Irish Bishops’ Conference

Walking the Synodal Pathway together – Bishop Brendan Leahy

Bishop Brendan Leahy says that two primary questions for the Synodal Pathway are 'how are we getting on with one another and how are we reaching out to other people?'

Let the Oppressed Go Free – a dream for Dublin

Sculptor Timothy Schmalz and Archbishop Dermot Farrell share the dream of the full size bronze of the anti-human trafficking sculpture 'Let the Oppressed Go Free' coming to Dublin

The St Patrick that all of Europe still needs – Archbishop Dermot Farrell

At Mass on St Patrick's Day, Archbishop Farrell spoke about how the spirit of Patrick is captured by the sculpture “Let the Oppressed Go Free” by Timothy Schmalz, a model of which was present on the altar.

The Church response to the war in Ukraine

Bishop Brendan Leahy and Papal biographer and journalist Austen Ivereigh reflect on the Church's response to the war in Ukraine

Listening is key to the Synodal pathway – Bishop Nulty

Bishop Denis Nulty affirms that listening to people's experience of faith and Church at local level is a key first step on the Synodal pathway.

Praying for Peace in Ukraine – Bishop Denis Nulty

Bishop Denis Nulty joins with Pope Francis in asking people to make Ash Wednesday and Lent a special time of prayer for peace in Ukraine and the world 

Archbishop Eamon Martin speaks about the Irish Synodal Pathway

"So I invite you to join us on this Synodal journey of discovery. Discovering what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church in Ireland at this time" - Archbishop Eamon Martin

How to make a St Brigid’s Cross

A step by step demonstration of how to make a St Brigid's Cross. Recorded in Kildare Town at Feile Bride 2013.

Working towards a new and inclusive church in Cashel and Emly

'Seeds of Hope' the pastoral plan for Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was launched in Holycross Abbey with a call for a more inclusive Church.

Cashel & Emly to launch ‘Seeds of Hope’ pastoral plan

The 'Seeds of Hope' pastoral plan is intended to bring about a Church that will better serve the people and communities of the Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly

We must develop a listening ear – Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly

Homily by Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly at Mass broadcast live by iCatholic on RTE NEWS channel on 4th July 2012 from MIC Thurles

CPSMA 2021 Virtual AGM – Address by Archbishop Dermot Farrell

Full address by Archbishop Dermot Farrell at 2021 Virtual AGM of the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association

The Pathway to the Synod – Bishop Brendan Leahy

"What does God want for us now?" Bishop Brendan Leahy explains to Wendy how the Irish Bishops are inviting submissions about the pathway to the National Synod

Coping with COVID crisis and re-opening Churches – Archbishop Eamon Martin

"We felt we had enough then... " Archbishop Eamon Martin shares his reaction to learning that it is now a criminal offence to lead or gather for public worship in the Republic 

Caring for ‘our fragile peace’ – Archbishop Eamon Martin

Archbishop Eamon Martin talks to Wendy about the recent letter from Church Leaders calling for unified political response to address violence and community tensions in NI

This past 12 months has changed the face of parish for all of us – Bishop Nulty

It is good for us to ask what we understand by parish now ... ?" Homily by Bishop Denis Nulty at the Chrism Mass in Carlow Cathedral

Trócaire Lenten Appeal 2021 – This Lent is different

The annual Trócaire Lenten appeal has been running for nearly 50 years and while this Lent is different the call to charity remains

Lent 2021 – Message from Bishop Denis Nulty

As we begin the season of Lent, Bishop Denis Nulty offers us all a reflection on this season of grace which invites us to return to the Lord.

Dying with Dignity Bill 2020 – Submission by the Irish Catholic Bishops

Bishop Kevin Doran, Chair of the Council for Life, outlines the submission of the Irish Catholic Bishops to the Dying with Dignity Bill 2020

Celebrating Christmas 2020 – Archbishop Eamon Martin

As the Advent season begins, Archbishop Eamon Martin reflects on the great desire that people have to return to Church to celebrate Christmas. 

Week of Witness for Persecuted Christians – Archbishop Eamon Martin

Archbishop Eamon Martin reflects on how Red Wednesday and the Week of Witness is helping to raise awareness of the Persecuted Church.

Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Paul Dempsey – Highlights

Highlights from the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Paul Dempsey as Bishop of Achonry that took place in Ballaghaderren on 30th August 2020

Let us begin …. Bishop Paul Dempsey

Bishop Paul reflects on how together the Diocese of Achonry might respond to the Gospel call contained in his Episcopal motto - "Duc in Altum" - put out into the deep (Lk 5:4)

“It is about call and response” – Bishop Elect Paul Dempsey

Bishop Elect Paul Dempsey on responding to the call to become Bishop of Achonry.  iCatholic will livestream the Episcopal Ordination on 30th Aug at 3pm

Being Church online for one another

Bishop Denis Nulty on the challenge of connecting with one another in these difficult times and celebrating Holy Week at home

I thank you for all your sacrifices these special days – Bishop Nulty

Full recording of the service of Consecration of Ireland to the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Carlow Cathedral

Archbishop Eamon Martin criticises change to NI Abortion law

Archbishop Eamon expresses his concern at how the Executive Formation Bill was "essentially hijacked" thereby undermining the whole concept of devolution.

Affirming the sanctity of all human life – Archbishop Eamon Martin

At the 2019 Rally for Life, Archbishop Eamon stated that it was as important as ever to affirm the sanctity of all human life.

“The mission of the Church is ….” Bishop Fintan Gavin

After his ordination as Bishop of Cork and Ross, Bishop Fintan said "... the mission of the Church is to go beyond itself ... going towards the last, the lost and least among us ... "

PBC2019 – Archbishop Eamon Martin

"The powerful testimony of survivors has really brought all of us to our knees" Archbishop Martin on the Vatican meeting on Protection of Minors in the Church

Sharing the lessons of bitter experience – Archbishop Eamon Martin

Archbishop Martin says that the Vatican meeting on the 'Protection of Minors' is an opportunity to help others to avoid the past mistakes of the Irish Church.

Relationships and Sexuality Education Review

Kate Liffey explains her concerns about separating the ethos of Catholic schools from the delivery of RSE in Catholic Schools.

Archbishop Eamon Martin on Brexit and the Border

"We need to get our act together..." Archbishop Martin responds  to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's remarks about the possible return to a hard border due to Brexit

The message of Christmas in Northern Iraq

Archbishop Eamon Martin reflects on his recent visit to Northern Iraq where many Christians have been displaced in recent years.

Archbishop Eamon Martin Christmas Message (2018)

Archbishop Eamon offers a message of faith and hope for 2019 while acknowledging that he has mixed memories of the year gone by.

The counter-cultural message the Church needs to offer

Archbishop Eamon Martin on offering an often counter-cultural message to the world "in which young people drown and are being suffocated..." 

“We need missionaries for life now more than ever…”

At a press briefing during #Synod2018 Archbishop Eamon Martin reflects on the way forward for the Church after the repeal of the 8th Amendment.

“I feel I have to be an ambassador for the Synod…”

Archbishop Eamon Martin says he needs "the help of our young people" to bring the experience of the joy and life at #Synod2018 home to the Irish Church.

Bringing Synod2018 back home

Archbishop Eamon Martin and Bishop Donal McKeown look forward to bringing the message and the method of the Synod back home to young people.

Insights from Synod 2018

Archbishop Eamon Martin shares how the Synod has heard about the challenges facing young people around the world.

Say No to Repeal of 8th – Archbishop Eamon Martin

Archbishop Eamon Martin invites voters to think of two lives and to say  ‘no’ to the repeal of the Eighth Amendment in the referendum on 25th May

Life in their Hands – Archbishop Eamon Martin

In his message for the World Day of the Sick 2018, Archbishop Martin highlights the right to freedom of conscience for all health workers.

Faith Based Schools in a Pluralist Society – Archbishop D Martin

A reflection from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin at the National Education Conference organised by The Irish Catholic

Bishop of Derry pays tribute to Sr Clare Crockett

Bishop Donal McKeown reflects on how the joyful service of Derry native Sr Clare Crockett (1982 -2016) can serve as an inspiration to her generation.

Accord research into relationship counselling trends

Bishop Denis Nulty discusses recent research into the most common problems that couples refer to when they come to Accord for relationship counselling.

Remembering 1916 – Archbishop Eamon Martin

Archbishop Martin on the need to avoid a false glorification of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme and the on-going need not to forget victims of violence.

Synod on the Family 2015 – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin

Archbishop Diarmaid Martin reflects on the progress and potential legacy of the Synod on the Family. Recorded in Rome on Oct 23rd.

Synod on the Family 2015 – Archbishop Eamon Martin

In this iCatholic report, we hear what Archbishop Eamon Martin said at the Vatican Press Conference on 21 October.

Care for the Covenant of Marriage – Archbishop Eamon Martin

Interview with Archbishop Eamon Martin about his statement on the Marriage Referendum - Care for the Covenant of Marriage.

