Diocesan News

Catholic Diocese of Cork and Ross, Ireland

Year of Prayer, Listening, and Discernment enters New Phase

"Even the winds and seas obey Him""Even the winds and seas obey Him"

The Year of Prayer, Listening, and Discernment, which was launched by Bishop Fintan on Gougane Barra Sunday, enters a new phase this week

Three key information meetings are planned for Priests, Parish Leadership Teams and chaplaincies on Saturday 23 November, Sunday 24 November and Sunday 1 December.

These meetings will set the context for the Year ahead and outline the next steps for Parishes and Families of Parishes. The process for prayer, listening, and discernment has been piloted in one Family of Parishes and is being fine-tuned based on the feedback to be rolled out across the Diocese in the new year.

The Holy Spirit is guiding us to be faithful and courageous in new ways so that we can carry on the mission of the Church. In addition to reciting ‘Our Prayer from the Boat,’ you are invited to participate in special times of guided prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the following Parish churches:

  • Saturday 23 November - Our Lady Crowned, Mayfield (12:30pm to 2:00pm)
  • Sunday 24 November - Church of the Immaculate Conception, Clonakilty (1:00pm to 2:00pm)
  • Sunday 1 December - St. Columba’s Church, Douglas (12:30pm to 2:00pm)

Death of Fr Des Campion SDB, CFC

Fr Des Campion SDB, CFCFr Des Campion SDB, CFC

The Bishop's Office has announced that the death occurred on Saturday last of Fr Des Campion at The Bon Secours Hospital Cork

Bishop Fintan Gavin has extended his sympathy and prayerful support to all of Fr Des’s family, Salesian Confreres, Naval colleagues and friends at this time.

Fr Des has been ministering as Chaplain Naval Services and Port Chaplain, Haulbowline, Cork since 1988. 

Fr Des, a native of Drimnagh, Dublin 12 , was ordained on December 7th 1973 to the Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland at the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Mourne Road, Drimnagh.  After ordination he served in many teaching, chaplaincy and pastoral roles in various Salesian Houses including Crumlin - Dublin, Ballinakill - Laois and Pallaskenry and Milford in Limerick.

In 1985 Fr Des took up appointment as Chaplain to Sarsfield Army Barracks in Henry Street, Limerick.  In 1988 Fr Des was appointed Chaplain to the Naval Base at Haulbowline, Cork where he served until his death.   

May he now rest in the peace of the Lord.

 

In a troubled world, Dare to Hope

Over 160 young Catholics gathered on the grounds of UCC on Sunday to CONNECT about faith and meet with other young people from the Diocese of Cork and Ross

Fr Columba Jordan CFR, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal and Ms Katie Ascough, Founder of ‘Called to More’, were the guest speakers at CONNECT 5 to speak on this year’s CONNECT theme which was “In a troubled world, Dare to Hope”.

This was the fifth in a series of meetings of young people which were initiated by Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross, to help young Catholics CONNECT with each other in a sociable and reflective atmosphere.

Speaking to the young people between 18 and 35 years, Fr Columba said “We don’t get hope by figuring out the problems of the world. We get hope from the Lord. Hope is based on what God has promised.”

CONNECT 5 AttendeesCONNECT 5 Attendees

Holy Well National School, Carrigaline, welcomes Bishop Fintan

Holy Well National School, Carrigaline, welcomes Bishop Fintan

Bishop Fintan was warmly welcomed at Holy Well National School middle and senior school buildings by Principal Mr Aidan Crowley, BOM Chairperson, Mr. Diarmaid Cogan, priests from Carrigaline Parish, staff members as well as parent and pupil representatives. He met with pupils in both buildings and shared in a liturgy at both assemblies during which pupils sang and joined him in prayer. Following Bishop Fintan’s lead, all pupils learned and joined with him in saying a meaningful prayer with actions.  

Pupils engaged in a Q&A session with Bishop Fintan in which they gained an insight into both his life and ministry as Bishop of Cork & Ross. Bishop Fintan thanked the pupils for their kind welcome and rewarded them with a homework pass which was well received.

Bishop Fintan's addresses the school community during a visit to Holy Well National School.Bishop Fintan's addresses the school community during a visit to Holy Well National School.

Diocese launches ‘Maranatha’ for Post-Primary Students

Attendees at the Launch of Maranatha which is set to take place in City Hall Thursday 6 MarchAttendees at the Launch of Maranatha which is set to take place in City Hall Thursday 6 March

“O Lord shout for joy. Jesus is a-risen shout for joy.”

At the launch of Maranatha 2025, music, singing and laughter could be heard streaming from Mardyke House Cork on Wednesday last as teachers from Post-Primary Schools throughout the Diocese engaged in a workshop of liturgical and inspirational contemporary music.

Maranatha is the first of what will become an annual faith-based, high energy music event for young people from parishes throughout the Diocese attending post-primary schools. Almost half of the Post-Primary schools throughout the diocese will participate in this initiative.