Bishop Paul Colton began his annual round of visitations to parishes for 2017, during which he also conducts baptisms and confirmations, on the Second Sunday of Easter, 23rd April.  This year the Bishop started in Fanlobbus Union of Parishes which is centred on Dunmanway in West Cork, and includes also Drimoleague, Drinagh and Coolkelure. There were 14 young people for Confirmation, one of whom was first baptised at yesterday’s celebration of the Eucharist.  A large congregation of 237 people from the parish and further afield was there for Sunday Service and to support the young people.

Fanlobbus Union of Parishes held a Confirmation Service at St. Mary’s Church, Dunmanway on Sunday last, with 13 children being confirmed and one young person also being baptised. Pictured after the Service are the newly baptised and the newly confirmed with the Rev Cliff Jeffers (Rector of the Parish), Bishop Paul Colton and Lay Reader Sam Jennings. ©Andy Gibson.

Confirmations will continue on each Sunday in the Diocese until Sunday 9th July, with several more during the summer until September.  In coming weeks Bishop will be in Douglas Union with Frankfield on 30th April, in Carrigaline Union on 7th May, in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral (Cork) on 14th May, in Bandon Union on 21st May, and in St Colman’s Cathedral (Cloyne)  on 28th May.