Light up a Memory Mass 2017 – An Evening of Reflection and Remembrance

 

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The tales and adventures of the MSC Youth Team 2017-2018

The MSC Youth Team 2017-2018 have hit the ground running and have been doing some fantastic work around the community. They’ve been super busy but have even managed to venture across the water to the UK to share some joy and the message of the Sacred Heart over there. The team this year is made up of six bubbly and enthusiastic young adults who, between them, come from four different countries.

 

 

Introducing this year’s MSC Youth Team (Cork NET), we have:

• Garrett Moore, 19, from Minnesota, USA
• Michael Mone, 18, Texas, USA
• Keith Erchinger, 18, Texas, USA
• Lucy Crispin, 19, Leeds, England.
• Felicia Joosten, 18, Alberta, Canada
• Tammie Richardson, 18, from Co. Meath

 

 

Lucy took some time out of her hectic schedule to write the following piece for us so as we can keep you up to speed with some of the great work they’ve done to date!

“Hello everybody!

It’s the MSC Youth Team here!

We are a team of six young people working in the Sacred Heart Parish in Cork City. As members of the MSC Youth Team (Cork NET) we help in the running of a young adults youth group, consisting mainly of students, who come together every week to talk, learn and grow deeper in their faith. We run a Parents and Toddlers group where parents can come and relax while their children run wild and have fun. Along with both of those we also hold a Children’s Mass every Sunday wherein the younger children can learn about the gospel in a fun and interactive way through arts and crafts, singing songs and even by playing games. They have so much fun learning about mass in this way and the smiles on their faces speak volumes!

As well as all of this, the team this year has been working very hard in a number of secondary schools holding day retreats wherein the youth can learn about their faith. We do this through activities, talks, dramas, songs, and, as members of the MSC Youth Team, we are happy to share our own life stories with the groups.

We have also had the amazing opportunity to fly to England and work in the Parishes there! It was a lovely opportunity and we seized the chance to host interactive one hour sessions with over 300 students in Coventry and in St Alban’s. Overall, it has been an incredible start to our year and we are really looking forward to setting up two more youth groups to cater for both the older and younger years of secondary school students. We also have the pleasure of planning off site retreats such as surf, sand and sun retreats for all youth groups to come to and have fun while at the same time getting to know their faith!

We are excited to see what the rest of this year has in store for us!”

 

 

 

The globetrotter of the group, Tammie, recently travelled to Cologne to attend the International Nightfever Weekend which took place from the 20^th-22^nd October 2017.  Nightfever 2017 brought over 130 young people from many different countries together to celebrate this very special event.  Nightfever is an international initiative by young Christians intended to provide an experience of God’s love and mercy. During the Nightfever Evening events, young people approach passersby in the streets and public squares, offering them a candle and welcoming them to come into church for a while. In the church, multiple activities offer the opportunity to encounter God: lighting candles, picking a Bible verse, writing down prayer intentions, listening to the music, talking to a priest, receiving a blessing or the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In addition to the Nightfever Evening events, the initiative also includes Nightfever Weekends, faith courses / evangelistic courses, academies, etc. Nightfever was founded as an initiative by young Christians after the World Youth Day in Cologne and has meanwhile been established in 27 countries.

 

 

 

 

 

We look forward to hearing the stories and tales of adventure from the MSC Youth Cork NET team over the course of the next year.

You can keep an eye on the MSC Youth Team’s adventures via their Facebook page, just click here!

 

The Foundations for a Better Future

On Monday last, 06^th November, we were delighted to welcome Sr Orla Treacy to the MSC Office to discuss the outstanding work she has been doing in Rumbek, South Sudan.

 

 

Sr Orla Treacy is a Loreta Sister who was missioned to South Sudan in 2006. She is the Principal of Loreto Secondary School in Rumbek.  As you will know the MSC dedicated our Summer 2017 Appeal to South Sudan with the aim of raising vital funds to support Sr Orla and the Loreto Sisters working tirelessly in the war-torn country.

