Why did you choose the Irish, monastic model?
It was a successful combination of outreach and leader development. Art, music, cooking, farming, and bookmaking are all things we enjoy doing with our friends. Connecting these interests with Irish, monastic culture gave us the vocabulary, inspiration, and sense of identity we needed when we started out.
How large is the Cuirim Outreach staff?
Brian and Sadie Donohue watching the soccer game in Nogales, Mexico.
Only the director, Brian Donohue, is a full-time employee. The majority of the work is done by volunteers. We have been able to give part-time salaries to several of our partners in Mexico.
What is the goal of Cuirim Outreach?
To give as many people as possible a chance to use their gifts and talents to further the work of the Kingdom. For example, a retired woman in the US knits hats all year. A young woman in Mexico takes those hats to new mothers.
How is Cuirim Outreach financially supported?
Monthly and one-time donors provide most of the money needed each year. Cuirim Outreach is a registered 501(c)3 and all donations are tax-deductible. Some money also comes from the volunteer teams who come to Cuirim House.
How does Cuirim Outreach work with local churches?
In Mexico, we design our programs and projects after talking with the local pastors. We are often able to design our programs to directly enrich the efforts already being made by the local church. On the US side, we provide a missions expression for the local churches. Brian teaches on the Kingdom in the local churches and encourages church leaders. In Ireland, we are just learning how we can come alongside the leaders there.
What does "Cuirim" mean?
It's a Gaelic word that is part of the word for love, as well as part of the word for incarnation.
What kinds of groups come to Cuirim House?
Mostly student groups 8th grade and up. In recent years, we have seen a welcomed increase in the number of adults and parents who have joined the groups. Although the Donohues have their small children at Cuirim House, we generally encourage families with small children to wait until their kids are older.