For Theresa Mulcaire, becoming the chaplain at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) is more than a new job. It is a return to the place where her own journey in education began—and one that brings her back into the role once held by someone who had a lasting influence on her.
Theresa first came to MIC as a student in 2004, studying English and Theology, before graduating in 2008. After further study and teaching in London, she returned home to county Limerick and spent years teaching English and working as a chaplain in Coláiste Iósaef in Kilmallock.
Returning to MIC, she now serves as Chaplain across the College’s Limerick and Thurles campuses.
“MIC was always a positive experience for me, even when I was here as an undergraduate. It was homely. I felt that there was a safety and security here, that people wanted you to succeed and they assisted you in whatever way they could. I feel very privileged to be starting here and to have the opportunity to contribute to that sense of community and support.”
There is a particularly meaningful connection behind Theresa’s return. During her time as a student, she got to know Fr Michael Wall, who was MIC Chaplain at the time. Over the years their paths continued to cross as Theresa’s own career developed in education and chaplaincy.
“He was an excellent model of chaplaincy in action. He is such a lovely man, full of life and full of fun, he is very kind and wise.”
From being a student who knew Fr Wall, to later studying and working in chaplaincy herself, Theresa found herself crossing paths with him again and again.
Now, she has taken on the role he once held, a full circle moment. For Theresa, however, chaplaincy is about much more than a title or a particular set of duties. At its heart, she sees it as being present for people.
“At its simplest form, chaplaincy is about accompanying people throughout their life stages—the exciting parts and the more difficult aspects of it.”
“Chaplaincy can mean various things to different people. It can be comfort during grief or life trauma. It can include celebrating life successes or assisting people to find practical solutions to daily complexities. At times it can be navigating one’s faith. The priority is to meet people where they are and be conscious enough and aware enough to listen and be present for them.”
Sometimes, she says, being present means simply listening.
“It is not always about fixing a problem or finding a solution. Sometimes it is just providing a space where a person can speak aloud with their feelings valued.
That is particularly important during the college years, which Theresa describes as a time when people are constantly changing, discovering themselves and finding their place.
“Everyone in college is on their way to becoming their professional self. They have personal dreams and goals, they are setting standards for themselves, and it is an exciting space to be in. You feel like you are on the cusp of momentous change all the time This is visible also by the transitioning landscape, MIC is evolving once more, and it is wonderful to be part of that change.”
Having been a student at MIC herself and an educator for years, Theresa understands the beauty and difficulty of study. She also knows how important it can be to feel like you belong.
“I think as students and human beings, we all need a sense of security to flourish as a person. We all like to be rooted in something, and to belong.”
For Theresa, the chaplaincy can help create that space. Somewhere students can talk openly, without judgement, and gain a little perspective.
“Creating a safe and sacred space for somebody to converse with you is a privilege.”
She hopes to bring “a zest for life and living” to the role, encouraging students not to become so focused on what comes next that they forget to enjoy where they are now.
“Our lives sometimes seem so long, but they’re incredibly short, and your time in college can just go so fast.”
That idea has also been on her mind through her love of poetry, particularly Eavan Boland’s ‘This Moment’. The poem captures a fleeting moment at dusk before the ordinary becomes extraordinary—something Theresa feels reflects the experience of being at college.
“Things are getting ready to happen out of sight, college is very much like you are on the cusp of everything changing. That the simple everyday things you practice can becoming something new and spectacular. I get to be an observer and witness to that here in my new role.”
It is a fitting thought for Theresa herself as she begins another new chapter at MIC.
Outside of chaplaincy, sport and creativity remain a big part of her life. She has played soccer with Ballingarry AFC and Desmond Ladies, Ladies’ football and camogie at club and county level for Limerick, including winning All-Ireland’s and scoring in Croke Park. She shares historic Club titles as Senior All Ireland Champions with teammate and MIC Colleague Aoife Sheehan, Assistant Professor in Information and Communication Technologies. She has also coached the Ballingarry Men’s Football team and led Coláiste Iosaef and the Kilmallock Ladies Soccer team to an All-Ireland title.
“Sport epitomises teamwork and belonging. It has really added to my role in teaching and chaplaincy because you are able to meet people and try to encourage their potential and be part of a community that work as a team.”
These days, Theresa runs rather than plays competitively; while writing and poetry have become another creative outlet. She enjoys poetry open mics and regularly writes short stories.
“I absolutely love short stories and poetry. I am trying to develop my craft. Outside of work you will find me in nature running, hiking and spending time with my family, friends, and children.”
And for students beginning their own journey at MIC, her advice is simple: be present, get involved and give yourself the chance to discover what college has to offer.
“Try things you have not done before. Join clubs and societies, play sports, talk to people. Just really immerse yourself in the college experience. It is over before you know it. It is a time of discovery that is so important in one’s life. You do not get it back.”
For Theresa, that sense of discovery is at the heart of both college life and chaplaincy—Supporting people as they find their path and helping them appreciate the moment before they move on to whatever comes next.
MIC’s Chaplaincy room is located T1.08 on its Limerick campus and can be contacted by emailing Theresa.Mulcaire@mic.ul.ie and Chaplaincy.Team@mic.ul.ie.
