Greetings Brothers! I hope that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Christmas and New Year. We are quickly approaching the St. Patrick\u2019s Day season, and I want to touch on three things just like St. Patrick did explaining the Trinity but probably not as eloquent \u2013 Charity, Growing the Order and Leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should have received the annual Charity Appeal in the mail. This year we went back to the mailing return labels since we have been asked for several years about this. I encourage you to participate in this appeal as it is the only major source of revenue for Hibernian Charity. Your gift to Hibernian Charity supports the St. Patrick Centre Ambassador Program, Hibernian Hunger, St. Patrick Seminary Maynooth, Irish Way & Study Abroad, Disaster Relief and Project St. Patrick. Last year we had less than 5 per cent of our Brothers give to this appeal \u2014 we need to do better. I know that times are tough but think about that extra cup of coffee and how just that amount might help a Brother\u2019s family. I have included a QR code for you to scan if you cannot find your letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A major emphasis for the National Board is responding to the numerous on-line applications for potential Brothers and creating a national marketing campaign for new members. We are working in conjunction with State Boards to get the message out that we are Catholic and Irish either by birth or decent and that being a Hibernian is one of the best things that a Catholic man can do. Going hand-in-hand with this is working with State, County and Division leaders on leadership and honing these skills to make us a more proactive and engaging organization. Leadership isn\u2019t always about how many hours you put in but involves the strategic planning of your local Division\u2019s business, events and actively engaging with your Brothers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hold monthly on-line meetings with the leaders of the states that I am responsible for, and this is a great opportunity to hear great ideas and pass down information. Communication is the key for any organization, and I know that we have lots of room for improvement but I want you to know that we are taking an active role in reaching out. But this is a two-way street, and we want you to have a say and to contact your National Director with any questions and concerns you may have. I look forward to meeting you in my travels and pray that this year is beautiful and blessed.<\/p>\n\n\nDONATE TO THE HIBERNIAN CHARITY<\/span><\/a>\n