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
Julianne Stanz spoke about family and faith at the meetings of parish representatives and clergy of the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Pic: Brian Lougheed
Discussion at one of two meetings of parish representatives and clergy of the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Pic: Brian Lougheed
From left: Dean O'Brien, Glounthaune; Fr. Christy Fitzgerald, Watergrasshill and Kevin Hassett, Douglas. at the Cork meeting.
Pic: Brian Lougheed
Sarah Coughlan, Dennehy's Cross (left) and Mary Long, Model Farm Road.at the Cork meeting.Pic: Brian Lougheed.
Sr. Maria McCarthy, SMA, Wilton, St. Joseph's Parish with Fay Clohessy, St. Pater and Paul's parish.at the Cork meeting.
Pic: Brian Lougheed
Aoibh Kingson and Roger Power, Gurranabraher parish.at the Cork meeting.. Pic: Brian Lougheed
Noel Barry and Jacqueline Hosford, both from Farranree. Pic: Brian Lougheed
From left: Przemyslaw Lesiak, Ballincollig; Filip; Przybecki, Riverstick; Fr. Kamil Bachara, Ballincollig Parish and Polish Community with Mariusz Symoniuk, Ballyphehane.Pic: Brian Lougheed
Elizabeth Garry-Brosnan, Cork & Ross Diocese office and Alan O'Leary, Ballincollig.at the Cork meeting. Pic: Brian Lougheed
Mary Healy, Dennehy's Cross (left) and Sorcha Uí Laoghaire, Togher Parish.at the Cork meeting. Pic: Brian Lougheed
Clodagh Twohig, left and Eileen Hanley, both Glounthaune Parish. Pic: Brian Lougheed
From left: Dean O'Brien, Glounthaune Parish; Julianne Stanz, keynote speaker; Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross; Orchella Vofo, St. Patrick's Parish and Br. Simon Fernandes, Presentation Brothers.at the Cork meeting..
At the Rosscarbery gathering were Marian O' Brien; Denis O'Regan and Fr. Dave O'Connell, all from Barryroe. Picture: Andy Gibson.
At the Rosscarbery gathering were Tess Chambers; Grace Murphy and Bernie O'Dwyer, all Enniskeane . Picture: Andy Gibson.
At the gathering in Rosscarbery were Deirdre Tuohy and Imelda McCarthy, Drimoleague Parish. Picture: Andy Gibson.
At the gathering in Rosscarbery were Jim McGrane and John McCarthy, Bandon Parish. Picture: Andy Gibson.
The attendace in Rosscarbery included people from West Cork parishes.Picture: Andy Gibson.
The Diocese of Cork & Ross held a gathering of 120 people at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery. Mary Anne Collins, Jack Maguire and Maria Wilson assisted with the Registration. Picture: Andy Gibson.
Cór na Óg Inis Céin, a children's choir from Enniskeane parish, sang during the day at Rosscarbery. The choir was directed by Marie Cronin and was accompanied by Colum Cronin (guitar) and Mark Murphy (keyboard). Picture: Andy Gibson.
At the Rosscarbery gathering were Bridie Holland, Caheragh; Anne Crowley, Cheragh and Mary T. Minehane, Bantry. Picture: Andy Gibson.
