Blog

Brendan Hoban, in the Western People, writing about ‘Synodality’ says that “The truth is that there is a split, a clear divide, opening up in the Catholic Church between those who realise that ‘synodality’ (clergy and laity working together rather than clergy dominating laity) is the way forward and those who want things to remain as they were.”

Seamus Ahearne encourages all of us to share more of our thoughts and opinions on our ACP website.
” In some ways, no one should be let into priesthood unless they can use words, speak up/out, and write. The routine of each day, challenges us to write.”

Chris McDonnell, writing in the Catholic Times, uses his UK perspective on Brexit to reflect on those who are faced with a crisis of conscience.

Association of Catholics in Ireland in a press release call on Irish bishops to consider Lumen Gentium 37 at their autumn meeting on October 1st.

Thomas Reese SJ in the National Catholic Reporter gives an insight into the significance of the recent appointments of ten new Cardinal electors by Pope Francis.

Tim Hazelwood draws our attention to Spiritfest 2020.
The opening is an interesting talk by Dr. Marie Keenan on ‘Restorative Justice – Learning to Move On and Heal’

“The Women the Vatican Couldn’t Silence”
Mary McAleese and Sr. Joan Chittister in conversation at 2.00pm on Saturday, 02 November, 2019 in Trinity College Dublin.
We are Church Ireland are celebrating the awarding of Europe’s most prestigious Alfons Auer prize for Ethics to Mary McAleese!

Seamus Ahearne lets his mind (and fingers on the laptop) wander as he explores how we find God in those moments when God whispers to us. Seamus like many found inspiration from the late Fr. Tony Coote.
“Tony Coote’s ‘Walk while you can’ and his book ‘Live while you can’ stirred many of us. He put the spirit into us with his courage, his honesty and his ability to find hope. He saw God and treasure in the midst of Motor Neurone Disease. So yes. ‘Wow’ and ‘Amazing’ is sometimes all we can respond. God-moments and Good- moments are precious. Treasure them as Tony did.”

With the fires burning in the Amazon We Are Church look forward to seeing you at our next meeting with Sr Nellie McLaughlin who is a passionate environmentalist!
Venue: Mercy International Centre, 64A Baggot Street, Dublin 2
Time: 7.30pm to 9.15pm
Date: Monday 09 September 2019

Brendan Hoban in the current edition of Studies gives an honest assessment of the current state of the Church in Ireland and says “that ongoing change is now a permanent reality for the Catholic Church”. Brendan also posits a possible way forward based on the reality of the situation but reminds us that by rejecting the reality of change we are “by extension, rejecting the possibility of reshaping a different church.”
Our thanks to the Editor of Studies, Bruce Bradley SJ, for permission to publish this article on our website.

Tim Hazelwood in responding to a letter from his bishop to all priests in the diocese asks “As regards this conversation about “the way forward” I am wondering why this conversation should only take place among priests? Should not any discussions involve all affected parties? Would this not be an ideal time for a diocesan synod, as Pope Francis recommends, where all Bishop, priests, laity work together to plan a way forward?

Fr Peter Daly wrote recently in the National Catholic Reporter about problems he sees that arise as a result of the church’s position on mandatory celibacy for priests of the Latin Rite.

“Celibacy is not essential to Catholic priesthood. It is only mandated in two of the 24 “autonomous churches” in communion with Rome; the Latin Rite and the Ethiopian Rite….. At least seven popes were married…..There was even a father and son pope combination, Pope Hormisdas (514-523) who was father to Pope Silverius, (536-537)…..Today we have many married priests in the Roman (Latin) Rite who have come to us from the Anglican or Lutheran traditions. ….. If they can be married, why not others?
The practice and teaching of the church on priestly celibacy has been inconsistent and incoherent. But, most important of all, Jesus did not mandate celibacy.” 

The Sunday reading from Ecclesiastes inspires Seamus Ahearne to reflect on current issues.

Seamus Ahearne advises “Pause, contemplate, give thanks and enter into real Communion. Allow the unexpected to happen.”

Chris McDonnell in a recent article in the Catholic Times comments on the role of the prophet in our church.
“Prophets exist in our time, they tell the story of what is and of what it might become. They do so fully aware of the consequences of speaking out, knowing that they will be ostracized and derided. For love for the Church, their home, they suffer the loneliness of rejection.”

Sarah Mac Donald writes in the National Catholic Reporter about how research of Artifacts show that early church women served as clergy.
“New research recently unveiled in Rome suggests women had a greater role in the early church’s ministries and liturgies than previously thought and were present at church altars as deacons, priests and even bishops.
Ally Kateusz, research associate at the Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research, presented her findings July 2 to the International Society of Biblical Literature, drawing on iconography from ancient Christian art.”

America magazine reports on the appointment by Pope Francis of seven women to be full members of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Brendan Hoban, writing in The Western People, expresses disappointment with An Taoiseach for his comments in the Dáil.
“While many people admire Leo Varadkar for his ability and, not least for the new Ireland that’s being created under his watch, as I do, it was disappointing that in the Dáil chamber he descended to the mocking and stereo-typing of Catholic priests…”

Seamus Ahearne is not getting too worked up about recent comments made by An Taoiseach about priests, but does offer a whispered bit of advice.
“This is a great life. The life of priesthood. It is full of humour and fun and grace and beauty.  We are privileged. And it is delightful.  You can use us in any way you wish.”

Chris McDonnell writes in the Catholic Times about the urgency of the cry from the depths about the future of our church.
“Current critics have rocked the complacency of many priests and laity who simply prefer not to think of failure within the church. They still occupy a Church of peace and tranquillity that is the stuff of false memory. That is why the urgency to change is not recognized. The first stimulus  to begin reform is a recognition that current circumstances cry out with the urgency of a wounded child.”