The churches and education

The summer 2008 issue of Studies, the Irish Jesuit quarterly review, addresses a series of matters relating to Irish education. Under the title ‘Educating ourselves’, it carries articles about Catholic schools, intercultural education, professional ethics in teaching, and religious values in education. In his editorial, Fergus O’Donoghue SJ notes that the benefits of the churches having a role in Irish education are not adequately appreciated. There is a danger, he remarks, that Irish people will be left with “a vague, sentimental attachment to Christianity as a cosy folkloric religion”. To order copies, go to the Studies website.

Lisbon and lost trust

In this brief commentary on the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by the Irish electorate, Edmond Grace SJ identifies in Irish politics a crisis of trust which requires attention.

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After the Lisbon Treaty referendum our political leaders find themselves in an unenviable position. Among their counterparts in Europe they have failed, for a second time, to deliver the agreement of the Irish people to a major treaty. Back home, public confidence in their leadership has been damaged. This further erodes their position in Europe. They can no longer command the confidence of others when they claim to speak on behalf of the people of Ireland. Read more »

JRS seeks new Integration Officer

The Jesuit Refugee Service (Ireland) is currently welcoming applications for the post of Integration Officer, a two-year, fixed-term, full-time contract. The successful candidate will be required to support and develop the integration services of the JRS, which have a special focus on education, and to contribute to the policy and advocacy work of the JRS in this area. Those interested in applying should forward a copy of their CV together with a covering letter outlining their interest in this position before 27 June to Eugene Quinn, JRS Ireland, 13 Gardiner Place, Dublin 1 (or mail ireland@jrs.net). For more details, call 01-8148644.

Msgr Tom Stack marks Golden Jubilee

Sunday the 15th June marked the Golden Jubilee of the ordination of Msgr Tom Stack, a long time friend of the Jesuits. A celebration was held at St. Anne’s Church Milltown, Dublin, to mark both the jubilee and Fr Stack’s retirement as Parish Priest in that parish. Bishop James Moriarty, of Kildare and Leighlin, was the chief celebrant. In his reflection during the Jubilee Mass, Fr Stack mentioned his long-time relationship with the Jesuits and particularly his time with Fr. Alan Mowbray SJ, who has been guiding the Parish Prayer Group. Msgr Stack is the author of a number of books, including No Earthly Estate: God and Patrick Kavanagh: An Anthology.

New faces for JCFJ

Dr Michael Punch, an authority on Irish Housing Policy, has joined the team of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (JCFJ) for the summer months. He will devote much of his time to research and analysis that will form the basis of a position paper on Housing Policy and Catholic Social Teaching, to be published by the JCFJ later this year. Also joining the Centre team for the summer is Daragh McGreal who recently completed his finals in Law at UCD. Daragh will undertake a number of research projects and will also undertake a number of communications functions in the Centre.

Gospel choir launches Viking ship

The Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and band will play at the launch of the Viking ship, Sea Stallion, on Sunday June 29 at 9.30am, at Dublin’s Custom House Quay. The launch marks the end of a two-day Viking Festival, with the choir headlining a musical morning along with sea-shanty singers and other entertainment. This will be the build-up to the launch of the boat, known as the ‘sailing museum’, at approximately 11.45am.

Reading Ignatius’ diary

Dr. Terence O’Reilly addressed the Milltown Summer School on Ignatian Spirituality on Tuesday 17 June, on the theme of Ignatius’ spiritual diary. Based in University College Cork’s Department of Hispanic Studies, he lectures in 16th & 17th century Spanish literature. The other lecturers on St. Ignatius in the Summer School were Brian Grogan SJ, Brendan Comerford SJ, Ray Moloney SJ, Fergus O’Donoghue SJ and Brian O’Leary SJ. [Photo: Terence O'Reilly (left) with Brian Grogan SJ]