Category: Articles
Francis to create commission to study female deacons in Catholic church
Pope Francis has announced he will create a commission to study the possibility of allowing women to serve as deacons in the Catholic church (Source: NCR)
read moreThe pontificate might be stuck in the mud
"After three very uplifting and incredible years under the prophetic leadership and compelling personal witness of Pope Francis, many reform-minded Catholics have again become quite worried about the future direction of their church." Robert Mickens (NCR)
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the debate in which we learn from one another. (editor)
Faith formation? Take it out of schools altogether!
Sean O'Conaill argues that our school-centred system of 'faith formation' is a major factor in the growing existential crisis of Catholicism in Ireland.
read moreFaith formation: the role of home, parish and school
Aidan Hart outlines a model of faith formation centred on the family and parish, supported by and influencing the school.
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the debate in which we learn from one another. (editor)
Limerick Diocese Synod ….. a real marker, but the journey goes on
Synod delegate Ainead Ní Mhuirthile, gathers her immediate thoughts following the conclusion of the 3-day Synod event in Limerick.
read moreSome Thoughts from a Delegate on the Eve of the Limerick Diocesan Synod
Ainead Ni Mhuirthile writes, " It has been quite a journey. A lot of work, time and energy. A massive undertaking on the part of the Diocese. And in the first instance, a courageous initiative on the part of our Bishop to embark on this large-scale consultative process which may yet yield fruit ...
read moreWomen – a potential for ministry in the church today
Maire Ni Duibhir argues passionately for a re-evaluation and re-visioning of the role of women in the church.
read moreCHURCH: Institution or Community?
Teresa Mee considers the problem of moving from the passivity caused by the power of the clerical church institution, to the active rebuilding of the church as a community.
read moreWhy our sacraments often don’t connect with real life (NCR)
by Joseph Martos for the ‘National Catholic Reporter’ This article by Joseph Martos, published recently in the National Catholic Reporter, reflects the thinking set out in his book Deconstructing Sacramental Theology and Reconstructing Catholic Ritual (published December 2015; parts of the book are free to read online at: http://wipfandstock.com/deconstructing-sacramental-theology-and-reconstructing-catholic-ritual.html ). The article and his book challenge much...
read moreRite & Reason: A living, breathing liturgical community is ‘buried alive’ in Dublin
Dr Fáinche Ryan points to the absurdity of the ongoing conditions for priestly ordination when a usually full chapel is closed.
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