Editorial

Dear Members of the Kildare Ministries Community

We are quickly concluding our Lenten Journey for 2021, one in which there have been many voices to listen to in our environment and much on which to reflect. Sometimes these voices are confusing, overwhelming and challenging – where does Hope lie in all of this? 

In our KM community we send special congratulations to Brigid Arthur csb for receiving an Impact 25 Award.  The 25 winners of the awards were chosen for their “innovation, influence and collaboration following one of the toughest years of our times.” Brigid was recognised for her work in supporting people seeking asylum. The wonderful group of staff and volunteers of BASP work with Brigid and we acknowledge and are grateful to them all. Kildare Ministries is enriched as are the lives of the asylum seekers who can now live with hope. 

This is also a time to acknowledge and appreciate all the wonderful work which has been accomplished by the KM Colleges and the Community Works in this year.   In the spirit of Brigid, Daniel and Nano, they have been very focused on the care of all members of their communities in this post COVID-19 environment.  This time has not been without deep challenges, and sorrows.   Star of the Sea College has experienced the sadness of the death of two staff members. Staff and students are being well cared for under the leadership of Principal Mary O’Connor and the College Leadership Team with care and support and advice from Lisa Dwyer, Board Chair and the Directors. 

We are very grateful to the members of our Mission and Ministry Team who have undertaken extra duties while our Executive Director, Erica, has been on Long Service Leave. They are a great team!  We hope that Erica has experienced a quiet, relaxing and refreshing time, and we look forward to her return in a few weeks. 

In his Gospel, Mark tells the story of Jesus teaching in the synagogue this way:

“Many people were there; and when they heard him, they were all amazed.   “Where did he get all this?” they asked.  “What wisdom is this that has been given him?  How does he perform miracles?  Isn’t he the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon?  Aren’t his sisters living here?  And so they rejected him.  Jesus said to them “A prophet is respected everywhere except in his own home town and by his relatives and his family” (Mark 6: 2-4). 

There are so many challenges in this passage, beginning from questions of Wonder. Wonder can   lead us to look through a different lens at our world when Wonder is our constant companion it can bring us to the Joy, Hope and promise of the resurrection of Easter Sunday.  

May Wonder enrich all of us.   

Rosemary Copeland and Kathy McEvoy

Co-Chairs Trustees Kildare Ministries