On the 8th December 2003 we
celebrated the 30th anniversary of the opening of the
Church of St John the Evangelist, Ballinteer. It was a great
occasion of joy and thanksgiving for the Eucharistic Presence among us.
On 8th December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Mass was
celebrated by our area Bishop, Dr. Martin Drennan and the local
clergy, Fr John Battelle, P.P., Fr Jim O'Sullivan & Fr Martin O'Farrell.
This was a Mass of Thanksgiving for all the graces we have
received. A Mass of Remembrance of all those baptised, who received
first penance and communion, those confirmed, married, anointed with
the sacrament of orders, all who offer continuous daily prayer in our
church, those anointed with the oil of the sick, and those buried.
Also a remembrance of all the sacrifices needed to build the church
and to maintain it over those 30 years. It was also a plea to continue
to maintain the faith received under its roof until death and to be a
witness to it in the Parish and in the home.
The following web page is a reproduction of the special Booklet which was
launched that night to celebrate the anniversary. The booklet will be delivered to
each house in the parish over the Christmas period.
A special word of thanks is also due to the late Chris Ryan, a parishioner, for his excellent work in
producing the booklet at the request of Canon Battelle who was Parish Priest at that time.
The following is a reproduction of the Booklet
celebrating 30 years of our parish including photos and page numbers.
As we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Church and Parish of
St. John the Evangelist in Ballinteer, one cannot but witness the
profound changes that have occurred within the parish community.
This is especially so within the past few years. These changes have
affected people's way of living, moral and social values, education,
and communications - virtually every phase of human existence. Even
our language has changed radically due of the constant introduction of
new words as well as a new meaning given to old words.
The speed of change is so great that nothing in our society seems
stable or reliable. This modern phenomenon takes its toll on all but
the young. The constant need to adjust and keep up with the times is a
constant challenge for the person who occasionally lives in a state of
anxiety. The result is that many people live in an unrelenting state
of anxiety and confusion. Perhaps without realising it, we look for
something familiar and comforting. For many of us that means our faith,
our religion.
One thing we always used to hear about the Catholic Church that it
could not change. And yet, the Church too has witnessed a lot of changes
in recent times - for example, in the Mass and even in some of our
religious practices, such as Friday abstinence as well as the transfer
of the celebration of Church holidays to the nearest Sunday. These are
referred to as incidental changes. The Church remains unchanged in
essentials. We ourselves throughout life remain the same essentially
and change incidentally.
One may still take a
stroll in Marlay Park and yet be within the
parish bounds. These bounds have not altered since their initial definition
by the diocesan mapper in 1973 when the parish was first established.
A map of the extent of the parish bounds may be examined in the appendix
of the Jubilee parish publication. Also in this appendix is a diagrammatic
representation which illustrates the Ballinteer parish as part of the
Donnybrook Deanery family of parishes - dating back to 1616.
Parishioners in the early 1970s - faced hefty mortgages in the region
of £4,500 to £5,000, without church, school or shop - just green fields -
will have witnessed many changes as the parish grew to its present
stage of development. For the younger generation of to-day, these are
images which may be difficult to comprehend.
In more recent years, the life of the parish has seen an extraordinary
evolution. The salient features of the parish growth will be referred
to within the limited space for this publication. During the past year
or so, the most outstanding development has been the completion of the
Southern Cross Route motorway - over thirty years after it was first
planned.
The last part of the M50 bisects the parish as it facilitates the
constant flow of traffic. The morning radio listener will be familiar
with the regular up to date constant reminder as to the state of traffic
at the Ballinteer part of this M50.
M50 Motorway near Ballinteer Exit
Marlay View Apartments,Ballinteer Avenue
The development of Marlay View apartments on Ballinteer Avenue
commenced the accommodation expansion programme within the parish.
This was followed by the construction of the Brehonfield Road - known
as the Green Route - the development of forty-six homes at Grange Hill
with the Grange Hall apartment blocks. The completion of this residential
property development was followed by the building of the residential
units in the vicinity of the Kellystown Road/College Road junctions as
well as those units at Brehons Chair (Grange Ford).
