I was at an anti-natal class where the mid-wife was discussing breastfeeding. She asked the room of expectant parents why they thought breastfeeding levels are so low in Ireland. Immediately one of the dads piped up with “because of the Catholic Church”. The midwife replied, “Ah now, the Catholic Church has its faults but we…
Holy Family Mission, working under the auspices of the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore, opened its doors officially on October 23, 2016, when 10 courageous young people from across the country committed a year of their lives to be formed in their faith, in order to share this with others. It is a response to…
Mags Gargan offers some inexpensive options for keeping children entertained during the summer The long summer school holidays are nearly upon us and it is time to start thinking of activities to keep children occupied. Summer camps and holidays away can only keep them busy for so long, and it’s far too easy to let…
Grace Fitzgerald Grace Fitzgerald describes a school pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick Last month 60 fourth year students from Laurel Hill Secondary School in Limerick, ventured over to Mayo to undertake one of Ireland’s highest mountain, Croagh Patrick. Tensions were high when we first spotted our initial glimpse of our hike to come, especially when the…
Sr Mary Threadgold RSC Sr Mary Threadgold RSC explores ways of coping with the challenges in later life As a child, the love of my life was my grandfather. From infancy, along with my father and brother, I had lived with extended family which included grandparents, uncles and an aunt. My mother had died shortly…
Jemma Halpin Working outside the school and parish model is a challenge and an opportunity, writes Jemma Halpin Presentation Brothers Youth Ministry (PBYM) is situated in what was previously the Edmund Rice Heritage Centre at Mardyke House, Cork. The centre is now used solely for youth ministry, in line with the Presentation Brothers’ mission of…
Anne Alcock Anne Alcock shares how she faced the challenge of a breast cancer diagnosis My bra is getting to me. I am wriggling with discomfort. Finding that loosening the band, or adjusting the cup, isn’t changing things. There is a sharp jab on my right side, going on for some days now like a…
Sean Finlay Sean Finlay recounts a once in a lifetime trip to experience Zambian culture The Zambian Immersion Project at St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise, offers 16 students a coveted once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Zambian culture first-hand through deeply enriching work in schools, orphanages and health clinics over an unforgettable two weeks. Our…
Mags Gargan meets young activists working to solve problems they see in their communities Farm safety, human trafficking, sexual consent, mental health, animal cruelty, eating disorders and climate change were among some of the issues being tackled by teenagers competing for the Young Social Innovators of the Year 2017 title. About 800 young people from schools…
Gillian Doherty Gillian Doherty reports from a retreat for Transition Year students The hills were alive with the sound of music, prayer, and praise in the Knockmealdown Mountains, Co. Waterford last week, as more than 350 Transition Year students from across Munster gathered for the Mount Melleray Youth Day 2017. The event was organised by…
Mags Gargan