In this series we have been exploring the depth of meaning in the John Main prayer which we say before meditation. We have examined each of the key phrases in the prayer and now I want to reflect on its overall meaning and how it mirrors the prayer variously known as the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ or…
This is an old-fashioned family favourite that remains ever popular. It is an essential recipe for every baker’s repertoire. There is nothing better with a cup of tea in the evening with its crunchy crust and delicious buttery inside studded with sweet pops of cherry. Ingredients l 200g red glace cherries l 190g butter l…
Long nights and isolation leave many of us distressed, writes Ruadhán Jones For many Christmas is an oasis of festive feeling, warmth and celebration in the depths of winter. This may feel especially the case this year when on top of long nights and miserable weather we have a pandemic to cope with! The constant…
A Parent’s Perspective A quote I saw on Pinterest says: “Dear God, I’m placing 2020 in your hands.” I’m not sure if it was written at the start of 2020 or as the year progressed but, it’s a very good prayer for what was a strange, strange year. As we head into 2021, we have high…
When I was a child, New Year’s Day was very special. Our family always had a big celebration, complete with a number of rituals. The rituals began already on New Year’s Eve. We didn’t go out that evening, but stayed in and celebrated together as a family. Everyone stayed up until midnight and, just before…
Personal Profile Finding yourself working on the cutting edge, in an industry that has existed for the blink of an eye, Tom Rochfort acknowledges the role both God and community play in keeping you grounded. In his life, he manages to hold working in IT and faith in God balanced. He told The Irish Catholic…
I’ve always loved New Year’s Eve. The clock ticks past a threshold in time, and we are suddenly gifted a new beginning. The old year is gone and a new one is born. Anything seems possible in the dawn of a new year. As 2021 comes into being, we leave a strange year behind us.…
Children’s Corner Although Christmas day has passed and we look towards the New Year, there’s sure to be some chocolate leftover from the Christmas festivities than can be used for scientific purposes. Enjoy this simple melting chocolate experiment that will keep anyone’s attention. No doubt everyone has noticed chocolate melting on a hot day, so…
Parental leave to be extended to five weeks The Cabinet has approved Minister for Children Roderick O’Gorman’s plan to extend parental leave from two to five weeks. Mr O’Gorman has also received Cabinet approval to extend the time the leave can be taken from just the first year to the first two years of child’s…
What does Christmas mean? Christmas is like a perfectly-cut diamond twirling in the sun, giving off an array of sparkles. Here are just some of its meanings: A four-year-old child woke up one night frightened, convinced that there were all kinds of spooks and monsters in her room. In terror she fled to her parents’…
Ruadhán Jones
Maria Byrne
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Chai Brady