Dublin parishioners are being asked to come up with creative ways to help spark faith in parents who bring their children for First Holy Communion but are not churchgoers. In a wide-ranging consultation process launched this week, parishes will be asked to face up to the reality that of the many children who receive the…
A priest based in a border county has condemned dissident republican activity in the area, after paramilitary arms were found by gardaí over the weekend. Around one thousand rounds of ammunition and a mortar tube were found in two hides, approximately 6km from Omeath, Co. Louth, on Saturday. The ammunition was concealed in lunch boxes…
Reintroiducing meat-free Fridays would help Christian spirituality and the environment according to a monk and a professor. The Friday Fast was changed in 1983 after a decree from the Irish bishops which stated Catholics could fulfil Friday Penance by abstaining from alcohol, smoking, meat or some food, by making a special effort at family prayer…
Greg Daly and Colm Fitzpatrick Well-known homelessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry has said that celibacy has been essential to enabling him to work for Dublin’s poorest and most marginalised. “From a practical point of view, being a Jesuit you’ve a freedom to work in a way that you wouldn’t be free to work if…
US superstar Ashton Kutcher has been praised by pro-life groups after posting a Down syndrome advocate’s powerful testimony in front of Congress. The actor shared the video of Special Olympian Frank Stephen’s pro-life message with the message: “Everyone’s life is valuable.” Kutcher’s post comes amid a reignited debate partly led by New York’s recent passing of…
Tributes have been pouring in after a Laois-based priest died in a tragic accident involving his car, with Bishop Denis Nulty describing his death as “heart-wrenching” in his funeral homily over the weekend. Fr John Cummins (52) of Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, died after an incident at his home on the Ballinakill Road on January 30…
Two-parent families are under immense pressure to remain in the workforce, leaving them less opportunity to spend valuable time with their children, a leading theologian has said. Dr Tom Finnegan of St Patrick’s College, Thurles, told The Irish Catholic that the sheer expense of living is forcing parents into the workforce, meaning they can no…
Well-known actor Dean Cain, best known for playing the role of Superman in the TV series Lois & Clark, has said that the crimes of convicted abortionist Kermit Gosnell would be legal under new “healthcare” laws passed in New York. Discussing the Reproductive Health Act passed last month, the actor who also stars in and…
Bishop of Cloyne William Crean has announced a fresh round of clerical appointments as the vocations crisis continues to bite. Two priests of the diocese will retire later this month, Canon Jackie Corkery of Kanturk and Fr Michael Dorgan of Castlemagner. Bishop Crean has announced that Fr Tobias Bluitt, PP Doneraile is to take on…
It’s not resourcing that’s the real issue in parishes, but a need to recognise that all those baptised have a “right and responsibility” to use their gifts, according to a psychotherapist and lecturer in pastoral ministry and liturgy. Mrs Jane Ferguson, who will deliver a four week course on pastoral leadership in March, said rather…
Greg Daly
Colm Fitzpatrick
Chai Brady