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Fr. Criostóir MacDonald Co-PP
The Diocesan Office has announced that Fr. Criostóir MacDonald has died suddenly this morning
Fr. Criostóir, Co-PP in the Mayfield Family of Parishes, was travelling with a pilgrimage group in Rome at the time.
Bishop Fintan extends prayerful support to his sister Ann and her family at this difficult time.
A native of Skibbereen Fr. Criostóir was ordained to the priesthood on 8th June 1985. He began his priestly ministry as Curate in the Lough Parish (1985 – 1990). He then served as Curate in Crosshaven Parish (1990 – 1998), Bantry Parish (1998 – 1999) and The Cathedral Parish (1999 – 2001).
Following a period of study in Rome, he then served as Curate in Dunmanway Parish (2002 – 2006), Curraheen Road Parish (2006 – 2010), Parish Priest in Glounthaune Parish (2010 – 2011), Administrator of The Cathedral Parish (2011 – 2013), Parish Priest of Curraheen Road Parish (2013 – 2021) and then Parish Priest of St Joseph’s Mayfield since 2021.
As well as praying for Fr. Criostóir, we also pray for his family, friends, parishioners and the pilgrimage group with which he was travelling when he died.
Bishop Fintan is greeted by First Years in Scoil Mhuire
Bishop Fintan was warmly welcomed to Scoil Mhuire on Wellington Road in the course of his pastoral visit to the school recently.
He was welcomed by School Principal, Ms. Regina Butler and Head Girl, Lily Anne Wheelock. He then was given a short tour of the school facilities and enjoyed musical performances by First Year and Fourth Year Groups.
Bishop Fintan then participated in a great question and answer session with senior students.
The pastoral visit concluded with the celebration of Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Popes Quay when school foundress, Ms. Mary O’Donovan was remembered in prayer. Sister Joan O’Donovan, Dominican Sister was also present for the Mass.
Priests and bishops of the Diocese of Cork and Ross have been attending the annual retreat for priests at Garryvoe in east Cork
This year, Sr Marie Fahy, Abbess of Glencairn Abbey, is directing the retreat.
There are men from many parts of Cork, from Dublin, Poland, India, Nigeria. Some are recently ordained; some are marking 60 years of service as priests.
Priests of the Diocese of Cork and Ross at the annual priests’ retreat
Bishop Fintan with Patricia Kelleher and her husband Pat and family members in St. Columba’s Church
On Sunday 8th October, Bishop Fintan celebrated 11am Mass in St. Columba’s Church in Douglas and also presented the Benemerenti Papal Honour to Patricia Kelleher.
Patricia has been Choir director in St. Columba’s for 34 years. Over those years she has faithfully directed the choir welcoming new members and always ensuring prayerful and joyous celebrations throughout.
Patricia was joined by her husband Pat and family members for the presentation.
Canon Teddy O’Sullivan Co-PP and Fr. Pat O’Mahony SMA CC concelebrated Mass with Bishop Fintan.
A lovely celebration for family members, choir members and parishioners took place in the Parish Hall after Mass.
(Photographs by Pat Peate)
Bishops representing every Catholic community across the globe are taking part in a synod in Rome which commenced on the feastday of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4th
Pope Francis has set the theme of the synod as being about understanding the Church as a community of people who walk together and are united in Christ.
The synod was called by Pope Francis in 2021. He asked each diocese across the world to make a submission in response to a list of questions. These led to national assemblies which in turn contributed to continental gatherings. The documents from all of these gatherings were then submitted to the synod secretariat in Rome.
The Synod of Bishops - of more than 440 members - will convene again this time next year to conclude its deliberations.
June 2022
Submission to the synodal process forwarded from the Diocese of Cork and Ross
A listening exercise was conducted across the diocese to prepare for a synod of the Catholic Church in Rome. This was in response to an invitation from Pope Francis to make our faith communities synodal.
All the reports from these have been distilled into a 10-page document which was sent from the Diocese of Cork + Ross.
Submission from the People of the Diocese of Cork + Ross
August 2022
The synthesis of documents from the Irish Church was submitted to the Synod Secretariat
The National Synthesis
February 2023
The Continental Assembly of the Synod for Europe was held in Prague
The final document of that assembly can be
‘Sacraments in a Synodal Church’ written by Dr. Noel O’Sullivan was launched in Maynooth in recent days
Bishop Fintan was present for this important occasion and Dr. O’Sullivan’s book was launched by Archbishop Dermot Farrell.
