Sr Ellen Lane RSJ (pictured at her desk) is the coordinator of the IMU Returned Missionaries Office

The purpose of the Returned Missionaries Office is to be available for people home from mission on long or short-term stay. Through workshops and individual guidance, it offers a ‘space’, a ‘place’ and a ‘process’ on their return to Ireland. 

The programme includes;

Welcome Home Days An opportunity to reflect with other recently returned missionaries, on recent societal changes in Ireland.

Exploring Transition: The prospect of returning to Ireland can hold a whole range of different emotions. Returning home or re-entry is a process of transition that passes through three important stages. Endings, neutral zone and beginnings. During the workshop, each of these areas is explored. The workshop also helps us to look at the skills, values, and talents that we have acquired while on mission and looks at ways of applying them to our home environment.

Returned Missionaries 09 click on picture for slideshow

Individual Guidance: An opportunity to talk things through with someone. A list of counsellors and spiritual directors is available by writing to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Transition Week for Returned Missionaries Review: In November the Irish Missionary Union hold a Transition Week for returning missionaries. In 2009 fifteen missionaries who had ministered in many countries in Africa, Asia, South America attended. The purpose of the week was to assist the missionaries in resettling in Ireland. The first two days of the program concentrated on the process of transition and the emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical effects that accompany it. The third day covered the role of culture in one’s life and how it shapes one’s identity. The fourth day introduced the missionaries to the spirituality and changing identity of the Catholic Church in Ireland while the fifth day focused on the effects of trauma on one’s life. Many of the missionaries had lived in war torn countries. Half way through the week, the missionaries enjoyed a tour of Dublin Castle and learnt again of its great history in the story of Ireland. The week is partly financed by the Irish Government which deeply appreciates the contribution Irish Missionaries have made in developing countries.