On a weekend when heavy rain and winds had blown across his diocese, it seems more than coincidence that a new pastoral message from the Bishop of Cork and Ross should begin with a scripture quote: “Even the winds the seas obey Him”.
Bishop Fintan Gavin read his message on Sunday to pilgrims attending the annual Mass at St. Finbarr’s Oratory, Gougane Barra.
Bishop Fintan’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.
In a time of unprecedented change in society and the Catholic Church in Ireland, people are understandably concerned about their parish’s future, he said.
“Many have a strong attachment to their local church, some worry about the sustainability of their preferred Mass times, and some communities miss having aresident priest,” Bishop Fintan said.
Priests across the diocese contunue to deal with unprecedented changes.
“I recognize and appreciate the selfless generosity of our priests as they meet increasing demands to provide sacramental and pastoral care,” he said.
Bishop Fintan Gavin
Looking to the future and considering our current situation, Bishop Fintan says, we believe the Holy Spirit is guiding us to be faithful and courageous in new ways sothat 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 – the bishop says that 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,” Bishop Fintan said.
“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.”
Each Family of Parishes will be invited to participate, priests and people, 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 is being read at all Masses in the Diocese of Cork and Ross this weekend and printed copies are available. The accompanying prayer card is also being widely distributed.
You can also download the Bishop’s Message and the Prayer Card at this link on the diocesan website