New Ways to Present Scripture

Posted on 04. Mar, 2009 in Church Teachings, Gospel Values

Do scripture stories have any relevance for people today? Miriam Gormally met Frances Hogan who claims that the stories have universal lessons, but that we need to communicate them in a more interesting way. She makes DVDs illustrating scripture stories with music and art. Frances began by explaining why there is a need for such […]

Volunteer for Samaritans

Posted on 04. Mar, 2009 in Depression, Mental Health, Suicide

“Listening to someone who is perhaps depressed, worried, frightened and/or suicidal and who doesn’t know where to turn to, is perhaps the most valuable thing we can do for a fellow human being” Samaritan Volunteer, Elaine, believes it is the most rewarding thing she has ever done.  The Samaritans are always looking for volunteers as […]

Moderation in Lent

Posted on 04. Mar, 2009 in Addiction, Alcohol, Lent, Seasons of the Church Year

‘I’m off the drink for Lent’ is something we hear at this time of year, but for those for whom that it just too difficult – drinking in moderation is being encouraged.  Some people try to abstain during the week and have a drink at the week-end.  Marian Rackard addiction counsellor and psychotherapist working with […]

Displaced in Somalia

Posted on 04. Mar, 2009 in Charity, Conflict, Homelessness, Places of Conflict

If you had 15 minutes to leave your home and flee for your life and possibly never to return, what would you bring? This is a situation that Trocaire asked Current Rose of Tralee, Aoife Kelly to try. Unfortunately this is a reality for many people and displacement is the theme of this year’s Trocaire […]

Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church

Posted on 04. Mar, 2009 in Celibacy/Sexuality, Conflict, Crime

New detailed guidelines on how religious authorities should respond to allegations of child sexual abuse by clerical and lay person have been published by the National Board for the Safeguarding of Children in the Catholic Church. Miriam Gormally met Ian Elliott, chief executive office of NBSCCC and Aidan Canavan Chairman of NBSCCC to find out […]

Why Go to Mass?

Posted on 04. Mar, 2009 in Church Teachings, Mass

During Lent, many people make a special effort to go to Mass especially on Sundays.  However there are also those who do not go anymore – they say ‘It’s boring, I get nothing out of it, why should I go?’  Eileen Good put this question to Jesuit theologian Fr. Raymond Moloney.

Pioneers & Lent

Posted on 18. Feb, 2009 in Alcohol, Lent, Seasons of the Church Year

Lent is a time for reflection and looking at our lives. It is also a time to think of the things that we could do without. And one thing that we could all reduce is alcohol. Mícheál O Muirceartaigh is a well-known football commentator who has been a pioneer all his life and this year […]

Music: The Seven Rejoices of Mary

Posted on 18. Feb, 2009 in Music

In this week’s music piece the Monks of Glenstal are joined by Sinead O’Connor for a rendition of The Seven Rejoices of Mary.  It is taken from the album Biscantorat.  For more information see www.glenstal.org

Film Review: ‘Doubt’

Posted on 18. Feb, 2009 in Film Reviews

Doubt is a film based on John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize winning play. The story centres around a nun, Sr Aloysius, played by Meryl Streep, who believes that Fr. Flynn, played by Phillip Seymour Hoffmann is molesting one of the pupil’s in the school. The film explores this difficult topic with few easy answers. Miriam […]

Trocaire’s Lenten Campaign 2009

Posted on 18. Feb, 2009 in Charity, Lent, Seasons of the Church Year

Trocaire are launching their Lenten campaign again this year and we will soon be seeing the familiar Trocaire boxes in schools and homes around the country. However will we be as generous this year, now that we have our own difficulties to face with? Pat Coyle met Eamon Meehan from Trocaire to find more. She […]