Slí Eile trip inspired by social activist Provincial

For the first time, Slí Eile is running a summer programme in Jamaica this July. This was made possible through Joe Palmisano’s help, he is a US Jesuit who has been based in Ireland for the last three years. Joe had worked in Jamaica under Fr Jim Webb SJ (pictured here), a Canadian Jesuit with a strong sense of social justice. The Slí Eile group will not meet Jim, though, as he is leaving Jamaica to become Provincial of English-speaking Canada. See the profile on Jim Webb in the Jamaican Observer.

The churches and education

The summer 2008 issue of Studies, the Irish Jesuit quarterly review, addresses a series of matters relating to Irish education. Under the title ‘Educating ourselves’, it carries articles about Catholic schools, intercultural education, professional ethics in teaching, and religious values in education. In his editorial, Fergus O’Donoghue SJ notes that the benefits of the churches having a role in Irish education are not adequately appreciated. There is a danger, he remarks, that Irish people will be left with “a vague, sentimental attachment to Christianity as a cosy folkloric religion”. To order copies, go to the Studies website.

Lisbon and lost trust

In this brief commentary on the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by the Irish electorate, Edmond Grace SJ identifies in Irish politics a crisis of trust which requires attention.

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After the Lisbon Treaty referendum our political leaders find themselves in an unenviable position. Among their counterparts in Europe they have failed, for a second time, to deliver the agreement of the Irish people to a major treaty. Back home, public confidence in their leadership has been damaged. This further erodes their position in Europe. They can no longer command the confidence of others when they claim to speak on behalf of the people of Ireland. Read more »

JRS seeks new Integration Officer

The Jesuit Refugee Service (Ireland) is currently welcoming applications for the post of Integration Officer, a two-year, fixed-term, full-time contract. The successful candidate will be required to support and develop the integration services of the JRS, which have a special focus on education, and to contribute to the policy and advocacy work of the JRS in this area. Those interested in applying should forward a copy of their CV together with a covering letter outlining their interest in this position before 27 June to Eugene Quinn, JRS Ireland, 13 Gardiner Place, Dublin 1 (or mail ireland@jrs.net). For more details, call 01-8148644.

Msgr Tom Stack marks Golden Jubilee

Sunday the 15th June marked the Golden Jubilee of the ordination of Msgr Tom Stack, a long time friend of the Jesuits. A celebration was held at St. Anne’s Church Milltown, Dublin, to mark both the jubilee and Fr Stack’s retirement as Parish Priest in that parish. Bishop James Moriarty, of Kildare and Leighlin, was the chief celebrant. In his reflection during the Jubilee Mass, Fr Stack mentioned his long-time relationship with the Jesuits and particularly his time with Fr. Alan Mowbray SJ, who has been guiding the Parish Prayer Group. Msgr Stack is the author of a number of books, including No Earthly Estate: God and Patrick Kavanagh: An Anthology.

New faces for JCFJ

Dr Michael Punch, an authority on Irish Housing Policy, has joined the team of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (JCFJ) for the summer months. He will devote much of his time to research and analysis that will form the basis of a position paper on Housing Policy and Catholic Social Teaching, to be published by the JCFJ later this year. Also joining the Centre team for the summer is Daragh McGreal who recently completed his finals in Law at UCD. Daragh will undertake a number of research projects and will also undertake a number of communications functions in the Centre.

Gospel choir launches Viking ship

The Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and band will play at the launch of the Viking ship, Sea Stallion, on Sunday June 29 at 9.30am, at Dublin’s Custom House Quay. The launch marks the end of a two-day Viking Festival, with the choir headlining a musical morning along with sea-shanty singers and other entertainment. This will be the build-up to the launch of the boat, known as the ‘sailing museum’, at approximately 11.45am.

Reading Ignatius’ diary

Dr. Terence O’Reilly addressed the Milltown Summer School on Ignatian Spirituality on Tuesday 17 June, on the theme of Ignatius’ spiritual diary. Based in University College Cork’s Department of Hispanic Studies, he lectures in 16th & 17th century Spanish literature. The other lecturers on St. Ignatius in the Summer School were Brian Grogan SJ, Brendan Comerford SJ, Ray Moloney SJ, Fergus O’Donoghue SJ and Brian O’Leary SJ. [Photo: Terence O'Reilly (left) with Brian Grogan SJ]

Pioneering runner is new CEO

Padraig Brady, the new CEO-elect of the Pioneer Association, is also a keen marathon runner. Padraig, who is from Leitrim originally, previously worked in the AIB for 41 years and was vice-chair of the Pioneers and chairman of the finance committee, before taking up his current position. His wife, Noreen, is chair of the Pioneer spirituality committee and organises the Knock pilgrimage among other things.

Wedding bells abroad

Miriam Gormally of Religious News Network (RNN) married Peter Whittaker in Italy last month, and Brendan McManus SJ officiated at the ceremony. Miram, who is sound engineer for RNN’s bi-weekly CDs, is based in the Jesuit Communication Centre building on Leeson Street. The couple had their honeymoon in Tuscany and had an ‘Irish ceremony’ in Dublin this week for those who couldn’t make it to Italy.

JCC garden party

The Jesuit Communication Centre (JCC) held their annual garden party on June 11 on Leeson Street. Over 100 people attended, representing a variety of bodies including the Jesuit Curia, Irish Refugee Council, JCFJ, RTE, Slí Eile, RNN, Messenger Publications, JUST, Studies, Manresa and various Jesuit communities. Pictures of the event are available on: PicasaWeb.

Ballymun choir does gig for Simon

The Ballymun Gospel Choir and Band is scheduled to perform at a special event to highlight the plight of homeless people and the work of the Dublin Simon Community. It will take place at St Anne’s Church, Dawson Street, on Saturday 14 June at 8.00pm. Dublin Simon offers homeless people a ‘continuum of care’, from soup runs and emergency shelter to transitional housing and resettlement. The Ballymun choir, managed by Slí Eile, regularly raise the roof at 7 o’clock Mass on Sundays in Shangan Road Church, Ballymun. Tickets for the Dawson Street event cost €10 and will be on sale on Sunday 1 and 8 June at the Gospel Choir Masses in Ballymun and Gardiner Street. Also from the Slí Eile office in Gardiner St and at Simon Community shops. For those interested, there will be a post-gig party at The Teachers Club, Parnell Square.

What do young people want?

In its 9th public debate, Slí Eile has invited Enda O’Dwyer, a youth worker with Catholic Youth Care, to speak about ‘What young people want’. The event will take place in the Belvedere Hotel, Great Denmark Street, Dublin 1, from 7.30 – 9.30pm on 10 June, and it will entail music as well as plenty of discussion. Enda O’Dwyer has worked for over a decade with the Dublin Diocese, as part of CYC’s Faith Development Team. The team works with teenagers, young people in their twenties, and adult volunteers within parishes.