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Welcome to our April ezine.

Glimpses of “Reality”

In his editorial in the April issue of Reality, Fr Gerard Moloney considers “our intolerant liberals”.

“Last February, as the general election campaign entered its final phase, Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton made a comment on Twitter that landed her in hot water. She said that even though she supported civil partnerships, she was opposed to gay marriage.

The attacks on her for being so politically incorrect were immediate and they were furious, especially on internet forums where more and more of the political debate takes place nowadays.

Among other insults, Ms Creighton was called a “disgusting human being,” “a homophobic idiot” and “a disgrace of a woman.” Her Facebook page was littered with messages of outrage; her mobile phone was bombarded with vicious and insulting calls and texts.

Her political opponents demanded that she be removed from her position, while her constituents in Dublin South-East were asked to ensure that she did not make it back to the Dail.

Despite the vitriol heaped on her, Lucinda Creighton was not only reelected to Dail Eireann – she easily topped the poll.

Lucinda Creighton wasn’t the only one to fall foul of the politically correct brigade during the election campaign. Journalist David Quinn also found himself in hot water for comments he made. In his February 11th column in the Irish Independent, Quinn drew attention to the Labour Party’s policy on abortion and stated that voters needed to know that a vote for that party was a vote for abortion. This drew the ire of Labour supporters, understandably, but it was on internet forums and on the blogosphere where he was really taken to task. One thread on a prominent forum ran under the title ‘Catholic bigot David Quinn ...’

But how was he a Catholic bigot?

One might understand people’s upset if David Quinn had made an inflammatory statement or told blatant lies. But he did not.

He didn’t invent a story for the sake of controversy, he didn’t distort or misrepresent the party’s policy on abortion – he simply related the facts. He drew attention to an issue of concern to many readers and because he did the attacks rained down on him hard and fast. It’s quite extraordinary to label someone a Catholic bigot simply for highlighting a statement of fact. It’s as if those who attacked Quinn would have preferred if people were kept in the dark rather than were informed about an important item of policy.

What all this shows is that Ireland is becoming an increasingly intolerant country. Make a statement the politically correct brigade doesn’t agree with, and you will be hammered. Express a view that is out of line with that of the secular, liberal mindset and you will be bullied and called a fundamentalist, or, even worse, you will be derided as a Catholic fundamentalist, which is, of course, the ultimate insult you can throw at someone today.

It seems that we have replaced one form of intolerance – the old Ireland of the censorship board and an all-too-controlling church – with a new form of intolerance, where no one is allowed to express an opinion or even report a fact unless it is in line with a newly created secular set of norms.

True liberalism would allow for a full and free exchange of views on the issues of the day. It would defend the right of everyone to be able to express an opinion no matter how traditional or unpopular it might be. It would be a tolerant, inclusive society.

That is the society we must strive to create, but it is a society we are in real danger of not becoming.

Also in the April issue of Reality:

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

The Catholic Church teaches that miracles do happen, and that they are a necessary part of the process of making someone a saint. But what exactly is a miracle? Why does the church regard them as so important, and why are they required for canonisation?

By Triona Doherty

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

My pilgrimage to the Holy Land proved to be everything I had hoped for... and more!

By Denise Curtis

EASTER HERALD: POPE BENEDICT AND PETER’S PROCLAMATION

Among the various roles exercised by the bishop of Rome, the most fundamental is to proclaim the Lord’s resurrection

By Gerald O’Collins, S.J.

IRISH CATHOLICS AND AMERICA’S CIVIL WAR

This month marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the American civil war. It was a conflict that did much to diminish anti-Catholic and anti-Irish prejudice in America

By Thomas J. Craughwell

A NEW RISING

This Easter can be the start of a new resurrection for our country

By Paddy O’Meara

BACKING A WINNER

In 2003, racing trainer Oliver Brady was given six months to live. Eight years on, he explains how he put his future in God’s hands and now works to help others

By John Scally

SAY, WHY IS THE BRIDE’S FATHER WEARING A DRESS?

It was an alb, actually, and the guy in the dress is a permanent deacon

By Tom Sheridan

SHARING THE GOOD NEWS MUST INVOLVE ALL CATHOLICS

The new Irish catechetical directory Share the Good News is a welcome initiative but it is unlikely to succeed unless it is accompanied by a new vision of the role of all Christians in building local community

By Seán O’Conaill

Click here to order your copy or to subscribe for the year.

What Do You Think of Reality?

Thank you to the many people who have returned our Reality Reader Survey. We are delighted with the response. If you didn’t get a chance to fill in the survey last month, you still have time. We have included it again in this issue. You can also complete it online by clicking on this link. We’d love to hear from you.

