The Northern Bishops, speaking today at the Summer General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference in Maynooth, voiced their grave concern at the decision in recent days of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton Harris MP, to lay regulations in the Westminster Parliament making it compulsory on all second level schools in Northern Ireland to teach children about access to abortion and prevention of early pregnancy.

Bishops said, “Having already imposed some of the most radical abortion laws in the world on the people of Northern Ireland, without their consent, the Secretary of State now seems determined to impose an ideologically biased view of abortion on all schools, irrespective of parental rights or school ethos. This is radical legislation the British Government doesn’t even impose on schools in Britain, where the right of parents to be involved in decisions about such ethical and pastoral issues is fully respected. There is no such thing as a neutral view on abortion. There is no such thing as a value-free or ethically neutral approach to the question of when life begins and when we have a duty to protect and care for all human life. These are matters subject to sincerely held differences of opinion across the world. It is not for a Government to impose one ideological approach on children, parents or on our schools, over others. This is why the right of parents to an education for their children that is an accordance with their ethical, religious and philosophical convictions, is an internationally recognised human right. It prevents Governments from the kind of over-reach in relation to the rights and freedom of parents that this legislation represents. We call on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to respect the internationally recognised rights of parents, and the principles of consultation and devolution in the Good Friday Agreement, and to withdraw this legislation, leaving it to a devolved Assembly to decide, in consultation with parents and educational stakeholders.”

Bishops continued, “Like the recent so-called investigation of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission into RSE in schools, the Secretary of State is also indulging in a tired and frankly, offensive caricature of what our outstanding teachers are actually doing in our schools in this area. Today our Catholic Schools Trustees Service will be writing to those who carried out the recent NIHRC “Investigation” to express the Trustees’ serous concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the Report. Neither party took the trouble to engage with teachers in the classroom. At best, a limited paper-based exercise was undertaken which failed to recognise that in the reality of classroom teaching, teachers and schools are endeavouring to provide professional, ethically balanced, scientifically honest, and pastorally responsible age-appropriate Relationships and Sexuality formation in our schools. It is an education rooted in the building up of relationships of trust and openness in which every issue can be maturely, openly and honestly discussed. That is the approach of Catholic, and indeed of other schools where highly sensitive matters like abortion are discussed fully and openly and which enables our young people to be confident and compassionate with regard to all of the issues concerned.  The Secretary of State, and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, need to move away from their tendency to ideological colonisation in this area, and trust parents, teachers, young people and local politicians in Northern Ireland to balance the rights and responsibilities involved.”

Bishops concluded, “We call on all politicians in Northern Ireland, and those MPs in Westminster with a genuine commitment to the principles of pluralism, democracy and the right to devolved decisions in the Good Friday Agreement, to oppose the regulations in Westminster. We also encourage parents and teachers in schools in Northern Ireland to challenge the unjust presentation by the Secretary of State, and the NI Human Rights Commission, of the outstanding, ethically responsible and scientifically balanced work they are doing in our schools in regard to Relationships and Sexuality Education. Finally, we call on young people themselves to challenge the view that they are passive, uninformed and unable to engage confidently and maturely in open debate about all the issues raised in this important part of the school curriculum.”

+ Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh, Apostolic Administrator of Dromore and Primate of All Ireland;

+ Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry and Apostolic Administrator of Down and Connor;

+ Larry Duffy, Bishop of Clogher;

+ Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh.

Remembering the Remarkable Life of Blessed Carlos Acutis

In a world where technology dominates our daily lives, it is truly inspiring to find someone who harnessed its power for a greater purpose. Blessed Carlos Acutis, a young Italian teenager, left an indelible mark on the world before his untimely passing at the age of 15. The relic of Blessed Carlos visits St. Patrick’s Cathedral from Sunday 11th June until Tuesday 13th June at 12 midday. 

Blessed Carlos Acutis Life

The Early Years: Carlos Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to Italian parents. He grew up in Milan, Italy, where his family relocated when he was just a child. From a young age, Carlos displayed an extraordinary devotion to his Catholic faith. He attended Mass daily, regularly received the sacraments, and developed a deep love for the Eucharist.

A Technological Pioneer: Carlos possessed a keen interest in computers and technology. At the age of 9, he taught himself programming and web development, showcasing an incredible talent for coding. With his technical skills, he created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world. This website has become a significant resource for Catholics and serves as a testament to his commitment to spreading faith through technology.

Unwavering Faith: Despite his love for technology, Carlos never let it distract him from his faith. He once said, “To be always united with Jesus, this is my plan of life.” Carlos understood that technology could be a powerful tool for evangelization, and he used it to share his faith with others. He believed that the internet could be a means to bring people closer to God, and his website on Eucharistic miracles was just one example of his efforts.

A Life Cut Short: Tragically, Carlos Acutis was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006. Despite his illness, he faced his suffering with unwavering faith and acceptance, offering it up for the salvation of souls. Carlos passed away on October 12, 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire people of all ages.

Beatification and Canonization: Carlos’s extraordinary life and holiness did not go unnoticed. On October 10, 2020, he was beatified by Pope Francis, becoming the first millennial to be declared “Blessed” by the Catholic Church. His beatification highlights the significance of his witness, particularly for the younger generation, demonstrating that holiness is attainable even in our modern world.

Blessed Carlos Acutis exemplified a profound spirituality and a deep love for God that transcended his young age. His passion for the Eucharist, coupled with his technological expertise, made him a true pioneer in using digital platforms to share the Gospel. His beatification serves as a reminder to all of us that holiness knows no bounds and that we, too, can make a difference in the world, regardless of our age or circumstances. May the life of Blessed Carlos Acutis inspire us to use our talents and embrace our faith with fervor, spreading God’s love to all those around us.

