Latest news with #IrishBishops'DrugsandAlcoholInitiative
The Journal
2 days ago
- Health
- The Journal
Kids to be asked to take Confirmation pledge not to vape
FROM NEXT YEAR, the Catholic Church in Ireland will encourage children making their Confirmation to take an additional pledge not to vape until they are 18 years old. The updated Confirmation pledge will see children abstain from alcohol, smoking and vaping until the age of 18. It has been a longstanding tradition in Ireland for children to take a pledge at their Confirmation, at the age of 12, not to drink until they are 18. Advertisement It comes in a bid by church leaders to encourage healthier lifestyle choices during young people's formative years. From next year, the Irish Bishops' Drugs and Alcohol Initiative, in partnership with the Catholic Primary School Management Association, will make a new online module available to all schools whose students wish to take the updated Confirmation pledge. The initiative is being rolled out in honour of Matt Talbot, the Apostle of Hope, whose centenary death has just been marked by the Archdiocese of Dublin. Talbot, a Dublin native, has been described by the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference as a 'figure of deep faith and personal transformation, whose legacy of prayer, penance, and devotion to the sacraments offers real hope for those struggling with addiction today'. The decision to include vaping in the pledge is being made to honour Talbot's legacy, while also supporting young people's physical and mental health, the church has said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
Updated Confirmation Pledge aims to encourage healthier life choices
An online module is to be made available to pupils in Catholic schools who wish to avail of an updated Confirmation Pledge next year. The aim is to help young people abstain from alcohol, smoking and vaping up to 18 years old. The initiative, which was discussed at the Catholic Bishops' Summer Conference in Maynooth, also seeks to encourage healthier lifestyle choices during formative years. The Irish Bishops' Drugs and Alcohol Initiative, in partnership with the Catholic Primary School Management Association, will produce the online module to complement the Grow in Love resource series that is used by pupils preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
