Catechumens, candidates and sponsors

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion was celebrated recently as adults who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter gathered from across the diocese in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan reflected on the theme of choice at the heart of the Christian life, reminding those present that faith is always a response to God’s call. As he explained: “The Church calls this the Rite of Election, because God has chosen you. You are also choosing Him. It is a relationship. God calls and we respond.”

Bishop Fintan thanked the sponsors, families, priests and parish communities who accompany those preparing for the sacraments, reminding them that faith grows best when it is supported by prayer, encouragement and community.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is being celebrated across the diocese with young people from primary schools.

This year's ceremonies began on February 9th and continue until April 30th. There are 89 Confirmation Masses being celebrated across the diocese with up to three ceremonies being held on many of the days.

Bishop Fintan Gavin is administering the sacrament in many of the ceremonies. He is assisted in other ceremonies by Bishop John Buckley, Bishop Padraig Harrington SMA, Bishop Noel O'Regan SMA, Mons Gearóid Dullea, Co-PP, Chancellor; Mons. Aidan O'Driscoll Co-PP, VG and Fr Tom Hayes, Co-PP, VG.

Over four thousand young people will be Confirmed in the diocese this year.

The schedule of Confirmations for 2026 is available here.

Confirmation group from Bandon Primary School

Cork City Hall was filled with energy and applause as almost 500 young people lit up the stage with a concert.

The Maranatha 2026 concert featured post-primary school students from parishes throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Twenty-three schools came together for the celebration, transforming the historic venue into a powerful showcase of talent and conviction.

Maranatha blends music, faith and fun — creating a space where students can express who they are, celebrate their identity and build lasting connections and friendships in an atmosphere of joy and community.

Statement of Bishop Fintan Gavin in relation to the announcement by the Augustinian community of the decision to withdraw from St Augustine’s Church in summer 2026

It is with great sadness that I, along with so many people across Cork City and beyond, have learned of the decision of the Augustinian community to withdraw from St Augustine’s Church this coming summer. For generations, the Augustinian community at St Augustine’s has been an important and cherished part of the cultural, spiritual and faith life of our city. Many people have found there a place of prayer, welcome, and belonging.

With the declining number of religious vocations within the Augustinian Order, and the advancing age profile of many of its members, I fully understand and respect the reasons behind this decision, which has clearly been made after careful discernment about their future mission and resources.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Augustinian friars, past and present, for their faithful ministry, their preaching of the Gospel, and their generous service to the people of Cork over so many generations. Their contribution to the spiritual life of the city will long be remembered with gratitude and affection.

I will have an opportunity in the coming months to thank the Augustinians more publicly for their immense contribution to the faith life of our city.

I am particularly mindful that this news will come as a sadness to many who have found in St Augustine’s a spiritual home over the years. I want to reassure all of you that I will endeavour, as your Bishop, to respond pastorally to that need, even as the Holy Spirit may now be inviting us to live and express that faith in new ways and in new places.

Bishop Fintan Gavin

West Cork man takes next step to be a Permanent Deacon

Kinsale parish hosts a special liturgy on Sunday 22nd when a parishioner in our diocese takes the next step towards being ordained a Permanent Deacon.

Paul Ryan, a native of Co Clare, lives in Timoleague Parish and was accepted three years ago as a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate. Since then he has been participating in formal formation and personal prayer and reflection. He has also been experiencing parish life in Kinsale Parish.

On Sunday, he will be instituted as a Lector by Bishop Fintan Gavin during 12 noon Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, Kinsale.

This next step on his path to ordination means Paul will be mandated to proclaim God’s Word and, through his reflection on the Word of God, prepares himself further for answering the call to service in our diocese as a Permanent Deacon.  

The Word of God serves as a means to come to know God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ even more and, through the Holy Spirit, helps us to deepen our relationship with him. 

Bishop Fintan Gavin has asked that people across the diocese pray for Paul on Sunday as Paul also asks for God’s blessing and help. 

About the Permanent Diaconate

Paul Ryan, his wife Bríd, their daughter Anne and son Tomás, with Bishop Fintan Gavin in May 2024. (Pic. Mariana Wirsam)