Changes planned for Communion and First Confession celebrations in Cork have repeatedly caused disagreements between primary school teachers and Bishop Fintan Gavin. Recently, Bishop Gavin sent a letter to parish priests asking for Communions to only take place on weekends, and First Confessions outside of school hours. The request was not received well by teachers…

More than 242 million students in 85 countries had their schooling disrupted by extreme climate events in 2024 according to Trócaire as it launched it’s Lenten campaign this week. Caoimhe de Barra, Trócaire’s CEO, says “The deep injustice of this is that those who have done least to cause the climate crisis, and who have…

Archbishop Dermot Farrell celebrated the ordination to the diaconate of Patrick Corkery SJ in the Gonzaga College Chapel, on March 2. During his homily, the archbishop said, “It is a joy for me to be with you today to ordain Patrick Corkery to the Diaconate. This is a day of hope. Any day when we…

The annual Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Abuse 2025 happens tomorrow, March 7, which is also the first Friday of Lent. On the day, blessed candles, also called ‘Candles of Atonement’, will be lit in parish churches and diocesan cathedrals across the country, “as a reminder to the faithful of the need…

On the eve of Ireland’s patron saint’s feast day, a Eucharistic Procession will take place in Athlone, “the heart of Ireland”. The procession will start at St Mary’s Church, Athlone, at 3pm, “on the hour of our mercy,” explains Anto Crossey, key organiser of the event, speaking to The Irish Catholic. “Jesus calls his children…

St Isidore’s College, founded in 1625, is marking its 400th anniversary this year. Located in Rome, the College has long been the heart of the Irish Franciscans in Rome and will celebrate the milestone with a series of events throughout 2025, including a symposium scheduled for May. The Irish Church in Rome will also host…

One year after performing in St Peter Basilica in the Vatican, the North Clondalkin Community Choir will sing in St John’s Cathedral, Limerick on March 9. The Choir’s Musical Director, Noel Collins said this is an opportunity for the people of Limerick “to hear the music we performed in the Vatican” during Mass led by…

One of the four pilgrim statues of the Sacred Heart blessed by Pope Francis was recently welcomed by Archbishop Eamon Martin to the Archdiocese of Armagh. The statue was received at St Patrick’s Cathedral at the 11am Mass on March 2. This date, Temperance Sunday, is linked with the Pioneers and their offering to the…

Clogher Diocese’s youth and young adult ministry office ‘Clogher don Óige’ gathered last weekend to begin their preparation for the Pilgrimage to Lourdes which will happen in July. James McLoughlin, Youth Ministry Director told The Irish Catholic that “starting preparations so many months in advance gives us the chance to ensure that everything is well-organised…