Gerald Partsch  March 25, 2024

Minutes of the March 12, 2024 Meeting of the Ancient Order of Hibernians

Father Kelley Division

Highlights of the Meeting: Two candidates, Jim Adams and Thomas Reynolds, were welcomed into the order as new members of the Father Kelley Division.

Propositions on Candidates for Membership

Brian Tumulty nominated the candidates, Jim Adams and Thomas Reynolds, Patrick Sullivan seconded, unanimous vote by the members present to accept the candidates as new members.  The new members recited the St. Patrick’s Pledge.

Meeting Agenda

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM at the VFW Hall, 9304 Centerville Road in Manassas by President Greg Gibbons.

President Greg Gibbons recited the opening prayer, and the Division recited the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Jerry Partsch led the division in the Pledge of Allegiance

The singing of Opening Ode, “O’Donnell Abu”, was suspended.

President Greg Gibbons declared the meeting duly open for the transaction of such business as may properly be brought before it.

Recording Secretary Jerry Partsch called the Roll of Officers:

President Greg Gibbons – Present

Vice-President Brian Tumulty – Present

Chaplain Father Daniel Reuwer – Excused

Recording Secretary Jerry Partsch – Present

Financial Secretary Rich Aleksy – Present

Treasurer Paul Hannan – Present

Standing Committee Doug Morrison – Present

Marshal Greg Rebbert – Present

Sentinel Jerry Laffey – Present

Past President Pat Sullivan – Present

Reading of previous meeting minutes

Recording Secretary Jerry Partsch stated that he distributed the minutes to all members via email and posted them online on March 5, 2024.  Patrick Sullivan made a motion to accept the minutes as posted, Dominic Preston seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

Presidents Report: 

Brothers,

The State of the Division is strong.  We are an active organization, growing, and working together to further the ideals of our division.  We continue to promote Irish heritage.  The first quarter has been very active.  As you know we did a lot in January.  Since our February Division meeting, AOH FKD conducted “Trip to Ireland” raffle ticket sales after mass.  We had a road cleanup on 24 Feb.  The Alexandria Parade, 2 March was fun. The rain stopped at 11 and the parade stepped off at 12:30. Pre & Post events were fun.   On 8 March a very successful Fish Fry raised money for our charities.  More on this later. We sold many raffle tickets and advertised St. Pat’s Dinner Dance.  The fish fry was only possible through your efforts.   It was a great turnout. It was a real display of unity. John will cover this.

On Saturday 9 March we showed the colors and marched in the Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  Last evening was the Gaelic Mass.  And this Saturday, 16 March, is our chance to demonstrate some Irish Pride.  The St. Patrick’s Dinner dance will start at 6:30. We’ll “Rock the Green”.  This busy time is over, but it doesn’t mean the Hibernians will Hibernate.  We’ll have some activities that are for us to relax and enjoy.  You should be very proud of your accomplishments.  Father Kelley Division lives Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.

Communications & Correspondence:

Recording Secretary Jerry Partsch reported that there were no communications or correspondence.

Propositions on Candidates for Membership

Jim Adams and Thomas Reynolds were welcomed into the division.

Reports

1. J.P. McCusker stated that 951 raffle tickets had been sold, 49 in circulation, 0 in inventory.
2. J.P. reported that due to the limited number of tickets available  there would not be the need for sales after Masses on the weekend of March 16^th/17^th . Any remaining tickets would be sold at Old Town Sports Pub.
3. No update on cookbook sales.
4. President Greg Gibbons went over the calendar of events with emphasis on the St Patrick’s Dinner/Dance on Saturday.
5. John Masarick reported that 7 members took part in the Road Cleanup.
6. John Masarick reported that the Fish Fry – raised over $1100 on February 9^th.

Report on Special Committees:

• Chaplain’s Reflection, Father Daniel Reuwer. No Report.
• Charities and Missions, Greg Rebbert gave a report on Mother of Mercy Clinic
• Freedom for all Ireland (FFAI), Dominic Preston gave a report on Constitution Referendum Vote Failed
• Report on the Standing Committee/Grievance, Doug Morrison: No Report.
• Historian, Johnny McLauglin gave his report on St. Edna of Aran
• Hibernian Hunger Project, Bart Emanuel reported on plans for 2 Collections in May/June and October.
• Immigration, Brian Tumulty provided his report on High Tech Workers
• Project St. Patrick, Rich Aleksy: Continue to remember priests and our seminarians in your prayers. 50 seminarians in the diocese.
• Pro-Life, Paul Huber gave his report on Bishop Burbridge’s Pastoral Plan
• Publicity/Webmaster, Brian Tumulty reported that he will be adding a list of our charities to the website
• Report on the Sick/Visitation,  Bill Yochem: No report
• Strategic Planner, Mike Riley gave a report on Advocacy for Irish Heritage
• Veterans Affairs, Doug Morrison gave a report on Revolutionary War Veterans
• Paul Hannan gave the Report of the Treasurer.
• Rich Aleksy gave the report on Bills and Claims and Receipts of the Meeting.

Unfinished Business:

• FKD Golf Outing will be Friday 10 May at Prince William Golf Course.  Proceeds to support FKD Charities. Need teams.
• April is a potential time for the Past President Dinner.

New Business:

• Next road cleanup is scheduled for 18 May.  It coincides with the 2024 Great American Clean Up 25 March to 31 May 2024.
• The website continues to impress.  The links to articles and pictures are great.  Thak you Brian. How do we get more traffic?  More social media?
• Potential Donations for St Patrick Statue at St. Thomas More Cathedral & an Irish Brigade Monument in Fredericksburg.

Good and Welfare of the Order

Prayers: For successful recovery Kay Sullivan, Kathleen Tumulty, Maggie McCusker and Kim Ulrich.  Prayers for Kathy Morrison, Nora Hortin, Mary Ann O’Meara, the Armed Forces, and a successful left knee surgery for Pat Sullivan.

Prayer to St. Jude

 Saint Jude, glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the true Church invokes you universally as the Patron of difficult cases, and of thing almost despaired of.   Pray for us who are so helpless and alone.  Intercede with God for us that he brings visible and speedy help.  Come to our assistance in this great need that we may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all our necessities, tribulations, sufferings and particularly with those mentioned in the Good and Welfare of the Order and those who’s intentions are on our hearts, and that we may bless God and you with the Elect throughout Eternity.     Amen.

Rap the gavel to be seated

Adjournment Motion

Doug Morrison made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Patrick Sullivan and the vote was unanimous.

Closing Prayer led by President Greg Gibbons

“In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  And in the name of St. Patrick, the Glorious Apostle of Ireland, I declare this meeting closed.  Grant, O Lord, who makes the minds of the faithful to be of one will, that we, Thy people may love what Thou has commanded, and desire what Thou has promised, and that amid the changes of the world our hearts may ever love and obey Thee, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.”

President: “Let us pray for our deceased Brothers & today Sisters especially Mary Burns & Agnes Aleksy.

The Division recited an Our Father, 3 Hail Mary’s, and a Glory Be

President: “Eternal Rest grant to them, O Lord”

Members: “And let perpetual light shine upon them”

President: “May they rest in peace”

Members: “Amen”

PRAYERS FOR VOCATIONS

The Division recited 3 Hail Mary’s.

The meeting concluded at 8:15 PM.