Diocesan News
Meeting of parishioners in West Cork
Next steps in Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment about to begin
Gatherings in each Family of Parishes across the diocese are the next steps in the Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment which was annoiunced by Bishop Fintan Gavin last autumn.
Over the next four months, all the Parishes and Families of Parishes of our Diocese will be involved. Representatives of each Parish Leadership Team along with the local priests will participate in three meetings over three weeks reflecting on the questions posed in Bishop Fintan’s invitation in September.
Since September, people individually and in Parishes, have been praying the Diocesan Prayer from the Boat. As we continue to pray this prayer together, we pray for the success of these gatherings and we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us as together we try to pray, listen, and discern God’s future for our Church.
Would your Parish or Family of Parishes like to find out more about Alpha?
We are hosting a ‘Come and Discover Alpha’ day in the Visitor Centre of the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne on:
Saturday, 18 January
10:00am to 4:00pm
We begin with hospitality at 10am followed by an Alpha Taster Session where participants will get to experience a full Alpha session from beginning to end. This will be followed by a time of shared reflection looking at how this might work in our Parishes/Families of Parishes or faith communities.
A light lunch of sandwiches and desserts will be provided.
In the afternoon we will offer 4 workshops:
- How to get started
- How to lead a small group
- Culture of invitation and Alpha promotion
- Holy Spirit Day and prayer ministry
Come and Discover AlphaIf you are coming as a Parish, Family of Parishes, or faith community group, consider bringing at least four people so that you can have the full experience of the workshops and share your wisdom as a group later.
We close with a Q&A session and prayer.
Many free resources will be available on the day.
Admission for the day is free, however, we do ask that you register so that we can arrange the hospitality, handouts etc.
Jubilee of Hope launched at Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne
The inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of those gathered for the diocesan launch of the Jubilee of Hope at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne on Sunday, January 5th. Bishop Fintan, in solidarity with Pope Francis, and bishops worldwide, launched the Jubilee and called on the faithful to become "messengers of hope" in a troubled world.
In his homily, Bishop Fintan urged the faithful to renew their faith, rekindle their hope, and deepen their love for God and one another. He encouraged each one to become a "Pilgrim of Hope," bringing hope to those in need in our families, Parishes and Families of Parishes, and to the wider community.
“It is providential," said Bishop Fintan, "that our Year of Prayer, Listening, and Discernment which began last September, coincides with the Jubilee of Hope." He noted that both initiatives are rooted in the foundational hope brought by faith in Jesus, urging the faithful to embark on this year with hearts open to God’s direction.
Luan, Beatriz, Jessica, Monaliza, Valdenir(members of the Brazilian Community) with Bishop Fintan after the Jubilee Mass.
The Jubilee Year will be launched at the North Cathedral
(image by Paul O'Flynn)
Cork's Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne is the location for the launch of the Jubilee Year in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
Bishop Fintan Gavin will be the principal celebrant at Mass at the Cathedral on Sunday Jan 5th at 11.30am.
The Jubilee Year was inaugurated by Pope Francis in Rome on Christmas Eve when he opened the Holy Door for the year.
Pope Francis has announced that the theme for the Jubilee Year is Hope.
"During the Holy Year," the Pope has prayed, "may the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all! And may the Church bear faithful witness to this message in every part of the world!"
Each diocese around the world will host its own Jubilee Year events during the year.
The Diocesan Office has announced that the death has taken place of Mr Conor Gavin, brother of Bishop Fintan Gavin.
Conor lived in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath and was late of Brian Road, Marino, Dublin 3. He died peacefully, at St. Francis’ Hospice, Blanchardstown, today.
Along with Bishop Fintan, Conor is sadly missed by his wife Nuala and their children and grandchildren, his parents, brothers and sisters and the extended Gavin family.
Conor’s funeral arrangements are available on
May he rest in the peace of the Lord.
Conor Gavin RIP