Mission and Ministry
Developing the vision for the Family of Parishes 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 2023 phase of the Synod on Synodality has concluded in Rome.
The participants from all over the world have agreed a document which summarises the key issues discussed.
During the next year, local faith communities are asked to consider the topics further before a final synodal gathering in Rome in October 2024.
The synthesis document is only available in Italian now. However, a report from Vatican News in English is a good summary.
Read the report here.
Eilís and Lorraine are continuing to meet with Priests, Parishes and Families of Parishes
Our diary is filling up fast, so we would like to remind Co-Parish Priests and/or Moderators to please contact us as soon as possible if you wish to avail of formation in any of the following areas:
- Formation for Parish Pastoral Council/Assemblies
- Ministers of the Eucharist
- Ministers of the Word
Bishop Fintan Gavin has announced the appointment of a Faith Development Coordinator to serve the parishes of the diocese
Lorraine Buckley will work alongside Eilís Casey, Parish Life Coordinator, and will be based at the Mission and Ministry Office located in the Cathedral Presbytery. Both will support the teams of priests and lay leaders across parishes in the Families of Parishes. Lorraine’s particular focus will be on faith development and formation for lay ministry.
Lorraine has worked both at parish and diocesan level in various areas of faith development and has been involved in parish councils and pastoral areas. She holds qualifications in business, theology (particularly in the areas of applied theology and catechetics), and counselling plus psychotherapy.
On the weekend of Pentecost this year, two gatherings of people and priests of the diocese met to explore new ways of being church
Julianne Stanz, a Carlow native now living and working in the US, spoke about transforming parishes into mission-centered faith communities.
Julianne’s presentations are available here to view and discuss. They are introduced by Eilís Casey, Parish Life Coordinator of the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
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 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.