God works in mysterious ways. Looking back upon the last two years, I can say without a doubt, God knew what He was doing when He placed me in Dublin. I am confident that living and volunteering in Ireland has formed and shaped me into who I am today. I am slower to judge, I am eager to listen, I sing a little louder, I pray a little harder and I stand a little taller. I learned what it is like to help others and what it is like to not be able to help, but only to listen. Sitting in silence might seem so little, but mean the world to another human. Ministry of presence is something we talk about often at Newman, and I have found so much fulfillment in offering this ministry. I will carry this gift and the value of presence with me beyond my time here. This year seems to have come and gone in the blink of an eye. As I reflect upon my time in House of Brigid, I am so grateful for the opportunities I had and the community I received. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at Loreto, to sing with the University Church Singers and the Vocare Ensemble, to play piano at Daily Mass, to have met Catherine who reads on Wednesdays, to pray for our parishioners we see daily, to attend our Young Adults Group, to help facilitate the Confirmation Catechesis course and so much more. But where will I take this ministry and how can I share it with others? I learned that a prayer promised could mean the world to another person. I learned to always, no matter what, bring a mass card. I learned that singing in a choir is one of the best sports you can play. John Henry Newman said, “God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission.” My mission began here and I am ready to go out to the world. I leave having begun a children’s choir with one of my best friends, completed numerous service projects and spent many hours in the stillness of the presence of the Lord. I take this next leap of faith equipped with the knowledge that this time was spent in a community of believers I was intentionally meant to live and work with. I cannot put into words the gratitude I have for the numerous benefactors and dreamers who give life to this program. Thank you. You have allowed me the opportunity of a lifetime. To Fr. Gary, Anne Horcher, Dominique, Katherine, Tracy and Lisa, thank you for being a guiding light over the last two years and allowing me the opportunity to live my passion and be of service to the House of Brigid.
With a grateful heart, I am signing off.
Meaghan Gould
