Diocesan News
Learn about Lourdes on Thursday 20thCome to Lourdes as a Young Adult Helper in September!
A special Information Evening will take place in Mardyke House, Cork (T12 W8RP) for those aged 18 to 25, are interested in travelling with the Diocese of Cork and Ross to Lourdes (Sept 19th to 24th) as a Young Adult Helper.
The meeting will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday 20th March.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young adults to assist pilgrims in need and deepen their faith by experiencing the unique spirituality of Lourdes.
For more information, please contact Sheila Kelleher at youthministry@corkandross.org or call 021 430 1717.
Local parishes prepare to welcome adults who wish to become Catholic at Easter
In a joyful ceremony on Sunday, March 9th, in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Bishop Fintan welcomed those who have been preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter which will lead to their becoming Catholic
Our three catechumens (people who have not been baptised Christians) were called by name and signed the Book of the Elect, signifying the next step on their faith journey. The elect (those who have signed the Book of the Elect in the presence of the bishop)were joined by many candidates who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.
As the Easter Vigil approaches, the excitement continues to build. The Rite of Election serves not only as a milestone for those preparing to receive the Easter sacraments, but also as a great sign of hope as these adults choose to become Catholic.
During the liturgy Brian Murphy played the organ beautifully accompanied by Pat Ryan and Caroline Fraher.
Candidates and Sponsors at the Cathedral
Newly formed Council of Priests
A new Council of Priests in the Diocese of Cork and Ross has had its inaugural meeting with Bishop Fintan Gavin.
The Council is consulted by the bishop on pastoral matters to do with the faith life of the diocese.
The majority of members are elected by the priests ministering in the 16 families of parishes. In addition, priests working in chaplaincies nominate a representative, as do the priests who are retired. The communities of religious priests ministering in the diocese are also represented (by Fr. Hilary OFM (inset)).
The Council meets bi-monthly with Bishop Fintan at Mardyke House, Cork.
The people of the diocese have been praying, listening and discerning as plans for the future of the diocese are needed.
In Sept 2024, Bishop Fintan Gavin announced the start of a period of time during which parishioners and clergy together would consider how the faith communities of the diocese will reorganise to answer the mission of the Lord in this time and place.
Meetings are now ongoing in each family of parishes across the diocese.
To date the Office for Mission and Ministry has completed three sessions in each of the Families of Parishes of:
Parishioners reflect on the meetingThe audience in a packed Cork City Hall were on their feet in praise of the almost five-hundred young people who keep them entertained and inspired
The Maranatha concert was the high point of the first music and faith-based day for post-primary school students across the diocese.
Students from more than twenty schools in the Diocese of Cork and Ross participated in Maranatha 2025 at Cork City Hall.
The event was created to bring young people together to celebrate faith and identity through music and have fun at the same time.
Addressing the young people and the hundreds of attendees from across the Diocese in the audience, Bishop Fintan Gavin thanked everyone who made it possible and said Maranatha’s purpose was focused on an important question for all young people.
“The biggest question all of us face in our life is about our identity: Who am I? In a sense, our whole life is trying to work out who we are,” he said. “If there's anything, I want you to hear this evening coming out of Maranatha it is this: you are the beloved daughter and son of God. You are loved by God!”
Maranatha, the first annual faith-based high energy music for Post-Primary Schools in the Diocese of Cork & Ross took place at Cork City Hall featuring pupils from all over Cork City and CountyPhoto: Brian Lougheed
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