Irish Missionary Union Events

September	Mission Alive Secondary Schools Competition– a competition for all secondary school students. For more details www.imu.ie Assignment: Think, about an injustice, inequality, or environmental injustice that you see in today’s world, (locally or globally) Explain what message you would bring and what you would do to follow this command to Act Justly, Love tenderly and Walk humbly with your God You have a choice to express this message in two categories. Category 1 is Essay format Category 2 is Creative Expression
September 21^st,22^nd and 23^rd	‘In Solidarity across cultures’ Exhibition – European Ploughing Championship, Athy , Co Kildare Free Overseas Volunteering Information Free Mission Education Resource (primary and secondary schools) Free Parish Twinning Handbook Promoting October as Mission Month
September 23^rd –January 31^st 2011 COMPETITION	Competition, ‘Explore a Mission Alive’ A competition for who wish to experience the developing world from the experience of a missionary. It is very easy to participate! You just need to send us a four minute (max) video which shows you engaged in service through your parish or in your community. Your video doesn’t need to be professional and by taking part you could be on your way to an amazing mission experience. just log onto www.missionalive.net to find out more and to upload
October	Free October Poster/Prayer with weekly reflections for the month of October available from IMU office or downloadable at www.imu.ie
October 3^rd	Liturgical Celebration from Cork launching Mission Month www.coistine.ie
October 5^th	‘Welcome Home Day’ for Recently Returned Missionaries. For all recently returned lay and religious missionaries a day to reflect with others and receive information about returning home. – No charge, please registered with Sr. Ellen at the returned Missinooares Desk, Irish Missionary Union. www.imu.ie
October 8^th	Children helping Children- National day of Prayer www.wmi.ie The celebration encouraged Irish children to strengthen their spiritual bond with children just like them but who live in mission countries. National Day of Prayer was first launched in 2007 The celebration, which is warmly supported by the Bishops of Ireland, teaches children how to pray the mission rosary through the development of child friendly resources. Resources are available from World Missions Ireland (www.wmi.ie) to assist schools in the celebration include candles, wall posters and activity resources.
October 8^th -10^th	Come to Asia, Come to Dalgan – Weekend for Young Adults exploring Justice and Peace, Care of Creation, Prayer and Sacredness. Dowdstown House Dalgan Park www.imu.ie This weekend event offer participants a chance to explore the positive values of the vast Asian Culture. The weekend is prepared by members of the Irish Missionary Union (www.imu.ie) for young adults (18+) who want a weekend with a difference. Themes for the weekend will include Justice and Peace, Care of Creation, Music and Dance, Asian Food, Prayer, Contemplation and Sacredness. Costs €60 per person (Individual and Group concessions available on request) For more information or registration please contact the Mission Alive Office, Irish Missionary Union, 563 South Circular Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
October 16^th	Missionary Vocations Seminar/Workshop www.imu.ie A small group of vocation directors of the Missionary Arm of Vocations Ireland began meeting last year to look at our Spirituality and offer support to each other. As a result of this we came up with the following idea, A day to reflect and discuss our Missionary Spirituality The Mission Alive Office at the Irish Missionary Union have kindly agreed to sponsor the day. Due to the limited space we are inviting the Missionary Congregations and Societies listed on Vocation Ireland website to participate. Each group is free to invite members of their respective congregation/society The focus for the day is “Our Missionary Calling” Donal Dorr SPMS will be the keynote speaker and Bernie Purcell PBVM will facilitate the day.
October 17^th	Live RTE Studio Eucharist- Celebrating Mission – hosted by Viatores Christi. Viatores Christi is marking its 50^th year of Lay Missionary involvement. As part of this celebration they will host a live RTE Studio Celebration of the Eucharist www.viatoreschristi.com
October 24^th	Mission Sunday – www.wmi.ie In 2010 Mission Sunday will take place on Sunday 24th October with the theme ‘Together in Mission’. The collection, organised each year by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, is a vital source of support for the 1100 Young Dioceses worldwide and 1,976 Irish Catholic missionaries currently working in over 80 countries throughout the world.
October 29^th-30^th	Mission, Development, Volunteering what next?…. Conference – hosted by Viatores Christi www.viatoreschristi.com To celebrate its 50th year, Viatores Christi, Catholic lay missionary association, invites you to a conference entitled: Mission..Development..Volunteering..What Next? Exploring Ways Forward Together! From 2.00pm Friday 29th until 6.00pm Saturday 30th October 2010 Wynn’s Hotel, Dublin Fee: €35 per person (Concessions available on request) Keynote Speakers, Workshops, Plenary Sessions, Social Evening The aim of the conference is to bring together those in the field of Mission/Development, Volunteering/Aid Work to explore where we are all going in the future and how we can all work collaboratively to continue Ireland’s long tradition of working to make the world a better, fairer place for everyone to live a more human life. For more details, please contact Viatores Christi 01-8689986 or email [email protected]

