“These videos can be accessed at www.icatholic.ie along with accompanying notes and worksheets,” says Bishop Larry Duffy of Clogher.

"I do not feel that rushing Confirmations just in order to get them done will be the best experience for the children involved," says Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

Under Charlton's leadership 'Irish soccer fans were allowed to dream', said President Michael D. Higgens.

“The Church must reach out to new generations, to a new culture. It must be in touch with the new anguishes and challenges of people. It must reach out to those who are marginalised and abused,” said Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

‘The kindly light will never be defended by nastiness and bitterness,’ Archbishop Diarmuid Martin tells social media pundits and online trolls.

The guide was published by the social services arm of the Dublin Archdiocese and looks at a range of options for those awaiting their exam results.

“I have 26 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren – I hope they grow up in a world where they won't face discrimination,” said Missy Collins of Pavee Point.

Journey towards Christian unity is progressing but people need to be more aware of its forward momentum, says authority on ecumenism.

As a result of the decline in the number of complaints received, the Child Safeguarding and Protection Service can give more time to helping parishes ensure that they create and maintain safe environments for children.

Goods will be used to help stock food banks that help the neediest families and individuals.

All parishes are encouraged to have funeral ministry teams trained in offering support to the bereaved.

“It will be unforgivable if our politicians backslide from their recent commitment to parliamentary reform as a prerequisite for allowing a new government to get going.”

Longford native Seamus O’Rourke (56) will be ordained for the Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnois by Bishop Francis Duffy.

Seven specially chartered flights left Dublin Airport on Sunday with 175 sick pilgrims, 60 nurses, eight doctors and 560 volunteers from archdiocese of Dublin.