Dear Editor, In your November 26 edition the question is asked, is there evidence that Irish people “punch above their weight” in paedophilia? There is no such evidence. But the impression has been successfully given that paedophilia is a specially Irish or Catholic or clerical problem. It is not. Catholics are partly to blame that such an impression…
Category: Opinion
The sacrifice of the Church
The whole Church is united with the offering and intercession of Christ, writes Cathal Barry
Recognising the importance of sensitivity
Some years ago, I was challenged by a bishop regarding an article I’d written. We were talking in his office and the tone eventually got a little testy: “How can you write something like that?” he asked. “Because it’s true,” was my blunt reply. He already knew it was true, but now, realising that, he…
The challenge of the Year of Mercy
Showing mercy may not always be easy but we must show mercy as God calls us to do, writes Andrew O’Connell
We have to carry faith outside of our comfort zone
Inspired by The Year of Mercy Parishes reach out to reconnect people with the Church, writes Editor Michael Kelly
With Christian Evangelicals in the troubled Middle East
Mary Kenny reflects on an overwhelming visit to a much changed Lebanon
Uplifted by a real life hero
“Being honourable, and living up to high ideals, is most of service to people when they least want it”, writes Breda O’Brien
Merciful like the Father
The Pope is challenging Catholics to transform a cynical and vindictive world, writes Fr Martin Browne OSB
Parents must be consulted on Govt childcare plans
Inflated claims about day care should be challenged, writes David Quinn
Catholic ethos being quietly subverted in education
Dear Editor, For the first time in a long time I feel there is a bit of a positive buzz around the Church in Ireland, thanks to Pope Francis nominating the Year of Mercy. I was very heartened to read in The Irish Catholic (IC 26/11/2015) that most dioceses across the country have embraced the…

Courtney McGrail
Cathal Barry
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Michael Kelly
Mary Kenny
Breda O'Brien
David Quinn