Archbishop Michael Neary with newly ordained Deacon Shane Sullivan (right) and fellow Deacon Eugene Boyle following the ordination ceremony at Maynooth on January 29.
    Presdient Michael D. Higgins with Fr Jim Caffrey (director) and staff of Catholic Youth Care in Dublin during the President's recent visit. Photo: John McElroy
    The reception of the Congress Bell at the Church of the Assumption, Brude St in Wexford. Photo: Tomás Hayes
    Altar servers from Clogh, Co. Kilkenny carry icons during a procession welcoming the Congress Bell. Photo: Linda Nolan
    Fr Neal Carlin of Burnfoot, Co. Donegal and members of the Columba Centre and IOSAS Centre with a new shrine to St Ita of Waterford
    The Congress Bell was recently welcomed to St Joseph's Home in Ferrybank, Co. Waterford.
    Passionist Fr Ephrem Blake (2nd right) with volunteers in the newly reopened Passionist Retreat Centre at Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar, Co. Down.
    Members of the new diocesan Eucharistic Adoration Committee for Kerry pictured in Killarney. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan
    Archbisop Michael Neary of Tuam and other attendees at the recent AGM of the National Grandparents Association in Knock.
    Bishop Denis Brennan of Ferns at The Most Holy Trinity Church in Bunclody for the Perpetual Vows of Sr Espuipulas, to the bishop's left.

    Top Story

    Budget cuts choking our small schools

    Mags Gargan

    Small schools across the country under threat of teacher cuts have geared up their protest campaign this week as leading educationalists say children's futures are being sacrificed for the austerity budget.

    Staffing requirements, based on enrolment figures in primary schools introduced in the last budget, will lead to increased class sizes, loss of teachers from next September and could force amalgamations or even the closures of small schools.

    Upset

    Eileen Flynn, general secretary of the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) said the level of upset across the country is understandable. ''It has caused a level of anxiety for people in smaller schools who see themselves as a mainstay of rural Ireland.

    ''One thing that cannot happen children in disadvantaged areas or on the margins or even the mainstream, is that they are sacrificed because of mistakes made by others.

    ''If they are to be the leaders of the future, they deserve the best start now.

    ''A...

    Comment

    Bishop Boyce in the dock

    It's ironic that a secularist is seeking to use the criminal law to prevent free speech, writes Rory Fitzgerald

    A remarkable story emerged this week: The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is considering prosecuting Bishop Philip Boyce of Raphoe for inciting hatred against secularists. This offence can carry a penalty of up to two years imprisonment.

    The...

    Comment

    Catholic schools are key to vibrant faith communities

    Catholic schools deserve credit for their hard work, writes Michael Kelly

    At a time when some commentators and politicians would propose a narrow narrative that see faith-based schools as divisive, Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity to celebrate the vital contribution of the Catholic sector.

    More than 100 guests from North and South were welcomed to St Mary's College, Dundalk for the launch of the now annual event.

    St Mary's was founded by the Marist Fathers and is celebrating 150 years during the academic year 2011/12.

    At the launch, Cardinal Brady said: ''During Catholic Schools Week, we celebrate the part played by Catholic schools in handing on the faith from one generation to the next. ''The Catholic school, as we know it here in Ireland, is a good example of co-operation between the parents, teachers and community,'' he said.

    However, the cardinal also warned: ''We must beware of loading too much on...