I announced earlier in the year, when I spoke at all the Masses concerning the financial
position of the Parish, that any extra money which had been allocated towards the refurbishment of the Church roof would be
spent on the sanctuary, particularly on the back wall. This was in response to the many requests I received since arriving
in the Parish one year ago to “do something about the blank grey wall!”
When the quantity surveyor told me that there was still just over €50,000 left in the
budget I allocated this for the Sanctuary. (We had spent over €20,000 earlier in the year on the work of replacing the
wooden panels of the Oratory with glass so as to reveal the lovely stained glass windows.) I approached the architects who
were working on the roof to plan some designs for the Sanctuary. We are very fortunate that Aidan Leonard of ‘Mullally
Leonard Architects’ is a very loyal parishioner and he has given of his time and energy over and above his work schedule to
contribute towards the beautifying of our Church. His firm has worked on a lot of Churches around Ireland and we have
benefitted from their expertise. The final plan was submitted to the parish Pastoral Group in May and then posted on the
Sanctuary wall for observations and comments. Although the plans were well observed there were very few comments. I suppose,
like myself, it is hard to visualise from a drawing what something will actually look like.
The sculptor Mark Ryan was approached to work on the figure for the new crucifix. Mark is
a liturgical artist who has done a lot of work throughout the Diocese, including Balally Church. His family have been
involved with Church art for generations and his wife also worked on the window behind the crucifix. From the outset I knew
that this would be the most controversial work as it is very abstract. In fact it is in the same style as the Stations of
the Cross, the Tabernacle and the symbol of St. John the Evangelist on the front wall. However, after some initial criticism,
in my opinion it looks better in position with the window behind it. (Canon Battelle informs me that it is the same style as
the new crucifix in the Basilica built at San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy where St. Pio (Padre Pio) is buried).
I have asked the architect and the sculptor to write a piece on their designs and these
will follow this introduction. I have also written down the scriptural understanding of the crucifixion in St. John’s
Gospel, which I gave as a brief for the new Sanctuary design.
The original crucifix has been placed in the Oratory and I know that for a few people this
crucifix is very important, so I have asked that it be lit up with a spotlight to give it due prominence in its new position.
The whole experience has been challenging and represents something new and forward-looking.
I am happy to have left the design and artistic work to those who specialise in this area and I, for one, am very pleased
with the overall result. It is my hope that you too will like it and, above all, that it has responded to the request to
“do something about that blank grey wall!”.
Fr. Richard Behan, P.P.
St. John’s interpretation of the Crucifixion
“When I am lifted up from the earth I shall draw all people to myself”
Only John among the Gospel writers sees the death of Jesus as His ‘glorification’. For
John the Cross was not the end. Jesus rose again. The other gospel writers are also aware that the crucifixion of Jesus was
followed by his vindication in the Resurrection but John sees that the risen Jesus - indeed the ascended and exalted Jesus
- is always alive and always triumphant. When Jesus was ‘lifted up’ on the Cross, it was a movement of eternal triumph and
exaltation. He ascended the tree always to reign from it. As Stephen Smalley writes in his book ‘John - Evangelist and
Interpreter’:- “Because for John the ‘glory’ of the Cross is manifested at the moment of crucifixion, he reports that Jesus
died with a word of victory and not defeat on His lips. The work he had been given to do was “finished”. The miracles
described in the other gospels as accompanying the death of Jesus find no place in John. For him the crucifixion itself was
a self-evident glorification - an enthronement, a ‘lifting up’ which carried with it exaltation”.
For this reason you will notice that the new crucifix has Jesus standing in triumph,
victorious over death, with the window representing his glorification.
Fr. Richard Behan, P.P.
Architect’s Comments
The new backdrop was designed to bring greater focus to the Altar, especially during the
celebration of Mass. The size was considered the minimum in order to achieve this focus. It is offset in order to complement
the asymmetrical nature of the Sanctuary. The inset circle provided space for the new crucifix and illuminated stained glass
window designed and executed by the artists. The entire perimeter of the backdrop may be illuminated for special occasions.
The colour was chosen in order to harmonise with the surrounding grey brick wall and to unify old and new.
Aidan Leonard
Sculptor’s Comments
The Sanctuary Cross and setting have been made to fit into the opening provided in the new
Sanctuary screen. The aesthetic behind the Cross and glass window, was to portray the Christ figure as the ‘Risen Christ’
or ‘Christ in Triumph’ in a more positive and uplifting manner. The glass backdrop is intended to radiate from the centre of
the Cross, adding to the sense of engagement and mystery.
The Corpus has been crafted from mild steel with a mixture of polished and graphited
finishes. The coloured glass has been selected to compliment the existing stained glass and the colour palette used in the
rest of the Church. The Cross itself is in ash.
Mark Ryan, Sculptor
Special Thanks
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Valerie McCoy for all the lovely new altar
cloths. Many people have commented on their beauty and we thank her for all her hard work which, in itself, is a hymn of
praise and thanksgiving to God.
