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Our life of service is set in the context of the mission of Jesus who sent his apostles to proclaim the reign of God and to heal. This sense of mission is at the very heart of our identity as Sisters of Charity (Comp.Doc.Ch.4)
Traditionally many of the works we were engaged were categorised under the three broad headings of Health, Education and Social Welfare but yet within these, often apparent rigid systems, we have consistently pioneered new services and new ways forward on behalf of people who are poor. For more detailed information with regard to our ministries worldwide visit our congregational website www.rsccaritas.ie
Since the time of Mary Aikenhead the involvement and commitment of the laity has been an integral part of our mission. As we continue to work with our colleagues we encourage them to grow in knowledge and appreciation of our charism and tradition of serving the poor (Comp.Doc.4 pg 25). This collaboration happens informally through our personal relationships and formally through our Mission Effectiveness programmes.
Since the foundation in 1815 one of the noticeable features in relation to our ministries has been their extraordinary range and variety. Today, in Ireland, we nurse the sick, comfort the dying, visit prisoners and homes, teach children and adults, are involved with asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants, homeless people, young people and older people. We also work with adults and children living with physical and intellectual disability, work in clubs, social centres, day centres and outreach programmes and are involved in the ministry of prayer, spirituality, retreats, counselling, spiritual direction, chaplaincy and care of the earth.
Our Mission in Healthcare
Our mission is to bring the healing love of Christ to all persons whom we meet. With our lay colleagues, we express our mission through our daily work in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, convalescent centres, outreach activities and in the home.
We are dedicated to providing the best possible health care , drawing on the talents and creativity of our people and all who share our vision.
The core values of our health Service are:
• Human Dignity
• Compassion
• Justice
• Quality
• Advocacy
These values continue to remind us that we are a faith-based and mission-driven organization that is characterized by a respect for the sacred and a commitment to healing.
As employers of our people and advocates for the sick, especially for the sick poor, we bring together people of diverse faiths and backgrounds. Our ministry in healthcare is an enduring sign that we truly believe that every person is a treasure, every life is a sacred gift and every human being is a unity of body, mind and spirit.
Our Mission in Education
In 1830 the congregation opened its first school in Gardiner Street, Dublin, Ireland and this ministry continues today at both primary and second level. “We firmly believe that the richness of our schools lies in each student, each teacher, each parent, each member of the Board of Management, each staff member and in each person who contributes to the life and work of the school community.
We want to see our schools as:
- Catholic schools, embodying a living-faith community expressed in life, prayer and liturgy
- Centres of learning aimed at excellence in education and in the development of students to their fullest potential
- Places of welcome, well-maintained and attractively decorated
- Providing a happy, caring and supportive environment
- Reaching our to all, and especially to those in greatest need
- Examples of true partnership, based on equity”
(RSC Religious and Educational Philosophy 2006)
Multi-Cultural/Faith Diversity in our Schools
School Communities tend to mirror societal changes and the presence of a multicultural/faith diversity in our schools has become evident over the past years. In September 2008 a total of 1088 foreign students were enrolled in RSC Schools – 776 at Primary level and 312 at Secondary level this amounts to 6.1% of our total student population. The Department of Education and Science’s website states, under the title of “Newcomers to Ireland”, that “All children and young people, including Convention and Programme refugees, are entitled to free primary and post-primary education.” Circular 53/2007 states that “an inclusive school environment reflects values and affirms linguistic, ethnic and cultural, diversity. It is important that schools have policies and procedures in place that promote and facilitate the inclusion of all children. The school’s commitment to creating an inclusive school environment should be evident in the school plan, the promotion of parental involvement, the provision of equality curriculum access, the facilitation of professional development opportunities in whole-school and classroom practice. Pupils should also be encouraged and facilitated in maintaining a connection with their own culture and language through curricular activities and displays.” While resources are emerging from the Department in this regard we are agreed that it requires cooperation among staff, parents and pupils and organisational ability on behalf of the Principal to ensure that the School Community accommodates diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.
If you would like to read the Trustee Guidelines for policy formation respecting students of diverse cultures and faiths in schools in the tradition of Mary Aikenhead, foundress of the Religious Sisters of Charity please click here.
If you are interested in volunteering a few hours each week to some of our ministries you can make contact with us on
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