Posted on 28. Apr, 2016 in Church Teachings, Community, Environment, Faith and Justice
In a piece on the Limerick Synod website titled Setting the Compass you read ‘If the synod were to be no more than an event of a few days, it would probably be a waste of time. The risk would be that it would only produce a report gathering dust on the shelf. The Synod […]
Posted on 28. Apr, 2016 in Church Teachings, Community, Feminism/Women in the Church
In June 2012, the Irish Church ordained eight married male deacons in a ceremony in Dublin. While many welcome this initiative, many more are angered by the exclusion of women to this role. Dr. Phyllis Zangano a leading expert on ministry by women that female deacons featured heavily in the old order of permanent deacons. […]
Posted on 21. Apr, 2016 in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Community, Faith and Justice, Feminism/Women in the Church
The role of Church in society is often a contentious one, with some protesting at the sign of any public symbol of religion and others feeling the loss of a communal sense of celebration. Miriam Gormally spoke with Michael O’Sullivan SJ, author and academic, about the question of how there can be room for public prayer […]
Posted on 21. Apr, 2016 in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Community, Economy
Social Justice Ireland recently produced a socio-economic review for 2016, “Choices for Equity and Sustainability – Securing Solidarity and the Common Good.” In it they found that there is a urban-rural divide with urban people earning more and being more likely to be in employment than people living in the country. The Border, Midlands and Western […]
Posted on 31. Mar, 2016 in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Community, Faith Groups
The Loyola Institute in Trinity college is organising a conference titled, The Role of Church in a Pluralist Society – Good Riddance or Good Influence? It will take place in Trinity College Dublin. Dr. Con Casey, who has an interest in inter-religious dialogue, believes it to be a “question of great relevance” and that the […]
Posted on 24. Mar, 2016 in Community, Easter, Family, Gospel Values, Poverty, Refugees, Seasons of the Church Year
40% of asylum seekers living in Direct Provision have been waiting 5 years or more for a final decision to be reached on their claim for protection. JRS Ireland is working to secure durable solutions for these asylum seekers and their families. Miriam Gormally spoke with David Moriarity, policy and advocacy officer with JRS, about how […]
Posted on 24. Mar, 2016 in Chaplaincy, Christian Values, Community, Crime, Education, Holy Week, Places of Conflict, Poverty, Prison, Rehabilitation, Seasons of the Church Year
A recent article in the Irish Times featured an interview with Stephen Plunkett, chief executive of U-Casadh, a programme aimed at rehabilitating prisoners. In it he says that the vast majority of prisoners are not violent and shouldn’t be locked up but rather rehabilitated. The Easter Christian message in particular reminds us of the respect […]
Posted on 17. Mar, 2016 in Community, Family, Gospel Values, Grief, Prayer
The song, “A candle for you”, sung by Patricia Bourke D’Souza and composed by Marie Dunne CHF has been rereleased for Easter to raise awareness for missing person. The proceeds of the itunes downloads will go to the Missing Persons Helpline, M.I.S.S. – Missing in Ireland Supportive Service. The website is www.missingpersons.ie. Marie says that […]
Posted on 10. Mar, 2016 in Achievement, Christian Values, Community, Festivals, Gospel Values, Saints, St Patrick
St. Patrick is celebrated all around the world, with more and more cities organising parades. However, according to Dr. Brian Lacey, writer and historian, we don’t know very much about who St. Patrick really was. We do know that Christianity was very important to him, but, says Brian, the idea that he converted Ireland to […]
Posted on 10. Mar, 2016 in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Community, Faith and Justice, Gospel Values, Grief, Hospice, Spirituality, Suicide
Marianne Quinn is the chaplain in St Columcille hospital in Loughlinstown, Dublin. Her work involves caring for the dying and for those who have been bereaved. She says that her work allows her to channel God’s mercy and to be present in whatever way she is needed. Mercy, she says, is particularly important in deaths […]