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…

Personal Profile Fr Paddy Kelly CSsR always wanted to be a priest and 50 years on he’s still itching to get to work once the lockdown ends. Much of those 50 years Redemptorist Fr Kelly devoted to ministering with Ireland’s traveller community, for whom he has worked tirelessly. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, he said that…

Ruadhán Jones discusses how children can improve their word skills at home Many parents have struggled to effectively help their children with schoolwork during lockdown; for parents of children with dyslexia, it’s even more challenging. Experts suggest that around 10% of children in Ireland are affected by dyslexia. This suggests that there are many school…

Personal Profile Jason Osborne It was perhaps more than a little symbolic that Fr Michael Toomey should be ordained on June 14 in 2009, the feast of Corpus Christi. It makes sense that a man who would do so much to bring communities together should enter his ministry on the day celebrating the oneness of…

Creatures of habit, we’re lost without our routines and rituals, but they’re vital for our wellbeing writes Ruadhán Jones Since the start of the pandemic, days have melted into each other. I’ve seen a cartoon shared a number of times recently; it’s of a calendar which runs as normal until April, when it disintegrates entirely.…