ACP Leadership meet with reps of 75% of Irish dioceses
The ACP Leadership Team report on their meeting with representatives of ACP members in Irish dioceses on 25 February
Month: February 2014
Latest schedule of talks by Tony Flannery published
Tony Flannery announces the schedule of talks being given by him for the next month or so, as part of his speaking tour
Presider’s Page for Ordinary Time 7 (Sun 23 Feb.)
Loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian, as Jesus teaches us today. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.
Why won’t the Pope treat his faithful like adults?
Michael W. Higgins comments on the Vatican’s discouragement of the publication of the Synod survey results and fears Pope Francis may be losing his nerve (first pubished in the Globe and Mail, Toronto on 20 February 2014).
International church reform groups seek meeting with Pope Francis
Tony Flannery reports that a letter has been sent to Pope Francis on behalf of reform movements in many countries, the ACP included.
Have the Iona Institute won a battle — and lost the war?
Brendan Hoban is saddened at the Iona Institute’s rush to the lawyers on being called ‘homophobic’, and contrasts it with the Institute’s earlier comments on the ACP, which did not lead to a legal remedy being sought (first published in the Western People).
Japan’s bishops respond to Synod survey
Pádraig McCarthy presents the Catholic bishops of Japan’s description of their particular situation in their responses to the Synod survey.
Presider’s Page for Ordinary Time 6 (Sun 16 Feb)
The Gospel of Christ is challenging. Today’s readings ask for decisions, while encouraging us to choose the right path. We gather to worship God, who can help us in all our choices.
ACP leadership to meet diocesan reps
The ACP Leadership Team announces a meeting between them and representatives of each diocese on Tuesday, February 25th at 2.30pm in the Hodson Bay Hotel.
Pope Francis addresses engaged couples on St Valentine’s Day
Padraig McCarthy reports Pope Francis’ words to engaged couples on St Valentine’s Day. (The talk was in Italian and was published on the Vatican website: this is an unofficial translation.)
ACP Leadership calls for transparency in the Irish Church
The ACP Leadership Team believes the Irish Bishops’ decision not to publish the results of the Synod Survey runs contrary to the spirit of openness being promoted by Pope Francis. (Contact details of Leadership Team are here)
Is the New Evangelisation a crusade of fear?
Frank Gregg reacts to an EWTN discussion on Sister Faustina and asks how the loving God could have made the hell they discussed
Is there room for two clergy organisations in Ireland?
Eddie Finnegan reflects on the recent launch of the Irish Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and, in his inimitable tongue-in-cheek style, considers the prospects for success of two movements of Irish clergy.
Recent spat between cardinals signals a ‘battle for the soul of the Church’
Brendan Hoban sees in the recent public disagreement between Cardinals Muller and Maradiaga a part of the ongoing struggle between Benedict XVI’s church and Francis I’s church. It is, he believes, a battle “between a black and white view of Catholic reality (take it or leave it) and an acceptance of the complexity of human experience (try to understand weakness and failure)…” (First published in the Western People).
Florida bishop reports on the results of the Synod Survey
Bishop Robert Lynch of St. Petersburg, Florida made a big effort to consult his people on the Vatican survey. This is his summary of the responses.
Presider’s Page for Ordinary Time 5 (Sun 9 Feb)
In today’s liturgy, we hear that Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Rejoicing in this calling, we praise God who sustains us all our days.
It’s time for the bishops and the ACP to talk
Tony Flannery reflects on the remarkable exchange between the Austrian bishops and Pope Francis, in which the the bishops were challenged to stay in close contact with their priests. He calls for the Irish bishops to do likewise.
German and Swiss churches publish their Synod questionnaire results
Cindy Wooden, Catholic New Services, reports in the NCR on the publication of the synod questionnaires of Swiss and German Catholics (first published in the National Catholic Reporter on 4 February 2014).
Supervision for clergy: how it works in an Australian Anglican diocese
Bryan Dunn reports on the system for supervision being implements for clergy in the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle in Australia — a possible model for Irish dioceses?
Atonement: why do Irish clergy avoid this issue?
Sean O’Conaill notes comments on the atoning quality of Christ’s sacrifice found on this site, and wonders why the issue is never broached by clergy — and a more nuanced position advanced.
Select a category in the sidebar for more posts
Select a category in the sidebar for more posts