Meet our new MU Diocesan President
Meet Roberta Macartney, our new Down and Dromore MU Diocesan President, who was commissioned by Bishop Harold in St John’s Rathfriland on Sunday 6 January 2019.
I grew up in the village of Laurelvale, County Armagh, and my home parish was Mullavilly in Armagh Diocese where I worshipped until my husband Gerald went into ministry.
I have been married to Gerald for 46 years and we have three children; Linda, Christopher and Victoria, all of whom are married, and 8 grandchildren. I came to the Diocese of Down and Dromore almost five years ago when Gerald became rector of the grouped parishes of Drumgath, Drumgooland, Drumballyroney, and Clonduff.
I have been a member of Mothers’ Union since 1987, serving as Branch Leader in my home parish of Mullavilly and also in our first parish of Milltown. I also served as Diocesan Secretary of MU in Armagh Diocese.
Since coming to our present parishes (better known to most of you as Rathfriland and Ballyward), I have tried to attend both branch meetings. I have been a Trustee as Prayer Chain Representative for the past few years and Gerald is the MU Diocesan Chaplain.
I would love to see more younger people joining Mothers’ Union as I feel they can make a valuable contribution to their branch and I believe they too would benefit from the senior members, I know I certainly did. The aims and objectives of Mothers’ Union are firmly fixed on Christ’s teaching and a sound foundation for marriage and family life, bringing up children to know and love God and helping families facing adversity.
God has led me throughout in my decision to take up this post the most recent from Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you.” I take great comfort in knowing that I am not alone, having Jesus on this journey to guide and direct me as a constant companion on the way.
I would like to pay tribute to June Butler who is the outgoing Diocesan President and taking on an even greater task as All–Ireland President and also Zonal Trustee for Ireland. I thank her for the encouragement and support she has been to me since coming to the Diocese. I wish her every blessing in her step of faith and I know that the Mothers’ Union in Ireland will be in safe hands.
Down and Dromore is relatively new to me and I am very much looking forward to getting to know the different branches around the diocese and meeting you all.
May God bless you all in Mothers’ Union in the years ahead.
Roberta