This year we find ourselves yet again unable to travel to Lourdes, and so we invite you to join us online to celebrate our Lourdes community and to continue our journey together.
In this conversation, Sr Agnes gives her background and work on addiction recovery and rehabilitation.
Bernadette talks about her passion for Church music and the need to train more choir leaders and members.
Weekly Connect From: Dermot Cowhey dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org
24th May, 2021:
Dear Chaplains/RE Teachers,
Please see attached Pentecost Pastoral Letter from Bishop Brendan Leahy – Attachment 1
The Pope's Monthly Intentions for May, 2021: The World of Finance
Let us pray that those in charge of finance will work with governments to regulate the financial sphere and protect citizens from its dangers.
Thought for the Day: We publish a ‘thought for the day’ every morning at 7am on the Diocesan Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick
‘Let your dreams be your wings.’
There will be a week in June dedicated to the book “Let Us Dream” which is a wonderful collaboration between Pope Francis and Austen Ivereigh.
During the week of Monday 14th June to Friday 18th June, Jessie Rogers and Éamonn Fitzgibbon will lead a reflective reading of the book over four parts and then on Friday evening Austen Ivereigh himself will join the group for further exploration of the text. Alongside the evening gatherings (7.30p.m. to 9.00p.m.) there will have a brief Morning Prayer and Orientation to outline the particular reading for that day alongside the relevant reflection questions (8.30a.m. to 8.45a.m.).
The poster is attached with further details and the link for booking (which is essential – numbers will be limited). See Attachment 2.
Please note:
I hope you will be able to take advantage of these opportunities and resources.
Please feel free to share these invitations with any groups or individuals in your parish/community that might be interested.
NUA Origins Pilot Package
All 8 episodes are now ready. Some of these final videos are still a little rough around the edges but new versions will be updated over the next while. The links will remain the same.
NUA Origins Pilot Package:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jt107vbIk_doeYqedJUHr4BkL3RoAoLQ?usp=sharing
Bishop Brendan In Conversation with Fr Seamus Enright CSsR: In this conversation, Fr Seamus speaks about his call to the priesthood, life as a priest, experiences during the pandemic and lockdown and, prospects after lockdown. https://www.limerickdiocese.org/
Look Up: Programme for Transition Year: Veritas is delighted to introduce this exciting new Religious Education programme for Transition Year students.
Key features of Look Up!
· The key content for students is presented on PowerPoint slides, to be shown on the class whiteboard.
· The information on the slides is supplemented by artwork that spans a variety of media and traditions.
· The accompanying Teacher Notes, which may be viewed in the ‘Presenter Notes’ viewing panel on the teacher’s own screen, include commentary and discussion questions on each slide, as well as additional activities and exercises to supplement and support the information on the slides. These notes also contain resources for the guided prayer reflections that are offered at the close of each lesson.
· Videos, music and interactive content can be accessed directly from the slides.
· The content covered is inclusive of all the major world religions.
· The teacher resources are provided on a USB stick.
· The accompanying student journal is designed to accommodate students’ personal reflections on content studied. It also contains worksheets and a Glossary of key terms.
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Liturgical Calendar
24th May – Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
27th May- St. Augustine of Canterbury
30th May – Trinity Sunday
31st May – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Attachments –
If you are accessing this from the diocese website and would like to have these resources, please email dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org
To conclude …
As this is the final Weekly Connect for the current academic year may I thank all those who generously shared many resources in the pursuit of a common mission. In this very challenging year, I would like to thank you all for unprecedented dedication in the service of the pupils in our care. Rest well and, please God, we will come back refreshed to continue the wonderful work we have been blessed with. In the words of John O’Donoghue ‘may you come home to yourself’ in the coming months.
On a personal level, thank you for your support. The sense of collegiality has been singular and is deeply appreciated.
This Pastoral Letter highlights:
Vigil for Gaza in your home
The nights are the hardest in Gaza due to the bombardments. It is dark and people are scared, hungry, and cold. As we look on with pain in our hearts, it is all too easy to feel hopeless, so we are inviting you to join us in offering light in the dark, to create connection, solidarity, and support for the people of Gaza. Our hope is to have a candle burning throughout the nights of this week from 8 pm to 8 am (10 to 10 in Gaza) and to virtually pass this on hour-to-hour to another home, connecting our homes with the people living in homes in Gaza.
