Christmas Message 2023 from Bishop Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross and Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross

The Right Rev. Dr Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, and the Most Rev. Dr Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross. Photo: Eoin Murphy @eoin_artfotoglobal

We send greetings to the people of faith in our city and county of Cork this Christmas: may you be filled with the hope which Christ brings. And we greet all people of good will, wishing you peace and joy always.

Peace is the gift most conspicuously lacking this Christmas. The images from the Middle East on the nightly news are horrifying. In Gaza, men, women and children are starving, wounded, living in fear for their lives. These innocent civilians suffer as did the victims of Hamas’ October 7th invasion of Israel. There seems no end in sight to the pain of the innocents.

The images from Gaza are like those that have been beamed from Ukraine for the past 21 months, since the Russian invasion began. Innocent civilians there seek to get out of the way of the invading forces and those lethal nightly bombing raids.

The invasion of Ukraine has had effects closer to home for us too. Refugees from that war travel across Europe looking for a safe refuge, with some arriving in Ireland. Across Europe the challenge of welcoming refugees has seen politics swing from centrist parties to the extremes. In Ireland, the recent Dublin riots reflected a trend towards violent extremism.

An absence of peace is not the only lack the world suffers. As pastors, we are aware of many other ills
plaguing our people. The shortage of homes impacts on many in our congregations, and we can never forget the homeless men, women and children on our streets. Financial pressures also afflict many families, with more and more finding it hard to make ends meet, as charities such as the Cork Penney Diners and St Vincent de Paul Society – anong many – regularly report.

All these external pressures afflict people inwardly also, causing much anxiety and stress. To these ills, add the loneliness afflicting many older people — and the not-so-old also. Social media often leave people isolated and even more vulnerable.

In the face of all these challenges, Christians might be tempted to give up. But we never do. We pray for deeper faith and meaning in those who search for it, for harmony and peace for all, even when it seems to be slow in coming. And we work for justice and compassion, as the Christ whom we serve keeps whispering challenging words in our ears: “When I was hungry, you fed me … when I was a stranger, you welcomed me (Matthew 25:35ff)”. We have no option but to try to put these challenging words into action, particularly by welcoming strangers and making sure they feel at home in our midst.

We do not give up when our prayers seem to be in vain. For we know that, behind the scenes, in a divine and mysterious way, the Spirit calls even the most belligerent fighters to thoughts of peace, working patiently and delicately to end wars everywhere.

The work of peace includes the work of aid agencies, seeking to help those who suffer in war-torn lands – to bring light inn the midst of darkness. Their efforts to provide a safe-haven for refugees from the war in the Holy Land is a sad echo of the flight into Egypt by the Holy Family with the new-born Christ child.

The Holy Family knows, and we know, that war is not about abstract principles and rights — it’s deeply
personal. Every person left dead or injured belongs to a family whose life is forever changed. Remembering this too increases the pressure on believers never to abandon their work for peace.

The birth of Christ, which is the true heart of Christmas, is a call to each of us to renew our respect for the dignity and life of every person on earth, irrespective of their state of health or life. Only in this way will we lay strong foundations for a peace that will last.

As you journey through the Christmas season and into the New Year, our prayer for you is that you will be blessed with the peace of Christ in your life, the greatest gift of all — and that this will spur you on, to share in the work for “peace on earth and goodwill to all”.

✠ Fintan Gavin
Bishop of Cork and Ross

✠ Paul Colton
Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

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Bishops of Cork bless the S.H.A.R.E. Crib on St Patrick Street, Cork

The two bishops of Cork – the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton and the Most Reverend Dr Fintan Gavin - met for one of the annual highlights in both the Cork and local ecumenical calendar; the Blessing of the S.H.A.R.E. crib on St Patrick Street, Cork on Friday evening 15th December. Nearly 2000 students will be involved in this year’s fast and collection.

