My name is Caroline Lennon, and I serve as a OneSpirit Minister in a small coastal town in County Dublin, Ireland. Ordained in 2020 through the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, I began a new chapter devoted to compassion, inclusivity, and service—seeking to create spaces where all voices are heard and celebrated.
A guiding principle in my journey is a quote by Rumi:
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”
This profound insight clinched my decision to study with the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, aligning my passions with my purpose.
A key influence in my life was the death of my only sister in May 2017. She had Down syndrome and taught me invaluable lessons in love, acceptance, and resilience. Her unconditional love has profoundly shaped my perspective, deepening my commitment to serving others. My path to ministry is further informed by my core training in psychotherapy and an MSc in healthcare management, along with years of experience in social services, mental health advocacy, and corporate roles within healthcare audit, quality, and safety. Through this work, I have gained a deep understanding of how challenging it can be for people to navigate the healthcare system—a perspective that now informs my approach to ministry. This background enables me to offer compassionate, insightful support, providing spiritual care that truly recognises the complexities of real-life challenges and responds to each person’s actual needs rather than society’s perceptions of them.
From Healthcare to Ministry: A Transformative Journey
Before becoming a minister, my career was rooted in healthcare, where I worked in addiction and rehabilitation services, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion. In the later years, I moved into corporate services, taking on responsibilities in audit and, ultimately, in quality and safety management. Working in these fields gave me insight into the challenges faced by individuals and communities and instilled in me a deep desire to serve others in a more personal, spiritual capacity.
The transition to ministry was not an impulsive decision but a carefully considered path inspired by a calling that had deepened over the years. While studying to become a minister, I decided to take early retirement to fully embrace the journey ahead. This decision allowed me the time and space to commit myself wholeheartedly to my calling and to the training with the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. Through this training, I was introduced to a vibrant and multifaceted vocation that honours all spiritual traditions, celebrates diversity, and is dedicated to promoting healing and compassion.
The Dynamic Journey of a OneSpirit Minister: Service in Action
Every week as a OneSpirit Minister is different—there’s no set routine. My ministry is dynamic, involving a blend of roles and responsibilities. Here are some of the key strands of my work:
- Voluntary and Charitable Work: Supporting Vulnerable Communities
A substantial portion of my time is dedicated to voluntary work, particularly with two charitable organisations that resonate deeply with my values. I serve on the Board of Trustees for both, supporting initiatives that aim to uplift vulnerable individuals and provide essential services. One organisation focuses on training and support for people striving to recover or stabilise from drug addiction or substance misuse. The second service offers day and residential services, as well as respite care for people with disabilities. I have multiple roles, including vice-chair of one board and chair of its quality and safety committee. In these roles, I’m involved in organising events, contributing to policies, drafting reports, and working with the organisations to achieve compliance with the Charities Regulator Governance Code. Succession planning and recruitment of new board members is also part of my work, ensuring that each organisation has the leadership necessary to continue its mission effectively. These roles allow me to contribute meaningfully to the community, supporting initiatives that provide individuals with paths to recovery, dignity, and care. - Crafting and Leading Ceremonies: Celebrating Life’s Milestones
Another aspect of my ministry is the creation and facilitation of ceremonies, including weddings, baby naming ceremonies, and funerals. These events mark some of the most significant moments in people’s lives, and I am honoured to support individuals and families in celebrating and commemorating them. For instance, just last week, I received a request to officiate a wedding ceremony for a couple living in Australia who plan to marry in Ireland next spring. Given the distance, we arranged an online meeting to build a personal connection, a critical step in creating a ceremony that truly reflects their love and values. Additionally, I recently completed a project on interfaith wedding ceremonies, designing an information booklet titled All Faiths, No Faith: A Guide to OneSpirit Interfaith Wedding Ceremonies in Ireland. This guide aims to provide clarity and support to couples seeking inclusive, meaningful ceremonies. - Family Life and Personal Advocacy: Balancing Roles and Responsibilities
Alongside my professional life, I am a wife, mother, and grandmother. Balancing family commitments with ministry can be challenging, but it also provides grounding and joy. My family has been a constant source of support and inspiration, allowing me to pursue my work with confidence and resilience. Advocacy has always been close to my heart, and this has become even more pronounced in my ministry. In April 2023, I founded Families Unite for Services and Support (FUSS) Balbriggan. This initiative was born from a need I observed within my own family and in the community: families struggling to access essential services and support for their children with additional needs. FUSS Balbriggan advocates for improved services and resources, aiming to create a more compassionate and equitable system. For more information, please explore our work here.
The Path Forward
As a OneSpirit Minister, I am constantly learning, adapting, and expanding my understanding of what it means to serve. The diversity of roles—from voluntary governance to advocacy and family life—keeps my work fulfilling and meaningful. Each week brings new opportunities to connect with individuals and communities, reinforcing my belief that ministry is about presence, compassion, and a commitment to meet people wherever they are in life.
This work has not only enriched my life but has allowed me to make a genuine impact in my community. It’s a journey of service that I am grateful to continue, guided by the values of love, understanding, and unity that OneSpirit holds at its heart. As I continue this journey, I invite you to reflect on how you can contribute to fostering compassion and understanding in your own communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive world, upholding the principles of love and unity that are vital for all.
