation, a new beginning. We are reminded of the story of creation in the Bible - darkness covered the face of the earth, and God said let there be light (Genesis 1, 2-5). We are reminded, too, of words in St John's Gospel that point to Jesus as the light shining in the darkness of our world, a light the darkness does not overcome (John 1, 1-5). Those other memorable words also come to mind: God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son (John 3,16).
In Old Testament times God set his people free from slavery in Egypt. In this context He gave them what we know as the Ten Commandments. These were to set the frame, as it were, for a social order very different to that they had suffered under in Egypt. What was in question was a new way of life leading to a peaceful and harmonious human community based on obedience to God and respect for every man and every woman. We notice that Jesus did not come to abolish but to fulfil the law (Matt 5,17). The Law, for Jesus, was summed up in two Great Commandments, Love of God and Love of Neighbour; it was far removed from the legalism of his day with its myriad rules and regulations - impossible burdens as he described them.
Jesus challenges to individual conversion. We are to repent and believe the good news (Mark 1,15). We are to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works (Matt 5, 16). As friends of Jesus we are to love one another as I have loved you (John 15,12). This challenge is at the heart of the Gospel we Christians are called to live and to spread, to proclaim personally by word and deed, day in and day out, 'the news that the kingdom of God has come'. This is the message that can change hearts and lives and transform people's world view, their values and their actions. It is a message of hope, a power to change, it is our Christian response, it will prove more powerful than the awesome array of weapons in the Gulf. It challenges and empowers us to be 'workers for God's kingdom of truth and life, of justice, love and peace'. Trusting that with God all things are possible, we pray that God's kingdom may come, that His will may be done.
Prism Programme
A programme for adults, who have lost a partner
through death, separation or divorce, is starting shortly in Ballinteer.
This programme provides a safe setting in which participants can be
with other adults who have experienced similar situations. It enables
one to come to terms with the many emotions experienced and assist one
in moving through the various stages of grief in a gentle and
supportive atmosphere. The bereavement or loss need not be recent.
Life in the Spirit Seminar
This Seminar was a wonderful success in so far as it
generated great excitement amongst the participants about the
importance of our Christian mission. We were blessed by excellent
speakers each night who shared their faith experiences with great
enthusiasm. On Saturday March 1st we concluded the Seminar in Gort
Mhuire Conference Centre. The day started with prayer and a very
encouraging address by Fr. Battelle PP. During the morning session
the group considered the effects the seminar had on all of us and how
we might grow in our spiritual lives as a result. During the afternoon
session which was attended by Fr. O'Sullivan, we looked at the wider
parish and the many activities that go to make up the parish of St.
John the Evangelist. A number of parish groups made presentations on
their particular activity in the parish, this proved very informative
to all present. The day concluded with the celebration of Mass. The
celebrant was Fr. Noel Farrell.
To organise a Life in the Spirit Seminar requires a lot of work,
our thanks go Angela Staunton and Annette Ryan for all the organising
work. Kieran Farrell and the group who turned up each night to lift up
our spirits with their music. Sean Roche who helped organise the
Oratory and lock up each night, and those who facilitated the
discussion groups. A special thanks to all who contributed the
refreshments for Saturday's event.
Noel Ryan, Parish Pastoral Group
Marriage Encounter Weekend
An opportunity for married couples to examine their lives together.
If interested, phone: 043-24003.
Seeking Help from Sacred Scripture
'Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. Do all your work in love
' 1 Cor 16 13-14
Because Jesus rose from the dead we have the gift of Eternal Life. This means that if we live
our lives in the very best way possible we can look forward to spending Eternity in the presence
of God.
This scripture encourages us to 'be alert' and to be aware of God's love and guidance in our
lives. To 'stand firm in the faith' which means we can be confident that God will give us all
the help we need if we ask Him. 'Be brave' encourages us not to be fearful but instead to trust
in God for everything we need. 'Be strong' tells us to have confidence in God's total love for
us. 'Do all our work in love' is saying that love is a choice we make and this choice affects
the way we think and act, react, interact and our general attitude in everything we do and say.
