Alcohol in Moderation

Posted on 24. Dec, 2008 in Addiction, Alcohol

The common link between office parties, family gatherings and Christmas parties, is the amount of alcohol consumed in the name of having a good time.  Many families will by now have experienced the excessive drinking of someone in the house – and are dreading what might happen on Christmas Day.  Marian Rackard is an addiction […]

Spirituality

Posted on 24. Dec, 2008 in Environment, Faith and Justice, Spirituality

Donal Dorr describes Spirituality as ‘our deepest heart’s desire’ and in fact that is the title of his latest book Spirituality Our Deepest Heart’s Desire.  He looks at the internal or inward-looking aspect of one’s spirituality and also at outward-orientated activities such as working for social justice or the environment.  Eileen Good asked him about […]

St. Paul

Posted on 24. Dec, 2008 in Church Teachings, Saints

Earlier this year Pope Benedict announced a special jubilee year dedicated to St. Paul to mark the (approximately) the 2000th anniversary of the Saint’s birth. The year will have a special ecumenical dimension to reflect the saint’s commitment to unity and harmony among all Christians. Bishop Tom Wright, Anglican Bishop of Durham, is one of […]

Christmas People

Posted on 24. Dec, 2008 in Christmas, Homelessness, Seasons of the Church Year

Alice Leahy is Founder and Director of TRUST.  Based in the Liberties in Dublin TRUST provides ‘a befriending, social and health service for people who are homeless.’  Alice stresses that homelessness is not just a Dublin problem, in all our towns and cities every night people are homeless and Christmas-time is especially difficult for them. […]

Music: There Is a Place

Posted on 10. Dec, 2008 in Music

  There Is a Place is taken from James Kilbane’s new Christmas CD The Christmas Collection which is available nationwide. www.jameskilbane.com

Music: The Wexford Carol

Posted on 10. Dec, 2008 in Music

The Wexford Carol sung by the Lassus Scholars and the Piccolo Lasso is from the Dublin Choral Foundation’s CD entitled Angel Tidings – Music For the Christmas Season.

Music: Hallelujah Chorus

Posted on 10. Dec, 2008 in Music

The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah is a perennial favourite.  This rendition is by Our Lady’s Choral Society as is taken from their CD Messiah.

Fishing Tales

Posted on 10. Dec, 2008 in Book Reviews

At this time of year fishermen are not out in their boats, so perhaps it’s a good time to curl up and read about the exploits of other fishermen, their love of the rivers and lakes and the sheer joy of being out there with a rod in hand.  Fr. Paul Andrews is a lifelong […]

Family Christmas

Posted on 10. Dec, 2008 in Christmas, Death, Family, Seasons of the Church Year

James Kilbane has just released a new CD The Christmas Collection which is a heart warming mix of fourteen all time Christmas favourites with a country twist.  The album represents James’ musical offering as his contribution to the celebration of Christmas.  It is dedicated to his late father, who passed away earlier this year.  James […]

Children’s Book Reviews

Posted on 10. Dec, 2008 in Book Reviews

Do you want to get your children some books about the true meaning of Christmas this year? Emma Tobin, aged 11, reviewed three popular children’s books from Veritas. Christmas with Auntie Mary, by Eleanor Gormally, Prayer Kids, Modern Prayers for Today’s Children by Peter & Rosemary Atkins and Children’s Everyday Prayer Book produced by Veritas. […]