Primary School Boards of Management Training and Celebration of 50 Years of the Board of Management

Posted on March 12, 2026 by mediaccr

On Tuesday, 24 February, a dinner and training event for members of Primary School Boards of Management from across the Diocese was held, continuing a well-established tradition of formation and support for those involved in the governance of Church of Ireland schools.

The evening followed a format similar to previous gatherings hosted by Bishop Paul Colton. Members of Boards of Management from throughout the Diocese were invited to come together for a dinner followed by the training, providing an opportunity for board members to meet one another, share experiences, and reflect on their responsibilities in supporting schools and their communities.

The speakers for the training were Dr Ken Fennelly, Secretary to the General Synod Board of Education and Education Officer for the Church of Ireland in the Republic of Ireland, and Susan Ellis, Education Governance and Management Advisor for the Church of Ireland and the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association. During the session they addressed key aspects of school governance and presented a number of practical case studies, which helped participants consider real-life situations that boards may encounter in the management and oversight of schools.

Representatives from Ecclesiastical Insurance were also present and gave a presentation outlining the insurance supports available to Church of Ireland schools and Boards of Management. Their contribution provided helpful guidance for board members in understanding the responsibilities associated with safeguarding school buildings, activities, and governance.

A special element of the evening was the celebration of a significant milestone in Irish education. The year marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Board of Management structure for primary schools, which was established in 1975. This model of governance, involving representatives of patrons, parents, teachers, and the wider community, has played a central role in the running and oversight of primary schools across Ireland.

To mark this anniversary, each primary school in the Diocese received a commemorative plaque recognising fifty years of Boards of Management. A representative from each school’s Board accepted the plaque on behalf of their school. The plaques were presented by the Right Reverend Paul Colton on behalf of the General Synod Board of Education (Republic of Ireland).

The evening combined practical training for board members with an opportunity to celebrate the long tradition of voluntary service that underpins the governance of Church of Ireland schools.

Bishop Colton thanked those serving on Boards of Management for giving their time, expertise, and commitment to the life of schools in the Diocese. The work of board members, undertaken on a voluntary basis, plays an essential role in supporting school leadership, ensuring good governance, and helping schools continue to serve their pupils, families, and communities.

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Eight Parishes Recognised for Developing Children and Family Ministry

Posted on March 9, 2026 by mediaccr

The Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross recently marked another milestone in the development of its Children and Family Ministry programme with the presentation of certificates to eight additional parishes that have completed the diocesan training process.

The certificates recognise parishes that have taken part in the diocesan Children and Family Ministry initiative and have committed to developing structured and sustainable ways of supporting children, young people, and families within parish life.

Children and Family Ministry is a Church of Ireland programme designed to help parishes build welcoming and engaging environments for families. The initiative provides guidance, training, and practical resources to help parishes develop activities and ministries that support the faith development of children and encourage the participation of families in the life of the church.

Parishes taking part in the programme work through a series of training sessions and planning stages. These help local teams consider how children and families are currently involved in their parish, identify areas for development, and implement practical steps to strengthen ministry in this area. The programme also encourages collaboration between clergy and lay volunteers so that this work becomes an integral part of parish life.

At the recent presentation, certificates were awarded to the following parishes in recognition of their participation in the programme:

  • Carrigrohane
  • Carrigaline
  • Fermoy
  • Templebreedy (Templebreedy)
  • Templebreedy (Nohoval)
  • Ross
  • Abbeystrewry
  • Moviddy

The presentation of these certificates acknowledges the commitment of clergy and parish teams who have taken part in the training and have begun implementing new initiatives to support children and families locally.

Two further parish unions are currently undertaking the training process: Cloyne Union and Mallow Union.

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Opening and Dedication of Refurbished Diocesan Offices and Meeting Rooms in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Posted on March 3, 2026 by mediaccr

On Friday, 7 February, the Diocesan Council met for what was a significant and historic gathering in the life of the Diocese. It was the final full meeting of the Council with the current Bishop, the Right Reverend Paul Colton, before the Diocese enters the Vacancy in See and prepares for the appointment and arrival of a new bishop.

At the meeting, Bishop Colton gave a final overview and briefing to members of the Diocesan Council. He reflected on current priorities, ongoing work, and practical considerations to ensure a smooth and orderly transition during the Vacancy in See. The occasion formed an important part of the continuity of governance and ministry within the Diocese.

On the same day, Bishop Colton officially opened and dedicated the completed refurbishment works at 14 Cove Street, St Nicholas House, on behalf of the City of Cork Church School Board, who are the owners of the building.

