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Bishop Fintan Gavin has announced the appointment of Mary Anne Collins as Coordinator for Faith Formation in Primary Schools in the Diocese of Cork and Ross
Mary Anne is based at the Diocesan Offices on Redemption Road.
Mary Anne is a native of Aughadown Parish and is a qualified primary school teacher, having studied at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. She holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in education along with the Certificate in Religious Education. Mary Anne has eleven years teaching experience in various types of primary schools, including serving as Teaching Principal at Goleen National School for the past seven.
Seven young adults will be joining this year’s Young Adult Community at St. Peter and Paul's
Last Saturday was the induction day for the Young Adult Community of St. Peter and Paul's, held in the Friary, Kinsale. Seven young adults met as a community for the very first time.
The day was filled with joy, reflection, fun, and a sense of anticipation for the journey ahead. Together we shared a meal, celebrated Mass in the Friary, and met the priests from The Cathedral Family of Parishes. Bishop Fintan, also joined the group offering encouragement and support.
We look forward with hope and excitement to what lies ahead for this new community of faith and friendship.
Gathering as a community on the Lord’s Day to celebrate the Eucharist has always been at the heart of our Church
However, changes in society - some brought by the Covid19 pandemic - have seen some people’s connect with Sunday Mass weakened.
Ireland's Catholic Bishops have launched material in print and online with which they invite people to reflect on the profound importance of Sunday Mass.
Welcoming Why Sunday Matters in a video message, Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildate and Leighlin, said, “As we journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Irish Bishops’ Conference invites everyone to. We recognise it not only as an obligation, but also as a precious gift – the source and summit of our faith.”
As thousands of young people across the diocese prepare the receive the results of their Leaving Certificate Examination, Bishop Fintan Gavin asks students to remember that exam results are just one stepping stone in the road of life.
“To all of you receiving your Leaving Cert results this week, whether you are celebrating or feeling disappointed, know this: your worth is not defined by any exam or number,” Bishop Gavin said.
Bishop Fintan Gavin of the Diocese of Cork and Ross is Chair of the Council for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development.
He also offered a message of reassurance to students who may be disappointed by their results.
“If you didn’t get the points or the place you were hoping for, don’t despair. God has a plan for you. Sometimes, it’s in the moments when our own plans fall through that a greater purpose begins to unfold. I want you to remember that there are many paths forward, and each one is valuable. Stay open, stay hopeful, and trust that your journey is only beginning. You are never alone in it.”
Bishop Fintan Gavin
Bishop Fintan GavinBishop announces additional priest changes in the Diocese of Cork and Ross
In addition to priest changes already announced this summer, Bishop Fintan has made these additional appointments:
Fr Vineesh K Ulahannan MI (Camilians, India), to become Curate pro tem in the Family of Parishes of Douglas & Rochestown, Frankfield & Grange and Turner’s Cross effective from 26th July 2025.
Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, to become Co-Parish Priest in the Family of Parishes of Ballineaspaig, Curraheen Road, Sacred Heart and Wilton, taking effect from 15th August 2025.
Fr Jojo Thalikasthanam CMI (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, India),to become Curate in the the Family of Parishes of Ballinora, Ballincollig, Kilmurry and Ovens & Farran, taking effect from 30th August 2025.
Fr Con Doherty MSC Co-PP in the Family of Parishes of Ballineaspaig, Curraheen Road, Sacred Heart and Wilton has been appointed to the MSC Community in Carrig na bhFear by the MSC Provincial.
Commenting on the changes, Bishop Fintan paid tribute to the priests involved.
"I am grateful to the priests who are generously offering their services in the Diocese of Cork and Ross in undertaking these new appointments. I am grateful to Fr Con Doherty MSC for his ministry in Sacred Heart Parish since 2022.”
It’s over 60 years since the people of the Diocese of Cork and Ross, lead by Bishop Lucey, took a decision which would change the lives of many people in South America.
On St. Patrick’s Day, 1965, Bishop Cornelius Lucey took pastoral responsibility for thousands of people living in the sands around the city of Trujillo in northern Peru.
Decades later, the mission was extended to include an area near the city of Manta , Ecuador.
The Mission in Peru was in the sandy suburbs of Trujillo
Bishop Fintan GavinBishop Fintan Gavin has announced the following changes to priest appointments in the diocese
Retirement:
Fr John Collins AP in the Family of Parishes of Ballincollig, Ballinora, Kilmurry, Ovens and Farran retires from this full-time appointment, though his priestly ministry will continue.
Priests taking up appointments in Families of Parishes in July 2025:
Canon John Kingston Co-PP in the Family of Parishes of Ardfield & Rathbarry, Barryroe, Clonakilty, Kilmeen & Castleventry, Rosscarbery & Lisavaird and Timoleague to become Assistant Priest (AP) in the same Family of Parishes.
Fr Noel O’Sullivan Co-PP in the Family of Parishes of Douglas & Rochestown, Frankfield & Grange and Turner’s Cross to become Assistant Priest (AP) in the same Family of Parishes.
Fr Michael Regan Co-PP in the Family of Parishes of Ballinhassig, Clontead, Courceys and Kinsale to become Assistant Priest (AP) in the same Family of Parishes.
At a lunch hosted by Bishop Fintan Gavin for priests marking jubilees of ordination to priesthood in 2025.
Just over a week ago, Bishop Fintan Gavin hosted a lunch for priests marking jubilees of ordination to priesthood in 2025 and who minister in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
The priests who attended included priests who were ordained to the priesthood between 15 and 60 years ago and included Emeritus Bishop of Cork and Ross, Bishop John Buckley who was ordained a priest in 1965.
The attendance also included Fr. Oscar O’Leary OFM who was also ordained 60 years ago as a Franciscan priest. Regrettably, Fr. Oscar returned to the Lord on Sunday June 29th at the Franciscan Friary in Cork.
Among Fr. Oscar’s long years of ministry were many years spent devoted to the pastoral care and support of the Traveller Community in Cork.
The photo shows: Back row: Fr. Fergus Ryan OP CC (15 years), Fr. Declan Brennan OSA (45 years), Fr. Pat O’Donovan Co-PP (30 years), Fr. Dwayne Gavin (25 years).
Thousands of people walked through the streets of Cork City on Sunday participating in the Eucharistic Procession - a tradition in the city that dates back to the 1920’s
The Procession was led by the Butter Exchange Band and Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross, from the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne with the final prayers and Benediction taking place at the National Monument on Grand Parade on a specially constructed platform.
Individuals and groups from across the city and county were part of the celebration including First Holy Communion children, Catholic Girl Guides, The Guides and Scouts of Europe, Youth 2000, Parish Eucharistic groups throughout the Diocese and the Indian Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, Brazilian, African, Polish, Croatian, Ukrainian, and Brazilian communities.
The newly-elected Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, was accompanied by other members of Cork City Council and Rebecca Loughry. Director of Services, Community, Culture & Placemaking, Cork City Council.
Bishop Fintan Gavin imparts Benediction of Blessed Sacrament on a specially erected pplatform on the Grand Parade.99th Cork Eucharistic Procession - Invitation to Choirs
The 99th Eucharistic Procession takes place in Cork city on Sunday, 22 June 2025.
Preparations are underway for this annual procession which is part of the tradition in the city and in parishes across the diocese. Organisers of the City Procession extend an invitation to parish choirs, school choirs, and music groups to participate and help lead the congregation in joyful song during this year's procession.
There will be a music practice on Tuesday 10th June at 7pm in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork. All voices are welcome!
For more information or to express your interest, please contact the organisers
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








