Background to the Church

The Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants have been responding to the needs of Irish emigrants around the world since 1957.

Through pastoral centres in the US and the UK, we provide direct practical assistance to those experiencing hardship. This can be as simple as providing hot water bottles, electric blankets, furniture, and food those who are most in need and are struggling to keep warm and pay their bills.

We also help our clients access statutory services – including housing and benefits and very importantly we provide social and friendship supports – reaching out to those who are lonely and vulnerable.

Thanks to all those who generously support the collection for the Emigrants’ Council taken up in many parishes throughout the country around St Patrick’s Day.

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

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Julieann Moran looks back at the progress of the synodal pathway for the Catholic Church in Ireland and the Universal Synod on the theme of synodality called by Pope Francis.

See Synod.ie for all videos and documents featured in this video produced by iCatholic

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Bishop Michael Router shares a message for World Day Of the Sick which will be celebrated on 11th Feb 2024, (Feast of our Lady of Lourdes)

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The late former Taoiseach John Bruton spoke at the 2012 International Eucharistic Congress which was held in Dublin on 'The Christian Tradition in European Democracy'

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The theme for the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18 to 25 January – the octave of Saint Peter and Saint Paul) is from the parable of the Good Samaritan: ‘love the Lord your God… and your neighbour as yourself’ (Lk 10:27).

Each year a Week of Prayer theme comes from a specific area of the world. For 2024, the discussion by the Archbishops of Armagh is a response to calls from the Christian Churches in Burkina Faso to join with them in self-reflection and consideration of what it means to love our neighbour in the world today.

This year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place from

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Julieann Moran and Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon discuss a recently published research report which calls for leadership training at local level in order to advance the Irish Synodal Pathway and how each diocese is being asked to form a diocesan synodal team to drive the process forward at local level.

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Bishops Alan McGuckian and Bishop Brendan Leahy share their reflections after attending the first session of the Synod on Synodality in Rome (4th - 29th Oct 2023)

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Fr Eamonn Conway who attended the Synod on Synodality reflects on how the final synthesis report ... 'the fruits of our work' ... is now handed over to the whole Church to reflect on and to continue the journey together

more info - https://synod.ie/

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Bishop Martin Hayes introduces his Pastoral Letter titled 'Making Decisions and Preparing for the Future Together' which addresses the four key pastoral priorities identified through the 'conversations about our faith' that took place over the last two years in Kilmore Diocese.

https://www.kilmorediocese.ie/

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Bishop Alan McGuckian explains the way Synod2023 worked ... using the approach of 'Conversations in the Spirit' ... an approach he hopes "that more and more back home in the Church we can do this because it is a real way of discerning God's will ..."

more info - https://synod.ie/

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"Everyone has to in a certain sense feel that this #Synod is for them and it's about them and it's a hope for them"

Bishop Brendan Leahy reflects on the task ahead as #Synod2023 concludes in Rome

more info - https://synod.ie/

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Fr Eamon Conway reflects on the very striking differences between his previous Synod experience and the Synod on Synodality that is taking place this month in Rome and explains his supportive role in the process.

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"The world sings of an infinite Love: how can we fail to care for it?" - Pope Francis

Tomás Insua from the #LaudatoSiMovement on the urgent call to action in #LaudateDeum to all people of good will on the Climate Crisis ...

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Jane Mellet, Laudato Si' Officer with Tròcaire, looks back at the celebration of the Season of Creation 2023 and the on-going challenge to "“Let Justice and Peace Flow”

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Sr Mary Barron - President of International Union of Superiors General - UISG
who is one of 5 women religious with a vote at #synod2023 reflects on how #synodality is part of the culture of religious life and looks forward to journeying together in Rome.

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Bishop Brendan Leahy on the opening day of #synod2023 and how the learnings from the coming weeks of prayer and discernment will be a model for the Irish Synodal Pathway in the years ahead ...

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Caoimhe de Barra, CEO of Trócaire, reflects on the recent 50th anniversary for Trócaire, how climate change and conflict continue to be majors drivers of crisis in the world and applauds recent winners of their 'Romero International award' including Sr Medhin Tesfay from Ethiopia

For more info see - https://www.trocaire.org/

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Fr Willie Purcell (National Vocations Office) on the importance of prayer during this Year of Vocation for Diocesan Priesthood to support those who are thinking about contacting a Vocations Director

For more info see https://vocations.ie/

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Speaking at the 2023 National Novena in Knock, well known broadcaster Sean O'Rourke reflects on the gift of service and priesthood.

"It is right that we think about and pray for those called to the priesthood, those who have a vocation to show Christ’s love to the world in a particular way. We can all think of a priest who has made a positive difference among your family circle, friends, or community… and give thanks for his vocation.

Because we all know priests and religious who have done huge amounts of good, and offered their lives for others. And they need and deserve our support, gratitude, and prayers.

And we need more of them."

see vocations.ie

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Have you ever thought that the Lord might be calling you to be a priest? Five priests from around Ireland share how they followed their vocation to the Diocesan priesthood, explaining what a priest is and his sublime mission in the world.

This video was made at the request of the National Vocations Office, an office within the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, in honour of the Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood held from April 30, 2023- April 21, 2024. The theme for the year is "Take the Risk for Christ."

#Vocation #Priest #Priesthood #Christ #Christian #God #JesusChrist #CatholicMedia #Catholic #Christianity #Orthodox #Tradition #Irish #ireland

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