New Methods at Friary

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Piers and retreats: A day's work in Ards THE recently appointed Guardian of Ards Friary is reaching out on behalf of the community to a new generation by using social media to let people know what they have to offer. Brother Richard Hendrick stressed that the closure of the pier below the friary is not an indication the Capuchin Order are leaving, but a necessity because of its dangerous state. Brother Richard took up his role in July last year having previously worked at the friary as well as in Dublin, Cork, the UK and Kilkenny. The 42 year-old is a native of Dublin and truly appreciates the spectacular location of his most recent posting. Speaking to the Donegal News this week, Brother Richard explained that every few years the brothers move around and make changes. "It is a new beginning and the change is about bringing new energy to the role for each new Guardian. We have used social media before albeit on an intermittent basis. We are now aiming at putting together a coherent strategy and letting people know what we have to offer. "I suppose one of the difficulties would be the generations that would have used Ards are getting older and it is always important to widen our customer base and explore new methodologies. We are still using our original ways of letting people know we are here," he said. A recent vocation weekend held at the friary saw four young men from across the county considering joining the noviciate in Kilkenny where Brother Richard said they are "doing quite well" on the numbers joining. "The Capuchin Order in Ireland has always been a smaller group at around 70 brothers. We are blessed enough to have a steady trickle of new brothers and we are currently five here." RETREATS With 17 different retreats on offer between now and June, Brother Richard explained that there are quite a number of groups and individuals coming to the friary. A glance at the www.ardsfriary.com website shows the huge choice of retreats and individual accommodation available. "It is less well known that we offer individuals time out with personal retreats and space, this maybe had faded out of peoples' consciousness. We have a steady stream of schools and colleges from as far away as Dublin. You could not ask for anywhere more beautiful with the forest, the mountains and the ocean, it is an extraordinary place." Pointing out that this area of coast has been a place of religious communities right back to Celtic times, there is a long tradition of inviting people who are looking for reflection and looking for God. After 25 years of ministry Brother Richard does not doubt the need for quiet places like Ards Friary despite those who would claim religion is fading. "As long as we are human beings with a heart and mind the Lord will invite us in. It starts with goodness in people, showing kindness and generosity, that is where God is," he added. PIER CLOSURE Part and parcel of the changing Guardianship of Ards is an update of the land and buildings to asse…