CLERGY DAY ON NEURODIVERSITY AND CHILDREN’S SPIRITUALITY

On Shrove Tuesday the Bishop hosted a day in the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny for the clergy of the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory on the theme of Neurodiversity and Children’s Spirituality.

It was facilitated by Claire O’Neill, an experienced teacher and teacher-educator. Currently undertaking postgraduate research in this area, Claire writes regularly about inclusion, autism, and neurodiversity-informed approaches. The Bishop also shared input from the Revd Canon Anne Taylor, who for many years served in Rathfarnham in the Diocese of Dublin and is now vicar of St Peter’s Church, Formby in Liverpool Diocese. In her parish a number of simple and practical steps have been taken to include the needs of neurodiverse children and adults, as well as having specific events for older people experiencing dementia.

After lunch, the clergy met with the new diocesan safeguarding officer, Mr John O’Sullivan, and other staff members from the Diocesan Office.