Pastoral Role
Why not become a Pioneer?
Why do we exist?
The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association provides its members with a concrete opportunity of living the faith in a most positive manner, in a world where alcohol and drug abuse are major problems worldwide. The results of such abuse in our society are obvious – affecting the individual, the family and society in general. Alcohol abuse impacts upon families by creating disharmony in the home, and, potentially, destabiliding marriage and family life. How many families have been destroyed by alcohol abuse is anyone's guess, but, surely we can learn from these tragic lessons, and build a better future for the next generation. A vibrant, peaceful, happy family life is widespread, and manifests itself in many areas, in teams of increased violence on our streets, public disorder, road traffic accidents, and other serious offences, which impact upon other people.
Who are the Pioneers?
For the founder, Father Cullen, a Pioneer, is a committed Christian, faithful to the teachings of the Church, and, dedicated to living out the message of the Gospel in daily life. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus helps us to develop our relationship with and understanding of God, to become better Christians, and, to enable us to reach our final destination – heaven.
Our purpose
Based on the teachings of Jesus, the Association focuses on prayer and sacrifice, along with the practical acts of charity, as a most effective means of helping addicts escape from their slavery to alcohol and drugs. There are many ways of dealing with these problems, but, out conviction and belief lies in the Power and Grace of God, assisted by our own efforts, to help people with addictions to transform their lives.
Effects of addictions
An addiction destroys not only the body, but the human spirit as well. The will to live is weakened, hope turns to despair, joy to sadness, and the world becomes a dark, bleak, and dreary place. The Pioneer asks God to reach into the depths of afflicted souls, to fill them with love, to bring them back from the brink, and, to turn their lives around.
Love is the basis of the Pioneer Commitment
The Pioneer is motivated by love and compassion for those suffering from addictions. This love is expressed through life-long sacrifice and commitment. Some donate money for good causes, others give of their time, while others work in relief organisations, which are all highly commendable, charitable acts. Inspired by the self-emptying of Christ, "the Pioneer dies to drink so that others might live".
Why should you become a Pioneer?
Membership, apart from its benefits to the individual member, provides a person with the opportunity of solidarity, with those who are concerned or affected by the problems of addiction in our society.