| 2008 Provincial Conference gets underway in Waterford |
 On Monday 31st March a Province-wide gathering of MSC and laity assembled at Grace Dieu, the MSC Retreat and Conference Centre in Waterford, for an important week of sharing, discernment and planning.This "Provincial Conference" occurs three years after the last Provincial Chapter in 2005. The Chapter set the direction for the Irish Province for a period of six years. Three years on, this is a valuable opportunity for review and evaluation, and for re-focussing the vision for the next three years. MSC and Lay delegates are attending the Conference from all six territories of the Irish Province (Ireland, England & Wales, USA, South Africa, Venezuela and Russia). 2008 Provincial Conference gets underway in WaterfordPat Courtney, msc raises the Conference Candle This "Provincial Conference" occurs three years after the last Provincial Chapter in 2005. The Chapter set the direction for the Irish Province for a period of six years. Three years on, this is a valuable opportunity for review and evaluation, and for re-focussing the vision for the next three years.  Grace Dieu, Waterford. The venue for the Conference MSC and Lay delegates are attending the Conference from all six territories of the Irish Province (Ireland, England & Wales, USA, South Africa, Venezuela and Russia). Also attending the Conference from Rome is Fr. Mark McDonald, msc, the Superior General of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.  Plenary session of the Conference The theme for the Conference is "Naming the Now... Envisioning Tomorrow". It is hoped that this week will be a grace-filled time when the delegates can recognise both the challenges and opportunities facing the Irish Province at this moment in history, and look towards the future with hope, vision and clear priorities for the coming three years leading up to the next Provincial Chapter. Writing in his report to the Conference, the Provincial Superior, Fr. Pat Courtney, msc, says, "I believe this Provincial Conference can be a defining event in the life of the Province and its constitutive Regions and Areas.... "While only a representative number of us can actually be present at the Conference I want all members to feel that they are very much engaged in the process. The steering committee has made every effort to be as inclusive as possible in our preparations. The follow-through of the orientations and determinations of the Conference rest with all of us delegates as well as the wider MSC membership. All of us need to be in this together."  Daily evening Eucharist bringing a close to the working day To facilitate as great an engagement with the Conference as possible a special "Provincial Conference" page has been posted on the MSC Internal section of this website and is carrying all the documentation and reports of the Conference as well as photos from each day of the gathering. Please pray for the success of the Conference as it meets in Waterford this week. |