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Theme for 2024 ~ Transformation - Now!


Mothers' Union is an international Christian charity that seeks to support families of all faiths and none through practical outreach, prayer and advocating family friendly policies within both government and public life.

By supporting marriage and family life, especially through times of adversity, we tackle the most urgent needs challenging relationships and communities.
Our members are not all mothers, or even all women, but are single, married, parents, grandparents or young adults who are just beginning to express their social conscience.
For all 4.1 million members in 83 countries what Mothers' Union provides is a network through which they can serve Christ in their own community through prayer, financial support and actively working at grassroots level in programmes that meet local needs.






Mothers’ Union Holy Communion Service
February 2024

1st February
Holy Communion Service in Clogher Diocese
11.00 a.m. in St. Macartin's Cathedral
(Church Street, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 7DW





Shopping online?
A quick reminder that Amazon
will donate 0.5% to Mothers’ Union if you shop through
smile.amazon.co.uk and select Mothers’ Union
as your preferred charity to support.
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/240531-0


If you don’t shop at Amazon but shop at M & S, Argos, and Next etc.,
you can also support Mothers’ Union on your next shop.
https://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/mothersunion




The brilliant Axel Scheffler has produced a book about Covid-19 Coronavirus just for children
https://nosycrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coronavirus_INS.pdf




Do  you know of somebody who is cocooning or caring for someone vulnerable,  Age Action and the Irish Red Cross are giving grants to people in the  Republic of Ireland to help ease the problems faced by those who have to  social distance. Spread the word
https://www.ageaction.ie/how-we-can-help/age-action-and-irish-red-cross-covid-19-hardship-fund




The Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland has put together a super comprehensive booklet providing advice for people who have experienced a bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Two other booklets are also available in this series – one dealing with practicalities and the other a children’s story helping children to cope with the death of a loved one.

Click on the symbol below to access our BLOG.
This contains all our latest news.


Click on the link below to view a video of
Mothers' Union in Ireland


CONTACT DETAILS:

The Administrative Officer
The Mothers' Union Office
St. Michan's Church
Church Street
Dublin 7

Tel: +353 87 337 4090 / 087 3374090



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FOOD,  a basic necessity for all of us and during the current crisis we all  want to do our best to ensure we provide for our families.

Unfortunately,  not all families can afford to stock up in case of emergency, in fact  for 1000s of families across Ireland, north and south, daily food poverty is a harsh reality.

Breakfast clubs and free school meals, where they are available, are a lifeline for many of these families.

However  with the closure of schools and colleges in the South and the likelihood that Northern Ireland will follow suit these families have been plunged into a totally unexpected crisis. They need our help now  more than ever!

How can you help? ~  Keep donating to community food banks; help local initiatives in your area to distribute food packages to those in need or if you can’t find such an initiative in your area maybe consider starting one!

When we all find ourselves facing the unknown, the smallest act of kindness can mean the world to someone in despair.

Mothers' Union All Ireland
Conference March 2023


Click on the image above to bring you to a page with reports
and photographs from The Triennial Training Weekend and
Conference in An Grianán, Termonfeckin


Prayer for March 2024

March is the month of expectation (Emily Dickinson) and as the meteorological winter recedes, there is much on the All Ireland calendar to anticipate:

Friday, March 8
th - Two referenda in the Republic of Ireland
Sunday, March 10th - Mothering Sunday
Sunday, March 17th - Saint Patrick’s Day
Sunday, March 31st - Easter Day

Lord of all Humanity,
Guide the people of the Republic of Ireland as they vote for changes to the Constitution, with especial reference to marriage and the role of women in family life.  We thank you for the reconvening of the Stormont Assembly and the restoration of power-sharing. You have taught us to be subject to the authorities and we pray for the governance of our land in both jurisdictions. May your people live by example: acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly before you. Amen.

Abba Father,
We ask your blessing on all who have the privilege, joy and challenge of raising children in an age of unprecedented anxiety among the young. We give thanks for the many positive influences on the lives of our children, for the love and protection of parents and in particular for the way mothers care for and nurture their families. Endow them with wisdom as they fulfil one of your most important callings. Amen.

High King of Heaven,
We praise you that in ancient days, through your servant Patrick, you shone the light of the Gospel on Ireland. Grant that your church may recover its missional heritage, willingly crossing all cultural barriers to creatively proclaim your love to all, to the glory of your name. Amen.

God of New Life,
In a world of anguish and sorrow, rekindle us by the power of the resurrection. In the darkness of war and cruelty, encourage us by the triumph of light over darkness. Through the pain of illness and separation, strengthen us in the hope that you have set before us in raising your son, Jesus, from the dead. Amen.


