Latest news from Castletown Community

The Castletown Community is renowned for the warm hospitality it offers to all visitors and that was evident once again over the past month as they hosted many activities.

ENDEAVOUR

This small group of 10 psychotherapists stayed with us for two days on the 25th and 26th May. Most of the group hailed from Cork and were thrilled to have such a peaceful setting to discuss various issues arising in their field of activity.

Brother Harry Kiely

Brother Harry Kiely arrived on 29th May and stayed for a couple nights to enjoy a well-earned rest and recount all that is happening currently in South Africa. He has spent the greater part of his missionary life working in Phokeng, some two hours’ drive outside of Johannesburg where real poverty is the life of these very poor people, most being illegal immigrants. Having no documentation, these people do not exist in the eyes of the South African Government. They depend solely on Good Samaritans like Br. Harry and Sister Georgina to keep the wolf from the door. The story is never ending and a change in government means nothing to them.

Parish Confirmation

On Thursday 30th May some 68 boys and girls from neighbouring Primary Schools received the Sacrament of Confirmation. They were accompanied by 17 of their teachers. It so happened that Bishop Niall Coll of the Diocese of Ossary had to pull out at short notice as his uncle in Donegal had died. Fr. Brian Griffin our Parish Priest filled in, in great style. After the Mass, Fr. Brian and the teachers partook of a tasty lunch provided in our Community Residence.

New Seat in High Field

On Sunday evening, 4th June a beautiful all-weather seat was blessed by Fr. Walter Cooke who resides in Miguel House. Last January Breda O'Çonnor died in Castletown aged 93. For more than 20 years she had lived in the village after her husband, Principal of Paddock Primary School died. She regularly walked round the High Field and loved to take in the superb view of the Slieve Bloom mountains with Ard Éireann in full view on a fine day.

Her son Aodh who teaches in Dublin would wheel her round at week-ends and take in the vista from the top left corner. She loved poetry and felt at home just resting in this spot. The cost was duly covered by the family.

St. Vincent de Paul

On the first Tuesday of every month, the St. Vincent de Paul members hold a meeting in our residence. It is well attended and they do tremendous work for the parish and beyond.

Gael Scoil Slí Dála

Located in Ballaghmore and adjacent to the Kyle GAA pitch, it is the final school in the county before you cross into Tipperary. Some 20 students came for a Retreat in preparation for their Confirmation day.

MEETINGS

On Thursday 13th June we hosted three meetings and provided lunch and teas for all participants. a) Irish Trust Meeting, b) European Trust Meeting c) District Council Meeting.

MEITHEAL

During the month of June the Meitheal Goups arrive from Colleges in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. The chief organiser is Robert Norton from Carlow. He has run this programme for the past 28 years and he has brought it to a fine art.

Adults in their early twenties are the trained leaders who provide the course for 5th Year students who will act as Support to 1st year students and also an ear to the Principal and teachers in the school that all goes well for the school community.

The numbers attending have increased so much so that a week also at Eastertime is used to accommodate everyone. All the students attending are interviewed by Robert Norton so that the very best group leaders are selected to do the course with the blessing and consent of the College authorities.

During the month of June we have four Groups who arrive on the Sunday evening and depart by 2pm on the Friday. They come from 20 Colleges in the Diocese and I list here below the numbers per week.

WEEK ONE: June 2nd - 7th: == 77 in group. Commissioning Mass Thurs. 6th.
Colleges represented: a)Borris Community College,Co. Carlow.
b) Monasterevin
c) Portlaoise Community College
d) Baltinglass
e) Knockbeg College, Carlow.
WEEK TWO; June 9th - 14th ==65 in group. Commissioning Mass Thurs. 13th.
Colleges represented : a) Kildare Town Community School.
b) Mountmellick Community College,Co. Laois.
c)Heywood Community School, Balinakill,Co. Laois
d) St. Mary's,CBS , Carlow.
e) Ard Scoil,Rath Tomagain, Co. Kildare
WEEK THREE: June 16th - 21st.== 66 in group- Commissioning Mass with Bishop Denis Nulty.
Colleges represented: a) Presentation College,Askea,Co. Carlow
b) Scoil Dara, Kilcock, Co. Kildare.
c) Presentation/De La Salle,Muine Bheag,Co. Carlow.
d) Meán Scoil Ignóid Rís, Naas, Co. Kildare
e) Scoil Chríost Rí, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.
WEEK FOUR: JUNE 23RD - 28TH ==77 IN GROUP. Bishop Denis Nulty chief celebrant and commissioning ceremony takes place at end of Eucharistic celebration.
Colleges represented: a) St. Leo's, Carlow.
b) CBS, Portlaoise.
c) St. Mary's College, Naas, Co. Kildare.
d) Coláiste Iosagáin, Portartlington
e) Mountrath Community School, Co. Laois.

After Mass all parents and Students plus leaders are invited to a cuppa and biscuits in the dining hall. The liturgy, hymn singing and Mass Readings, Prayers of the Faithful with Communion Reflection is all done by the students. The week for any group is really packed and the group leaders who give a week of their holiday time to be in Castletown deserve a big thank you for their dedication.

Brigidine Sisters

Thursday 20th June saw five Sisters spend the day at Meetings with an interlude for lunch. They are regular visitors to our humble abode every month.

Salesian Sisters

The Salesian Sisters attended on Friday 21st/ Sunday 23rd June: They come on average every month to deal with matters pertaining to the smooth running of their Province. Every few weeks they arrive and know our set up better than ourselves.

Renovations

On Thursday 6th June the lights were finally switched on in our new community residence that has been taking shape for over the past two years. It is inevitable that it has taken time but with the building in question over 250 years old, it would be a shame to rush the finishing product and cut corners. With architects, engineers, builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and painters involved, not to forget carpet layers and lots of other items that need attention, it is prudent to plan every week that no regrets will be at the end of the road. It is hoped that the four Brothers in the new community will be sleeping in their dream home before the end of August.