Ruadhán JonesFor believers, the ability to practice their faith and receive spiritual guidance are “the highest of essential services”
Vatican official insists religious services are ‘essential services’
Category: News
Bishops: Make vaccines available for chaplains, priests ‘as a matter of priority’
Health authorities should make vaccines available for carers, chaplains and priests who conduct funerals “as a matter of priority”, the Council for Healthcare of the Bishops’ Conference has said
Archbishop Eamon Martin publishes message for Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse
Archbishop Martin has offered apologies and expressed a desire “to make atonement” in his video message to victims and survivors, as the Catholic Church in Ireland marks its Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse. Speaking in the video, Archbishop Eamon said, “No wonder so many people who have been abused find it…
Evangelicals unite in calling for churches to be re-opened
Churches must be reopened for public worship, evangelical pastors and their congregations have told the Government in a new video campaign, saying “man cannot live by bread alone”. The video, which was posted less than 24 hours ago, has already seen hundreds of shares and likes on social media platforms. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Pastor John Ahern of…
Vatican staff who refuse vaccine face the chop
Michael Kelly
Vatican staff who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid-19 could be sacked under a decree made public by the city state, which employs around 5,000 people. An employee must have a documented medical reason for refusing a jab or face “consequences of various degrees which may go as far as the termination of employment,” according…
Pope asks whether your life is centred on God or yourself for Lent
Lent is a time to reconsider the path one is taking in life and to finally answer God’s invitation to return to him with one’s whole heart, Pope Francis has said. “Lent is not just about the little sacrifices we make, but about discerning where our hearts are directed,” he said, “toward God or toward…
Catholic parents voice anger at exclusion from school talks
Representatives of Catholic parents have expressed frustration that they have been excluded from key discussions between the Department of Education and other stakeholders about issues as vital as getting children back to school. The Catholic Secondary Schools Parents Association (CSSPA) is the representative body for parents with children in Catholic secondary schools in Ireland, and…
Covid-19 restrictions put Trócaire Lenten appeal ‘at risk’
Chai Brady
Trócaire has warned that one-third of its annual donations have been put at risk after Covid-19 restrictions severely curtailed the distribution of Trócaire boxes this Lent. The Church-charity’s Lenten Appeal began on Ash Wednesday but the closure of schools and public Mass restrictions due to the pandemic have meant Trócaire boxes won’t reach many homes this year.…
Outdoor Mass could be key for Easter return to public worship
Chai Brady, Ruadhán Jones and Jason Osborne If public worship is still restricted at Easter, a prominent TD has urged the Government to allow Mass to be celebrated outdoors. Clare TD Michael McNamara has said due to the religious significance of the period outdoor Masses should be considered if the Government is not willing to…
Artane parish remembers Stardust 40 years on
Artane parish has made an extra effort to commemorate the Stardust tragedy this year, with Fr Peter O’Reilly unveiling a display in memory of the victims, both dead and injured. The parish in which many of the victims were buried, Artane is deeply connected to the Stardust tragedy, Fr O’Reilly told this paper. “This year…