Latest news from Castletown Community
Bro. Malachy Buckley R.I.P.
All in Castletown are mourning the passing of Bro. Malachy Buckley. Malachy, from near Kanturk, was born 6th March 1932. He came to Castletown in 1945 and began his teaching career in Ballyfermot 1953. He was in many a school in both Ireland and South Africa before he reached Miguel House in September 2016. He died surrounded by the Brothers in Miguel House on the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, 2nd October 2023. He loved a sing song and was the life and soul of the gathering. At the drop of a hat he was singing and had an endless number of songs for every party. He is missed in Miguel House but had spent seven happy years there with excellent care. His funeral took place on Thursday 5th October at St. Edmund's Parish Church, Castletown.
Staff Induction at Castletown Pastoral Centre
Thirteen young Secondary School teachers from our Lasallian schools in Kilmacud, Raheny, Dundalk, Waterford and Belfast participated. Br. Tommy Walsh and Paddy Walsh presented the group with an overview of all that pertains to being Lasallian and following in the footsteps of St. John Baptist de la Salle. It really was an excellent course on the Lasallian ethos. The sessions were held in our Community Room - meals and bed provided. Delegates were more than happy with the session.
Augustine Fellowship
Augustine Fellowship on Friday 6th to Sunday 8th October consisted in a gathering of MALES who are experiencing various issues on life's journey and who need space and an enlightened ear to listen to their story. Our venue in Castletown is just a stepping stone for them on their pilgrim journey. They are part of God's family also
Kevin and Liz O'Sullivan
This charming couple hail from Taranaki- a province in the North Island of New Zealand. They are former parishioners of Fr. Walter Cooke who is retired in our Miguel House, Castletown. They were most of a week coming and going and sight-seeing many parts of Ireland and we provided accommodation for them. Interestingly, Kevin O'Sullivan's brother played for the ALL BLACKS and both he and Liz are very much involved in De La Salle College New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand. Any day now, some of our Community will be flying to New Zealand to make a return visit ! Everyone enjoyed their company.
Roger and Jason
In early October, Roger and Jsaon (relatives of Br. Kevin McEvoy) stayed a few days with us as they followed up their Family Tree and visited a number of places each day. It was refreshing listening to their story and delighted they enjoyed living in our community.
Meitheal Group
For the past 28 years Robbie Norton who has organised this group of Leaders from a number of Secondary Schools in the Diocese of Kildare and Loughlin, brought together a number of new recruit leaders to be facilitators for the 5 week Meitheal Sessions at Easter and June 2024. The work that the Meitheal leaders do in each of their home schools is amazing and is so necessary for the 1st year students starting off in September in a BIG SCHOOL - in comparison with the National School they are leaving behind them.
Day Groups at Castletown Pastoral Centre
It really has been a very busy month with big groups of Secondary students from the Jesuit Crescent College in Limerick, St. Mary's Nenagh, Killina, Mountmellick Community School and St. Joseph's College Lucan 5th Years.
Mindfulness Group
Deirdre Kane is chief organiser of the event that took place from October 20-22nd. This session is a totally Silent Retreat (remember your Retreats in the 1960s) and all are Vegetarians. Do come some time and join in the fun.
Lasallian MEL Session
One 17th/18th October, 41 students and 11 Teachers from 5 Lasallian Colleges - Castlebar, Dundalk, Raheny, Beneavin and Kilmacud attended this MEL Course . The presenters were Anna Baird, Jason Poole, Cian O Naraigh, Br. Tommy Walsh and Pat Walsh.
ECKANKAR
Eckankar is The Path of Spiritual Freedom . This new Religious Movement was founded by Paul Twitchell in 1965 in the Temple of Eck in Chanhassen, Minnesota, U.S.A. This our first time having this group. It is a New Age Religious Movement and is to be found in over 100 countries throughout the world. Mahatma Gandi used some of this inspiration as a companion and road map for his journey home.
De La Salle Community Residence, Castletown
After a lull of nearly six months in refurbishing our home, it now appears that all systems are on "GO". Hopefully, work should see completion by 1st May 2024. There have been umpteen meetings - the latest on 17th Oct with the Builder, Plumber and Electrician. We are assured the end product will be worth waiting for. To rush the project could result in aspects of the job that would be regrettable down the road. The renovation in question consists of the two floors over the kitchen area. This section of the house is 250 years old. When completed each of the 2 floors will have four ensuite rooms. On 1st floor will be our Community room, diningroom cum kitchenette and a conservatory off that. When the job is finished all and sundry will be welcome to call round and view the end result. It should be worth waiting even till June 2024 after a starting date circa 1780.
Br. Albert O'Driscoll