Mothers' Union Ireland
Mrs Sheran Harper
Congratulations to Mrs Sheran Harper who has been elected to succeed Lynne Tembey as Worldwide President of Mothers' Union. Sheran has made history by being the first person outside Great Britain to be elected Worldwide President
A record number of Mothers’ Union leaders from across the globe voted for Mrs Sheran Harper, who hails from Guyana, to represent and lead the 142 year old movement’s four million members in 84 countries.
“I am delighted to accept the role of Worldwide President for the new triennium. I feel very excited and privileged and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members who voted to make this dream a reality,” says Mrs Harper.
Sheran took take up her new position on 1st January 2019.
We wish her every blessing in her role as Worldwide President.
June Butler MBE
June Butler MBE was elected to take up the role of All-Ireland President of Mothers' Union and we wish her every blessing in this new role.
The Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Commissioning Service of All-Ireland President June Butler MBE took place in Down Cathedral, English Street, Downpatrick BT30 6AB Northern Ireland on Sunday 24th March 2019 @ 3p.m. The new Trustee Board was also commissioned at this service.
June, who is a parishioner of Saintfield Parish, has been the MU Down and Dromore Diocesan President since January 2016. June is a member of both Down and Dromore Diocesan Council and General Synod.
June had the following to say about her election:
“Mothers’ Union is a member–led organisation and I feel both humbled and privileged to have been elected by members throughout Ireland as their next President. For the three years beginning in January 2019 I will try my best, with God’s guidance and with support from all my talented colleagues, to lead Mothers’ Union in Ireland in a way that will encourage all our members to make a difference in their parishes and in their communities, as well as supporting projects worldwide. As ever, we will focus on the MU aims and objectives which are essentially to support family life in every context.”
The Commissioning of Mrs Sheran Harper as Worldwide President
& the new Global Trustee Board
Our Diocese was represented at the commissioning of Mrs Sheran Harper as World wide President of Mothers' Union in Southwark Cathedral by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Right Revd. Justin Welby on Tuesday 26th February 2019.
The new global Trustee Board was also Commissioned by the Archbishop. They are Nikki Sweatman (South of England), Rev Libbie Crossman (Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, Australia, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea), Canon Catherine Hilton (North of England), Jennifer Barton (Wales), June Buter (All Ireland), Thembsie Mchunu (Central Africa, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, Southern Africa, Kathleen Snow (Canada, South America, U.S.A, West Indies), Roshini Mendis (Korea, Myanmar, North India, South India, Sri Lanka), Paul Hindle (Scotland), Deaconess (Mary Kamwati (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Jerusalem and the Middle East) and Marie-Pierrette Bezara (Burundi, Congo, Indian Ocean, Rwanda, West Africa).
Commissioning of June Butler ~ All-Ireland President
& The New Trustee Board
The Commissioning of June Butler, All-Ireland President of Mothers' Union, and the new Trustee Board took place in Down Cathedral on Sunday 24th April 2019.
We wish them all well as they guide and lead Mothers' Union into the future.
Hilary Dring and our new All-Ireland Chaplain, Canon Robert Deane, were commissioned at the Sevice of Holy Communion at Spring Council on Saturday 6th April in Christ Church Cathedral , Dublin
What is Mothers' Union?
Mothers' Union is a global Christian membership charity that has been providing a support network for families since 1876. Working through our 4 million-strong membership we campaign for policies which strengthen family life. Our focus on ending gender-based violence is promoted not only through advocacy, but through working sensitively with communities for increased gender equality. Our focus on improving the lives of children is a combination of lobbying for political change on issues such as commercialisation of childhood, and on practical outreach in the provision of parenting groups. Our members work with families who are going through times of stress and hardship bringing spiritual and practical support.
Working as ambassadors for Christ our goal is to see all people enjoy loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.
Mothers' Union
Caring for Children & Families
around the World
Mothers' Union
Vision: Our vision is of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful, and flourishing relationships.
Mission: To demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the nurture of the family in its many forms.
Objects: To promote and support married life. To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children To help those whose family life has met with adversity
Values: Mothers' Union is firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos. Its governance, leadership, and programmes are driven by and undertaken through members around the world as they respond to God's call to faith and action.
Beliefs: We believe in the value of each individual and their unique qualities We believe in the value of relationships. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.believe in the value of the family in its many forms as a source of love and support for individuals and the basis for a caring community
Links to useful Websites
http://www.mothersunion.ie/ ~ Mothers' Union Ireland
https://www.facebook.com/groups/277235926465504/ ~ All-Ireland Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Diocese-of-Cashel-Ferns-and-Ossory-298015193659304/ ~ Cashel, Ferns, Ossory Facebook
www.mothersunion.org ~ Mothers' Union Head Office
https://www.ireland.anglican.org/ ~ Church of Ireland Website
Mary Sumner
In 1876 Mary Sumner, a clergyman’s wife living in nearby Old Alresford, became concerned about how local mothers related their Christian faith to family life. Wanting to encourage them she founded a small group called the Mothers’ Union. She lived to see it become a worldwide organisation, now with millions of members. She is buried outside Winchester Cathedral.
Lynne Tembey laying Flowers on the grave of Mary Sumner ~ 2016
Mothers' Union Prayer
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
Mary Sumner’s Personal Prayer
let me touch as many lives as possible for thee;
and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken,
whether through the word I speak,
the prayer I breathe,
or the life I live.
Amen.
A prayer from ‘Dear Lord’ for Indoor Members
Some things are ageless…..
God of my yesterdays and of my tomorrows you have used my past to shape me into the person I am today.
Now, as I look forward, give me courage and an open mind; help me trust that you will share with me whatever my future brings.
Then may I remember with wonder The way that you have met my need.
Now, as I look forward, give me courage and an open mind; help me trust that you will share with me whatever my future brings.
Then may I remember with wonder The way that you have met my need.
(Pam Snowman, Burley in Wharfdale MU, UK)
All-Ireland Dates
Theme for 2023
Transformation - Now!
JANUARY
- 1st January ~ New Year's Day
- 6th January ~ The Feast of the Epiphany
- No Service from Christ Church Cathedral ~ Cathedral Closed
- 28th January 2023 – DPs Away Day, CITI
February
- 1st Febrary ~ St. Brigid's Day
- 2nd February ~ Service Christ Church Cathedral ~ 11.15a.m ~ The presentation of Christ in the Temple.
- 7th February ~ Annabella Hayes Day (More details to follow)
- 28th February ~ All-Ireland Trustee meeting @ 7.30p.m. via zoom
MARCH
- 1st March ~ St. David's Day
- 2nd March ~ Service in Christ Church Cathedral - Derry & Raphoe / Limerick & Killaloe
- 17th March ~ St. Patrick's Day
- 19th March ~ Mothering Sunday
- Friday 24th – Sunday 26th March - All Ireland Conference, An Grianan, Termonfeckin
APRIL
- 2nd April ~ Palm Sunday
- 6th April ~ Service Christ Church Cathedral - Clogher / Tuam, Killala
- 7th April ~ Good Friday
- 9th April ~ Easter Sunday
- 22nd April ~ AI Council meeting via zoom
MAY
- 4th May ~ Service in Christ Church Cathedral ~ Meath & Kildare/Armagh
- 12th - 13th May ~ General Synod in Wexford
- Saturday 20th May ~ AI Trustee meeting in person
JUNE
- 1st June ~ Service in Christ Church Cathedral ~ All-Ireland
JULY
- 6th July ~ Service Christ Church Cathedral ~ All-Ireland
AUGUST
- 3rd August ~ Mothers' Union Service Christ Church Cathedral ~ All-Ireland
- 9th August ~ Mary Sumner Day
SEPTEMBER
- 7th September ~ Service in Christ Church Cathedral - Cashel, Ferns & Ossory / Connor
- 19th to 21st September ~ National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, Ireland ~ (Diocese of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory)
- 22nd September ~ Annual Gathering 2023 ~ 11am - 3.45pm ~ York Barbican
- Service for the Annual Gathering in York Minster ~ 5.30 - 7pm.
For more details and to book your tickets click on the link below:
OCTOBER
- 5th October ~ Service in Christ Church Cathedral ~ Cork, Cloyne & Ross / Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh
- 6th and 7th October ~ 2023 Getaway. Venue Hotel Kilmore, Cavan
- 10th October ~ AI Trustee Board meeting via zoom
- 21st October ~ AI Council meeting, in person, Springfield Hotel, Leixlip
NOVEMBER
- 2nd November ~ Service Christ Church Cathedral - Down & Dromore / Dublin & Glendalough
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Base Violence
Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Vigils 2020
Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Vigils 2020
To read more and see a diary of events click on the image below:
DECEMBER
- 7th December ~ Service 11.15am Christ Church Cathedral ~ All-Ireland
Mothers' Union Leaflets
Mothers' Union produces many parenting leaflets and leaflets for families.
Click on the images on your left to download some of these leaflets.
Mothers' Union Parenting Leaflet
Mums Zone Leaflet
Mothers' Union
Click on the image above to access
dates from All-Ireland &
Mothers' Union Prayer Cycle 2022
Click on this image to view a video about
Mothers' Union
The Service of Thanksgiving ~ Photographs
Service of Thanksgiving
A Service of Thanksgiving for Mothers’ Union was held on 6th October 2018 in Christ Church Cathedral to mark the end of the current triennium. Mothers’ Union is deeply grateful to Very Reverend Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral for his invitation to the Cathedral. This was an opportunity to join together and to give thanks to God for all that He enabled Mothers' Union to achieve over the past triennium. The service was very special indeed and it is hoped that it is something that can be continued into the future. It is a feature of Mothers’ Union in York Province and the Trustees of Mothers’ Union hope that it is something that can be continued into the future in Ireland. The very foundation of Mothers’ Union is the love and presence of God in our hearts.
Many members from around the Diocese travelled to Dublin for the service and also some members joined the choir for this special occasion. The piece of stained glass to commemorate 130 years of Mothers’ Union in Ireland was also dedicated at this service.
This beautiful piece of stained glass was commissioned to celebrate 130 years of Mothers’ Union in Ireland ~ 1887 - 2017.
The piece was created by Irene McBride of Discovery Glass
It is placed on the communion table in the Laurence O'Toole/Mothers' Union Chapel in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
What Does Mothers' Union Do?
Marriage & Family Life:
Promote Christian marriage; Marriage preparation: Encourage parents and carers through Mothers' Union Parenting Groups: Running Parent and Toddler Groups; Volunteering in Child Contact Centres: Helping children and families feel welcome in Church.
Practical Care in Tough Times:
Caring for families in need; Working in partnership to support victims of domestic abuse, refugees, asylum, seekers and the homeless, etc; Offering holidays to needy families; Befriending families of those in Prison.
Activities Worldwide:
Training Mothers' Union Workers in their local communities; Promoting Parenting and Literacy and Development; Initiating Family Life Programmes; Supporting Mothers’ Union Overseas and Relief Funds.
Campaigning for a Just Society:
Drawing attention to social concern issues; Supporting gender equality; Lobbying Governments; Contributing to programmes at the United Nations; Promoting Fair Trade.
Prayer:
Prayer is at the heart of everything we do in the Mothers' Union. Members in Ireland are linked with members around the world through the Wave of Prayer and from time to time visits are exchanged. Within Ireland members enjoy fellowship through the development of North/South links between Dioceses and individual Branches.
Thursdays in Black: Resistance and Resilience
The campaign is simple but profound. Wear black on Thursdays. Wear a pin to declare you are part of the global movement resisting attitudes and practices that permit rape and violence. Show your respect for women who are resilient in the face of injustice and violence. Encourage others to join you.Often black has been used with negative racial connotations. In this campaign Black is used as a color of resistance and resilience.
At Autumn Council in the Springfield Hotel June Butler, All-Ireland President, encouraged us all to support this iniative. The trustees all wore black and are pictured below.
Click on the image above to read an interview
with June Butler about
"Thursdays in Black"
Mothers' Union ~ Wave of Prayer
September 2023
Click on the image above to access the Midday Prayers for September 2023
Wave of Prayer for Mothers’ Union
Lord, we pray for Mothers’ Union worldwide.
1-2 Harare in Zimbabwe; Machakos in Kenya; Ogori-Magongo & Ekiti in Nigeria; Southwark in England and Phulbani in India
3 – 5 Khartoum in Sudan; Dar es Salaam in Tanzania; Bari & Ilesa in Nigeria; Gloucester in England and Dugapur in India
6 Mothers’ Union worldwide
7 – 9 Pacong in South Sudan; Southern Nyanza in Kenya; Kutigi & Ijesha North in Nigeria; Bristol in England and Karnataka Central in India
10 – 12 Pretoria in South Africa; North Mbale in Uganda; Oke-Osun in Nigeria; Exeter in England and Barbados
13 Mothers’ Union worldwide
14 – 16 Mthatha in South Africa; Namirembe in Uganda; Pankshin & Sabongidda-Ora in Nigeria; Dublin & Glendalough in All Ireland and Central Solomons in Solomon Islands
17– 19 Buye in Burundi; Sebei in Uganda; Abakaliki & Ekiti-Oke in Nigeria; Southwell & Nottingham in England and Belize
20 Mothers’ Union worldwide
21 – 23 Rumbek in South Sudan; Soroti in Uganda; Aba Ngwa North & Oyo in Nigeria; Peterborough in England and North Eastern Caribbean & Aruba
24 – 26 Makamba in Burundi; North Karamoja in Uganda; Lokoja & Sapele in Nigeria; Truro in England and Tirunelveli in India
27 Mothers’ Union worldwide
28 – 30 Katanga in DR Congo; Rwenzori in Uganda; Mbaise & Egba in Nigeria; Meath & Kildare in All Ireland and Tiruchirappalli Thanjavur in India
Final Blessing
May the Lord of peace himself give us peace
at all times and in every season.
The Lord be with us all.
Amen
