The role of a chaplain is to be involved with other people to provide holistic care, which incorporates their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Chaplaincy is very much in keeping with our Capuchin Franciscan ethos and values. As Chaplains we stand with those we are often experiencing great difficulty and turmoil. We bring with us to this role our charism of Fraternity by which we are present to those in need and to their families.
Currently, in Ireland, we minister as Chaplains in hospital, hospice, workplace and parish settings.
Hospitals
Illness, especially chronic or terminal illness, causes isolation and anxiety and often, at these times, people call into question what they believe and why they believe it. Hospital can be a very daunting and scary place for many people and so, as Capuchin Friars, we aim to walk with patients as they face, what may be, an uncertain future for them and their families. Chaplains also provide valuable support to staff working in these facilities who, on a daily basis, sacrifice themselves for the well-being and good of others. This sacrifice can take its toll and so the Chaplain is there to help them navigate their way through these challenges. Today we minister as full and part-time Chaplains to hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Kilkenny and are committed to making present to those who suffer the healing presence of Jesus Christ.
Hospice
The vision of the Irish Hospice Foundation is that ‘nobody should face death or bereavement without the care and support that they need’ and the mission of the hospice movement is to ‘achieve dignity, comfort and choice for all those facing the end of life’. The role of the Chaplain is central to the realisation of this vision and mission. As Capuchins, following in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, who ministered personally to the dying, we feel a special bond with this type of ministry, which calls for a gentle and humble presence. You can find out about the work of St Francis Hospice Dublin HERE.
Currently we have Friars serving as full time Chaplains with St Francis Hospice in Raheny and Blanchardstown, Dublin as well as in Marymount Hospice, Cork. The Friars in these roles often speak of the great privilege it is for them to minister in this way and to be in a position of accompany a dying person, and their family, through their final days and hours.
Blanchardstown Shopping Centre Oratory
At the Yellow entrance to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre is ‘The Oratory’ a haven of prayer, peace and support in the midst of the marketplace. The Oratory is a ‘One Stop Shop’ providing services to those who visit the Centre as well as to those from the surrounding area, 7 days a week. We see the Oratory as the integration of faith and commerce where in God has a place within the modern marketplace. It stands as a beacon of the Transcendent within a highly commercial setting providing a rest-bite and counter witness to all who visit there. Daily Mass is packed to capacity and the ministry is support by a very dedicated team of volunteers. For more information on the work and mission of the Oratory visit http://www.theoratory.org/
Parishes
The Parish is at the very heart of the Christian community. It’s where the community of believers gather in good times and bad. As Friars we have the opportunity to bring the gift of brotherhood to parish life. In Ireland we have the pastoral responsibility for St Michan’s Parish, Halston Street, Dublin 7 (1817) and St Francis of Assisi Parish, Priorswood, Coolock (1974). Our Friars serve as the Parish Priests and Curates to these parishes and bring with them the very distinct sense of Capuchin welcome and brotherhood.
You can visit the Parish websites here: Halston Street Parish & Priorswood Parish