And more recently, the one-hundred-and-three two-bedroom apartments
were completed at Taylor's Hill. The total compliment of all those
recently completed residences in the Ballinteer parish will together
contribute an extra five-hundred family units to the parish population.
By way of contrast, such residences as Ballintyre Hall, its gate lodge,
and Hilton are some of the only residences still in existence since
the early 1890s. The total occupation of these and other residences in
Ballinteer contributed to a total population of sixteen families
(i.e. eighty-three persons) in the 1901 Census.
The other residences - not identified in the Jubilee parish
publication - from the early 1900s are those six stone-cottages on
Harolds Grange Road; these were constructed in 1914 while those ten
cottages around the corner on Grange Road were built in 1918.
Ballinteer St John's GAA Clubhouse
T o accommodate these
extensive changes and dramatic population
increase, the social and physical needs of the younger members of the
community are provided for within the parish. There is, for example,
the recent completion of the clubhouse for St. John's GAA, which was
founded in May 1982. There is also the 115th Ballinteer CSI, with similar
beginnings in 1982. Extensive programmes are provided for some 200
members of the younger generation.
Dundrum Credit Union
has been in operation in Ballinteer since the
early 1970s. A sub-office was first opened in Our Lady's School and
then moved to a caravan in the Superquinn car park. The Health center
became our new home and we have operated there ever since. We have over
5,000 members in the Ballinteer area and we have been seeking a suitable
office to cater for their needs for a long time.
At last, we are delighted to say that Dundrum Credit Union will be
opening a NEW OFFICE in Ballinteer Shopping Centre in the near future.
The office is located in the old Xtravision unit. We will provide a
full service to our current members in our new office and we hope to
attract new members from the area who have not yet discovered the
benefits of Dundrum Credit Union membership.
Watch out for further details!
Despite the considerable
number of changes which has occurred within
the past five-year period, the parish has kept itself up to date with
the technological innovations of a modern age. It is proud of its own
well administered and constantly updated parish website, which not only
is an instrument of communication but is also a link for those parishioners
who have emigrated to other countries.
The address of this website is located at the head of this publication.
The user of this parish site is provided with all necessary news and
information regarding the parish and its parishioners.
The user of the parish website will not only discover the profile,
aspirations and facilities for at least eighteen of the organisations
within the parish but will also discover the contents of the entire
collection of parish newsletters since first published in November
2000. The site contains a host of other parish data located on the
Bulletin Board; examples of news items range from such activities as
walking tours to getting that local painter.
And the amateur user who thralls through the links-page of this site
will be provided with access to readily available information on most
subjects - like, for example, travel the world or one may take a
virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel, conduct an examination of the
contents of the Vatican libraries, and explore its museums. One may
also find a selection of sites available to assist the amateur genealogist
with the location of that elusive ancestor or alternatively take a
virtual tour of Aras an Uachtaráin.
Educational needs of
the parish youth are provided for by Our Lady's
National (boy's and girl's) Schools which were established in 1970.
Over the past ten years there has been a gradual downward trend in the
number of pupils attending the boy's section; the current annual average
pupil attendance ranges between 180 and 200.
The resulting vacant classrooms are utilized to the optimum advantage -
two are devoted to the special needs of autistic children for the
catchment area of south County Dublin; four classrooms are leased to
St. Michael's House. A further classroom is devoted to a computer
laboratory which was set up in 1996. In the case of the girl's school,
the current attendance would seem to be similar to the boy's.
Pilgrimages to places
of religious worship has been an annual
feature of the parish since its first pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1974.
Interest in those spiritual visits has increased over recent years,
especially since the parish jubilee year.
Four pilgrimages will have taken place from the parish by the end of this anniversary year.
These include the following: the December annual night vigil to Knock;
the Lourdes Easter pilgrimage; the Rome, Assisi and San Giovanni visits
for September 12th -19th; the St. Padre Pio Knock pilgrimage in September,
and the Fatima pilgrimage in October 2nd - 9th.
