The previously existing parish centre of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (PTAA) of the Sacred Heart, which had ceased to function for a time, has been re-established in the parish of St Patrick, Ringsend.

The PTAA stresses very strongly that it is not anti-alcohol. It has no problem with people who choose to enjoy a social drink in moderation. Its aim is to promote the virtue of temperance which, although in the minds of many people might suggest total abstinence, does not in fact do so.

The virtue of temperance does not preclude the legitimate enjoyment of alcohol in reasonable moderation. This concern for intelligent moderation in the use of alcohol which the Pioneer Association has is shared not just by religious leaders, but also by the State. Alcohol abuse destroys individual lives, wrecks marriages, causes unspeakable suffering in families and is very often a contributory factor in the tragically high number of deaths on our roads. The abuse of alcohol is not just a matter of spiritual or moral concern; it is a gravely serious social problem.

The Pioneer Movement is spiritually based. That is not to say that it doesnít have all the human and social concerns I have referred to. In fact it is precisely because it is spiritually based that it can be most effective in addressing those concerns.

The Pioneer makes the personal choice to make the sacrifice of renouncing alcohol for life for the love of God and neighbour, to make reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the sins committed through the excessive use of alcohol and also, very importantly, to try to help people by their sacrifice and prayers who have problems with alcohol. The PTAA absolutely condemns any idea or attitude of a Pioneer looking down his or her nose on the person with a drink problem. The true Pioneer has nothing but understanding and compassion for anyone with a drink problem, especially those unfortunate people who bear the burden of the illness, and I stress illness, of alcoholism.

Part of the motivation of a true Pioneer is to try by their own personal sacrifice and prayers to help those people. If you are a catholic and a non-drinker, but not a Pioneer, why not turn your natural habit of not drinking into a supernatural virtue by becoming a Pioneer, by wearing the badge to give good example and to give support and encouragement to those who are struggling with a drink problem by the daily recitation of the Association’s prayers. You would be doing immeasurable good. Please think and pray about it.

There are five categories of Pioneers. Juvenile Pioneer (aged 8-11 years) who undertake not to drink alcohol for a chosen period of time, for example, up to the age of sixteen. These children must have their parents’ consent to join. Then there are young Pioneers (aged 12 years and upwards) who promise to abstain from alcohol up to at least 18 years of age and refrain from the use of illicit drugs for life. Next there is the temporary Pioneer. These are adults who pledge to give up alcohol for a chosen period of time, maybe to get their drinking under better control and with a view to becoming a permanent Pioneer if they think they can manage it.

Then there is the permanent Pioneer. These are 16 years old plus who haven’t partaken of alcohol for a period of at least one year prior to enrolment. The permanent Pioneer takes a pledge of total abstinence for life. Finally there is the short term pledge Pioneer. These are adults who take a pledge of total abstinence for a period of their own choice. The pledge may be renewed as frequently as desired.

Each category of Pioneer has its own distinctive badge. Members are asked to wear the badge publicly. Most importantly of all, members are asked to pray the prayers of the Association on a daily basis for the intentions, aims and objectives of it and in a very special way to help individuals and families who suffer through the abuse of alcohol.

If you want to help people who are suffering through the abuse of alcohol then please consider becoming a Pioneer. Members of our centre in Ringsend are available in the sacristy of the church every Sunday morning between 11.00am and 1.00pm to enrol new members. We would be delighted to see you.

God be with you
Tom Sheridan
Council secretary