Courtney McGrailDear Editor, Regarding chaplaincy support services (IC 14/04/2016 ‘Mass attendance a crude measure of chaplaincy support services’), Texas A&M State University (Aggieland) is of interest. In 2011 Aggieland had 52,775 students. St Mary’s Catholic Centre housed the Catholic campus ministry. Daily Mass attendance averaged 175; Sunday Masses drew between 4,000 and 5,000 worshippers. There were…
Category: Letters
Letters page warrants expansion
Dear Editor, In reference to Isabella Corr’s letter of 21/04/2016, I second her proposal that the Letters Page warrants expansion, albeit at the expense of advertisements. Your short format is appropriate and your items present pleasant and interesting topics in contrast to the mainstream media ‘rubbish’. Yours etc., Elizabeth McCluskey, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.
Congratulations to Kilkenny Presentation choir
Dear Editor, Please let me add my congratulations to Presentation Secondary School in Kilkenny on their incredible performance on Britain’s Got Talent. I missed the original broadcast but after reading your news story (IC 28/04/2016) I looked up the clip on YouTube and was blown away, just as much as the judges and the audience,…
In reference to the name of the inhabitants of Lesbos
Dear Editor, Interesting that Mary Kenny (IC 21/04/2016) empathised with that Kentish priest’s ‘lesbian’ dilemma. I think it shouldn’t have embarrassed him to have to say, “The Lesbians…” However, lesbians (small ‘l’) are not confined to Lesbos (now Lesvos), as we all know. Lesvos, apart from being the birthplace of the poet Sappho in the…
An opportunity for mercy
Dear Editor, In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, is it time for the Irish Church to revise its treatment of Bishop Eamon Casey? Yours etc., Pat Conneely, Dublin 11.
Early intervention needed to keep children from gangs
Dear Editor, What an interesting suggestion from former gangster John Pridmore to use the Confirmation programme to show children “how they can use their gifts to help others rather than hurt people” (IC 21/04/2016). I have heard Mr Pridmore’s incredible story at a parish mission where he described his life of drugs, organised crime, power…
Irish churches need to embrace new technology
Dear Editor, The failure of the Catholic Church to note the very pragmatic steps taken by other religions to help congregations is odd. Why, when providing resources that can help the celebration of Mass, does our Church fail so often and so miserably – certainly in Ireland – to venture out of old habits and…
Lack of support for Christians in Holy Land
Dear Editor, Nuala O’Loan referred to the plight of Palestinians in the Holy Land (IC 21/04/2016) pointing out Israel’s policy of ignoring international condemnation of its activities, which include land grabbing and depriving them of the most basic human rights of water and electricity and the blockade of Gaza continues. While international condemnation is forthcoming,…
Congratulations on the Vocations Sunday issue
Dear Editor, I just want to thank you for the lovely issue of The Irish Catholic on Vocations Sunday (IC 14/04/2016). I really enjoyed reading about the different congregations of religious. God bless and keep up your good work. Yours etc., Maureen Breen, Kilrush, Co. Clare.
Church in Ireland needs more people like Sr Clare Crockett
Dear Editor, I was very moved by the description of Sr Clare Crockett by the curate from her Derry parish (IC 21/04/2016), following her tragic death in the earthquake in Equador. She sounded like a very inspirational woman who had an interesting faith story and her parish is rightly proud of her example and witness…