A survey showed that 20% of Curial officials polled supported Francis, 10% opposed him and 70% are waiting for the next pope!! In the last 100 years no pope has faced such opposition,
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Catholic church needs better way to select bishops (NCR)
"Francis says he wants to promote a healthy decentralization of the church. And it is hard to think of anything that currently is more centralized than Rome’s appointment of bishops around the world." (Robert Mickens NCR)
Christianity as Life-giving Community of Disciples – Teresa Mee
Teresa Mee finds deep spirituality and companionship in an Irish community of artists and writers.
Sexuality, Nature and Justice
What do conscience, justice and mercy require of us in regard to the participation of those in same-sex relationships in any public aspect of lay ministry in the church? Sean O’Conaill states a very personal view.
An unhealthy failure to speak (John J. Shea O.S.A)
"Do we realize the price we are paying for an un-called-for and unhealthy failure to speak?"
"What happens to the church when it is separated from a living theology?"
"Do we realize what happens to our theology when it is separated from the living church?"
ACI calls for independent investigation of Maynooth
In response to recent disquieting events concerning Ireland’s major seminary, ACI calls for "an independent investigation …, to be carried out promptly and with transparency".
Catholic Deacons
An excellent insight into the role of deacons and the issue of allowing women deacons. A good video to use for group discussion. (10 minutes).
The problems with seminaries
"Is it possible that the seminary is not the place for priestly formation? Diarmaid Martin, speaking on the radio, suggested that it is not, that those who wish to be priests should be assigned to a parish on an apprenticeship basis with built-in periods for...
Imminent: A New Left / Green / Faith Alliance?
With the political left in disarray, Greens struggling for a foothold, and people of faith avid for ‘relevance’, is it time for a new alliance between all three?
Greens, Secularism & Faith: Seeking Synergy
Sean O’Conaill reviews a study of the barriers to an alliance of people of faith with environmental activists and those seeking social justice on the political ‘left’.
Irish Church now ‘on Exodus’: Bishop Donal McKeown
The ‘strong’ Irish Church of the recent past was not the promised land – according to Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry. The Irish Church is now ‘on Exodus’ – a pilgrim and missionary people who should be looking forward, not back.
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)
The 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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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.
Faith 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.
After reading an article please leave a comment and join
the debate in which we learn from one another. (editor)