Social activist, advocate for the homeless and Jesuit priest, Fr Peter McVerry, is one of the guest speakers who'll take part in the Diocese of Kerry Mission taking place online this weekend.

From January 24 to 29, the Mission, called 'Be Christ’s Joy', will offer an opportunity for people to gather in reflection and prayer, online and in the home. Like the traditional Parish Mission, all are welcome to participate, inclusive of all age groups and those involved with church or those who have disengaged with church.

The elements of the Mission include a Mission booklet available online on dioceseofkerry.ie or in hard copy from the parish churches.

A schedule of Mission activities for each day Sunday to Friday invites participants to a morning reflection online, daily prayer, Mission Mass at 10.30am live-streamed from six different locations in the diocese, children’s pray and play online, evening reflection online, and a Mission talk each evening at 8pm.

Speakers for the week include John Connell, author, journalist and farmer on Sunday January 24, Martina Lehane Sheehan, spiritual guide, psychotherapist and author on Monday January 25, social activist, advocate for the homeless and Jesuit priest, Fr Peter McVerry on Tuesday January 26, Jane Mellet the Laudato Si’ Officer with Trocaire on Wednesday January 27, Br Richard Hendrick, Franciscan Brother, spiritual teacher, poet and blogger on Thursday January 28, and Olive Foley, widow of Axel Foley and ambassador for Children’s Bereavement Services, Limerick on Friday January 29.

Schools will be provided with class/activity plans. A YouthDoK Instagram competition for 16 to 30-year-olds invites them to submit their 'Vision of the Future' in art, poetry, photography or a one minute video. There is a prize for each category.

"Soon it will be a year since the Coronavirus first impacted on all our lives. A difficult year, but a year that leaves us with a good feeling too. Technology has made possible this Diocesan Mission. I thank the team at the diocesan pastoral centre for their good work. May the Mission be a time for reflecting together on the past year, evoking both gratitude for how our country has responded, and trust in God for what lies ahead," Bishop Ray Browne said.

Register with dioceseofkerry.ie to get your daily Mission schedule emailed directly to you and in that way you can participate in the Mission.