Posted on 15. Apr, 2009 in Church Teachings, Economy
The Recession and God is the title of Fr. Gerry O’Hanlon’s timely new book. In the book he urges that we use this time of crisis as an opportunity to pool our resources (both secular and religious) in committing ourselves to the search for a more sustainable future. Pat Coyle asked Fr. Gerry what God […]
Posted on 18. Mar, 2009 in Charity, Economy
The St. Vincent de Paul Society have spoken about the increase in the number of people coming to them for assistance as a result of the economic downturn. Many of these people were until recently donors to the Society. Eileen Good spoke to Mairead Bushnell, National President of the V. de P. about this increased […]
Posted on 04. Feb, 2009 in Depression, Economy, Mental Health
As people struggle daily to cope with the gloom and doom of the economy, jobs and general uncertainty – where can they turn for help, who is there to talk to? Suzanne Costello Director of Samaritans Ireland, told Eileen Good about a new initiative from the Samaritans and why they were having a radio campaign […]
Posted on 04. Feb, 2009 in Economy, Faith and Justice, Poverty
Where do we find hope these days? Over the last twenty years, we have concentrated most of our hopes on material wealth and job security, enjoying the benefits of the Celtic Tiger. Now that we are faced with major cut backs and job losses, material wealth seems much harder to achieve. So what’s left to […]
Posted on 04. Feb, 2009 in Economy, Education, Retreats
Daily headlines of recession and cut backs have left us all in no doubt of the difficult times that lie ahead. Education cutbacks have provoked considerable outrage and the effects are now being felt throughout the system. Eileen Good spoke to Fr. Michael Cusack at the Redemptorist Youth Village in Athenry, Co. Galway about a […]
Posted on 21. Jan, 2009 in Charity, Economy
Open Heart, Open Mind, Offering Hope and Opportunity is the title of the 2007 report from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. ‘Hope’ is an important word for those who volunteer with the Society. Mairéad Bushnell, National President of the Vincent de Paul told Eileen Good how they plan to cope with the increasing […]
Posted on 07. Jan, 2009 in Charity, Economy, Poverty
With daily headlines about the economic crisis, all of us have to think differently about our spending. All over the country there are well- stocked charity shops, giving support to local and national charities and well worth checking out. One such shop in Carlow town is ‘Chic and Cheerful’ supporting Vincentian projects in Ethopia. Eileen […]
Posted on 24. Dec, 2008 in Christmas, Economy, Seasons of the Church Year
Christmas is usually a time that puts a strain on personal finances. However this year in particular has seen more people in need. MABS, the Irish money, advice and budgeting service has seen an increase in calls this year from people looking for help managing their money. Miriam Gormally spoke with the MABS spokesperson Michael […]
Posted on 10. Dec, 2008 in Charity, Economy, Poverty
This year the calls made to the Vincent de Paul were up 40% compared to last year. People, who had previously been givers to the society, were now suddenly faced with a situation where they themselves needed help. Vincent de Paul Offices even had to put more staff on the phones to meet the increased […]
Posted on 10. Dec, 2008 in Christmas, Economy, Seasons of the Church Year
This Christmas will be a very different Christmas to last year. Many more people are out of work or looking at much more restrained celebrations. Miriam Gormally phoned Bishop Donal Murray of Limerick to find out where people were to find hope or a true Christmas message in all of this, – especially in his […]