St Maelruain's Mothers' Union

On Saturday 17th October, twelve of us travelled to Russborough House. We enjoyed a tour, walk in the grounds in glorious sunshine and lunch in the restaurant.

Our next meeting will be on Monday 9th November when Martha Waller will give a talk on prison chaplaincy.

SAOIRSE would like toothpaste as our November donation.

Looking forward to seeing you then - Miriam Gibney

St Maelruain’s Mothers Union Project: SAOIRSE.

It was unanimously agreed to continue donating until June and commence again in September. I have delivered the paper towels and for June they would like strong plastic sacks which you can bring along to the Summer Sale OR leave in the Church Porch for collection by me.

Wishing you all a great summer.
Miriam Gibney
Valerie Deverell

Mothers' Union

Our AGM was held following Holy Week Service on Monday 6th April 2009. Valerie thanked Pam Stroughair – Treasurer, Tea Ladies Carol Laughlin , Regina Donoghue and the secretary for their work throughout the year. A lively discussion then took place on suggestions for the coming year followed by a Bring & Buy and supper.

Our outing is planned for Saturday 16th May to Armagh Cathedral and we will be joined by
members of our neighbouring parish Clondalkin. We still have some seats available should any other parishioner wish to join us. Full details of the day available from Valerie or Miriam.............

Miriam Gibney & Valerie Deverell

St Maelruain’s Mothers Union Project: SAOIRSE.
Thank you to all for your hand and tea towels for our April contribution. For May they have asked for kitchen rolls…please bring them along on 16th May…. It was unanimously agreed to continue contributing monthly to June 09, recommencing in September 09.

Mothers' Union

On Monday 9th February we had our very own Ronnie Wallace speak to us on Turkey. Ronnie showed us an excellent presentation he prepared and spoke of the cultural history of ancient Turkey. Many thanks Ronnie from all of us

Next meeting will be on 9th March when Claire Missen, Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy will speak to us on “Relationship Matters.”

As always, our meeting is open to anyone who cares to attend - you will be most welcome.

SAOIRSE were most grateful for the selection of baby products handed in to them following our February meeting. We are really pleased with the support and enthusiasm of our members for what will be an ongoing project.

For March they would like anti bacterial hand wash.

Finally, for those of you having celebrations during the month can we again remind you of the cards available in the porch, crafted by some of our members, in aid of the Roof Fund…please support their efforts!

Date for your Diary:
24th March - Mother’s Union Award
& Variety Show National Concert Hall

Mothers' Union

Our last meeting on Monday 10th November was very enjoyable and fruitful – lovely and encouraging to have so many suggestions and ideas to choose from! Following a brainstorming session we decided our branch project challenge should be SAOIRSE Women’s Refuge, Tallaght Village (www.saoirsewomensrefuge.ie) Our aim going forward is to foster an ongoing relationship with this local centre.

Following discussion with them, we are undertaking to provide simple needs of the refuge by asking members and indeed parish families interested to donate or to bring along a low cost household item specifically requested to our monthly meeting (from toothbrushes/toothpaste/pack of biscuits, etc.)

At our next meeting on Monday 8th December at 8pm one of the Managers of SAOIRSE will be coming to update us on their work and accept our first batch of gifts. They are so very grateful for the support we plan to give them.

For the Christmas season they have asked for small gifts suitable for teenagers aged 13-17 so can we ask each person planning to attend to bring along a suitable item to hand over on the evening OR items can be handed to any of our members.

PLANNING AHEAD !! Do you deserve a treat after coping with the Christmas season? We will be having our New Year celebration night out on Monday 12th January….dining out together in a venue affordable and suitable for anyone wishing to come along…..we extend a warm invitation to old and new faces to join with us ….to enable us book a suitable venue, please let one of our members know or phone Valerie or myself before 8th December.

The Mothers Union Dublin Diocese supply items for Premature babies to Dublin Hospitals on an on goingbasis, these are greatly appreciated. Do you have spare wool? Do you or any member of your extended family knit?

Please ring the parish office (462 6006) to obtain knitting patterns for matinee jackets or baby hats or contact myself.

Finally, our love, thoughts and support are with those known to us who have very seriously ill family members. Miriam Gibney