
Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross (courtersy of Cork and Ross diocesan website)
Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross, has published a pastoral letter to parishioners across the diocese titled: Even the winds and the seas obey Him (Mt 8:23-27).
Bishop Gavin read this message on Sunday, 6 October, to pilgrims attending the annual Mass at Saint Finbarr’s Oratory, Gougane Barra church, Co Cork. Bishop Gavin’s message is a call to the people of the diocese to commit to a year-long time of prayer, listening and discernment about the future of the Catholic Church in the parishes and chaplaincies of the diocese.
Bishop Gavin said, “In a time of unprecedented change in society and the Catholic Church in Ireland, people are understandably concerned about their parish’s future. Many have a strong attachment to their local church, some worry about the sustainability of their preferred Mass times, and some communities miss having a resident priest.”
Bishop Gavin continued, “Priests across the diocese continue to deal with unprecedented changes. I recognise and appreciate the selfless generosity of our priests as they meet increasing demands to provide sacramental and pastoral care.”
Looking to the future and considering the diocese’s current situation, Bishop Gavin said, “we believe that the Holy Spirit is guiding us to be faithful and courageous in new ways so that we can carry on the mission of the Church.”
While posing central questions to the people of the diocese about the importance of Baptism and Eucharist as foremost among the sacraments – and outreach to young people – Bishop Gavin said, “It is clear that the Church of the present and the future will have an enhanced role for lay leaders. We can only answer these questions and challenges together. The Holy Spirit guides us as we listen to one another. To respond to the mission of the future, we need a period of prayer and listening.”
Bishop Gavin continued, “Each Family of Parishes will be invited to participate alongside priests and the faithful, in spring-time gatherings focused on prayer, listening and discernment during the year ahead. Meetings with priests have already been held to prepare for these gatherings, and planning meetings with representatives from all the Families of Parishes will be held in November and December. There will also be engagement with schools, chaplaincies, apostolic groups, and religious communities.”
The bishop’s message was read at all Masses in the Diocese of Cork and Ross last weekend, and printed copies were also made available. The accompanying prayer card is also being widely distributed.
ENDS
For media contact the Diocesan Spokesperson
Father Tom Hayes, Co-PP, VG, +353 (0) 87 262 9154 or [email protected]