Autumn/Winter 2012 Altum Put out into the deep , Altum Luke 5:4

NAEWSLETTER time of OF change, THE PASTORAL a time D EVELOPMENTof renewal. OFFICE OF CORK AND ROSS Year of Faith 2012-2013 Benedict announced a Year of Faith beginning October 11th 2012 and ending with the Feast of Christ the King November 24th, 2013. The opening coincides with the 50th anniversary of the , and the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the . This great body of teaching guides our lives and shapes our Year of Faith just as it shapes the life of the Church.

In his letter announcing the Year of Faith Pope Benedict talks about the need to ‘rediscover the journey of faith,’ and he invites us to do this by rediscovering the love of Christ in our own lives and sharing it with others. He says ‘faith grows when it is an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an ways of evangelising and so draw people to Christ. Pope Benedict experience of grace and joy.’ (Porta Fidei 7) says: it is the love of Christ that fills our hearts and impels us to evangelise. Today as in the past, he sends us through the highways The Year of Faith is an invitation to everyone in the Church to of the world to proclaim his to all the peoples of the earth. celebrate and renew their faith - individually, in families, in Through his love, Jesus Christ attracts to himself the people of parishes and schools, in our Diocese, country and across our every generation. global Catholic community. As followers of Jesus Christ, how can we enter into this Year and bring it to life? How can we put our The Year of Faith in Cork and Ross was faith into action in the service of others? How can we grow in our launched at a concelebrated in the faith understanding and as witnesses to the teaching of Christ and North Cathedral at 6:00pm on Saturday his Church? 13th October. Bishop Buckley will issue We are called to live out our Baptismal promises to be hearers and a pastoral letter on the First Sunday of proclaimers of the Word of God to share our faith with all people. Advent. To celebrate the Year of Faith many events will be offered such as What can we do? What will you do? pilgrimages, study days; conferences, We cannot simply expect people to find their own way to our bible and catechism study groups, churches and communities or wait for them to show an interest. youth events and more… We must be prepared to go out with the message of faith, to find

Welcome to our new Director of the Pastoral Development Office

Fr Charlie Kiely joins us as the new Director of Turner’s Cross parishes as curate. He is no stranger all the work of the Diocesan Office for Pastoral to the office and many of you will have encountered Development which incorporates our training, him in the training and support for Parish Baptism resourcing and support for Parish Pastoral Preparation Teams over the last four years; travelling Councils/Assemblies; the parish groups associated as the priest-leader of our Young Adults to Lourdes with them; the work of the Liturgy Office and Adult pilgrimage group and he also assisted the office as Religious Education. He is also asked by Bishop Pastoral Development Coordinator for the parishes Buckley to initiate projects and resources for the of Pastoral Area 13 – Carraig na bhFear; Glanmire; Year of Faith and evangilisation and to link with the Glounthaune and Watergrasshill. on-going Catechism study groups. During his time as curate he completed an MA in A native of Belgooly, and the nephew of the late Liturgy from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and Canon William Aherne, Fr Charlie was ordained in a PhD from UCC in the study of the Funeral Liturgy – the year 2000 and has served in Glounthaune and its history, customs and traditions. Parishes Update Engaging with Young People

As we go to print we congratulate Barryroe parish on completing the formation In May we began to focus on how we as a sessions for their second Parish Assembly – they have established groups to focus diocese might seek to engage with young people on young people; celebrating faith and building community. The new Chairperson in their teens and young adults. Our three is Pat Tobin and the secretary is Ronnie Barry-Mckeon. At present formation meetings looked broadly at all the possibilities sessions are being held for Drimoleague Parish fourth Parish Assembly; Ovens/ that are around that we as parish/pastoral area/ Farran third Parish Assembly; and Gurranabraher second Parish Assembly. diocese might establish. Feedback from all Tracton Abbey Parishioners are at present nominating their second Pastoral those who attended led us to decide to propose Council and preparations are being made for nominating the second Parish two projects at our September gatherings on Assembly in Clontead and the fourth in Kilmacabea. the same theme. As we begin the Year of Faith we are asking every parish to invite, support As you are all aware with changes to personnel the named contact Coordinators and encourage at least one young adult (18-35) from the office have changed and Fr Charlie and Sr Karen look forward to meeting to join our “Come and see & be a helping hand” with all Parish Pastoral Councils and Assemblies in the coming months. If you initiative as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to require assistance or resources please contact us at the office. Lourdes – information was given at meetings or is enclosed with this mailing of Altum. Our promotional banner is available on loan to parishes – contact Sr Karen.

Our second initiative is aimed at teenagers and is a music based project taking its inspiration from the Kerry Diocese TeenSpirit - see www. teenspirit.ie Our search for volunteers to be involved with the teenagers is beginning and meetings will be held shortly with Noel O’Sullivan from Kerry who started their project. Information will be sent to all parishes in due course.

Young Adults Lourdes Pilgrimage 2012 This summer we had a wonderful opportunity of taking part with the annual Cork and Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. It was difficult for us to know what to expect as it was our first time going there. As we are both student nurses we have plenty of experience nursing and caring for invalids. We felt it was necessary to share these skills among the sick and elderly who longed to be part of a pilgrimage in Lourdes.

