What We Do
An Overview of Our Services
Today, our Sisters nurse the sick, comfort the dying, visit prisoners, teach children and adults, are involved with asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants, homeless people, young people and older people. We also work with people living with physical and intellectual disability, work in clubs, social centres, and outreach programmes. We are involved in the ministry of prayer, spirituality, retreats, counselling, spiritual direction, chaplaincy and care of the earth.
Healthcare
Hospitals to Home Care
Since caring for Cholera victims in 1832, and founding St. Vincent's Hospital in 1834, we have been dedicated to providing the best possible health care, in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and in the homes of the sick.
Education
Education for all ages
In 1830 our congregation opened its first school in Gardiner Street, Dublin. Today we continue to be involved in education at both primary and secondary levels, as well as running programmes for adult learners.
Pastoral & Social
Caring for the Community
Our pastoral & social work is multifaceted and includes our prayer ministry, our prison ministry, outreach programmes, counselling services, work with asylum seekers & immigrants, and much more.
Spirituality
Mind, Body and Soul
Surrounded in natural beauty, our retreat centres, Stella Maris and The Sanctuary, are used to hold retreats, prayer groups and spirituality workshops. You will also find quiet spaces for prayer and reflection.
Counselling
Counselling & Therapy
We provide low cost counselling and therapy to people on low incomes. Our therapists provide counselling in the areas of suicide, addiction, bereavement, abuse, homelessness, separation and marriage.
Social Innovation
Identifying Social Issues
In 2001 we established Social Innovations Ireland to identify & respond to new & emerging social issues. This led to the establishment of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Young Social Innovators.
Homelessness
Helping the homeless
The Religious Sisters of Charity set up Focus Ireland in 1985, in response to the needs of a group of homeless women. It is now the largest national voluntary body working with and for homeless people in Ireland.
Immigrant Support
Assisting Immigrants
Our Sisters work to integrate asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants in the local area. Part of their work is welcoming people to local parishes and liaising with schools on integrating pupils and their families.
Prison Visits
Caring for Prisioners
One of the first works of our congregation was visiting prisoners in Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin. To this day, prison visitation is an important ministry for the Congregation. This work also involves seeking and promoting the human rights of prisoners, care of the families of prisoners, counselling for prisoners leaving prison, and after-care of ex-prisoners.
Counter-Trafficking
Turn Off The Red Light
We have joined the ‘Turn Off The Red Light’ (TORL) campaign, which aims to end prostitution and trafficking in Ireland. We believe that following the Swedish model and introducing legislation to criminalise the purchase of sex will act as a deterrent. TORL recommends that the change in legislation would be complimented by enhanced and sustained support services for people in prostitution who wish to exit.