The celebration of the Easter Vigil in the Cathedral was marked with joy, hope, and renewal as 25 adults were welcomed into the life of the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation.

Some were baptised, confirmed, and received the Eucharist for the first time, while others were confirmed and welcomed more fully into the Catholic Church.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan reflected on the profound significance of this moment, highlighting the visible signs of new hope.

Bishop Fintan warmly invites all parishioners to join in the celebration of the Mass of Chrism on Holy Thursday (April 2nd 2026) at 10am in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne.

The Chrism Mass is a high point in the life of a diocese each year. It is a public celebration of the family of faith: people, priests, deacons, and religious gathered together in communion with the Bishop. During this liturgy, the sacramental oils are blessed and consecrated, and the priests, together with the Bishop, renew their priestly promises.

This is the only Mass celebrated in the diocese on Holy Thursday morning. This highlights our unity as one diocesan family and our shared belonging to the family of God.

Overflow parking is available at St. Anthony’s Convent, with light refreshments afterwards in the Cathedral Visitors’ Centre. All are welcome to attend.

Bishop Fintan with Bishop Phonsie at the book launch of 'Priesthood in Ireland Today'

Priesthood in Ireland Today, a new book edited by Bishop Phonsie Cullinan (Bishop of Waterford & Lismore), was launched on Monday, 23 March at Mardyke House, Cork.

The publication brings together 16 reflections from a range of contributors, exploring the role of the priest in contemporary Ireland as leader, prophet, pastor, and servant. The book includes a contribution from one of our own priests, Msgr Gearóid Dullea.

The book seeks to offer encouragement to those discerning a vocation to the priesthood, while also reflecting on the meaning and challenges of priestly ministry in today’s world.

Speaking at the launch, Bishop Phonsie highlighted key themes emerging from the contributions and the importance of supporting vocations in the modern Church. He also met attendees afterwards and signed copies of the book.

People who were unable to attend Bishop Fintan’s father’s funeral in Dublin will have an opportunity on Sunday to extend prayerful sympathy.

The Cathedral Family of Parishes invites people to a Month’s Mind Mass in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, for the late Michael Gavin.

Bishop Fintan’s father, Michael, died on Feb 15^th in Dublin.

Bishop Fintan will be the principal celebrant of the Mass on Sunday 29^th March at 11.30am and all are welcome. 

Cathedral's location

The late Michael Gavin

At the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, where Paul Ryan was instituted as an Acolyte.

A Timoleague parishioner has taken the final step in his formation before being ordained a permanent deacon in our diocese.

On Sunday, at Mass in the Cathedral in Cork, Bishop Fintan Gavin instituted Paul Ryan as an acolyte.

Bishop Fintan explained the meaning of this step.

“The ministry itself is simple and practical — assisting at the altar, serving the celebration of the Mass, and helping in the distribution of Holy Communion.”

But its meaning is much deeper, Bishop Fintan said.

“It’s about being close to Christ in the Eucharist, the source of life, and allowing that closeness to shape the whole of one’s life.

Bishop Fintan blesses shamrock at the Mass.

On St. Patrick’s Day, we call to mind an unbroken tradition of faith in our diocese, our city and our country, said Bishop Fintan Gavin.

Mass for St. Patrick's Day was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork by Bishop Fintan.

The congregation included the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy and his partner, the Lady Mayoress, Karen Brennan; the Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O'Sullivan; the Lord Mayor of the City of Coventry, Cllr Rachel Lancaster and members of Cork City Council.

In his homily at the Mass, Bishop Fintan said that St. Patrick didn’t only bring the Christian faith to Ireland.

'Priesthood in Ireland Today' is a new book edited by Bishop Phonsie Cullinan (Bishop of Waterford & Lismore)

The book features 16 reflections from various contributors on the role of the priest today as leader, prophet, pastor and servant. The book includes a contribution from one of our own priests, Msgr Gearóid Dullea. The book aims to offer encouragement to men discerning a call to the priesthood and to explore the vocation’s meaning in a modern context.

The book will be launched on

Monday 23 March at 6pm

in Mardyke House, Cork (T12 W8RP)

Bishop Phonsie will speak about some of the themes explored in the book and he will be available afterwards to sign copies.

All are welcome. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

The responses gathered from the Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment highlighted a desire for deeper formation and support for families preparing for Baptism.

In light of this, members of Parish Baptism Teams from Carraig na bhFear, Glounthaune and Watergrasshill & Glenville gathered recently for two evenings of formation focused on supporting families as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism.

Baptism Teams play an important role in parish life. By welcoming families, explaining the meaning of baptism, and encouraging ongoing connection with the parish community, they help parents to see Baptism not simply as a ceremony, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. Our parish communities owe a great deal to those who serve in this ministry.

Baptism Preparation team

Fr Ashley Evans addressing the priests

Priests in the Diocese of Cork and Ross step aside from their ministry routines twice a year to reflect, pray and spend time together.

There is a retreat in October each year and in the spring time they meet for a half day.

Today's afternoon of reflection was guided by Fr Ashley Evans SJ. He is an Irish Jesuit priest, originally from Malahide, Co Dublin, who spent 27 years on the Missions in Cambodia. Since returning to Ireland in recent years, Fr. Ashley has been involved in spiritual direction, retreats and various spiritual programmes both here in Ireland and abroad.

These events are coordinated by a group of the priests including Msgr. Gearóid Dullea, Fr. Ben Hodnett, Fr. Michael Keohane, Fr. Sean O'Sullivan and Fr Robert Young.

This afternoon's gathering was held at Dunmore House Hotel, Clonakilty.