The Chaplain
As chaplain I want to welcome you and hope that you have a very rewarding time with us.
The transition to third level education can be a traumatic time for some, and it is for this reason that I would like to introduce you to the reality of the Chaplaincy Services. The chaplaincy is a large group of students and staff who work in all kinds of situations to help students in every way possible. No problem is too big or too small and money problems can be helped with the hardship fund.
The Chaplaincy Services Residence plays a vital part in the provision of the service and is situated close to the campus. Students are invited to drop in Sunday to Friday 7.30pm - 11.30pm to share in the hospitality. An all-night emergency service is provided and a limited overnight accommodation is available in times of need. In the event of sudden illness of family emergencies, students should not hesitate to make contact. The telephone number is 090 6478318, and a mobile number is also available for emergencies 087 2402514.
This is my 21 st year as chaplain and I have enjoyed every moment, each year is different with new challenges and faces but it's all very positive. I am part of a team of people in student services who are dedicated to the care of students, and indeed staff. We 'lookout' for students, help them in whatever way we can. Sometimes its just to be there to listen, to support, even encourage. Help with finances from the access or hardship fund. Be available in times of crisis and need but also to celebrate life and in a real way to build a sense of community.
We set up a Chaplaincy house like many other I.T.'s some twenty years ago. A group of students share the house and keep me up to date with the 'out of' college stuff. We run an all night emergency service and hopefully there will always be someone to respond to a call. If someone is sick or got bad news or whatever, feel free to call. The house is at 11 Auburn Heights and is just off the retreat road. So call to see us. We also need help with the college folk group and we have two big liturgies. At the end of November we hold Remembrance Day when we remember all our deceased staff and students and again on Ash Wednesday . Mass is celebrated each day at 1.05 pm in the college chapel. Rev Graham Doyle is the SCI chaplain and times of services are notified.
Advice for first years
The first week or indeed the first few hours can be tough. Your parents have gone and if you don't know anyone it's easy to feel lost. Try and make friends, talk to others without being a' head wrecker'! Just make the effort in the canteen or before lectures to be friendly and it will happen. Most students and staff are very helpful. The big thing is to first make the effort and don't worry about a thing. Everyone wants you to be happy and make the most of your time here. If there are difficulties please talk to me and you will be put in contact with the appropriate person. It always helps to talk and it goes as a given that confidentiality is always respected. I often find that students are more open to deal with issues affecting them when they are away from home. There is an excellent counselling and medical service and after a chat or introduction an appointment can be made without any fuss or hassle. All of us need support and advice from time to time.
Just to give you an idea of the areas we find students in difficulty with - problems with the law or Gardai, public order offences, drinking too much and being a nuisance afterwards, found in possession of drugs, having to appear in court or remanded without bail, yes it does happen!.
Accommodation problems - you hate the place, it's a dump and you want to get out and find somewhere else. The accommodation is fine but the two of the five you live with are a pain! Well at least to you and you are not a happy camper.
Then we have the issue of grants, which are docked for less than 75% attendance and no medical cert to say you were sick again. Talk to someone and see what can be done. Rent not paid and no money to pay it. While we cannot guarantee that we can support everyone, we will do our best, but students have to make the effort too. Don't expect the world to stop for you if your social life and needs come before paying your rent or buying food. Really there are so many things one could say but at the risk of repetition, please talk to some of us and don't ever first think it's hopeless and drop out. If you do want to leave notify administration and at least he fully aware of the implications for the future.
I hope we can create a college community, where folk look out for each other. W e have lots of students from all over the world, and it's great to see everyone getting on, and the Clubs and Societies working well. Taking part in sport is so important and representing all of us at the highest level in college competitions. After twenty one years in the place I am looking forward very much to being part of all that makes this a super place to work. Once we can keep a balance in all things, attend lectures, get the projects and study done, live a healthy lifestyle, celebrate friendship and life and be open to search for truth and meaning and the year will fly, as the last twenty have, not that there is any hurry. Corpe Diem! (Seize the day!)
Fr Shay Casey - Catholic Chaplain
Tel: +353 (0)90 6424428 (internal 4428)
Email: scasey@ait.ie
Rev Graham Doyle - Church of Ireland Chaplain
Tel: +353 (0)90 6424428 (internal 4428)
Email: gdoyle@ait.ie
Chaplaincy Pictures
Bishop Colm O' Reilly (Ardagh & Clonmacnoise) concelebrates mass on Ash Wednesday 2006 in the college.
Chinese Students on graduation day
Muslim Students from Palestine , Pakistan pray with American Staff members at special prayer service for the New York Twin Tower Victims.
Former Chaplaincy team member Elle O' Suillivan in Orissa Mountains orphanage in the Village of G'udgairi, India with a new supply of mattresses, pillos, mosquito nets etc
Folk group performing during Ash Wednesday mass.