Courtmacsherry Grotto celebrates 70 years since its opening.

One of two grottoes in Barryroe parish, it was dedicated on on 8th September 1954 with a rosary on the feast of Our Lady's nativity organised by Ms Edel Jones.

After a big effort to clean up the grotto by parishioners earlier in the year, led by Ms Teresa Egger, the rosary was prayed in front of Our Lady's image with the decades elaborated by verses of Marian hymns led by Courtmacsherry church choir.

A group of more than seventy attended the public prayer which was followed by a very interesting talk by Ms Margaret O'Dwyer on how the grotto came to be built and opened.

A number of those who had been present in 1954 also attended the recent celebration, including some of the altar boys and a member of the choir.

Permanent Deacons of Cork and Ross met in Nano Nagle Retreat Centre for their annual retreat on the weekend of Fri 30 August to Sunday the 1st of September 2024.

They were joined by their wives, Bishop Fintan Gavin and Fr Bernard Cotter. The retreat was led by Gerard Hanley who was also joined by his wife Katie and their son John.

It was a weekend full of prayer, reflection and encouragement in the beautiful Blackwater valley near Killavullen in North Cork. Frank and Rena and David and Siobhan were very grateful for the hospitality of the Presentation Sisters in the Retreat Centre and the work of Gerard and his family in providing such a memorable weekend. God continues to pour out His blessings on their ministry in the Diocese and they look forward to the future with hope.

At the retreat for Permanet Deacons and their families were From left to right:Fr Bernard Cotter, Siobhan and Deacon David Lane, Bishop Fintan, Gerard and Katie Hanley and their son John (retreat leaders), Deacon Frank and Rena McKevitt.

Gathering of Hospital Chaplains and Pastoral Care Teams in Cork & Ross

The Diocese hosted a gathering for the hospital chaplains and members of pastoral care teams who minister in our Diocese. This took place last Tuesday afternoon in the Rochestown Park Hotel. 

Fr Declan Hurley, a priest from the Diocese of Meath, led the afternoon and spoke about his experience, focusing on the importance of identity and mission and how this comes back to Christ and our relationship with him. 

The group then spent some time sharing their own experiences, this was followed by a time of prayer. The evening concluded with a shared meal.

Skibbereen celebrates 50 years of support for vocations to priesthood

Last Sunday (September 8^th) Bishop Fintan Gavin received a very warm welcome from Skibbereen parish as he celebrated the 11am Mass to commemorate 50 years of the The Vocations Society of St Joseph (previous known as the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society) in Skibbereen. 

In his homily, Bishop Fintan encouraged people to pray for vocations and to support and encourage any young man who may be considering a vocation to the priesthood. 

“We give thanks for the Vocations Society of St Joseph and it’s work and witness over 50 years. We pray that we will continue the work into the future as we find new ways of encouraging and fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life”,  Bishop Fintan said. 

Clontead parishioner appointed to new role in the diocese. 

Bishop Fintan Gavin has announced the appointment of Sheila Kelleher as Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Digital Communications in the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Sheila is based at the Diocesan Offices in Redemption Road.

She is from Clontead Parish and in recent years has worked with the Chaplaincy at UCC.

Youth Ministry is about supporting the outreach of families of parishes, colleges, and schools and “wherever two or three” young people gather, to bring the message of Christ to them in new ways. Sheila will work alongside those who are already involved in programmes for young people as well as helping those who wish to take first steps in this essential part of our mission.