Westcourt, Callan Meeting on the future of Westcourt

On Sat 3rd March , a gathering of 32 people was held at Callan, facilitated by Liz Murphy, as a way of opening up discussions with local people about the future of Callan. Damian Brennan did well to gather around 20 local people. Present were ten Christian Brothers [from Callan, Waterford, Carrick, Kilkenny, Rome], two Presentation Brothers [from Cork] one Mercy Sisters, three clergy, [including Fr Fergus, representing Bishop Forristal] together with people representing L’Arche, the Historical Society, staff from local schools, a former principal of the Mercy school. people from the Friary [a community development in a property left to the townspeople by the Augustinians], parents, people who value Westcourt, a member of the original family who had lived at Westcourt, etc], as well as some Board members from ERIHCL.

There was much enthusiasm for Westcourt, Callan and for what if offers already and what it could offer into the future. Some of the suggestions coming from the various groups at the meeting are as follows:

Group One:
A discerning community, [comprising some living on site and others living off site], acting with flexibility to meet the spiritual and personal needs of the local people, as well as pilgrim groups. The three key aspects of the Centre will be:
1 A place of reflective prayerful gatherings
2 A place where human development programs are offered by the community members and also by other invited personnel
3 A site where three or four hermitages are available for personal retreats and time away.

Group Two:
1 A centre which focuses on spirituality and faith development
2 A centre of welcome and gathering with offerings in terms of personal and practical skills and needs
3 A place which embraces peoples of all faiths and cultures

Group Three:
1 A place with a spiritual heart, where the peace and love of Christ is apparent
2 A place which is clearly connected to the wider Callan community and which embraces multicultural and multi-faith communities
3 A mixed community on site from the international Edmund Rice Network, comprising Brothers, lay men and women, and which attracts pilgrim groups from around the world
4 A centre which offers support and programs in the areas of parenting and self discovery for young people.
5 A place where the gifts of people with disabilities are recognised and are able to contribute to the faith and personal development of others.

Group Four:
1 A centre of spirituality and prayer, of welcome, of silence and meditation
2 A community on site, offering family oriented programs, together with programs for youth in peer ministry
3 A place which offers programs in wellness, healing and alternative health and self care
4 A place which seeks self sustainability through attracting pilgrim groups, retreatants, renting out of the function centre and offering programs.
5 A centre which is well linked to the other heritage centres connected to Edmund Rice and part of a Heritage Trail around Ireland.