That’s Magic …

On Saturday, April 21st, The IPC hosted a spectacular children’s magic show with the Amazing Jack Ryan!  St. Brendan’s Parish Hall was bustling with excitement as over 50 children watched in amazement at the magic presented to them.  Several lucky youngsters were called on stage and asked to be part of the show itself.  Grandparents, parents and children all enjoyed this special Saturday treat.

Congratulations to our raffle winner, Rosemary O’Brien

The IPC would like to thank our sponsor, Verizon Wireless, for support of the show.  Special thanks to our wonderful volunteers, who helped make the show such a success.

The 25^th anniversary of the Irish Pastoral Centre is a time of great rejoicing.  It is also a time to recognize volunteers who have helped us along the way.  This past week the IPC honored Val Peters and Neil Hurley who have been faithful volunteers for many years.

Thank you to those who supporter this wonderful evening and congratulations to raffle prize winners Sheila Gleeson and to Jane Hardman, who were lucky enough to win two raffle prizes – after Kathleen’s name was pulled twice!  Special thanks to the ticket sellers, Ita Bridges, Marguerite Fagan.

Thank you to Paul Wilson of the Glynn Group, Mike McCarthy of Sysco for providing such wonderful food and to the Staff and Clery’s for hosting this event.

Check out the events during the month of April ~ April Monthly Calender

Please call to book your spot at the Monthly Mass & Luncheon 855-479-2472 * leave your name, number and # of people in your party.

For any questions relating to the Senior Program, Contact Catherine at 617-265-5300 X 12

This exciting event will be hosted by Comedian Jack Ryan

Volunteers are in integral part of  a non profit organization and the IPC would like to acknowledge and thank two of the finest for their continued support over the years.  We hope you can make it.

On Friday, March 16, 2012, The Irish Pastoral Centre of Boston was the site for the launch of the Irish Senior Connect listening line of Boston.  Frances Fitzgerald, Irish Minister of Children & Youth Services, was the guest of honor for the occasion, and officiated at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Based on a very successful program in Ireland, the service is a project of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, an umbrella group for all of the Irish Immigration Centers throughout the U.S. The Irish Pastoral Centre was chosen to host the Boston project which will serve as a model at other centers throughout the country. The goal is to provide a listening ear, information and a link to resources that can help with various needs or concerns. It will also serve as a connection to the local Irish and Irish American community, and will provide a network of support and friendship for seniors.

Upon her arrival, Minister Fitzgerald, who was accompanied by her husband, was warmly welcomed by Boston Irish seniors, volunteers, and staff of the CIIC and IPC Boston.

Alicia Connors, Executive Director of the IPC welcomed Minister Fitzgerald and other guests including Consul General Michael Lonergan, and Vice Consul Deirdre Ní Fhallúin and introduced IPC staff and volunteers to all.

Susan Doody, CIIC Senior Connect Coordinator, thanked Steve Greeley of the American Ireland Fund, and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs for providing the funding for the program. Thanks were also given to all of the seniors, volunteers and staff at the IPC, and staff and board members of the CIIC for their help and support in establishing the listening line in Boston. She noted that important objective of the listening and information line will be to reach out to seniors who may be homebound or lonely and isolated.  Partnerships with youth organizations will be formed to create intergenerational programs for senior support. The coordinator and Senior Connect volunteers will also be reaching out into the community to publicize the listening line service at community agencies, churches and events.

Minister Fitzgerald thanked program staff and volunteers for all of their work in the varied service program areas which provide much needed assistance for new immigrants, and those Irish and Irish Americans who are already established in the United States. She emphasized the strong bonds between the US and Ireland, and spoke about intergenerational programming as a key to success in both countries.

Maureen and Gerry McNally performed traditional Irish songs with vocals and guitar, accompanied by Andrea Mori on flute. Irish breads, pastries and streusel cake, coffee and tea were provided by Greenhills bakery.

Anyone who would like to learn more about the Irish Senior Connect helpline, if would like to volunteer, please contact Susan Doody at susan.doody@ciic-usa.org or call 857-266-8133.

The IPC welcomed Minister of Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald, Consul General Michael Lonergan, Vice Consul Deirdre Ni’Fhalluin,  to our office on Friday, March 16^th. We thank them for taking the time to launch the Irish Senior Connect listening line for seniors. Minister Fitzgerald  had the opportunity to meet many of our seniors  to enjoy Maureen and Gerry McNally and flutist Andrea Mori  with old Irish favorites. What a wonderful way to kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend!

What is the Irish Senior Connect Line?

Irish Senior Connect provides a listening and Information service where seniors can call just to say hello and have some conversation, or to discuss concerns they might be having. These might include loneliness or depression, change, loss and bereavement, pain and incapacitation, family issues, stress.  Seniors can also call to find information about resources available in the area, including: health care, insurance, finances, legal, housing and senior social events and agencies.

