40th ANNIVERSARY AS A PRIEST

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians recently presented a gift of new vestments to Father Joseph Simmons, Pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Joppatowne. The vestments were given to Father on behalf of the membership of Harford County, Division 1 in recognition of his 40th anniversary to the priesthood and in appreciation for his loyalty and devotion over the past 16 years as their Chaplain. Father has always been there for members whether it be saying Mass or offering priestly support. The presentation was prior to the Division’s Installation of Officers Mass at Holy Spirit on January 6, which was followed by a luncheon at the Williamsburg Inn. Betty Weiderhold is the new president for the term 2002-2004.

Father Simmons wearing his new vestments for the first time.

Pictured from left to right in the photo of Father and the officers are: Ladies
Ancient Order of Hibernians - Maryland State Board President, Carole
Franz; Harford County, Division 1 President, Betty Weiderhold; Father
Joseph Simmons; Maryland State Board Program Coordinator for
Spirituality, Cyrile Sincock; and Maryland State Board Chairman of
Catholic Action, Kathy Lay.

Father Simmons with the key officers and many of the members of Harford County, Division 1 of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.

INFORMATION

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians is a National Organization organized in 1894 in Omaha, Nebraska as the "Daughters of Erin." The primary purpose, at that time, was to assist immigrant girls in securing employment and to give them an opportunity to be with their own kind and to keep them from becoming homesick and discouraged. TODAY, the organization has changed in many ways but still holds true to its motto of "FRIENDSHIP, UNITY AND CHRISTIAN CHARITY." They are a Catholic Action organization whose mission is to foster our Irish heritage and Catholic faith through various religious and social events. Maryland has ten adult Divisions and two Junior Divisions of young ladies between the ages of 6 and 16. Of special interest is the fact that Baltimore County, Division 14 celebrated its 90th anniversary on January 6. This division has taken an active role from the beginning in supporting the National Board of the Order; the Columban Mission Society, the principle charity of the Order; the Annual Irish History Contest; Project St. Patrick for the education of priests and religious and many local charities. It joined with other divisions of the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) and LAOH in Maryland in preparation for the 2000 National Convention and hosted by Baltimore in July of 2000.

On Sunday, April 14, 2002 at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center, the Maryland State Board will hold its 43rd Mission Festival with all proceeds going to the Columban Fathers and local charities. This year’s festival will be a cultural event entitled "An Irish Afternoon" featuring Jared Denhard and string quartet along with the Irish tenor Michael Quinn, the LAOH Junior Division step dancers and other surprises. Part of the this year’s proceeds will be allocated towards the LAOH pledge of $10,000 over the next 5 years to the Restoration of the Basilica of the Assumption project.

The LAOH invites Catholic women who are Irish by birth or descent to COME JOIN US. If interested in membership or for information about the Mission Festival, please contact Kathy at 410-453-9731 or Carole at 410-879-8502.