Pioneer Total Abstinence Association

Visit to the Centres of Fr Michael McGreil, S.J.,  Chairman of the  PTAA

Recently, we welcomed Fr Michael McGreil, Chairperson of the PTAA, to the parish. He visited both Pioneer centres as part of an ongoing visitation of all the centres in Ireland. Besides doing a survey of the present state of the Pioneer Movement in the country, his visit was intended to encourage the centres to look at areas where they can renew and improve their work. His visit to this area is timely, coming as it does at the same time as the publication of the recent Pastoral Letter from the Irish Bishops on the question of moderation in drinking.

Fr McGreil with members of the Castlefin Pioneer Centre:  Evelyn Connolly, Patsy Friel, Alice Carlin, Collette Carlin and Fr Polke.

And with members of the Doneyloop Pioneer Centre:  Gerard Coyle, Betty Nelis and Geraldine McNulty.

Practical Suggestions from the Irish Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Moderation in Drink

·        Refrain from alcohol for the weeks of Lent.

·        Consider drinking non-alcoholic drinks when out with friends at the weekend.

·        Reduce the intake of alcohol from what is your normal.

·        Encourage your friends to reduce alcohol intake.

·        Donate some of the money saved from alcohol to a charity of your choice.

·        Encourage discussion with your friends about the dangers of excessive drinking.

·        Initiate a discussion in the home about the family’s attitude to and use of alcohol.

·        Nationally, we  might encourage people to reduce their alcohol use, say by one-third or a half, during the weeks of Lent.