“By virtue of our baptismal vocation we are all called to serve in our Church and to utilise our gifts” – Bishop Francis Duffy.

The high cost of rent is a factor preventing many households from being able to afford a minimum essential standard of living

Minister notes “the very confidential nature of the work done and the importance of visitation in providing informal supports to people”.

Children of the Eucharist programme, developed in Ireland, spreads to UK.

Meanwhile, ‘LoveBoth’ project is launched in Republic of Ireland, highlighting lives saved by Eighth Amendment.

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

Cardinal Martini began Samuel Groups in Italy in 1989. Each year for the following decade he brought together about 200 young people in his diocese of Milan for monthly meetings on Sunday afternoons.

The independently assessed award affirms good environmental stewardship and helps church communities to witness to caring for God’s creation.

Barry O’Sullivan is the first to donate to a new scheme, ‘Home from Home’, which encourages people who can to donate properties or funds to support the provision of homes to the homeless.

Syrian peace delegation visits Ireland as UN says it is “extremely concerned” about the estimated 275,000 civilians trapped in “horrific conditions” in Aleppo.

Well-known broadcaster, Miriam O’Callaghan, described Mercy nun at Cuan Mhuire’s 50th anniversary celebration as “a living saint”.

“He has his own ideas as to why he wants to come to Ireland – he looks on it as a contribution he wishes to make to the renewal of the Church in Ireland and also to the renewal of family life in Ireland” – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

Goods will be used to help stock food banks that help the neediest families and individuals.

This is a little bit of smart technology that could make a big impact on how the Catholic Church brings the mercy of God and the joy of the Gospel to our contemporary world – Archbishop Leo Cushley.

We believe Peter McVerry Trust’s expertise will help create positive outcomes for those in homelessness – Pat Doyle, CEO.

In many places in the Middle East multi-religious communities were the norm, but increasingly they are becoming mono-religious environments.

The seminarians’ vocations come via the Neocatechumenal Way.

If the initiative is of benefit to just one person the day will have been worthwhile – Fr Tom Ryan, PP of Shannon.

Scorsese movie tells the story of two Jesuit missionaries facing violence and persecution in 17th century Japan.

Those gathered came to “salute, to pray for and to remember the men and women of 1916” – Bishop Brendan Kelly.

We are committed to the creation and development of resourced communities to enable and empower people to fulfil their potential – Albert Perris, CEO of Respond Support.

Each day of Advent amounts to a period of time which allows us to journey and reflect on the joy of the Gospel.

Over 20,000 young people in 21 dioceses throughout Ireland and the UK have successfully completed the Pope John Paul II Award.

“Racism and xenophobia are garnering electoral power in many countries” – President Higgins.

“The threat of the Culture of Death is now real and imminent ... in the form of population control measures being emphatically proposed, promoted and propagated from one nation to the next.”

‘Misericordia et misera’ extends a number of initiatives begun in the Holy Year, asks the Missionaries of Mercy to continue their ministry, and grants all priests the right to absolve sin of abortion.

Two Syrian surgeons will explain how Irish and EU sanctions have caused Syria’s hospitals to degenerate to a pitiable state where scores of women and children die every day due to the lack of commonplace medicines.

The Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect, but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak – Pope Francis.

“Ireland in 2016 has the resources to implement a basic income system,” says Fr Seán Healy.

“It is my fervent hope that you will go forward from here to bring joy and hope to the life of the Church in your local parish area and beyond,” says Archbishop Neary.