The relationship between faith and education is “extremely challenging” but Catholic school leaders must resist discouragement and instead focus on unlocking the dormant potential in every person they serve, Bishop Paul Dempsey has said. The Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin addressed the Association of Patrons and Trustees of Catholic Schools (APTCS) at Marino Institute on May…
A Lenten reflection resource from the Irish Synodal Pathway used language that even Rome had avoided — and sent Catholics into sensitive discussions without the formation needed to navigate them, a Dromore priest has argued. Fr Andrew McMahon, writing in The Irish Catholic, says Baptised and Sent in Lent was asking participants to address some…
“Ted and Dougal shouldn’t be dragged into it,” said Graham Linehan, co-creator of Father Ted, commenting about RTÉ’s decision to air the show in boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest For Mr Linehan, the decision of not airing the contest because Israel is participating is “not a principled humanitarian stand. It is antisemitism —…
A retired pastor has been convicted after preaching a Bible verse during an open-air church service inside an abortion safe access zone in Northern Ireland. Pastor Clive Johnston, 78, was fined £450 at Coleraine Magistrates Court on May 7 after being found to have breached safe access zone legislation outside Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. The…
This Sunday, the parishioners of St Andrew’s, Westland Row will gather to pray for Daniel O’Connell and give thanks for his legacy — a fitting act of remembrance from the Dublin parish that claims the Liberator as one of its own. For all his great achievements, O’Connell was first and foremost a proud Kerryman. But…
A recent retreat for priests of the Dioceses of Clonfert and Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora marked a milestone for 20 of the clergymen who attended, each celebrating a priestly jubilee. This year, five priests in the dioceses are celebrating 60 years of priesthood, four priests are celebrating 55 years, four priests are celebrating 50 years,…
Jerusalem bishop to promote pilgrimage of peace at Knock The Holy Land risks becoming “little more than a Christian theme park” if the persecution of its ancient Christian community is not halted, a senior Catholic charity leader has warned — as a Jerusalem bishop prepares to bring an urgent appeal to Ireland this month. Michael…
“There are those who say, we shouldn’t be using these machines to produce homilies. Well, have you listened to the average homily on a Sunday? They could do with a bit of improvement,” said Fr Brendan McGuire in conversation with The Irish Catholic, speaking about the positive ways to use AI in developing a homily.…
Parishioners and community members are paying respects online for beloved Galway priest Fr Martin McNamara, who died on May 1. Fr McNamara was ordained in 1962, and served in various parishes until settling as parish priest in Kiltullagh, Killimordaly and Clooncagh from 1986 to 2022. Killimordaly Hurling Club issued a statement on Facebook, where they…
Catholics in rural areas can expect an increase in Eucharistic services led by lay people in the years ahead, the Bishop of Derry has said. “There would certainly have to be,” Bishop Donal McKeown told The Irish Catholic, when asked whether there would be more Eucharistic services, in future, where priests are not available to celebrate…
Renata Steffens
Martina Purdy