Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends of the Hibernians
The next monthly meeting will be held at the customary time and place; we will convene on Tuesday, December 18 in
the rear meeting room at Hanafin’s. The agenda includes reports on:
nominations and election of officers for next year
A)possible induction ceremony in late January
B)memo from National concerning Hibernian Charities
C)State Board Mass of the Holy Innocents on December 28
D)committee chairmen selection
Happy Christmas
May this newsletter find you all in a happy and holy mood as you prepare for the Christmas season and the joys of
greeting family and friends to share in the birth of Our Lord. May we all say a special prayer and may we reach out to
those who are ill, those under stress and those who are alone
Report on the Sick
Bishop Hart continues his residence at the rehabilitation center to be able to have both physical rehab and to
continue his medical treatment. He thanks you all for your prayers as he continues his battle with cancer. His vigor
and his strength resonate in all of our conversations; brother Pete Moore and I had a pleasant visit and a grand chat
with him two Sundays ago. I know you all join me in praying that our patron saint will bless and support the Bishop in
his treatment. If you would like to send him a note or Christmas card his address is
St. Joseph’s Living Center
14 Club Road
Windham, CT 06280
Nominations
We have an excellent slate of nominees, but all posts are available for nominees. Our meeting will open with
nominations from the floor, and the inclusion of late additions if they are called in prior to the meeting. The nominees
are:
President Sean Moore Recording Secretary
Vice President Tad Downing Marshall John Duddy
Treasurer Mike O’Brien Sentinel Jimmy Smith
Financial Secretary Kevin McBride Standing Committee Fran DePeter
In addition to the elections we will seek Chairmen for the St. Patrick’s festivities, the Mystic Parade Committee, the
Celts and Currachs Hibernian coordinator and a September John Barry activity.
Unfinished business
Brother Mike Tranchida will report on the possibility of an Induction Social and brother Larry Keating on the purchase
of Hibernian shirts for a unifying attire at public functions
St. Patrick’s Day
It is hoped that the Chairman for our St. Patrick’s March festivities will be able to coordinate an ambitious program to
build off our schedule of last year, which started with a Mass at St. Mary’s, a parade to City Hall, the raising of the
tricolor at City Hall, and a traditional Irish Breakfast at the Pub. Who will step forward to chair that event?
Celts and Currachs
The initial meetings of the Celts and Currachs festival committee have been held at Hanafin’s Pub. It is hoped that
the festival will increase in size and scope this year. There has been active interest expressed by other groups who
would like to participate in this year’s event which is scheduled for August 23. Volunteers are sought to serve as our
Hibernian chairman to coordinate our activities relative to the festival.
Hibernian Charities
We have received a letter from National requesting year end donations for FFAI and the Hibernian Charities. We
have already voted on our Charities and Missions contributions, but will read and discuss the National’s request.
Mass of the Holy Innocents
We have received a letter from State Chaplain, Fr. Small, concerning the Mass and consequent gathering at Holy
Family Church in Fairfield on Friday, December 28. For the last several years a small group from our division has
attended this Mass, and we shall see about arranging a car pool again this year. Fr. Small emphasized in his letter
that this is not intended only as a Mass for the Officers of the various divisions, but as a Mass for all Hibernians.
Merry Christmas to All Yours in Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity . . . Sean