PRAYER ROTA 2024
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD

Commissioning of June Butler

All-Ireland President Mothers' Union



Click on the image above to
download the Booking Form
Letter from June ~ All-Ireland President ~ Easter 2024
 
Hello Members and Friends

 
Our weather in Northern Ireland has been very wet, windy and at times cold – not at all spring-like, although from the length of grass in my garden, there is certainly (as my farmer father would have said) a fair bit of growing! I have been overseas visiting my family in warmer climes and the shock to my system of returning to this weather has been significant – there I was walking at least 10,000 steps every day in lovely sunshine, here I’m fortunate if I make even 2,000 dodging the rain and wind.



 
However, if I haven’t been walking as much as usual, I certainly have been singing more hymns and that has lifted my spirits immensely! As most of you will know the main fund-raiser this year for the Mothers’ Union’s project fund in Ireland - Mums in May- will be hymn singing – we are calling it the “Big Hymn Sing.” I wrote about it on the website last time but now it has actually started and what joyful occasions they have been. I attended the main launch event in St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny where members from every diocese in Ireland joined to raise the roof of that fabulous cathedral – the longest in Ireland.

St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny

The singing was led by the cathedral choir and accompanied by their brilliant young organist, Dr Harry Meehan. We were privileged to be joined by Bishop Adrian Wilkinson who gave an inspirational address. There was of course the chance afterwards to catch up with old friends over a welcome refreshing “cuppa” and everyone agreed what a wonderful occasion it had been.



There is, of course, much more hymn singing to follow and I will try to attend as many of the diocesan Big Hymn Sings as possible. I have already been to the one hosted by Clogher Mothers’ Union in St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen - another brilliant evening with about 400 people singing lustily! Our participation was interspersed by a variety of soloists and choirs – also, of course, singing hymns. At the end of the evening Bishop Ian Ellis gave a short reflection and we left with his supportive words and the tunes from the evening ringing in our ears. I can’t wait to find out what other dioceses have chosen as their favourite hymns!



As if the MU singing ventures weren’t enough, last weekend I attended - with a few other MU members -a fabulous evening hosted by the Methodist Women in Ireland. It was called “Hearts and Hymns” and again we sang many of our well- loved hymns (such as some of my favourites “Oh for a thousand tongues to sing” and “In Christ Alone”) and were treated to others from a children’s and a male voice choir. However, the difference was that the host of the evening was Pam Rhodes, of “Songs of Praise” fame, and she engagingly introduced each hymn with information about its background and gave us some humorous insights into the hymns and into her life. I had the opportunity to speak to her afterwards – she knew all about Mothers’ Union in Britain and I enlightened her about some of our Mums in May projects and work on domestic abuse in Ireland. She said if we ever wanted her to do host any fundraiser here she would be delighted to do so…..food for thought when we get past our current hymn-singing bonanzas in 2024!



 
I find it strange to think we have reached Easter already…… the first three months of this year have flown by and we have arrived at the most important time in our Christian calendar. This week we will be remembering the sacrifice God made for us through the crucifixion of His only son and also Jesus’ resurrection three days later, with the promise to us of a new life in this world and everlasting life in the world to come.
 
As I have been focussing on hymns, I would like to leave you with some lines from one of my favourite Easter hymns which demonstrate our joy at His resurrection and how Christ supports each of us, every day.   

 
May I wish you all a very Blessed Easter

 
With love
 
June

I know that my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives.
He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives my everlasting Head.
He lives to bless me with His love, He lives to plead for me above,
He lives my hungry soul to feed, He lives to help in times of need.
He lives to silence all my fears, He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart, He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives my kind, wise heavenly Friend, He lives and loves me to the end,
He lives and while He lives I’ll sing - He lives my Prophet, Priest and King.

                                   

Click on the image below to view a video created for
The Annual Gathering 2023 in York




Click on the image below to go to All Ireland page with
pictures of the Commissioning Service in Armagh






Click on the link above to view the video recorded to celebrate
Annabella Hayes Day 2024



Click on the image to download a new leaflet  produced by
Mary Sumner House

Loneliness Leaflet

Click on the image below to download a copy of
The Loneliness Leaflet



RESOURCES
For lots of Resources on the main website click on the link below

Eleanor Orr ~ Winner of the Annabella Hayes
Prayer Competition
being presented with her prize by Debbie Davidson
Diocesan President of Armagh Diocese M.U.

Annabella Hayes Prayer
Written by
Eleanor Orr, Leader of Loughgall and Grange Mothers' Union in the Diocese of Armagh.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the life and service of our Mothers’ Union founder in Ireland, Annabella Hayes.

As she showed her willingness to serve, may we serve.

As she devoted herself to helping others, might we do the same.

As she used her faith to overcome her tragedies, help us to trust in you.

As she set an example of love and gratitude, may we emulate these qualities.

As she cared for all families, may we follow her example.

