Services
Archbishop Francis’s Easter Message April 2023
Christians believe in and live according to what is called the ‘Good News’. At the very core of the Good News is the Easter message, Christ has died, Christ is risen. This is always fresh, always relevant, and always good news for us as individuals and for all people.
During Holy Week each year, in the Cathedral, the oil of chrism is consecrated. Every Catholic is anointed with sacred chrism, at baptism and again at confirmation. That anointing has marked each one of us out as special in ourselves and special to God, and with the chrism we also are anointed for mission. Ours is the task to be continually animated by the Good News, and to share it with others.
Of course, the reality of suffering is a feature of human life. At the moment, we are acutely aware of the suffering experienced by those from our own country or from abroad who are looking for a place to live; we are conscious of those whose current reality is war and how they long for peace; and those who contend with many other kinds of suffering – visible and invisible.
The suffering of Jesus during his final days in Jerusalem was very human. He knew what it was to experience betrayal, disappointment, injustice, abandonment, humiliation, pain and death. Therefore, he can identify with us when we have these or similar experiences.
Jesus also knows what it is to be raised from the dead, and to live with God the Father eternally, never to suffer or die again. He has paved the way to eternal life with God for us. He invites us to follow him there – in the first place by ongoing personal conversioin, by carrying our crosses, but also by journeying together in joy and in hope as we reflect together on the magnificence of his Good News.
Created in God’s image, you are special to him. He has given you life in abundance; he has shared the Easter message with you, and he invites us to share in the fruits of his Son’s resurrection forever. I wish you all a happy Easter.
Church Centenary Book Launch
ST CRONAN’S CENTENARY BOOK
St Cronan’s Centenary Book was launched on Sunday December 1st immediately after 11am Mass by Michael Commins of Mid -West Radio and The Mayo News.
This 96 page colour production contains a variety of articles that detail the history of St. Cronan’s, Balla and its people as well as happenings in the other areas of our parish, namely Belcarra, Clogher and Manulla.
The publication has some marvellous photographs of the beautiful windows and sanctuary. It is very well produced and sells at €10. It is a must for people in the area and for those whose roots are in Balla. The committee responsible for its publication deserve great credit for what they have achieved. We are indebted to them.
All were welcomed to come along on Sunday for the launch and to join in light refreshments afterwards in the nearby Community Room.
Congrats to Balla Tidy Towns
TIDY TOWNS
Congratulations to the Tidy Towns Committees within the parish on the excellent results obtained in this year’s competition.
Balla received 302 points (an increase of 14 points).
Belcarra received 306 points (an increase of 5 points)
Clogher received 305 points (an increase of 8 points)
This is due recognition of the hard work put in by the committees and local volunteers.
Well done to all concerned.
St Cronan’s Centenary
Welcome to Balla and Belcarra Parish 