On her recent trip back to Ireland to receive the Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty Humanitarian Award, Sr Orla paid us a visit. Her enthusiasm and passion for her work is quite infectious and we could have sat and listened to her speaking of her work in Rumbek for hours on end.  Sr Orla’s gratitude for the donation simply could not be measured. Sr Orla wants to extend her sincerest thanks to everyone who supported the MSC South Sudan Summer Appeal 2017. We were elated to hear that the funds raised through the Summer Appeal are already being put to great use. The money raised will be spent across three main areas: food, clinical services and education.

 

Graduate Housing 

The majority of the finances will be spent on building housing for the female graduates. Having completed their government exams and before moving onto university, some of the graduates choose to take a year off to undertake an Internship Programme which was developed by the Loreto Sisters. This programme allows the graduates to work for one year in various positions such as nurse’s aides, teacher’s assistants, office secretaries and in financial roles within the compound in order to gain practical work experience before progressing to university.

“52% of girls in South Sudan are married by 18 and in most cases these are forced marriages.”

The Loreto Sisters developed the Internship Programme in order to challenge this troubling statistic. By introducing this programme and providing this housing, graduates are guaranteed secure accommodation and are provided with practical work experience for one year.

We are excited to announce that building of this housing has already begun. It will consist of 4 rooms which will house 16 prosperous young graduates.

Loreto Primary & Secondary Schools 

As well as aiding with the Internship Programme housing, the funds raised will also be spent on the further development of both the Loreto Primary and Secondary Schools in Rumbek. It costs approximately €1600 per pupil annually to attend the Loreto Secondary School in Rumbek which is a boarding school – a sum which the students cannot afford to pay in full. In the Western world we often associate boarding schools with the children of those more financially comfortable. This is not the case in South Sudan. Sr Orla commented that a “women’s refuge” would be a much more suitable term for their boarding school. The Loreto Girls Secondary School numbers are growing year on year and the Sisters are accepting 280 girls next year. The funds raised by the MSC will allow the Loreto Sisters to offer a number of scholarships to students and to subsidise the costs for others.

 

Presently, there are 900 children attending the Loreto Primary School at a cost of approximately €400 per child annually. Children attending the primary school are guaranteed a teacher every day – something which is not guaranteed if they attend a government school in South Sudan. Each child gets a meal every day – in many cases this is the only food the child will consume that day.

 

 

“10% of babies in South Sudan will die before reaching 3 months old and 14% of our children are dead by the age of 5”.

Children attending the Loreto Primary School have free access to medication which they would not receive outside of the school. The €400 cost covers a student’s meals, medication and education for the year.

 

 

What struck us most listening to Sr Orla speak about South Sudan was the fact that at no point did she dwell on the negative aspects of her work, of which there are many. The UN has called South Sudan the “most vulnerable country in the world” and Sr Orla expects conditions to get worse before they get better. However, this has not hindered Sr Orla and she is still as committed and driven towards educating the South Sudanese woman as she was when she arrived in the country 12 years ago.

We look forward to tracking the progress of the Graduate Housing project and it’s development over the coming months.

MSC Audience with Pope Francis

“Return to your first and only love,” said Pope Francis last Saturday, 16th September, during a private audience between his Holiness and the members of the 2017 General Chapter of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. In an uplifting, yet profoundly challenging address the Pope stated that as missionaries we are called to keep our “gaze fixed on Jesus Christ and learn from Him how to truly love with a human heart, to care for the lost and hurting members of his flock, to work for justice and show solidarity with the weak and poor.”

 

He was speaking to a group ready and open to hear his message. As we arrived that morning for the audience you couldn’t help but be awed by the surroundings of the Vatican buildings. Designed to impress, they did just that. However, in contrast to the stateliness of the architecture, the beauty of the frescos, and the livery of the Swiss Guard, Pope Francis comes across as a simple man. He entered in a low key way, smiling and acknowledging with gratitude the presence of missionaries from all around the world. It was clear he was a little tired, but he has a sense of authenticity and simplicity of presence that is both difficult to describe and utterly unforgettable. He was particularly enthused to meet an old friend of his, Fr. Paco Blanco MSC, the Provincial of our Spanish Province with whom he worked in Argentina. (more…)

Give the gift of prayer: The Holy Family Entrustment Book

Celebrate life’s triumphs or offer comfort in troubled times with enrolment in the Holy Family Entrustment Book.