We had the largest group yet of people who came to the Music for Memory this week. A very pleasant couple of hours were had by all singing many old favorites and enjoying the chat and the banter. Thanks to Gerry and Maureen McNally as always for their time and musical talents!

Remembering to care for yourself as you give care to others, makes life balanced and rewarding

On Thursday March the 29^th the Irish Pastoral Centre, in conjunction with Eileen Smith, Wellness Professional, plans to offer a gathering for those amongst us who care for someone close to us in our lives. The session will be from 10am -12 noon and will focus on caring for yourself while you are caring for someone else. Eileen will offer nurturing refreshments, gentle relaxation exercises and tips, and an opportunity to talk about self care in a supportive environment.

“The pressure of caring for someone else can be very demanding, physically and mentally. Amongst the stresses and strains of looking after someone, carers often forget to concentrate on their own health and well-being. Looking after their health, eating well and getting enough sleep are all simple steps that can help carers to be healthier and happier. Sometimes just talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can be a great relief. Sharing your experiences with someone you trust – family, friends, neighbors, other carers or health workers can help ease your sense of isolation and put your own situation in perspective.”  Source www.caringforcarers.ie

So if you are a carer it is important to stay healthy, take some time for yourself and remember don’t be afraid to ask for help and support. If you are interested in attending the Caring for Carers Session at the IPC, please contact Catherine Moloney, IPC @ 617 265 5300 x 12 to reserve a place as soon as possible.

“Our Caregiver’s Tea will be a relaxing and rewarding session. We will offer help by showing you how to take care of yourself as you take care of others” Eileen Smith.

Please feel free to call Catherine Moloney at 617 265 5300 x12 for more information on IPC Senior Citizen Outreach Program activities and services

Monthly Schedule of Clinics: Legal Clinic Flyer 2012

Immigration and US Citizenship News

By Kieran C. O’Sullivan email me at: Kieran@ipcboston.org

 Immigration and US Citizenship Service

Each week our immigration and US citizenship counselor, Kieran C. O’Sullivan, receives calls and emails from people here in the US and in Ireland on a variety of immigration related issues.  Because of the state of the economy there, we are getting calls and emails every week at present from Ireland.  Cross Care, an emigrant support service in Dublin frequently refers people to our immigration counselor.

Free Immigration and US Citizenship Clinics

In addition to fielding calls and emails each week, we continue with our series of monthly legal clinics in Dorchester on the first Tuesday of each month.  At the clinic, attorneys Chris Lavery  and Dan Harrington, provide free advice to immigrants and proof read immigration benefit applications before submission to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Today, many legal permanent residents are interviewed for US citizenship within four months of application.  Immigrants applying for US citizenship based on marriage to US citizens are often interviewed within six months from the date of application.

Immigration and US citizenship success stories

Our services result in success stories each month at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.  Amy recently wrote that her husband was just approved for a green card after we provided assistance on his application.  Sarah called to say she had just been sworn in as a new US citizen.  Mary, who was denied citizenship at the US Embassy in Dublin was told by our experts that Consular officials had made an error and that she was in fact a US citizen through her parents.  Paul in Dublin was denied a visa at the US Embassy there.  After we provided him information on how to proceed with an appeal, he emailed us expressing thanks and pledged to refer more people to us for assistance in the future.

If you or someone you know has a question on visas or US citizenship, email Kieran O’Sullivan at Kieran@ipcboston.org or call him at our office (617) 265-5300, extension 16.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in it is provided to inform generally, and is not intended as a substitute for individual advice.  Immigration law is subject to frequent changes and individual circumstances can affect the application of certain legal provisions.  For individual legal advice, please contact the Irish Pastoral Centre directly regarding upcoming legal clinics or consultation with an immigration attorney.

From the Director’s Desk

By: Alicia Connors, Executive Director – email me at: aliciaconnors@ipcboston.org

As we celebrate all that it means to be Irish in the next week, please remember that there are many Irish immigrants in our community who are in need. We bring awareness of the fact that the Irish diaspora is not just an event of the past.  With the turbulent economic times in the US and in Ireland, the needs of the Irish immigrant continue to be compacted.  The IPC is often the first place that an Irish immigrant comes to for solace in the face of the death of a loved one, for help in resolving immigration concerns, for friendship and a sense of community.  We have helped thousands move from tenuous, stressful environments to becoming contributing members of our community.  We know that it is part of our culture to help those in need and never to forget our roots and those who came before us. Please consider making a contribution to the IPC so that we can continue our services to those most vulnerable in our community. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Only one week to go!  Get your Green for St. Patrick’s Day draw! Secure your chance to win between $250 to $2,500 to get some of the few remaining tickets for the $100 draw. Only 100 tickets will be sold so call right away!

Save the date: Next IPC 25^th Anniversary event is April 5^th at Clerys in Boston!