Resources Ministry
Digital Resources
In the past year, the SU Resources Department has been busy with various projects. In spring 2023, we ran
an online NUA: Origins Facilitator Training course for parish & youth workers and teachers etc to equip them with the necessary skills for successfully delivering the resource in their context.
NUA Films were presented at 6 RE Conferences, and our goal for every county in Ireland who has a group, school, or family to use a NUA Series, was achieved! Also, an RE Curriculum links document was created to showcase how NUA topics complement and enhance RE learning outcomes and programmes. To enhance a NUA user experience we consolidated all the series into one library called myNUA on nuafilms.com. We were approached to pilot a NUA: Origins Confirmation retreat in February for over 100 young people, it was a beautiful faith-filled activity program that took place on the 7th and 13th February in Ovoca Manor. NUA: Fresh Perspective and NUA: Origins will be translated into multiple dubbed languages this year, making them more internationally accessible. An El Camino series will also be completed.
We are currently working on script writing for an exciting Irish Christian Heritage series for RE in Irish secondary schools
in collaboration with Jesus Film Project and Alex O’ Hara (National Director for Catechetics of the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference). It is an honour to work with Alex on this project and learn from his years of experience and deep knowledge of the Irish Saints and their relevance in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in the 21st century.
“Scripture Union Ireland are producing some of the best resources for Religious Education on the island of Ireland. Their dynamic team are mission-driven and on fire to share the richness of our Christian faith. They bring a freshness and innovative approach to everything they do.”
In Autumn 2023, SU Global met to discuss a Global Bible Engagement resource for 8–12-year-olds in the form of a magazine with interactive digital elements. A Beta version is set to be released in summer 2024, with an official launch in January 2025.
Sharon Lynch
Resources Manager
‘El Camino’
Scripture Union Ireland in partnership with Jesus Film Project is developing an exciting new video series that delves into matters of faith along the Camino de Santiago—a journey that resonates not only with pilgrims from every corner of the globe but also with Irish students here at home. We've assembled a skilled team, many of whom were involved in the original NUA project, to bring this vision to life. With bespoke animation and on-location filming in Northern Spain, featuring three distinct hosts (English, Spanish, and French), we're hoping to make this tri-lingual production a success, which should be brought to completion in April 2024.
This pioneering effort is effectively three series in one. We're confident that this approach, where native speakers lend their voices, will infuse a deeper level of authenticity into the content for each respective audience. The core concept behind this project is the shared experience of pilgrimage, designed to resonate with the aspirations of fellow travellers and beckon them to follow in the footsteps of St. James
The significance of this walk lies in the ancient "Camino de Santiago" pilgrimage—a demanding trail stretching 500 miles from southwestern France, across northern Spain, culminating at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where tradition holds that the remains of James the Apostle are buried. This trail draws people from all over the world, many on a personal journey of discovery or grappling with profound life events. The rigorous journey tends to break down the emotional barriers they may hold against the gospel. For many, it becomes a profoundly introspective spiritual experience.
This content serves as a powerful tool for educators, youth leaders, clergy, and more, utilising gospel-centric media to foster a deeper comprehension and application of the message of Jesus. The themes explored will resonate with anyone on a spiritual quest, unaware that Jesus is the key to their unanswered questions.
‘Ancient Saints’
Building on the El Camino series, our sights are set on an even more ambitious project for 2024. We're in the early stages of crafting a new series that continues the exploration of ancient saints of Ireland and the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Teaming up with Alex O’Hara, the National Director for Catechetics, our goal is to produce four captivating short films that delve deep into the lives of St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Columbanus and St Columcille and other remarkable figures.
Tailored specifically for senior secondary school and university students (young adults), it is being designed not only to captivate students with elements of history, geography, and religion but also to provide them with a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and heritage. This four-part cinematic journey will take us back in time, offering a glimpse into Ireland's past by delving into the lives of our faith ancestors and exploring the abundant legacy and tradition of Christianity in Ireland and the subsequent impact on Europe.
This project promises to be a transformative educational experience, that not only informs but inspires, igniting a deeper connection with the profound history of Christianity in Ireland.
Jonny Somerville
SU’s NUA International Manager & Content Producer for Jesus Film Project
