"Even the winds and seas obey Him"

Bishop of Cork and Ross invites people to respond to Church changes with a time of prayer, listening and discernment

On a weekend when heavy rain and winds had blown across his diocese, it seems more than coincidence that a new pastoral message from the Bishop of Cork and Ross should begin with a scripture quote: “Even the wind and the seas obey Him”.

Bishop Fintan Gavin read his message on Sunday to pilgrims attending the annual Mass at St. Finbarr’s Oratory, Gougane Barra.

Bishop Fintan’s message is a call to the people of the diocese to commit to a year-long time of prayer, listening and discernment about the future of the Catholic Church in the parishes and chaplaincies of the diocese.

In a time of unprecedented change in society and the Catholic Church in Ireland, people are understandably concerned about their parish’s future, he said.

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St Bernadette’s Relics Pilgrimage to Cork & Ross

For the first time, the Relics of St Bernadette are visiting Ireland, and we will have the privilege of welcoming them to the Diocese of Cork and Ross at the end of this month.  The Diocese have put a full programme together to try and recreate something of the experience that Lourdes offers here at home.

The Relics will be displayed in the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne (North Cathedral) on Wednesday October 30^th from 4pm, and then on the following day, Thursday October 31st, they will travel to the Church of the Immaculate Conception Clonakilty for veneration starting at 2pm. Full programme of events available on the Diocesan website, www.corkandross.org.

ABIDE in His Love Women’s Conference. 15th-17th November 2024
The Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, Co. Donegal.

Join us for an inspiring weekend with guest speakers including Lisa Cotter (Denver, Colorado), the Nashville Dominican Sisters, Fr. Barry Braum (London), Kathleen Nichols & Celine Kelly (Magdala, Israel), Bishop Kevin Doran (Elphin), Catherine DiNuzzo (Kansas), and Fr. Joseph Mary Deane, CFR, among others.

This conference will celebrate the beauty and dignity of women in the Church and the world today. It offers a wonderful opportunity to come together, form new friendships, be uplifted by powerful talks, and experience the transformative presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

We encourage you to invite a family member or friend to join you. To register, visit Eventbrite.ie and search for "Abide in His Love."

Further information, including accommodation details, will be sent via email upon registration.

See link below for registration

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abide-in-his-love-womens-conference-24-tickets-925364579367?aff=oddtdtcreator

Update for Gougane Sunday:

Please be advised that regrettably, the pilgrimage and Mass at St. Finbarr’s Oratory, Gougane Barra, which was scheduled for this Sunday 29th is now postponed to the following Sunday, October 6th. 

The time of the Mass and Rosary on Sunday 6^th October will remain the same, Rosary at 2.30pm with Mass at 3pm.

This change is necessary due to the forecast inclement weather which has led to an Orange Weather Warning being issued by Met Eireann and out of concern for the safety of all involved.

Medjugorje Pilgrimage from Cork Airport

Group Leader Jim Keogh

This pilgrimage travels to Medjugorje from Cork with Aer Lingus on 4^th June 2025.

Everyone is most welcome! Full daily programme which includes a visit to all the apparition sites where Our Lady first appeared to the six children in June 1981.

Our 4star hotel is conveniently located close to the village centre and the St James Church. Coach transfer to Medjugorje on arrival. 7 nights 4* hotel accommodation. Half board: breakfast & dinner each day. Coach transfer from your hotel to airport for return flight.

Check-in assistance at airports. 20kg check-in bag and 1 small cabin bag.

For further information and full details please contact Jim Keogh 021 4885371 Early Bird Offer €100 off per person for bookings paid in full before 15 November 2024!  N.B. As our places are strictly limited they are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Gougane Sunday

You are invited to Gougane Barra on Sunday 29^th September to mark the Feast of St Finbarr.

Mass at 3pm preceded by the Rosary at 2.30 pm. This year in Gougane Barra, the Diocese of Cork and Ross will be launching the year of prayer, listening and discernment as we plan for the future.

Bishop Fintan looks forward to seeing you in Gougane Barra.

A special Mass to celebrate St Pio’s ordination to the Priesthood will be held on Sunday 11th August in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehy’s Cross, Cork. - All welcome!

The Annual Mass and Devotions will be held at the Holy Rosary Shrine Lee Road Cork on Thursday 15th August 2024. All Welcome!

The Catholic Communications Office in Maynooth has asked us to circulate the information regarding “re pastoral letter ‘Freedom to Live Fully, Until Death Comes”.

Providing compassionate care at the end of life

To address the sensitive issue of compassionate care at the end of life, and in response to the need to inform the faithful of Catholic teaching on this important life issue that affects so many families, the Bishops of Ireland have published the pastoral letter: Freedom to Live Fully, Until Death Comes.

You are invited to read this letter and view the accompanying video Through the Valley, which offers personal testimonies by carers and people with terminal illness. The key message of both letter and video asserts that every person possesses inherent, infinite dignity that remains intact regardless of their circumstances. In this context, bishops strongly oppose the Oireachtas Committee’s proposal to Government to legislate for assisted suicide, and call on support for healthcare workers who uphold the sanctity of life.

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