One 150 delegates attended the recent Diocesan Youth Ministry Conference held in Thornhill College, Derry. Representatives from over 30 parishes, 10 schools and several youth groups came together with clergy, religious and young people to plan the way forward with regard to developing faith opportunities for young people at parish level. John McAreavey was the…
Courtney McGrail
World of Books
By the Books Editor
An artist born to sing for the nation
An Poc ar Buile: The Life & Times of Seán Ó Sé by Seán Ó Sé with Patricia Ahern (Collins Press, €17.99.
It’s the little things that make a big difference
Adding detail is one of my favourite things about decorating a room. I love how a few simple ornaments and soft furnishings can make such a difference. In fact, it’s a great way to add colour to your room if you’re not quite bold enough to have peacock blue walls! It’s easy to pick up…
World News in Brief
Syria bishops call for negotiated solutions Syriac Catholic bishops have called for diplomatic solutions to achieve peace in Syria and Iraq. In a statement released at the conclusion of their annual synod, held in Harissa, Lebanon, the bishops urged countries, especially those directly involved in the Syrian conflict, to follow a path of “negotiation to…
Ordination does not confer any power
Dear Editor, Nuala O’Loan is very well aware of the important roles that women have played in the history of the Church, as can be seen in her article under The View (‘The Church needs to separate decision-making from ordination’ IC 22/10/2015). However, she still would like to see women holding more ‘prestigious’ places in…
Hallowe’en decorations a ghoulish step too far
Dear Editor, Each year we see Hallowe’en decorations and merchandise in shops and even restaurants and hotels something similar to the garlands and lighting for Christmas, usually in orange and black and looking as ghoulish as possible. “Hallowe’en” means “hallowed (or holy) evening” (even = e’en) as it preceded All Saints Day on November 1,…
Catholics should bear witness in daily life
Dear Editor, Cathal Barry (‘Some Catholic teachers feel “intimidated” in faith schools’, IC 22/10/2015) reports that some young teachers feel intimidated or fearful sharing their views on their Catholic faith in Catholic schools. I hope these teachers will take some solace from the words of Cardinal Basil Hume in his book To Be a Pilgrim,…
There will only ever be one Mass
Dear Editor, Having read the letter by Kieron Wood (IC 08/10/2015) it is obvious that there is continuous ‘Mass confusion’ following the introduction by Vatican II, to enforce upon the faithful Catholics, on the first Sunday of advent 1969, wherein six Protestant denominations collaborated with Vatican II and Pope Paul VI to order a new…
RTÉ disbelief doesn’t justify ditching the Angelus!
Dear Editor, After running for 53 years on the national broadcaster the final knell of the bells has sounded for the traditional-style Angelus on RTÉ television. Angelus is a beautiful title of Greek and Latin origin meaning a name, angel or messenger. It was so appropriate to the Annunciation on TV with the icon of…