At the launch of Cork’s Iconic SHARE Crib to on St. Patrick Street. True Christmas spirit will be felt on the streets of Cork city over the next two weeks, as almost 2,000 students from 22 schools across the city and county don the familiar yellow jackets and rally the troops for the annual SHARE (Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly) fundraising effort. Photography by Gerard McCarthy 

Welcoming the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Kieran McCarthy and the two bishops, SHARE chairperson, student Andrew Maume, emphasised how much it means to have the Lord Mayor there to open the crib, and the ‘two bishops here to bless it, as SHARE is a religious organisation.’

S.H.A.R.E. (Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly) was founded in 1970 by students of Presentation Brothers College in Cork and now, in its 54th year, has expanded to involve 22 schools in the Cork area. In addition to supported independent living in 140 SHARE houses SHARE provides a wide range of services to older people in Cork City and area. The students are fully involved not just in the annual fund-raising but in visiting older people and in activities at the SHARE day centre.

Bishop Colton said:

I always think that the appearance of the SHARE crib and the yellow jackets (with new yellow hats added this year) of the student collectors marks the official start of Christmas in Cork. I look forward to this occasion every year. The young people of SHARE and their work are inspirational and now this is group 54. The work they do is simply amazing and a very practical expression of faith in action. 

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Christmas 2023 in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

The United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross will hold over 170 services throughout the 12 Days of Christmas and the days leading up to the Christmas Festival.

The following list gives details of church services in the parishes and chaplaincies across the diocese. The list is organised by parish/location. If you would like to see a list organised by date/festival please visit our website

For further information on specific services you can contact your local clergy HERE.

Abbeystrewry (Skibbereen)

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

08.30am  Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen

04.00pm  Family Crib Service, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen

11.30 pm  Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen.

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

09.00am  Eucharist, St Barrahane’s, Castletownshend

10.00am  Eucharist, St Matthew’s, Baltimore

10.15am  Eucharist, St Mary’s, Caheragh

11.30am  Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen

Tuesday 26th  December ~ St Stephen’s Day

10.30am  Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

08.30am  Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen

11.30am  Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church Skibbereen (Group service)

Saturday 6th January ~ The Epiphany

10.30am  Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

08.30am  Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen

10.00am  Eucharist, St Barrahane’s, Castletownshend

10.00am  Eucharist, St Mary’s, Caheragh

11.30am  Eucharist, Abbeystrewry Church, Skibbereen

Ballydehob

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

10.00am Morning Prayer Service, Saint Matthew’s Church, Aughadown

11.30am Morning Prayer Service, Saint Matthias Church, Ballydehob

11.30pm The Vigil of Christmas Holy Communion Service, Saint Matthias Church, Ballydehob

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.00am Holy Communion, Saint Matthew’s Church, Aughadown

11.30am Holy Communion, Saint Matthias Church, Ballydehob

Tuesday 26th  December ~ St Stephen’s Day

11.30am Service of the Word with Holy Communion, Saint Matthias Church, Ballydehob

Thursday 28th December ~ The Holy Innocents

11.30am Service of the Word, Saint Matthias Church, Ballydehob

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

10.00am Morning Prayer Service, Saint Matthew’s Church, Aughadown, 

11.30am Morning Prayer Service, Saint Matthias Church, Ballydehob

Saturday 6th January ~ The Epiphany

11.30am Service of the Word with Holy Communion, Saint Matthias Church, Ballydehob

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

10.00am Holy Communion, Saint Matthew’s Church, Aughadown

11.30am Morning Prayer, Saint Matthias Church, Ballydehob

Bandon

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

12noon Eucharist, Christ Church, Innishannon

09.00pm Eucharist, St Peter’s Church, Bandon

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

09.00am Eucharist, Ballinadee

10.00am Eucharist, Holy Trinity Church, Rathclaren

10.30am Eucharist, Brinny

11.30am Eucharist, St Peter’s Church, Bandon

11.45am Eucharist, Christ Church, Innishannon

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.00am United Carol Service, St Peter’s Church, Bandon

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

09.00am Eucharist, Ballinadee

10.00am Eucharist, Holy Trinity Church, Rathclaren

10.30am Eucharist, Brinny

11.30am Eucharist, St Peter’s Church, Bandon

11.45am Eucharist, Christ Church, Innishannon

Carrigaline

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

11.00pm Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline

11.00am Carols around the Crib, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