Click Here to access photos from the visit of the relic.

The Archdiocese of Armagh has launched a special Fundraising Campaign to support the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. This is an important year in the history of the Cathedral as it marks 150 years since the original dedication by Archbishop McGettigan on 24^th August 1873.

Considerable resources are needed to maintain the character and preserve the heritage of the Cathedral, therefore, the fundraising campaign is now being launched throughout the Archdiocese of Armagh and beyond. People are being invited to become a regular donor as a “Friend of St Patrick’s Cathedral” or to make a one-off contribution to mark this 150^th year.

St Patrick’s Cathedral was completed at a time of deprivation and famine and involved great hardships and sacrifices by succeeding generations. The last major renovation to the Cathedral took place more than twenty years but in such a sizeable building, exposed to the elements, there are ongoing and essential maintenance requirements. Examples of immediate priorities include renovations to the eye-catching Cathedral steps and entrance precinct, addressing rainwater ingress at eaves levels, repairs and replacement of lightning conductors, and the refurbishment of the historic Cathedral organ.

Recently, Archbishop Eamon Martin said “Looking ahead, we aim to secure a regular support and enhancement income of at least £200,000 per annum for this unique building. We are conscious that this is a challenging time for fundraising, but as we emerge from the Covid pandemic, we move forward convinced that the people of today and tomorrow need more than ever the light of faith and hope.” He went on to say, “Join us as we preserve the treasured landmark and sacred space of St Patrick’s Cathedral, for generations to come and help us to ensure that our Cathedral remains a living centre of prayer, tranquillity, and renewal for the next 150 years and beyond”.

Further information about the Fundraising Campaign is available from Armagh Parish Office (028/048 37522813) or by emailing Caroline at [email protected]

“The one who sings prays twice”

Saint Augustine

The Schools Singing Programme was set up to assist Catholic dioceses in creating or enhancing their own music programmes for school children. The Schools Singing Programme directly benefits children from all walks of life but supports in a special way children on the peripheries of Church and society.

The Archdiocese of Armagh and the Diocese of Dromore dreamt of a schools singing initiative some twelve months ago and have been working consistently to develop a pilot involving twelve schools which resulted in the Sing a New Song celebratory event in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh on 16th May 2023. The pilot lasted eight weeks and spanned the period from Lent until the middle of Eastertide. 

The Archdiocese of Armagh celebrates a significant milestone in 2023, in that it celebrates the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of St. Patrick’s cathedral.  The Sing a New Song celebratory event has allowed a new generation of young people to encounter the Catholic tradition of choral song.  

A special thanks is extended to Ben Saunders and the Schools Singing Programme steering group for their practical support during this initiative. 

Click here to access all videos and photographs

‘Abortion: Changing the Narrative’ – statement of the Catholic Bishops

At Masses across Ireland this weekend, dioceses will be remembering in prayer in a special way unborn children five years on from the May 2018 referendum which removed the constitutional guarantee of the equal right to life of unborn children and their mothers.

The Bishops of Ireland have issued a new statement that also takes into account the recent review by Government of the abortion legislation introduced following the referendum.  At that time the bishops said, “a new situation now exists in Ireland.  It is essential for us as a Church, which cares passionately about the gift of life, and wants to support both mothers and their unborn children, to seek better ways of responding to this new and very challenging reality”. 

In their new message, bishops reaffirm the deep conviction of our faith, namely, stating “that the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death, is a value for the whole of society, rooted in reason as well as in faith.  No matter what legislation is passed, the fundamental right to life for all human beings at every stage of development still prevails.” 

The bishops remain convinced that the relevant law, the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 will, in due course, be repealed.  Bishops said, “in the meantime, the Church will continue to seek loving and supportive protection for every mother and for every child in the womb, including babies diagnosed with a disability or a life-limiting condition.  We will continue to do their best to change the narrative through dialogue and by testifying, in season and out of season, to the Gospel of Life.” 

Please see below links and information for the following resources: 

• Two-sided A4 single sheet message of the bishops ‘Abortion: Changing the Narrative’ for distribution inside your parish church
• Bishops’ critique of the recently published Government review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act, 2018
• New graphics highlighting the issue of unborn life for social media platforms, websites and in parish bulletins
• An insert for publication that can be included in parish bulletins

2023 May 14 – parish church leaflet ‘Abortion – changing the narrative’

2023 May 14 – Bishops’ critique of Gov review of Health T of P Act

Click Here for Pope Francis Message for the 2023 World Day of Prayer for Vocations. 

ACCORD Central Office is recruiting for the Certificate in Counselling (Marriage and Relationship) training programme commencing in September 2023.  Training will take place in Maynooth and the course is validated by the Pontifical University, Maynooth.  Accord CLG pays the fees for the course and provides placement.

Successful applicants will follow a 16 day Certificate programme which will provide: the clinical skills essential to couples work; in-depth knowledge relating to the handling of Infidelity, Trauma, Addiction, Neurodiversity, Physical & Mental Illness & Disability, Sex and Intimacy, Step-Family Dynamics, Diversity, Parenting Issues, the Impacts of Family of Origin, and Domestic Abuse in the couple context; self-awareness exercises specific to the needs of the couple and relationship counsellor.

If you hold a:

• Level 5 (UK)/Level 7 (RoI) qualification in Counselling/Psychotherapy;
• Substantial experience of working in the Person-Centred style;
• 100 client counselling hours post-graduation; and,
• A current supervised caseload.

and would like more information about this unique opportunity, please contact: [email protected].  The final date for receipt of applications is 19 May 2023 and should be submitted to Breda Landy Horgan [email protected].