'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 

The responses gathered from the Year of Prayer, Listening and Discernment highlighted a desire for deeper formation and support for families preparing for Baptism.

In light of this, members of Parish Baptism Teams from Carraig na bhFear, Glounthaune and Watergrasshill & Glenville gathered recently for two evenings of formation focused on supporting families as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism.

Baptism Teams play an important role in parish life. By welcoming families, explaining the meaning of baptism, and encouraging ongoing connection with the parish community, they help parents to see Baptism not simply as a ceremony, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. Our parish communities owe a great deal to those who serve in this ministry.

Baptism Preparation team

Fr Ashley Evans addressing the priests

Priests in the Diocese of Cork and Ross step aside from their ministry routines twice a year to reflect, pray and spend time together.

There is a retreat in October each year and in the spring time they meet for a half day.

Today's afternoon of reflection was guided by Fr Ashley Evans SJ. He is an Irish Jesuit priest, originally from Malahide, Co Dublin, who spent 27 years on the Missions in Cambodia. Since returning to Ireland in recent years, Fr. Ashley has been involved in spiritual direction, retreats and various spiritual programmes both here in Ireland and abroad.

These events are coordinated by a group of the priests including Msgr. Gearóid Dullea, Fr. Ben Hodnett, Fr. Michael Keohane, Fr. Sean O'Sullivan and Fr Robert Young.

This afternoon's gathering was held at Dunmore House Hotel, Clonakilty. 

Are you aged 18-30 and interested in serving others while deepening your faith?

The Diocese of Cork and Ross invites young adults to consider travelling to Lourdes as a Young Adult Helper from the 18th-23rd September 2026.

Young Adult Helpers play an important role in the pilgrimage, supporting pilgrims who need assistance, both in the hospital and by accompanying them to liturgies and other pilgrimage events. They also help with various aspects of the pilgrimage, including supporting and helping to animate the liturgies.

For the young adults themselves, the pilgrimage can be a very meaningful experience in their faith and life journey, with opportunities for formation, prayer, and reflection included as part of the pilgrimage.

To learn more, come along to our Information Evening on

Thursday 20 March
at 7pm
Mardyke House, Cork (T12 W8RP)

This evening will give you a chance to hear more about what the pilgrimage involves, what it’s like to be a Young Adult Helper, and how you can get involved.

Register for the information evening here

For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Part of the congregation at the Mass. Pic: Brian Lougheed

A Mass celebrating the 250th anniversary of the South Presentation Convent founded by Nano Nagle took place at St. Finbarr's South Parish Church on Dunbar Street, off Douglas Street. 

The Principal Celebrant was Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Also in attendance was Bishop Emeritus, John Buckley; Cllr. Sean Martin, deputising for the Lord Mayor of Cork; Pat Ledwidge, chair of Nano Nagle Place and many of the religious Brothers and Sisters of the Presentation family.

Bishop Fintan recalled at the Mass that Nano Nagle was known in the city as “The Lady with the Lantern.”

"But the lantern she carried was more than just a light for the streets of Cork," he said. It was a light of compassion.  A light of faith. A light of hope."

Bishop Fintan told the congregation which was mostly made up of students of the Presentations schools in Cork that the reason Nano carried that light was very simple. "She wanted to follow Jesus and live the way Jesus taught his disciples to live."

That small light has been passed on from generation to generation for 250 years, the bishop said.