Chaplaincy

This full-time service works in close cooperation with other student support services on both the Limerick and Thurles campuses. It is available to students and staff, welcoming those of all faiths and none.

The Chaplaincy service supports students during times of bereavement, illness and during occasions of personal or family upheaval. It is possible to discuss issues of concern in confidence. We also honour students’ joys and celebrations, and do fun things as well in cooperation with the Student’s Union and various societies.

The Chaplaincy team can be contacted on: Chaplaincy.Team@mic.ul.ie or + 353 61 204399; it also has a dedicated MIC Chaplaincy Facebook page and can be found on instagram@chaplaincy.team.

MIC Co-Op Students

Emma Ryan and Laura Heagney are third year BA students on work placement who will be assisting the Chaplaincy as the Chaplaincy co-op students for the Spring semester. You can find them in Room T108 in the TARA Building. Please feel free to call in for a chat or even a cup of tea, or reach them on:

T: +353 61 204399
E:  Chaplaincy.Team@mic.ul.ie 

Mission Statement

The role of the Chaplaincy service is to provide a supportive and challenging environment that fosters a spirit of inclusiveness on campus: valuing spiritual and cultural diversity and offering a chance to live and think through one's faith. The service networks with other agencies, which promote holistic development and a sense of justice for all.

MIC Limerick

Fr Wall, provides Roman Catholic religious services in the College Chapel and Mass is celebrated daily during term-time. Arrangements are in place to provide services for non-Catholic students. The Chapel and the Meditation Room (behind the Chapel) are always open to students who wish to pray, reflect or just be in a quiet place. Opportunities for prayer and faith sharing exist for those who wish to avail of them. Father Wall offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) at any time upon request.

There is also a symbol free meditation room in G33B, available for prayer to those who desire such a space.

You are welcome to drop into the Chaplaincy Room (T108) at any time. It is a relaxed, comfortable, friendly and social community space. You may come in to socialise, to have a cup of tea or just to meet other students.

MIC Thurles

MIC Thurles also has a vibrant Liturgy team that organises various Liturgical celebrations during the academic year including programmes for the preparation of Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister and Lector. The beautiful chapel here is open daily and Mass is celebrated at various times of the year.

Chaplain, Fr Joe Walsh, is available on campus on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and some Wednesdays from approximately 11am-2.30pm. He is also available for emergency contact.

Pray

The Sacrifice of the Mass is offered in the College Chapel at 1pm Monday-Thursday. To see a list of Masses for special occasions, see the Events tab.

Masses at local churches are listed here:

• Catholic Masses
• Church of Ireland Services 

The Chaplaincy Team also works with classes and groups to mark special feasts and occasions. If you are interested in planning a liturgy such as an anniversary Mass, make an initial contact with the Chaplaincy co-op students (Chaplaincy.Team@mic.ul.ie) so that they can work with you.

Serve

The Chaplaincy Team serves with head, heart, and hands:

• Providing information through notice boards, and offering liturgical materials and seasonal displays (Jesse tree, Advent calendars and wreaths, the Christmas crib, Lenten and Easter gardens)
• Assisting those in need by networking with local charities and causes
• Participating in events both on and off campus

As well as full-time staff, in each semester two Third Year BA students take up work placements with the Chaplaincy and are based in T108.

Connect

We network with various groups within the College, but also cultivate strong bonds with community groups and initiatives.

College connections cultivated include: Health Promotion; departments of Theology & Religious Studies and Learning, Society & Religious Education; catering & household staff; Sports Office; Developing Links group; Medico Humanities Group; Academic Learning Centre; Health and Safety, English/Irish/Geography/Music and History departments; Wired FM; Library, AV/ICT; the Arts Office; Education Office and Student Academic Administration.

Community groups and initiatives supported: One World Awareness Society (including the facilitation of One World Week); Trócaire and Concern fasts; World Earth Day; World Food Day; International Human Rights Day; Ecumenical Women's forum; International Women's Day of Prayer; Women's World Day of Prayer; Seachtain na Gaeilge; Week for Christian Unity.

Photo Caption: His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Papal Nuncio to Ireland, commissioned 62 students as extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and 3 students as Ministers of the Word, at a ceremony in the College Chapel on Monday, 30 April. The first recipient ever to be commissioned by a Papal Nuncio in Ireland was Aislinn Barry, from Clerihan, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and a fourth year B Ed student at MIC is congratulated by Archibishop Jude.

Important Dates 2022/23

September 2022 to April 2023

• 5 - 9 September: Orientation
• 12 October: Mass to open academic year
• 08 October: Reunion Day
• 16 October: World Food Day
• 19 November: One World Week
• 24 November: Mass of the deceased of the College Community @ 7pm in the College Chapel
• 01 December: International Aids Day
• 10 December: International Human Rights Day
• 08 December: College Foundation day
• 13 December: Carol Service @ 7pm at the College Chapel
• 18-25 January: Church Unity Week
• 11 February: International Day of Prayer for the Sick
• 21 February - 6 March: Fair Trade Fortnight
• 08 March: International Women's Day
• 1-17 March: Seachtain na Gaeilge
• 22 April: World Earth Day

January 2023 to May 2023

• 06 January: Feast of the Epiphany (Little Christmas/Nollaig Na mBan) (Catholic)
• 13 January: Guru Gobindh Singh birthday (Sikh)
• 23 January: Spring semester lectures begin
• 01 February: St Brigid’s Day
• 02 February: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas Day)
• 03 February: Feast of St. Blaise (Blessing of Throats)
• 05 February: Chinese New Year (Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist)
• 11 February: International Day of Prayer for the Sick
• 14 February: St Valentine’s Day
• 19 February: Magha Puja Day (Buddhist)
• 21 February- 6 March: Fairtrade Fortnight
• 1-17 March: Seachtain na Gaeilge
• 21 February: Shrove Tuesday
• 22 February: Ash Wednesday (distribution of ashes); Lent begins
• 08 March: International Womans Day
• 17 March: St Patrick’s Day (Catholic)
• 20 March: Hindu New Year
• 20 March: Purim (Jewish) begins at sundown / Naw Ruz (Bahai New Year)
• 21 March: Holi (Hindu)
• 22 March: Hola Mohalla (Sikh)
• 21 April: MIC lectures end
• 02 April: Palm Sunday – Holy Week begins
• 09 April: Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) (Catholic – Christian)
• 10 April: Pesach (Passover) (Judaism) / Good Friday (Catholic – Christian) / Theravada New Year (Buddhist)
• 12 April: Easter Sunday (Catholic – Christian)
• 22 April: Earth Day
• 02-15 May: Spring semester exams
• 25 April-25 May: Ramadan (Islam)
• 07 May: Buddha Day – Visakha Puja

General

Prayer & Reflection

• Useful prayer websites for helping you include Sacred space which is good for online prayer: Sacred Space
• Readings from the breviary, mass and a piece about the saint of the day
• Photo and reflection of the day: Today is my Gift to You

Good thoughts

• Looking for meaning in college? Visit Focus blog here
• Snappy videos: Ascension Presents
• When a bishop reviews films: Word on Fire
• I’m not sure what to believe: Catholic Answers
• Real. Life. Catholic by Chris Stefanick     
• Feminist Catholic                

Due to the diversity of offerings, the section below has been divided in to different categories. Click on any of the following categories to view the relevant links