Ballon / Rathoe Apostolic Work Society
Contact Marie Curran Tel: 9159365
New line introduced in September 05 - knitter wishes to be anon.
2/5/03
The Society was originally founded in Belfast in 1923 by Agnes McCauley and with a few changes was formally aggregated to the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith in 1935.
The local society was founded
in Ballon in September 1951. The first meeting was held in the old hall
on Ballon Hill with Mrs. Anna O'Neill of Ballon as President.
The objectives are to share in the Missionary Apostolate of the church
by prayer and by supplying material and financial aid to missionaries
in Africa, Asia, Central and South America.
The active members sew vestments, albs, altar cloths, altar servers
outfits and small linens. Knitted garments are also provided. An example
of the work is shown in the photo and this represents just six months
work. These products will be boxed and sent to a central area in Clane,
Co. Kildare for onward distribution to the Missions.
The meetings are held in Rathoe Hall from 3.30 to 5.30 on the last Tuesday of each month.
Meetings commence and conclude with prayers.
An annual raffle is held in September to provide funds for missionary
needs e.g. communication aids, transport, building, education of students
to the priesthood and to catechists.
At present we have six active members. New members are more than welcome
and can contact any member to get more information.
We also have honorary members. These are people who cannot actively engage
in the work. They pray daily for the spread of the Gospel and subscribe
a minimum of €3 annually towards our funds. At present we have 93
honorary members and they have a share in the Masses offered each year
for all benefactors.
There are six such active groups in County Carlow and each County in Ireland will have a proportional number.
Narrated by the Group February 2002