Irish Speaking Given Boost By DCAL Minister

Irish Speaking Given Boost By DCAL Minister

Following the launch of the LIOFA Irish speaking programme, DCAL Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has issued a letter expressing her personal delight at the success of the scheme which has been well subscribed to.
11 Eanáir 2012
A chairde
"Go raibh maith agat as clárú le haghaidh dhúshlán Líofa 2015 agus ba mhaith liom an deis seo a thapú le bliain úr faoi shéan a ghuí libh.
"Since the launch in the Assembly, I am delighted to say that we have already exceeded the target of 1000, with over 1300 people taking up the challenge.
"I am attending two classes every week myself and I can appreciate just how challenging it is and I know that the commitment needs to be carried on outside the classroom.
"I have been heartened by the response to Líofa and it helps me with my own learning to know that there are so many others engaged in the same challenge. I have great support and motivation at home as I am the only non-Irish speaker in my house, and that includes my grandchildren.
"Over the next few months I will be developing the website to offer opportunities to share experiences and assess our progress. Lots of people have made Líofa their New Year’s Resolution and I want to continue to encourage them throughout the year. I plan to hold further events across the north and to continue to keep in regular contact with all of you.
read more http://www.downnews.co.uk/news-in-brief

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THE Passionist Congregation yesterday formally re-opened its Retreat and Conference Centre at Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar,

THE Passionist Congregation yesterday formally re-opened its Retreat and Conference Centre at Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar,
Co Down as a centre for spiritual renewal and human development, after a £1.5 Million restoration.

Fr John Friel CP, Superior at Tobar Mhuire said: “We would like people of faith and no faith who are in search of meaning, to come and use the centre. We have a solid commitment to working with groups who, either through life choices or circumstances have traditionally felt excluded from the church, and see Christianity as something of a cold house or irrelevant.”
Fr John added that the Passionist Community at Crossgar were also very keen to work with other members of the clergy of all denominations.

He said: “Rising secularism, and within the Catholic faith, the impacts of the abuse scandals has affected morale amongst the clergy, we, as Passionists, feel that too. We’d like to ensure Tobar Mhuire plays it full part in spiritual renewal.”

Tobar Mhuire, can now accommodate up to 30 for residential retreats in the beautifully restored manor house which sits in 60 tranquil acres, much of which is woodland.
read more http://www.downnews.co.uk/2012-down-news-archive/january-2012/community-2012-january/tobar-mhuire-reopens-after-major-1-5-million-improvemen

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US Congress Nears Budget Deal to Avert Possible Shutdown

Leaders in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives say they have reached agreement on funding the federal government that will avert a possible shutdown of most government operations.
Early Friday afternoon, the House voted 296 to 121 in favor of a bill to fund the government until October 2012.
Republican House Speaker John Boehner said Friday morning that the bill was put together in collaboration with lawmakers from both major parties.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, leader of the minority Democrats in the House, accused Republicans of political posturing and delaying tactics that caused the last-minute negotiations on such important legislation.
read more http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/12/16/us-congress-nears-budget-deal-to-avert-possible-shutdown-2/

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