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Weekly Connect From: Dermot Cowhey dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org 10th May, 2021: Dear Chaplains/RE Teachers,
Bishop Brendan has composed a message for the class of 2021 graduates. As students move out, he reminds them that they move out into the world in a moment of hope. They are also urged to adopt the motto ‘Dare to Care’, be people who care to make a difference in this world and people who advocate care. Graduates are reminded that life will have its set-backs and their will be failure but these times are also opportunities to refocus our ideas.
The video is about five minutes and is available to schools to include in their on-line graduations if they so wish. For the link to this please contact dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org
The Pope's Monthly Intentions for May, 2021: The World of Finance
Thought for the Day: We publish a ‘thought for the day’ every morning at 7am on the Diocesan Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick
‘The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.’ (Alexander K. Trenfor)
First Year RE Programme: Please see Attachment 1: a power-point outlining a sample programme for first years. Many thanks to Grainne Delaney and the team in Crescent College Comprehensive S.J. for sharing this. Obviously it is geared for this particular school but can be amended to suit all.
Look Up: Programme for Transition Year: Veritas is delighted to introduce this exciting new Religious Education programme for Transition Year students. Key features of Look Up! · The key content for students is presented on PowerPoint slides, to be shown on the class whiteboard. · The information on the slides is supplemented by artwork that spans a variety of media and traditions. · The accompanying Teacher Notes, which may be viewed in the ‘Presenter Notes’ viewing panel on the teacher’s own screen, include commentary and discussion questions on each slide, as well as additional activities and exercises to supplement and support the information on the slides. These notes also contain resources for the guided prayer reflections that are offered at the close of each lesson. · Videos, music and interactive content can be accessed directly from the slides. · The content covered is inclusive of all the major world religions. · The teacher resources are provided on a USB stick. · The accompanying student journal is designed to accommodate students’ personal reflections on content studied. It also contains worksheets and a Glossary of key terms.
The Role of Women in Church Leadership – Tonight!: From Rose O’Connor of the Diocesan Pastoral Outreach Team: During the Synod, a proposal was put forward under the theme of New Models of Leadership to establish a working group to explore the role of women in Church leadership. This group was established and has produced a report which was recently presented to the Bishop’s Conference, where it was well received.
A webinar will be held on Monday 10th May at 7:30 pm where Bishop Brendan will launch the report and I will present an overview of the findings and the recommendations. We are delighted to be joined by Sr Patricia Murray, Executive Secretary of the International Union of Superiors General and Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Culture, Austen Ivereigh, Writer, Journalist, Biographer of Pope Francis, Co-author with Pope Francis of 'Let us Dream' and Jessie Rogers, Dean of Theology, Lecturer in Sacred Scripture at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth for this event. It will be an interesting discussion on a very important topic.
You can register at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Women_Church_Leadership
Further information on the webinar and a copy of the working group report can be downloaded from our website on this link:
I would be grateful if you could share details of this event with your contacts. I am also attaching a poster for the webinar. I hope you can join us tonight. See Attachment 2.
Catholic Youth Ministry of Ireland (CYMI): As the Irish Bishops begin their journey towards a Synodal Pathway, Catholic Youth Ministry Ireland (CYMI) are hosting a series of Zoom Webinars on the theme of Synod and Youth Ministry with speakers from around the world.
The third webinar takes place this Wednesday 12th May at the earlier time of 10.00 am and will be addressed by Malcolm Hart, the Director of the National Centre for Evangelisation in Australia who will speak about the Australian experience.
Please feel free to forward this information to others in your organisation who may also be interested in attending.
