A social justice think tank has urged tax proposals being considered by Government to be rejected as they would favour “only those with higher incomes”. Social Justice Ireland (SJI) makes the warning ahead of Budget 2018. A study conducted by the think tank focused on three proposals, which they say will cost the State roughly…

The organisation tasked with promoting vocations to religious life has joined forces with a youth evangelisation group in order to reach out to young people. “We realised you need to have young people to network with young people,” Vocations Ireland Director Margaret Cartwright told The Irish Catholic. The organisation is working in partnership with NET Ministries…

Trócaire has launched an award that gives Irish families the chance to learn about the lives of families in developing countries in preparation for the World Meeting of Families (WMOF). The Romero award is separated into three categories, the first being families. The second is for schools/youth aimed at young people aged 4-19, and encourages…

Young people trying to plan their future are being encouraged to take up the challenge to try and discern God’s will for their lives in a new programme being pioneered by the Diocese of Elphin. The Siena programme is aimed at young people who may find themselves at a crossroads in life having just finished…

JUST 320 DAYS TO GO   Every three years the Church brings together the largest international gathering of families in the world. Ireland will have the joy of hosting the next World Meeting of Families on behalf of Pope Francis from 21-26 August 2018. This week the Irish Catholic newspaper is bringing you the first…

With the World Meeting of Families now less than a year away, it wasn’t surprising that this year’s Faith and Life Convention in the Diocese of Down and Connor should have focused in large part on the theme of family, not least as expressed in Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis’ exhortation on marriage and the family.…

Centenary celebrations for historical Mayo church A Mass marking the centenary of St Patrick’s Church in Newport, Co. Mayo was celebrated by Fr Tod Nolan. Referencing the historical significance of the church, local historian Joe McDermott said: “St. Patrick’s Church on Barrack Hill dominates the town of Newport. The church was erected by John Sisk…

A renowned Irish songwriter has called on the Church to consecrate the ground at traditional sites where Ireland’s unbaptised children are buried. Brendan Graham, who won the Eurovision song contest twice with ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids’ and ‘The Voice’ in 1994 and 1996, said it would be a massive thing for the Church to do.…

The Mullingar Parish Adoration Committee has planned a Eucharistic Assembly giving people a chance to “affirm their dedication”. The event will take place in Bloomfield Hotel, Mullingar on Saturday October 14, and is for people who take part in Eucharistic dedication in parishes across Westmeath. “I am very excited that Mullingar parish will host this…

For 25 years worshippers in Shannon and Kilrush have attended the Matt Talbot Novena to pray for those who are suffering or have been affected by addiction. Matt Talbot grew up in poverty as his father was an alcoholic. He also began drinking heavily until he was 28, leaving his life in ruins. After taking…