Parishes in the Republic will be able to celebrate First Holy Communion and Confirmation from July 5 under new Government guidelines. There has been disappointment in parishes in the Republic that the ceremonies could not go ahead, despite the fact that the celebrations are happening north of the border. The Irish Catholic understands that officials…
The incoming DUP leader Edwin Poots’ refusal to say whether or not he would attend a Catholic Mass if invited is a cause for “concern”, according to Prof. Deirdre Heenan of Ulster University. Answering this paper’s query about Mass, a spokesman for Mr Poots replied saying: “Mr Poots is heartened that people of all faiths are able…
The news that an Irish Microsoft subsidiary paid no corporation tax on €260 billion has been greeted as “a scandal” by Fr Peter McVerry. The company, Microsoft Round Island One, posted profits last year equal to nearly three-quarters of Ireland’s gross domestic product (GDP). The corporation tax takings on the €260 billion would have amounted…
The demand for Eucharistic bread is at a “trickle” according to the nuns who provide for much of Ireland’s need. The Irish Catholic reported last September on the “absolute decimation” of demand for altar breads at the onset of the pandemic, with the effect being likened to a guillotine dropping. Nine months on, the situation…
After an initial spike in the numbers of men putting themselves forward to become deacons it is beginning to level, according to the former National Director of the Permanent Diaconate, Bishop Michael Duignan. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Bishop Duignan of Clonfert said: “I suppose what we have noticed is initially a lot of people…
Lidl’s move to offer paid, compassionate leave for employees who’ve suffered a miscarriage, either directly or indirectly, has been welcomed as a “real example”. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Niamh Uí Bhriain of The Life Institute said it’s “great news, and fair play to Lidl”. “Miscarriage is a terrible loss and a real source…
Senator Ronan Mullen has dismissed a reply from the Department of Health as “a pretty pathetic response” after he asked the Minister for Health to clarify the State’s legal position on public worship. Almost two months after asking the question, Mr Mullen was told in the letter that the matters he raised are subject of…
A Catholic priest’s oratory in Scotland has reached the finals of this year’s ‘Shed of the Year’ competition. Fr Len Black from Inverness battled 331 entrants to reach the final of the Cuprinol Shed of the Year. The competition is in its 15th year, with the number of entrants doubling this year compared to 2020.…
An Irishwoman’s cause for canonisation has been opened by an order she founded in Texas. The cause for Mother Margaret Mary Healy Murphy of Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, is being forwarded by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate. A post on the order’s website May 20 revealed that the process of seeking Mother…
As Masses return to military barracks around the country, Fr Seamus Madigan has praised the dedication and hard work of military chaplains during the pandemic. His comments come as attendance of in-person worship restarted fully in military settings across the country, following a short delay in reopening churches in them. Fr Madigan, the head chaplain…
Chai Brady