The past week in the ministry of Pope Francis. A five minute summary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28fd9VLWJXA
Faith Leadership and Formation Officer: Position Advertised - Reporting to CEO, Mount Anville Sacred Heart Education Trust. The main purpose of the role: Responsible for the development of a Faith Formation Programme with the schools’ community that is consistent with the educational mission and values of the Society of the Sacred Heart and Catholic education. See Attachment 3. Theology and World Religions: You are warmly invited to attend a free public webinar informational session on the MA programme in Theology and World Religions offered by Dublin City University (DCU) with Dr. Joseph Rivera, chair of the programme. This event will take place on Thursday 20th may at 5.00 pm - Zoom, online. Just click the link here: https://dcu-ie.zoom.us/s/93145731380 Liturgical Calendar 1st May - Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, International Workers’ Day 12th May – International Nurses Day 13th May - Our Lady of Fatima 16th May – Ascension of the Lord, St. Brendan, Feast (Kerry & Clonfert) 22nd May - St. Rita 24th May – Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church 27th May- St. Augustine of Canterbury 30th May – Trinity Sunday 31st May – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Attachments –
If you are accessing this from the diocese website and would like to have these resources, please email dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org
To conclude: A graduation reflection … As many schools prepare for graduation this week, we reflect
The familiar symbol of the sacred heart is of a flame that enkindles other flames, that spark has continued down the years. It was here over the years ago and it is here today.
Will you carry it forward? The world is waiting for this spark, this flame this good news. It is your decision. It has been carried forward by people like you until now. Will you bring it to the next generation? Will you live it in your life?
This spark stands for faith over cynicism For forgiveness over enmity, For justice over injustice For reconciliation and healing.
It finds its origins in Jesus Christ, the risen Jesus whose power is to work in our world and in each of us and who today invites you to listen to Him and to let our lives be changed by Him, who invited us to a personal relationship with Him and to a deeper faith, hope and love.
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Weekly Connect From: Dermot Cowhey dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org 17th May, 2021: Dear Chaplains/RE Teachers,
The Pope's Monthly Intentions for May, 2021: The World of Finance
Thought for the Day: We publish a ‘thought for the day’ every morning at 7am on the Diocesan Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick
Free the soul. Open the heart. Release the body. Give the gift. Invoke the grace. Validate the good. Embrace the peace. (Mary Davis)
Limerick Diocese Facebook Pentecost Mission: 19th – 22nd May @ 8.00
Wednesday 19th Coping with Loss - Olive Foley Thursday 20th Journeying with Young People in a Changing World – Aoife Walsh Friday 21st Becoming a Greener Household - Jane Mellett Saturday 22nd Pentecost Prayer Vigil – Bishop Brendan Leahy
https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/ https://www.limerickdiocese.org/
Bishop Brendan In Conversation with Fr Seamus Enright CSsR: In this conversation, Fr Seamus speaks about his call to the priesthood, life as a priest, experiences during the pandemic and lockdown and, prospects after lockdown. https://www.limerickdiocese.org/
Look Up: Programme for Transition Year: Veritas is delighted to introduce this exciting new Religious Education programme for Transition Year students. Key features of Look Up! · The key content for students is presented on PowerPoint slides, to be shown on the class whiteboard. · The information on the slides is supplemented by artwork that spans a variety of media and traditions. · The accompanying Teacher Notes, which may be viewed in the ‘Presenter Notes’ viewing panel on the teacher’s own screen, include commentary and discussion questions on each slide, as well as additional activities and exercises to supplement and support the information on the slides. These notes also contain resources for the guided prayer reflections that are offered at the close of each lesson. · Videos, music and interactive content can be accessed directly from the slides. · The content covered is inclusive of all the major world religions. · The teacher resources are provided on a USB stick. · The accompanying student journal is designed to accommodate students’ personal reflections on content studied. It also contains worksheets and a Glossary of key terms.
Theology and World Religions: You are warmly invited to attend a free public webinar informational session on the MA programme in Theology and World Religions offered by Dublin City University (DCU) with Dr. Joseph Rivera, chair of the programme. This event will take place on Thursday 20th May at 5.00 pm - Zoom, online. Just click the link here: https://dcu-ie.zoom.us/s/93145731380 Liturgical Calendar 16th May – Ascension of the Lord, St. Brendan, Feast (Kerry & Clonfert) 22nd May - St. Rita 23rd Pentecost Sunday 24th May – Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church 27th May- St. Augustine of Canterbury 30th May – Trinity Sunday 31st May – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Attachments –
If you are accessing this from the diocese website and would like to have these resources, please email dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org
To conclude, we reflect on Pentecost: Pentecost / Domhnach Cincíse
The word Pentecost is Greek and it means "50th day." Fifty days after Easter Sunday, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and their followers, and the beginning of their Earthly ministry to make disciples of all nations. The Resurrection of Jesus reaches its powerful climax with an out pouring of life, light and energy for his followers. After Jesus’ crucifixion this small group of men and women were hiding. They were afraid and had lost all heart and hope. But through the gift of the Holy Spirit they are filled with courage, enthusiasm and determination. Given new life and hope, they went out into the streets and market places and loudly without fear, proclaimed the good news of the Resurrection; the missionary church is born as they were charged with the splendour of God.
