Greetings from FCJ Spirituality House – Teach Spioradálta in the beautiful Spanish Point, County Clare in Ireland. Here is the latest newsletter.
Across the Waves
A chara,
Greetings from Spanish Point where the hot hot days of July have given way to milder temperatures, soft rain and strong winds. It all feels much more of an Irish summer now, somehow. Though the Mediterranean sun is still popping in occasionally to dazzle us!
July was a month of graces – we completed the second eight-day directed retreat here with grace and ease. Then Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy arrived quickly on its heels and Marion, Deirdre and team created a beautiful welcoming and warm space for so many.
Holidays for the FCJ sisters followed – many having come to this house for over 45 years now – with visits from across Europe and beyond. It is always striking to reflect on how many people benefit from An Teach Spioradálta annually – coming to this Haven by the Sea and returning energised or inspired or simply rested. What a blessing to be part of that community, in all its various incarnations.
In August I, Noirin, work from home and plan ahead. Amidst posters, brochures, websites and excel sheets of plans, there is time to look at the wider picture of what, and who, retreat centres are for in Ireland.
I’m always conscious of how easy it can be to fall into a bubble of ones own ideas, so this year I’m intentionally visiting as many Catholic retreat houses across the island as its feasible to, while working. I’m hoping that it will create connections, inspire and energise our work on behalf of you all.
So far I’ve visited staff/been welcomed at Ballyvoloo retreat house in Wexford, Slí an Chroí, Kiltegan in Wicklow, the Margaret Aylward Centre in Glasnevin, the Jesuit Manresa centre in Clontarf, the Availa Carmelite centre in Donnybrook and the Dominican Retreat Centre in Tallaght. I am so grateful for the hospitality, time to talk and willingness to share ideas and resources. It can only benefit us all.
Next week I hope to be in several venues in the north and midlands.
Someone asked me if I should really make our guests aware of the many lovely opportunities that are available in other places (!) – and, yes, I am a big fan of sharing that good news.
If you’re in Dublin and visit us annually, I also want you to know of affordable day events near you. If you’ve been with us for retreats for a few years, I totally understand the desire to travel and explore new places.
Our purpose is to enable your relationship with the Divine.
May it flourish and travel, celebrate and find new paths …
… and come back to visit and share all the joy with us too!
September is approaching, and while I am loath to miss August in the looking ahead; I also know that you’d like to plan ahead. So we have details below of
- our September Ignatian retreats (4,6, or 8 days. Some places remain).
- Evening groups and activities starting in September as well as volunteering plans, and,
- Upcoming weekends from October to December (details of later weekends are on the website)
We have plenty of new posters and brochures – in digital and paper form – that we’re happy to share, with those who can share them wider. If you’d like brochures for your community, friends or churches – please do email us.
Thanks to all who have booked so far, we will be in contact with everyone one week or so in advance. If you’d like to join us for any event, please do contact us. We can work out the details together and make a space for you to ‚find God in all things‘ here in Spanish Point. You can contact us by emailing/texting us on 087 447 9115 or [email protected]
God bless
Nóirin Lynch
Director
Continue reading here, including an overview of their upcoming events.
I have done nothing all summer but wait for myself to be myself again
Georgia O Keefe, 1933.
Maybe that is enough.
The FCJ Spirituality House, Teach Spiorodálta, is a home and spiritual haven of the FCJ Sisters, who have come to Spanish Point for generations for spiritual nourishment and refreshment. Now we would like to share our home with the wider community through spiritual moments, enjoyment of the natural beauty of creation, and the lifting of spirits with music, art and poetry.
Please see the events page for current listings. You can contact the House at info @ fcjspiritualityhouse.ie or by phone at +353 87 447 9115 with any questions.
