If there’s one word we associate with this time of year it’s “Home”. What we celebrate most of all at this
time of year is the fact that God chose to make his home among us and take on our human flesh. Of the
myriad of means he could have chosen to enter our world, he chose to be born to a humble couple in
Nazareth. The world into which Jesus was born was similar in many ways to our own. There were wars
and there was widespread poverty. Many families, including Joseph and Mary, had to flee the terror of
King Herod and take refuge in neighbouring Egypt. These days people travel across oceans and
continents, returning to the circle of warmth that we call ‘home’. Over recent years many families have
made Ballyhaunis their new home. We say a warm welcome to all of you who have made Ballyhaunis
your new home and who bring with you so many lovely customs and traditions from your native
land. Welcome to all our emigrants who have made the journey home for Christmas. We hope that you
will have a restful and peaceful time with your family. Earlier this year we formed a new Parish Pastoral
Council. The new Council is truly representative of the ethnic diversity that exists within our parish. We
thank all who accepted the nomination to the PPC. A special thanks to Kevin Henry for agreeing to serve
a second term as Chairperson and to Mary Henry for agreeing to stay on as secretary.
So many people are involved in various ministries in our parish. Last summer we had a very enjoyable
social evening in the Golf Club for all who are involved in ministries in the parish.
As we come together to celebrate the mystery of the incarnation, the great event of God coming among us
in the human flesh, I want to express my appreciation to all who have helped in the preparations for
Christmas.
I wish to thank our choirs, soloists and musicians for their commitment to music in our parish. The great
array of talent in our parish is regularly commented on by listeners of Midwest Radio. Thanks especially
to Martina Kelly who is the Director of Sacred Music in our parish. Martina took over this role earlier in
the year when Moira Delaney stepped down after many years of sterling service. Thanks to our Mass-
servers and their parents for being so loyal and committed to this ministry. Again many parishioners have
commented on how lovely it is to see the servers present at Mass. I wish to thank the principal and
teaching staff of Scoil Íosa for their co-operation on so many fronts; especially in helping to prepare our
children for the Sacraments of First Confession, Communion and Confirmation. I wish to express my
appreciation to Kenneth Dennedy, the principal for his leadership and to Carol Freeley & Sarah Scully for
agreeing to take charge of the Scoil Íosa Children’s choir. The participation of the Children’s choir in
various Masses at Christmas and throughout the year is something that energises and enriches our
celebration of the Eucharist.
Last weekend, Archbishop Francis kindly stepped in to lend a helping hand when I was feeling a bit
under the weather. He was very touched with how warm and welcoming our parish and church is at this
time. Each year a band of enthusiastic volunteers, under the direction of Margie Phillips undertake the
erection of the Christmas crib, the Christmas tree and the decoration of the church. They ensure that our
church building has a warm, welcoming festive atmosphere that enables us to celebrate the Christmas
season. They have spent many hours over the past few weeks working to ensure that nothing is left to
chance. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
Fr. Stephen
