Although our official New Year begins in January, September always seems to be the “unofficial” beginning of a new season. Fresh from a summer hiatus, activities begin again. School starts up for the kids. Clubs and organizations begin to meet. The cool autumn air is crisp and clean. September even feels like the best time [...]

Have you ever been in a situation where you just did not know what to do? Where, no matter how long and hard you thought about it, you could not seem to come up with a solution, with a direction, with an answer? And then, while talking about it with someone, that person was able [...]

Radical Reconciliation There are certain themes in life that continuously challenge us.  Reconciliation is one of those themes. Reconciliation.  It is a simple word, but the emotions it evokes are anything but simple.  For some, it may induce a sense of peace, with thoughts of the last time you were able to reconcile successfully with [...]

What comes to your mind when you think of Lent?  Perhaps you think of giving up eating meat on Fridays.  Or the usual candy, sweets or ice cream that you give up every year.  Maybe you are reminded of getting ashes on Ash Wednesday or even look forward to the Easter celebration with family at [...]

The holidays are over and a new year is upon us.  This time of year always presents an interesting opportunity to take stock of our lives.  Whether you believe in the proverbial “New Year’s Resolutions” or not, there is something refreshing about being able to look back at the previous year and also to dream [...]

A Time of Harvest The air is crisp.  The leaves are turning bright colors of red, orange and yellow.  Fall is in full bloom.  For many of us, this colorful season is a time of gathering, a time of harvest.  We pick the apples off the trees in the orchard.  We gather the fallen leaves [...]

Friendship, Unity and True Christian Charity.  This is the motto of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  What do you think of when you see the words “True Christian Charity?”  Does it mean giving of your time?  Your talent?  Your treasure?  Perhaps you think of charitable action, something you physically do for another person.  But what [...]

I would like to thank all of you for your support in electing me to serve as one of your National Directors.  My Irish heritage has always been an important aspect of my life.  It is this pride that has led me to become involved in AOH Div #9, Essex County, New Jersey for the [...]