09.30am Eucharist, St John’s Church, Monkstown

11.00am Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline

Wednesday 27th December ~ St John the Evangelist

10.30am Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.00am United Christingle Service, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline

Saturday 6th January ~ The Epiphany

10.30am Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

9.30am Eucharist, St John’s Church, Monkstown

11.00am Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Carrigaline

Carrigrohane and Ballincollig

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

10.00am Morning Prayer – St. Peter’s Church, Carrigrohane 

11.30pm Holy Communion, St. Senan’s, Inniscarra

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.00am Holy Communion, St. Peter’s, Carrigrohane

11.00am Celebration Holy Communion, The Carraig Centre

11.30am Holy Communion, The Church of the Resurrection, Blarney

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.30am United Celebration (Christingle Service), The Church of the Resurrection, Blarney

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

10.00am Morning Prayer, St. Peter’s, Carrigrohane

11.00am Sunday AM with bring & share lunch, The Carraig Centre

11.30am Holy Communion, Blarney

Cloyne and Midleton

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

9.15am Morning Prayer, St Michael and All Angels Church, Corkbeg

10.30am Eucharist, St John the Baptist Church, Midleton

08.00pm Eucharist, St Colman’s Cathedral, Cloyne

11.00pm Eucharist, East Ferry

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

09.15am Eucharist, St Michael and All Angels Church, Corkbeg

10.30am Eucharist, St John the Baptist Church, Midleton

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

10.30am Service of Music and Readings for New Year, St John the Baptist Church, Midleton

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

10.30am Eucharist, St John the Baptist Church, Midleton

12noon  Morning Prayer, St Colman’s Cathedral, Cloyne

Cobh and Glanmire

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

10.00am Morning Prayer, Christ Church, Rushbrook

11.30am Morning Prayer, St Lappan’s Church, Little Island

07.00pm Eucharist, St Mary & All Saints Church, Glanmire

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.00am Eucharist, Christ Church, Rushbrook

11.30am Eucharist, St Lappan’s Church, Little Island

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

10.30am Morning Prayer, St Lappan’s Church, Little Island

Cork – St Anne’s, Shandon

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.15am Holy Communion

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

10.15am Morning Prayer

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord. 

10.15am Holy Communion

Cork – St Fin Barre’s Cathedral

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

11.15am Choral Eucharist (of the Fourth Sunday of Advent)

04.00pm Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

11.15am The Dedication of the Crib, the Lighting of the Christmas Candle and Festal Choral Eucharist of the Nativity

Tuesday 26th  December ~ St Stephen’s Day

12noon The Eucharist (said, in the Deans’ Chapel)

Wednesday 27th December – Saint John the Evangelist

12noon The Eucharist (said, in the Deans’ Chapel)

Thursday 28th December ~ The Holy Innocents

12noon The Eucharist (said, in the Deans’ Chapel)

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.15am The Eucharist (said, with hymns)

Monday 1st January ~ The Naming and Circumcision of Jesus

12noon The Eucharist (said, in the Deans’ Chapel)

Saturday 6th January ~ The Epiphany

12noon The Eucharist (said, in the Deans’ Chapel)

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

11.15am Choral Eucharist with Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism and the Act of Penitence and Dedication

Cork – Chapel of Christ the Healer, Cork University Hospital 

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

09.15am Eucharist (also live streamed on CUH102FM)

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

09.15am Eucharist (also live streamed on CUH102FM)

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

09.15am Eucharist (also live streamed on CUH102FM)

Douglas Union with Frankfield

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

08.30am Eucharist, St Michael’s Church, Blackrock            

09.45am Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Marmullane (Passage West)            

10.00am Eucharist, Holy Trinity Church, Frankfield              

11.15am  Eucharist, St Luke’s Church, Douglas                

11.30am Eucharist, St Michael’s Church, Blackrock 

04.00pm Crib Service, St Luke’s Church, Douglas

10.30pm Eucharist, St Luke’s Church, Douglas

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

08.30am Eucharist, St Michael’s Church, Blackrock              

09.45am Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Marmullane (Passage West)            

