In September, two meetings have been held for representatives of the parishes across the Diocese of Cork and Ross to respond to topics raised by parishioners and clergy during the past year
Hundreds of representatives from the 16 families of parishes have been hearing the main themes and proposed responses from both the people and the bishop. These have centred on a range of topics that include how Baptism is prepared for and celebrated, how communities celebrate Sunday Mass, how parishes can reach out to young people and children preparing for school-age sacraments.
At Gougane Sunday 2025, Bishop Fintan Gavin launched what he termed a “Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment” throughout the diocese.
Its purpose was to have people of all ages listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Catholic Church in Cork and Ross at this time, to listen to one another and to develop a sense of the future.
Key moments during the year were when the Office for Mission and Ministry of the diocese organised meetings in every family of parishes and other faith communities. They were presented with challenging questions and asked for their views and responses.
At the diocesan meeting of parishioners and clergy with Bishop Fintan at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork.
All the feedback was compiled into local and diocesan reports and shared with the diocese and is published here:
Read the Summary of all Responses
The first meeting was held in Rosscarbery on Sunday 7th September and the second was on Sunday 14th September in Rochestown, Cork.
Photos: Mike English
