from Joseph Norton, Charities & Missions Chairman This blast on charities and missions will attempt to answer some of the common questions received about our Order’s charitable efforts. First, what is the difference between a charity and a mission? It is probably easiest to view a mission as something that involves purposeful action and a charity as benefiting from our time, talent, and treasure. It may be your mission to support a charity or cause, and all missions are not charitable. Why do we track our charitable and mission works? It is a critical piece of information that supports … [Read more...] about Charities & Missions Update:
Southwest Report:
from Mike Joyce, Southwest Liaison ... Divisions are active in the Southwest as the "Green Season" provided for some opportunities to showcase the AOH. In Austin, TX the Monsignor Richard McCabe Division held it's 4th annual Stew Cookoff at B.D. Riley's Pub. Over $900 was raised with funds benefiting the St. Gabriel Project. Texas has seen phenomenal growth as a colony has formed in Dallas, TX and expects to charter a new division in August of this year. Speaking of new divisions, congratulations are in order to the men of Phoenix, AZ on the new division founded there on April 23rd, 2019. A … [Read more...] about Southwest Report:
AOH Hunger Project Editorial from 2003
from Paul Gowdy, National Hunger Chairman In the early months of 2003, the National Ancient Order of Hibernians under the guidance of then President Ned McGinley, and in conjunction of the LAOH made the following announcement – The Charities Ancient Order of Hibernians as well as the Ladies AOH Charities, some which are long standing and several of which will be new this year, help to define our purpose and goals of our Fraternal Order for the foreseeable future. Each body of our Order can participate, to any degree they wish, in those charitable quests which fulfill the motto of our … [Read more...] about AOH Hunger Project Editorial from 2003
Political Education Committee Report
from Neil Cosgrove, PEC Chairman ... Brothers: All signs point to things heating up on the Political Education front, Brexit still poses a threat to Ireland, both north and south. Let us remember that the people of Northern Ireland rejected Brexit by 56% and the citizens of the Republic of Ireland had no vote in the referendum at all, yet Ireland will disproportionately bear the brunt of Britain’s decision to leave the EU. This threat includes the real possibility of a hard border as a result of a hard Brexit which appears more likely every day. We have seen recent statements by … [Read more...] about Political Education Committee Report
Honor Thy Fathers and Mothers
from John Patrick Walsh, Pro-Life Chairman ... Brothers and Sisters, The months of May and June present us with an excellent opportunity to give thanks and honor the mothers and fathers in our lives. The Church dedicates the month of May to Mary, with many parishes hosting special events to honor our spiritual mother. Online I have seen a few divisions and boards who took the time to honor their mothers, an action I encourage each division to emulate. But why stop there? Our respect of life acknowledges the role that both men and women play in its creation and care. Therefore, it is … [Read more...] about Honor Thy Fathers and Mothers
Report from Ohio
from Dennis Parks, National Director The Ohio State Board held their Spring State Board meeting on May 11th in Toledo. The main topic of discussion was the upcoming Ohio State Convention to be held in Toledo from August 15-18, 2019. We welcome any and all AOH/LAOH members to join us. Registration and hotel information can be found at www.hibernianstoledo.com. … [Read more...] about Report from Ohio
Catholic Calendar – May 2019
To All Hibernians: The month of May this year falls within the Easter season, the liturgical color being white. The Ascension of the Lord, a solemnity and holy day of obligation, falls this year on May 30. Many dioceses of the United States, however, have transferred the feast to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, June 2. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF MAY May 1 Joseph the Worker May 2 Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor Memorial May 3 Philip and James, Apostles Feast May 14 Matthias, Apostle Feast May 20 Bernardine of Siena May 30 The Ascension of the Lord … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – May 2019
Rituals and Degrees Update …
From National Rituals and Degrees Chairman Jack Schneider Major Degrees Teams returned to action after the month of March celebrations to honor our Patron Saint with Major Degree events in Philadelphia, PA and River Edge, NJ in April. Forty-Seven Brothers received their Major Degrees of the Order at the Philadelphia event while another seventeen Brothers accomplished same in the River Edge event and we welcome them into full Brotherhood within our Order. It was a pleasure to be in attendance at both Major Degree ceremonies along with National Director Ed Halligan. Brothers from the … [Read more...] about Rituals and Degrees Update …
Omaha’s Father Flanagan Division Responds To Floods Ravaging Nebraska
From National Director John Wilson ... With the recent flood ravaging Nebraska, many charitable organizations have seen a drop in donations as emergency needs caused by the flood have had to take precedence. In this time of need, the (AOH) Father Flanagan Division of Omaha have recently stepped up to donate more than $5,000 of food to Omaha’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, which had run out of numerous items including soups, vegetables and canned goods according to John Farnan of the Flanagan Division. The donation by the AOH included: • A 6-foot-high pallet of canned … [Read more...] about Omaha’s Father Flanagan Division Responds To Floods Ravaging Nebraska
Division 8 Lawrence, Massachusetts Kick’s off Membership Drive
After several months of thoughtful and careful planning, Division 8 in Lawrence, MA recently kicked off a recruitment drive for new members focusing on a three prong approach. First, the Organizing Team focused their strategies on one parish in the Greater Lawrence area, Our Lady of Good Counsel. The Rev. Christopher Casey, Pastor of the parish, several weeks prior to the membership drive, inserted a notice in the parish bulletin informing his parishioners that members of the AOH would be at the parish soliciting new members on a particular weekend. The parishioners of the parish reacted … [Read more...] about Division 8 Lawrence, Massachusetts Kick’s off Membership Drive
