The Haven - Frequently Asked Questions
While the Haven has been underway for more than three years, we have entered a phase of rapid development over the last year. We will try and keep this FAQ page up to date with answers to questions we are most commonly asked.
- Do You Have Any Paid Positions?
- Can Anyone Volunteer?
- Are the Haven, CityGates Café and Footprints Bookshop all the same thing?
- Is the Haven a Church?
- Which denominations are involved?
- When is Sister Bridget Available?
- What Is Scripture Union's Role?
- What is Cork Christian Trust's role?
Do you have any Paid Positions?
No, the Haven is a 100% volunteer run entity. We do have positions available for free internships where room and board is provided. For more information on volunteering or our internship programme, check out the information on the Volunteer Page
and the Internship
.
Can anyone Volunteer?
Yes, of course! We accept anyone who is willing to commit any amount of his or her time to helping out at the Haven. Whether you are a student (over the age of 15) or retired, here for one month or your entire life, we would love to have you on our team. Our only request is that you would respect and comply with the ethos of the Haven.
Are the Haven, CityGates Café and Footprints Bookshop all the same thing?
Yes and no. CityGates Café and Footprints Bookshop are both businesses that are within the Haven. Up until August 2010 Footprints Bookshop was owned by Scripture Union (who also have two other branches in Dublin) and managed by Padraig O'Caoimh. CityGates Café was owned and operated by Padraig and Evanne O'Caoimh. With the difficult economic times Scripture Union decided they wanted to franchise their bookshops in order to concentrate on their core ministries (checkout Scripture Union's Website for more information). Understanding the importance of continuing the bookshop ministry in Cork, Padraig and Evanne took on the financial responsibility of Footprints Bookshop and now own and operate both businesses. The Haven also has SafeHaven Counselling services, Sister Bridget's office, and a prayer room.
Is the Haven a Church?
No the Haven is not a church. We are a group of Christians from many different churches and denominations working together to reach our community with the Love of Christ. The Haven does, however, rent the conference room out to different churches, organisations, and groups who use our facilities to hold their own trainings, meetings and events.
Do you have any Denominations are Involved?
Cork Christian Trust, the organising group, is made up of two members of the Church of Ireland and a member of the Roman Catholic Church. We have wide support within the Cork city and county from Christians belonging to Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Catholic and Independent streams.
When is Sr. Bridget Available?
Sr. Bridget has moved from her previous premises on North Main St. to continue her many activities and meetings in The Haven. Her office hours are 12:30 to 5pm Monday through Friday, she can be reached at 021 425 1100
What is Scripture Unions Role?
Padraig and Evanne O'Caoimh purchased Footprints Bookshop from Scripture Union in August 2010 and our now operating it as a franchise. In addition, they have provided invaluable encouragement, support, advice and financial along the way and we look forward to a mutually encouraging and supportive role in the future.
What is Cork Christian Trust's Role?
Cork Christian Trust (CCT) is currently made up of Tim Jenkinson, Sr. Bridget Dunne and Bill Lane. It was established with the aim of providing the means and resources to reach out to those struggling with faith or other issues in Cork City and County.
The original vision and understanding of what they perceived to be God's call came through members of the CCT, and it is this group which seeks to be the energising force under God and His Spirit to reach out in this way.
CCT as the Trustees, have the right and obligation to be the final arbiters on what services, ministries and organisations operate from within The Haven or use Haven facilities in keeping with the vision, mission and ethos of The Haven. The criteria applied and the ethos in which it will be applied relate to the orginal vision and mission of The Haven and how we as Christians should live together.
CCT and SU were collaborators in bringing the project together, providing some financial assistance in the early years. CCT is now fully fledged as a Charitable organisation for tax reclaim purposes. It will act to receive all donations and reclaim appropriate tax in its own right.