Personal Profile Fr David Vard represents a face of the Church that is not often seen in the western world today: that of a young man’s. Rarer still is the face of a young priest. While youth Catholicism has its vibrant strongholds around the country, it is yet to bear much fruit on the vocations…

Men are often forgotten victims of domestic violence writes Ruadhán Jones Lockdown brought issues of domestic violence to the fore, with social distancing measures restricting victim’s access to help, support and refuge. Consequently, Gardaí and abuse helplines reported increases of between 25-33% over the lockdown period. The majority of domestic violence victims are women and…

Personal Profile Fr John Bracken is the parish priest of Holy Cross Church, Dundrum, but much of his ministry is devoted to helping people look beyond his office, and that of the other clergy. “It’s one of my great annoyances, that people “see” the priest. I mean, obviously there’s a difference, but there’s not a…

A sense of normality is important to settle children into the school routine writes Ruadhán Jones The balancing act of home-schooling and working will finally come to an end for many as children are set to return to school in September. Unsurprisingly, parents are very keen for their kids to get back to a semblance…

Personal Profile “Sic parvis magna” is a Latin phrase attributed to Sir Francis Drake, the English sea captain of the 16th century. It’s often translated as, “from humble origins to great challenges”. This quote applies neatly to those pursuits and endeavours which seek to further the message of the gospel in today’s world. No one…

Here’s how to make the most of the last month before school starts writes Ruadhán Jones It’s been the summer like no other, following on from a bumpy spring and presumably leading into an autumn of uncertainty. However, one of the constants in all the chaos was the newfound understanding of the positive role screens…

Personal Profile Jason Osborne Fr Stephen McBrearty is a man intimately familiar with God’s mercy. He spends his days communicating just that as lead Catholic Chaplain to the Northern Ireland Prison Service, a role which would see him become a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). Ordained in 1981, and…

With summer here and little prospect of overseas travel, there are simple ways to bring a bit of colour to your home, writes Ruadhán Jones What are window ledges for if not to beautify with a lovely flower arrangement? Or perhaps you’re more of a practical type and would like some herbs! Whatever you fancy,…

Personal Profile Jason Osborne Most people know Alpha as a series of sessions exploring the Christian Faith, open to those of all faiths and none. With each talk designed to explore a different question concerning faith and with the intention of creating conversation, it caters perfectly to the truth-seeking mind. However, it does so much…

As face coverings become mandatory in shops and public transport, Ruadhán Jones delves into the science on why they work and how to use them Ireland has come quite late to the face-mask game, but as the threat of a second wave remains and a vaccine still appears to be far away, the Government has…