The
tapestry banner of St. John the Evangelist which hangs on the
wall at the rear of the altar was woven and designed in Canada by
Maison Bouvier. This firm was also responsible for designing the
vestments for the occasion of the Papal visit to Toronto in February
2002. It represents St. John the Evangelist, author of the Fourth
Gospel, and beloved disciple at the Last Supper. On closer examination,
the observer will notice that it includes a bunch of grapes and wheat,
which represents the Eucharist, and Scripture. It may be observed that
the tapestry is in three separate parts for better visual impact.
Rev. Fr. John Battelle P.P.,
Fr. Jim O'Sullivan and Fr. Martin O'Farrell
are assisted with the administration of the parish by the participation
of reliable coordinated teams of dedicated parishioners. These provide
the essential back-up support of meeting the spiritual needs. These
are as follows - The Parish Pastoral Group (PPG) evolved from the fruits
of the parish mission in 1998. The main role of this group of thirteen
volunteers is to coordinate and represent the other parish groups.
The Mission Statement of the PPG might be outlined as follows - the
promotion of a greater sense of togetherness and participation as we
gather in our parish church; to spread this togetherness in church out
into our parish community in a way that is inclusive and embracing;
and, to build a community which gives expression to our faith where
we feel that we belong and that our unique presence is valued.
A total of forty-seven parishioners form the Ministers of the Eucharist
team. These ministers provide an essential link with those ill and
elderly parishioners with First Friday and home visitations as well
as those who are hospitalised. To assist with the liturgical functions
at the church of St. John the Evangelist, a team of thirty-six Ministers
of the Word dedicate their free time. They also share in the lay
participation of the Sunday Masses as well as those ceremonies for
Easter, Christmas and other important parish events like First Communion
and Confirmation.
The liturgical ceremonies and religious events in the church are
complimented by the organists and dedicated members of the three choirs
- the senior, the children's, and the folk group - with their leaders.
The contribution of these is acknowledged by the PPG, which recognises
that the smooth running of these events can be attributed to the dedication
of the sacristans with the boys and girls who serve the Sunday Masses.
Gratitude goes to the sacristan for his constant daily attention to
the security of the church and its grounds.
The Parish Pastoral Group
Front Row: L-R: Fr. Jim O'Sullivan, C.C.; Sean Roche; Alice
Sarsfield, Chairperson; Fr. John Battelle, P.P., Fr. Martin
O'Farrell, C.C.
Back Row: L-R: Patricia Campbell; Aiden Leonard; Patricia
Leonard; Donal O'Dalaigh.
The remaining members of the PPG are as follows...
Jim Finlay, Secretary
Noel Ryan
Lily Corcoran
Pat O'Sullivan
Children's needs are
facilitated with two active structures which
help to guide their needs as well as coordinating their participation
in the liturgy of the Sunday Mass.
The Rainbows Listening Service was set up by a group of parents in
2000. This highly motivated and active group facilitates and runs
courses for children who experience traumatic situations within the
home. Details of this International organisation are to be found on
the parish website. This confidential service was initially established
in the USA by Suzy Yehi Marta in the early 1980s and has spread to parishes
throughout the World.
There is also the Children's Church Group which has been active
over the past seven years or so. It means that children, from the age
of four, actively participate with their parents, in the liturgy of
the Mass. The 12 o'clock Mass is set aside for this experience. For
further information of this group-have a read through the parish
website.
The Repository shop
provides an important role in the church. This
is administered by a cadre of fourteen devoted parishioners divided
into six teams. A selection of cards is available for every event in
a person's life - from birth to death - is in stock. The most popular
sell is the range of the ''Christmas Greetings Card from Ballinteer''.
Besides a collection of religious objects there is the recent introduction
of video and book lending facilities.
Prayer amongst the laity
in the homes of parishioners takes
a number of forms. One of these is the Christian Meditation Group.
This has been in progress within the parish for the past number of
years. Six parishioners participate in this form of prayer by meeting
weekly (except for a summer break) on a Thursday night, for one hour,
in a parishioner's home.
