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In 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.
The first lay person to be Diocesan Secretary has been appointed by the diocese
As part of an ongoing re-organisation of diocesan resources to serve the needs of the local faith communities, the Diocese of Cork and Ross has for the first time appointed a lay woman to serve as Diocesan Secretary.
Sheila Lewis, who is from Kilworth, in north Cork, has a background in industry and the voluntary sector, and will commence her full-time role in the Diocesan Office on Feb 1st.
Fr Michael Keohane, Co-PP, who has served until now as Diocesan Secretary and as Diocesan Education Secretary will continue as Diocesan Education Secretary.
Mons. Gearóid Dullea, Co-PP, continues as Diocesan Chancellor, whose role includes matters relating to marriage documentation and the granting of faculties to priests including religious and visiting priests and other related matters.
Sheila Lewis, Diocesan Secretary, with Bishop Fintan Gavin
Presentation Brothers Leadership Team Visit to Bishop Fintan. Photo – L to R: Br. Rupert O’Sullivan; Br. Alban Besigrinee; Bishop Fintan; Br. Barry Noel (Congregation Leader); Br. Martin Kenneally; Br. Joseph Mukasa.The Congregation Leadership Team of the Presentation Brothers recently visited Bishop Fintan at the Cork and Ross Diocesan Offices
The Presentation Brothers have a long and historic connection with the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
Several schools in Cork City are in the Presentation Brothers tradition and now form part of the Presentation Brothers Schools Trust (PBST).
The Mardyke House Community is home to the L.E.A.F. PROJECT and is now a hub for adult youth ministry, faith leadership programmes and many diocesan meetings.
The international headquarters of the Presentation Brothers is located at Mount St. Joseph, Blarney Street.
The Congregation is very happy to be part of the renewal which is taking place in the Diocese of Cork and Ross at this time.
The Diocesan Office has annouinced that the death has occurred of Fr. John Galvin in Cork University Hospital this morning.
Bishop Fintan extends his prayerful support to Fr. John’s family and former parishioners at this time.
Fr. John a native of Uibh Laoire Parish was ordained to the priesthood on 9th June 1962 and began his ministry on temporary mission in the Archdiocese of Bermingham.
On returning to Cork and Ross, he ministered as Curate pro tem in Ahiohill and Cape Clear, as Chaplain in Schull and as Chaplain pro tem in Dunmanway.
He then ministered as Curate in the Parishes of Ovens and Farran, St. Joseph’s Mayfield and Curraheen Road, as Parish Priest in Frankfield and Passage West and then as Assistant Priest in the Harbour Parishes.
May he now rest in the peace of the Lord.
Fr John Galvin RIPBishop Fintan's Christmas Message for primary schools has been streamed to 175 Catholic Primary Schools in Cork and Ross.
Bishop Fintan was at a live crib at the O’Leary Family Farm close to Rocky Bay in the Parish of Tracton Abbey. There, he was joined by Second Class children from Scoil Naomh Fionnán in Rennies.
Children from the school are heard singing Christmas carols and asking the bishop questions about the crib and about Christmas.
It is 800 years since St Francis of Assisi first depicted the birth of Christ with a stable which included animals. St Francis is especially known for his teaching about all creation being capable of bringing us close to God its creator.
Bishop Fintan's message was presented from a live crib in Tracton Abbey Parish
Carrigaline Community School Student Council and Meitheal Team with Bishop Fintan
Recently Bishop Fintan Gavin made a Pastoral Visit to Carrigaline Community School where he was warmly welcomed by School Principal Mr. Paul Burke
Members of the Senior Management Team, Board of Management and Student Representatives. Msgr. Aidan O’Driscoll Co-PP, Fr. James McSweeney Co-PP and Fr. Michael O’Connell MSC CC were also in attendance.
Bishop Fintan visited the Staffroom where he was warmly received, spoke briefly and circulated informally with staff members A short tour of school facilities followed including the Resource Centre where Bishop Fintan had an opportunity to meet with Student Council and Meitheal Team representatives as well as some Learning Support Students.
Recently Bishop Fintan welcomed two priests from the Order of St. Camilus to the Diocese and appointed them as healthcare chaplains
Fr. Biju Ilanjikkal Devasia M.I. has been appointed as Chaplain to St. Finbarr’s Hospital and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital. Fr. Devasia will join Fr. Michael Forde C.Ss.R as part of the chaplaincy team in both hospitals
Fr. Jaison Mathew M.I will join the Pastoral Care Team as a healthcare chaplain pro tem in the Bons Secours Hospital
Both priests are members of the Order of St. Camilus. The charism of the Order is ministry to the sick and dying and it is the first time that members of the Order of St. Camilus will minister in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
Fr. Jaison Mathew (L) and Fr. Biju Ilanjikkal Devasia (R) with Bishop Fintan
Fr. Miron Sikiric OFM with Bishop FintanRecently Bishop Fintan welcomed Fr. Miron Sikiric OFM to Cork and Ross. Fr. Sikiric will minister to the Croatian Catholic Community in the Diocese who gather for the celebration of the Eucharist once a month in St. Finbarr’s South Church
Fr. Sikiric is a member of the Franciscan Order and originally from Zagreb. He currently ministers as Croatian Chaplain in the Archdiocese of Dublin and Curate in St. Mary’s Parish Haddington Road.
In welcoming Fr. Sikiric, Bishop Fintan spoke of the importance of the Croatian Catholic Community in the Diocese and looked forward to their participation in diocesan events.
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May 2026
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April 2026
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March 2026
- All Are Welcome to Holy Thursday Chrism Mass at the Cathedral
- Book Launch of Priesthood in Ireland Today in Cork
- Month's Mind Mass for Bishop's father in Cork
- Final step before diaconal ordination taken by Timoleague parishioner
- Visit of relics of Carlo Acutis, centenary of Procession, linked to St. Patrick's faith
- 'Priesthood in Ireland Today' Book Launch
- Baptism Teams Gather for Formation
- Priests take time out to reflect and pray
- 250th anniversary of the South Presentation Convent marked in the city
- Rite of Election Celebrated in the Diocese
- Thousands of young people Confirmed across diocese
- Bishop's statement in relation to St. Augustine's Church
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February 2026
