Diocesan News01 Apr 10

Former All-Ireland President of Mothers' Union Thanked

Members of Cleenish and Mullaghdun Parishes, Mothers' Union, guests and family members gathered recently for a special service of Holy Communion in Cleenish Parish Church to offer thanks to God for the work of Mrs Margaret Crawford and to mark the completion of her term as All-Ireland President of the MU 2007-2010.

The celebrant and preacher was the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Jackson, who was assisted by the Rector, the Revd Geoffrey Bridle.  

In his address Bishop Jackson referred to Margaret's work as Clogher Diocesan President, and subsequently All-Ireland President. He said happiness and hospitality were characteristics we associate with Margaret, and indeed formed the core of MU worldwide. He referred to the bedrock of MU as being family life itself. With mission and outreach, locally and worldwide, the MU will always be there, moving into the future with their eyes open. He went on to say happiness and hospitality together gives us a third component in MU, that is hope. Margaret has given all three in abundance, and will continue to do so. Bishop Jackson concluded with the first verse of Proverbs 14 'The wise woman builds her house'.

After the service, those present gathered for tea in the Parish Hall, during which Mrs Geraldine Beattie, MU Diocesan President, thanked the Parish for having the foresight in organizing such an appropriate event, assuring Margaret that there was still an important role for her to play in the Diocese. 

Mr Leslie Nixon, People's Churchwarden, thanked all who had helped to make the occasion a success. He referred to Margaret as a great ambassador, not only for the MU, but also for the parishes of Cleenish and Mullaghdun.  

Margaret thanked all who had attended, and supported her throughout her three years as All-Ireland MU President, taking the opportunity to publicly thank her husband, Ian, for his unstinting support. She referred to all the varied work carried out by MU members worldwide, and to her visit to Uganda as a humbling experience. Her time as All-Ireland President was both challenging and enjoyable, and she felt truly blessed in everything she did in the name of MU.  

In recognition of Margaret’s contribution to the life of the Mothers’ Union as Clogher Diocesan President and as All Ireland President, Bishop Jackson presented Margaret with a Clogher Diocesan Plaque. This is given by the Bishop to those who have made an outstanding contribution as members of the diocese.

Revd Bridle closed an enjoyable afternoon with the grace.