What is the Holy Family Entrustment Book?

The Holy Family Entrustment Book is a one-year enrolment in the Masses and prayers of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. The personalised prayer certificate is presented in a beautiful hand-crafted card with 3D embellishment. The specially designed eight-page card is filled with thoughtful prayers and reflections, and there is additional space for a personal message in each card.

What does a one-year enrolment involve?

Those enrolled in the Holy Family Entrustment Book are remembered in the Masses and prayers of our MSC priests for one year. This makes the Holy Family Entrustment a lovely gift to mark a special occasion, or to offer comfort and support in times of distress.

Can I enrol a friend or loved one in the Holy Family Entrustment Book for any occasion?

Enrolments in the Holy Family Entrustment Book are made for a variety of occasions, from remembrance of a loss to the celebration of a special life event.

In today’s challenging times, many people find themselves seeking direction, encouragement, and healing through prayer. As we deal with the stresses and strains of modern life, we often feel the need for something more, and an enrolment in the Holy Family Entrustment Book offers spiritual support to those who find comfort in prayer.

Of course, the gift of a Holy Family Entrustment Book is also a wonderful way to mark an occasion or celebrate a special achievement, from birthdays and anniversaries to weddings, graduations, and baptisms. This is a particularly lovely gesture to commemorate a special family occasion or celebration.

Where can I get a Holy Family Entrustment Book?

Visit our Cards & Gifts section to order a personalised Holy Family Entrustment Book 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 at info@mscmissions.ie, or by phone on +353 (0) 21 454 5704.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love.
You can also enrol your loved ones in the Golden Book of the Sacred Heart,
or the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book.

Give the gift of prayer: The Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book

Give the gift of eternal prayer with an enrolment in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book.

What is the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book?

The Blue Book is an everlasting gift of perpetual enrolment in the prayers of our MSC priests. Each prayer certificate is personalised and is presented in a silver-embossed folder, with covers in padded Balacon and parchment to choose from. This makes the Blue Book a beautiful gift for a special occasion, or as a gesture of support at times of illness or loss.

What does perpetual enrolment involve?

Perpetual enrolment means that the person named in each Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book will be remembered in the Masses and prayers of our MSC priests for all time. The names of those enrolled are recorded and bound each year in a specially designed Blue Book, which is kept in the prayer room at the MSC Missions Office in Cork. Every year, the Blue Book is placed on the altar of the Sacred Heart Church in Cork during the annual Novena to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, and those enrolled are remembered specially during this time.

Can I enrol a friend or loved one in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book for any occasion?

Enrolment in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book is a very thoughtful gift, particularly for anybody who has a special devotion or attachment to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. This is often a popular enrolment for mothers everywhere.

Enrolments can be made for a variety of occasions, with people choosing to give the gift of a Blue Book to celebrate life’s achievements, or in memory of loved one. While the gift of a Blue Book is a thoughtful way to remember a loved one who has passed away, offering the comfort of perpetual prayer to those who have experienced a loss, it is also a lovely way to mark special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, exams, baptisms, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

Where can I get an Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book?

Visit our Cards & Gifts section to order a personalised Blue Book 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 at info@mscmissions.ie, or by phone on +353 (0) 21 454 5704.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love.
You can also enrol your loved ones in the Golden Book of the Sacred Heart,
or the Holy Family Entrustment Book.

Give the gift of prayer: The Golden Book of the Sacred Heart

An everlasting gift, the Golden Book of the Sacred Heart offers remembrance in the Masses and prayers of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart for all time.

What is the Golden Book of the Sacred Heart?

The Golden Book is a perpetual enrolment in the prayers of our MSC priests, and is a very thoughtful way to mark a special occasion, or to offer a gesture of comfort in troubled times. Each personalised prayer certificate is presented in a beautiful gold-embossed folder, and you can choose from a padded Balacron or parchment card covers.

What does perpetual enrolment involve?

