There are Sisters working with the Homeless and with Simon Community in Tullamore. The “Mercy Projects Fund” has contributed to the building of sheltered housing for homeless people.
The twenty four houses are well kept and the people who live in them take pride in the tidiness and cleanliness of “Lanelo”. There is also a special set of houses, which are used for transients – people who need a bed for a night or two.
One Sister volunteers in “Dóchas” – a drop-in Centre providing tea, company, and a “listening ear” for women and men who have battled with cancer.
Another Sister leads both men and women in workshops on “Well-being”, Tai Chi etc. in the “Dóchas” Centre.
One Sister works with the Travelling Community. She manages and co-ordinates two pre-schools for the smaller children. She teaches English in the Secondary School and sees to the needs of the Traveller teenagers. She also visits the girls in their homes and works with the Board of Directors at the Training Centre for young Travellers.
Pre-School for Travellers, Tullamore
Sisters work with Meals on Wheels, Offaly Association for people with an intellectual disability, Tidy Towns Committee, S.V.P., Children in Need, Simon Community Market, among others.
Mount Bolus
Over the years various Sisters from all over the Province have lived and ministered in Mount Bolus. Two Sisters were involved until early 2006. Today one Sister ministers there with the help of a deputy from Kilcormac Community.
Sisters’ residence with public oratory and meeting room attached
The Sisters’ main ministry from the beginning was to be a presence in Ard Aoibhinn, live in the caretaker’s house, oversee the day-to-day running of the project, support the elderly tenants, report to the Committee and attend committee meetings.
The project expanded to include twelve houses for family units, named Gleann Ard.
This was achieved with help from another housing association, Respond. Extra communal facilities led to an expansion of developmental courses and programmes.
Phase two: Gleann Ard, Family Homes
Social events, such as a weekly Whist-Drive also take place and hospitality is an important aspect of the ministry.
The resident Sister organises weekly Adoration in the Oratory together with occasional Spirituality sessions. She supports the local Active Age Group which meets there weekly.
A Circle of Mercy Group is based at Ard Aoibhinn. The group, with members from Kilcormac and Mount Bolus, holds its regular meetings on the premises.
Phase Three of Mid-Offaly Housing Association project, Teach Fáilte, was completed in 2009. This impressive structure, built as a Medium Support Unit, opened in April 2009 but due to lack of funding was unable to continue as such. At present it is leased to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, another worthy voluntary group.
Phase three, Teach Fáilte, Medium Support Unit
The presence and work of the Sisters has always been greatly appreciated by the resolute volunteers of Mid Offaly Housing Association and its residents.
