Rugby legend Dan Carter has paid tribute to deceased Kerry teenager Donal Walsh as a “truly inspirational” young man. Donal Walsh lost his brave battle with cancer in May 2013 after coming to national fame for campaigning against youth suicide and his parents continue to spread his message through the Donal Walsh #LiveLife foundation. Advance…

At the start of the month 5th and 6th class girls from St Joseph’s primary school, Templemore, Co. Tipperary along with their teacher Ms Greed, principal Ms Foley and chaplain Fr Dominic Meehan embarked on a ‘spiritual’ school tour to mark the jubilee Year of Mercy. The day began with 10am parish Mass at Holycross…

The Triduum celebration for the Year of Mercy in Enniscorthy Cathedral in Co. Wexford drew large numbers of people daily from all corners of the Diocese of Ferns. Organised by the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the celebration filled the cathedral every day for morning Mass and queues formed to receive the Sacrament of Confession, which was…

Archbishop Eamon Martin has urged Catholic schools to be “courageous” in trialling new ways of celebrating First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies. Noting that “any attempt to get a national decision” on how best to celebrate First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies would fail, the Archbishop of Armagh insisted “the best examples of parish, home, school, linking…

A clear majority of newly elected Fianna Fáil TDs have said they are opposed to the repeal of the pro-life amendment to the Irish Constitution. In addition, of the 181 candidates who told pro-abortion groups that they favour the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, 80% failed to be elected. Fianna Fáil has emerged in a…

The Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA) has distanced itself from suggestions that it supports a programme aimed at 11 and 12 year olds which endorses the view that children can change sex. A pilot programme entitled ‘Altogether Now!’, currently being tested in some primary schools, describes itself as “supported by” an advisory group whose members…

Frank Kelly was a “committed” Catholic, according to the celebrated actor’s former parish priest. Mr Kelly, who was famous for roles including Fr Jack Hackett in the hit series Fr Ted, died on Sunday aged 77. Speaking to The Irish Catholic ahead of concelebrating at the actor’s funeral on Wednesday at the Church of the…

The Irish bishops are currently investigating the possibility of developing their own Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) programme for use in Catholic schools amid concerns about what is currently being taught in those schools, The Irish Catholic understands. Bishop Kevin Doran told this newspaper he is “anxious” that an RSE programme in keeping with Church…

Staff Reporter Parishioners have a “duty” to look out for priests who may be depressed as a result of being over-worked, a leading psychiatrist has warned. Prof. Patricia Casey told The Irish Catholic that priests, particularly since the abuse scandals, are “sometimes seen as not being human and that they are supposed to be like sponges…

Vigilant parishes have foiled an attempt by fraudsters to take advantage of the Trócaire Lenten box appeal. Some homes in two parishes in Co. Offaly were visited by individuals in mid-February claiming to be involved with Trócaire’s Lenten campaign. They delivered Trócaire boxes to the door and left instructions that they would call back after…