St Fin Barre’s Cathedral Choir will perform John Stainer’s The Crucifixion on Good Friday, 3rd April at 8pm. The work will form the evening liturgy that day in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and all are welcome to attend, free of charge. The soloists will be Conor Prendiville (tenor) and Dominic Bowe (bass) and the organ will be played by Assistant Director of Music, Matthew Breen.
Director of Music Peter Stobart writes:
Like the Bach Passions, Stainer wrote this work with the congregation in mind, and there are several familiar hymns for everyone to sing, such as Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow, and the final hymn All for Jesus. At the centre of the piece is the famous anthem God so loved the world which is very familiar to us, nearly 140 years after it was first written.
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Holy Week invites us to walk once again through the central days of the Christian story: from quiet reflection and prayer, through the solemnity of Good Friday, to the joy and light of Easter morning. Across the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, this journey is marked in many places and forms, in parish churches, cathedrals, villages and coastal communities. This year, more than 150 services will be held throughout the diocese during Holy Week and Easter, reflecting the richness, depth and shared life of worship across our communities.
Abbeystrewry Union
Monday, 30 March 10.00, Morning Prayer, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen
Tuesday, 31 March 10.00, Morning Prayer, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen
Wednesday, 1 April 10.30, Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 10.00, Morning Prayer, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen 20.00, Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Caheragh
Good Friday, 3 April 10.00, Morning Prayer, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen 12.00, Proclamation of the Cross, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen
Easter Eve, Saturday 4 April 20.30, Easter Vigil (First Eucharist of Easter), St Matthew’s Church, Baltimore
Easter Day, Sunday 5 April 09.00, Eucharist, St Barrahane’s Church, Castletownshend 10.15, Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Caheragh 11.30, Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen
Ballydehob Union
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 12.00, Chrism Holy Communion, Cathedral Church of St Fachtna, Rosscarbery 20.30, Holy Communion with stripping of the altar, St Matthew’s Church, Aughadown
Good Friday, 3 April 14.00, Journey to the Cross, St Matthias Church, Ballydehob
Easter Sunday, 5 April 10.00, Holy Communion, St Matthew’s Church, Aughadown 11.30, Holy Communion, St Matthias Church, Ballydehob
Bandon Union
Wednesday, 1 April 20.00, Evening Prayer, St Peter’s Church, Bandon
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 10.00, Maundy Eucharist, Holy Trinity Church, Rathclaren 20.00, Maundy Eucharist, St Peter’s Church, Bandon
Good Friday, 3 April 12.00, Good Friday Prayers, Christ Church, Innishannon 12.00, Good Friday Prayers, St Peter’s Church, Bandon
Monday, 30 March 10.30, Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline
Tuesday, 31 March 10.30, Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline
Wednesday, 1 April 10.30, Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 19.30, Maundy Thursday Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline
Good Friday, 3 April 10.30, Morning Prayer with Litany, St John’s Church, Monkstown 14.00, Stations of the Cross, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline 19.30, Tenebrae Service, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline
Holy Saturday, 4 April 21.00, Easter Vigil Service, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline
Easter Day, 5 April 09.30, Easter Eucharist, St John’s Church, Monkstown 11.00, Easter Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline
Carrigrohane Union
Wednesday, 1 April 19.30, Service of the Word, Blarney
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 19.30, Holy Communion, St Peter’s Church
Good Friday, 3 April 19.30, Tenebrae Service, St Senan’s Church, Inniscarra
Easter Sunday, 5 April 10.00, Holy Communion, St Peter’s Church 11.00, Sunday AM service, Carraig Centre 11.30, Holy Communion, Blarney 11.30, Holy Communion, St Senan’s Church, Inniscarra
Cloyne Union
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 19.30, Eucharist of the Last Supper with stripping of the altar, East Ferry
Good Friday, 3 April 19.30, Tenebrae with Clerks Choral, Cloyne Cathedral
Holy Saturday, 4 April 19.00 Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Vigil, and Paschal Fire, Corkbeg
Easter Sunday, 5 April 09.15, Holy Communion, East Ferry 10.30, Holy Communion, St John the Baptist, Midleton 12.00, Holy Communion, St Colman’s Cathedral Cloyne
Cobh and Glanmire Union
Monday, 30 March 10.30, Holy Eucharist, St Lappan’s Church, Little Island
Tuesday, 31 March 10.30, Holy Eucharist, St Lappan’s Church, Little Island
Wednesday, 1 April 10.30, Holy Eucharist, St Lappan’s Church, Little Island 20.00, Service of Tenebrae, Christ Church, Cobh
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 20.00, Holy Eucharist with stripping of the altar, Christ Church, Cobh
