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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.
International Widow's Day 2024
International Widow's day takes place on Sunday 23rd June. All Ireland Mothers' Union has recorded a service to mark the day and it will go live on our YouTube channel at 10.00 a.m. on Sunday 23rd June. Please click on the link below to access the service and our thanks to all involved in putting this service together.
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
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
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
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.
These excellent resources can be downloaded at https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/covid-19-bereavement-resources
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This contains all our latest news.
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Mothers' Union in Ireland
CONTACT DETAILS:
The Administrative OfficerThe Mothers' Union OfficeSt. Michan's ChurchChurch StreetDublin 7Tel: +353 87 337 4090 / 087 3374090Website: www.mothersunion.ieFacebook:
Public GroupYouTube:
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 July 2024
Loving Lord,
We thank you for the many blessings that you pour out to us every day. We are blessed that we can see your creation at every turn, the fresh blade of grass, the flowers in full bloom and the sunshine and clouds.
As the summer time comes, we pray that your servants receive a time of relaxation and rest, so that they can be refilled with your Holy Spirit.
We pray for the safety of our children as they break from school. Be with them in their homes and we pray for those who may struggle managing work commitments, childcare and higher food costs. Be near to all, let them feel Your presence and hand upon their lives.
We pray for our farmers as they tirelessly work in preparation for the winter. Keep them safe in all of their endeavours.
Lord of all creation, we pray this in your Holy and Mighty name,
Amen
PRAYER ROTA 2024
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD
Commissioning of June Butler
All-Ireland President Mothers' Union
Letter from June ~ All-Ireland President ~ June 2024
Dear Members and Friends,
Since Easter I seem to have been constantly on the move - mostly to attend Mothers’ Union events across this island. I have been to places whose names I may have heard which I had never previously visited and to some which I know very well. You will be relieved to hear that am not going to give you my full itinerary as we would be here all day but I will give you a couple of my personal highlights.
The first was a visit to West Cork on a glorious spring morning. I had been invited to speak about some of the work of Mothers’ Union and also to join the members of Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocese in their Big Hymn Sing event in St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery which I believe is the smallest cathedral in Ireland. It may be small but it is just beautiful and I had a wonderful day there with the members from across that wide-spread diocese.
That was part of the series of our All Ireland Big Hymn Sing initiative this year to raise money for our Mums in May Fund which supports local MU projects. We raised the roof too at the Connor Diocesan BHS on 19 May at All Saints Parish, Antrim where our All Ireland Chaplain is the rector and also demonstrated his skill on guitar and trumpet! As we all know, Mothers’ Union members love singing hymns and I was fortunate also to be able to join with them in recent weeks worshipping and singing at their annual diocesan festival services in the cathedrals in Belfast, Armagh and Dromore as well as the parish church in Riverstown, Co Sligo.
Over the weekend of General Synod I managed to visit two exhibitions where MU members were to the fore in their organisation. On the Thursday before Synod I visited a Festival of Wedding Dresses in Dromore Cathedral entitled “The Beauty of the Bride” - not only were there over 50 dresses on display but there were photographs of the brides (and most grooms!) on THE day, a description of the dresses and some of the circumstances surrounding the wedding day. Then on my way home from Synod in Armagh, I diverted to the Flower Festival in Ballymore Parish, Tandragee. This was entitled “A Walk with Jesus” and the fabulous flower displays showed exactly that – all aspects of Jesus’ life from birth to the crucifixion depicted in such meaningful arrangements.
My longest car drive was to Ballinasloe – on the eastern side of our recently-formed diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe. I had been invited to the first combined meeting of members from the two former dioceses and what a very special occasion it was. An inspiring audio message from Bishop Michael encouraging the members to work as one body of MU in the diocese set the tone for the day. I was privileged to be invited to give the address at the opening service and later gave a short presentation about the on-going work of MU in Ireland and worldwide – many of the members expressed surprise about the wide-ranging remit. It was also an excellent social occasion focusing on members from across this huge diocese having the opportunity to get to know each other and thus enable great working relationships into the future. The highlights of the day for all of us were a brilliant flower-arranging demonstration and when one of our members showed her immense artistic talent by painting a vase of flowers. I felt really privileged to be present at this inaugural meeting in TLK.
One other commitment I had in recent weeks was to record a reflection for a service which was released on our YouTube channel and website on 23rd June – International Widows’ Day. If you wish you can find it on this link https://youtu.be/JxVd1m941S0 . While I speak about those best known widows in the bible, Naomi and Ruth, I also focus on the qualities we all need in these days of trouble and turmoil – hope, kindness and friendship. We must remember Paul’s words to the Ephesians(C 4:32) – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” The issue of forgiveness is another whole “sermon” but I would ask you just to consider how any small act of kindness, or even just a pleasant word or smile, may impact on someone – no matter how well you may or may not know them.
As we move into the summer (if we can call it that after the rain and cold weather of recent weeks!) I do hope that you will be able to take some “time out” from whatever pressures you may have in your life so that in a few weeks you can return to your routine refreshed - I certainly will be travelling much less over the summer months. I will leave you with wise words from the Roman poet Ovid - what he said over two thousand years ago still holds truth today: “Take rest – a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop” .
With love and prayers
June
Click on the image below to view a video created for
The Annual Gathering 2023 in York
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
Cost of Living Leaflets
Scan this Qcode to bring you to a Go Fund Me Page for
Mothers' Union Changing the Story
Indoor Members letter July 2024
Click on the image to download
Click on the image below to access the members Update from
Mary Sumner House
International Widow's Day 2024
International Widow's day takes place on Sunday 23rd June. All Ireland Mothers' Union has recorded a service to mark the day and it will go live on our YouTube channel at 10.00 a.m. on Sunday 23rd June. Please click on the link below to access the service and our thanks to all involved in putting this service together.
Click on the image above to
download the Booking Form
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
Eleanor Orr ~ Winner of the Annabella Hayes
Prayer Competition
being presented with her prize by Debbie Davidson
Diocesan President of Armagh Diocese M.U.
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.
All Ireland Holy Communion Services
2024
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.
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:
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).
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.
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
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