Perpetual enrolment means that the person named in each Golden Book of the Sacred Heart will be remembered in the Masses and prayers of our MSC priests for all time. The names of those enrolled are recorded and bound each year in a specially designed Golden Book, which is kept in the prayer room at the MSC Missions Office in Cork. Every year, the Golden Book is placed on the altar of the Sacred Heart Church in Cork during the annual Novena to the Sacred Heart, and those enrolled are remembered specially during this time.

Can I enrol a friend or loved one in the Golden Book of the Sacred Heart for any occasion?

A Golden Book is a truly special way to let somebody know that you’re thinking of them. This is a thoughtful way to remember a friend, family member, or loved one who has passed away, offering the comfort of perpetual prayer to those who have experienced a loss.

However, Golden Book enrolments aren’t just given in remembrance – this is also a lovely way to mark special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, exams, baptisms, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. The gift of a Golden Book can offer peace and solace to those going through difficult times, while it is also the perfect memento to celebrate life’s special occasions.

Where can I get a Golden Book of the Sacred Heart?

Visit our Cards & Gifts section to order a personalised Golden Book 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 at info@mscmissions.ie, or by phone on +353 (0) 21 454 5704.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love.
You can also enrol your loved ones in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Blue Book,
or the Holy Family Entrustment Book.

Being Extraordinary at the Brightlights Festival

Now going for over 20 years, the Brightlights Festival is an opportunity for young Catholics to come together – to have fun, listen to inspiring and engaging speakers, take part in interesting workshops, and hear some great bands and musical talent. All of this, with awesome times for prayer and encounters with the Sacraments!

The Brightlights Festival is a place where you can discover something more about yourself, others, and God in a safe and relaxed environment; a place where you can experience something of the depth and diversity of the Catholic Church, and share your own faith and experiences with others of the same age-group and outlook.

Once again, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart were there with our friends from Birmingham’s Kenelm Youth Trust in Alton Castle. It was a wonderful weekend meeting up with old friends and making new ones. The One Hope Project led the music and RISE Theatre performed their amazing production celebrating the life of Blessed Oscar Romero. (more…)

Lions, Cheetahs and MSC Volunteers

It’s another day in the Holy Family Centre ( HFC ) during the winter holidays. Along with the staff the MSC Volunteers took the kids out to Moholoholo Animal Rescue and Game Preserve. The children were roared at by lions, got chased by a cheetah and were able to pet a hawk. When you follow that up with a picnic in the park it makes for an amazing day and a typical one for our volunteers. This is the second year that we’ve run the MSC Volunteering Project in South Africa. It’s an opportunity to give a number of young adults from Ireland and the UK an experience of making a difference by sharing their gifts and talents in the developing world. (more…)

Priests In The Dark? Let There Be Light!

Missionary Blog – Faith behind bars

What does it mean to be a Missionary of the Sacred Heart? Who are we and what do we do? How are we different from the diocesan priests and members of other religious congregations? It’s a difficult question to answer, but perhaps the best I can do is to show you. As part of our vocations blog we’ll follow four members of the Chevalier family, ministering in radically different parts of the world, but united in a common MSC mission: That the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere known and loved.

Fr. John Jennings is an MSC missionary from Cork, Ireland working in one of the most marginalised barrios in Caracas, Venezuela. In addition to parish work John ministers as a part time chaplain in some of the country’s largest prisons. (more…)

200,000 Years of Missionary Life

Last week I was at a talk in Dublin on the work of the VSO and the future of overseas volunteering after 2015. All in all an interesting morning with good contributions from representative of the UN, the European Parliment and academia. They also invited Fr. Fachtna O’Driscoll, the Provincial of the SMA Fathers, to address the group about the missionary legacy of the Church and its future. In the course of his talk he revealed a startling statistic. By adding up the number of years that missionary brothers, sisters and priests worked all around the world he estimated that their commitment added up to more than 200,000 years altogether.

It was an astonishing figure. When he said it the reaction of the people in the room was interesting. There was admiration, a little indifference, but above all surprise. There is something to be proud of when we think of all those people who had the courage to follow their vocation; to go out to the whole world and to proclaim the good news. (more…)