At the launch of Catholic Schools Week, CPSMA General Secretary criticises league tables in which educationally gifted are valued and those who are not are shunned.

595 men expected to be ordained to the priesthood in 2015, an increase of 24.7% on last year’s figure of 477, according to US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In their Christmas messages, Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops express concern for those living in the "grip of fear".

Students urged to value each other equally regardless of religion, ethnicity, social background or sexual orientation.