Youth Pilgrimage to Lough Derg

Bring your friends and meet the challenge together!

• Arrive between 11am – 3pm
• Fast from midnight prior to arrival
• Bring warm and waterproof clothing
• Check it out on Facebook or www.loughderg.org

Book online or telephone (00353) 07198 61518

Clonmacnois Youth Festival

It is a donation only weekend and all you need to bring is a sleeping bag. Why not take time out this summer to discover more about your faith in an atmosphere of fun and friendship. Reflecting on his visit to the ruins at Clonmacnois in 1979, Pope John Paul II said “These ruins are still charged with a great mission. They still constitute a challenge…” Are you ready to take up the challenge and come along for a fantastic weekend filled with new experiences and many opportunities to meet new people. The key note speaker for the weekend will be Fr Larry Richards from Pennsylvania, USA. Fr Larry is a gifted and captivating speaker who has inspired thousands of young people worldwide. He is founder and director of ‘The reason for our Hope Foundation’. Fr Larry’s humour and enthusiasm will add great zest to an already packed programme. There will be free transport available, for pick-up points near you and for more information check out www.youth2000.ie or contact the National Office 016753690 for N.I. 07514820572

Poster, Pictures & Web Promotional Video can be downloaded from the following links:

http://www.youth2000.ie/videos/580-summer-festival-promo-video.html

http://www.youth2000.ie/images/stories/posters/Youth2000Clonmacnois.pdf

Clonmacnois Youth Fest UPDATE

For young people attending the event for the first time one of the most remarkable things that they notice is the smile on the faces of everyone they encounter, the warmth and friendliness of the volunteers, the joy of the priests, the enthusiasm of the band and the welcome from the organisers. Many friendships are made over cups of tea and there is a sense of belonging to something greater. As one such person said “It was so worthwhile, I really enjoyed the whole weekend and I didn’t feel out of place”.

With a program that has something for everyone, there is a variety of activities over the four days. Events include: inspiring talks, a Christian rock concert, dynamic workshops on faith and the journey of life, games and soccer, quiet time for prayer, time for chilling out and making friends.

This year Fr Larry Richards from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is the main speaker at the event. Coming to Ireland for the first time, he is a dynamic and inspiring priest who is involved in the Reason for our Hope Foundation. He is a frequent speaker at events in the USA and in an authentic and engaging way, he speaks about the person of Jesus Christ- The Reason for our hope. He has touched the hearts and lives of countless young people.

So what do you need to do to come to this event? Check it out online at www.youth2000.ie and register to attend. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag, warm clothes, wellies and a rosary beads would come in handy! It’s for young people aged between 16 and 35. There’ll be a network of free buses from around the country so don’t worry about transport and the weekend is donation only so if you’re a poor student it’s ideal for you too!
So this year, this summer, this very day, decide for something different. Decide for fun. Decide for joy. Decide for friendships. Decide for a great weekend. Decide to come to the Clonmacnois Youth Festival!