You will notice work going on with our sound system at the moment. Bob Moore is working
away on a new sound system and security camera system for our Church. We thank him for all his work so far and for giving
so generously of his time and expertise in the service of our Parish. May God reward him for helping us to hear the word of
God more clearly.
Of course I also wish to thank all those who contribute to the many Parish organisations
and activities which make Ballinteer so special. Some have done so for many years, others more recently. Each person has a
special role to play and all organisations would welcome the support of new members. If you are new to the Parish or now
find yourself in a position to get involved, you will be very welcome.
Fr. Richard Behan, P.P.
Parish Website
www.ballinteer.dublindiocese.ie e-mail: editor@ballinteer.dublindiocese.ie
Calling on all groups in the Parish! Is your information on the parish Website correct and
up to date? Check out both the “Bulletin Board” and “Parish Organisations” pages and let us know if this is how you want
your Group represented. We are dependent on your input to keep these pages up to date. If your Group is not on the Website
and you wish to avail of this complimentary service simply send in your details.
You may contact us by e-mail by clicking on the “E-mail our Parish” box on the Home Page
or you may leave the details in the Sacristy or Parish Office addressed to ‘The Editor, Parish Website’ and we will update
your details within a few days.
Remember, whether you are at home or abroad, you can keep up to date with the parish
activities at any Internet site throughout the world by simply entering our website address.
Ballinteer Parish Cell Community
Cell Community ‘Home Centres of Prayer’ meetings continue every second
Wednesday in our parish. These meetings are held in homes in Broadford, Pine Valley, Woodpark and Old Ballinteer and all
are welcome. If you would like more information about Cell Community or if you would like to ‘Come and See’ a Cell meeeting
please call 085 7788395 or leave your name and number in the sacristy and we will be happy to call you. Please keep an eye
on the Parish website or Church notice board for up-to-date Cell information.
Senior College Dún Laoghaire
Enrolling for night classes on Monday 3rd to Wednesday 5th September inclusive from 7pm to 8pm. Courses
commence Monday 24th September. College is located in Eblana Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, about 200 metres from Dún Laoghaire Dart Station.
Guided Scripture Prayer Retreat at Ballinteer
September 23rd to 28th
(Sunday to Friday)
Your chance to make a short individually guided retreat while continuing with your normal daily activities!
What does it involve?
1. Attending a meeting of the whole group - Prayer Guides and participants - on Sunday and Friday nights at 7.30 p.m.
2. Meeting for half hour, one to one, with the Prayer Guide assigned to you from Monday to Thursday evenings at an agreed time between 7.30 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. Your Guide will help you to select Gospel passages and pray with them and allow you to talk as openly as you wish about anything relevant.
3. Praying each day with a scripture passage for an agreed period of time.
Previous experience of Praying with Scripture is not necessary; however places are limited and early application is advisable.
Enquiries and Applications to Fr. Jim O’Sullivan at 4944163
Fr. Jim also offers both prayer and spiritual guidance, one to one, on an ongoing basis; also the possibility of doing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius while continuing with normal daily living. He will be happy to hear from anyone interested.
Lectio Divina will resume in October. This year we will pray with the Letter of St. Peter, the Letters of St. John and the Letter to the Hebrews. It takes place on Thursday nights.
The world famous Alpha Course is coming to Ballinteer
Alpha is a 10-week course that explores some of the basic truths of the Christian faith – “Who is Jesus?,
“Why did Jesus Die?” and “Does God Still Heal Today?” It is Christ-centred and scripturally based and has the backing of all
the Christian denominations. The course is relaxing, non-threatening, low key, friendly and fun. Participants meet weekly
and listen to a talk lasting 40 or (if desired) 25 minutes. These talks are available on DVD or can be given by a live
speaker. Participants then break into small groups to discuss the talk and questions arising from it. During the Course
there is a day/week-end away, focusing on the Holy Spirit.
When the course ends, participants are encouraged to continue their spiritual journey in their local Parish or Church,
sometimes through a Parish cell group. Cell groups are now established in 39 Catholic parishes in Ireland, some as a
follow-up to Alpha e.g. Callan, Carrickfergus, Longford. Cell or home Groups are already established in many Church of
Ireland, Presbyterian, Methodist, Pentecostal and other church communities.
Alpha originated at Holy Trinity Brompton, an Anglican church in London, in the 1970’s. The syllabus of the course is
contained in the book “Questions of Life” by Rev. Nicky Gumbel. Around 30,000 courses are now running in 152 countries and
an estimated 5 million people have experienced the course. Some 43 Alpha courses ran in Ireland, North and South, in Spring 2006.
Alpha has been used in the process of bringing many people into a living personal relationship with Jesus and bringing
them into contact with the Christian community. Alpha finds acceptance across all denominations and has the support of
church leaders in Ireland and abroad. Everyone is welcome on an Alpha course and people attend for a wide variety of reasons.
