Parishes can be a “shining example” to the community if they become actively involved in tackling climate change, according to a parish pastoral worker for the Archdiocese of Dublin. Speaking from the Czech Republic while on pilgrimage to Poland Jane Mellett said she believes the Church can be a “leading voice” on the issue of…
Organisers of Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland frightened people away from attending the papal Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, according to former Tánaiste Joan Burton. Speaking at an Oireachtas committee the Labour TD said organisers “scared most older people in Ireland into thinking that they could not do a two-mile walk”. “Those in charge of…
The decision by the publishing wing of the Irish Church to close three retail outlets by the end of next month is a strategic move coming against the background of a positive year, the company’s director has said. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Veritas Director Aidan Chester said the decision to close the shops in…
Ryan Tubridy, always a huge advocate for reading and someone with a great love of Irish books, gave high praise to Mythical Irish Beasts on the Late Late Toy Show on Friday night. Published by Currach Press, the book explores the mysterious and fantastical creatures of Ireland’s mythology. Mr Turbidy presented the book in the…
The Peter McVerry Trust has revealed that a record-breaking number of people suffering financially have availed of the charity’s services this year. In its 2017 annual report, published on December 4, the charity said it has been supporting almost 5000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Some 313 people progressed out of homelessness while…
A new model of ‘team ministry’ across parishes will allow parishes to pool talents while keeping their own distinct identities, according to Limerick’s Bishop Brendan Leahy. In a pastoral letter last weekend, Dr Leahy mapped out a plan to arrange the Diocese of Limerick’s parishes into ‘pastoral units’, groups of parishes served by teams of…
A Cork-based priest has condemned a vandalism attack of a nativity scene at one the city’s oldest ecclesiastical structures. Just hours after its unveiling on December 2, the Red Abbey Crib, located behind the railings inside the landmark abbey tower, was trespassed and vandalised. After the official light switch-on at the crib on Saturday night,…
A prominent Irish Catholic book publisher will be closing three of its stores due to “trading difficulty” and is making moves to invest more on online sales. Veritas announced its decision to shut outlets in Sligo, Monaghan and Naas today (November 30) with closure taking place by the end of January 2019. Mr Aidan Chester,…
Churches are on the front lines in reaching out to people suffering from violence in the home, priests have said. “In certain parts of Ireland I’d say it would be a big part of your ministry, and not an easy one,” Cork-based Redemptorist Fr Gerry O’Connor told The Irish Catholic, explaining that priests are often…
The Vatican is unlikely to invite Archbishop Diarmuid Martin to participate at a key summit on abuse due to be held in the New Year, one of the organisers has indicated. Pope Francis has called the heads of bishops’ conference from around the world – including Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin – to Rome in…
Chai Brady
Greg Daly
Colm Fitzpatrick