Reopening schools will be “very challenging”, but the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA) are “absolutely confident” of a returning near full capacity. All students and staff excepting those in high-risk categories will return in September, according to Seamus Mulconry, general secretary of the CPSMA. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, he said: “At the primary level,…

US gameshow and talkshow host Regis Francis Xavier Philbin, who has died at the age of 88, has been praised as a longtime proponent and supporter of Catholic schools. “I think it made a great difference. Solidified me….taught me an awful lot. Everything that I am right now I attribute to” Catholic education, Philbin said…

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly refused to confirm whether that the system allowing home abortions via telemedicine will cease after the Covid-19 crisis passes, following a query from Deputy Carol Nolan. Mr Donnelly would only commit to a review of the matter once the public health emergency is over he said in answer to a…

The man whose image defined the early days of the outbreak of conflict in the North has died. Fr Paul Farren, who officiated at his funeral, said that Paddy Coyle “never let the image define him” and he lived the life of “an ordinary Catholic”. Mr Coyle was photographed in Derry as a teenager wearing…

The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) has called on the new Government to put in place a process for remembrance and reflection in post-Covid-19 Ireland. The foundation submitted a paper outlining a series of proposals for Ireland to remember and reflect on the pandemic. This includes a national series of mourning and remembrance events for all…

Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam has asked the Faithful to put aside a day for God each week while the Sunday obligation is lifted due to the coronavirus, in his homily for Reek Sunday. Despite the Reek Sunday pilgrimage being cancelled this year, several people still braved the Croagh Patrick climb, some not wearing shoes.…

European bishops have welcomed what they described as the solidarity shown by EU governments in agreeing the Covid-19 stimulus package. However, they warned that the process will be a failure unless it is focused on the weaker members of the bloc. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, president of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European…

Professional footballer Alex Samuel praised God for being signed to the Wycombe Wanderers FC on social media in a message posted beside a picture of him kneeling and praying on the pitch. Alex took to Twitter to reveal how much God helped him in his career, saying: “This time two years ago I was out…

The Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) has claimed that the recently-launched strategy on mental health lacks real substance. “While a refreshed mental health policy is to be welcomed, the fact that the oversight group who developed the policy did not include any core health and social care professional members of mental health multidisciplinary teams…

An Irish charity has given pilgrims the opportunity to take part in a virtual Camino to help raise money to assist those suffering from homelessness. Focus Ireland launched their virtual walk due to the coronavirus pandemic. The charity said online: “This year due to Covid-19, we may not be able to go on our annual…