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| Representatives of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart from Ireland visiting Madison recently with Eddie Cotter, left, executive director of the Dead Theologians Society, are Raymond O’Connor and Fr. Bernard McGuckian, S.J. (Catholic Herald photo/Pam Payne) |
MADISON — Eddie Cotter, executive director of the Dead Theologians Society (DTS) headquartered in the Diocese of Madison, took the pledge 26 years ago.
Cotter met members of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart (PTAA, also known as the Pioneers) while visiting Dublin, Ireland.
Taking the Pioneer pledge
“I didn’t have a history of drinking,” said Cotter, “but I thought it would be a good thing to take the Pioneer pledge.”
This meant that Cotter promised to abstain from all alcoholic drink, wear the Pioneer emblem featuring the Sacred Heart, and recite the Pioneer prayer twice daily.
Cotter discussed his 26-year history with the Pioneers during a recent visit to the Catholic Herald office in Madison. Accompanying him from Ireland were Raymond O’Connor, assistant to the CEO of the Pioneers, and Fr. Bernard McGuckian, S.J., editor of Pioneer magazine.
Cotter’s son and daughter have also taken the Pioneer pledge. Any adult over 18 who has abstained from alcohol for at least one year in the immediate prior period may apply for lifelong membership.
Founded in 1898
The Pioneer Association was founded in 1898 to provide a Christian solution to the problem of alcohol abuse. Members freely choose to abstain from alcohol and offer this sacrifice as a prayer for the freedom of others who are addicted.
Pioneer Pledge:
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Father McGuckian, who himself has been a member of the Pioneers for 63 years, said the association was founded by another Jesuit priest, Fr. James Cullen, S.J.
As many of us know, “There were lots of problems with alcohol abuse in Ireland at that time,” said Father McGuckian. “Father Cullen had a vision to consider abstaining from alcohol and offer prayer for the addicted.”
Importance of prayer
The spiritual aspect is a vital part of the mission of the Pioneers.
As it says on the PTAA website (www.pioneerassociation.ie), “Our vision — based on the love in the Heart of Christ, as expressed in the Gospels — is to help to build a society where people live to their full potential and alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation avoiding the ills that arise in society from excess in its use.
“We believe in the power of prayer, sacrifice, and God’s grace to radically transform the lives of those who are addicted. In the heart of Jesus is the abyss of all virtues and the solution to all of mankind’s ills.”
The Pioneers’ mission is to address the problems in society caused by excess alcohol consumption and drug usage. They do this through:
- Faith and prayer
- Self-denial
- Activities based on presenting alternatives to individuals, particularly the young
- Advocacy
Promoting a healthy attitude
O’Connor, who took the pledge in the year 2000, said his parents were Pioneers. He emphasized that the association doesn’t believe in prohibition of alcohol. Rather, he said, “It’s having a healthy attitude and encouraging people to drink in moderation. We choose not to drink out of love and compassion for others.”
Father McGuckian compared it to celibacy and marriage. Priests take a vow of celibacy, he explained. “We’re not against marriage. I’m called to celibacy. It’s a calling. We have to decide if we’re called to live this way. Anything that denies self is an act of love.”
O’Connor said many people take the Pioneer pledge because they know someone — a family member or friend — who has a problem with alcohol. “They offer it up for another person,” he said.
Father McGuckian noted that the Pioneers do not compete with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). “There are people who are involved in both AA and the Pioneers,” he noted.
He noted that four members of the Pioneers being considered as possible saints in the Catholic Church: Venerable Matt Talbot, Venerable Edel Quinn, Servant of God Fr. John Sullivan, S.J., and Servant of God Frank Duff.
In Wisconsin, Father McGuckian and O’Connor met with members of the Dead Theologians Society, which is a Catholic apostolate for high school age teens and college age young adults. They also talked with students at St. Ambrose Academy in Madison.
They visited Green Bay and La Crosse, where they stopped at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Becoming a member
There are currently about 500,000 members of the Pioneers worldwide, with a growing number in the United States.
It is simple to take the Pioneer pledge. Go to the association’s website for more information.
The PTAA has different categories of membership depending on age, or whether it is a lifelong or a temporary membership:
- Lifelong Membership
- Juvenile Membership
- Young Persons Membership
- Limited-Period Pledge
In addition, information about the PTAA may be found on its Facebook page.
Eddie Cotter is also willing to answer any question about the Pioneers. He may be reached at 608-767-4063.