Pupils from twenty-nine primary schools across the Diocese of Cork and Ross participated in Confirmation retreats over a two-week period in November.

The retreats were facilitated by the Mission Team of NET Ministries Ireland and coordinated by Mary Anne Collins, Coordinator for Faith Formation in Primary Schools. The retreats included short talks, drama, discussion in order to explore themes relevant to commitment and confirmation. This took place in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection with lots of fun. 

The retreats were very well received. Pupils and teachers reported that they found the retreat days to be very enjoyable and beneficial in the children’s preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Many thanks to NET Ministries, principals, teachers and local clergy for their cooperation with this initiative.

On the Feast of Christ the King, joy filled the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne in Cork as the Presentation Brothers Community celebrated Br. Simon Fernandes’ Perpetual Profession of Vows.

Bishop Fintan Gavin was the chief celebrant for the occasion. His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi in Simon’s homeland of Pakistan, was also present at the Mass. Br Simon’s family and friends travelled from the United States, Pakistan, Britain and across Ireland to be there, joining young people and parishioners connected with young adult ministry in the Diocese of Cork & Ross and the Presentation Brothers L.E.A.F. Project at Mardyke House.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan said: “Today, Brother Simon pledges poverty, chastity, obedience - not as constraints, but as pathways of love that mirror Christ’s kingship. In other words, these vows are shepherding - communion and reconciliation made visible”

The Diocese of Cork and Ross invites you to join us for Light Fever in Ss. Peter and Paul's Church, Cork on Sunday 7th December form 2.30pm-5pm.

Throughout the afternoon, young people will go out in pairs to gently invite passers-by to step away from the busy city streets and into the quiet, prayerful atmosphere of the church, while others remain inside praying for all who enter.

The blessed sacrament will be exposed and the church will be lit up with candles, with gentle praise and worship music playing. Confession will be available and a prayer-intention box will be placed near the altar.

This event offers a wonderful opportunity to give witness to our faith and to share a welcoming, uplifting experience of the Church with others.

All help is greatly appreciated! If you’d like to get involved, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

During our Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment, people shared a desire for a deeper and more united experience of worship during the Sunday Eucharist.

In responding to this desire, we’re introducing the use of common postures at Mass, as outlined in the Missal, starting this weekend, the First Sunday of Advent. It is hoped that this will help make people feel even more welcome and at home in whatever church in our diocese that they attend the celebration of the Eucharist.

Advent invites us to renewed attentiveness, hope, and preparation for the coming of Christ. In that same spirit of renewal, adopting unified postures – standing, sitting, and kneeling together at the appropriate times – helps us express more visibly that we are one community in faith.

Posters and pew cards will be available in our churches with a with a brief explanation of why we stand, kneel and sit at Mass.

Pdf of poster    Pdf of pew cards

Bishop Fintan toured the school’s newly completed Applied Technology/Graphics room.

Bishop Fintan was welcomed by members of the Student Council, along with Principal Brian Cronin and Deputy Principal Nuala Falvey.

School patron Bishop Fintan visited St Patrick's College on Monday, 24 November, where he led a prayer service of remembrance for the faithful departed and toured the school’s newly completed Applied Technology/Graphics room. He was accompanied by Fr Charlie Kiely, Co-PP, and Paul Kelly, Diocesan Coordinator for Post Primary Schools.

During the prayer service, the school choir performed two hymns, and several students contributed as readers. In his address, Bishop Fintan spoke to staff and students about the value of faith, family, friendship, and faithful service as foundations for a happier life. He encouraged everyone to continue nurturing a personal relationship with Jesus.

“Waiting in Hope: Listening for God’s promise through the Word”

Join the Office for Mission and Ministry on Saturday, November 29th, from 10am to 3.30pm in the Frankfield and Grange Parish Centre (behind the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield/Grange, Eircode T12 A660) for a peaceful Advent Reflection Day.

“Waiting in Hope: Listening for God’s promise through the Word” invites you to step away from the busyness of the season and enter a time of prayer, reflection, and renewed trust in God’s promises.

Places are limited so booking is essential.

Contact the Office for Mission and Ministry

Please bring a packed lunch.

We look forward to welcoming you into this time of peace and preparation.

Bishop Fintan made a Pastoral Visit to Mount Mercy College

On Thursday November 20th Bishop Fintan made a Pastoral Visit to Mount Mercy College, Model Farm Road, Cork.

Upon arrival, he was warmly welcomed by School Principal Ms. Tricia Ryan, Deputy Principal Ms. Ellen van Walleghen, Mr. Colm Ó Corcora, Chairperson of the Board of Management, Fr. Donal Cotter, Co-PP Ballineaspaig, and members of the Student Leadership Team.

The visit began with a Prayer Liturgy on the theme of Remembrance, attended by students, staff, and guests. During his homily, Bishop Fintan offered students four key points for living a meaningful life: faith, family, friendship, and fruitful service. He encouraged them to recognise their uniqueness, to remember that they are loved by God, and to be courageous, kind, and attentive to God’s guiding voice.

During our Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment, people shared a desire for a deeper and more united experience of worship during the Sunday Eucharist.

In responding to this desire, we’re introducing the use of common postures at Mass, as outlined in the Missal, starting on the First Sunday of Advent. It is hoped that this will help make people feel even more welcome and at home in whatever church in our diocese that they attend the celebration of the Eucharist.

We have designed a poster and pew card outlining these postures with a brief explanation of why we stand, kneel and sit at Mass. These simple aids are meant to help our communities worship as one body, united in prayer before the Lord.

Pdf of poster    Pdf of pew cards

The annual Cork and Ross Post Primary Religious Education Teachers’ In-Service gathering took place today at Innishannon House Hotel.

This year’s event was very well supported, with 65 teachers registered from 40 post-primary schools across Cork City and County.

The keynote speaker for the day was Fr. Hugh Lagan SMA, who delivered an engaging presentation titled Leaning into the Light – Reclaiming Meaning, Purpose and Passion in Religious Education. Fr. Hugh, a member of the Society of African Missions and a chartered clinical psychologist, offered rich insights into nurturing purpose and hope in both teaching and faith life.

65 teachers from 40 post-primary schools across Cork City and County attended the in-service day