The YMCA in Ireland covers both parts of the island, the Republic and the Northern region which is part of the United Kingdom. The associations are of various sizes and vary greatly in their programmes according to local needs.
We are the chaplaincy team for the YMCAs in Ireland. In the autumn of 2020, we launched our new Chaplaincy Programme seeking to support our Dublin, Cork, and Newcastle centres.
We are piloting a new training programme to place volunteer lay (not ordained) chaplains in our centres. We started training participants in October 2020 through February 2021 (see training sessions below). We are delighted to have accepted our first set of volunteer chaplains and they began their new role in March 2021.
We look forward to this new role helping to further support our staff, volunteers, young people, service users and local communities.
Even though COP26 is over, we can still be thinking, reflecting, praying, & taking action during this Climate Crisis. 🌍
Breige O’Hare, writer, spiritual director and facilitator, has put together a lovely resource that can help inform and guide our prayers and reflections. Download it here:
Since 1904, World YMCA has teamed up with the YWCA to host a week of prayer. This year it was November 7-13 and the theme is Beauty from Brokenness. Learn more about the week on YMCA International’s website here. We had a lovely time gathering with YWCA Ireland and teammates from several of our YMCA centres across the island. Read the helpful booklet that was created with various themes, passages, & reflections.
We will continue praying monthly with one another. If you’re a part of a YWCA or YMCA in Ireland, do join us on the first Monday of the month at midday on Google Hangout, click here to see event.
“One of the most important things to remember, throughout this whole new stage, is that you are not alone. This is a new and different experience for everyone and it is perfectly normal to find life after lockdown scary and overwhelming.”
Check out the tips as we all walk alongside one another during this strange time.
Chaplaincy Training Programme
Chaplaincy Everywhere Training Sessions*
Caught Up in the Mission of God
As Christ in the World
The Spirit of Chaplaincy
The Cloak of Chaplaincy
What Chaplains Do
Chaplaincy in Today’s World
*learn more about the Chaplaincy Everywhere course here.
Practical Skills Sessions
Listening Skills facilitated by Dianne Morris, Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Supervisor
Bereavement & Boundaries facilitated by Joan Singleton, Irish Bible Institute Tutor, Pastoral Care and Ministry & Personal Development Programme Supervisor
Mental Health First Aid facilitated by Tom Tate, Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Workshop Facilitator at WhyMind
Coaching and Facilitation skills facilitated by Sam Moore and Ann Marie Kerr, Leadership Development Trainers at Innovista Ireland
Anne moved to Dublin from the States in 2013. She's been leading Breathe, a pioneer ministry of the Methodist Church in Ireland & from 2013-2020 she coordinated a youth leadership programme in Dublin schools with Innovista Ireland. Since June 2020, she has taken on this new role to develop our chaplaincy programme. She's based in Dublin where you will find her cycling, drinking coffee, & watching movies.
Gareth Bell
Greenhill/Newcastle Chaplain
"Gareth describes himself as a: Doubtful Believer, Straight Talking Stutterer, Ignatian Explorer, Passionate Introvert, Coffachocaholic, Thoughtful Troublemaker. He's worked in various sectors & when he’s not studying or creating courses for developing others, you'll find him watching Netflix, reading or asking the question “would you like to see a magic trick?” If you're passing Mauds, his favourite ice-cream is Belgian Chocolate."
Jenny Kiernan
Cork Chaplain
Jenny originally comes from Co. Longford but moved to Cork in August of 2020. She has a BA in Theology & Anthropology & most recently graduated with a Masters in Scripture from St. Patrick's College Maynooth. She has been a college tutor & an ELF (English as a Foreign Language) teacher. Jenny is passionate in helping & supporting people in all walks of life, especially young people. She's known for having a big sweet tooth.