Lord, we thank you for this Easter season which we have now completed. Amen.
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In this conversation, Fr Seamus speaks about his call to the priesthood, life as a priest, experiences during the pandemic and lockdown and, prospects after lockdown.
Pentecost Mission...
In this conversation, Fr Derek speaks about his priesthood, his missionary experience in Lima, Peru and, the importance of Trocaire.
A young Limerick priest, victim of the cholera epidemic, 1832
United World Week 2021 encourages initiatives aimed at promoting 'active citizenship' through caring, listening, dialogue, communication and, participation for the common good.
In this conversation; while sharing her covid experience and how beauty and creativity help us to access the Divine, Nóirín talks about the necessity of creating spaces and allowing God speak to us.
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Weekly Connect From: Dermot Cowhey dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org 27th April, 2021: Dear Chaplains/RE Teachers,
As we end the month of April and look to the beginning of summer with the month of Mary, we pray that this will see an organised end to this academic year.
The Pope's Monthly Intentions for April, 2021:
Fundamental Rights
Thought for the Day: We publish a ‘thought for the day’ every morning at 7am on the Diocesan Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/dioceseoflimerick
‘Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.’ (Brené Brown)
Graduation 2021 Workshop - Ideas and Sharing of Resources: The RTAI (The Religion Teachers’ Association of Ireland) will hold a Workshop on Graduation Ideas on Thursday 29th April. The focus of this workshop is to discuss ideas and approaches for Graduation 2021. This workshop will allow for collaboration and an exchange of ideas as we approach the end of the academic year. The Zoom workshop will take place on Thursday 29th April from 7-8pm. Email valroe@hotmail.com to register. The RTAI, in collaboration with the Irish Centre for Religious Education and the School of Theology, Philosophy and Music, DCU, concludes its series of evening seminars for teachers in preparation for the Leaving Certificate RE Coursework titles for 2022. For teachers who currently do not have LCRE students, the seminars could also contribute to CPD. The final title for 2022 is taken from Section E: Religion and Gender and Section I: The Bible: Literature and Sacred Text. Please register in advance with RTAI at canavanmt@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link.
28th April: Section I: The Bible: Literature and Sacred Text – Dr. Amanda Dillon
School Chaplains' Association – Pray, Reflect, Share: 'Give us this day our daily bread' is an opportunity to gather as a group on the morning of May 9th at 10.30am for about 45 mins to pray, reflect and share. We will focus on the topic of 'caring for ourselves and our faith' in the role of school chaplaincy. If you would like to join other SCA members for this short gathering, a link will be sent for a Zoom call to you by email on Saturday 8th and you will be given access to the meeting. Only members who request the link will receive the email. Contact: contact@schoolchaplaincy.ie
Liturgical calendar
21st April - Saint Anselm of Canterbury, bishop and doctor of the Church 22nd April – World Earth Day 25th April - Saint Mark the Evangelist; Good Shepherd Sunday 26th April - Our Lady of Good Counsel; Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 29th April - Saint Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church (https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/sisterhood-of-saints-catherine-of-siena) 1st May St. Joseph the Worker, Beginning of the Month of Mary
Attachments –
If you are accessing this from the diocese website and would like to have these resources, please email dermot.cowhey@limerickdiocese.org
To conclude: |
As 26th April, Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day, we reflect on last week’s poem where Hopkins wrote ‘… And for all this, nature is never spent; …. Because the Holy Ghost over the bent/World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings’. See how nature is fighting back!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUuCydE3nZw
On Monday 10th of May, 2021 a webinar will be held to explore the Role of Women in Church Leadership. The report of the working group on Women in Leadership will also be launched.
On this World Book Day revisiting Kate O'Brien's, Presentation Parlour
To mark Earth Day 2021, you are invited to set aside one hour today when you disconnect from all power sources...
In this conversation, Timothy speaks about his early life and his discernment journey while sharing his experience as a seminarian.
on Thursday 29th of April at 3pm and again at 8pm. The theme this month is focused on finding moments of joy in every day.
