In the long history of the Catholic school in Europe, it has taken various forms, linked to local cultures and to the history, particularly religious but also political, of each state. While it is possible to account for this diversity, it is also important to highlight common features and challenges, such as secularisation and globalisation,…

Internationally, student well-being is emerging as a core concern in the field of education. This article articulates an interdisciplinary perspective on well-being and examines the relationship between religion and well-being as advanced by three recent international studies. It highlights the relationship between religion and spiritual…

Growing secularisation of the population and the arrival of new culturally and religiously diverse migrants are posing new challenges to schools in the Republic of Ireland (Ireland). These challenges are particularly acute in Irish primary schools, the majority of which are under Catholic patronage. Recent changes have necessitated an extensive…

There has been extensive research internationally describing teachers' homogenous socio-demographic backgrounds and critiquing the associated equity and diversity issues, most especially with regard to ethnicity and gender, and to a lesser extent, social class and disability. Yet, teachers' religious affiliations and/or convictions have rarely…

Owing to a variety of complex historical and socio-cultural factors, the Irish education system remains heavily influenced by denominational mores and values [Ferriter, D. 2012. "Occasions of Sin: Sex & Society in Modern Ireland." London: Profile Books], particularly those of the Roman Catholic Church [O'Toole, B. 2015.…

Childhood studies place emphasis on children's agency, their ability to understand their own world and act upon it. Children actively participate in meaningful social interactions in both formal and informal settings. Considering recent large-scale migration in Ireland, it is vital to understand how children interact in an increasingly diverse…

What are the key debates in Religious Education teaching today? "Debates in Religious Education" explores the major issues all RE teachers encounter in their daily professional lives. It encourages critical reflection and aims to stimulate both novice and experienced teachers to think more deeply about their practice, and link research…

Explores the two Christian Brothers religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church. Focuses on the Irish Congregation that has been controversial, specifically in its residential care for neglected, orphaned, and delinquent children. States that allegations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse has been reported in their institutions. (CMK)

In this article, the author narrates his life story. He describes how his father shaped his critical consciousness and how his mother influenced his spirituality and sense of Christian identity. He also describes his seminary experience at St. Patrick's College in Carlow, Ireland, where he "found" his vocation to be a religious educator.…