Bishops’ Council for Education statement concerning the autonomy of schools
Faith schools exist because many parents wish to have their children educated in accordance with their religious convictions. If the ethos of faith schools is undermined then the rights of such parents are compromised. The Bishops’ Council for Education supports the...
Irish bishops welcome the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy for the Universal Catholic Church
Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness – Pope Francis
“Let God surprise us” – marking fiftieth anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council
On Tuesday, 8 December, the Catholic Church will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council. Tuesday coincides with the important Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and also with the opening...
Bishop Anthony Farquhar, the longest serving bishop in the country, resigns on age grounds
Pope Francis has today accepted the resignation on age grounds of the longest serving bishop in the country - Bishop Anthony Farquhar, Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor diocese. Bishop Farquhar was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor in 1983 and many of...
Winter 2015 General Meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference concludes in Maynooth
The Winter 2015 General Meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference concluded this evening in Columba Centre, Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. The following issues were discussed by the bishops during their meeting: Bishops to open “Holy Doors” in dioceses...
Address by President Michael D. Higgins to the ICPO 30th anniversary conference in Dublin Castle
The Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas marked their 30th anniversary with a conference in Dublin Castle on Tuesday 1 December. Please see below the text of the address by President Michael D. Higgins: I was delighted to receive the invitation from the Irish...
A Step At A Time – The Resettlement Needs of Irish People Returning From Prison Overseas
The Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO), a pastoral outreach established by the Catholic Bishops of Ireland in 1985, is hosting a conference celebrating its 30th anniversary today Tuesday 1 December 2015 entitled “Reaching Out – Supporting Irish Prisoners...
Statement by the Catholic Bishops of Northern Ireland in response to the judgement of the High Court in Belfast in relation to the laws on abortion
Our day to day pastoral experience teaches us that even in the hardest of hard cases society cannot forget that human life is sacred and always deserving of our utmost protection, compassion and care. The Catholic Church teaches that the duty to care for and protect...
Advent Thought for the Day Reflections
Join us on our Advent journey this year and take a few moments to listen to our specially prepared Thought for the Day pieces which are available on our Advent Calendar. Our first Thought for the Day is from Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, who reflects on...
Resource for families for the Jubilee of Mercy Holy Door pilgrimage
The Pontifical Council for the Family has prepared a resource for the animation of the final part of the families' pilgrimage to the Holy Door of the Jubilee. The itinerary is divided into three main moments, during which the families are invited to thank the Lord, to...