Diocesan News
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
Light Fever is an initiative where churches open their doors at night for Eucharistic adoration, candlelight, and gentle music.
300 people stepped into St Augustine’s Church on Washington Street during Light Fever, a special evening of prayer, music, and reflection held on All Hallows’ Eve.
Light Fever is an initiative where churches open their doors at night for Eucharistic adoration, candlelight, and gentle music. Young volunteers invite passersby to come inside, light a candle, and take a moment for prayer — with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The evening began with Mass for the volunteers, followed by Eucharistic adoration. While some participants prayed quietly in the church, others went out in pairs to invite people from the streets of Cork to step away from the masks, noise, and bustle, and into the peace and warmth of Christ’s presence.
Bishop Fintan made a pastoral visit to Bandon Parish
Bishop Fintan makes a pastoral visit to Bandon Parish, celebrates Mass and meets parishioners.
On Sunday, Bishop Fintan visited Bandon Parish and celebrated Mass at the parish church in Bandon and at the Lady Chapel, Gaggin.
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.
Emergency Phone (urgent calls)
Ballyphehane
085 727 8677
The Lough
087 609 3424
Togher
087 249 5075
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