Bus Schedule:

Ulster buses leaving Letterkenny, Derry , Coleraine and Belfast

Route 1: Contact Aisling: 087 6881202
14:00 – Letterkenny
14:20 – Stranorlar
15:00 – Donegal Town
15:20 – Ballyshannon
16:30 – Sligo
17:05 – Boyle
17:20 – Carrick-on-Shannon
17:55 – Longford
18:25 – Roscommon
19:30 – Clonmacnois
Mr Chippy
St. Mary’s Church
Abbey Hotel
Lakeside Caravan & Camping Park
Sligo Cathedral
Boyle Abbey
Landmark hotel
Longford Cathedral
Outside Regan’s Pub in Square

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Route 2: Contact Carla: 07514820572 (From NI) 00447514820572 (From ROI)
14:00 – Derry
14:40 – Strabane
15:10 – Omagh
16:00 – Enniskillen
16:20 – Bellturbet
17:00 – Cavan
17:30 – Granard
17:50 – Edgeworthstown
19:00 – Clonmacnois
Holy Family Church Ballymagroarty
Carpark opposite Asda
Omagh Bus Station
KFC Carpark
Outside Donohue’s Supervalu
KFC Carpark, opposite Cavan Crystal Hotel
Opposite Kitty Kiernan’s pub on the main street
Outside Our Lady’s Manor (Opposite church)

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Route 3: Contact Carla: 07514820572 (From NI) 00447514820572 (From ROI)
12 noon – Coleraine
13.15 – Ballymena
14:00 – Castledawson
14:30 – Cookstown
15:15 – Dungannon
16:00 – Armagh
16:40 – Monaghan
17:10 – Castleblaney
17:45 – Ardee
18:25 – Kells
18:45 – Navan
19:30 – Mullingar
20:30 – Clonmacnois
ASDA, Ring Road Car Park
All Saints Parish Centre Car Park
Roundabout Castledawson Roundabout Car Park
ASDA Car Park
Leisure Centre
Armagh City Hotel Car Park
Sam’s Diner
McCaughey’s Filling Station
McCabe’s Toyota garage (N2)
In front of the Church opposite Headfort Arms hotel
Woodies Car Park
Lomans GAA club

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Route 4: Contact Carla: 07514820572 (From NI) 00447514820572 (From ROI)
13:00 – Belfast
13:35 – Spucefield
14.15 – Craigavon
14:50 – Banbridge
15:35 – Newry
16.15 – Dundalk
17:00 – Drogheda
17:30 – Ashbourne
18:00 – Maynooth
19:15 – Clonmacnois St. Peter’s Cathedral, Falls Road
Spucefield Shopping Centre, Lisburn
Rushmere Shopping Centre
LIDL Car Park
Damolly Retail Park (Mc Donald’s)
Ice Bowl
M1 Retail Park
Outside Kelly’s Bar (which is also Bus Eireann bus stop)
Outside the Glenroyal Hotel

New Saint Oliver Plunkett Website

NEW SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT WEBSITE

Mayor of Drogheda Michael O’Dowd and Bishop Gerard Clifford launched a new St Oliver Plunkett website on Wednesday last in Millmount Museum in Drogheda.

The website was the work of Red Mist Productions on behalf of Drogheda Borough Council in conjunction with St Peter’s Parish.

If should prove a useful resource for schools, pilgrims and all those interested with the life and times of St Oliver.

Website: www.saintoliverplunkett.com

New Diocesan Aim Adopted

In his homily, Cardinal Brady said:

This evening we are adopting an Aim for this diocese. How do we generate enthusiasm, not just for the adoption, but for the actual implementation of this Aim.

Perhaps it would help to ask ourselves two questions – What is the purpose of my life here and now on this planet? I would suggest that we will likely come to the conclusion that it is in fact to become the Body of Christ, to become the Christ. But a body dies when it is separated from the Spirit and in the same way faith is dead if it is separated from good works. It is important therefore that each one of us strives to put on the mind of Christ. In other words, to adopt the values and imitate the attitudes and behaviour of Christ Jesus. The Spirit of Christ lives in our hearts in order to pray on our behalf and to bear witness in our lives to the fact that we are children of God.

The main question is: What is the Church for? The Spirit of God lives in the Church in order to guide it into the way of truth. The Spirit lives in the Church to unify it and to equip it with gifts so that it can help all of us to become the Body of Christ. When we welcome the resources which the Spirit provides and work with them patiently and faithfully, then, and only then, will the Church become the Body of Christ. Then the Church becomes adorned with the fruits of the Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit that are listed by St Paul, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithful humility and self-control.

The aim of the Archdiocese of Armagh reads:

As a diocese,

we aim to be the body of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit

so that we can live like Jesus in our time and place

sharing Christ’s compassionate love with all.

