Putting actions into words.....
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Looking at the reasons why we were motivated to join the Society and why we carry out the work that we do became the focus for Saturday morning and our 'Mission Statement'.
Next we looked at some of the main issues facing college conferences; recruitment, publicity and innovative ideas for new projects. Dave Byrne and Jonny Cosgrove (Trinity and UCD) chaired the latter part of the session were they discussed the "Next Steps". They explained how inter-varsity should become a way of life for young Vincentians and their work at 3rd level. Communication plays a vital role in strengthening the work we do and will help us as we progress through our Vincentian work and lives - truly "making a difference"
Fr Peter McVerry SJ
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Fr Peter McVerry (SJ) came along as the guest speaker and outlined the concept of poverty and how it can be applied to 21st century Ireland in its post "Celtic-Tiger" era!! |
Through his words he armed the attentive audience with insight into how those at the margins of Irish Society struggle everyday to survive. He applauded and encouraged the work of all those Vincentians gathered and took several questions from the floor. |
| Over 60 students attend all-Ireland "Inter-Varsity" weekend in Co Kildare on 15-17 February 2008 to exchange ideas and plan ahead.
The Inter-Varsity weekend is an annual event attended and organised by students involved in the respective SVP branches in Universities and Colleges throughout Ireland - and was held at Kerdiffstown House, Naas, Co Kildare..
This was the first time in many years that the northern region was represented, with delegates from both QUB and the University of Ulster in attendance.
The Friday night session outlined the expectations, hopes and fears of the weekend with a few icebreaker sessions to help everyone get acquainted. SVP national president Mairead Bushnell and director of operations Kieran Murphy had time to drop in and saw the social evening get underway with a quiz and music.
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Kerdiffstown |
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Social Evening |
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Saturday concluded with Mass said by Vincentian priest Fr Michael McCullagh aided by the speedily formed inter-varsity choir. Fr McCullagh reiterated the importance of "having a dream" and after dinner he regaled us with stories of his missionary work and life in Phibsboro.
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