By Peg Prendeville

It is nice to be back in my familiar corner after two unexpected absences. The first was very pleasant as I had the good fortune to be able to visit friends for a weekend  in the Costa del Sol in Spain and see for myself that the sun is shining and in good form away south near the Mediterranean. Though it was only for a few days it was good to experience the heat. Alas when I returned I picked up this awful flu that is doing the rounds but thankfully all is well again. Lots of people seem to have got the flu this year.

Recently there has been a lot of discussion about the dangers of the internet where children are concerned. It does not make sense to me – an aging person – why any parents would allow their young children to have devices that can access the internet but obviously parents do. Apart from the dangers I have been conscious on a few occasions lately how powerful a tool Facebook can be when used sensibly. Of course it is addictive and can be a timewaster but can also produce good results. Our dog ran away recently due to thunder and lightening and 24 hours later her photo comes up in the Glin Community News page as she strayed into a house in the Glin area. Happily she is back with us again because of that ad on FB. And recently a man in London, from the Limerick area, who had had no contact with any of his family for many years and who was dying alone in London was reconnected with relations due to a call from his friend through Facebook. So though there are many dangers online there are also many opportunities for good work to be done when the will is there.

Sincere sympathy to Geraldine Hayes and her family in Glenbawn on the death of her sister Catherine O’Connor during the week.

A meeting of the Loughill/ BallyhahillParish Pastoral Council was held during the week. Given that this is the Year of the World Meeting of Families it was suggested that a Family themed Mass be celebrated once each month in both our churches. Families who wish to be involved can give in the name in the Sacristy.

This Thursday is the feast of St. Brigid, secondary Patron Saint of Ireland. Friday is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Blessing of candles during Mass in Ballyhahill at 9 am. If you would like to have candles blessed for your personal use please leave them in the Sacristy. Saturday is the feast of St. Blaise. Blessing of the throats after evening Mass.

Noirin Lynch from Limerick Diocesan office will visit Ballyhahill Church on Wednesday February 7^th at 7pm to meet all the Ministers of the Eucharist and the Word and to give a talk on Safeguarding rules for children and vulnerable persons. Anybody involved in parish work is invited to attend this meeting.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be holding a Blood donor clinic in the Community Centre Foynes on Monday 5th February from 5 pm to 8pm. 1: 4 of our population require blood at some point in their life. 3000 units of blood are required every week.

Saint Brigid’s Blessing –

May Brigid bless the house wherein we dwell.

Bless every fireside, every wall and door.

Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof.

Bless every hand that toils to bring its joy.

Bless every foot that walks portals through.

May Brigid bless the house that shelters us.