Ministry and Parishes

Hundreds of parishioners from across the diocese have heard a call to become active in putting new life into parishes with hope and faith by reaching out in new ways

Representatives of parishes and faith communities in the diocese, along with the priests of the diocese and Bishop Fintan Gavin, took part in two gatherings last weekend.

The principal speaker was Julianne Stanz, who serves the Diocese of Green Bay, WI, USA, and who grew up in Hacketstown, Co Carlow. She spoke of her own faith and her experience of parish life and the challenges of handing on faith to a new generation.

The Saturday meeting was held in Rosscarbery and was attended by people from West Cork parishes. Sunday’s gathering in the city had people from Cork city, suburbs and surrounding areas. Each parish was asked to send representatives and more than 500 people attended.

Feedback from the discussions is being collated and this, along with the presentations will be available at family of parishes meetings to be held in the autumn.

The attendace in Rosscarbery included people from West Cork parishes. Pictures: Andy Gibson

The upcoming Pentecost gatherings on Saturday 27th in Rosscarbery and on Sunday 28th May in Cork city will be a wonderful opportunity for people and priests to gather to further develop the way forward for our diocese and the Family of Parishes way of being Church

At the centre of both gatherings will be presentations from Julianne Stanz who is Director of New Evangelization in the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA. Julianne has extensive experience in guiding faith communities towards a more vibrant and mission-oriented future. Her expertise and wisdom will be thought-provoking as we navigate the changes in our own diocese.

Bishop Fintan Gavin has announced the appointment in the Diocese of Cork and Ross of a Parish Life Co-ordinator

Eilís Casey who has commenced work with the Diocese will direct the Office for Mission and Ministry.

As Parish Life Co-ordinator she will work to support the implementation of the vision of the Family of Parishes’ way of being church in the Diocese identifying and responding to the needs of parishes and faith communities as they develop new ways of ministry and new structures to serve the mission.

The Parish Life Co-ordinator will also resource the ministry of priests as they develop team ministry in collaboration with parish leadership groups navigating together the transition to Families of Parishes.

Until recently, Eilís was principal of the new secondary school in Doon, Co Limerick, and has academic qualifications in theology, education, law and mediation.