Oblate Youth Service News

Irish Regional Committee Meeting Report, June 5th 2013

The Irish Regional Committee met on June 5th, 2013 in the House of Retreat,Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin.

Present:        Fr. Peter Clucas OMI, Lisa McKee, Eoghan O'Flaherty, Andrew Brady, Ruth Bennett, David O'Donnell, Paul Feeney, Dee O’Flaherty

Following the opening prayer, the Lourdes Pilgrimage was discussed in relation to induction and owing balances. It was reported to the committee that punctual membership payment was far improved on last year.

The Social & Fundraising Committee we keen to announce that the Bake Sale, following from last year’s success, will take place at the end of June. The committee would like to thank Caoimhe Carroll for her efforts in coordinating the Bake Sale this year. Further to this fundraising effort, the Social & Fundraising Committee confirmed that Christmas cards will be produced again this year following on from the excellent sums that last year’s sales contributed to the OYS. Finally, the Social & Fundraising Committee confirmed that the Annual Reunion is already booked for the 16th November in the Arus Mhuire Hall, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8.

Following a brief Financial review from the Regional Treasurer, local OYS projects were discussed. The Faith Friends initiative in particular was mentioned as a highlight with 3 new members from the OYS partaking this year.

The Regional Committee are delighted to announce that the new Provincial OYS website has been live since February. In fact, it was such a success that the OYS will have a member travelling to Lourdes this year who got in contact with us from the information that she saw on the website. The Regional Committee reviewed the contact methods for keeping the general membership informed on happenings in relation to the OYS and texts will be included in future communications.

The Guest Reunion was the next item reviewed by the Regional Committee. With 60 guests attending and 25 OYS members contributing on the day, the Committee wanted to thank all those involved in this great day which our guests thoroughly enjoyed. Transport arrangements for the day were reviewed and new arrangements will be put in place for what is sure to be another excellent day next year.

Many of the officers of the Regional Committee had reached the end of their terms and renewal of positions were discussed. Ciaran Doyle has completed his term with the Regional Committee and was unable to renew his position. The Committee and its Members thank him for his service.

The Committee & Members would also like to thank the following for their acceptance of the positions below:
Andy Brady - Treasurer
Ruth Bennett– Secretary
Paul Feeney- Chairperson
Lisa McKee – General Member
Eoghan O'Flaherty – General Member
Dee O’Flaherty – General Member

 

Further to this, the Committee committed to invite at least 2 general members to become Committee members. The process will proceed as per the OYS Constiution.

It was agreed that as Membership Coordinator, all project leaders are to liaise with David O' Donnell to ensure that all OYS general members have the opportunity to contribute to the local projects that the Committee hope will be completed in 2013.

The meeting concluded with a positive outlook for the rest of 2013 and it was agreed that the Committee would next reconvene on July 31st in Inchicore.

The Author: Paul Feeney

OYS, Irish Regional Committee Secretary