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BIshop Alan McGuckian with Fr. Ronan Sheehan and Fr. Robert Young.
Irish representative at Vatican synod addresses local priests
The recent day of recollection organised for priests of the Diocese of Cork and Ross was addressed by one of the two bishops who attended last October’s synod in Rome.
Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Raphoe, travelled to Clonakilty to address a meeting of the local priests. During his presentation he shared his experience of being at the Synod on synodality which was also attended by Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick the other Irish delegate.
He emphasised that growing synodality in the Cathoilic Church is not easy. It demands a commitment to prayerful discernment, patient listening and honest exchange of what people feel the Holy Spirit is calling us to be.
Bishop McGuckian has recently been appointed by Pope Francis as the new Bishop of Down and Connor.
Guest speaker Monsignor James Shea sends another video message
Monsignor James Shea invites young people (aged 18-35) to attend Connect 4 in UCC on Sunday February 18th 2024 from 9:45am to 4pm. Connect 4 will be a wonderful day full of inspiring talks, conversations, and discussions. Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament are part of the day, and there will also be an opportunity for confession.
Devere Hall UCC
Sunday 18 Feb 2024
9:45am to 4:00pm
Watch Msgr James Shea's Video Message
Tickets are €10 and can be booked here:
Another video message from Msgr James Shea
On February 1st, the Feast of St. Brigid and the vigil of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, over 100 religious women and men from communities throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross joined with Bishop Fintan to celebrate Evening Prayer in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Ann to mark the World Day for Consecrated Life
Other religious communities and people from all over the Diocese also participated via the Cathedral livestream. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is set aside in the Church as a special day to pray for women and men in consecrated life. Pope Saint John Paul II instituted the World Day for Consecrated Life in 1997.
Br. Denis Ahern OFM introduced Evening Prayer and acknowledged the appropriateness of gathering on the 1,500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid. Br. Denis also mentioned the long and rich history of Consecrated Life in Cork and Ross.
The music and singing was provided by students from Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane, led by Olivia Forde (Choir Conductor), Tom Doyle (Organist), Anne Dunphy (Organiser of Music), and Kerri Mullins (Teacher).
Sr. Celestina FMM read from chapter 4 of Luke’s Gospel which was a timely reminder that every baptised person is called to share the Good News with those whom they meet.
The ceremony included a blessing and sprinkling of holy water, during which Bishop Fintan spoke of the deep connection between baptism and vocation. The Diocesan prayer for Consecrated Life was prayed together.
Sr. Linda Ndidiamaka Ugwu MMM, Br. Theiva Sebastiyam Pillai FPM and Br. Anthony Sahayam Pillai FPM led the prayers of intercession.
Bishop Fintan emphasised the importance of Consecrated Life in our Diocese. He thanked Religious for their witness to the joy of the Gospel, and their service, and encouraged them to continue to pray for the renewal of the Church throughout the world and particularly in our Diocese.
Parishioners and priests from across the diocese are attending presentations on how to sustain financially the mission of the diocese in the coming years
The first meeting was attended by parish finance committees and priests from parishes in west Cork and was held at Clonakilty. Topics included various ways in which parishes can reach out to parishioners for support, ranging from the traditional basket collections at Mass to standing orders and contactless donations.
The diocese also presented an overview of the recently audited 2022 accounts for the Cork and Ross Curia Trust (which funds the day-to-day running of the diocesan offices and activities), along with an overview of the accounts of the Cork and Ross Parishes Trust (which is a consolidation of the accounts of the 68 parishes of the diocese).
The meetings are being held in three other venues across the diocese in the coming days and weeks.
The Curia accounts can be viewed here:
At the diocesan presentation to parish finance committees at Clonakilty were Mary Galwey, Clonakilty, with Ardfield/Rathbarry Parish reps Breda Hodnett, Kathleen O'Sullivan and Gerald Butler with Bishop Fintan GavinDuring Catholic Schools Week Bishop Fintan Gavin made a Pastoral Visit to Coláiste Éamann Rís Cork
The bishop was warmly welcomed on arrival by School Principal Mr Aaron Wolfe and Deputy Principal Ms. Edel Farrell, members of the Student Council, ERST Schools Trust representatives, Teaching Staff representatives and members of the Board of Management. Some retired members of staff were also present for the occasion.
