University College Cork
Sun 17 Nov 2024
starting at 9:30am
to the website for the Catholic Diocese of Cork and Ross, Ireland
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
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The Youth Ministry Special Collection will be taken up this weekend (November 8th and 9th) in all parishes across the diocese.
It is important for us to support and encourage our young people in every way we can and encourage them to take part in their local Parish. This collection directly supports the work of Sheila Kelleher, our Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator, and the many volunteers dedicated to nurturing faith among our youth.
Over the past year, new initiatives have taken root, including Altar Server Workshops, Alpha Youth (fostering collaboration between schools and parishes), Maranatha (a faith-based high-energy music event for Post-Primary school students), the continuation of the Sycamore & Foundations in Theology programmes, Lourdes pilgrimage, the Jubilee of Youth and Connect (for young adults).
This year’s event was very well supported, with 65 teachers registered from 40 post-primary schools across Cork City and County.
The keynote speaker for the day was Fr. Hugh Lagan SMA, who delivered an engaging presentation titled Leaning into the Light – Reclaiming Meaning, Purpose and Passion in Religious Education. Fr. Hugh, a member of the Society of African Missions and a chartered clinical psychologist, offered rich insights into nurturing purpose and hope in both teaching and faith life.
65 teachers from 40 post-primary schools across Cork City and County attended the in-service day
Light Fever is an initiative where churches open their doors at night for Eucharistic adoration, candlelight, and gentle music.
Light Fever is an initiative where churches open their doors at night for Eucharistic adoration, candlelight, and gentle music. Young volunteers invite passersby to come inside, light a candle, and take a moment for prayer — with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The evening began with Mass for the volunteers, followed by Eucharistic adoration. While some participants prayed quietly in the church, others went out in pairs to invite people from the streets of Cork to step away from the masks, noise, and bustle, and into the peace and warmth of Christ’s presence.
Bishop Fintan made a pastoral visit to Bandon Parish
On Sunday, Bishop Fintan visited Bandon Parish and celebrated Mass at the parish church in Bandon and at the Lady Chapel, Gaggin.
The occasion was to celebrate the centenary of the death of Walter Dwyer September 2nd 1925 – 2025, founding benefactor of the Cork Poor Clare Monastery in 1914.
Walter Dwyer is especially remembered for funding the building of the Monastery. Together with the Servant of God Fr. Willie Doyle SJ and with the permission of the Bishop of Cork at the time, Most Rev. Bishop Callaghan, Walter facilitated the arrival of his daughter Sr. Maria Dwyer and some Carlow Poor Clares in the Cork Monastery. Eleven years later, his death occurred on September 2nd 1925 in the Bon Secours Hospital next door and his body reposed in the Poor Clare Chapel overnight. Forty years later, on the same day, in 1965, his beloved daughter Sr. Maria died.
The Poor Clare Sisters, Cork with Bishop Fintan GavinThe event marked the beginning of a new chapter in parish leadership, as these newly formed councils came together to reflect on their mission and explore how they can serve their communities with faith, creativity, and collaboration.
Eilis and Lorraine from the Office for Mission and Ministry guided participants through reflection and discussion. The formation focused on the role of pastoral councils in fostering co-responsibility between clergy and laity, discerning parish resources and needs, using the pastoral planning cycle model, and supporting pastoral initiatives that strengthen faith life at local level.
Members of Skibbereen and Rath and the Islands Parish Pastoral Councils
Attendees described the session as both inspiring and practical — an opportunity to share experiences, build confidence, and begin shaping a shared vision for parish renewal.
For further information about Parish Pastoral Council formation or formation opportunities for different parish ministries, please contact the Office for Mission and Ministry.
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