Returned Missionaries

IMU Returned Missionaries
Calendar of Events - 2010

For further details about these events contact Ellen Lane RSJ @ 01-4923325  or email failte@imu.ie

Tuesday and Wednesday October 5th  & 6th 2010  -Welcome Home Days

This two day workshop is planned to give an opportunity to Returned
Missionaries to meet with other returnees, to hear each other's experiences and to learn a little about the new Irish culture and the present state of the Church into which they are returning.
Venue: Wynn’s Hotel

Sunday October 10th 2010 Mass for Missionaries

Theme: Together in Mission.
Venue: St. Theresa’s Church, Clarendon St. Dublin
Time: 3pm.
Celebrant: Fr. Kieran O’Reilly SMA (Bishop Elect of Killaloe)

Tuesday 12th October 2010 (for 8 consecutive weeks) Time: 10.00am – 12.30 am  Mindfulness.

What is Mindfulness ?

Mindfulness is about being aware in the present moment. Usually our minds are either lost in the past (in reverie and memory) or else in the future (worrying and planning) but seldom in the present. The only moment we have is the present moment. Mindfulness is also a powerful tool to access the stillness within........a stillness that’s often drowned out by the onslaught of constant stimuli coming at us on an everyday basis.
BENEFITS: Finding the still point within that can be accessed in times of difficulty.
Increased ability to quiet and calm the mind. A different way of relating to what happens to us instead fighting it, denying it, or always wanting it to be different. Greater ability to handle stress in your life. Tools to enhance quality of life.

FACILITATOR: PATRICK A COUGHLAN CSSp. Pat is Director of the Newlands Institute for Counselling, Dublin. He is a senior trauma therapist at the Centre for the Care of Torture Survivors, Spirasi (North Circular Rd., Dublin)

Oct. 13th,  20th, 27th, Nov. 3rd ,10th, 17th, 24th.  2010 - Pilates

It is gentle exercise.
A unique system of breathing and physical exercises with a holistic emphasis on the combined use and training of mind and body.
It achieves correct posture and strengthens muscles with balance and flexibility in a more harmonious and esthetic body, leaving one feeling physically and mentally well.
Venue: Blessed Sacrament Hall

Nov. 8th—12th 2010 Exploring Transition.

A 4 Day  programme aimed at enabling returned missionaries to disengage from their missions overseas and to insert into Irish Society and to explore ways of using their vast experiences gained overseas,  in our present multicultural Ireland.
Venue: Wynn’s Hotel

Dec: 1st, 8th, 15th. 2010 -Prayer & Reflection for Advent

Guest speakers to be confirmed

December 10th 2010 - Christmas Gathering for Return Missionaries.

2010 programme (PDF)

RSVP: Ellen Lane, RSJ, Irish Missionary Union  E-Mail: failte@imu.ie   

Further dates to follow...

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Sr Ellen Lane RSJ (pictured above) 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.

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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.

 
 

Returned Missionaries Gathering

 

Friday December 4th seen a gathering of over 100 Returned Missionaries at Wynns Hotel, hosted by the Irish Missionary Union's Returned Missionaries Office.  It was a very successful night, many congratulations to all involved in the organising of the event.  Click on the image(above) to view a slide-show of photographs from the night.