Just as she lived her life for you, may we always do the same. Amen



Mothers' Union
Showing Solidarity with the people of Ukraine

We are asked to stop at 7pm each evening and pray for the situation and  the people in the Ukraine.


The following prayer in a time of war  in the Ukraine has been provided by the Church of Ireland’s Liturgical  Advisory Committee for use in parishes.

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world:
We commend to your merciful care the people and government of Ukraine
that, being guided by your providence, they may dwell secure in your peace.
Grant to their leaders and all in authority,
wisdom and strength to know and to do your will.
Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness,
and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve their people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
New All Ireland Mothers’ Union Chaplain

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd John McDowell, has appointed the Archdeacon of Connor, the Ven Dr Stephen McBride, as the All Ireland Chaplain to the Mothers’ Union. Announcing the appointment, the Archbishop said:

“The Mothers’ Union has been at the heart of the worship and witness of the Church of Ireland for more than a century, and under the enthusiastic guidance of June Butler and the present leadership team continues to serve the Church with cheerfulness, modesty and devotion.

“I can think of no better person than Dr Stephen McBride to support and nurture this spirit of involvement and dedication (and fun) at the heart of the Church, so well supported by his wife Helen. I know too that their very much grown up children Rachael and Alex and their families will relish and support Stephen in his new role.

“Stephen was my training rector and, in those curacy years, impressed on me the importance of human relationships, especially the central relationship of marriage and family life, which are at the heart of our witness to the world.”

When he was approached by the Archbishop to take on the role of All Ireland Chaplain, Stephen said he was honoured to be considered as Canon Robert Deane’s successor and he looks forward to working alongside June Butler and the All Ireland Trustees and to meeting, worshipping with and supporting MU members across Ireland.   

The Venerable Dr Stephen McBride is Vicar of Antrim Parish, Archdeacon of Connor and the current Connor Diocesan MU Chaplain.  He has had a long association with the Mothers’ Union, first through his mother Claire who was a former Chairperson of the Holy Trinity and Immanuel Parish, Belfast, branch. His mother-in-law, the late Jean Clyde, held several diocesan posts in Connor and Armagh at executive level.  Stephen’s wife Helen has been a member of the Mothers’ Union from 1987 and was Branch Chairperson in Antrim Parish from 1996-2002.


Heavenly Father,
May your light and love enfold all who mourn today
as a result of gender-based violence.
 
In particular, our thoughts rest with the Murphy family,
Ashling’s friends, pupils, school and community.
May the strength of your love support and hold them,
and the peace of your presence console them.

In the days and weeks ahead
stir us with a resolve not to be silent,
to continue to speak out for action on
#No more 1 in 3.

As Mothers’ Union members,
continue to use us as hands and feet in the world,
to raise awareness of what must be challenged and addressed.

We pray for transformation in our culture
which often finds it easier to judge the victims of violence
than to solve the problems of injustice.
We pray for a transformation of the violent way
some men act towards and think about women.
We pray for right and just relations
between women and men, girls and boys
that together we may transform and overcome violence
in all its forms and learn to celebrate
our diversity and interdependence.

May we unite together to champion
the cause of women and girls
to create an Ireland that is safe for all.
#No more 1 in 3
Amen

‘Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.’
Romans 12:21


Note: 1 in 3 women worldwide can expect to be affected by gender-based violence at some point in their lifetime (UN)




Mothers’ Union Holy Communion Service
April 2024

11th April

Holy Communion Service in Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh Diocese
at 11.00a.m
in
St. John's Church, Longford (Church Street, Longford Town. N39 KP59)


Many people have experienced and will experience the death of someone they love during the COVID-19 pandemic. It may have been a COVID-related death or a death from other causes. People may also be finding a previous bereavement more difficult at this time. While we may be seeing reductions in the number of deaths connected to COVID-19, we know that people’s pain and grief does not diminish as quickly. In the face of such loss and trauma, the Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line, in partnership with the HSE, has been launched to provide connection, comfort and support in these exceptional times. COVID-19 restrictions have changed the traditional ways we mark our grief. For the moment, it is not possible to come together as we did traditionally, resulting in additional challenges for those who are bereaved.

Click on the images to download a poster and information sheet & leaflet:

               
The Mothers’ Union Prayer

Loving Lord,
We thank you for your love so freely given to us all.
We pray for families around the world.
Bless the work of the Mothers' Union
as we seek to share your love
through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life.
Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship,
and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world.
In Jesus' name.
Amen


Portrait of
Mary Sumner


The Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line is a national freephone service
1800 80 70 77
It is available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.
Reference and administrative information

Republic of Ireland:
Mothers’ Union in Ireland is recognised as a Charity by the Revenue commissioners, 5161.
Registered charity number- 20007331 (Charities Regulatory Authority).


Northern Ireland:
Not registered with The Charity Commission NI as a single entity.
Instead individual diocese have been registered separately.
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