Some of the Sisters are involved in the promotion and distribution of missionary magazines at local level.

Working independently and in conjunction with other agencies, the Sisters offer practical and emotional support to people who are in need.

Women’s Community Projects Mullingar
Another worthy achievement of one of the Sister’s in the Women’s Community Projects, which was set up in 1985.

Childcare Facility

In 1971 a Sister went to Mullingar as Chief Caterer in the Hospital. At that time the domestic staff all lived in and there was a need for pastoral care. Retreats and a series of talks for these girls were organized. Prayer vigils to Knock and Multyfarnham took place during Lent. This developed into planning and saving for a pilgrimage to Lourdes every August. They came with their families and friends. During the winter nights experts were brought in to teach Irish Dancing, singing and drama. They then performed concerts in various parish halls. The money collected went towards the Lourdes Invalid Fund.

Regional Hospital, Mullingar

In 1982 as Parish Sister in Mullingar the visitation of families who were deprived economically and socially became a priority. The setting up of a Mother and Toddlers Club helped local women to be taught cookery, nutrition, home management and crafts. All this was done on a voluntary basis for many years.

Women’s Community Projects was set up in 1985 when outside funding bodies’ e.g. FAS, VEC, Community and Family Affairs came on board. This has developed and expanded hugely down through the years. Currently FETAC accredited courses are run in the Centre.

There is a state of the art childcare facility where children from three months to twelve years receive care. Thirty people are employed in Childcare and twenty-five others are employed in delivering training and education programmes. A full-time manager is employed who is responsible for the day to day running of the centre under a Board of Directors. In December 2010 the Women’s Community Projects celebrated their 25th anniversary and in November 2011 their official website was launched.

The projects are continually expanding in wider areas. Teach Failte, which is a hostel for homeless women and children opened in 2009 for emergency accommodation. This hostel employs eight staff, and volunteers also help out.

Buildings which house all the projects are of a very high standard and well equipped.

The Mercy Congregation is acknowledged for the support in all these endeavours.