Wonderful atmosphere of togetherness as families filled pews Priests across the country have voiced their delight with the “massive” number of parishioners who attended their Christmas Masses. Many clergy were “impressed” and “encouraged” by the turnout, with others noting it was the best they have seen in years. Fr Andrew O’Sullivan PP of Rathgar and…

The St Patrick’s Missionary Society (Kiltegan Fathers) will establish a Mission Parish in the heart of the Kildare and Leighlin Diocese in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow. The mission team should arrive in the parish on February 23. It is expected the parish will develop a strong missionary focus, embracing the Pope’s vision of Synodality. Bishop Denis…

The Irish Homeless Policy Group, a group formed by several organisations which work in the sphere of housing and homelessness, launched on January 7 at an event at Buswells Hotel ‘10 key actions on homelessness’ to be included in the next Programme for Government. According to the group, the latest figures show that a total…

The decision to end The Priests, one of Ireland’s most successful musical acts of the last decade is a “bittersweet” one that wasn’t taken lightly according to a member of the trio, who finds solace that even in the group’s retirement, their “music and CDs are still there and will always be available” to encourage…

Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown is starting a 33-day journey of prayer towards the Consecration to Jesus Christ through Mary today. The prayer will happen online each evening at 7 pm and should take around fifteen minutes. The 33 days of prayer will happen from the week following the Baptism of the Lord until the…

Despite the exorbitant cost of heating, priests have said churches must be kept warm and welcoming or people won’t come – particularly as Ireland was hit this week with temperatures well below freezing. Fr Tom Ryan Co-PP of Ennis, Doora-Barefield, Clarecastle-Ballyea, Quin and Clooney in Co. Clare said that priests are “very aware” of the expense…

A Dublin parish that has recently “taken the plunge” and made the move to solar has hailed the move to more sustainable practices not only for the practical energy and cost reduction benefits, but also because they’re directly responding to the call of the Pope and seeing it as their Christian duty. Speaking to The…

An Irish Dominican nun, described as an “educational pioneer” and “award-winning filmmaker” has died at the age of 106. Sr Maureen MacMahon joined the Irish Congregation of Dominican Sisters in 1936 and went on to innovate in both educational and filmmaking realms. Commenting after Sr MacMahon’s death, Fr Conor McDonough OP said that the nun…

If Dublin airport’s passenger cap is not lifted there will be a “big reduction” in the number of charter flights taking pilgrims to holy sites around the world, the CEO of the DAA, the company that owns and operates Dublin Airport and Cork Airport, has warned. Mr Kenny Jacobs told The Irish Catholic he has…