Patricia Higgins maps the distance between where the church is in relation to family, and where it needs to be.
Articles
Pope Francis: ‘Evolution … is not inconsistent with the notion of creation’ (NCR)
The National Catholic Reporter informs us that Pope Francis has waded into the controversial debate over the origins of human life. It quotes the Pope as saying, "Evolution in nature is not opposed to the notion of Creation, because evolution presupposes the creation...
WACI Poll shows 84% support for Irish diaconate open to women
The We Are Church online poll on the diaconate in Ireland shows that 84% of 448 respondents favour opening the diaconate to women.
Can the Catholic Church be relevant to Irish people in the 21st Century?
Professor Siobhan Garrigan identifies four essential characteristics of a relevant Irish Catholic Church of the future.
Family is beautiful but fragile – and needs the Holy Spirit
Mary Vallely gives her impressions of a day devoted to ‘Family, Church and Society in the 21st Century’ – 11th October, 2014
Struggling Orchestra in Search of a Maestro
Sean O’Conaill finds huge potential and commitment, but also deep frustration, at the national Pastoral Conference in Athlone, Sep 25-27, 2014
‘New Strategy Needed for Development’ – Lorna Gold of Trócaire – 09/14
There have been international successes in the field of development of the poorest countries, but Lorna Gold fears these are not keeping pace with growing inequality and rising expectations.
Open Letter to Pope Re Appointments to Synod (CCRI)
To all supporting the renewal of our Church: Sign letter to Pope Francis seeking broader family involvement in Synod There has been an outcry worldwide from India to South Africa and from Europe to Australia that the selection of the newest participants to the...
Women of the Killaloe Diocese Speak Up
A number of women who are heavily involved in their parishes in the diocese of Killaloe have spoken of their disapproval and disappointment at the proposed introduction of a male only permanent diaconate in the diocese. They have also questioned the need for yet...
The Real Root of Inequality?
Liberal secularism is increasingly worried about the problem of income inequality. Sean O’Conaill suggests it needs to look to the Gospels for the root of all social inequality.
What went wrong? Do our bishops want to know?
Vincent Twomey has called for Irish church leaders to inquire into Catholic failures in the last century. Sean O’Conaill here invites the ACP to support that call.
Versions of Religion and Culture Then and Now
Theresa Mee reflects on the plight of two women in two different cultures – both tragically made to suffer from versions of religion devoid of wisdom and compassion.
A look at the modern family: ACI’s John Kelly attended the Council for Marriage and the Family’s conference.
The Irish Episcopal Conference's Council for Marriage and the Family hosted a conference entitled 'Marriage and Family at the Heart of the Parish' on Saturday 14th June in Clonliffe College . The event was intended for “leaders in parishes and dioceses and others...
Launch of ACI North Wicklow
Minutes of Meeting held on June 3rd 2014 Introduction John Kelly welcomed people to the meeting. He also welcomed Noel McCann, Chair of the Steering Group of ACI Ireland, who would introduce ACI later. John then briefly outlined the purpose of this ACI local...
Honour and Shame – and Ireland’s ‘Culture War’: Sean O’Conaill
"Galway historian finds 800 babies in septic tank grave", reported the Boston Globe in early June. As it happened I was in Boston when this story broke, and was soon reading of the necessary corrections by the historian concerned, Catherine Corless. Yes, close to 800...