Profile of Nóirin Lynch, pastoral assistant at St. Kilian’s Irish Catholic Mission in Munich
Maybe it’s the accent — after all, who can get enough of hearing about the number “tirteen” and just how “grrrand” everything is? But it takes more than an Irish brogue and glowing red hair to make a decent human being, which is exactly what Nóirin Lynch, pastoral assistant at St. Kilian’s Irish Catholic Mission in Munich, strives to be — with considerable success. “We’re here to help,” says the bubbly Limerick native. “I don’t try to convert every person who comes to our door. If they say ‘I am new to the city, I need a job and I’m hungry, but I’m not Catholic,’ I say ‘grand, come have tea and a sandwich.’” St. Kilian’s opened its doors for business in 1988 and not a moment too soon. A failing economy in Ireland and the promise of a wellspring of student jobs in Germany led to a sudden influx of hundreds of young Irish men and women. But when the Berlin Wall fell, so too did the need for those willing to perform menial labor in Germany. “Suddenly, the East Germans were filling those positions,” explains Lynch, who did not arrive in Munich until 1996. “Back then, stranded students would line up three across, all the way up the mission’s staircase, in the hope of getting help.” Father Tom Healy, parish priest at St. Kilian’s since its beginnings, and his staff offered the displaced youth advice, sustenance and even a mailing address throughout the ordeal. Today, “Father Tom,” Lynch and a shift-exchanging pair of administrators oversee a multitude of programs aimed at English-speaking Munich. In addition to regular masses, held at the Kreuzkirche on Kreuzstrasse, choir practices, confirmation and first communion courses and bible study groups, the mission reaches out to prisoners and asylum seekers. “I really enjoy being involved in the Ecumenical English-speaking Prisoners’ Support Group,” smiles Lynch. “Most of the lads are in Stadelheim (Munich’s prison, overcrowded by 50 percent) awaiting deportation because of an illegal alien status. We send them care packages — food and German lesson books — anything to help them get along in a bad environment. It’s a matter of helping somebody get on with their life.” Every year, St. Kilian’s team joins charity organization Caritas in throwing a summer party for residents of the Riem asylum. “We bring food and do face painting on the kids. Their parents serve us international dishes and perform brilliant dances!” The mission also sponsors a mother and children’s play group. “It’s really fulfilling,” says Lynch. “I always know when families have integrated into German life. They come to us for years, then suddenly they’re gone. It’s then I know we’ve done our job, but still I love to see 600 people crowding our door!” Lynch’s enthusiasm for her chosen vocation is boundless. In describing the various functions of St. Kilian’s, as well as how she became involved in the project, she apologizes several times for her speedy delivery and passionate speeches. “From 1988 to 1992, while I was in college studying applied math/computer — but don’t write that because no one knows what it is — I went on several weekend trips with a youth ministry group,” reports Lynch without taking a breath. “It was an interesting way of teaching teens who were not excited about the religious aspect of the retreats. We would hike along rivers, using them as a metaphor for life’s path.” Upon completing her formal education, the extroverted Lynch decided she’d rather help those in need than stare at a PC screen. After a one-year course in pastoral leadership at Dublin’s renowned All Hallows College — not coincidentally Father Tom’s alma mater — the hobby guitarist and singer made her way to Munich via language studies in Tübingen and a three-month stint at Trier College’s Erasmus program. When asked how long she expects to stay at St. Kilian’s, Lynch, who has been dating “a true Bayer” for about 18 months, says “At least one more year. It’s good to move around, so you can remain effective. But every time I think about leaving, I decide not to decide yet.” And why should she? Delighted to serve thousands of foreigners that need her support, Lynch considers her job to be — and here is that charming Irish again — “good crack.” <<< Liz vannah