This form of meditation is based on the principles of a Benedictine
monk - with forefathers from Ballinskelligs, - Dom John Main, OSB,
(1926-82), and who established an ecumenical Christian Centre in London
(1975). With the assistance of another Benedictine monk, Dom Laurence
Freeman, OSB, the movement was established for religious and lay people.
It soon spread throughout the World with the establishment of over
a thousand groups in sixty countries. Dom John had the assistance of
his sister, Yvonne Fitzgerald (d. July 24,'03 in Booterstown) to establish
such groups in most of the Irish counties. There are over thirty such
groups in Dublin alone.
Fr. O'Sullivan conducts a lectio divina on Thursday nights in the
Oratory. He also runs successful directed prayer sessions annually.
The first Monday of each month is set aside for Saint Padre Pio
devotions and the celebration of Mass. This is co-ordinated by Fr.
John. Battelle, P.P. A life-size statue of the Saint was acquired by
the parish for display in the church.
St. Padre Pio
Another such form of prayer in the homes of parishioners is the
Parish Cell. This has had a longer history in the parish, and takes
the form of ninety-minute meetings on a fortnightly basis. The aim of
this group is to offer a support structure, through prayer, sharing
scripture and friendship to parishioners wanting to explore and share
their faith with family friends and colleagues.
The main trust of the cell movement is evangelization; the word
''cell'' refers to the smallest possible organism which must multiply
if it is to grow. This is also the case with groups, which will grow,
and multiply through time.
There is also Alpha, which is an interdenominational group; it has
been in existence since Lent of 2002; it conducts courses in the parish,
and its aim is to get to know Christ through scripture.
The PPG acknowledges
the tremendous efforts through the years of
those dedicated collectors at the Sunday Masses and supported by the
weekly door-to-door collectors. A sincere appreciation goes out to the
excellent contributions made by members of so many voluntary groups
towards the smooth running of the church and parish - like the many
weekly routines of running the Golden Age Club, those who clean the
church and ensure constant supply of fresh flowers for the sanctuary.
A sincere appreciation is due to those involved with the recent
heating intensive fundraising project. The heating system was installed
in 2000 at a cost of IR£96,000, which converts to over €121,800.
A sincere appreciation is also due to the goodwill of the parishioners
for the €52,465.00 which has been collected through church-door monthly
collections. This was run for about five months each year since May
2000.
Amongst the major tasks facing Rev. Fr. Battelle P.P. and the
parishioners include the replacement of the church roof. This has
been estimated to cost just under €1M. And in the near future, the
needs of the elderly will be addressed.
.
We have completed thirty
years of the life of the parish. The
priests of the parish thank you for your generosity and support during
those years we since have a vibrant congregation at our five Sunday,
and daily Masses.
We look forward in confidence and faith to spreading the Gospel of
Christ through our many prayers and assistants. No words can describe
the amount of voluntary help we get from so many parishioners. We hope
that we will have the support of all our people as we face the daunting
task of providing finance for the re-roofing of our parish church and
presbyteries in the near future.
We priests wish all God's blessing on you and your families.
Rev. Fr. John Battelle, P.P.,
Fr. James O'Sullivan, C.C.,
Fr. Martin O'Farrell, C.C.
.
.
In conclusion, the many excellent contributions of other parish
organizations are acknowledged by the PPG. These provide an excellent
service for the needs of parishioners like the St. Vincent de Paul,
and The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association as well as those who
maintain an excellent communication system for the parishioners with
the Parish Newsletter.
Finally, a sincere appreciation to all those who have assisted with
the production of this commemorative booklet on the occasion of the
thirtieth anniversary of our community, parish, and church of St. John
the Evangelist at Ballinteer; a special thanks goes to the two main
sponsors - Superquinn and Dundrum Credit Union - for their financial
assistance.
Lastly, I thank Fr. Battelle for inviting me to compile this booklet.
Christopher Ryan
December 8th. 2003, Feast of the Immaculate Conception.