Denomination Schools

Posted on 08. Jun, 2017 in Christian Values, Community, Religious patronage, Schools

Denomination schools have an important and vital role in society and should be publically funded, so say David Quinn, columnist and director of the Iona Institute, a Catholic think tank for religion and society. However he also agrees with groups who are looking for divestment as he would like to see more schools available for […]

Women in Church Art

Posted on 30. Mar, 2017 in Art, Feminism/Women in the Church, Gospel Values, Religious patronage, Saints

In the cross vault of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City there are four niches, each one containing a very impressive statue. One in particular which stands out – Saint Veronica by Francesco Mochi. His active and passionate depiction of her is at odds with the decorum of the Basilica – the statue shows […]

Faith based education

Posted on 26. Jan, 2017 in Christian Values, Community, Religious patronage, Schools

Bishop Kevin Doran has been the bishop of Elphin since May 2014. He was education secretary for vocational services during his career and faith based education is something that is very important to him. Here he talks with Conor Deane about why he still believes that faith based education has a role to play in […]

Catholic Education

Posted on 04. Feb, 2016 in Christian Values, Community, Education, Religious patronage, Religious teaching, Schools

Until this Saturday, schools everywhere are celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2016, with the theme “Challenged to Proclaim God’s Mercy”. While Catholic Schools have much to celebrate, Bishop Brendan Kelly writing in the Irish Times talked about how they are also unfairly criticised over their admissions policy. Miriam Gormally spoke with Eithne Woulfe SSL, former principal […]

Father Peter Rodgers OFM

Posted on 24. Oct, 2013 in Religious patronage, Spirituality

Father Peter Rodgers OFM Director General of CORI speaks with Conor Deane. In this interview, the first of two, Father Peter Rodgers OFM speaks with Conor Deane about his early beginnings in the Capuchins and of some of his most memorable moments before becoming Director General of CORI. In April of 2013 CORI announced the […]

Education in Ireland

Posted on 09. May, 2013 in Religious patronage, Religious teaching, Schools

David Tuohy SJ, educationalist and author of “Denominational Education and Politics: Ireland in a European Context” looks at the issue of patronage. He explains to Pat Coyle that while the State is clear that there is a need to divest patronage away from the Church, they don’t necessarily have a clear vision of what is […]

Trainee Teacher

Posted on 25. Apr, 2013 in Religious patronage, Religious teaching, Schools

During Croke Park II, teachers’ salaries have once again come under scrutiny, with the unions so far voting no to proposed changes. However for most trainee teachers, the real issue is whether they will even get a job. Miriam Gormally spoke with Sean Henry, a trainee teacher in Religion and English in Mater Dei. He […]

Religious Education

Posted on 11. Apr, 2013 in Religious patronage, Religious teaching, Schools

Last week, we looked at the topic of religious patronage; this week, we are looking at religious education within the classroom and the difficulties that may arise in teaching the subject. Dr. Gareth Byrne is head of Religious Education in Mater Dei. He is editor of the book Toward Mutual Ground: Pluralism, Religious Education and Diversity […]

School Patronage

Posted on 04. Apr, 2013 in Religious patronage, Schools

A recent report on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector highlighted that there was a desire for change amongst parents. However Fr Michael Drumm, Chairperson of the Catholic Schools Partnership believes that some of the figures being mentioned in the media were misleading. He explained to Miriam Gormally how the report actually illustrates that most people […]

A New Catholic School

Posted on 06. Sep, 2012 in Church Teachings, Religious patronage, Religious teaching, Schools, Uncategorized

Le Cheile was recently awarded patronage for the new post primary school in Mulhuddart. This was mainly due to their commitment to academic excellence and pastoral care as well as demand from local parents. Miriam Gormally spoke with Sean Goan, Faith Development Officer with Le Chéile schools  about what this would mean and the various […]