INTRODUCTION
Following a diocesan-wide consultation involving telephone outreach and in-person meetings in Roscommon and Sligo during July 2023, a PTAA Elphin Diocesan Committee / Council has been formed. The aims of this committee /council are:
* to support Pioneer activities in the diocese going forward,
* to support renewal among existing members,
* to make the Association better known, and
* to encourage more young people and adults to join.
Chairperson
Martin Connolly (Tulsk-Kilmurray-Killina)
086 2341041 /
Secretary
Caroline Dervan (Knockcroghery-Lecarrow-Rahara)
Spiritual Director
Fr. Micheal Donnelly Frenchpark-Ballingare & Fairymount-Tibohine)
087 1033172 / [email protected] .
Other Members
June Woulfe (Ahamlish)
0831407614
Liaison with Elphin Diocese’s Pastoral & Faith Development Services
Justin Harkin
087 6171526 / [email protected]
NEXT MEETING
7.30 – 9.00 pm
Monday, 15th January 2024
St. Joseph’s Church
Boyle
Co. Roscommon
BRIEF REPORT ON MEETINGS TO DATE
Focus thus far has been on agreeing terms of reference mindful of existing Pioneer bodies, e.g. PTAA Board of Management and Connaught Council, and on visioning how best, in partnership with other Pioneers, to further our association in the diocese at this time.
In this work the Committee has been heartened by the decision of more than forty young people across nine parishes (Drumcliffe, St. Anne’s, Frenchpark-Ballinagare, Strokestown, Castlerea, Roscommon, Kilbride, Kilgefin. Ballyforan-Dysart-Tisrara and Kiltoom & Cam) to join the Association in June of this year, the delightful dinner dance organised by Pioneers in Sligo that took place on 20th October, and the ongoing outreach and temperance promotional work of the Roscommon-Athlone Regional Council and of associated centres.
EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE
We express our thanks to Bishop Kevin Doran for this web space and for his appointment of Fr. Michéal Donnelly as our Spiritual Director. We also acknowledge the ongoing support of Fr. Pat Lombard in the Sligo region of the diocese.
WELCOMING OF NEW MEMBERS, JUNE 2023
The month of June, and especially the evening of Friday 16th June (Feastday of the Sacred Heart) was very special for us as we welcomed more than forty young people from various parishes into our Assocation.
Enrolment ceremonies took place during specially organised Masses in parish churches and schools and we are very grateful to Frs Tom Hever, Fr. Pat Lombard, Fr. Michéal Donnelly, Fr. John McManus, Fr. Kevin Fallon, Fr. Joe Fitzgerald, Fr. Daniel Udofia, Fr. Eamonn O’Connor, Fr. Francis Beirne, Fr. Ray Milton and Fr. Michael McManus for presiding and for their affirmation, support and participation in related social gatherings. Many of these priests and the parishes they serve were part of a pilot outreach initiative that we hope to build on during this school year.
NOTE TO PARENTS & GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN INTERESTED IN JOINING PTAA
For many years it was customary for families, schools and parishes to encourage children to take a pledge refraining from alcohol until their sixteenth or eighteen year and to abstain from illegal drugs for life at the time of their Confirmation.
While fear of the effects of alcohol and drug misuse provides a sound basis for such encouragement, there is also another basis, a spiritual one rooted in love of God and neighbour. This is the way of the PTAA.
Mindful of this and greatly encouraged by Bishop Kevin Doran and many of the clergy of the Elphin diocese, the PTAA Elphin Diocesan Committee are eager to offer all young people opportunities to learn about our Association and, if they so choose, to join.
Over coming months, with support from varioust people, e.g. parents, clergy, teachers and school principals, we shall seek opportunities to introduce as many 5th and 6th Class pupils and their parents / guardians as possible to our Association and its spirituality.
If you are a parent or guardian of a child between the ages of ten and fourteen and this is your first time to hear about this outreach, and you would like your child and his or her friends to know more about the PTAA please contact any of our committee members (details above) and we will see what we can do to support you.
YOUNG PIONEER DAILY PRAYER & PLEDGE
Lord, for your sake,
for the recovery of problem drinkers
and victims of substance abuse,
to make amends to your Sacred Heart
for the intemperance in all our lives,
I promise not to take alcoholic drink
until I am at least 18 and
to keep off drugs for life. Amen.
INFORMATION FOR PRINCIPALS, SIXTH & FIFTH CLASS TEACHERS
If you would like to to arrange a free in-school age-appropriate PowerPoint presentation on the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart for your Fifth and Sixth Class pupils during 2023/2024 please contact Fr Michéal Donnelly on 087 1033172 / [email protected] .
The PowerPoint presentation is timed to take twenty to twenty-five minutes and our presenters (who are Garda Vetted) are open to following the presentation with a ten-minute conversation with the children.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR EXISTING PIONEERS AND ADULTS INTERESTED IN JOINING / REJOINING PTAA
If you would like to register with our Diocesan Committeeso as to be informed of upcoming events, meetings, developments etc. please forward a text or email request to the committee via Justin Harkin at 087 6171526 / [email protected] .
Any adult over 18 who has abstained from alcohol for at least one year in the immediate prior period may apply for lifelong membership. The commitment sought of members is:
- to abstain from all alcoholic drink
- to wear the Pioneer emblem
- recite the Pioneer prayer twice daily
Some members also choose to participate in Centre meetings, social gatherings, e.g. an annual dinner dance, and / or spiritually nourishing events, e.g. retreat days, but these are not essential to membership.
PIONEER (ADULT) DAILY PRAYER
For thy greater glory and consolation,
O Sacred Heart of Jesus;
for thy sake to give good example,
to practice self-denial,
to make reparation to Thee for the sins of intemperance,
and for the conversion of excessive drinkers,
I will abstain for life from all intoxicating drinks.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1898 in Gardiner Street, Dublin, by Fr James Cullen SJ, Mrs Anne Egan, Miss Lizzie Power, Mrs Mary Bury and Mrs A.M. Sullivan.
The primary aim of the Association is the promotion of sobriety and temperance through:
- faith and prayer;
- self-denial leading to inner freedom;
- setting beneficial example to others;
- presenting alternatives to the drinking and drug scene, particularly to young people.
The duty of a Pioneer is to build a society where people live to their full potential. We reach out to those who suffer from alcohol-related harm.
The Pioneer, like all Christians, is convinced that the love of God, as revealed in Jesus, is central to their lives.
For more information please visit www.pioneers.ie .
Uploaded: Nov 14th 2022