10.00am Eucharist, Holy Trinity Church, Frankfield              

11.15am  Eucharist, St Luke’s Church, Douglas                

11.30am Eucharist, St Michael’s Church, Blackrock 

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

08.30am Eucharist, St Michael’s Church, Blackrock              

11.00am United Service, St Michael’s Church, Blackrock   

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

08.30am Eucharist, St Michael’s Church, Blackrock            

09.45am Service of the Word, St Mary’s Church, Marmullane (Passage West)            

10.00am Service of the Word, Holy Trinity Church, Frankfield              

11.15am  Service of the Word, St Luke’s Church, Douglas                

11.30am Service of the Word, St Michael’s Church, Blackrock 

Fanlobbus (Dunmanway)

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

11.00am Children’s Crib Service, Christ Church, Drinagh

11.00pm Holy Communion, St Edmund’s Church, Coolkelure

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

09.45am Holy Communion, St Matthew’s Church, Drimoleague

11.00am Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church, Dunmanway

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.00am United Service of Morning Prayer, St Matthew’s Church, Drimoleague

11.00pm WatchNight Service, St Mary’s Church, Dunmanway with Sam Maguire Community Bell Ringers

Fermoy 

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

10.00am Morning Prayer, Christ Church, Ballyhooley

11.15am Morning Prayer, Ardnageehy/St Mary’s Church, Glenville

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.00 am Holy Communion by Extension, Christ Church, Ballyhooley

10.00 am Eucharist, Christ Church, Fermoy

11.15am Holy Communion by Extension, Ardnageehy/St Mary’s Church, Glenville

11.15 am Eucharist, Knockmourne/St Luke’s Church, Conna

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.15am Morning Prayer, Ardnageehy/St Mary’s Church, Glenville

Kilgariffe (Clonakilty)

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

11.30am Morning Prayer, Kilgariffe Church, Clonakilty

03.00pm Eucharist, All Saints’ Church, Kilmalooda

11.00pm Eucharist, Kilgariffe Church, Clonakilty

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

09.00am  Eucharist, All Saints’ Church, Kilmalooda

10.00am  Eucharist, Church of the Ascension, Timoleague 

11.30am Eucharist, Kilgariffe Church, Clonakilty

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

10.00am Morning Prayer with Carols, Church of the Ascension, Timoleague 

11.30am Morning Prayer with Carols, Kilgariffe Church, Clonakilty

Kilmocomogue (Bantry)

Sunday 24th December ~ Christmas Eve

08.00pm Eucharist, St Brendan’s Church, Bantry

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.00am Eucharist, St Brendan’s Church, Bantry 

11.45am Eucharist, St James Church, Durrus 

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

10.00am Eucharist, St Brendan’s Church, Bantry

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of Christ and the Epiphany (transferred)

10.00am Eucharist, St Brendan’s Church, Bantry

11.45am Eucharist, St James Church, Durrus 

Kilmoe (Schull)

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.00am Eucharist, Holy Trinity Church, Schull

11.30am Eucharist, The Altar Church, Toormore

Friday 29th December

08.00pm Carol Service, St Brendan’s Church, Crookhaven

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.30am Eucharist, The Altar, Toormore

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

10.00am Eucharist, Holy Trinity Church, Schull

11.30am Eucharist, The Altar Church, Toormore

Kinneigh

Sunday 24th December ~ Christmas Eve

06.00pm Eucharist, Christ Church, Kilmeen

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.00am Eucharist, St Patrick’s Church, Farranthomas

11.30am Eucharist, St Bartholomew’s Church, Kinneigh

Kinsale

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

11.30am  Eucharist, St Multose Church, Kinsale

06.00pm Eucharist, Christ Church, Ballymartle

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

08.30am Eucharist, St Multose Church, Kinsale

10.00am Eucharist, Holy Trinity Church, Templetrine

11.30am Eucharist, St Multose Church, Kinsale

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.30am Eucharist, St Multose Church, Kinsale

