Watching too much television is a silent problem in Ireland, writes Colm Fitzpatrick It’s hard not to marvel at today’s technologically advanced world; the fact that we can connect with family and friends from different sides of the planet; find any desired information with a device that fits neatly in our pocket; or order items…

Youth Space God also walks among us at youth pilgrimages, writes Siomha Magee I have recently returned from Medjugorje, where I attended the five-day Youth Festival with my mum, and a wonderful group of 38 other people.  It was a fantastic experience! We stayed in a lovely family-run B’n’B, which was about 10 minutes walk…

Homework can seem like a never-ending chore but a parent’s help can make all the difference, writes Colm Fitzpatrick   With school once again in full swing, pupils will be arriving home in their droves to a hot meal, comfortable clothes, and reams of homework. The bane of most children’s lives, homework is seen as a barrier to complete…

Personal Profile Colm Fitzpatrick speaks with the youngest parish priest in Ireland   At a time in Ireland when many young men no longer value religious life as a desirable vocation to pursue, the youngest parish priest in the country is setting an example to the next generation that God is still calling them. Antrim-born…

The back-to-school routine doesn’t have to be a daunting military operation, writes Colm Fitzpatrick   It’s been a summer of late nights, gluttonous meals and relaxed rules, but with school just around the corner, the dread of dealing with tantrums from a pouting child is becoming more palpable. Every year, parents around the country must…

Personal Profile   Working in South Africa for almost 50 years, a Franciscan friar has been teaching and shepherding despite many challenges, including Apartheid, in a land that is very much “missionary territory”. He taught in the National Seminary of St John Vianney in Pretoria for 35 years in total, which was difficult in several…

Vegan and vegetarian diets are not necessarily the healthiest, writes Madison Duddy   The Economist dubbed 2019 ‘The Year of the Vegan’. With a continued increase in veganism, they might not be far off with their prediction. Over the past few years, more people have decided to adopt vegan and vegetarian diets for health and…

Youth Space Emma Tobin describes a memorable Croagh Patrick pilgrimage Viewed from the bottom, with five hours of sleep in one hand and a borrowed stick in the other, Croagh Patrick appears ridiculously unassailable. Mist chokes the summit, and the rock face that points out towards Clew Bay is nothing but craggy, vertical shafts of…

Dr David Carey discusses how to foster good behaviour in children   Children are not born with a neural template to engage peacefully with others. This is a skill that must be learned by interacting with the environment, aided by parents and caregivers, including, often very importantly, teachers. If we take some time to look…