Let Easter be a time of change - really asking God in prayer to show us how we need to change
and then also through prayer to believe that God will guide and help us make the necessary
changes.
Ballinteer Parish Cell Community
We are having a Ceder Meal celebration on 16th April
at Marley Parish Centre at 8.15pm. All are welcome to join us -
enquiries: 01 2987888.
Home Cell meetings continue on alternate Wednesdays. Starting on
30th April home cells will host the 'Come and See' course - an ideal
opportunity for anyone considering joining the community or perhaps
re-joining. Enquiries: 01 2987888
Intercessory Prayer Team
We come together to pray for the needs of all in our parish.
Requests for prayers can be phoned to any of the numbers below and we
will also pray personally with anyone who asks:
Annette ...................... 01 - 494 6630
Kay ............................ 01 - 298 6877
Pat ............................. 01 - 298 0635
Philip .......................... 01 - 494 2526
Never lose hope, Jesus loves you dearly and has provided for your
every need and remember no prayer goes unheard.
Our Lady's Boys' & Girls' National Schools
Our Lady's Girls' National School.
Chairperson of the Board of Management: Mrs. Aileen McCarthy.
Principal: Miss M. Murphy.
Tel: 01-4944052. Fax: 01-4949569.
E-mail: ballinteergns.ias@eircom.net
Our Lady's Boys' National School.
Chairperson of the Board of Management: Mr. J. O'Neill.
Principal: Mr. J. McMonagle.
Tel: 01-4946647. Fax: 01-4937594
E-mail: ourladys.ias@eircom.net
Our Lady's Schools' Parents Association:
Chairperson: Mrs. Brenda O'Mahoney.
Secretary: Mrs. Rita Goode.
Opening hours in both schools are from 8.50 a.m. - 2.30 p.m.
Junior Infants and Senior Infants are dismissed at the earlier time of 1.30 p.m.
Both schools observe the same holidays and closures.
Pre-schools and after school care provided.
Order of Malta Ambulance Corps Dundrum Unit
Seeks volunteer Ambulance Drivers urgently. Must be 25
years old with a current D1 driving licence.
Meet Dundrum Church Hall, Tuesdays 8.15 pm - 10 pm. Or contact:
Capt. Aidan O'Brien 087-2327207 / 4936806 (pm).
Parish Walking Groups
Kilmashogue Wood Car Park — Saturday mornings — 11.00 am for approx 1½
hour walk.
Please note that the 9.30 am walk is temporarily suspended.
Enquiries: editor@ballinteer.dublindiocese.ie
Parish Pilgrimages
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
21st - 26th April 2003
Price Euro 595
Pilgrimage to Rome / Assisi / San Giovanni
12th -19th September 2003
3 nights in Rome, 3 nights in
San Giovanni, 1 night in Assisi.
Price Euro 975
Pilgrimage to Fatima
2nd - 9th October 2003
7 nights (full board). Price Euro 655
Spiritual Director: V. Rev. P. Battelle PP.
Booking each Monday night in the Conference Room from 7 - 7.45 pm.
Team Leader: Mr Tom Ryan Tel: 2986889
Baptisms, Deaths & Marriages Section
Baptisms
March 2003
Welcome to our Christian Community
Hannah Laura Simmons
Adam Patrick O'Leary
Jack Seamus O'Leary
Conor Richard Saunders
Paul Olusey Adegbehing
Kate Jade Lauren O'Shaughnessy Healy
Calum John Joseph Walsh
Adam Stephen Holt
DEATHS
February - March 2003
Sincerest sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of
Sincerest sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of
Margaret Kelly, Kellystown
Tom Mullin, Broadford Rise
Mandy Welsh, Ballinteer Crescent
Stephen Blake, Kingston Green
Alison Madden, Ballinteer Grove
Annie Byrne, Ballinteer Park (anniversary)
David Flynn, Clonlea
May they and all who sleep in Christ find in His presence light, happiness and peace. Amen.
MARRIAGES
No Marriages to Report
Congratulations to
Next issue - Date to be announced. Last date for articles -To be announced.