From l.-r.: Robin Newenham, City of Cork Church School Board, John de Montfort, Diocesan Secretary, the Rev. Meghan Farr, City of Cork Church School Board, Bishop Paul Colton, the Ven. Andrew Orr, Archdeacon and the Very Rev. Nigel Dunne, City of Cork Church School Board.

The refurbishment project began following the departure of the Cork Simon Community from the building in May 2023. Until that time, four floors of the premises had been let to the organisation. With the space becoming fully available, the Diocese undertook a comprehensive redevelopment of the property. Works commenced in 2023 and were completed in February 2026, spanning approximately two and a half to three years. Oversight of the project began under the then Diocesan Secretary, Billy Skuse, and was brought to completion by the current Diocesan Secretary, John de Montfort.

The redevelopment has significantly enhanced the functionality of the building. On the second floor, a new Bishop’s Office suite has been created. This includes a dedicated office for the Bishop, an office for the Bishop’s Secretary, a meeting room, toilet facilities, and a small kitchenette.

Diocesan archives have now been established on the third floor. This dedicated archive space provides appropriate storage and organisation for diocesan records, ensuring that historical documents and materials are preserved in a secure and accessible environment for future reference and research.

The first-floor Diocesan Office has been refurbished, and a large boardroom has been developed to serve as a principal meeting space for diocesan business.

The ground floor has been completely reconfigured and is now fully accessible. It includes standard and accessible toilet facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large training and meeting space known as the Webster Room. The Webster Room can comfortably accommodate up to 50 people and has already been used for Diocesan Council meetings, meetings of the Children and Family Ministry Group, and training events associated with the Christian Studies Certificate.

The completion of the works at 14 Cove Street represents a significant development for the Diocese. The building now serves as a central and valuable asset, providing appropriate office, meeting, and training facilities to support diocesan administration and ministry into the future.

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Annual Courtesy Visit of the Lord Mayor of Cork to Bishop Paul and Mrs Susan Colton – the last before the Bishop’s retirement

Posted on February 17, 2026 by mediaccr

On Wednesday, 4th February 2026, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, Karen Brennan, and Rebecca Loughry, Cork City Council Director of Services, made the annual courtesy visit to the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, and Mrs Susan Colton. Cllr Fergal Dennehy is the twenty-eighth Lord Mayor of Cork to make a courtesy visit to Bishop Colton and Mrs Colton.

After the official photos were taken, the Lord Mayor and his party were invited to join the Bishop and Mrs Colton for refreshments and an informal chat in their home. Cllr Fergal Dennehy is the last Lord Mayor to make this visit to Bishop Paul and Susan Colton before the Bishop’s retirement in April 2026.

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Cork, Cloyne and Ross Confirmation Morning 2026

Posted on January 30, 2026 by mediaccr

The annual ‘Confirmation Morning with the Bishop’ was held early this year, on 24th January 2026, at Bandon Grammar School. Every year, Bishop Paul Colton invites all the young people who hope to be confirmed in the year ahead to meet him for a morning of fun, games, activities, singing and refreshments. With the Bishop’s retirement being announced this year, the Confirmation Morning was organised by the Cork Diocesan Youth Council, to make sure that every candidate was able to attend before the three special confirmation services which will take place in February.

After an ice breaker game the confirmands took part in five different groups and activities.

Cork Diocesan Youth Council members and leaders who run this year’s Confirmation Morning.

Peter Stobart, Director of Music at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, who heads up the Diocesan Church Music Scheme, taught everyone the hymn the Bishop chose to be sung at each of the Confirmation Services in the Diocese this year, Firmly I believe and truly.

A room full of different prayer stations was set up and supervised by Nathan Kingston, who is a leader in CDYC. These stations were designed to reflect, be mindful and pray silently during an otherwise very busy day!

Intentional Discipleship in Cork, Cloyne and Ross is being integrated in the Diocesan programme Charting a Future with Confidence. At the Confirmation morning, the Very Reverend Cliff Jeffers, Dean of Ross, with the help of two ladders, explored with the young people what it means to be a disciple.

The Rev. James Power introduced the candidates to the Holy Bible, with fun questions about the contents of the Old and New Testaments, and other useful skills such as recognising Greek and Hebrew writing.

A session on the Holy Spirit was led by Pioneer Evangelist Sarah Louise Kilroy, where the candidates discovered and discussed the many ways in which the Holy Spirit and our belief can help us with our everyday life.

For many years, Bishop Colton, has spoken to each group of confirmands about prayer. Through his work in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden he discovered, several decades ago, the ‘Wreath of Christ’, a bracelet with prayer beads. Each year he has given a gift of one of these to each young person in the Diocese who has been confirmed to provide one way to help them with their praying. This year, the Bishop addressed all confirmands together and they watched a video message prepared by Bishop Paul, in which he explained everything about the prayer beads.

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