Latest news from Castletown Community
Ruach Retreats
The word RUACH is a Hebrew word meaning "Wind of the Spirit”. Oonagh Galvin and Margaret Healy were the chief Organisers. The Retreat was based on a very traditional Catholic style, very much like the Retreats conducted in the 1960's with silence, Spiritual talks, meditation, Prayer, Rosaries, Adoration and Confessions. All sessions were conducted in silence including meals. The Retreat Master was Fr. Prince Clarence S. J. from Southern India and on the day for Confessions some six priests in total gave a helping hand.
a) 1st Retreat: Tues. 23rd - Thursday 25th July - 57 people participated. They came from all over Ireland and even overseas.
b) 2nd Retreat: Tues. 30th July - Thursday 1st Aug - 58 participants.
c) 3rd Retreat: Tues. 6th Aug - Thursday 8th August - 64 participants.
These Retreats are proving very popular. Since starting the first Retreat in Castletown on 6th August, Fr. Prince has fitted in some seven Retreats in various parts of the country during the month August. Those that attended the three sessions in Castletown were full of praise for this kind of traditional Silent Retreat.
Mindfulness Retreat
A Mindfulness Retreat took place from Sunday 11th to Saturday 17th August with 48 participants, including quite a number of men. Organised by Josephine and Helen from the Mindfulness Centre in Dublin, we have had groups from their Centre for the past five or six years. Because they bring their own cooks with them (Shirley and Dee) and the participants keep the place in good nick during their programme, our staff use that week as part of their annual leave. In total, they had five presenters on their team.
A mindfulness Retreat is a time for practice and contemplation. It is a chance to get in touch with silence and experience a sense of depth. Retreat time is by its very nature a time of contrasts. It offers perspective on who we are and what we do. It is a chance to take time away from your busy life. Rising each morning at 6am, they had a packed programme which continued till 9:30pm. All sessions including meals were in total silence. The participants do all the washing up themselves. The silence that prevailed in Castletown during the week reminded us of our Novitiate days fadó, fadó!
Lasallian Visitors
On Thursday,15th August four teachers from De La Salle Schools in Ireland, England and Belgium paid us a one-night stay. Aidan McGuinness who works at De La Salle Secondary School Dundalk, arrived with Sara Amarillas (originally from Hermosillo, Son. Mexico) who works in St. Cassian's Kintbury, along with Anouck and Sophie from Antwerp, Belgium. Anouck and Sophie teach at De La Salle College in Antwerp and were delighted to do some sight-seeing with Aidan. All four stayed the night and continued on their travels to see the Cliffs of Moher and Galway the next day.
Aidan McGuinness, Sara Amarillas, Brother Albert O’Driscoll, Anouck, Sophie and Brother Frank McCallig
EUROSOUL
MALEs (an acronym for Men As Learners & Elders) Ireland have used our Centre in Castletown for most of their gatherings in Ireland. MALEs Ireland was founded in 2004 to help men reawaken their deep spirituality and to discover what it is to be a man today. Later this month, some members from Europe will also join their Irish brothers in Castletown for their annual 4-day Retreat, Eurosoul.
It is expected that 30 or more members will be in attendance. This is a group of men dedicated to the promotion of a strong healthy male spirituality. There will be opportunities for meditation, journalling, sitting in council, time in nature, drumming and story-telling. Jim Taylor from Texas will be among the facilitators of the event - Jim is no stranger to Castletown as he has already spent a few savouring the special atmosphere available here - often commented on by many visitors.
Gatherings
The Leadership Teams from both the Brigidines and the Salesian Sisters will return here for planning days and at the end of the month we will welcome a gathering of former Juniors and former young Brothers. This special event took place this time last year for the first time with some 15 attendees of the 1970's meeting in Castletown. We expect a larger group this time as they have some different activities planned for the week-end.
Farewell
We were very saddened to say a fond farewell to Noreen Dollard who has been wonderful member of our staff in our Centre here since the late Eighties. Always in good humour, she wore many different hats here during her long stay. We will hold a special celebration in September to honour retirees.
Billy Moloney (chef) Anna & Bart Dobiech, Paula Dooley, Noreen Dollard, Br Frank, Br Albert, Jennifer Masterson, Margaret Brophy, PJ Cuddy
Br. Albert O’Driscoll
