Easter Thanks

These past few days have been as hectic as normal years. I thought with the church being closed to the public I could go to ‘Virtual Bahamas’ but that thankfully was not the case. As a priest, I got to experience the grouping of parishes in a new way. Ballygall church was used for broadcasting all ceremonies. Priests arrived with their teams from other churches to lead us in prayer. On Thursday for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper we began the Triduum with the assistance of Nuala, Gina and Sheila. On Good Friday Fr Paul Coyle with Matthew, Joan and Emily came up from Our Lady of Dolours church, Glasnevin. For the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday Fr. Frank Reburn based in Our Lady of Victories led us through a very unusual vigil with the help of Linda, Ger, Tien and Giovanna. Aideen (12 o’c) and Linda (7.30pm) shared the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Fr. Richard Sheehy led us in Morning Prayer on Saturday. He and Fr. Paul were also leading the Liturgies in St. Alphonsus Monastery, Iona Road. Throughout the weekend our musicians were Linda, Eoin & Ciara. Those were some of the faces that you may have seen. There were others who worked behind the scenes. The church still needed to be cleaned, Sacred Space needed to be prepared, Camera needed to be adjusted, Palms newsletters and letters delivered or posted, Cross & Palm to be got and put into place. Well done to all who stepped in and ensured that things went as well as could under the circumstances. 

As today, Easter Sunday, draws the Triduum to a close I am reminded that life goes on. Priests from the other parishes in our Grouping and our team of readers will be back in action on Tuesday at 10 o’c. Monday is a Bank Holiday. Not that makes much difference to us this year! But we won’t be broadcasting mass from Ballygall. Instead you are invited to join the sisters on www.rednuns.com for Mass at 11 o’c.

Thanks, too, to those who have been leaving in Easter Dues and Family Offering envelopes. Your support is as always greatly appreciated.