"It is there, in the midst of ordinary, lived experiences, that God chooses to meet us."

Cork's two bishops — Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic — together invite Cork people to a deeper appreciation of Christmas.

This is their joint Christmas message.

As bishops serving the people of Cork, we send our warmest Christmas greetings to all who live in our city and county — to people of faith, and to all people of goodwill.

Each year, when we sit at the Christmas table, whether on our own, with family, friends, or a neighbour, we bring with us all that the year has held.  We bring our joys: a new birth or marriage, the seeds of a new relationship or friendship, the courage to take a new step in life, or the quiet relief of finding peace after a challenge or entering a new stage in life.

Fr Bernard Cotter, Co-PP of Aughadown, Castlehaven & Myross, Kilmacabea, Rath and the Islands and Skibbereen, has announced the publication of a new book, The Under the Ambo Book, a practical liturgical resource designed for Sundays and feast days in Year A of the Church’s calendar.

The title is inspired by a familiar and often overlooked space in many churches: the area beneath the ambo. Commonly used to store liturgical texts, prayer books, and everyday essentials, the space has become a shared and accessible resource for all who minister during worship. Fr Bernard hopes his new book will find a natural home there, readily available to anyone involved in leading or assisting at liturgical celebrations.

The Under the Ambo Book is intended for wide use, particularly by lay ministers, priests, deacons, and others who help to lead or preside at services. The book offers practical support for a variety of moments within the liturgy, including opening comments, introductions to penitential rites, brief summaries of Sunday readings, bidding prayers, and ideas for liturgy groups preparing weekly celebrations.

The book is published by Amazon and available on their website either in hardback, paperback or on Kindle versions

The Under the Ambo Book on Amazon

This year’s message comes from a live crib on the O’Sullivan Family Farm in Kilmurry, with the participation of pupils from Kilmurry National School

On Tuesday 16th December at 12 noon, Bishop Fintan will share his Live Crib Christmas Message for the whole Diocese of Cork and Ross.

The message will be broadcast to the 175 Catholic Primary Schools across the diocese. All parishioners, families, communities, and people throughout the diocese are warmly invited to watch the video message.

This year’s message comes from a live crib on the O’Sullivan Family Farm in Kilmurry, with the participation of pupils from Kilmurry National School. Baby Patrick also plays a special role in this year’s message.

In his message, Bishop Fintan reminds us that the Birth of Jesus is not merely an event of the past, but a living reality present in every home, parish, Family of Parishes, school, and community. He offers a message of encouragement and renewal as the Church celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Pupils from twenty-nine primary schools across the Diocese of Cork and Ross participated in Confirmation retreats over a two-week period in November.

The retreats were facilitated by the Mission Team of NET Ministries Ireland and coordinated by Mary Anne Collins, Coordinator for Faith Formation in Primary Schools. The retreats included short talks, drama, discussion in order to explore themes relevant to commitment and confirmation. This took place in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection with lots of fun. 

The retreats were very well received. Pupils and teachers reported that they found the retreat days to be very enjoyable and beneficial in the children’s preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Many thanks to NET Ministries, principals, teachers and local clergy for their cooperation with this initiative.

On the Feast of Christ the King, joy filled the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne in Cork as the Presentation Brothers Community celebrated Br. Simon Fernandes’ Perpetual Profession of Vows.

Bishop Fintan Gavin was the chief celebrant for the occasion. His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi in Simon’s homeland of Pakistan, was also present at the Mass. Br Simon’s family and friends travelled from the United States, Pakistan, Britain and across Ireland to be there, joining young people and parishioners connected with young adult ministry in the Diocese of Cork & Ross and the Presentation Brothers L.E.A.F. Project at Mardyke House.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan said: “Today, Brother Simon pledges poverty, chastity, obedience - not as constraints, but as pathways of love that mirror Christ’s kingship. In other words, these vows are shepherding - communion and reconciliation made visible”

The Diocese of Cork and Ross invites you to join us for Light Fever in Ss. Peter and Paul's Church, Cork on Sunday 7th December form 2.30pm-5pm.

Throughout the afternoon, young people will go out in pairs to gently invite passers-by to step away from the busy city streets and into the quiet, prayerful atmosphere of the church, while others remain inside praying for all who enter.

The blessed sacrament will be exposed and the church will be lit up with candles, with gentle praise and worship music playing. Confession will be available and a prayer-intention box will be placed near the altar.

This event offers a wonderful opportunity to give witness to our faith and to share a welcoming, uplifting experience of the Church with others.

All help is greatly appreciated! If you’d like to get involved, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

During our Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment, people shared a desire for a deeper and more united experience of worship during the Sunday Eucharist.

In responding to this desire, we’re introducing the use of common postures at Mass, as outlined in the Missal, starting this weekend, the First Sunday of Advent. It is hoped that this will help make people feel even more welcome and at home in whatever church in our diocese that they attend the celebration of the Eucharist.

Advent invites us to renewed attentiveness, hope, and preparation for the coming of Christ. In that same spirit of renewal, adopting unified postures – standing, sitting, and kneeling together at the appropriate times – helps us express more visibly that we are one community in faith.

Posters and pew cards will be available in our churches with a with a brief explanation of why we stand, kneel and sit at Mass.

Pdf of poster    Pdf of pew cards

Bishop Fintan toured the school’s newly completed Applied Technology/Graphics room.

Bishop Fintan was welcomed by members of the Student Council, along with Principal Brian Cronin and Deputy Principal Nuala Falvey.

School patron Bishop Fintan visited St Patrick's College on Monday, 24 November, where he led a prayer service of remembrance for the faithful departed and toured the school’s newly completed Applied Technology/Graphics room. He was accompanied by Fr Charlie Kiely, Co-PP, and Paul Kelly, Diocesan Coordinator for Post Primary Schools.

During the prayer service, the school choir performed two hymns, and several students contributed as readers. In his address, Bishop Fintan spoke to staff and students about the value of faith, family, friendship, and faithful service as foundations for a happier life. He encouraged everyone to continue nurturing a personal relationship with Jesus.

“Waiting in Hope: Listening for God’s promise through the Word”

Join the Office for Mission and Ministry on Saturday, November 29th, from 10am to 3.30pm in the Frankfield and Grange Parish Centre (behind the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield/Grange, Eircode T12 A660) for a peaceful Advent Reflection Day.

“Waiting in Hope: Listening for God’s promise through the Word” invites you to step away from the busyness of the season and enter a time of prayer, reflection, and renewed trust in God’s promises.

Places are limited so booking is essential.

Contact the Office for Mission and Ministry

Please bring a packed lunch.

We look forward to welcoming you into this time of peace and preparation.