Laura McNamara describes the work of a new chaplaincy team in her school

"My, how you’ve grown – look at the size of you!” Thankfully, most polite people stop making such exclamations once we reach adulthood. However, for children, expressions of amazement at their having grown are an everyday thing. Underlying these commonplace exclamations is the joy we feel that the child is thriving and growing. We sense…

The summer stretches out like a golden path of possibilities

Speaking the truth is an incredibly brave and inspiring act, writes Ben Conroy

The Author Winston Pendleton wrote “The best way to get a puppy is to beg for a baby brother and they’ll settle for a puppy every time”. Despite having provided both a baby brother and sister, my children tell me that they still want a pet. As a youngster, I lived in terror of my…

Children love animals, but the reverse is not always so. To animals, especially ones which belong in the wild, children are erratic, noisy little creatures, capable of pulling tails, poking eyes and shrieking alarmingly. Still, it is always a sad day when a child first comes to the realisation that their love for an animal…

My eight-year-old daughter made her First Confession recently, or First Penance as it’s now called. I had her well versed in exactly what to do and say – how to tell her sins, listening for her penance and reciting her Act of Sorrow. Unfortunately, she was sick on the big day, but was determined not…

Bairbre Cahill reflects on the importance of the Eucharist in our everyday lives

It is very close to ‘that time of year’ again in our house as our three children celebrate their birthdays within a few days of each other. Much like those poor individuals who miss out on a proper birthday celebration because it falls on December 25, having a birthday in such close proximity to not…

Get inspired with Erin Fox’s seasonal cherry blossom cake