If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained
and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television
- and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more “I love you’s”.. More “I’m sorrys” …

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute… look at it and really see it … live it…and never give it back.

Erma Bombeck

The Holy Thursday mass is a reminder to us of the importance of the Eucharist, and the link between the Eucharist and service of others as symbolised in the washing of the feet.

Good Friday has for long been a sacred day. It is very easy to allow it to become an ordinary day, and so we really need to make a conscious effort to make it special and to try to attend one of the ceremonies of the day.  If you cannot attend a ceremony, then perhaps take a few moments in your home to kiss or venerate a cross, perhaps leading your children or family into the tradition also.  The cross is central to our faith, – Jesus offered his life on the cross so that you and I might have the fullness of life on this earth and the promise of eternal life. He has taken our sins upon himself and won us forgiveness.

Holy Saturday night is a very special night for Christians.  Again, worth the effort to try to attend. It is our celebration of the risen Lord. Jesus has broken the chains of death and has won for us a new life.  He gives us hope.  He is a light in darkness, a light that darkness cannot overcome. And in the midst of our economic struggles, our church and faith struggles, and our own personal and family struggles, we turn to our risen Lord who gives us hope and who promises to be with us always.

Easter Day – ‘And lo the winter is past, rains are over and gone, flowers appear on the earth, glad songs are heard’ – For Christ is risen today. Alleluia. May he live again in our hearts of faith, hope and love!  Alleluia! He is truly risen.

May the journey of this Holy Week strengthen your faith, and bring you hope, comfort and peace.

Providing a much needed amenity for the surrounding area, the new hall was the brainchild of the B.A.S.L.A. group which formed approximately 17 years ago. With this project in view, the members worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Cadamstown Hall renovation project. Their regular weekly Lotto Draw proved to be very popular and successful. Among the highlights of their activities was the most enjoyable “Summer Festival” week-end. Many recollections are still around of rocking and rolling to the group “Bog the Donkey” in the festival marquee. The “Lord Mayor Campaign” attracted much attention in the area and was further instrumental, in furthering the fund-raising of the Balyna Area Sport and Leisure Association. In appreciation of the work carried out by this committee, a Red Oak Tree was planted by B.A.S.L.A. Representatives on the grounds of Cadamstown Field , at opening day.

Many happy and fun-filled memories of the old Cadamstown Hall, will be forever etched in peoples minds. Often referred to as “The Ballroom of Romance” , it was here that many a relationship had begun and developed. Still many a fond memory around, of the Sunday night outing to the “hop”, and the cavalcade of bicycles and the pooling of the occasional car to take us there. All areas of the Parish were represented at, and presented the annual “Tops of the Parish” , which saw many a packed night in the old Cadamstown Hall . Fun and frolics were the order of the day, and the Talent Shows provided a stage for the wealth of musical and acting abilities in the Parish.

It was with this backdrop in place, and with the combination of funds raised by B.A.S.L.A. and a contribution from parish funds, that the restoration of Cadamstown Hall became a reality. With a view to providing an opportunity for parishioners to view the Hall, an official Opening and Field Day was organised for October 2nd, which was to prove thoroughly enjoyable and sociable for all who attended. The “cup of tea” in the hall went down a treat as did the display of local Crafts and Produce. With many “hands on deck” in the hall, the atmosphere was light-hearted and friendly and people also availed of the opportunity to chat and reminisce. Outside on the field, numerous events and side shows were organised . Toes tapped to the live music on stage, children enjoyed their football and athletic involvements and there was a great interest in the revival of the side shows. There were many novelty items in place also thus ensuring that there “was something for everyone”. The aroma and taste of the Barbequed food was a welcome addition on the field and was highly acclaimed by all. Great interest was expressed by many in the “revival” of the Cadamstown Sports and Field Day and it is hoped to continue it as an annual event. Much gratitude is due to all who helped in any way to organise and support the opening of the Hall and Field Day.

A Cadamstown Hall Committee has now been formed . The Committee will oversee Bookings for the hall, and will engage in organising activities and fund-raising for the hall. We consider ourselves very fortunate in Balyna Parish , to have this amenity at our doorstep. We encourage people/clubs to book it and we request that it be supported as much as possible. The building consists of a hall, dressing rooms, toilets, kitchen and the use of heating. Any bookings can be made by contacting the Parish Office on 046-9551203.

“Tré Neart le Chéile”

Kathleen lynch.

One of the great gifts of life is the gift of hope. ‘Hope is a living energy, alive and tangible’. Hope helps us to realise that we are not alone, we are necessary, we are part of something great. We belong to something much more than this present moment and every day we can begin again. These days are so often over-shadowed by the grey clouds of fear and uncertainty. There is a crisis of hope. A reality that so often may seem, overwhelming, difficult and brings with it a temptation both to despair and abandon hope. So often we can be consumed by bad news. I suggest that good news is tangible, alive and very real.

Last weeks front page article on this paper, detailed negative news about Bagenalstown Community Games. However, the story of Bagenalstowns’ exceptional and talented young people supported by fantastic parents and volunteers is a much greater good news story. The light is greater than darkness and despite the storm clouds of unemployment, debt, depression, illness and uncertainty we must not abandon hope.

Hope often accompanies the vulnerable moments of life. Some of the most inspiring and uplifting people have the heaviest cross to carry. I recently sat at the bedside of a young man George, who is suffering with Terminal Illness living with Pancreatic Cancer. In the silence and distress of the moment I found his courage and hope truly inspirational, “ I want to live every moment to the full, I want to enjoy life and appreciate all that I have”. Such words gave me a huge wake up call.

Yes we have much to be grateful for. The gift of health allows us to engage indulge and indeed celebrate each moment. Without health we are limited, restrained and lack energy. I’m sure this young man would give everything, despite his acceptance to enjoy good health again. Perhaps the God of creation is also awakening within us renewed appreciation for the abundance of his presence in our midst. This years harvest was abundant in its plenty, for this we must be grateful also. The colours of the autumn season not just reminds us of the coming winter, but awakens within us the hope that in spring time new buds will bring a new season.

To turn the key and open a door, to family and friends where we are loved and welcomed and made feel at home is another reason to hope. No matter what, we have people who support and encourage, who listen and love, who desire for us only good things and through their presence offer us love and genuine friendship.

The greatest challenge of our time, in Irish society is to see beyond the doom and gloom, to raise our eyes to an inspiring hope alive in the generosity, compassion and spirit filled lives of so many good people in all our communites.

‘Spirit of God,  loving and free, Spirit of God, flow through me’.

Paddy Byrne C.C

This article appeared in the Nationalist Newspaper

Jesus asks us to forgive ‘seventy seven times’., which means forgiveness, which is never easy, must be unlimited. Without the grace of God it is sometimes impossible. When we get hurt, we naturally grow resentful and bitter. Resentment and bitterness are very dangerous things, and we cannot be healed of them unless we forgive. Forgiveness is a process, and like all processes it takes time.

We must recognise that a wrong has been done to us. We must recognise that we have feelings about this….feelings of anger and hurt. We should talk about these feelings. Then at some point we make a decision to forgive. Forgiveness is an act of will, but this doesn’t mean that feelings of hurt and bitterness will suddenly disappear. The healing of these will take time.

We all need to forgive because at one time or another we all have been hurt. We need to pray for the gift of forgiveness. Unless we forgive we will not be able to let go of bitterness and resentment and so will not know peace or healing. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. It means remembering and letting go. Only God can help us to accomplish it fully.