Good Friday, 3 April 15.00, Good Friday Service for Children, Youth and Families, St Lappan’s Church, Little Island 20.00, Service for Good Friday, Christ Church, Cobh
Holy Saturday, 4 April 10.30, Morning Prayer, St Lappan’s Church, Little Island 10.30, Morning Prayer, Christ Church, Cobh
Easter Sunday, 5 April 10.00, Holy Eucharist, Christ Church, Cobh 11.30, Holy Eucharist, St Lappan’s Church, Little Island
Cork – St Anne’s Shandon / St Luke’s Home
Holy Wednesday, 1 April 11.45, Service (no communion), St Luke’s Home
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 19.30, Holy Communion and stripping of the altar, St Anne’s Church, Shandon
Good Friday, 3 April 11.45, Service (no communion), St Luke’s Home 14.00, Service (no communion), St Anne’s Church, Shandon 14.30, Stations of the Cross, St Anne’s Church, Shandon
Easter Sunday, 5 April 10.15, Holy Communion, St Anne’s Church, Shandon 12.00, Holy Communion, St Luke’s Home
Cork – St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Monday, 30 March 12.00, Eucharist, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Tuesday, 31 March 12.00, Eucharist, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Wednesday, 1 April 12.00, Eucharist, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 12.00, Midday Prayers, Deans’ Chapel 20.00, Choral Eucharist with stripping of the altars, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Good Friday, 3 April 12.00, Sung Passion Gospel and Solemn Proclamation of the Cross, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral 20.00, Liturgical Performance: Crucifixion, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Easter Eve, 4 April 12.00, Eucharist of the Pre-Sanctified, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral 20.00, Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Easter Day, 5 April 11.15, Festal Choral Eucharist, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral 15.30, Festal Choral Evensong, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
Monday, 30 March 20.00, Compline, St Martin’s Church, Templemartin
Tuesday, 31 March 20.00, Compline, St Andrew’s Church, Kilmurry
Wednesday, 1 April 20.00, Compline, St Mark’s Church, Kilbonane
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 20.00, Holy Communion, St Martin’s Church, Templemartin
Good Friday, 3 April 20.00, Celebrating Good Friday, St Andrew’s Church, Kilmurry
Easter Eve, Saturday 4 April 21.00, Lighting of the New Fire / Holy Communion, St Mark’s Church, Kilbonane
Easter Day, Sunday 5 April 09.45, Holy Communion, St Martin’s Church, Templemartin 11.30, Holy Communion, St Andrew’s Church, Kilmurry
Ross Union
Wednesday, 1 April 20.00, Holy Week service, St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 12.00, Chrism Eucharist, St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery 20.00, Holy Communion, Leap Church
Good Friday, 3 April 12.00, Reflections on the Cross, Castleventry 14.00, Messy Church, Cathedral Hall 17.30, Walk of Witness, Union Hall 20.00, Holy Week service, St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery
Easter Eve, 4 April 18.00, Holy Communion, Warren Beach 21.00, Easter Vigil Service, Leap Church
Easter Day, 5 April 09.00, Service, Myross Church, Union Hall 10.15, Service, Castleventry Church 11.30, Service, St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery
Templebreedy Group of Parishes
Monday, 30 March 09.00, Morning Prayer, Litany and Eucharist, Crosshaven 19.00, Compline, Crosshaven
Tuesday, 31 March 09.00, Morning Prayer, Litany and Eucharist, Crosshaven 19.00, Compline, Nohoval
Wednesday, 1 April 09.00, Morning Prayer, Litany and Eucharist, Crosshaven 19.00, Tenebrae, Crosshaven
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 09.00, Morning Prayer, Crosshaven 19.00, Eucharist of the Last Supper, Nohoval
Good Friday, 3 April 09.00, Morning Prayer and Litany, Crosshaven 12.00, Family Service, Crosshaven 15.00, Walk of Witness, Nohoval
Holy Saturday, 4 April 19.30, Easter Vigil, Crosshaven
Easter Day, 5 April 06.45, Dawn Service, St Matthew’s Church 08.30, Eucharist, Crosshaven 10.00, Eucharist, Nohoval 11.30, Eucharist, Crosshaven
Youghal Union
Wednesday, 1 April 20.00, Holy Week service, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal
Maundy Thursday, 2 April 20.00, Eucharist of the Last Supper and Stripping of the Altar, St Anne’s Church, Castlemartyr
Good Friday, 3 April 20.00, Holy Week service, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal
Easter Sunday, 5 April 10.00, Service, St Anne’s Church, Castlemartyr 11.30, Service, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal
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On Wednesday evening, 25 March, the Feast of the Annunciation was marked with a special service at Cloyne Cathedral, drawing together clergy, lay readers, and members of parishes from across the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
The service included the commissioning of a new Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union Deirdre Whitley, who is taking on the role from the outgoing President, Hilary Dring. Many present had travelled from across the Diocese to mark the occasion and to offer their congratulations and support to Deirdre as she begins her term of office.
