Primary school teachers in the Diocese attend a Day of Reflection

Recently Bishop Fintan invited primary school teachers throughout the Diocese to a Day of Reflection to support and nourish their own personal faith lives.  In response, teachers gathered on Saturday 30^th November in Mardyke House, Cork.  

The day was led by Fr Chris O’Donnell, a priest of Limerick Diocese, who is a former primary school teacher. He worked for many years in youth ministry and participated in the final stages of the development of the Grow in Love Programme. The peaceful and prayerful surroundings of Mardyke House contributed to a wonderful day for all involved.  

The death has of occurred of Fr. Seamus Mac Ginneá (McKenna) in his native Kerry.

Fr Seamus was ordained for ministry in the Diocese of Kerry. 

He has also served for many years on the staff of the Cork Regional Marriage Tribunal and also regularly celebrated Mass at the Poor Clares Convent in College Road, Cork.

The funeral arrangements for the late Fr Seamus McKenna are available 

Funeral Arrangements

May he now rest in the peace of the Lord.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

 

The late Fr Seamus McKenna

Brazilian Community in Cork celebrates as 14 members are Confirmed at the Cathedral

On Sunday, December 1^st, the first Sunday of Advent, a significant and joyful occasion unfolded at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne in Cork when 14 members of the Brazilian Community received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Brazilian community, known for its vibrant and joyful spirit, has been an integral part of the life of the Diocese in Cork and Ross. The Cathedral Choir, led by John Casey, welcomed members of the Brazilian Community Choir who sang in Portuguese and English, adding to the joy of the occasion.

The ceremony, celebrated by Bishop Fintan Gavin, marked a pivotal moment in the faith journeys of these young adults who have been undergoing significant preparation for this sacrament for several months. The candidates affirmed their commitment to their faith and received the gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide them in their lives.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan Gavin reflected on the significance of the Advent season as a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. He encouraged the congregation to reflect on their own faith, especially as they witnessed the candidates take this important step in their faith journeys. “Where am I with my faith as an adult?” he asked, inviting all present to take some time in the busy days and weeks ahead to slow down, to pray and reflect on this question.

Bishop Fintan also thanked Fr. Bernard Morawski OFM Cap, the chaplain to the Brazilian community. He commended Fr. Bernard for his commitment to the community, especially noting his effort to learn Portuguese in order to better preach the Gospel.

Representatives of over 28 parishes gather for final diocesan information meeting in Cork

Over 200 people, including priests, parish leadership teams and chaplaincies gathered for the third and final information meeting for the year of prayer, listening and discernment. 

The three meetings have outlined the context for a time of prayer, listening and discerning in our Diocese as we discern where the Holy Spirit is calling us in each family of parishes to contribute to the future life of our faith communities. 

The third meeting was held in Rochestown, Cork, and was addressed by Bishop Fintan Gavin and personnel from the Office for Mission and Ministry. A time of prayer was led by young adults.

An outline was given of the process for the year of prayer, listening, and discernment which will be rolled-out across the Diocese of Cork and Ross in the new year in each family of parishes.  

Parishioners also attended a special time of guided prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in St. Columba’s Church, Douglas, before Sunday's meeting began. 

Discussion at the diocesan meeting

Over 200 parish reps. expected at final diocesan information meeting on Sunday

This Sunday December 1st, priests, parish leadership teams and chaplaincies from 28 parishes will gather for the third information meeting. The topic is the next steps in the diocese's year of prayer, listening and discernment

The short video captures the energy and life of the first two meetings. 

These meetings set the context for the year ahead and outline the next steps for parishes and families of parishes. The process for prayer, listening, and discernment has been piloted in one Family of Parishes and is being fine-tuned based on the feedback to be rolled out across the Diocese in the new year. 

There will be a special time of guided prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in St. Columba’s Church, Douglas on Sunday 1^st December from 12:30pm to 2:00pm to which everyone is welcome. 

Room filled to over capacity for West Cork gathering 

There was great energy on Sunday as parishes from all over West Cork gathered for the second of three information meetings with priests and parish leadership teams. Over 170 people heard Bishop Fintan Gavin outline the context for a time of prayer, listening and discerning.

Eilis Casey and Lorraine Buckley from the Office for Mission and Ministry outlined in detail the steps being taken in each family of parishes of the diocese during next Spring. A set of three meetings will see parishioners and clergy in each family of parishes meeting to contribute to the future life of their faith communities.  

Parishioners also attended a special time of guided prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Clonakilty before Sunday's meeting began.

The process for the year of prayer, listening, and discernment will be rolled-out across the Diocese of Cork and Ross in the new year.

Please keep the last information meeting for the Year of Prayer, Listening, and Discernment in your prayers as it takes place next Sunday in the City. There will be a special time of guided prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in St. Columba’s Church, Douglas next Sunday 1^st December from 12:30pm to 2:00pm.

Storm didn’t put information meeting for Year of Prayer, Listening, and Discernment off course

There was energy and a positive atmosphere, despite the weather, at the first of three Information Meetings for the Year of Prayer, Listening, and Discernment in the diocese.

A series of three information meetings for priests, parish leadership teams and chaplaincies are being held this weekend and next.  

The afternoon in Cork was proceeded by a time of prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Our Lady Crowned Church, Mayfield.

The meetings set the context for the year ahead and outline the next steps for Parishes and Families of Parishes which will be taken in the Spring.