NEW DAWN: Our Celtic ancestors believed that as the sun rises on Easter Sunday morning it dances with joy. There is joyful anticipation in the parish of Holycross – Ballycahill as they make plans for a Dawn Mass on Easter Sunday morning. This is the first time ever, or at least in living memory, that an Easter Dawn Mass has been celebrated outdoors here. The Parish Pastoral Team (PPT) met on Tuesday 19th March to make the arrangements. These included identifying a venue, the time for the Mass, readers, communion ministers, music and planning the seating and parking. A Plan B will be in place in case the weather turns very inclement.
Paddy O’Mahoney, owner of O’Mahoney Commercials, Garrynamona, Ballycahill has kindly agreed to provide his large yard for the special occasion. He lives on ‘The Rock’ – the high hill after which Ballycahill is named. The yard faces east with an expansive view out over the Suir Valley – Eircode E41 TX82.
The time is set for 6.15am so that as the Mass is celebrated the sun’s rays will radiate across the eastern sky. There will be a team of people to help with ‘sacristy’ duties which involves getting an altar ready with the usual cloth, candles, crucifix and flowers. Sacred vessels for the occasion will be brought from Ballycahill Church. The chalice that will be used is 200 years old and was owned by Fr. Patrick Meagher PP who had Ballycahill Church built over two centuries ago. The Easter fire will be lit early as people arrive, a rich symbol in itself. Another team will bring chairs from the local hall for those who need to be seated during the ceremony.
Following the Mass there will be light refreshments served in Ballycahill Community Centre. This will be facilitated by another team of dedicated people. The PPT invite everyone to this special occasion in our parish. Wear warm attire and bring along an umbrella in case of a stray shower. Should the weather turn out to be very bad the Mass will be celebrated in Ballycahill Church.