Diocesan News
Friday October 24th brought together members of three generations of the extended Dwyer Families and the Cork Poor Clare Community along with Bishop Fintan Gavin
The occasion was to celebrate the centenary of the death of Walter Dwyer September 2nd 1925 – 2025, founding benefactor of the Cork Poor Clare Monastery in 1914.
Walter Dwyer is especially remembered for funding the building of the Monastery. Together with the Servant of God Fr. Willie Doyle SJ and with the permission of the Bishop of Cork at the time, Most Rev. Bishop Callaghan, Walter facilitated the arrival of his daughter Sr. Maria Dwyer and some Carlow Poor Clares in the Cork Monastery. Eleven years later, his death occurred on September 2nd 1925 in the Bon Secours Hospital next door and his body reposed in the Poor Clare Chapel overnight. Forty years later, on the same day, in 1965, his beloved daughter Sr. Maria died.
The Poor Clare Sisters, Cork with Bishop Fintan GavinRepresentatives from the parishes of Skibbereen and Rath and the Islands gathered this week in the West Cork Hotel for the last evening of their initial formation for Parish Pastoral Councils.
The event marked the beginning of a new chapter in parish leadership, as these newly formed councils came together to reflect on their mission and explore how they can serve their communities with faith, creativity, and collaboration.
Eilis and Lorraine from the Office for Mission and Ministry guided participants through reflection and discussion. The formation focused on the role of pastoral councils in fostering co-responsibility between clergy and laity, discerning parish resources and needs, using the pastoral planning cycle model, and supporting pastoral initiatives that strengthen faith life at local level.
Members of Skibbereen and Rath and the Islands Parish Pastoral Councils
Attendees described the session as both inspiring and practical — an opportunity to share experiences, build confidence, and begin shaping a shared vision for parish renewal.
For further information about Parish Pastoral Council formation or formation opportunities for different parish ministries, please contact the Office for Mission and Ministry.
Vacancy: Diocesan AccountantCRSS CLG invites applications for the post of Diocesan Accountant in the Catholic Diocese of Cork and Ross
The Employer is CRSS CLG, a registered charity whose mission is to establish, maintain and coordinate employment services and facilities for the Diocese of Cork and Ross. This is a full-time permanent post based at The Cork and Ross Diocesan Offices, Redemption Road, Cork T23PXDO.
The Diocese of Cork and Ross complies with church law and its canonical requirements in its stewardship of material assets. The diocese, in the form of four charitable trusts, also complies with the requirements of the Charities Regulatory Authority.
Parishioners from across the diocese gathered over two evenings for a workshop aimed at renewing and strengthening the Altar Server Ministry in local parishes.
The sessions, held in Clonakilty Parish Centre and in Frankfield & Grange Parish Centre, brought together priests, parents, and parish youth leaders who share a commitment to helping young people take an active role in parish life through altar serving.
The workshops introduced a new approach to altar server formation, empowering parents and youth leaders to take a more active role in training and supporting young servers within their own parishes.
Altar Server Workshop attendees in Clonakilty Parish Centre
Bishop Fintan recently made the Pastoral Visit to Presentation Brothers College, Cork.
He received a warm welcome from School Principal Mr. David Barry, Members of the Presentation Brothers Congregation, the Past Pupils Union, the School Chaplain and Student Leaders.
Bishop Fintan joined an assembly of students, staff, and guests for a Prayer Liturgy based on the theme of 'Gratitude and Kindness'.
In his homily, Bishop Fintan reflected on the life of Saint Carlo Acutis, the recently canonised Italian teenager who became the first “Millennial Saint” when he was canonised by Pope Francis in Rome.
Pastoral Visit to Presentation Brothers College, Cork
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