Autumn is deepening. The last few brave flowers bloom through carpets of rusty leaves. Stark branches reach towards the glowering skies. The night surprises us, arriving early, and uninvited – a cold and unwelcome guest. Yet even the cold night is made warm and welcome by the fire, which we gather around each evening. All…
Category: Your Faith
Building a domestic Church
Maria ByrneSince early childhood, I always associated November and its darker days with the Holy Souls in Purgatory. My parents put a lot of emphasis on praying for the dead with specific mention of loved ones who’d passed on to the next life. While they carefully explained the finer points of how to gain indulgences, I…
A time for reflection and preparation
Paul GarganIt’s not long till December, which in the garden is never a busy month – rather, it is a time to reflect and plan. Reflect on the successes of the last year and plan for the coming year. If something in your garden is not working, now is the time to change it. This is…
Make a hedgehog pin cushion
Erin FoxA hedgehog without its spines would certainly look odd, but not this prickly pal who will mind all of your sewing pins and needles. Pin cushions are usually quite small but if you have a very large collection of sewing needles, then make a few hedghehogs in different colours and patterns so you have a…
Getting ready for Christmas without breaking the bank
Courtney McGrailCareful planning and avoiding extravagance is the way to avoid post-Christmas financial blues writes John Reid
Is homework a good idea for students?
William RevillePrimary and secondary schools reopened a couple of months ago after the Summer break to begin a new academic year. There is an ongoing debate in educational circles and amongst parents about the value of homework – is homework a good idea overall and does it improve academic achievement? Research in this area gives a…
Sticky pear and butterscotch cake
Toffee apples are my favourite thing about Autumn, having gorged on them every Halloween when I was a child. And yet it doesn’t seem right to have them when Halloween is over. This sticky pear and butterscotch cake is inspired by a much-loved Halloween snack, and makes a delicious dessert for Autumn. It’s just the…
A Mass to remember
Aoife Cullen, a student in St Dominic’s College, Cabra, describes how she put down roots this year
Faith in the Family
Bairbre CahillI remember a conversation in our house when our children were small about where they would live when they were ‘big’. Our youngest daughter even at the age of six was keen on New York, so that she could sing on Broadway. Our son, two years younger, announced that he would be living ‘here, in…
The first trimester
Wendy GraceWendy Grace describes the early months of pregnancy