Contacts:

Larry Doyle
2036 Calhoun St

Bellevue NE. 68005
(402) 292-5291

Meetings

3rd Monday Each Month - 7:00 PM
St. Columbkille Social Level
200 East 6^th Street
Papillion Nebraska, 68046

Officers

President: Larry Doyle

Vice President: Phil English

Secretary: Thomas Malone

Financial Secretary: Robert McEniry

Treasurer: Mike Wear

Standing Committee: Joe Shea

Marshal: Paul Clemenger

Sentinel: Tom Lynam

Chaplin Charles Larchevesque

Historian: Robert McEniry

THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

What is the Ancient Order of Hibernians?

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic Irish-American Fraternal Organization founded in New York City on May 4, 1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a parent organization of the same name that has existed in Ireland for more than 300 years. However, while the organizations share a common thread, the North American A.O.H. is a separate and much larger organization.

The Order evolved from a need in the early 1600's to protect the lives of Priests who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic Faith alive in occupied Ireland after the reign of England's Henry VIII. When England implemented its dreaded penal laws in Ireland, various secret social societies were formed across the country. These groups worked to aid and comfort the people by whatever means available.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was founded on May 4, 1836 at New York's St. James Church, to protect the clergy and church property from the "Know Nothings" and their followers. At the same time, the vast influx of Irish immigrants fleeing the famine in Ireland in the late 1840's prompted the growth of various social societies in the USA - the largest of which was and continues to be, the ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS.

The many Divisions and club facilities across the United States serve a focal point for the preservation of Irish Culture - art, dance, music and sports. The A.O.H. has been in the political forefront for issues concerning the Irish such as: Immigration Reform; economic incentives both here and in Ireland; the Human Rights issues both here and in Ireland; the Human Rights issues addressed in the MacBride Legislation; Right to Life, and working for a peaceful and just solution to the issues that divide Ireland. Where the need exists the Order still seeks to aid the newly arrived Irish both socially and politically.

The Order has also provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are generations removed from our ancestral home. The A.O.H. sponsors many programs associated with promoting our Irish heritage such as the IRISH WAY.

Members of the A.O.H. come from all walks of like, social and economic backgrounds yet they enjoy the fraternal fellowship in our Irish heritage.

PRINCIPLES OF THE ANCIENT ORDER

OF HIBERNIANS

It is hereby declared and decreed that the purpose of this organization the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, are:

(1) To promote Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.

(2) To foster and sustain loyalty to country and community.

(3)        To aid and advance by all legitimate means the aspirations and endeavors of the
      Irish people for complete and absolute independence, promoting peace and unity
      for all Ireland.

(4) To foster the ideas and perpetuate the history and traditions of the Irish people.

(5) To promote Irish Culture.

(6) To encourage civic participation.

(7) To encourage an equitable U.S. immigration law for Ireland and to cooperate with
groups for a fair American Immigration Policy.

(8) To accept and support, without prejudice, the concept of free expression of
religious practice for the people of the world.

(9) To protect and defend all life, born and unborn.

PRINCIPLES OF THE ANCIENT ORDER

OF HIBERNIANS (Cont)

The AOH, being composed of loyal Americans, recognizes July 4^th as one of the

legal holidays of the Order

The AOH has consistently promoted and tried to preserve our ancient language,

Gaelic-Irish

The AOH recognizes March 17^th as one of the legal holidays of the Order thus

preserving the teachings and ideals of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

The AOH through its many monetary donations to various charitable societies in

Ireland has shown the motto of our Order, "Friendship, Unity and Christian

Charity", is as important today as it was when the Order was founded in New

York City on May 4,1836.

Membership

Membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians is confined to men 16 years and older who are practicing Roman Catholics of Irish birth, or descent, and who are citizens of United States of America or who have declared their intentions to become citizens of the United States of America.

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A.O.H. MEMBERSHIP

Subscription to our bi-monthly paper, the National Digest

Scholarships for our members and their families to Notre Dame, the Irish Way
Program and the Study Abroad in Ireland

Participation in local, regional and National Fraternal Organization Networking

Community involvement is socials, such as dinners, dances, picnics, festivals,
parties, sports and theatre.

Assistance in cases of bias and bigotry through the vigilance of a national anti-
defamation committee.

An outlet for professional energies and expertise

Representation on issues of Irish-American concern

An influential voice in Local, State and National Government

An opportunity to experience Irish culture, films, discussion groups and teaching
Irish ceili dancing

Activities for the entire family from youth to seniors

The A. O.H. provides a unique opportunity for its members to become involved in
issues that are of interest to Irish American Catholics TODAY.

SARPY COUNTY DIVISION AOH #1 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. Adopt-A-Road Program. A community service program. We have conducted
three trash pick-ups on 84^th Street from Schram Road to Cornhusker. This is an
on going project.

2.             The Division donated two books on Irish Saints to the St. Columbkille School
      Library. This year we are donating books on Irish History to the Sarpy County
     Catholic Schools.

3. Working with St. Mary's School four boxes of books and other items were
collected and shipped to troops hi Iraq.

4.             Provided materials, including books on Irish poetry for Heritage Month displays
      in March at the Bellevue and Papillion Public Libraries. Repeat the Irish Heritage
     month displays this year.

5. Assisted in moving furniture and lockers at St. Mary's School in preparation for
the fall term.

6. Held a family pizza night at Sortino's. .

7. Collected over 1,100 rosaries from local parishes for use by troops in Iraq and
Afghanistan.

8. Sponsored a mass in honor of Our Lady of Knock, Queen Of Ireland, at St Mary's
Church on August 21

9. Participated in two St. Patrick's Day and Papillion Days parades.

10. Assisted brothers from the Father Flanagan Division Shrimp Dinner fundraisers
from the Catholic Academy. Approximately $11,500 was raised for the school

11. Participated in the Bishop's March for Life.

12. Fundraising: Sold green beads for St. Patrick's Day. Sold Village Inn pie
certificates.