SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2026

MISSION

MATTERS

Highlights

Mission Week & More

From Culture Night and bursaries to inspiring talks, walks and mindfulness, the week brought us together to celebrate our heritage, connect with one another, and reflect on what makes the Mater sooo special.

A standout highlight was the Mission Awards Ceremony, recognising the compassion and commitment of our colleagues. We received over 150 individual nominations; in addition - 10 teams were nominated for the prestigious Sr John of the Cross Award.

Take a look back at the people, stories and moments that made the week so special, and acknowledge colleagues, who bring our Mercy values to life every day.

Mission Week is more than a week - it’s a mission we live every day, in the big and small moments.

Welcome to a special look back at the highlights of Mission Week and more, celebrating our most memorable moments and shared achievements.

MISSION MATTERS • HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2026

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02 / WELLBEING & CONNECTION

Small Pauses. Big Difference.

A Good Cup of Tea - The Ultimate Mission Essential

Forget complicated wellbeing strategies for a moment. A cup of tea, a friendly face and a chat can work wonders! Catherine McAuley would surely approve of the tea, the laughter and the colourful teapot artwork. Proof that unlike a carpet – you simply can’t beat a cup of tea!!!

MISSION MATTERS • HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2026

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03 / CELEBRATING MISSION VALUES

And the Mission Award Goes To…

Forget the Oscars — the Mater has its own stars! The Mission Awards Ceremony on 23 September was a highlight of Mission Week, celebrating the individuals and teams who bring our Mercy values to life through compassion, dedication and care for patients, colleagues and the wider hospital community.

Officiated by the Director of Mission, the CEO, COO and Board Members, the ceremony brought together staff from every corner of the hospital to recognise those who make a difference every day. There was no red carpet, but plenty of well-deserved recognition, heartfelt appreciation and reminders that extraordinary care often lies in the smallest acts of kindness.

MISSION MATTERS • HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2026

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04 / RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE

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Sr. John of the Cross Team Award:

Congratulations to the Psycho-Oncology Team, winners for The Inpatient Pal, a resource co-designed with patients and healthcare professionals to provide cancer inpatients with accessible emotional and practical support through videos, patient stories, audio exercises and written guidance.

Celebrating Collaboration and Compassion

Ten outstanding teams were recognised for initiatives that embody the Mater’s Mission Values and make a measurable difference to patient care. The CEO presented the awards, celebrating the power of collaboration to improve lives.

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The Mater Heart Transplant QI Team and the Haemodialysis Team were worthy runners-up. The former redesigned the heart transplant assessment pathway, reducing assessment times and supporting more timely, patient-centred decisions. The latter’s Healing Arts Project offers individualised education to haemodialysis patients, helping build communication skills, confidence and greater participation in their care.

The ceremony was more than an awards presentation; it was a celebration of the people behind the care, the teams behind the improvements and the shared values that unite us. It reminded us that Mercy is not simply what we believe…it is what we do, together, every day.

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05 / ONE MISSION MANY HEARTS

Sr Margherita Rock Community Benefit Bursary

Investing in Future Generations

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Mercy Day Mass brought staff, patients and our shared values together in gratitude and reflection. The staff choir added poignancy, while colleagues offered readings and prayers. It was lovely to welcome retirees and Sisters of Mercy. Sincere thanks to Fr Tomy and Fr Stephen for a beautiful service.

Mercy Day

🎓 The Sr Margherita Rock Community Benefit Bursary has been awarded to three local students, supporting their education and future careers.

Congratulations to Maya Strzala (Nursing, TCD) and Rachelle Raagas (Health Informatics, TU Dublin) - both formally of Larkin Community College & Charlie Abragan (Social Studies, TCD) & former student of St Vincent’s, Glasnevin.

We wish them every success! 👏

MISSION MATTERS • HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2026

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MISSION MATTERS • HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2026

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06 / OUR MISSION, OUR STORY

Mercy Past & Present

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Heritage Tours: Walking Through History

Who knew the Mater held so many stories? From pioneering consultants and courageous nuns to hidden soldiers and wartime shoot-outs, our heritage tours bring the past vividly to life. No time machine needed …just the wonderful knowledge and storytelling of our guides, Helen Madden, Noelene White and Kevin Finan.

Culture Night Dublin 2026 welcomed a fascinating talk by Gráinne MacLochlainn of the National Library of Ireland, presented in collaboration with Phizzfest. Phibsborough 1926 – A Suburb in Full Swing brought the neighbourhood’s rich history to life through remarkable photographs, stories from the headlines and insights from the 1926 Census, revealing the significance of the Mater, within its community, a century ago and today!

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PHOTO STORY / MISSION WEEK IN MOMENTS

Mission Week in Moments

MISSION MATTERS • HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2026

🕊️ 11th NOVEMBER | 1PM | ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE MASS | 📍 Hospital Chapel

A special time to remember colleagues, family, friends and the Sisters of Mercy from the hospital convent who have died over the past year. The Music Matters Choir will perform. All are welcome.

To have a loved one remembered, please email names to chaplaincy@mater.ie. Names will be collated and read during Mass.

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💬 26th November | 12:30 pm | LUNCHTIME TALK | 📍 MDT1, Rock Wing

Are You Faithful or a Traitor?

Exploring faith, trust and the dangers of jumping to conclusions in the clinical environment, and how misunderstandings and suspicion can arise - by Rev’d John Deane-O’Keeffe; All welcome - booking required & more info to follow.

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🎁 1st & 2nd DECEMBER | 10AM–2.30PM | CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR |📍 Whitty Street

Browse the stalls and discover unique handmade creations, bespoke gifts and seasonal treats from local vendors. Whether you are shopping for family, friends or for yourself, you’re sure to find something special - without having to battle the crowds, wind or rain!.

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🎄 3rd DECEMBER | 4.30PM | CHRISTMAS TREE ILLUMINATION |📍 Four Masters Park

Everyone is welcome to join us for Christmas carols, festive cheer and the lighting of the real live Christmas tree! Bring the children along…Santa and Mrs Claus just might make a magical appearance 🎅🎄✨Ho ho ho!

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❤️ 9th DECEMBER | 8AM–2PM | ANNUAL STAFF CHRISTMAS CHARITY APPEAL |📍 Whitty Street

Our annual staff charity appeal is once again supporting St Vincent de Paul and the Capuchin Day Centre. Every donation, big or small, can help bring hope and comfort to those who need it most. Information about what’s needed, what to donate, where & how will be shared in the coming weeks.

Wishing you a Spooktacular Halloween