A response to Mary McAleese
On January 11, 2026, Mary McAleese published in The Irish Times a strategically timed article (on the Sunday of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord) accusing the Catholic Church of using the sacrament of baptism of little children as “long-standing, systemic and overlooked severe restriction on children’s rights with regard to religion”. It […]
Numbers at Mass might be down, but commitment and engagement are not, says Galway parish priest
While the number of people involved in the life of the Church is not as big as it once was, those who choose to be involved are “deeply committed and passionate about their faith,” said Oranmore parish priest, Fr Diarmuid Hogan. “I think it is the experience of my colleagues, and it is certainly my […]
Community heartbroken as St Mary’s, Knockmoyle, celebrates its last Sunday Mass
St Mary’s Church, Knockmoyle, in Cappagh Parish, Co. Tyrone, has held its last Sunday Mass, after the parish suspended Sunday morning Mass amid growing pressure on clergy and a shortage of priests. The decision has been met with sadness locally, with parishioners describing it as heartbreaking for those with a deep attachment to the church […]