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THORNHILL CENTRE
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
JUNE 2011
Thornhill Centre is one of a number of active ministry sites of the Sisters of Mercy of the Northern Province. The work of the Centre is inextricably bound to the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy and is a visible and vital expression of the Congregation’s ministry. The backdrop to the work of Thornhill Centre continues to be its founding engagement, with the great command of Jesus Christ, that we reach out “to the whole world and proclaim the Good News”. The Centre specifically embodies the concern of the last Provincial Chapter of the Sisters in relation to Spirituality. Indeed the Chapter’s directive affirms the work of Thornhill Centre. We “respond to the hunger for God and the malaise in our society. Respectful of the unique and diverse ways of expressing faith, we promote faith development, pastoral renewal, inter-faith dialogue and the nurturing of spirituality.”
- As Chair of this Board, I wish to record once again, the debt we owe to the Congregation of The Sisters of Mercy of the Northern Province. I am grateful to The Sisters of Mercy of the Province who offer support to the Centre in a variety of ways:
- Serving on the Board of Directors
- Freeing personnel to manage and work in the Centre
- Providing financial support
- Ensuring a strong link to the Provincial Leadership Team (PLT)
- Using the Centre for Congregational gatherings/meetings
As a Company, we know that we have a responsibility to the Mercy Congregation to continue to value and respect the fabric of this beautiful house. Much of the Company’s work and ministry takes place within the walls of this magnificent building. We continue to oversee the on-going maintenance of the house while at the same time making every effort to care for the very particular aesthetic and tranquil environment that the house so naturally affords.
THE PROMOTION OF SPIRITUALITY
Prayer Guidance continues to be the dominant ministry sponsored by Thornhill Centre. The many facets of this ministry given attention this year were:-
On-going Formation and Supervision of active Prayer Guides
- Formation and Training of new Prayer Guides
- Seasonal Guided Prayer in Advent and Lent in a number of parishes
- Weekly Group Guided Prayer in two parishes throughout the year
- Prayer in Daily Life Programme
- Spiritual Direction
Retreat/Reflection Opportunities are provided to nurture the spiritual journey of individuals and groups. In the past year these retreat experiences included:-
- Advent 4-day residential retreat
- Advent 1/2-day retreat
- Post-Easter 3-day residential retreat
- Lenten Fridays: retreat mornings throughout Lent
- One-day retreat for Sacristans
Mary Murphy continues to be a gifted presence and visitor to Thornhill Centre. This year, in addition to leading a series of evenings entitled, ‘Small Poems – Long Journeys’, Mary collaborated on a Remembrance Service with an eclectic mix of poetry, prayer and reflections sitting alongside the beauty of Fauré’s Requiem.
THE PROMOTION OF FAITH DEVELOPMENT & PASTORAL RENEWAL in this past year included :-
Adult Faith Course entitled, ‘The Church’
Scripture Course entitled, ‘The Voice of Matthew’
Primary School Confirmation Retreats
Secondary School Retreats
Retreat Days for Teaching Staff
Vocations Day
Foundations in Liturgy Course
Training of Eucharistic Ministers
Training of Ministers of the Word
Seasonal Courses for Church Flower Arrangers
Seasonal Courses for Church Musicians
An Introduction to the New Missal
One-off Talks to School Groups on:
- Meditation
- Religious Life
- Sacramental Moments in the Life of a Child
One-Off Talks to Adult Groups on
- Ignatian Spirituality
- Responding to God’s Word
THE PROMOTION OF INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE in this past year included :-
Church of Ireland Ordinands Retreat
Church of Ireland Bishop’s Group Retreat
Church of Ireland Clergy Meeting
Retreat Day - Portstewart Parish Group
Retreat Day - Donemana Parish Reflection Group
Julian Contemplative Prayer Group
OTHER USES
A number of groups hire the Centre for meetings. These groups are independent of the Centre; however, their meetings are a source of income.
- NEST
- Diocesan Eucharistic Congress
- Lourdes Hospitalité Committee
- Derry Diocesan Child Protection Committee
- Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre
- Derry Diocesan Pastoral Council Formation Group
- Diocesan Marriage Tribunal Office
- ACCORD
- Bed and Breakfast for Associates of Thornhill Centre or Sisters in the Congregation
- Fraternity Group
- Clergy Deanery Meetings
CLOSING REMARKS
As a founder member of this Company and as Chair of the Board of Thornhill Centre, I continue to have a pride in the work that this Centre is engaged in. There is a general perception that at this time in history, the profile of many Religious Congregations is revealing a rising age-average and diminishing number of members. However, in contrast, there is the fact that many Congregations are currently involved in vibrant, worthwhile and necessary projects. Our Company is part of this story. Our ministry here at Thornhill is a concrete and practical expression of some of the aspirations that the Mercy Congregation holds in relation to Spirituality. Our ministry here at Thornhill continues to try to nourish those who hunger for God, for inner peace, for communion.
As Chair of the Board, I would like to ask the Company Members to affirm the Board of Directors and the work of Thornhill Centre. I am personally grateful to all who contribute at so many levels to the work of this Centre. I admire the articulated desire that the Sisters of Mercy in the Northern Province have to reach out to those who hunger for God. In association with the Sisters of Mercy, I believe that the report I offer you this evening demonstrates that our Company - Thornhill Centre - is keeping faith with the ideals of the Mercy Congregation.
Marian Gallen
Chairperson
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