'Day in the Life' Blog
A one minute interview. Three questions.
An insight into the variety of people and ministries in our diocese.
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September 2011
Paudie Hurley spoke to us about his experience in Madrid this summer as part of the World Youth Day celebrations.
How did you get to WYD?
I am involved with Muinteareas Iosa in Limerick. I was invited to go to WYD and am delighted I went.
Give us an example of what it was like?
It was a magical experience. I couldn’t get over all the people from every country and the sea of coloured flags and banners. All rushing to see the Pope. We had a cathechisis led by Bishop Murray, which was brilliant too.
Tell us one thing about WYD that was inspiring for you.
The walk (on Saturday) to the vigil was inspiring, even though it did take us 7 or 8 hrs in 38 degree heat!! There were so many people there that we didn't even get in to see the Pope, (despite having very good seats reserved by Fr Chris & Aoife!) - but we met so many people along the way! Another highlight was the first gathering of all the Irish pilgrims. Actually – there were so many, thats its hard to pick one!!
Congratulations to all forty two Limerick pilgrims, who joined the 1.5 million pilgrims in Madrid. Heres to the next World Youth Day - in Rio, Brazil during the summer of 2013.
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September 2011
Mary Keating: Learning support & resource teacher. Ahalin primary School.
Mary works in Ahalin National School, in the parish of Knockaderry/Clouncagh (107 pupils & growing).She is a learning support & resource teacher working with pupils from all ages and classes.
How did you get into this work?
I was a class teacher for many years. Working as a learning support & resource teacher allows me the opportunity to work with children in smaller groups – I have more time to spend with each child, in a less busy environment and at a more individual level. It also means I have more energy to stop and meet a child in corridor/yard who wants a minute of your time –as their various needs arise across the day.
Whats a typical day like?
School starts at 9:20, and I work with a variety of children each day depending on their needs. We might work to overcome a speech (language) issue, or perhaps the child has an occupational therapy need (often we use games), perhaps a child is very energetic and needs to develop skills around being calm in the classroom, or how to win/loose appropriately.
I find that the ‘Alive O’ program carries through the day – we might have morning prayer, prayer before/after meals, or evening prayer, it’s all integrated into the day. I have a little altar in the room to create a seasonal and calm atmosphere – the children enjoy lighting a candle and saying a prayer.
What inspires you to do this work?
It is true that ‘in giving we recieve’. I love young children, and teaching them. It has kept my own faith alive, fresh & growing. I would say that working in school environ keeps my faith alive-o!
It is a real privilege to have the trust of children – as they share their stories & life with you.
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July 2011
Rose O’Connor: A member of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish pastoral council and the Cathedral Pastoral Area team.
Rose is from Our Lady Help of Christian’s parish in Milford, Castletroy. She works in business and economic development on a freelance basis and is engaged with her local pastoral council and pastoral area team.
How did you get into this work?
I was involved in my local folk group in Milford in my teens and then got further involved in the establishment of the first ministry groups and pastoral council towards the end of the 90’s. I spent 7 years in the UK and on my return in 2006 got involved again with the pastoral council. I am also one of the parish representatives on the Cathedral pastoral area team. I am secretary to both my own pastoral council and the pastoral area team.
What’s a typical day like?
I have a lot of variety because of the nature of my work – I work with several different clients usually on a short to medium term basis so there is constant change. Most of my pastoral work is done in the evenings – I think the business skills and tools I use in my day job are useful in a pastoral context too; particularly in moving from vision to action. I am very keen to expand my knowledge and skills in the pastoral field and hence I am currently half way through an MA in Leadership and Pastoral Care in All Hallows College. I love the course; it is very varied and provides great insights into working with people.
What inspires you to do this work?
I find it hugely inspirational; I love being involved in creating liturgies and living faith experiences in the faith community. I am hoping that the MA will facilitate me to engage more widely in this area.
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June 2011
Fr Noel Kirwan: Youth Leader with the Diocesan Lourdes pilgrimage
Fr Noel is a priest of the diocese of Limerick. He is currently PP of St Michaels parish, director of the Limerick Diocesan Pastoral Centre and diocesan director of vocations. He travels to Lourdes each year as a youth leader with the Limerick diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes
How did you get into this work?
I am involved with this youth pilgrimage through my work in the Pastoral Centre. I join with Fr Chris, Aoife, Karen & the other youth leaders here every year.
Whats a typical day like?
Every day is different here. Today we had Mass at the Grotto and Stations of the Cross with the sick. The young people bring the invalids to and from each ceremony, so they get to know them and spend time with them through the day.
What inspires you to do this work?
I enjoy bringing young people to the experience of Lourdes. Lourdes offers an alternative life experience to them: here there is a freedom to live joyfully now with meaning.
So watching young people revel in this freedom is uplifting.
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June 2011
Alison Glynn: Volunteer Nurse with the Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage.
Alison is from Corbally, Limerick and currently lives in Brighton where she is nursing. Alison has been to Lourdes nine times with the youth pilgrimage and this year – as a newly qualified nurse – has travelled from Brighton to join the Limerick pilgrimage as a nurse. 
How did you get into this work?
I qualified as a nurse this year. After nine years with the youth pilgrimage, this was a natural progression.
Whats a typical day like?
Today I worked with patients in Infirmary where they are staying. We had opening mass at the Grotto followed by the outdoor Station of Cross, (which all the patients come to) Then the youth group led us all in a sing-song!
What inspires you to do this work?
I keep coming to Lourdes and working with the patients because its magic! I love my patients & the experience of Lourdes.
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There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.
(1 Cor 24. NLV)
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