Archbishop Eamon Martin on Marriage Referendum

Archbishop Eamon Martin discusses the statement issued by the Bishops Conference in regard to the upcoming Marriage Referendum.

Statement from Irish Bishops on Marriage Referendum

Archbishop Eamon Martin shares the statement from the Irish Bishops Conference on the upcoming Marriage referendum.

The Meaning of Marriage – Irish Bishops

Bishop Kevin Doran discusses the pastoral statement from the Irish Bishops - The Meaning of Marriage - which is being distributed to over 1,300 parishes.

The Cry of the Earth relaunched by Irish Bishops Conference

Dr Lorna Gold discusses the relaunch of the Cry of the Earth and the pastoral resource (Glas) that Trócaire has published to supplement it.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin at the Synod on the Family

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin shares his reflection on the progress of the Synod on the Family which has been running for the last two weeks in Rome.

Day for Life 2014 – Bishop Brendan Leahy

Bishop Brendan Leahy outlines Day for Life and explains the theme and message chosen by the bishops for this year's Day for Life on Sunday 5 October.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin previews Synod on the Family 2014

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin previews the upcoming gathering in Rome on the Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the context of Evangelisation.

Archbishop Eamon Martin – Primate of All Ireland

Statement by Archbishop Eamon Martin as he becomes Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland following the resignation today of Cardinal Sean Brady.

Prayers for Peace – resource from Irish Bishops

Fr Robert McCabe introduces a prayer resource circulated by the Irish Bishops in response to the recent call from Pope Francis for people to pray for peace.

Marriage and Family at the Heart of the Parish – Archbishop D Martin

Address by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin at the Marriage and Family Conference held in Clonliffe College on 14 June 2014.

Marriage and Family at the Heart of the Parish – Dr Tony Fahey

Keynote address by Dr Tony Fahey entitled "Marriage and the Family in Ireland today" at Conference in Clonliffe College.

What is the Irish Catholic Catechism for Adults?

Watch a short introduction to this major new resource from the Irish Episcopal Conference. Published by Veritas.

Marriage at the Heart of the Church (1)

This is the first of two talks given by Stijn Van den Bossche during the the first national conference of The Council for Marriage and the Family (Sept 2013).

Marriage at the heart of the Church (2)

This is second of two talks given by Stijn Van den Bossche during the the first national conference of The Council for Marriage and the Family on 28 September 2013 in Maynooth.

World Day of the Sick Seminar – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin gave the opening address at this seminar in Dublin Archdiocese to mark the 2014 World day of the Sick.

Holy Land Co-ordination visit 2014 – Bishop Denis Nulty

Bishop Nulty urges pilgrim groups to connect with the local church - the living stones - while in the Holy Land.

Consultation for Synod on the Family – Bishop Denis Nulty

Bishop Denis Nulty expresses his thanks for all the parish groups and individuals in K&L who responded to the recent questionnaire on family life and church teaching.

Archbishop Eamon Martin – Choose Life appeal

Archbishop Eamon Martin delivers a powerful and direct appeal for the Irish people to choose life and for the faithful to pray that abortion legislation will not be voted in.

Archbishop Eamon Martin Choose Life Prayer

Archbishop Eamon Martin invites people to join with him in praying the Choose Life Prayer for the Child in the Womb. Download full text.

Prayer for the Child in the Womb

It is possible to download a prayer card asa PDF or for large quantities you can order printed cards from Veritas.

A time to uphold the right to life – Irish Bishops statement

Archbishop Eamon Martin delivers the statement issued by the Irish Bishops Conference on 11th June 2013.

Emigrant Information Pack 2013 – IECE

Joanna Joyce introduces the Emigrant Information Pack 2013. This Parish Resource has been prepared by The Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants (IECE).

Share the Good News – leaflets now available

Find out about the series of seven leaflets which help introduce people to the content and vision of the National Directory for Catechesis in Ireland.

Share the Good News – Introduction and Implementation

Eoin O'Mahony and Bernadette Sweetman introduce the National Directory for Catechesis in Ireland and explain how people might engage with it locally.

Catholic Primary Schools – Looking to the Future

Fr Michael Drumm discusses school patronage and inclusivity.

IEC2012 – Brendan O’Reilly on Share the Good News

Share the Good News is the title of the ten year plan for the revitalisation of the Irish Church. It took six years of consultation to compose the plan before it was approved by Rome. This workshop explores various aspects of Share the Good News.

Pastoral Response to Substance Misuse – IBDI

Pastoral Response to Substance Misuse is an initiative set up by the Irish Bishops' Conference to help parishes respond to this growing problem in their communities.