Diocesan News
Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024
Cork and Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025 will be in September and booking is open now
The Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes this year will take place from Friday 19th September to Wednesday 24th September under the patronage of Bishop Fintan Gavin.
The flights are from Cork to Lourdes. There is a choice of hotels from €939 pps and there will be a full Pilgrimage Programme.
Bookings are now open with Joe Walsh Tours on (01) 2410 800 for anyone wishing to travel as a pilgrim.
Volunteers are also required: Doctors, Nurses, Care Assistants and Helpers (Adults and Young Adults aged between 18-25 years).
A special Reunion Mass for those who travelled to Lourdes last September will be on Friday, February 28th at 7.30pm in the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield, followed by a social afterwards.
This will officially launch this year’s pilgrimage, and all are invited and welcome to attend this Mass.
For general enquiries about the pilgrimage contact (085) 2525 040 or email:
Recent days have seen the first groups of young people across the diocese receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation
Bishop Fintan conferred the sacrament on children from Clogagh and Timoleague National Schools on Tuesday Feb 11th in Timoleague’s Parish Church. Bishop Emeritus John Buckley conferred the sacrament on the girls of St. Catherine’s School at Ballineaspaig Parish Church in Cork city on the same day.
The ceremonies continue across the diocese until Friday April 4th. There are a number of ceremonies on most days in order to accommodate the number of candidates and their families.
Almost 3,000 candidates are being presented for the sacrament by their parents and schools.
Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin pictured in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Timoleague with Confirmation candidates from Clogagh National School. Also included are Canon John Kingston, Co-PP, Kathleen Calnan SNA and Helen O'Flynn, principal.Photo: Martin Walsh
Young people, faith, happiness, music, song, learning from others, shared joy!
Some of the ingredients of this amazing event - the first of its kind in Cork.
Young people from parishes across the diocese attending Post-Primary Schools are rehearsing for a very exciting high-energy event on March 6th in Cork City Hall. The first part of the day provides time for young people to engage with one another about faith and life.
The day culminates in a concert of high energy faith-based music in City Hall, which will be filled with sound, light and music.
People of all ages are invited to support our young people and join us from parishes and schools throughout the Diocese on Thursday March 6th in Cork City Hall for what is shaping up to be a joy filled and wonderful celebration of our faith and young people.
Tickets are €15 at this link:
Maranatha -- an event to sing at, enjoy and boost faith
The Confirmation Retreat at Togher BNS, CorkDuring the week of February 3rd to 7th a number of primary schools in the diocese took part in a pilot retreat programme for pupils preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The retreats were offered by a team of youth missionaries from NET Ministries Ireland. NET Ministries is a testimonial-based ministry with a focus on how Jesus is relevant, present, and loves us individually. The retreat schedule included games, talks, testimonies, small groups activities and prayer ministry.
The retreats were very well received by each of the participating schools and feedback indicated that pupils had a wonderful experience. The youth missionaries were enthusiastic and connected with the children with ease. They engaged at the appropriate age level and pupils responded accordingly.
The team availed of a range of strategies throughout each day. The programme balanced both active learning and listening and related to the children’s own lives. The retreat focused on the faith formation of the children which was central to and well-paced throughout each day.
Schools reported that this was a day to focus on the true meaning of Confirmation and expressed their thanks to the team and to Bishop Fintan for having being afforded this opportunity.
The Diocese of Cork and Ross has announced plans to bring a group of young adults to Rome to join with young people from across the world in this Jubilee Year.
Over 30 people attended the Diocese of Cork and Ross’ Jubilee of Youth pilgrimage launch. The pilgrimage will take place in Rome from the 28th July to the 4th August.
During the launch, youth leaders Fr. Marius O’Reilly, Fr. Ronan Sheehan, Sheila Kelleher, and Mary-Claire Scanlon shared insights on the significance of a Jubilee Year, the logistics of the pilgrimage, and fundraising plans.
Sarah Ryan-Purcell, who travelled to World Youth Day in 2023, also gave a personal testimony about her experience as a pilgrim at that event.
Spaces are limited and filling up fast; for more details and to book in, contact Sheila at youthministry@corkandross.org.
At the launch of the Jubilee of Youth Pilgrimage to Rome