Dear Editor, Peter Boucher engages in a bout of labelling a hypothesised group of Catholics as “conservative” in his letter (IC 23/10/14). Indeed he pastorally alerts whoever they might be to the possibility of their becoming “stiff necked”. As I am interested in ministering to such a group, perhaps he would outline their typical characteristics…

Dear Editor, “In Monty Python fashion, what has Rome ever done for us ?” asks Sarah Carey (IC 23/10/14). Does she know that she is quoting a blasphemous film? The Life of Brian depicted a trivialisation and mockery of the ministry and crucifixion of Jesus. Rome has done a lot for us Catholics, such as…

Dear Editor, It is certainly uplifting to hear a new campaign in Britain is urging the parents of up to one million young children to read stories from the Bible to their children. What beautiful pictures and stories with which to engrain their impressionable young minds, rather than the dark brainwashing tactics adopted in communist…

Dear Editor, In reply to Sarah Carey’s article ‘Is the Vatican a million miles away from parish life?’  (IC 23/10/14), God and the Church is very merciful, but also just. Everyone has, is and will be welcomed at Mass. However, if any soul is in a state of mortal sin, then that person cannot receive Holy Communion…

Dear Editor, I am writing to you about Cathal Barry’s article on Christina Gallagher and the House of Prayer in Achill (IC 30/10/14). You quoted Mick Power, who became involved with the House of Prayer in 1998, describing Ms Gallagher’s alleged divine messages as “appalling” and all about chastisement and the end of the world,…

Dear Editor, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin’s recent call for the Church to listen to married couples who have failed is a little puzzling. He mentions the high standards expected of them, but God never gave any person a standard without the grace to achieve it. He fails to mention why he has not spoken out on…

Dear Editor, David Quinn (IC 23/10/14 ‘Gay Byrne gets it badly wrong on the subject of euthanasia’) argues that there is a danger of sending a mixed message to society about suicide. As a mental health professional I could not agree more. While we do not have a high rate of suicide in general, we…