News updates from Vocations Ireland

Vocations Ireland - the organisation that represents the vocations directors of the male and female religious orders and congregations in Ireland has recently appointed a new director. Ann-Marie Gallagher, a native of Sligo, took up the position last month after her predecessor Sr Eileen Lenihan IBVM had completed a three year term of office. Ann-Marie had previously been working in the area of child protection in the social work field. Irish Dominican Vocations congratulates and sends best wishes to her on her appointment in this challenging ministry.

Ann-Marie Gallagher - Director, Vocations Ireland

Vocations Ireland has recently announced the launch the of the second year of the ExploreAway programme.  ExploreAway provides an opportunity for young, single, men and women between the ages of 21-40, who are interested in exploring religious life in a reflective and prayerful environment.

• ExploreAway aims to provide the input, support and accompaniment needed to help the participants discern their call.
• Participants are invited to embark on this journey of exploration in the company of others who are also searching.
• The programme involves five residential weekends.
• The weekends will provide input on vocation, discernment, prayer and religious life - its core values and the various ways it is lived.
• A retreat experience will be built into one of the weekends which will give participants the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and gain more clarity around where God is calling them. 
• For more information log on to http://www.exploreaway.net/

Finally, Vocations Ireland will hold their annual general meeting on Saturday, November 10th. The keynote speaker at this year's meeting is Fr Liam Lawton, a diocesan priest of the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. He is a noted composer, performer and author.