There are five free subscriptions to be won from completed returns.

What’s up in “Face Up”?

Face Up’s 7 steps to stress-free exams

With the end of year exams on the horizon study season has officially arrived. It’s normal to feel stressed, but with Face Up’s advice, students can avoid the miseries of a monster meltdown.

1. Ready, steady, study!

Before the panic sets in and you turn prematurely grey, get organised. Put your notes neatly in folders and use dividers to separate different topics so they’re easy to find. By breaking up the work into smaller tasks it’ll make it seem less daunting. Use highlighter pens to make important facts leap out the page at you. There’s no reason why studying can’t be stylish!

2. Keep it Clean

It’s a boring old cliche trotted out by mums across the land, but it’s true: a messy study space equals a messy mind. Keep your desk uncluttered. Your brain will soak up info much quicker when there’s less to distract it. If you don’t have a desk, avoid making the mistake of lounging on your bed to study. Sit at a table with your books and notes arranged around you – tidily, of course!

3. Give yourself a Break

It’s so easy to only prepare for the subjects you enjoy. But, annoying as it is, the subjects you’re not too hot on need attention too. Make a clear study timetable and stick to it. Once you get into a routine it’ll seem like second nature. And if you use your time efficiently you’ll cover more material. Plan regular breaks too. They’re vital because our brains are only capable of processing a certain amount of information at a time. So when you find yourself staring into space planning your Gap Year itinerary, take a ten-minute breather. Make a cup of tea, go outside for a gulp of fresh air, chat to your family – whatever helps your brain recharge.

4. Go Compare – not!

Friends can be lifesavers during study season, but they can also make you feel terrible about the amount of work you’re doing. There’s always one student who drones on about existing on just four hours sleep a night and only leaving their books for toilet breaks. They’re just trying to make themselves feel more confident. Don’t get pulled into their trap. It’s pointless comparing study routines because everyone works differently. Stick with what works best for you. 

5. Eat well... sleep well

A good diet, exercise and plenty of kip are essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind in the run-up to exams. You don’t have to become a crazed gym freak. Regular walks are the perfect antidote to revision cabin fever. Meet up with a friend who lives close by and chat about topics aside from exams. Ditch the junk food, eat plenty of fruit and veg and include some oily fish in your diet – it contains omega-3 oils which boost memory and concentration. If you can’t stomach fish, take supplements instead. And get 8 hours sleep a night to stay sharp for the next day.

6. Ask for help

There’s an incredible amount of support available for students preparing for exams. Ask your teachers, school guidance counsellors, friends and parents to support you through this difficult time. Talk to friends or older siblings who’ve recently taken their exams. They’ll have the process fresh in their minds.

7. Keep your perspective

The build-up to the end of year exams is intense and during those few weeks you’ll need to draw on every ounce of concentration, determination and courage. But just remember: the end is in sight. And there’s no better feeling than when you open your exam results knowing you’ve worked hard to get the grades you deserve.

Also in the April issue of Face Up:

REAL LIFE

How rude!

Thought manners were just something your parents nag about? Think again.

Sarah Cawthron explains why social smarts can give you the confidence to face any

situation and make life run a whole lot smoother.

“I think my mate’s gay...”

What should you do if reckon one of your classmates is gay or lesbian? How should you react if your best mate comes out to you? Jim Auer offers some sound advice.

A night to remember

The annual Debs’ and Grads’ Balls are major events in the school year. But how much time, money and effort do most boys invest in the big night compared to the girls? Karen Moloney investigates.

College life: an insider’s view

By Jessica Kelly

Sports 6 - 0 Doing nothing

Need a pick me up in the afternoon? A new sport could be the answer. 6th year student Claire McCarthy has six good reasons to get active.

JUSTICE

The healing home

When Zambian teen, Phiri Thembo, was left to die in a fire deliberately started by his own mother, his future looked bleak. But a new family was waiting for him...

Fiona Buggy reports.

SPIRIT & SOUL

Shape up your Spiritual Life

If at first you don’t succeed...

Does it feel like life is constantly trying to trip you up? Practice the Virtue of Perseverance – refuse to give up – and you’ll get there in the end, says Mike Daley.

Let’s get Egg-cited!

Easter brings a well-earned break from school, but there are a few other reasons why it’s a time for celebration. Here are six egg-cellent* ways to get into the spirit of the festival.

Face Up is a fantastic resource for teenagers, schools, parishes and youth groups. Click here for more information or to order your copy.