It’s Easter weekend and it’s time to rip open the bags of mini eggs for some serious Easter baking. But before you jump straight into helping your parents make a bunny rabbit cake or a chocolate nest, think of ways you can bake that reflects what Easter’s all about. This light orange sponge inspired by…
Category: Family & Faith
Long-term care costs an urgent issue
An ageing population has led to a significant increase in the number requiring nursing home care in Ireland in recent years. While the vast majority of adults aged over 65 continue to live at home, about 5% have care needs that require placement in long-term care rising to about 20% in those aged over 80…
Faith in the Family
I am a happy mammy. For three weekends in a row my whole brood is at home. It is unusual enough to get our older two girls home together but because of a few family events and now Easter we are having a great run of family time. I love the banter and craic, sitting…
Parishes have many options for talking climate change
Hannah Evans “At all levels, a change of mind-set is needed. It is the same mind-set that is needed to tackle both climate change and world poverty.”(Laudato Si’ 175) The words of Pope Francis were gratefully received in 2015 when he released his ground-breaking papal encyclical Laudato Si’. Since Trócaire began the number of natural…
You can have fun without drinking
Jim Bird The social aspect of the Pioneers has had a positive effect on my life, writes Jim Bird I hail from the small rural area of Boardsmill in Co. Meath. I’m 24 and currently studying history and geography in Maynooth University in the hope of entering the teaching profession. My parents are teetotallers all…
April is the best time to enjoy your spring garden
Green Fingers April is full of those perfect early spring days when the sun is shining, the air is clear and you just want to get out into the garden and enjoy it. Clip over winter-flowering heather with shears now that they have finished flowering. This will dead head and tidy them up in one…
Dad’s Diary
Protecting children from modern fears Whenever visiting London, I like to walk across Westminster Bridge on the way from Waterloo station. The vista of Westminster palace and the Thames stretching towards Tower Bridge is a sight to behold. I had been there just a few weeks before the recent terror attacks, with the children in tow,…
Young Catholics need like-minded friends
A Parent’s Perspective According to The Good Retreat Guide, a retreat is a journey that can be religious or spiritual in nature, and is typically taken away from the confines of everyday living. Its purpose is to get closer to God and to rediscover one’s faith. Some adults will go on a retreat every few…
Test your knowledge of the Stations of the Cross
Children’s Corner’s Holy Week starts this weekend with Palm Sunday and there’s lots to learn and do to celebrate the week. You might have your own traditions each year on Holy Week such as attending your local Passion play before or after the Stations of the Cross, or staying up late on Saturday to attend…
Faith in the Family
Does it seem odd to say I am enjoying Lent? We often think of Lent as an austere time when we are challenged to pray, fast and give alms. The image of sackcloth and ashes may not be far from our minds. It is true that Lent can be difficult. I am struggling without my…

Erin Fox
Dr Kevin McCarroll
Bairbre Cahill


Paul Gargan

Maria Byrne
Mags Gargan
