Who is our Board of Directors?

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors is Mrs Marian Gallen.  Marian is a business woman who owns and manages one of the finest home furnishing stores in the north-west.  Marian brings to the directorship a sound business head, a clear sense of management and a very particular sympathy for the type of work that emanates from Thornhill Centre.  Marian was a founder member of the company and continues to give generously in her capacity as Chairperson of the Board.

The Secretary to the company is Mrs Anne MacCrossan.  Anne succeeds Mrs Pat Hume in this role and is just beginning her tenure on the Board.  Apart from her experiences and honed skills as a contributor to any Board, Anne brings to Thornhill Centre Company the additional gift of her work in the Prayer Guidance ministry.  Anne is one of the Prayer Guides who was trained for this ministry at Thornhill Centre and has undertaken further training as a supervisor.  Anne is involved in all Weeks of Guided Prayer and ongoing Prayer Guidance in her capacity as supervisor.

Mr Sean O Callaghan is Treasurer to the company and brings to this role his experience for many years in banking.  The finances of the company are prudently managed by Sean.

Other Company Directors are Sr Edel Bannon, Fr Joseph Gormley, Fr Eamon Graham, Mrs Pat Hume, Sr Perpetua McNulty and Sr Marie Wylie.

Who are the Members of the Company?

The current leadership team of the Northern Province of the Sisters of Mercy are essentially what constitutes the Membership of the Company.  Two further sisters, namely, Sr Anna Doherty and Sr Enda McCloskey have been co-opted onto the Company Membership by the Provincial Leadership Team.  The Company Members ensure that the patronage of the Sisters of Mercy and the ethos of the Mercy Congregation are reflected on all that goes on in Thornhill Centre.  The Members also take responsibility for the Annual General Meeting, at which the Board of Directors report on the progress of the Centre's work to the Congregation of the Sisters through the Members.

What are our Company's Objectives?

The company’s objectives are:

(a) To promote the spiritual welfare of people in the northwest region of Ireland.

(b) To work collaboratively with others of a similar vision to promote the ongoing spiritual development of those who have already begun the search for meaning.

(c) To provide opportunities for the experience of guidance in prayer and spiritual care.

(d) To develop links between Christian communities from different denominations as a means of promoting peace and reconciliation.

(e) To offer facilities to support those who are providing a need for the education and development of others, particularly those who have suffered the trauma of abuse.

How Often Does the Board of Directors Meet?

The Board of Directors normally meets four times a year, with the AGM being held in June.