Veritas who have published Dr. O’Sullivan’s book say that ‘though all too often reduced to mere cultural rites of passage in today’s world, the sacraments are a distinct and essential feature of our Christian faith.
Drawing upon centuries of wisdom, from early Church teachings to the insights of the Second Vatican Council and beyond, Sacraments in a Synodal Church explores the history and life-giving nature of the sacraments and the role of synodality in their development and continued celebration.
In doing so, this book highlights how the shared journey of the Church thus far in understanding and living out the sacraments can inspire and guide us as we walk the synodal path today’.
It's also envisaged that Dr. O’Sullivan’s book will be launched here in the Diocese before Christmas.
Bishop Fintan with Dr. Noel Sullivan at the book launch with Emmanuel Ezeh and Alan McNamara both seminarians for the Diocese of Cork and Ross in Maynooth.
Details of the publication are available here on the Veritas Website
Sacraments in a Synodal Church - Noel Sullivan
Invitation to CONNECT 3 in CorkThe Diocese of Cork and Ross is delighted to invite young adults (18 to 35 years) to another CONNECT event
CONNECT 3 is a faith gathering for young people from all across the Diocese.
It will take place on:
Sunday 15 October 2023
from 9:30am at
UCC Devere Hall
A day of fun, prayer, faith sharing, food, talks, Mass and fellowship.
There is no charge for attending.
On the evening before flying back to Cork from Lourdes (while Storm Agnes was raging around!), Bishop Fintan Gavin paid tribute to all who made the pilgrimage possible.
He acknowledged in a special way the generosity of the helpers who freely give of their time and expertise to make sure that everything goes well and the assisted pulgrims have every help they need.
One of the helpers has been part of the pilgrimage for 40 years this year and Bishop Fintan presented her with a special momento.
Deirdre Courtney from Bishopstown, Cork, is now part of the pilgrimage leadership team and has work alongside thousands of other helpers over the years.
Bishop Fintan helps Deirdre cut the social cake
Announcing the annual collection in churches to fund the education of student priests for the diocese, Bishop Fintan Gavin invites support for two men who are continuing their studies.
This September two Cork and Ross seminarians, Emmanuel Ezeh and Alan McNamara, have commenced their studies in St. Patrick's College Maynooth.
Both have already completed a year of initial formation at Valladolid in Spain.
“I would ask you to keep both of these men in your prayers at Masses and at prayer groups in your parishes," Bishop Fintan says.
Another man has started his second year of studies for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese.
The annual appeal in churches is to meet the costs associated with training, accommodation, education and college fees and associated costs. It will be taken up at Masses on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September.
Seminary courses do not qualify for any state support or grants so the full cost is borne by the diocese.
Last year the annual collection for the Priesthood Education Fund reached €70,616 which was very generous. However, the full costs of the year amounted to €112,491.
This year’s projected costs will in the region of €110,000.
“Appreciating that these are difficult financial times, I would ask you to be as generous as you can to the Priesthood Education Fund annual collection this year in order to support the future
mission of the Church in Cork and Ross,” Bishop Fintan said.
“As we plan for the future, I would ask you to continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life and in a particular way during this current Year of Vocations to Diocesan Priesthood.”
People may also support the seminarians by making a secure online donation
Michael Galvin and Carmel Drinan receive their Benemerenti Awards from Bishop Fintan along with representatives from Group 126 of Irish Pilgrimages Trust. Also included, Fr. John Collins AP, Fr. Jack Twomey OFM. Cap (Chaplain Bons Secours Hospital) and Fr. Alan O’Leary Co-PP with Bishop Fintan. (Photos: Brian Lougheed)
On Sunday 17th September, Bishop Fintan presented Benemerenti Medals to Carmel Drinan and Michael Galvin both from Ballinora Parish at 10am Mass in St. James Church.
Carmel has travelled to Lourdes with the Irish Pilgrimages Trust Group 126 for the past thirty years. She travelled as a volunteer carer with a group of children and more recently, as deputy group leader.
Michael Galvin has also given over 30 years of volunteering with the Irish Pilgrimages Trust. Indeed, Michael will be travelling as a volunteer carer for his thirty second time in Easter 2024.
Both Carmel and Michael are very involved in their parish and community in Ballinora.
Carmel Drinan and Family members with Bishop Fintan
Michael and Angela Galvin and family members with Bishop Fintan
Latest News
News
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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
