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).
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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.
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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.
Some 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 …
Women – 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.
CHURCH: 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.
Why 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...
Rite & 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.