Child poverty could be as high as 21% if the economy fails to recover by the end of the year, according to a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The figures “are, sadly, not surprising” said Kieran Stafford, National President of St Vincent De Paul. “Child poverty is already at an unacceptable…
The Irish Blessing, originally released in May, came second to its UK counterpart in the UK Christian Music Chart for July after a public vote. Co-producer, Fr Martin Magill, says the team are “absolutely delighted” with the result, and prays that it continues to a blessing for people around the world. Speaking to The Irish…
Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has said that the Government’s failure to agree a protocol on allowing more than 50 people at Mass means some churches are forced to turn people away, making physical distancing more problematic. State authorities had originally said that public Masses could recommence on June 29. At the time, outgoing Taoiseach…
Priests and parishioners across Ireland have expressed joy at being able to return to Mass after more than 100 days without the sacraments. Many parishes opened early on Monday to welcome back congregations, and other churches will do so this week and next. Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy said: “It’s a time to return with…
The bishop of Derry diocese, Donal McKeown, was among more than 30 people recognised in this year’s Lambeth Awards which were announced this week by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The awards acknowledge “outstanding contributions to the Church and wider society”. In total, 32 awards were announced to people from fields including evangelism, the religious life, safeguarding, ecumenism, theology…
A total of 6,666 abortions were carried out in the Republic in 2019, according to figures released by the Department of Health. Niamh Uí Bhriain of the Life Institute described the figures as “shocking and tragic”. She told The Irish Catholic: “It’s tragic to see this first report, it’s tragic to see that 6,666 babies…
The newly-appointed Bishop of Kilmore has insisted that laypeople must play an increasingly important role in decision-making. Bishop-elect Martin Hayes said the Church of the future will see more lay involvement and co-responsibility between priests and the laity. Speaking on his appointment as Bishop of Kilmore, Bishop-elect Hayes said his brief “will be to listen,…
Famous Irish presenter Seán O’Rourke said his Faith is important to him and that he believes in the hereafter, including Hell. Speaking to Ivan Yates, Mr O’Rourke explained that both his parents were “practising Catholics and quite devout”. O’Rourke went to Mass every weekend during college and still believes Faith is an important part of…
The Church’s sacraments are a gift and cannot be denied to disabled people, according to new Church guidelines for catechesis. Irish theologian Liam Waldron, who has long campaigned on this topic, was “delighted” by the announcement. “I welcome this greatly,” he said. “It has been a long time coming and a lot of us have…
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD offered congratulations to the new Taoiseach and ministers, but criticised generalities and indecision in the Programme for Government (PfG). Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Tóibín congratulated Taoiseach Mícheal Martin on his appointment and said that he and his ministers “have been given offers so much opportunity for you and if…
Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady