I could never be a literary critic, not because I can’t tell good literature from bad, but because I lack the hard edge. If I dislike a book, I hesitate to say so. Conversely, if I like a book, I tend to be more its cheerleader than its critical assessor. Be that as it may,…
Italian tries to dodge Covid jab using fake arm An Italian man who wanted a coronavirus vaccine certificate without actually having the jab tried to play the system by presenting health workers with a fake arm, an official said. Despite the realistic skin colour, nobody was fooled by the silicone limb, and the man –…
Sweet Treats One Christmas food tradition I enjoy is a bread from Germany called stollen. It is a sweet bread with marzipan, currants and sultanas in it, and is really delicious toasted and buttered. I absolutely love having cinnamon rolls for special occasions, and thought that a cinnamon roll would be the perfect way to…
The Sunday Gospel Children are counting down the days. After this Sunday, only six more days till Christmas. Excitement is bubbling up. I could feel it myself when watching the television commercial where a little boy keeps asking “Will he really come?” Of course, we all think that he is waiting for Santa Claus. But…
The Sunday Gospel The entrance antiphon for Mass on the Third Sunday of Advent sets the tone for coming closer to Christmas. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.” Today is known as Gaudete Sunday, a day of special rejoicing. The second reading is worth repeating in full…
Advent often goes overlooked these days, but it’s a spiritual treasure to be plundered, writes Jason Osborne Advent is upon us, like a thief in the night. Beginning last Sunday, November 28, it will run right through to Christmas Eve. Pointing out the beginning and end of Advent may seem like a moot point to…
A Parent’s perspective My 11-year-old son has been asking me for ages “When are we getting the chocolate calendar?” For a small child the promise of a treat every day right up to Christmas seems very appealing. Even adults can see Advent as a time to stock up early on sweets and goodies, anticipate all…
Personal Profile Deacon John Taaffe was among the first men ordained to the diaconate in the diocese of Armagh. It was a long and winding road to that point, as he moved from a love of materialism, money and success, to a love of the Lord and his people. Deacon John explains that he grew…
Children’s Corner Not many people have come across black lights, or even have them in their house although they are easy enough to come by particularly at a time when people are buying things online – something that has increased due to the pandemic. Black lights allow materials and substances invisible to the human eye…
Why are so many people leaving their Churches? There is no one answer to that question. People are complex. Faith is complex. The issues are complex. Looking at the question, it can be helpful to distinguish among a number of groups. The ‘Nones’, the ‘Dones’, the ‘Spiritual-but-not-Religious’, the ‘Indifferent’, the ‘Angry’, and the ‘Marginalised’. While…
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Maria Byrne
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady