" Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart." Padre Pio
Ballynacally/Lissycasey Apostolic works society
THE Ballynacally/Lissycasey Apostolic Branch held their final display last Sunday, March 29th, at Ballynacally Community Centre as all Apostolic branches of the Killaloe Diocese are closing due to the absence of Irish priests working in the missions. Since its 1923 Belfast origins, the Apostolic Society has been defined by its extraordinary ability to transform modest household items into vital mission supplies. For over a century, members meticulously prepared Mass vestments and religious items for communities abroad, while finding holy purposes for the mundane: repurposing Christmas cards, knitting teddies from scrap wool, and even upcycling Pringle boxes into silver-sprayed vessels for Holy Communion. From converting old linens into cot quilts to selling used stamps for funding, the Society’s work bridged the gap between Irish homes and the poorest regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. Their conclusion marks the end of a remarkable era of global aid and creative charity spanning over a century.
2026 Apostolic Display (last display)
2025 Apostolic Display
2024 Display
2019 Display
Background
The Society of Apostolic Work was founded in 1923 by Agnes McAuley and a small band of young women who gathered in Belfast with the purpose of helping missionaries in whatever way they could - by prayer and material assistance.
They began by providing Mass vestments and other things needed by the missionaries. But quickly they began raising funds to send to the missionaries so that they could use it to fund their work, as most of them were working with the very poor, in Africa, Asia and South America.
Objectives:
To share in the missionary apostolate of the Church by prayer and by supplying material and financial aid to those areas where the Church is not firmly established. To sanctify members’ lives by their participation in Apostolic Work.
The Association is composed of:-
a) active members who give practical help by making vestments, altar linens/altar cloths for the missions, as well as knitwear and small garments for the diocesan sale of work;
b) honorary members who recite the specified short prayers and pay an annual subscription of €2 to the Treasurer of the local branch.
In 1950, with the blessing of the Bishop, the first branch in the diocese was set up in Tullow and affiliated to the National Council of Apostolic Workers.
An exhibition of finished work submitted by the various members is held annually, many pictures can be viewd on the right of this page.
Ballynacally/Lissycasey Apostolic works society
Contact............... Margaret Galvin (President) email by clicking here