Some come seeking a meaning to life; others are concerned about what happens after death. Still others may have attended
church on and off all their lives but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. People come
from many different backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints - but all come with the same objective: looking for an
opportunity to explore the meaning of life.
Venue and times of the course can be found at www.alphacourse.ie/courses-dublin.htm and will also be posted on the notice
board in our Church.
Deus et Patri Project
A group of zealous young members of the Legion of Mary, aged between 20 and 35, will descend on the Parish
from 14th-16th September. They will be doing house to house evangelisation and a recruitment drive with the aim of starting
a Praesidium of the Legion of Mary in the Parish. On a recent project to Ballymun they got 14 recruits for a new Praesidium.
They would greatly appreciate prayers for the project. For further information contact Mary Lynch, 086 3616453
Parish Walking Groups
Intercessory Prayer Team
Kay, Jennifer, Pat and Philip meet regularly to pray for the needs of all in our Parish and for the
particular needs of those who ask for prayer. They can be contacted on 087 6677749
Lourdes Pilgrimage
10 parishioners, including Fr. Jim O'Sullivan, travelled to Lourdes from 26th to 31st July. We stayed at
the Agena Hotel which is run by an Irish woman and her French husband. GAA fans were well catered for on Sunday afternoon.
A large TV in the foyer brought Croke Park to Lourdes. The food was also excellent. The weather became warm and sunny as
we arrived and remained so. Many candles were lit, many prayers were said and Mary smiled down on us! Next year will be
the 150th anniversary of the apparitions and large crowds are expected.
Baptisms - 31st March to August 2007
We welcome into our Christian Community:-
Jacob Meci
Sean Michael Thomas Mulligan
Elizabeth Mary Josephine Kirwan-Regan
Jake Joseph Mathews
Laura Kate Kirwan
Anna Ellen Hanlon
Ella Misell
Lottie Misell
Robert Patrick Bolger
Jessica Marian Gray
Alexander Paul Hannan
Julia Joan Lee
Mia Sarah Quilty
Anna Margaret Curran
David Ken Fleming
Harry James McMahon
Hazel Lorraine Brady
Beau Rose Garratt
Hugh Derek Egan
Carlos Samuel O’Donoghue
Sophie Louise Clarke
Ellie Anna Cullen
Rose Elizabeth Owens
Luke James Breen
Lucia Fiona Ann Lennon
Robyn Eve Hogan
Caoimhe Claire Gibbons
Fia Annie Duffy
Congratulation to the proud parents
Deaths - April to August 2007
Sincerest sympathy to all the families, relatives, neighbours and friends of
Lil Walsh, 56 Ballinteer Drive
James Dowling, 19 The Rise, Woodpark
Jack Kelleher, 8 Ballinteer Grove
Peggy O’Connell, 14 Heather Close
Mary Lyons, 97 Broadford Rise
Timothy (Ted) O’Sullivan, 80 The Rise, Woodpark
Deirdre Smith, 71 Ballinteer Drive
Mary Catherine (Kay) Bull, 6 Broadford Lawn
May their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in peace
Weddings - June to August 2007
Alan Walsh, Enniscorthy who wed Karen Harmon, Sandyford
Stephen Thomas Fortune, Mallow who wed Tara Patricia Ryan, Ballinteer Park
David Nolan, Ballycullen who wed Elaine O’Neill, Ballinteer Park
Brendan Murphy, Dundrum who wed Carla Devereux, Broadford Rise
Kevin Kavanagh, Ballycullen who wed Clare Curran, Grangefield
May you have many years of health and happiness
Are you aged 12 to 25 (-ish!)?
Start the year on a high note!
Parish Youth Mass
with singers from Dublin Gospel Choir*
5.30pm Sunday, 30th September
If you like this,
try out Ballinteer’s new choir for Young People
Gospel / Rock / Folk / Trad / FUN!
Weekly practice/monthly Mass
Information: Tarny Reilly (087) 262 7424
*Watch out for Dublin Gospel Choir in
concert on 9th November!
Ballinteer Active Retirement
Planned Giving Envelopes
If you have not received a box for the current year commenced 1st May, please give your name and
address to one of the Priests or Sacristan, who will arrange to have a box sent to you.
Bank Standing Order forms are available in wall-mounted holders at the back of the Church and Oratory.
Parish Archives
The Priory Institute Tallaght Village, Dublin 24
Tel: 01-4048124
E-mail: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com
Website: www.prioryinstitute.com
Ballinteer Church Repository Shop
Come and see our stock of: -
Cards, candles, holy water fonts, rosary beads, prayer cards, pictures and plaques.
Baptism candles and baby gifts, Wedding candles,
Children’s books and Bibles.
Shop open after Saturday evening Mass and all Sunday morning Masses.
Cards and pamphlets, Catholic newspapers and magazines always available inside doors of Church
Volunteers needed. Please phone Anne on 087 9566604
Church Roof Fund
Date of Next Issue: November 2007
