The Mothers’ Union
The Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation, which promotes the well being of families worldwide. Please look at our Vision, Purpose, Aim & Objectives, which you can look up at www.themothersunion.org and www.mothersunion.ie
Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation that has been supporting families worldwide for over 140 years. Started by our founder Mary Sumner in 1876 in her local parish in Winchester, we have flourished into an international charity with over 4 million members in 84 countries. As a Christian membership charity, we aim to demonstrate our faith in action through the transformation of communities worldwide. Our members work at grassroots level around the world bringing hope and practical support to millions of people every year through our parenting, literacy and community development programmes and as part of the volunteer base of local churches .At a central level we have, through the years, campaigned at local, national and international levels to bring about real change for family life, women’s and girls’ rights and the protection of children. At the heart of what we do is prayer and our members come together every day at midday to focus prayers for their communities, fellow members and for those in need. We believe that the power of prayer is transformational and supports our work around the world. Despite our name we are an inclusive organisation and we are very proud to have a growing number of men who have joined us. As we continue to work in an ever-challenging world, why not join us in our journey and be a part of something life-changing.
Mothers’ Union began in Ireland in 1887 with the founding of the first group in Raheny, Dublin, by Annabella Hayes. The organisation gradually spread throughout Ireland, and in July 1901 Mary Summer met members during a Visit to the country.
The piece of stained glass which was dedicated by Archbishop Jackson in Christ church Cathedral, Dublin. The central image of the piece is a tree with 13 Branches representing 13 decades of MU in Ireland and completes the project when trees were planted in all twelve dioceses. We planted trees in order to acknowledge Mothers’ Union rooted in prayer and faith and reaching out to our communities through our Branches and members.
Becoming a Mothers’ Union Member
Membership is open for anyone who is baptised and wishes to support the Mothers’ Union. It is for both men and women, regardless of age or marital status. In Ireland the majority of members belong to their local parish branch. Diocesan membership is an alternative for those who may not wish to attend regular meetings; contact will be made by post or email from your local Diocese.
A third type is central membership, where you are kept up-to-date on the latest Mothers’ Union work and campaigns from our head office at Mary Summer House. For further information on membership contact your local branch, Diocese, or administrative office, or send an email to
For more information in becoming a member or what is happening in our Dioceses. Look into the web site at www.corkmothersunion.ie
Mothers’Union in the Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne, & Ross has approximately 275 members. Here in the Cork south west peninsula our branch comprises of Abbeystrewry, Ballydehob / Aughadown, & Kilmoe. The members of Abbeystrewry & Kilmoe joined in our branch, a few years ago. Our membership is around 20 members. We have 3 indoor members, one is using teleconference, she very much enjoys been able to have conversation with other people.
We meet for our meetings the second Tuesday of the month from September to April at 3pm in St. Matthew parish hall Aughadown.
Mothers’Union Christmas Dinner
Thursday 23 November 2023 In St. Matthews Parish Hall, Church Cross At 1:30pm.
Our Chef will be Alan Shannon and Partners. Good food is the order of the day with Alan so come along and bring your Partner, or a Friend with you.
Cost: 2 courses €25.00 per person.
On the Menu is.
Turkey & Ham.
Or
Duo of Fish
Hake & salmon stuffed with spinach
White wine & dill sauce.
Assiette of Desserts:
Raspberry Cheese Cake, Apple Pie, and Christmas pudding.
We are serving Tea and Coffee with mince pies ourselves.
Any dietary request please let us know.
Please let me know straight away if you intend in coming, also check out the menu and give us your choice of dinner, so we can give numbers to Alan.
Please reply to me, Maria Swanton, on Phone at 0861012152 or 02837137
Email:
The common prayer of the Mothers’ Union
We pray that our God will make us fit for what he’s called us to be, that he’ll fill our good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something.
As our lives honour the name of Jesus, may he honour us, by his grace; our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely. Amen
Based on 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
The Mothers' Union Prayer
Loving Lord, we thank you for your love so freely given to us all. 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.
Branch Officers of the Mothers’ Union
Maria Swanton. Branch Leader. 0861012152.
Essie Shannon. Branch Secretary. 0879734430.
Noelle Salter. Branch Treasurer.