Living Faith in the 21st Century

As we celebrate this Year of Consecrated Life, Armagh Diocesan Vocations Team are hosting a special evening titled “Living Faith in the 21st century” in the former Convent of Mercy, Dungannon on Thursday 29 January at 8pm. The evening will include music and prayer and three special testimonies will be given by a visiting priest and two women who are in religious life.

Father Brendan Collins is a priest of Derry Diocese and he was ordained a priest in 2013. Prior to entering seminary, he studied Business at the University of Ulster and worked in retail management. Father Brendan studied philosophy at Queen’s University, Belfast and Theology at The Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, Rome. He presently serves in The Long Tower parish and in addition to his parish duties, he is Chaplain at the Ulster University, Magee Campus. In 2012 as a Deacon, he co-founded the first Food Bank in Derry and he remains involved in this organisation to date.

Sister Maire McAteer is 34 and she’s a native of Aghyaran, Co Tyrone. She’s currently a novice with the Sisters of Adoration and Reparation, Falls Rd, Belfast. Maire studied Irish in The University of Ulster, Coleraine and then taught Irish in Omagh. She has a deep love of the Irish language and Irish culture. She’s very happy in her chosen path in life.

Elaine Kelly is 47 and she was born and reared in Belfast. She’s currently a postulant with the Sisters of Adoration and Reparation. Elaine was formerly a barrister for 23 years. She’s an enthusiastic marathon runner and was an active member of the pro-life group, Rachel’s Vineyard. She too is very happy with her life-changing decision to join the religious order.

After the testimonies are given on the evening, there will be some discussion and reflection and refreshments will be served after the gathering. People are encouraged to come along and join in what promises to be a very memorable evening.