10,000 apprenticeships have been announced this week as part of an Action Plan on Apprenticeships, the move being hailed as a “positive development” by Fr Sean Healy SMA of Social Justice Ireland. As part of the new plan, 10,000 apprenticeships will be created every year from 2025 onwards, with a target to hire 750 public…
Category: Irish News
Archbishop tells minister of ‘deep concern’ over criminalising public worship
The Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin has expressed “deep concern” regarding the criminalising of public worship despite Church cooperation with public health messaging, in a meeting with the Minister for Health today. Archbishop Eamon met with Minister Stephen Donnelly and Dr Colette Bonner from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer in the afternoon…
Catholics: don’t be afraid of reason and science – here’s why
The perceived tension between science and religion is a misunderstanding of the relationship between faith and reason writes Dr Andrew Meeszaros The alleged incompatibility between a scientific worldview and a religious one has been a major and consistent factor in the rise of the ‘nones’, or those with no religious affiliation. Because religion seems to…
Taoiseach praises Church leaders for peace building in North
Church leaders were praised for their “ongoing contribution to peace building” in the North by Taoiseach Micheál Martin following a meeting yesterday. The Taoiseach and Church leaders also agreed they “look forward to the time when church services and other in-person activities can resume”. Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin, Church of Ireland Primate of…
Online events mark 5th anniversary of the death of Sr Clare Crockett
Tomorrow, April 16, marks the 5th anniversary of the death of Sr Clare Crockett and the five young women who died with her. The young sister died in an earthquake in Ecuador in 2016. A series of online events are set to take place over the weekend to mark the occasion. April 16 will see…
Devotion to Irish nun thrives as hopes rise for canonisation cause
Five years on from her death, devotion to Derry nun Sr Clare Crockett continues to grow, as hope increases the Church will soon open her canonisation cause. On April 16, the five-year waiting period required by the Vatican before a potential cause can be considered for the sister – who died in an earthquake in…
‘Horrendous’ attacks on Catholic homes dubbed ‘sectarianism’
Attacks on three homes in Carrickfergus attributed to loyalists aiming to intimidate Catholic residents have been dubbed “horrendous” and sectarian. Windows of houses were smashed in three areas in Woodburn estate, with the PSNI saying a man wearing a balaclava was seen running away after two of the incidents. Responding to reports, SDLP Cllr Eugene…
We Need Worship group highlights public worship plight
A Facebook page dedicated to documenting the suffering of those going without public worship in Ireland has “given a voice to people”. Sandra Parda, of the ‘We Need Worship’ page told The Irish Catholic that the testimonies pouring in from around the country, and given a platform by the page, just “make my heart break”.…
Dáil must change rule preventing ‘Mass ban’ query – TD
A prominent TD has said it is “extremely disappointing” that the Dáil refused to allow her to question Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on whether it is an offence to attend Mass. Laois-Offaly deputy Carol Nolan was seeking clarification because the minister previously told the Dáil it was not an offence, but the State is now…
‘Lord take him by the hand and bring him home’ – moving tributes paid to Shay Healy
John McColgan, founder of Riverdance, said a “quiet prayer” for his friend, the Irish songwriter and broadcaster Shay Healy after he died following a “hard-fought battle” with Parkinson’s. Mr McColgan first met Shay Healy in the 1960s and said they remained friends ever since. Speaking on the Brendan O’Connor radio show, he spoke of how…