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:
Monthly Updates
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
Irish Immigration Summit at Irish Embassy
E3 Visas for Irish Revisited- House and Ways Committee Chairman US Rep. Richie Neal recently reintroduced H.R.2418 to add Ireland to the E-3 Non-Immigrant Visa. This Bill, which would allocate the remainder of Australia's 10,500 E3 visas for Irish applicants. Based on last years effort, we learned that many Congress members think Ireland has no problems getting visas to the U.S. Hibernians must educate their Congress reps that the Irish for over 50 years have been adversely affected by current rules. This Bill doesn't address issues of the undocumented and those long waiting for immigrant … [Read more...] about Irish Immigration Summit at Irish Embassy
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 …
AOH Update – JULY
From the Desk of President McKay ... Brothers, I'm just returning from D.C. where Senator Billy Lawless and I met with representatives from our National Homeland Security Agency concerning the many undocumented Irish born currently living in the United States. As many of you may know that figure could be anywhere from 35-50 thousand people. Many of these Irish born have been in residence for many years and have become hard working members of our community paying taxes and raising families just like you and I. With the attitude of our new administration toward this issue these undocumented … [Read more...] about AOH Update – JULY
The Situation in Northern Ireland
Brothers: It has been my intention to apprise you of the political event in Northern Ireland for some time. Unfortunately, every time I have attempted to do so, what I had written was made obsolescent by new events. At least as I write, here is the current political situation. The devolved government of Northern Ireland is in collapse.There has been no devolved local government in Northern Ireland since the resignation of Martin McGuinness in January.The key reasons for his resignations were DUP First Minister Arlene Foster’s refusal to step down without prejudice to … [Read more...] about The Situation in Northern Ireland
Medal of Honor Grove Update
Brothers, A few years ago we attempted to raise funds through the Hibernian Charity to do an upgrade at the Medal of Honor Grove in Valley Forge. At that time we were quoted a price of between $24,000 and $30,000 by different contractors but unfortunately we only raised about $12,000 to date. After much discussion and soul searching the committee decided to go forward with the project using our contacts in the Trade Unions, volunteers from the local AOH in the Delaware Valley, and anyone else who would help. Myself and Mick Dunleavy who started this project contacted other people and we … [Read more...] about Medal of Honor Grove Update
AOH Update – February
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, The green season is upon us and we need every Hibernian to put our best foot forward. This is the time everyone celebrates their Irish Catholic Heritage just a little bit more than they do the rest of the year. This is why we are asking each and every Hibernian to recruit at least one new members by your April division meeting. Your recruit may be a family member, a friend, or someone you meet at the many St. Patrick Day Celebrations. Your job is to convey to your recruit the importance of celebrating our Irish heritage 365 days of the year. We need … [Read more...] about AOH Update – February
AOH Update – January
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Two weeks from today many Hibernians will converge on Washington DC for the annual Pro Life March and Hibernian Pro Life Breakfast. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there. It is also important that those of us unable to attend the march participate your local Pro Life events. I suggest that your next meeting will be a great time for additional focus on our Pro Life Efforts. Brother Walsh, National Pro Life Chairman has provided and update article below the included the details for the DC events. Why We March As we begin the New Year we are … [Read more...] about AOH Update – January
Why We March
“My March Each Year Is A Work of Mercy” Growing up as a public school kid in New Jersey, the March for Life was something I only heard about in our church bulletin once a year. It took until college at Catholic University for me to fully understand the reason behind the March; but even then I was critical of the effort, believing students were more eager to get a ‘day off’ than stand up for the unborn. While the numerous high school students sleeping in CUA’s gymnasium were impressive, I still felt most were either forced or coerced into attending a rally for issues they didn’t fully … [Read more...] about Why We March
Recruiting – Organizer’s Update
It’s no secret; Our Order has seen a substantial decrease in membership over the last ten years. Many factors attribute to the decrease; aging membership, lack of interest, failure to engage members, changes in society, generational differences, lack of recruiting, just to name a few. Take your pick, every division in the country has run into one, if not all of these problems. So let’s look at ways to solve some of these problems: Problem: Aging Membership: We need younger Members who are willing to ensure that Our Order will continue in the future. Answer: Customize your local recruiting … [Read more...] about Recruiting – Organizer’s Update
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Supports the Decision of Martin McGuinness to Resign as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Calls for U.S. Re-engagement in the Peace Process
New City, New York – 01/10/17 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) On January 9, 2017, Martin McGuinness resigned from the role of Deputy First Minister that he has held for ten years. During his tenure, Mr. McGuinness and Sinn Fein have worked tirelessly for the betterment of all communities of Northern Ireland. However, the continuing intransigence by members of the DUP to embrace the core principles of equality and respect that are the basis of the Good Friday Agreement, the growing litany of corruption scandals and the DUP's failure to take accountability and deal effectively with a … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Supports the Decision of Martin McGuinness to Resign as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Calls for U.S. Re-engagement in the Peace Process
Merry Christmas from the AOH National Board
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Merry Christmas to you and your family from the McKay's. Please take a moment to enjoy two brilliant Christmas Articles from National Historian Mike McCormack and Christmas Greetings from some of your National Board members. AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND In our Motto, James F. McKay III Irish Christmas Blessing The light of the Christmas star to you, The warmth of home and hearth to you, The cheer and good will of friends to you, The hope of a childlike heart to you, The joy of a thousand angels to you, The love of the Son … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas from the AOH National Board
AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS
In 1982, archeologist Dr. Robert Pyle investigated a petroglyph, or rock carving, in Wyoming County, West Virginia. Many such carvings exist whose origins are shrouded in mystery, but Pyle thought this one unique for the carving looked like early runic writing. He lychen-dated it as having been carved between 500 and 700 AD. He recorded every detail of the carving in 18 separate visits, and gave the story to a local newspaper. A reader clipped the article and sent it to the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce which published it in their periodical: Wonderful West Virginia. A copy of the … [Read more...] about AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS
CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND
The Christmas season in Ireland is a happy combination of modern and ancient customs that combine to bring a unique meaning to this special time of year. While Christmas shopping, decorated trees, and Santa Claus are evident everywhere, traditional customs that signify the true meaning of this holy season still remain in small towns and villages where some people still celebrate the holy feast as their ancestors had for generations. On Christmas Eve, the windows are decorated with garlands of holly and ivy with candles centered in each -- often in a hollowed-out turnip for support. The … [Read more...] about CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND
AOH Update – December
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Christmas is upon us and many divisions are in the process of installing new officers and hosting Christmas parties. We wish you all success as we move forward and continue to grow the premier Irish Catholic Organization in the USA. Once your installation is complete please send in an updated Form-9 so the National and State Boards know whom you new officers are. This should be completed every time there is any change in you officers at every level. Today’s e-mail features an article from Charities and Missions Chair Ted Sullivan. Missions and … [Read more...] about AOH Update – December