Apostolic Work – Sunday September 25th, 2022 – Ennis, Maria Assumpta Hall
Welcome to you all to the Maria Assumpta Hall to the first diocesan gathering since Covid began over two years ago.
Over the past 2 years, I missed the dropping into the occasional display and admiring the array of colour, design and skilled work on display. I missed also the pleasant social interaction and having a sweet tooth the associated delightful catering on these occasions.
This diocesan gathering was traditionally in June but this year we are a bit later. In many ways the timing is opportune as it tees us up nicely in advance of Mission Sunday which is just around the corner.
Apostolic Work Ireland Has been been doing fantastic work now for almost a full century at this stage. With their labour of love, a true Opus Dei, Opus Manuum, skilled, dedicated, talented and committed lay people and religious pray for and support the work of Irish Missionaries (and others) wherever they serve.
The fruits of the prayer efforts, fund raising and the work of the hands of so many outstanding members makes a huge difference. The help provided and beautiful work done is a true labour of love and it is so heartening to see goes directly to those who need it.
The Work of Missio Ireland
Well done to the umbrella body that in many ways oversees the work and activity in this area is Missio Ireland. This is a collaborative network of 87 Mission sending Congregations and Societies comprised of Sisters, Priests, Brothers and Lay Organisations who are engaged in 84 developing countries.
Apostolic Work at National and Local Level
There are branches of Apostolic Work in almost all dioceses throughout Ireland.
Killaloe Groups
We are so fortunate in the diocese of Killaloe that there is such a huge interest & a tradition of parish Apostolic Work groups.
Killaloe Mission Link
Along with and coupled with the great work of the Killaloe Apostolic Work Society there has been a great link also with so many of the currently serving priests of the diocese who have worked on missionary projects, mainly in Africa and various locations of development.
We remember today and celebrate the great work of many of the clergy, religious and laity down through the years,
Diocesan Mission Group
Before the beginning of the pandemic – It was also great to see the work of a specific mission group in the diocese under the excellent guidance and facilitation of Fr. Tom O’Halloran, a group of people with an interest in mission meeting regularly to foster the spirit of Mission in the Church of Killaloe today. They met several times until the good work was postponed due to Covid.
Fr. Tom O’Halloran
I commend and congratulate the outstanding work of Fr. Tom O’Halloran for the great work he does being coordinator in the diocese of Killaloe for the Pontifical Mission Society. He coordinates and enthuses every parish each year with their collections and sending out resources. Even in these recent times of tightening budgets and general fall off in charitable donations – the people of Killaloe have continued to respond with outstanding generosity and interest in this great work.
The sum contributed by the diocese of Killaloe from 2021 as reported by the director Fr. Michael Kelly is the most generous amount of €47,172.24. Well done to all involved!
Well done & thanks to Fr Michael Casey, diocesan chaplain & spiritual director and most especially the hard working committee & the dozens of great workers on the ground!
Acknowledgement of good work done
What a great and honorable tradition of outstanding work & commitment to Gospel values of mission, outreach, sharing, love & generosity to those in need.
Encouragement
This annual event is always a great celebration of mission, of what it means to be apostolic & a celebration of the dignity & talent of work & its results.
Congratulations to all involved in the great work done & that continues to be done by so many in so many branches around the diocese of Killaloe.
Gura fada buan sibh agus go gcúite Dia bhur saothair libh.