Recently Bishop Fintan Gavin made a Pastoral Visit to Skibbereen Community School where he received a very warm welcome from School Principal Mr. Anton O’Mahony, the Senior Management team, 6th Year Student Reps and members of the RE Department including School Chaplain Ms. Rosie O’Brien. Fr. John Heinhold Co-PP, Skibbereen Parish and Ms. Pádraigin Uí Riordain representing the CEIST Schools Trust.
Bishop Fintan met staff at their morning break in the staffroom and shared in some light refreshment with them. Students and staff assembled with invited guests in the school hall for an Advent Prayer Service where Bishop Fintan blessed the school Advent Wreath to mark the beginning of the season of Advent.
The Prayer Liturgy focused on “Hope” and was prepared and presented by School Chaplain Ms. Rosie O’Brien and members of the school Religious Education team.
Left to Right: Ms Hanora Hennigan (RE), Ms Orla O Sullivan (RE), Ms Deirdre Hennigan (RE), Student Ailbhe Dahm, Student Molly Lomansay, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Student Kitty O Donovan, Student Mark Keating, Laura Corkery (RE), Principal Anton O Mahony and School Chaplain Rosie O Brien.
The ceremony was greatly enriched by the beautiful singing and music provided by the Skibbereen Community School Choir and Musicians.
Bishop Fintan’s message to students was based on his experiences at World Youth Day in Lisbon last August with 40 young people from the Cork and Ross Diocese. He spoke of the joy and hopefulness experienced among the young people attending that event and he echoed Pope Francis’ words as he urged the students of Skibbereen to let their light shine. He also encouraged them to listen to God’s voice in their lives and not be afraid. An interactive questions & answer session with students followed the Prayer Liturgy. Following a brief address by Mr. O’Mahony, Bishop Fintan was presented with a beautiful gift of a handcrafted boat made of driftwood to mark the occasion of his visit to Skibbereen Community School.
Bishop Fintan's Address
Presentation of Gift by Ms Hennigan and Ms Corkery RE
Psalm by Jemima
Lighting the Candle of Hope
Ms Orla O Sullivan RE
Tour
Cork and Ross Friends and Family in Faith Tim McCarthy because the Cork City Marathon is on Sunday June 2nd. 
