Catholic Retreats · Parish Missions · Faith Formation
Come. Rest. Reflect. Renew.
The name
Ruah is a Hebrew word meaning breath, spirit, and the life-giving presence of God — the same breath that hovered over the waters at creation and was poured out on the disciples at Pentecost.
There are moments in every faith journey when we are invited to pause, to listen, to rediscover the quiet movement of God within our lives. Ruah was born from a desire to create sacred spaces where people can encounter Christ more deeply, renew their faith and grow together as Church.
Through prayer, scripture, reflection, music, art, conversation and liturgy, Ruah accompanies individuals and communities on the journey of becoming not simply people who attend Church, but people who are truly being Church.
Offerings
For parishes, schools, ministries and faith communities seeking renewal and spiritual nourishment.
Time to reflect on the sacred ministries entrusted to us and deepen understanding of the sacraments that shape Christian life.
Quiet, prayerful days that nourish faith and create space for encounter with God amidst the busyness of life and ministry.
Retreat days designed to renew the spirit, restore peace and re-centre the heart on Christ.
Prayerful and creative experiences that inspire faith, belonging and spiritual growth for young people, educators and school communities.
Helping parishes rediscover their identity as vibrant communities of welcome, prayer, discipleship and mission.
The person behind Ruah
Bridgeen McNicholl is the founder of Ruah and brings many years of experience in faith development, youth ministry, parish ministry, retreat work, music and pastoral formation. After studying Theology at Mater Dei Institute of Education in Dublin — where she received a Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies with First Class Honours — Bridgeen dedicated her professional life to helping people grow in faith, prayer and relationship with God.
She also holds a BA Honours degree in Modern and Contemporary History from the University of Ulster.
Bridgeen has worked extensively in parish and retreat settings across Ireland. Her ministry has included working with the Redemptorist Youth Ministry and Parish Mission Teams in Clonard, Belfast and Scala in Cork, as well as serving in youth ministry at Knock Shrine. She has facilitated school retreats, parish missions, novenas, youth programmes and faith development initiatives, always with a particular heart for creating spaces where people can encounter God in a personal and meaningful way.
From 2010 to 2016, Bridgeen served as a Parish Catechist and Pastoral Worker with the Roscommon Cluster of Parishes. In this role, she coordinated sacramental programmes for parents and children, prepared parish and school liturgies, provided resources for schools, trained altar servers, readers, cantors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and supported faith formation across the Diocese of Elphin. Her work also included helping to prepare children and adults for the International Eucharistic Congress, presenting talks on the Eucharist, and coordinating the national launch of Catholic Schools Week in Roscommon Parish.
Bridgeen’s ministry also extends into music, prayer and digital evangelisation. During lockdown, she co-founded Catholic Minute, a Facebook prayer channel offering prayerful support throughout the day to people across the world. Today, she continues to share her gift of music by singing at weddings and funerals, while also volunteering in her local parishes through prayer groups, Lectio Divina and other faith initiatives. Her background in social media, parish communications, retreats and prayer resources gives Ruah a strong foundation in both traditional ministry and modern faith communication.
At the heart of Bridgeen’s work is a simple desire: to help people deepen their relationship with God. Her approach is warm, prayerful and rooted in lived experience. Through Ruah, she brings together theology, music, Scripture, reflection and pastoral care to create opportunities for individuals and communities to pause, pray, listen and be renewed.
Experience & Ministry
Every gathering is approached with warmth, authenticity, compassion and a deep respect for each person’s faith journey.
In a busy and often noisy world, Ruah invites you to slow down, reflect, pray and encounter the gentle presence of God anew. Because faith is not simply something we learn — it is something we live, celebrate and share together.
Come. Rest. Reflect. Renew.
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