For a Synodal Church: communion, participation and mission

In October 2021 the Catholic Church's synodal process on the theme of synodality began. This was the first time that a worldwide listening process and consultation with parishes and dioceses was attempted and many people in Ireland took part in a listening process during the early months of 2022.

Did you take part?

Have you been wondering what happened after that?

Much has happened since then. Your participation formed part of a national document that was sent to the Synod office in Rome in August 2022. It also formed part of a global document called Enlarge the Space of Your Tent, which was published last October and then formed part of a presentation given by the Irish delegation that travelled to Prague this February for the first ever Continental Assembly of the Catholic Church's synodal process.

Update Flyer for Parishes and Groups

Synod 2021 2024

Please visit www.synod.ie/2023update to find out more.

The Oil of the Sick was brought to the altar by Bon Secours Hospital staff members Trish Hegarty and Nora Espatero. The Oil of Catechumens was presented by Phelim and Kathleen McCormack, members of the RCIA group in Carrigaline Parish.

Every Catholic is called to take an active part in the life of the local church, Bishop Fintan Gavin told all who attended the Mass of Chrism at the Cathedral in Cork on Holy Thursday morning

“This means not just priests and deacons and religious but all the people baptised and anointed with chrism in confirmation.“ he said.

Bishop Gavin was preaching the homily at the annual Mass at which priests renew the promises they made at ordination. The three holy oils which are used in the sacraments across the diocese during the year were blessed by the bishop during the Mass.

More than 60 priests concelebrated the Mass in which people from many parishes were in the congregation at the Cathedral. Addressing the priests, Bishop Fintan thanked them for their openess to the many changes that are happening in the diocese.

Holy Thursday - falling on April 6th this year - is the beginning of the Christian calendar's most sacred days

At the Mass of Chrism celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, Bishop Fintan Gavin will be the principal celebrant and most of the priests of the diocese will concelebrate.

The 10am Mass includes a renewal of the promises made at ordination by all the priests. Lay people from across the diocese also attend and participate.

The Holy Oil used at Baptism (Catechumens) and the Oil of the Sick (Infirmorum) are blessed and Chrism which is used at Baptism, Confirmation and Ordination is also consecrated by the bishop.

The holy oils are then taken to the parishes, hospitals and other chapels in the diocese where they are used throughout the year.

Holy Oils used in sacraments throughout the year

The Mass of Chrism will also be available via livestream at www.corkcathedral.ie/live-stream

Bishop Fintan is welcomed by members of the Student Council in Mayfield Community School and School Principal, Mr. Kieran Golden

On Friday March 24th Bishop Fintan made a pastoral visit to Mayfield Community School

He was warmly greeted on arrival by Kieran Golden (principal), Ms. Kathleen Daly (deputy principal), representatives of the Student Council, Parents’ Association and School Board of Management.

Bishop Fintan was then invited to join a school assembly for a Prayer Service followed by an interactive dialogue with students.

In his words of welcome, Mr. Golden said that in 2023 the school was celebrating its 50th Anniversary as a school within the Mayfield community. He said that Bishop Fintan’s visit provides an opportunity to celebrate and to recognise the role of the Bishop of Cork & Ross as co-trustee of the school.

He went on to state that provision of Religious Education, religious worship and the work of the Chaplain all combine to reflect the founding intention of Mayfield Community School.

On Sunday 2nd April, Palm Sunday, Bishop Fintan presented John Paul 11 Gold Medal Awards in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Skibbereen

The recipients were Rachel Crowley (Skibbereen), Ciara Dennehy Castlehaven Parish), Molly Gregory Long (Skibbereen) and sisters Megan and Kassey Collins (Rath& The Islands Parish) represented by their mother Anne. James O’Connor from Douglas Parish was also awarded a Gold medal which he will receive it at a later date.

The journey for all recipients commenced a few months before the start of the Covid pandemic. Their efforts during this stressful time was truly exemplary, involving local community service to the elderly, helping out in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Rath and the Islands and Castlehaven Parishes by welcoming parishioners, cleaning and sanitising the pews after Mass, proclaiming the Word of God at Mass, visiting residents in retirement homes and hospitals whilst assisting staff, and contributing their time to charities, and other good works, working tirelessly throughout Covid.

The parishes involved are very proud of the recipients in that there are six Gold recipients from the Diocese of Cork and Ross this year.

Due to prior commitments the awards for Kassey and Megan were accepted by their mother, Mrs Anne Collins

The Sycamore formation group with Bishop Fintan Gavin at Mardyke House

The Sycamore Formation group were delighted to welcome Bishop Fintan Gavin to last Wednesday's session at Mardyke House

The Presentation Brothers, UCC Chaplaincy and the Cork and Ross Diocese have come together to host the Sycamore Series in response to a call from young adults to be better formed in their Catholic Faith. Over 20 young adults from the Cork and Ross Diocese have been attending the 10-week course, which is set to finish this Wednesday 5th April.

Sycamore will be running again in the Autumn at Mardyke House. Any group or individual looking to learn more about the Sycamore Series should contact UCC Chaplaincy by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On Sunday 19th March Bishop Fintan visited the Syro Malabar Church Community in St. Joseph’s Church Wilton and at the adjoining Parish Centre

In the course of his visit Bishop Fintan met different groups including the Parish Committee members (Pradhinidhiyogam), catechism children and their teachers and the Church Community Kaikars before the celebration of Mass.  During his homily at Mass, Bishop Fintan said how the Syro Malabar Church Community enriches the Diocese of Cork and Ross with their passion to share faith with their children.  He also spoke of the importance of the Syro Malabar Rite retaining its identity as one of the Eastern Rites within the Diocese of Cork and Ross.