Promulgation of Diocesan Pastoral Council Constitution

The Constitutions replace the working commissions of the co-ordinating group of the pastoral plan. The coordinating group itself will hold its last meeting on 24 June 2010 and will be replaced by the new Diocesan Pastoral Council.

Speaking about the promulgation of the Constitution Dr Tony Hanna who was involved in the creation of the Constitution said: “The Constitution allows for the whole People of God in the Archdiocese to be involved in the development of the pastoral plan and to use their gifts in service of the mission of Christ in the world.”

The full text of the Diocesan Pastoral Council Constitution is available here.

The Cardinal and Mrs Sheila McAneaney are pictured above with the signed copy of the promulgation of the Constitution.

New Pastoral Area Resource Teams Commissioned

Reflecting on the ceremony Mr Joe Purcell of the Armagh Diocesan Pastoral Centre said “It was very uplifting to see so many people, priests and laity together, presenting themselves for leadership roles in the diocese. It really gave us all a great lift.”

Addressing the priest leaders (Vicars forane) and the members of the pastoral area resource teams, Cardinal Brady said:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it gives me great joy to see you here offering yourselves in service of your pastoral area.

Under the leadership of the Vicar forane it will be your duty to ensure the effective sharing of the collective gifts and talents of the parishes in the pastoral area and to identify pastoral matters that can be done better together as a pastoral area than separately as individual parishes.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, you do this in order to fulfil the mission of the Church to proclaim the Word of God and further the mission of Christ in the world.
Therefore, I ask you:

Are you willing to use your gifts and energy as a member of your pastoral area resource team in service of the pastoral activity of your pastoral area?

Members: I am.

Cardinal: Are you committed to working together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect?

Members: I am.

Cardinal: Will you commit yourself to promoting the aim of our diocese which is to be the Body of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit so that we can live like Jesus in our time and place sharing his compassionate love with all?

Members: I will.

Cardinal: Will you make prayer an integral part of both your personal life and the life of your pastoral area resource team?

Members: I will.

Cardinal Brady addressed the Vicars forane
Vicars forane, are you willing to work collaboratively with the priests, pastoral area resource team members and the parishioners of your pastoral area in order to strengthen each of the parishes in the pastoral area.

Vicars forane: I am.

Cardinal Brady addresses the congregation
Will you support the members of your pastoral area resource team in their ministry among you?

All: I will.

Cardinal: Will you pray God’s blessing on them as they help to strengthen each of the parishes in your pastoral area?

All: I will.

Cardinal: Will you continue to identify your own gifts and put them at the service of your parish and pastoral area?

All: I will.

Cardinal: Will you also commit yourselves to promoting the aim of our diocese which is to be the Body of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit so that we can live like Jesus in our time and place sharing his compassionate love with all?

All: I will.

Cardinal Brady blessed the pastoral area resource teams with the following words:
Let us pray.
Gracious God, through the sending of the Holy Spirit your Son called us to be a community of disciples committed to the building of your kingdom.
Send your blessing + on our 18 new pastoral areas that they may be faithful to proclaiming the Word of God and furthering the mission of Christ in the world.
Bless + the Vicars forane and the members of the new pastoral area resource teams. Renew in them the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on them in confirmation. Give them the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of right judgment and courage, the Spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.
As they use their gifts in service of the mission of Christ and of the parishes in their pastoral area fill them with your faith, hope and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEATIFICATION OF ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT

There will be a creative arts competition involving all areas of the Creative Arts, Music of all types, Drama, Music, Art, Creative Writing, Dance are just some of the means of participation. The theme of the competition for this year will be “Martyred”. All young people, as individuals, schools or parish groups from throughout the Diocese are welcome to participate.

A special “Walk of Hope” from the site where Pope John Paul II said Mass in 1979 to the shrine of St. Oliver will also take place on the same day with some fun activities planned for afterwards. Transport available subject to demand.

For further details and to register your interest please go to the new Diocesan Youth website www.adyc.ie under “Summer Attractions”.

African Link Youth Mass

Local musicians Micky Coleman, Justin McGurk (The Boogeymen), Plunkett McGartland and Malachai Cush (all under the direction of Coalisland Parish Priest Fr. Paul Byrne) have volunteered their services to help create a vibrant atmosphere for this special occasion. Further details on www.adyc.ie under “Summer Attractions”.

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