Collaborative Action
No.27
June 18th was a dull showery afternoon in Catherine St. Newry Co. Down. Let’s not be misled by the superficial!! Inside number 27 something special was taking place. Firstly as an observer who invariably arrives early for functions all seemed quiet even the traffic was not busy. Gradually cars arrived some laden with goodies, cakes, flowers all heading for the terraced house just below the Convent of Mercy.
The Door of No. 27, Catherine Street
Friends, neighbours, family members, and Sisters of Mercy from the Northern Province arrived singly and in groups to mark the Tenth Anniversary of the Collaborative Intercongregational Ministry known as Gloir; between the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of La Saint Union in the persons of Gabrielle Stuart r.s.m. and Mary Harrington s.u.s.c.
Srs. Gabrielle & Mary
The Board of Directors and Staff of Gloir planned an ‘Open House’ 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. incorporating a special Ritual of Thanksgiving. The symbol of the Open Door created the atmosphere of cordial welcome as one entered the scene of friendship and celebration.
Visitors were thrilled to see a DVD - a photographic account of the past ten years’ activities. It reiterated the fact that photography is a precious way of recalling events, people, places, and experiences.
Sr. Gabrielle Stuart, Mary Condran, Sr. Paula McGonagle & Sr. Anne McLoone
The kitchen was a hive of activity as it was a case of ‘all hands on deck.’ All were invited to partake of a celebratory meal ably prepared and served by willing friends and neighbours. The CRAIC was great as old acquaintances renewed friendships and caught up with the latest news. Sisters of Mercy from Donegal, Meath, Tyrone, Fermanagh, as well as the local community all were present to show their support and solidarity.
Srs. Fiona Traynor & Pius Dennehy at the Celebration
The Ritual included a full account of Creation from the Book of Genesis read by various people present. The different voices added to the drama of the wonderful account of origins. The contribution of the local community was acknowledged with special mention of Sr. Peter Lynch who had faithfully helped to look after the house etc when the staff was away on Mission.
Sr. Mary Harrington introducing the Prayer
As the afternoon progressed we were all reminded of what GLOIR values. As it is indicated in the Brochure:
The staff of Gloir is committed to providing opportunities which:
- Enable participants critically and imaginatively to engage in exploration towards learning.
- Are grounded in the ongoing personal and group experiences of participants within the larger context of organisations and the cosmos.
- Enable change to occur within the social, economic, cultural, and spiritual environment.
- Are organic processes, orientated to looking at the interrelatedness of elements and seeing them as part of a common process.
- Value diversity and its potential as agent for change.
- Develop the ability to deal with the complexity of people living and working towards a common aim.
- Are sensitive to different styles of learning.
- Are based in the context of Adult Education as distinct from Counselling, Therapy, or Social Work.
“Gloir’s Understanding is that Collaboration enables voices to be heard.”
Contact Details:
27 Catherine St.
Newry
Co.Down
BT35 6JG
N.Ireland
Telephone 028 30835679/028 30833641
As this article comes to a conclusion – at the request of Sisters Gabrielle and Mary a Special Thank You is expressed to all who have supported Gloir over the years and to all who helped make the Tenth Celebration possible.
Buíochas Le Dia!
Veronica O’Brien rsm
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