Ireland

In Ireland we have five communities, Belfast, two in Roscrea, Knock and Cork.

 

 

In Cork we have a large community of sisters, many whom are retired but still involved in pastoral and parish work and also ministry in schools. Cork also is the home to the Bessborough Centre, whose work is focused on keeping children safe and empowering parents, children & families to improve the quality of their lives. This service continues the work started by the sisters in 1922.

 

Take a look at the Bessborough Centre website, and see the amazing things that are happening there. 

 

We have five Sisters living in Roscrea, where they are a prayerful presence.

They are involved in the following Ministries:

  • A welcoming presence for the returning mothers and/or their children who were in the Sean Ross Abbey Mother & Baby Home.
  • Support of St. Anne’s Special School, and also the Adult Service.
  • Parish sacristan; formation of Altar Servers; accompaniment of adults in Faith development; sacramental programmes for children; Eucharistic ministry; Visiting the housebound, elderly and bereaved; Attending funerals.
  • Serving on the Boards of Management of three Primary schools and a nursing home.

 

 

Our Mission in Knock is Prayer and Presence together with hospitality to our sisters and friends visiting Knock.

We are involved in various ministries at the Shrine which is particularly active during the main pilgrimage season when we meet, welcome and speak with Pilgrims. Twice a week we participate in activities for the Elderly at are offered at the Shrine. 

One sister is a member of the Prayer Guide Team at the Prayer Guidance Centre which throughout the pilgrimage season, facilitates prayerful contemplation of the Word of God and compassionate listening, helping pilgrims to reflect on God’s presence in their daily lives. The Prayer Guide Team also facilitates weekly Advent and Lenten meditations.

We also participate in the “Community Futures Project” – a consultative process to understand the needs and aspirations as a united community and strength participation in local issues.
One sister is part of the local craft group which has an annual fundraising bazaar to raise money for different charities.

We collaborate with the many other women and men religious here at Knock and celebrate that as we come together three times a year.  With prayer central to our mission, we join a group at the Alexian Brother’s chapel for Holy Hour each day.

 

. . . to live as a vibrant,
re-founded congregation,
fully living our Charism:
the love and compassion of Christ.     

Acts of the Chapter 2014

Location is central to our mission in Belfast. The Sisters live beside one of the many border barriers in Northern Ireland that separate Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods affected by the past and ongoing conflicts. These border barriers are known as 'Peace Lines' or 'Peace Walls', the stated purpose of which is to minimise inter-communal violence between Catholics (most of whom are nationalists who self-identify as Irish) and Protestants (most of whom are unionists who self-identify as British). The house where the Sisters live is located on the 'Protestant' side of the Shankill/Mid-Springfield 'Peace Wall' (one of the most contentious 'Peace Walls' in Belfast) and is adjacent to the interface gate which allows pedestrian passage during daylight but is closed at night. The Sisters are involved in cross community building and pastoral work.