Oblate Youth Service News

Irish Regional Committee Meeting, February 2016

The Irish Regional Committee met on 17th February, 2016 in the House of Retreat, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin.

Present:
Caoimhe Carroll, Padraig Corcoran, Enda Henehan, Amy Kiernan, David O' Donnell, Ger O'Halloran, Brian O'Hehir.

Apologies:
Andrew Brady, Shane Howley, Dee O'Flaherty, Leo Philomin.

Irish Regional Committee Business

Oblate Irish Regional Meeting February 2016The meeting commenced with an opening prayer and an update on Oblate Youth Service activities since the last Irish Regional Committee meeting in October.

David O' Donnell provided an update on the process of bringing new Oblate Youth Service members onto the Irish Regional Committee.

Lourdes Update

Joe Gilligan will be taking over duties from Sam Griffin as the Lourdes Coordinator for 2016 and the itenery for the trip is mostly finalised. The price of travel for this year is set at €575 and the maximum number of OYS who can travel is 112. There are already 66 signed up for September 2016, with 33 traveling with the group for the first time confirmed. The Lourdes Committee are also happy to report that there is strong interest in travelling amongst older members of the Oblate Youth Service.

World Youth Day Update

Padraig Corcoran provided an update on the plans for the Oblate Youth Service traveling to World Youth Day in Summer 2016. So far, four members of the Oblate Youth Service are confirmed to travel to Poland with a group of 20. The OYS Irish Regional Committee has committed to fundraising to help reduce the cost of travel for its representative members. The Oblate Youth Service will be in Poland from 20th July to 3rd August to participate in the World Youth Day celebrations in Kraków.

African Projects Update

Padraig Corcoran reported that places on the 2016 Zimbabwe Experience are now full. There is a possibility that additional places may open up if a second car can be organised for the trip. Going forward the Zimbabwe organizing team will preference those who are looking to go on the trip for the first time over those who have been a number of times previously.

Faith Friends Update

The first of the 2016 Faith Friends projects wrapped up recently. Amy Kiernan, Aaron McGuirk, Dee O'Flaherty and John Roe helped sixth class students from Our Lady of Lourdes school prepare for their confirmation over three evenings throughout February.

The second Faith Friends project of 2016 will take place in St. Michael's Parish on 7th, 14th and 21st April and we are looking for new Oblate Youth Service members to get involved with this. Anyone who has participated in Faith Friends over the years has described it as very rewarding.

OYS Leadership Reflection Day

A reflection day for members of the OYS in leadership roles took place on Saturday, 16th January in the Emmaus Retreat Centre. The day was organised by Padraig Corcoran and Caoimhe Carroll. Feedback from the event was very positive with a strong turnout.

Oblate Youth Service Reunion Update

The Oblate Youth Service reunion will take place on Saturday, 27th February. The venue for the reunion is McGowans of Phibsboro where we have held previous reunions in the past. A healthy number of Oblate Youth Servive members have confirm they will be attending so far.

Lourdes Guest Reunion Update

Brian O' Hehir confirmed Saturday, 21st May as the date of the 2016 Lourdes Guest Reunion which will take place in Inchicore. Brian also confirmed that the Order of Malta will be transporting guests to and from the event on the day. Invites are to be issued in the coming days.

Social and Fundraising Ideas for 2016

There are a number of social and fundraising ideas being discussed and researched by the Irish Regional Committee for 2016. A couple of ideas in the mix include a music night, the Dublin City Marathon, Run-A-Muck and a sports day. Final desisions and dates will be confirmed at the next Irish Regional Committee meeting.

If any one has any alternative ideas for social events we would be delighted if you shared them with us at info@oblateyouthservice.com.

The Irish Regional Committee can confirm that we will be holding a bake sale on Sunday, 12th June outside masses in the parishes of Bluebell, Mary Immaculate in Inchicore and St. Michael's. This has been a very sucessful fundraiser for the Oblate Youth Service in the past. Caoimhe Carroll is heading up the organization of this event.

Date for Next Meeting

Wednesday, 6th April 2016

Learn more abouth the Irish Regional Committee here: www.oblateyouthservice.com/committees/irish-regional-committee

The Author: David O' Donnell

OYS, Irish Regional Coordinator