The assembly gathered for a Prayer Liturgy with Bishop Fintan in the school hall where Archdeacon Kerry Murphy-O’Connor PE and Fr. Kevin O’Regan Co-PP also participated. The Liturgy was prepared by Ms. Anne Marie Nolan & Ms. Ann Leahy RE Teachers.
Bishop Fintan visits Coláiste Éamann Rís Cork
The First Year Students of Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG enjoyed a wonderful Mass with Bishop Gavin recently.The First Year Students of Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG enjoyed a wonderful Mass with Bishop Gavin recently.
As part of their preparations for Catholic Schools Week, the students attended the daily celebration of Mass in the North Cathedral.
This is the second year of this event and it offers a wonderful opportunity to join with the regular congregation in their daily worship.
It strengthens the ties between the school and the local community, and also continues a long-standing relationship between the AG and the Diocese - we hope that this new tradition continues for many years to come.
Guest speaker Monsignor James Shea sends this video message
We look forward to welcoming Msgr Shea to CONNECT 4 a faith gathering for young adults aged 18 to 35
Devere Hall UCC
Sunday 18 Feb 2024
9:45am to 4:00pm
Watch the Video
A video message from Msgr James SheaIn response to a call from young adults to be better formed in their Catholic Faith, UCC Chaplaincy, the Presentation Brothers, and the Diocese of Cork and Ross have come together to host the ‘Sycamore’ Series
The Sycamore Series is an informal course for those aged 18-35, helping people to deepen their understanding and knowledge of the Catholic faith.
Each session involves a short film and time for discussion with a meal also included.
Everyone is welcome.
Start date:
Wednesday 31 January 2024
6:00pm to 8:00pm
at
Presentation Brothers' Mardyke House, Cork T12 W8RP
The course runs for 10 consecutive weeks with a break for Easter.
It is free, but places are limited.
Sycamore - Spring 2024Please telephone 021 490 2459 or Complete this Form
Devere Hall UCC
Sunday 18 Feb 2024
9:45am to 4:00pm
Our fourth CONNECT event for young people aged between 18 and 35 years will take place in UCC on Sunday February 18th 2024 from 9:45am to 4:00pm.
Previous CONNECT events have been very successful in bringing young adults together to celebrate their faith and to find support and nourishment for their faith journey today.
Our guest speaker on February 18th is Monsignor James Shea from the United States. Monsignor Shea is a very well-known and much sought after speaker in the United States and is the President of the University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota.
At a recent gathering of twenty thousand young people at the SEEK24 Conference held in St. Louis, Missouri, Monsignor Shea received standing ovations from the young adults present for his inputs. He is a dynamic presenter, very tuned in to the challenge of faith in contemporary culture. He is also very aware of the challenges we face as Church in Ireland today. We are therefore very excited to have him speak at CONNECT 4.
As well as talks and discussion the day will include Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity for Confession. Lunch will also be provided.
There is a nominal booking fee of €10
CONNECT 4: Sun 18 Feb 2024
At the first of a series of workshops with primary school teachers and priests are Triona Murphy and Maria Daly, teachers at Kealkill NS and Fr. Ben Hodnett CC of the family of parishes around Bantry.Primary school teachers from schools in our diocese are attending workshops dealing with the celebration of Confirmation.
The three gatherings organised by the diocese are taking place this week in Bantry, Ballincollig and Rochestown.
Bishop Fintan Gavin said that the meetings follow discussions in the diocese with a focus group set up to review how the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated.
The workshops intend to guide and support priests, principals and Confirmation class teachers who together organise the liturgies across the diocese.
The programme of ceremonies begins on February 20th and concludes on May 3rd.
See more about preparing for Confirmation and access resources here.
Latest News
News
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December 2025
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November 2025
- New Liturgical Year Brings Renewed Unity in Worship
- Bishop Fintan Makes Pastoral Visit to St Patrick’s College
- Please join us for an Advent Reflection Day this Saturday
- Bishop Fintan makes Pastoral Visit to Mount Mercy College
- Growing Together in Prayer and Worship: Embracing Common Postures at Mass
- Two West Cork post-primary schools rolled out a warm welcome to Bishop Fintan Gavin
- R.E. Teachers Gather for Diocesan In-Service Day
- Bishop Fintan visits Bandon Parish
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October 2025
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September 2025
