Government proposed tax cuts favour higher earners

A social justice think tank has urged tax proposals being considered by Government to be rejected as they would favour “only those with higher incomes”. Social Justice Ireland (SJI) makes the warning ahead of Budget 2018. A study conducted by the think tank focused on three proposals, which they say will cost the State roughly…

Catholic charity launches Romero Award for WMOF

Trócaire has launched an award that gives Irish families the chance to learn about the lives of families in developing countries in preparation for the World Meeting of Families (WMOF). The Romero award is separated into three categories, the first being families. The second is for schools/youth aimed at young people aged 4-19, and encourages…

Young urged to find God’s plan for their lives

Young people trying to plan their future are being encouraged to take up the challenge to try and discern God’s will for their lives in a new programme being pioneered by the Diocese of Elphin. The Siena programme is aimed at young people who may find themselves at a crossroads in life having just finished…

Devout Catholic Coronation Street star dies

A much-loved and Catholic soap star died aged 77 last week after 30 years on television. Liz Dawn, who played the fiery Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street, realised one of her dreams when she met St John Paul II when he was Pope in the Vatican in 1998 after years of charity work. The television…

I did not save my son…he saved me

Some stories make us uncomfortable. Mine is one of those stories, but I will tell it nonetheless, because I am a woman whose child was conceived in rape, and women like me will no longer be silenced. I was travelling on business, staying in a little hotel in a college town, when it happened. It was…

Countdown is on to the greatest show on earth

JUST 320 DAYS TO GO   Every three years the Church brings together the largest international gathering of families in the world. Ireland will have the joy of hosting the next World Meeting of Families on behalf of Pope Francis from 21-26 August 2018. This week the Irish Catholic newspaper is bringing you the first…

Centenary celebrations for historical Mayo church

Centenary celebrations for historical Mayo church A Mass marking the centenary of St Patrick’s Church in Newport, Co. Mayo was celebrated by Fr Tod Nolan. Referencing the historical significance of the church, local historian Joe McDermott said: “St. Patrick’s Church on Barrack Hill dominates the town of Newport. The church was erected by John Sisk…

Priest freed by kidnappers meets Prime Minister

The Indian Catholic priest who recently met the Pope after being freed by kidnappers in Yemen met with the Indian Prime Minister after returning home. Fr Tom Uzhunnalil returned to India last week after being freed after 18 months of captivity. He met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government officials. India’s foreign ministry…

UK bishops discuss Brexit with EU officials

Bishops from England and Wales met representatives from EU institutions to address issues and key concerns for the Church regarding Brexit. Bishop Nicholas Hudson led the delegation which discussed the importance of upholding human rights in trade deals, prisoner transfer rights, the North of Ireland and its border issues with the Republic of Ireland. They…