There was an engaging Alpha Information afternoon last Saturday, November 25th, at Ovens Parish Centre. It was a great opportunity for over 40 people from all over the Diocese to gather, learn more about Alpha and share their experiences.

Theresa Cronin gave an engaging and informative presentation on Alpha, what it is, why run it, and how it can be run in a Parish. John McCarthy (Clonakilty) and Gearóid Wycherley (Kinsale) spoke about Alpha from their own personal perspectives of attending and running Alphas in their Parishes. Mary Harrington (Douglas & Rochestown) shared her experience of attending Alpha and how she has now become involved as a facilitator in her Parish.

On Sunday, November 19th, the Polish Community in Cork and Ross experienced a unique celebration.

Mass in St. Augustine’s Church was celebrated by Bishop Artur Ważny, Auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Tarnów and chairman of the Committee for the New Evangelization within the Polish Bishops’ Conference.

Bishop Artur traveled to Ireland at the invitation of the Polish families involved in the Domestic Church movement which celebrated its 10th anniversary in Ireland at Knock Shrine last Saturday the 18th of November. While Bishop Artur has been to Ireland before, this was his first visit since being ordained bishop.

Members of Parish Finance Committees from across the 68 parishes of the diocese are attending presentations on stewardship of parish funds and assets.

The Diocesan Office has announced the death of the late Canon John K. O'Mahony RIP.

Canon John K. was ordained to the priesthood on 18th June 1961 and began his ministry on temporary mission in Birmingham Diocese for one year.

On returning to Cork and Ross, he ministered as chaplain in Schull, Dunmanway, St. Marie’s of the Isle, the Bons Secours Hospital and Our Lady’s Hospital.

In 1967 he was appointed to St. Anne’s Adoption Society and as Director of Social Services in the Diocese from 1982 – 1989.

He served as Parish Priest in Ballinhassig (1989 – 1998) and Kinsale (1998 – 2008). He continued to minister as Assistant Priest in Kinsale Parish until 2015.

In recent years, he has resided in St. Joseph’s Bons Secours Care Village, Mount Desert.

May he now rest in the peace of the Lord.

Bishop Fintan addresses students, staff and visitors on his visit to Schull Community College

Recently Bishop Fintan Gavin made a Pastoral Visit to Schull Community College in West Cork where he was warmly welcomed on arrival by School Principal Ms. Sarah Buckley, Deputy Principal Mr. Brendan Drinan and members of the Student Council.

Students and staff assembled for a Prayer Service based on Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical “Laudato Si’ ” and focused on the theme of “Caring for the Earth our common home”.

Two local priests, Fr. Myles McSweeney Co-PP and Fr. Anthony Buckley CC also participated in the Liturgy which was prepared and presented by School Chaplain Ms. Imelda McCarthy and RE Teacher Ms. Karen Sheehan.

The Diocesan Office has announced that the most senior priest of the diocese has died.

Fr. Tim O'Sullivan, a native of Carrigadrohid in Kilmurry Parish, was ordained to the priesthood on 8^th June 1952.  He began his priestly ministry in Motherwell Diocese, Scotland (1952 – 1957).  Returning to Cork and Ross, he served as curate in the Parishes of St. Patrick’s and Ardfield. 

He then went to Peru in 1962, initially with the Society of St. James and then the Cork and Ross South American Mission until 1972 serving in Cuzco, Chimbote and Trujillo.  

On his return to the Diocese in 1972, he was appointed as Curate in Bandon Parish until 1981 and then as priest-in-charge of Mahon.  Fr. Tim was appointed as Parish Priest in Schull Parish from 1984 – 1991.

In 1991, Fr. Tim was appointed as Chaplain to the Irish Pastoral Centre in Boston, USA, while residing in St. Mark’s Parish, Dorchester in Boston.

In 1997, he was appointed as National Coordinator of the Irish Apostolate in the United States until 2001 in the Archdiocese of Washington.

Fr. Tim then served as Parish Priest in Kilmurry from 2001 – 2005 and aas Assistant Priest there until 2009. On retirement, Fr. Tim moved to Villa Maria in Farnanes and worked closely with Sr. Consilio in Cuan Mhuire providing addiction treatment services.

May he rest in the peace of the Lord.