His Grace Archbishop Dermot Farrell will celebrate 11.30am Mass in Ballygall on Sunday 16th June to celebrate the parish’s 60th Anniversary.
We launched the 60th anniversary of our wonderful parish of Ballygall over the weekend of 27th/28th April. Members of the anniversary Committee addressed the congregation at all Masses.
Many of our parishioners identify with the old tin church, which came to us in 1960 as a Chapel of Ease to Glasnevin Parish. It was 1964 before Our Mother of Divine Grace was officially constituted as a parish.
Early comers to each Mass will have seen a history of Ballygall with archives going back to the early days of the parish. We are blessed to have a Parish Archivist/photographer Noel, who shared his wealth of history with us, and who, together with the website team has made this beautiful Gallery. You will have plenty of opportunities to see it over the coming months.
The tin church was always intended to be a temporary structure. However, it was 1988 before our wonderful new Church was opened. In our video, you will see the construction and opening of the Church. So many great events have been celebrated here, Year of Mercy, Special Olympics, ordinations and many of your special occasions, your weddings, the baptisms of your children, the funerals of your loved ones.
And so we commence celebrating 60 years of parish life. Some may think, “that’s no biggie!” but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to celebrate and appreciate. You will hear a lot about this over the coming weeks – 60 years of faith, 60 years of sacraments, 60 years of volunteers, 60 years of community.
The Jubilee Mass in June will be a wonderful event. Your family and friends, who may no longer live in Ballygall, are welcome to return and help us celebrate. After Mass, there will be refreshments, another chance to view the video and parish memorabilia along with an opportunity to meet old and new friends.
Ballygall has never been just about the building. It is now and always has been about you, our congregation and community. The people, past and present, have been the heartbeat of our parish and have made Ballygall grat.
See you on June 16th.