At the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, where Paul Ryan was instituted as an Acolyte.

A Timoleague parishioner has taken the final step in his formation before being ordained a permanent deacon in our diocese.

On Sunday, at Mass in the Cathedral in Cork, Bishop Fintan Gavin instituted Paul Ryan as an acolyte.

Bishop Fintan explained the meaning of this step.

“The ministry itself is simple and practical — assisting at the altar, serving the celebration of the Mass, and helping in the distribution of Holy Communion.”

But its meaning is much deeper, Bishop Fintan said.

“It’s about being close to Christ in the Eucharist, the source of life, and allowing that closeness to shape the whole of one’s life.

The Diocese of Cork and Ross invites you to Light Fever in St. Augustine’s Church, Washington Street on Friday 27th March from 6pm.

Light Fever is an initiative where churches open their doors at night for Eucharistic adoration, candlelight, and gentle music. Young volunteers invite passersby to come inside, light a candle, and take a moment for prayer. 

The evening will begin with Mass at 6pm. Afterwards, for a couple of hours, young people will go out in pairs to gently invite passers-by from the busy city streets into the quiet, prayerful atmosphere of the church. Others will remain inside in prayer for all who enter. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available on the night.

This event offers a wonderful opportunity to give witness to our faith and to share a welcoming, uplifting experience of the Church with others.

All help is greatly appreciated! If you’d like to get involved, please email connect@corkandross.org

Bishop Fintan blesses shamrock at the Mass.

On St. Patrick’s Day, we call to mind an unbroken tradition of faith in our diocese, our city and our country, said Bishop Fintan Gavin.

Mass for St. Patrick's Day was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork by Bishop Fintan.

The congregation included the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy and his partner, the Lady Mayoress, Karen Brennan; the Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O'Sullivan; the Lord Mayor of the City of Coventry, Cllr Rachel Lancaster and members of Cork City Council.

In his homily at the Mass, Bishop Fintan said that St. Patrick didn’t only bring the Christian faith to Ireland.

'Priesthood in Ireland Today' is a new book edited by Bishop Phonsie Cullinan (Bishop of Waterford & Lismore)

The book features 16 reflections from various contributors on the role of the priest today as leader, prophet, pastor and servant. The book includes a contribution from one of our own priests, Msgr Gearóid Dullea. The book aims to offer encouragement to men discerning a call to the priesthood and to explore the vocation’s meaning in a modern context.

The book will be launched on

Monday 23 March at 6pm

in Mardyke House, Cork (T12 W8RP)

Bishop Phonsie will speak about some of the themes explored in the book and he will be available afterwards to sign copies.

All are welcome. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

There will be a “Come and See” afternoon for men aged 18–40 who may be thinking about priesthood in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

It will take place on

Sunday 29 March 2026

2-5pm

Mardyke House, Cork City  (T12 W8RP)

The afternoon will include time for prayer, reflection, conversation and an opportunity to meet others also exploring this call. Pope Leo reminds us that the priesthood is “a gift for the Church and for the world.”

For more information: Contact Fr Cian