University College Cork
Sun 17 Nov 2024
starting at 9:30am
University College Cork
Sun 17 Nov 2024
starting at 9:30am
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I hope that whatever you are seeking you may find some steps here that will lead you to know the God of Love in your life. You are welcome to walk with us on our social media channels, too.
Bishop Fintan Gavin
Receive diocesan news direct to your email Bishop Fintan conferred the sacrament on children from Clogagh and Timoleague National Schools on Tuesday Feb 11th in Timoleague’s Parish Church. Bishop Emeritus John Buckley conferred the sacrament on the girls of St. Catherine’s School at Ballineaspaig Parish Church in Cork city on the same day.
The ceremonies continue across the diocese until Friday April 4th. There are a number of ceremonies on most days in order to accommodate the number of candidates and their families.
Almost 3,000 candidates are being presented for the sacrament by their parents and schools.
Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin pictured in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Timoleague with Confirmation candidates from Clogagh National School. Also included are Canon John Kingston, Co-PP, Kathleen Calnan SNA and Helen O'Flynn, principal.
Some of the ingredients of this amazing event - the first of its kind in Cork.
Young people from parishes across the diocese attending Post-Primary Schools are rehearsing for a very exciting high-energy event on March 6th in Cork City Hall. The first part of the day provides time for young people to engage with one another about faith and life.
The day culminates in a concert of high energy faith-based music in City Hall, which will be filled with sound, light and music.
People of all ages are invited to support our young people and join us from parishes and schools throughout the Diocese on Thursday March 6th in Cork City Hall for what is shaping up to be a joy filled and wonderful celebration of our faith and young people.
Tickets are €15 at this link:
Maranatha -- an event to sing at, enjoy and boost faith
The Confirmation Retreat at Togher BNS, CorkThe retreats were offered by a team of youth missionaries from NET Ministries Ireland. NET Ministries is a testimonial-based ministry with a focus on how Jesus is relevant, present, and loves us individually. The retreat schedule included games, talks, testimonies, small groups activities and prayer ministry.
The retreats were very well received by each of the participating schools and feedback indicated that pupils had a wonderful experience. The youth missionaries were enthusiastic and connected with the children with ease. They engaged at the appropriate age level and pupils responded accordingly.
The team availed of a range of strategies throughout each day. The programme balanced both active learning and listening and related to the children’s own lives. The retreat focused on the faith formation of the children which was central to and well-paced throughout each day.
Schools reported that this was a day to focus on the true meaning of Confirmation and expressed their thanks to the team and to Bishop Fintan for having being afforded this opportunity.
Over 30 people attended the Diocese of Cork and Ross’ Jubilee of Youth pilgrimage launch. The pilgrimage will take place in Rome from the 28th July to the 4th August.
During the launch, youth leaders Fr. Marius O’Reilly, Fr. Ronan Sheehan, Sheila Kelleher, and Mary-Claire Scanlon shared insights on the significance of a Jubilee Year, the logistics of the pilgrimage, and fundraising plans.
Sarah Ryan-Purcell, who travelled to World Youth Day in 2023, also gave a personal testimony about her experience as a pilgrim at that event.
Spaces are limited and filling up fast; for more details and to book in, contact Sheila at
At the launch of the Jubilee of Youth Pilgrimage to Rome
Bishop Fintan Gavin blessed candlesMembers of religious communities, along with people from across the Diocese, also participated in the event virtually through the Cathedral’s livestream.
The jubilee year focuses on the theme of hope, a message central to the celebration. It was celebrated on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – the day when candles are blessed at Mass.
In his homily, Bishop Fintan reflected on the various forms of darkness that individuals may face in life - loneliness, grief, isolation, and a sense of loss of direction or meaning.
Mark your diary from the 28th July to the 4th August for the Jubilee of Youth Pilgrimage! It is a once in a life-time opportunity for young people to not only meet the Pope and to experience the Eternal City, but also to be encouraged and inspired as they meet other young people of faith from all continents.
Hundreds of thousands of young people are expected to travel and to experience this Jubilee Celebration, which only happens every 25 years in the Church. The pilgrimage will cost €550 per person (plus fundraising) and will include seven nights half board at the Irish College, travel insurance, a 20kg bag, and a pilgrim kit.
Coome to the launch evening and learn more on Thursday 6th February at 7.30pm in Mardyke House, Cork (T12 W8RP).
Parishes are encouraged to promote this opportunity and support young pilgrims in their preparations for this extraordinary experience of the universal Church.
For more information, you can contact Sheila Kelleher at
or call 021 430 1717.
Young adults invited to travel to Rome for Holy Year pilgrimage
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