ACP members in Achonry and Tuam meet
ACP members met in Claremorris on 12 September — part of the build-up and preparation for the Assembly of the West.
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I am the youngest Kildare priest
Paddy Byrne, the youngest priest of Kildare and Leighlin diocese, writes of his experiences (first published in the Carlow Nationalist)
Meeting about new lay umbrella group held
The Steering Group working on the setting up of a lay umbrella group met recently. The umbrella group will be known as The Association of Irish Catholics (ACI)
Bishop’s Public Statement when priest steps aside is unnecessary
Bill Cosgrave argues against the practice of making a public statement in a parish in the event of an allegation against a priests. This is a position that has been vigorously argued by the ACP since its foundation. This article was first published in The Furrow.
23rd Sunday Ordinary Time — Bidding Prayers etc
God’s healing power was seen in the ministry of Jesus, and continues in the sacraments, in advances in medicine and in the work of the caring professions. Today we pray for strength, trusting that God will continue to show compassion to the whole world.
American bishop escapes jail
A lawyer slams the freeing of Bishop Finn on a charge of failing to report child abuse (opinion piece first published in the Kansas City Star, submitted here by Paddy Moran, Westland Row).
Texts to welcome visitors
Greetings the presider might use at the start of Mass are given here in the more popular European languages, together with a phoenetic version for ministers not fluent in the languages. The suggested script reads: ‘Dear friends who are holidaying with us, we are delighted to welcome you among us.’
Why people fail to confront sexual abuse
Fr Raymond J. de Souza writes on why is it so difficult to speak up about sexual abuse, and why so many prefer to keep quiet
Shortage of priests is having drastic consequences
Brendan Hoban writes of lay funeral presiders being commissioned in Liverpool and lay-led Communion services taking the place — two responses to a shortage of priests that is becoming drastic in these islands (published with acknowledgement to the Western People).
Full text of Cardinal Martini’s interview shortly before he died.
Thanks to the National Catholic Reporter, we are glad to be able to bring the full text of Cardinal Martini’s interview. We in the ACP believe that this is an enormously significant statement, coming from a man of such learning, distinction and spirituality; and the circumstances of the interview make it, in a sense, his last will and testament to the Church. It gives us encouragement and hope in the positions we have adopted.
The Love Revolution: Paul Burns
This reflection on the need for love in our Church has been sent to us by a former priest in England, Paul Burns.
We are Church meeting in Limerick
WE are Church Ireland , part of the International movement WE are Church , which is promoting reform in the Catholic Church is now organising an informational meeting on our…
22nd Sunday Ordinary Time
Opening Comment As we move from summer to autumn, we praise God who sustains us all year round. We ask for help with new undertakings and perseverance with continuing projects,…
Update on AGM: November 9/10: Regency Hotel, Dublin
We have made some changes to our plans for the AGM. The main one is that the second session on Saturday morning will be open to all, lay and clergy. Read the details here.
Croi Nua Programme: an information evening.
We are happy to recommend and promote this programme, designed and presented by Hilary Musgrave and Monica Brown. This is a notice about an information evening in All Hallows College.
Ireland in Crisis: A possible way out. Colm Hughes
This article, sent to us by Colm Hughes, challenges us to get involved in an area of life in which great priests of the past, like James McDyer, distinguished themselves. We encourage priests to read it, and if it stirs any energy and interest in you, get in touch either with us or Colm, and maybe something could be done.
21st Sunday Ordinary Time
OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: We gather as people who have chosen to serve the Lord, chosen to walk the Christian way. We worship God who leads us on — and ask for strength to continue as we have begun.
Irish Catholic Mothers: Sean O Conaill
Here Sean raises interesting questions about the impact of the last twenty years or so on the faith of Irish Mothers. We are grateful to Sean for raising important questions for discussion on our website.
20th Sunday Ordinary Time
OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: Whoever eats the flesh of the Lord and drinks his blood will live for ever. We celebrate Jesus’ promise, believing we will share the eternal destiny of all who have this divine life in them.
Where are the penitents? Trends in Confession: John Cornwell
An interesting article on the current state of the Sacrament of Confession by John Cornwell. Taken from The Tablet.
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