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord

11.30am Celebration of ‘Nollaig na mBan’, St Multose Church, Kinsale

Mallow

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

10.00am Eucharist, St Mary’s Church,Castletownroche

08.00pm The First Eucharist of Christmas, St James’s Church, Mallow

11.15pm The First Eucharist of Christmas, St Mary’s Church, Doneraile

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

09.45am Festival Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Castletownroche

11.30am Festival Eucharist, St James’s Church, Mallow

Wednesday 27th  December ~ St John the Evangelist

11.00am Eucharist, St James’s Church, Mallow

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.00am Eucharist, St Mary’s Church, Castletownroche

Sunday 7th January ~ The Epiphany (transferred) 

10.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary’s Church, Castletownroche

10.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary’s Church, Doneraile

4.00pm Christingle Celebration, St James’s Church, Mallow

Wednesday 10th January ~ The Baptism of Christ 

11.00am Eucharist, St Jame’s Church, Mallow

Moviddy (Kilbonane, Templemartin and Kilmurry)

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

11.30am Morning Prayer, Kilbonane/St Mark’s Church, Aherla

10.00pm Eucharist, St Andrew’s Church, Kilmurry

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

09.45am Eucharist, St Martin’s Church, Templemartin 

11.30am Eucharist, Kilbonane/St Mark’s Church, Aherla

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.00am Morning Prayer, St Martin’s Church, Templemartin 

Rosscarbery

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

11.30am Eucharist, St. Fachtna’s Cathedral.

09.30pm Eucharist, Myross Church (Union Hall)

11.30pm Eucharist, Castleventry

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

08.00am Eucharist, St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery

10.00am Eucharist, Leap Church

11.30am Eucharist, St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.30am United Service of Carols of Praise, St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery

Templebreedy (Crosshaven)

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

11.00am Morning Prayer, Templebreedy/Holy Trinity Church, Crosshaven

11.00pm Eucharist, Templebreedy/Holy Trinity Church, Crosshaven

Monday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.00am Eucharist, Nohoval

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

10.00am Morning Prayer, Nohoval

11.30am Morning Prayer, Templebreedy/Holy Trinity Church, Crosshaven

Youghal

Sunday 24th December ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent followed by Christmas Eve

11.30am Eucharist, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal 

09.00pm The First Eucharist of Christmas, St Anne’s Church, Castlemartyr 

11.00pm Eucharist, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal 

Sunday 25th December ~ Christmas Day

10.00am Eucharist, St. Anne’s Church, Castlemartyr 

11.30am Eucharist, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal 

Sunday 31st December ~ The First Sunday of Christmas

11.00am Readings an Carols, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal 

Sunday 7th January ~ The Baptism of our Lord and the Epiphany (transferred)

10.00am Eucharist, St. Anne’s Church, Castlemartyr 

11.30am Eucharist, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal 

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Cathedral Choir Christmas Concerts

The choir of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork will give two Christmas Concerts in the cathedral on Saturday 9th and 16th December. The concerts will feature all of your favourite Christmas Carols, with a few that you might not know too. There will be opportunities for audience participation during this ever popular highlight of the year. Mulled wine and other refreshments will be available. 

It is advised to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. 

https://www.corkcathedral.com/webstore

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Third Service for Diocesan Schools held in St Colman’s Cathedral, Cloyne

Three National Schools from the east of the diocese gathered in St Colman’s Cathedral, Cloyne on Thursday 23rd November, the eve of the feast of St Colman, to celebrate the start of the school year.

The service opened with The Dean of Cloyne, the Very Rev’d Susan Green ringing her school bell and a procession of school banners through the cathedral chancel. During her address, the Dean pointed out the stained glass window depicting St Colman and St Fin Barre in conversation. The Gospel was read by pupils from Adair School, Fermoy and the prayers were read by pupils from South Abbey National School in Youghal. The schools had been practising the hymns, including For all the saints and Ye holy angels bright.

Fifth class pupils from St John the Baptist National School, Midleton sang an anthem written by Peter Stobart with words from Psalm 89: My song shall be always of the loving kindness of the Lord. The organ was played by Matthew Breen. The anthem had previously premiered at the Diocesan Service for lay ministry, where it was sung by the pupils of St Fin Barre’s NS.

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