The Right Reverend Paul Colton preached at the service and presided at the Eucharist. Dr Ian Sexton accompanied the hymns on the organ, and the Cloyne Parish Choir from the local Roman Catholic Church attended and contributed musically. The date held a particular personal significance for the Bishop, as it marked the anniversary of his consecration as bishop, 28 years earlier. It was Bishop Colton’s final service at Cloyne Cathedral before his retirement in April, giving the gathering an added sense of occasion.
Following the service, refreshments were served, with tea, coffee, and a selection of cakes provided. Many remained afterwards, taking the opportunity to gather informally, share conversation, and enjoy time together. The reception offered a relaxed and welcoming conclusion to the evening, allowing those present to mark the occasion in a social setting.
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On Wednesday evening, 25 March, the Feast of the Annunciation was marked with a special service at Cloyne Cathedral, drawing together clergy, lay readers, and members of parishes from across the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
The service included the commissioning of a new Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union Deirdre Whitley, who is taking on the role from the outgoing President, Hilary Dring. Many present had travelled from across the Diocese to mark the occasion and to offer their congratulations and support to Deirdre as she begins her term of office.
The Right Reverend Paul Colton preached at the service and presided at the Eucharist. Dr Ian Sexton accompanied the hymns on the organ, and the Cloyne Parish Choir from the local Roman Catholic Church attended and contributed musically. The date held a particular personal significance for the Bishop, as it marked the anniversary of his consecration as bishop, 28 years earlier. It was Bishop Colton’s final service at Cloyne Cathedral before his retirement in April, giving the gathering an added sense of occasion.
Following the service, refreshments were served, with tea, coffee, and a selection of cakes provided. Many remained afterwards, taking the opportunity to gather informally, share conversation, and enjoy time together. The reception offered a relaxed and welcoming conclusion to the evening, allowing those present to mark the occasion in a social setting.
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The annual Civic Service and Festival Eucharist for St Patrick’s Day was held once again this year on Tuesday 17th March at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, bringing together representatives of civic, public, and community life from across Cork City and County.
As in previous years, the service formed a central part of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations with civic representatives of City Council and Councillors led by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, and representatives of community organisations in attendance, continuing a well-established tradition of broad civic participation.
This year’s service marked the final St Patrick’s Day Civic Service presided over by Bishop Colton, who will retire in April after more than 27 years of episcopal ministry in the Diocese. Many present took the opportunity to attend the service specifically to hear him preach on this occasion, recognising it as his last civic address in office.
In his sermon, Bishop Colton reflected on the consistent themes that have shaped his preaching over nearly three decades: the enduring message of Christianity as brought by Saint Patrick, and the responsibility of Christians within an increasingly complex and diverse society. He emphasised the importance of humility, service, and ethical leadership, particularly for those in positions of civic and public authority, urging them to respond to contemporary challenges in ways grounded in the teachings of Christ. The sermon also highlighted values of reconciliation, bridge-building, and respect for pluralism, while pointing to the unchanging nature of God’s love as a steady reference point amid social change. You can read the full sermon here.
Following the service, the customary reception took place at The Bishop’s Palace, continuing a tradition in which the Bishop and Mrs Susan Colton welcome members of civic and community life to mark the national day together. This gathering has, over many years, provided an opportunity for conversation, connection, and shared celebration beyond the formal setting of the Cathedral service.
The 2026 Civic Service therefore stood not only as a continuation of a long-standing diocesan and civic tradition, but also as a moment of transition. It marked the conclusion of Bishop Colton’s final St Patrick’s Day in office, and an opportunity for many across the Diocese and the wider community to acknowledge his years of service and leadership.
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