Mc Guinness Principles
As we approach the 21-year mark, we proudly recognize America’s contribution to the Good Friday Agreement and reaffirm its fundamental Principles. As a respected statesman, Martin McGuinness reached across the political, socio-economic and religious divide, stood by the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and committed the remainder of his life to working towards the fulfillment of its goals. Martin McGuinness’s legacy, through his own words, is commemorated in each of the McGuinness Principles. In memory of all who brought us this far, we ask that you pledge support for … [Read more...] about Mc Guinness Principles
Catholic Calendar- April 2019
To All Hibernians: MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF APRIL April 11 Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr Memorial April 21 Easter Sunday Solemnity April 28 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) Solemnity April 29 Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor Memorial April 30 Piiu V, Pope Memorial IRISH SAINTS OF APRIL April 4 Tigernach, Bishop (d. 549) St. Tigernach (or Tierney) was baptized by St. Conleth of Kildare; St. Brigid may have been his godmother. One might say that St. Tigernach suffered the fate of St. Patrick in reverse: as a boy, he was kidnapped … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar- April 2019
Catholic Calendar – March 2019
To All Hibernians: In the month of March, after one more Sunday of Ordinary Time, we move into Lent, a season of penance leading up to Our Lord's Passion, Death, and Resurrection. The liturgical color for Lent is violet, except that rose may be worn on Laetare Sunday (March 31). Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence; all the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. Check with your local parish or diocese for Lenten regulations on abstinence and fasting, for greater opportunities for confession, and for Lenten devotions such as Stations of the Cross. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – March 2019
National Board Officers Meet with Irish Leaders
On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, AOH National Board President Judge James McKay, National Treasurer Sean Pender and National Director Dan Dennehy had an unforgettable meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the Oireachtas Éireann. The Oireachtas is the legislative body of the Republic of Ireland. It consists of the Office of the President of Ireland and its two houses: the Dáil Éireann (lower house) and Seanad Éireann (upper house). The houses of the Oireachtas sit in Leinster House in Dublin. The opportunity to meet with the Taoiseach was arranged by Senator Billy Lawless, … [Read more...] about National Board Officers Meet with Irish Leaders
AOH/LAOH Delegation Meets with Border Communities Against Brexit
A delegation of forty AOH and LAOH members met with the group known as Border Communities Against Brexit in Newry, the city referred to as the "Gateway to the North" on the border of County Armagh and County Down. The encounter followed a discussion at Dromintee Gaelic Athletic Club, as part of the first stop on the delegation's Freedom For All Ireland Tour of Ireland. A panel including National President, Judge James McKay, National Freedom for All Ireland (FFAI) Martin Galvin, and Border Cross-Community leaders Damien McGenity, Declan Fearon, and John Sheridan discussed the impact … [Read more...] about AOH/LAOH Delegation Meets with Border Communities Against Brexit
Catholic Calendar – February 2019
To All Hibernians: In February, we are in a segment of Ordinary Time between Christmas and the Lenten season. The liturgical color is green. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF FEBRUARY February 2 The Presentation of the Lord Feast February 5 Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Memorial February 6 Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs Memorial February 14 Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop Memorial February 21 Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor Memorial February 22 Chair of Peter, Apostle Feast February 23 Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr Memorial IRISH SAINTS OF … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – February 2019
AOH Joins Pro-Life March In Washington
The pipes were calling on Constitution Avenue during the annual March for Life as Hibernians from across the nation gathered to stand witness for the unborn. At the urging of President McKay, this year's contingent were led by two of our Pennsylvania brothers playing the bagpipes. Additionally the new national banners, introduced by National Organizer Tim McSweeney in Louisville, helped make the Hibernians a recognizable presence to those in attendance or watching live on EWTN. Special thanks is due to Frs. Henry Reid (NY), John Hurley (DC) and Deacon Stephen Mitchell (DC) for celebrating … [Read more...] about AOH Joins Pro-Life March In Washington
Catholic Calendar – January 2019
To All Hibernians: In the early part of January, we are still within the Christmas season. The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Jan. 1) is a holy day of obligation. At the Baptism of the Lord (January 13) , we pass from the Christmas season to a segment of Ordinary Time prior to the Lenten season, from the liturgical color white to green. In the month of January, two American saints are commemorated, Elizabeth Ann Seton (January 4) and John Neumann (January 5). In the United States, January 22 is a day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, in recognition of the Roe … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – January 2019
From the Desk of President McKay
2018 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal
Please donate to this year’s CHRISTMAS APPEAL. Together we can make a difference. All checks must be made out to “Ancient Order of Hibernians”. Payments should be sent to AOH-FFAI at PO Box 271 West Nyack NY 10994. Please refer to our Information Packet for more details. Click here for the 2018 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal Packet Your help for freedom for all Ireland is critical. Today Britain still denies truth and justice to the families of victims murdered by the crown or loyalist agents in places like Ballymurphy or Loughinisland. Brexit threatens catastrophe … [Read more...] about 2018 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal