Mothers' Union Ireland

Mrs Sheran Harper

Mrs Sheran Harper was 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.

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.”

Newly Elected All Ireland President

Kay Clarke

All Ireland Mothers’ Union recently announced the election of Mrs Kay Clarke (Diocese of Derry and Raphoe) as Provincial President. Mrs Clarke will succeed the current President, Mrs June Butler, in January 2025. She is the wife of The Revd Canon Robert Clarke, rector of the parishes of Edenderry and Clanabogan. They have two married daughters and two grandsons. Mrs Clarke recently retired from teaching IT. She has been very involved in Mothers’ Union for over 35 years and is currently the All Ireland Faith and Policy Unit Coordinator. In this capacity, she was instrumental in introducing ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ to Mothers’ Union members throughout Ireland earlier this year. Mrs Clarke is also a member of the Church of Ireland Marriage Council and is part of the diocesan Safeguarding team. She has been a great advocate in raising awareness of domestic abuse through the 16 Days and Rise-Up campaigns.

Speaking of her appointment, Mrs Clarke said that she was honoured and humbled to be elected to the post of Provincial President. She acknowledged the work and commitment of the whole All Ireland Trustee Board and said that she looked forward to working with this team, serving Mothers’ Union members and communities at home and worldwide. While exploring new approaches, she plans to remain true to Mothers’ Union’s strong legacy of Christian care for families and uphold everything in prayer.

Zonal Trustee ~ Zone I ~ All Ireland

June Butler

June Butler has been elected to serve as Zonal Trustee in Zone I for 2025-2027 to succeed Iris Suitor, the current Zonal Trustee.

June comes to this role with a wealth of experience in Mothers' Union as she is just about to complete her second term as All Ireland President and has also served three years previously as a Zonal Trustee for All Ireland.

June is a parishioner of Saintfield Parish in Down Diocese and has held many different roles in Mothers' Union in the Diocese as well as being actively involved in church organisations and committees.

Within Mothers’ Union, June is particularly engaged with matters of policy and has attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women on many occasions as part of the MU delegation.

As All Ireland President June has also served on many different committees in Mary Sumner House.

Congratulations to all of the new Trustees that have been elected to serve on the Worldwide Board of Mothers' Union.

Newly Elected Worldwide President

Kathleen Snow

Accepting the role of Worldwide President of Mothers' Union, Kathleen commented “This is humbling, and a great honour. I look forward to working with members and staff to continue to build God’s Kingdom through Mothers’ Union. I am particularly excited that, as we carry forward the torch in January, we will be building on the firm foundations of our transformational programme work.

Just this week we are starting a new campaign, speaking up to right the injustice which means that, still today, 765 million adults cannot read or write, 2/3rds of them women, meaning they are unable to read medicine bottles, register the birth of a child, vote or ensure they get the correct change in the market.

We are calling for women’s literacy to be a priority. Being literate empowers women to be part of society and take ownership of their lives.

I look forward, in fellowship with members around the world, to continuing to do God’s work by serving the most disadvantaged in our communities, remembering that, with God, all things are possible”

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

http://www.cashel.anglican.org/ ~ The Diocese of Cashel, Ferns, Ossory Website

https://www.facebook.com/Diocese-of-Cashel-Ferns-and-Ossory-298015193659304/ ~ Cashel, Ferns, Ossory Facebook

www.mothersunion.org ~ Mothers' Union Head Office

www.facebook.com/MothersUnion/ ~ Mothers' Union Facebook

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

All this day, O Lord,
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.

(Pam Snowman, Burley in Wharfdale MU, UK)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

The words ‘Father Forgive’ are used as the response in the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation:

‘All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.’ Romans 3:23

The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,

Father forgive.

The covetous desires of people and nations to possess what is not their own,

Father, forgive.

The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth,

Father, forgive.

Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others,

Father, forgive.

Our indifference to the plight of the imprisoned, the homeless, the refugee,

Father, forgive.

The lust which dishonours the bodies of men, women and children,

Father, forgive.

The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God,

Father, forgive.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another,

as God in Christ forgave you.

(The Coventry Litany of Reconciliation, by Canon Joseph Poole in 1958, is prayed in the new Cathedral every weekday at noon, and throughout the world by partners in the Community of the Cross of Nails.)

Walk with us in our journey of hope

All-Ireland Dates

Theme for 2024

Transformation - Now!

JANUARY

1st January ~ New Year's Day
6th January ~ The Feast of the Epiphany
9th January ~ Trustees meeting via ZOOM
11th January ~ Holy Communion Service in Armagh Diocese @ 7.30p.m. in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh (Cathedral Close, 43 Abbey Street, Armagh, BT61 7DY)

February

1st February ~ St. Brigid's Day
1st February ~ Holy Communion Service in Clogher Diocese ~ 11.00 a.m. in St. Macartin's Cathedral (Church Street, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 7DW
5th February ~ St Brigid's Day Bank Holiday Monday (IRL)
7th February ~ Annabella Hayes Day (More details to follow of event to be held via ZOOM)
24th February ~ All-Ireland Unit Coordinators' Meetings in CITI (The Church of Ireland Theological Institute, Braemor Park, Churchtown, Dublin. D14 KX24)
Note: All four units will meet in CITI on 24th

MARCH

1st March ~ St. David's Day & The World Day of Prayer
2nd March ~ The Big Hymn Sing in St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny @ 2.00p.m. (The Close, Coach Road, Kilkenny City, R95 V63H)
7th March ~ Holy Communion Service in Diocese of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe (details to be confirmed)
10th March ~ Mothering Sunday
17th March ~ St. Patrick's Day
18th March ~ St. Patrick's Day Bank Holiday Monday
28th March ~ Maundy Thursday
29th March ~ Good Friday
31st March ~ Easter Sunday

APRIL

1st April ~ Easter Bank Holiday Monday
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)
13th April ~ All Ireland Council meeting in Kilternan Parish Centre ( Kilternan Centre, Enniskerry Road, Kilternan, D18 ET99)

MAY

2nd May ~ All Ireland Service in Christ Church Cathedral @ 11.15 a.m. (Christchurch Place, Wood Quay, Dublin D08 TF98)
9th May ~ Ascension Thursday
10th - 11th May ~ General Synod in Armagh City Hotel
14th May ~ Day 3 of General Synod via ZOOM
Saturday 18th May ~ All Ireland Trustee meeting in person (venue to be confirmed)

JUNE

6th June ~ Holy Communion Service Connor Diocese in All Saint's Parish Church, Antrim @ 7.30 p.m. (All saint's Parish Church, 1 Church Street, Antrim. BT41 4BE)

JULY

4th July ~ Holy Communion Service in Cork, Cloyne & Ross Diocese in St Mary's Church, Fanlobbus Union, Dunmanway (Main Street, Dunmanway, Co. Cork. P47 Y997

AUGUST

1st August ~ Holy Communion Service in Down & Dromore Diocese in Down Cathedral, Downpatrick @ 11.15 a.m. (English Street, Downpatrick. BT30 6AB
9th August ~ Mary Sumner Day

SEPTEMBER

5th September ~ Holy Communion Service in Meath & Kildare Diocese in St David’s Church, Naas, Co Kildare, W91 D7XY, on Thursday September 05 at 11.30am.
17th to 19th September ~ National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, Ireland ~ (Diocese of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory)
28th September ~ All Ireland Trustee Meeting in person (Venue to be confirmed)

OCTOBER

3rd October ~ Holy Communion Service in Derry & Raphoe Diocese in St. Columb's Cathedral @11.00 a.m. (17 London Street, Londonderry. BT48 6RQ
11th & 12th October ~ 2024 Getaway. Venue: The Armagh City Hotel, Armagh
19th October ~ All Ireland Council Meeting, Springfield Hotel (Leixlip Road, Kildare, W23 W280)

NOVEMBER

7th November ~ Holy Communion Service in Cashel, Ferns, Ossory Diocese in St. Mary's Parish, Carlow @ 11.30 a.m. (Church Street, Carlow. R93 YW77
16th November ~ Big Hymn Sing in Ballymena (more details to follow)
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Base Violence

Mothers’ Union All-Ireland Vigils 2024

DECEMBER

3rd December ~ All Ireland Trustee Meeting via ZOOM
5th December ~ Holy Communion Service in Diocese of Dublin & Glendalough in Christ Church Cathedral @ 11.15 a.m (Christchurch Place, Wood Quay, Dublin D08 TF98)
25th December ~ Christmas Day

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.