Courtney McGrailAnne Keeling visits a Christian community in Cork reaching out to young people
Category: Your Faith
It’s time for pruning and replanting
Paul GarganEarly bulbs push through frozen ground to brighten the dark days of February. There are the harbingers of approaching spring.Ground conditions in February are usually very wet. If your lawn is not too soggy, give it a cut with the mower blades set high. Do this on a day when the grass is fairly dry.…
Lent is about more than self-improvement
Ben ConroyWhat are you giving up for Lent?” As small-talk conversation-fillers go, it’s sort of in the middle of the spectrum: you don’t ask someone you’ve just met, but it’s just socially acceptable enough to bother an acquaintance – provided their answer isn’t too awkward. “Sweets” is an acceptable answer. “Actually, I’m planning to get up…
A DIY bird feeder for your garden
Erin FoxSnowdrops, daffodils, St Brigid crosses and birdsong are all key symbols of spring. With winter almost gone, you will see and hear more birds gathering in gardens. Food can be scarce for birds even at this time of the year so welcome birds into your garden by placing a bird feeder in the centre. You…
Dad’s Diary
Rory FitzgeraldAs I write, my wife is in the kitchen chopping vegetables, while somehow keeping our six-month-old baby daughter happy. The older two sit each side of me on the sofa, where I balance my laptop, homework, crayons and a colouring book. The annual St Valentine’s Day extravaganza is passed, with its notions that love is shown…
Clergy in key position to address suicide
Mags GarganMags Gargan talks to the people behind a new initiative to equip clergy to support people affected by suicide
Delicious recipes for Pancake Tuesday
Lent is fast approaching which also means it’s time to get the pans out for Pancake Tuesday! Lent is about sacrificing luxuries to show our devotion to God, and Pancake Tuesday – or Shrove Tuesday – serves as a final day of indulging in goodies before 40 days of fasting. The name Shrove Tuesday comes…
Lent is an opportunity to rebalance our lives
Bairbre CahillFaith in the Family
Life’s little things
One Saturday morning, I resolved to help tidy my son’s bedroom – big mistake. Piled upon his bed I found: 12 ragged and much loved cuddly toys or ‘pets’ as he likes to call them, one toy samurai sword, three blankets, two odd socks, one cat shaped key chain, a bottle of water, one pocket…
Better for teens to be young, free and single
Maria ByrneA parent’s perspective