Apostolic Work currently has about 26 branches in the Elphin Diocese and has been a key element of the diocese's support of missionaries for almost 50 years.

The main objectives of the association are to share in the missionary apostolate of the Church by prayer and by supplying material and financial aid to the Church in areas where it is not yet rooted or fully established.

Over the years Mass Kits, chalices and other items used in liturgies have proven the most popular form of material aid. Generally they are sponsored by people who wish to remember deceased relatives and commemorate happy occasions such as baptisms or anniversaries.

During 2007, we supplied over 89.000 of financial and material aid for a broad range of missionary activities, including training and support of catechists, purchase of hospital equipment, well-boring, food supplies to families suffering from AIDS/HIV and tuberculosis and Mass Kits.

We have now also initiated a Burse valued at 2,500, which is divided equally between a Seminarian, and Professed Sister, wishing to pursue a course in Pastoral Ministry. This Burse is known as Elphin Apostolic Burse, is awarded at our Display Day in June. The possible recipients are put forward by Irish Missionaries working abroad.

For the past 3 years we have what is known as our Chicken Fund the monies are raised all over the diocese by the knitting of chickens for Easter, This is given to a worthy project submitted by a Religious from the Elphin Diocese, so far it has bought a motor bike and trained leaders for youth in Bolivia, helped equip a hospital in Ecuador, and Build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart in Brazil.

The organisation holds an annual display day each June. Here visiting members of missionary orders choose Vestments and other material aids needed for their missionary work in various parts of the world.

You can share in the work of the association by saying the following prayer:

Prayer for the Spread of the Gospel
God our Father, you will that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of your truth. Send workers into your great harvest that the Gospel may be preached to every creature, and your people gathered together by the word of life and strengthened by the power of the sacraments. In you may all people advance in the way of salvation and love.
We ask this through Our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen.

For more information please contact:

President,

Mrs. Mary Doyle,
Main St.,
Castlerea,
Co. Roscommon.
Phone 094-96-20183
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