Aug 14, 2018
Commemorate Pope Francisā visit to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families 2018 with a beautiful Holy Family Entrustment Book from MSC Missions.
The WMOF festivities will commence on Tuesday, August 21st, as Ireland prepares to welcome Pope Francis to our shores for the first papal visit in almost 40 years. The World Meeting of Families is a major international event which is held every three years, with the aim of bringing together families from all over the world in a joyful celebration of marriage and the family as the bedrock of everything we do, as individuals, as a Church, and as a society.
Commemorate this great celebration of family love by enrolling your loved ones in our Holy Family Entrustment Book, a one-year enrolment in the Masses and prayers of our MSCs. The Holy Family Entrustment Book features a personalised prayer certificate presented in a beautiful hand-crafted card, while the specially designed eight-page booklet is filled with thoughtful prayers and reflections.
As thousands of people gather from across Ireland and all over the world to take part in the celebrations during the six-day event, we invite you to mark the occasion in a truly special way by enrolling those dear to you in our Holy Family Entrustment. Not only will you have a beautiful keepsake of this momentous event, but your donation will also bring hope and joy to families in need on our MSC mission projects around the world.
Where can I get a Holy Family Entrustment Book?
Visit ourĀ Cards & Gifts sectionĀ to order a personalisedĀ Holy Family Entrustment BookĀ online. You can have your order delivered to your door, or we can send it directly to the person being enrolled. If you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch with us by email atĀ info@mscmissions.ie, or by phone on +353 (0) 21 454 5704.
Aug 4, 2018
THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE
“I am the bread of life,” says Jesus. The life that Jesus offers is a full life. It is not just existing. Todayās first reading portrays the manna in the desert as food that just kept people alive. The life that Jesus offers, the life that Jesus is, is the fullness of life. It is thriving rather than just surviving.
For many people in our world, life is a struggle for existence. Billions of our brothers and sisters spend most of their time and energy each day finding enough food, clothing, and shelter in order to survive, barely. Many others live lives that are hemmed in by alcohol, drugs, fear, the pursuit of wealth, of comfort, or of fame. So many people are only living a shadow of the lives that God wishes for them. Jesus is the bread that gives fullness of life rather than just partial life.
At the Eucharist, we are fed by the Bread of life. Not just in the sacrament, but in the Word and in the gathering. God feeds us in so many ways and not just at the Eucharist. When we stop to pray or reflect during our busy day, God feeds us. If we read Godās Word, we are fed. Time spent with fellow Christians focusing on love of God and of our neighbour nourishes us. Our whole week can be Eucharistic, a feast on the Bread of life.
The Fatherās desire for us is the fullness of life. A life where we know that we are loved unconditionally and where we can love others. This life is sustained and nourished by the Bread of life. It is a life not measured by likes or retweets. Rather it is a full, thriving life rooted in the life of God.
Fr Con O’Connell MSC
Jul 31, 2018
This summer, the Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are raising funds to help the Sacred Heart College in Cameroon, whereĀ students gather every day in classrooms that are still under construction. For most of these students, poverty and hardship mean life is a daily struggle, and education is their only hope for the future. Here, the students share their stories, telling us what the Sacred Heart College means to them.
“My name is Michel. I am 17 years old and a student in Form 4 at the Sacred Heart Bilingual College of Lada II.
My mother died when I was 10 years old, and my father became dependent on alcohol.
Because of this, I left school forĀ 3 years, and I worked on building sites to earn money. However, it was not enough to pay my school fees and cover my basic needs. During theseĀ 3 years of hard labour, I was able to save enough to start a small business. I now sell cloths in the evenings, and during weekends and holidays. I thank God for the good he has done for me, and I now wish to get my education so I can help my father and my family.”
This summer, we’re working to provide a safe, comfortable space for students likeĀ Michel to learn and grow. If you can, please help us to build a brighter future for the Sacred Heart community.
PLEASEĀ HELP US TO CHANGE LIVESĀ IN CAMEROON
Jul 30, 2018
Roisin and Deidre will support the children’s education during there time in Holy Family
Roisin Brennan, a childcare worker from Kilkenny, shares some of her experiences on the MSC Volunteering Project 2018:
“Where to start … Well Iām already considering returning in the future. The people here are so welcoming. You are guaranteed to have a great laugh with the children and staff. There are hugs galore and the children really do touch your heart. They are so happy to have volunteers to play with and teach them new games, I have learnt a lot from the children and working as a team at Holy Family Centre.
Roisin works with the kids developing their painting technique
The winter camp was great fun. The children loved baking, crafts, and having someone to run get out and play with. Time flies, as everyday there is a new adventure to be had.
The Holy Family Centre is situated in a stunning, rural location, surrounded by the spectacular Drakensburg Mountains. There is a great atmosphere in the local town. The support from Fr. Alan and Sr. Susan in the MSC Volunteering Programme was fantastic from start to finish. Sr. Sally, the director of Holy Family, works tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly has offered endless support throughout our time here.
I would highly recommend the whole experience!” (more…)
Jul 27, 2018
This summer, the Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are raising funds to help the Sacred Heart College in Cameroon, whereĀ students gather every day in classrooms that are still under construction. For most of these students, poverty and hardship mean life is a daily struggle, and education is their only hope for the future. Here, the students share their stories, telling us what the Sacred Heart College means to them.
Ā “My name is Justin. I am 12 years old and a student in Form 1 at the Sacred Heart Bilingual College of Lada II.
I started school when I was six years old. Itās thanks to God that I can go to school and survive, because my home life is very difficult.
I get up at 4.00am every day, and after school I go to the market to earn money by helping people with their shopping.
My mother produces and sells cassava sausage. With my money and my motherās, we can earn a living and I can continue to go to school.
Despite these harsh conditions, we still survive, thanks to God.”
This summer, we’re working to provide a safe, comfortable space for students likeĀ JustinĀ to learn and grow. If you can, please help us to build a brighter future for the Sacred Heart community.
PLEASEĀ HELP US TO CHANGE LIVESĀ IN CAMEROON
Jul 24, 2018
This summer, the Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are raising funds to help the Sacred Heart College in Cameroon, whereĀ students gather every day in classrooms that are still under construction. For most of these students, poverty and hardship mean life is a daily struggle, and education is their only hope for the future. Here, the students share their stories, telling us what the Sacred Heart College means to them.
“My name is Elie. I am 11 years old and a student in Form I at the Sacred Heart Bilingual College of Lada II. During the week, I get up at 5.00am and I prepare myself for school. I live 2km away from the college and I have to leave early in order to arrive on time, which is not always easy.
I have no breakfast and I often have no money to buy lunch. The road is dusty during the dry season and muddy during the rainy season.
I come back from school around 4.30pm, but I donāt have dinner until around 10.00pm. My mother doesnāt live with us anymore and my sister has to come back from school also before cooking. My father is a tailor and he does not have a lot of money. I thank God that I am able to get my education at the Sacred Heart College.”
This summer, we’re working to provide a safe, comfortable space for students like Elie to learn and grow. If you can, please help us to build a brighter future for the Sacred Heart community.
PLEASEĀ HELP US TO CHANGE LIVESĀ IN CAMEROON
