Northern Province Ministry Meeting, March 2010

For five years now Mary de Lacy, Ministry Co-Ordinator, has organized an annual weekend for the Sisters involved in psychotherapy/counselling, consisting mainly of a days input on a relevant topic and an opportunity for us to meet as colleagues. A flyer advertises the event and interested lay colleagues appreciate the invitation to participate and join with us. It is always a practical concern to keep costs as low as possible which depends on the guest speaker’s fee and the rate for the venue which has varied between Emmaus, Dromantine and Dalgan Park. A certificate of attendance is issued to all participants, a help towards meeting one of the compulsory requirements for CPD (Continued Professional Development). We extend very special thanks and appreciation to the Provincial Team who financially support and encourage the occasion for us.

Srs. Cecilia Smith, (Navan), Cecilia Cadogan, (Tullamore), Jean Kelly (Dundalk),Nuala Mullin, (Stranorlar Donegal) Briege Murphy, (Dundalk), Mary Clavin (Kells)

“Understanding Trauma” was the topic for this year’s workshop given by Brid Keenan from Belfast. Brid, a married woman with two adult children, is highly qualified and is one Ireland’s five specialists in Somatic Experience Training. Along with her lively, energetic input, we received handouts of her excellent power point presentation, learned and deepened our understanding of trauma and practiced some relevant skills. It was a very worthwhile event.

The day’s input over, our lay colleagues left us and the weekend continued for the Sisters into Saturday night and midday Sunday, a stretch of time welcomed and appreciated by all. The Eucharist, conversation and sharing, reflection, relaxation, talk, fun, and business matters all filled the hours… a model of that healthy balance between life and work, celebration and play so much recommended.

Our special thanks to Mary and her working team, Pearl Deery and Cecilia Cadogan, who made this recent weekend a pleasant and valuable experience for everyone. An item for the Saturday night is usually one of our talented Mercies who come prepared to lead us in relaxation and this time round we enjoyed Colette Cullinane’s gentle skills and expertise, leaving each of us refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit and ready to return home.

 

Mary Clavin rsm
Northern Province