God's love for humanity is the good news of Christianity. That God is rich in his heaven is something also known to other religions. That God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that every one who believes in him may have eternal life (John 3,16) was the hitherto unheard of thing, the utterly unexpected deed never to be surpassed, the most beautiful event where the radiance of the inner heart of God shines on the world.
Christmas invites us to treasure these mysteries and ponder them in our hearts as Mary did. We are to allow ourselves to be caught up; to be enraptured; to be grasped by this wonderful mystery of love. In this way we will gain a deeper insight into the meaning of life and will find ourselves on a mission that calls us to play our part within the great activity of God in the world. As Cardinal Newman puts it: 'I have my mission - I may never know it in this life but I will be told it in the next'.
Happy Christmas from the Newsletter Committee
The Parish Newsletter Committee comprising Fr Battelle, Jo and Pat, wish to
thank all contributors and wish all readers a Very Happy and Holy Christmas and every Blessing
in 2005.
Parish Web Site
www.ballinteer.dublindiocese.ie
Help us to reach 10,000 visitors to the site. Why not visit the site and help us to reach
the magic number and win a nice prize. Simply print the Home Page which shows the number of
visitors as 10,000 and either e-mail or drop it into the Sacristy c/o Parish Web Editor making
sure to include your name & address. Good Luck.
Seeking Help from Sacred Scripture
‘We give thanks to the Father who has
made it possible for you to join the saints and with them to inherit the light. Because that is
what he has done; he has taken us out of the power of darkness and created a place for us in the
kingdom of the Son that he loves, and in him, we gain our freedom, the forgiveness of our sins.’
Colossians 1 : 11 - 14
As this scripture tells us, we have inherited the gift of light, we have been taken out of
the power of darkness by the unconditional love of Jesus and his gift of the forgiveness of our
sins. As we grow in the love of God and become more and more aware of His love in our hearts we
will also be more aware of our darkness or sinfulness. God’s love and power enable us, if we
desire, to be free of sin and to remain in the light of His love. We should always ask God for
the grace to recognise Him in all the happenings of our lives, from the smallest niggle to the
greatest problem or sadness we are experiencing. If we share all our thoughts, feelings, concerns,
anxieties and joys with Jesus then we will never feel alone and will always have hope in our
hearts.
Parish Walking Groups
Kilmashogue Wood Car Park - Saturday mornings - 11 am (sharp) for approximately
one and a half hour walk (01 4941948 for further information).
There may also be a 9.30 am walk, but it is important to phone 01 4945397 in advance to
check situation.
Ballinteer Family History Society
The following lectures will take place at The Conference Room:-
The Massy Estate by Frank Tracy, Historian, on Thursday February 17th 2005 at 8 pm.
The Gore-Booths at Lissadell by Dermot James, Author, on Thursday April 21st 2005 at 8 pm.
The current edition of the Society’s journal Gateway to the Past is available, and contains a
number of articles of local interest.
For further details — Christopher Ryan Tel: 2988082.
Christmas Concert
All are invited
to the Christmas & Carols concert
at the Chruch on Sunday, 12th December at 3 pm.
Look forward to seeing you there!
LECTIO DIVINA
Lectio Divina with St Matthew’s Gospel will resume on Thursdays January 20th,
27th, February 3rd and 10th 2005 with Father O’Sullivan in Oratory at 8 pm.
Church Roof 2005
Work is due to commence in May 2005 to replace
the roof on the Church and presbyteries. The estimated cost at present is Euro1,800,000.
We hope to keep the disruption of services to a minimum during the seven months of work.
Ballinteer Parish Pastoral Group
Mission Statement
To promote a greater sense of togetherness and participation as we gather in our Parish Church;
to spread this togetherness in Church out into our Parish community in a way that is inclusive and all embracing;
and to build a community which gives expression to our faith where we feel that we belong
and that our unique presence is valued.
Membership
The Parish Pastoral Group (PPG) was established in 1998 when the Priests of the Parish along
with ten lay volunteers come together after a Parish Mission.
Initiative by Archbishop Martin
Archbishop Martin has spoken about the role of the laity and advocated the formation in each
parish of Parish Pastoral Groups. The task now in Ballinteer is to enhance the existing Parish
Pastoral Group giving it a new sense of mission as we face into a new year. Towards that end,
the Parish Pastoral Group organised an ‘Away Day’ in Gort Mhuire on 13th November attended by
members of the PPG, Ministers of the Eucharist and of the Word, and helpers in the Church Repository Shop.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
The first tangible outcome of the ‘Away Day’ was promotion of the Exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament in the Oratory on Fridays, 10 am to 7.30 pm.
Church Reconstruction Works
Again, the roof replacement will involve some disruption of services requiring assistance from more parishioners.
Parish Visitation Team
Some dedicated volunteers visit houses in the Parish. They would greatly appreciate new members to join their team.
If you can help in any way, ring Jim Finlay at: 01 2988997.
Ballinteer Parish Cell Community
Home Cell meetings continue every second Wednesday. More information available on 01 4953182.
Our Christmas get-together this year is on Wednesday 22nd December in Marley Parish Parlour
at 8.30 pm. Please bring you family and friends with you to what is always a very enjoyable
evening. Further information on 01 4953182.
Intercessory Prayer Team
Kay, Jennifer, Pat and Philip come together to pray for the needs of all in our community.
Requests for prayers can be phoned to: 01 4942526 and we will also pray personally with anyone
who asks: Never lose hope, Jesus loves us all dearly and has provided for our every need
and remember no prayer goes unheard.
Baptisms, Deaths & Marriages Section
Baptisms
October - November 2004
Welcome to our Christian Community
Emily Louise Adderley
Rachel Angela Skelly
Hugo Killian Lopez
Kerry Catherine Browne
Jennifer Anne Masterson
Megan Patricia Isaacson
Evan Michael Duffy
Ryan Joseph Jackman-McGarry
Leo Daniel Troy
Scott Flynn Morris
Jessica Hannah Bell
DEATHS
October - November 2004
Sincerest sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of
Charlie Kelly, The Rise, Woodpark
James Ryan, Ballinteer Park
Stella Donnelly, The Grove, Woodpark
Stephanie Brazil, Kingston
Joe Cooney, Ballinteer Grove
May they and all who sleep in Christ find in His presence light, happiness and peace. Amen.
Parish Mission — February 2005
Fr Tom Hogan CSSR will, with two Redemptionist Students, preach a week’s Mission beginning
at the 6 o’clock Mass on Saturday 19th February 2005. On the previous week beginning on Sunday
13th February, parishioners will be asked to give their houses for Eucharistic prayers.
Fr Tom will ask for volunteer homes on his visit to the parish on the weekend of 8/9th January.
Ballinteer Golden Age Club
The Club wish to thank all who support their activities, Happy Christmas to
them and all members. Christmas lunch in Our Lady’s School Hall at 3 pm on Sunday, 12th December
2004. If attending, please notify Betty Dann in advance: 01 4938004 after 6 pm.
REPOSITORY SHOP at back of Church
Cards, Candles, Calendars, Cribs, Figures, Sheds, Children’s books, Colouring books,
Small gifts.
Open after all Masses on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings.
Ballinteer Parish Pilgrimage
Ballinteer Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Shrines of France,
visiting Lourdes, Lezoux, Paris, Nevers, Paray-le-Monial, Ars, Orange. 30th August — 6th
September 2005. Fare including bus from Ballinteer: Euro860.
To reserve, please call Tom Ryan 2986889 or Fr Battelle 4935962.
KEEPING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS!
Next issue 6th February. Last date for articles 24th January.