On the 11th of June we departed Cork Airport and flew in to Lourdes. Much to our surprise the weather seemed very similar to Irish summers on our arrival. Our work began bright and early the following morning. We all received a warm us volunteers we also gave the patients the Allesandro and we attended an interesting welcome from the hospital staff. We were opportunity to visit the town of Lourdes talk and life-like show on how the assigned to different rooms where we each where we spent time shopping, chatting Miraculous Medal was introduced. took part in preparing the patients for the and when the weather picked up....we even day’s events. We led the first Cork and had an ice cream or two! All in all our experience was invaluable. Ross Diocesan Mass of the week. It was a We met a wonderful mix of people, both pleasure to see how many of the patients It wasn’t all work and no play for the volunteers and patients. We possess enjoyed and appreciated seeing us young volunteers. During our time there we memories from this journey that will hold local volunteers eager to get involved. visited the house in which Bernadette with us forever. Our advice to anyone was born and grew up in, the home they considering getting involved...is to go for Our routine was similar for the rest of the lived in at the time of the apparitions – we it with two arms open...and it will not be week yet never monotonous. Our duties also learned about Our Lady’s message to regretted! varied from taking the patients to Mass, Bernadette. We received a knowledgeable (Grainne: Enniskeane/Desertserges Parish the Grotto, the Baths and Torchlight and talk at the Medical Bureau from Dr & Lynda: Kilmeen/Castleventry Parish) Eucharistic Processions. With the help of Adult Faith Development – National Pastoral Conference forthcoming events On September 15th, four of us from Turner’s Cross Catholicism: A Short Introduction Parish travelled to the 4 Mondays ~ Nov 12th, 19th, 26th, third day of the National December 3rd, 8.00pm. Wilton Parish Pastoral Conference in Centre. Athlone where we joined 1. Catholic Believing with 230 other participants 2. Catholic Living made up of Bishops, 3. Catholic Praying and Worshipping Priests and laity from all 4. Catholics in the Modern World over lreland and some This course is for anyone who would like from other countries. The a better understanding of Catholic belief theme of the conference and practice - why we do what we do. You was “Community and may be engaged or married to a Catholic; Co-responsibility in the recently moved to Ireland or surrounded Church” and one of its by Catholics at home or work, or perhaps primary aims was to support the work of renewal and reform in the Church in Ireland you just never really understood what it at this time. The keynote speaker was Dr Richard Gaillardetz, a theologian from Boston was all about. These evenings will give a College. simple and informal introduction, with We heard two talks from Dr Gaillardetz, the first on “Discipleship and Mission” and the plenty of time for questions and discussion. second on “Structured Ministry in the service of Mission”. He spoke with an energy and enthusiasm which kept us all totally attentive. Following each talk we discussed in groups Reflecting on the Advent Readings questions arising from the talk and then in plenary brought up questions or discussion An evening for Ministers of the Word and points with Dr Gaillardetz. The atmosphere was one of openness and willingness to share, others it was exciting and inspiring to be part of such an event which brought one in dialogue Tuesday 20th November – 8.00pm with people from many Church ministries and groups. We all felt that it had been a very Douglas Parish Centre. interesting and worthwhile day. Tuesday 27th November – 8.00pm Clonakilty Parish Centre. Bernadette Hegarty, Turner’s Cross Parish Assembly ‘Come to Me’ Lenten Resource for the Year of Faith Four adult faith sessions for Lent. Evening Catechism of the Catholic Church meetings end of January 2013 for people interested in leading these in their parish A series of studies on the Catechism is taking place in the diocese at this time in two or pastoral area. Details will be on the locations: St Francis Church, Liberty St, Cork City and Myross Wood Retreat Centre, website. Leap, West Cork. The Catechism gives expression to our Catholic faith in an authentic way that enables us to understand it more readily and to communicate it more effectively to the people of our own time. Further details from the Co-ordinator: Máirín Ní Shúilleabháin Parish Faith Development Groups Telephone 087-7950325. Anne Francis is available to visit groups interested in faith development initiatives in parishes – contact her at the office. The YouCat

YOUCAT: is short for Youth Catechism of times tough; the answers straightforward, T &YouCat the Catholic Church, which was launched relevant, and compelling. YOUCAT on 2011 in by will likely become the “go-to” place for Pope Benedict. Developed with the help young people to learn the truth about the of young Catholics and written for second Catholic faith. Ideal for families who want level school age people and young adults, to learn more about the Catholic faith. YOUCAT is an accessible, contemporary We at the Pastoral Development Office expression of the Catholic Faith. The have agreed a special price for parishes appealing graphic format includes wanting to offer it to families and young Questions-and-Answers, highly-readable people €10 and is now available to purchase commentary, summary definitions of key from Veritas in Cork. terms, Bible citations and inspiring and thought-provoking quotes from Saints and others in the margins. What’s more, A session especially for Young Adults 18- YOUCAT is keyed to the Catechism of the 35 once month – from 5:30pm tea and Catholic Church, so people can go deeper. It explains: ~ What Catholics believe and sandwiches are on offer in the Pastoral why (doctrine)~ How Catholics celebrate Development Office followed by 6-7pm the mysteries of the faith (sacraments) ~ discussion taken from the new YouCat. How Catholics are to live (moral life) ~ How Contact Fr Charlie they should pray (prayer and spirituality). The questions are direct and honest, even at Parish Baptism Preparation Teams The next training programme will be held Rev Sean Crowley in the spring – if you are interested in Ordained Deacon establishing this ministry in your parish or want to train more parishioners to join Sean Crowley, Enniskeane & Desertserges Parish was your team contact Sr Karen. ordained a deacon at Maynooth College in June of this year. A spring gathering will be held for all He is now in his final year of preparation for priesthood members of Parish Baptism Preparation and we wish him well with our prayers and encouragement. Teams – invitations will be sent out near to the time. Vocations & The Year of Faith The Annual Information Day for those interested in Priesthood in the Diocese of Cork Pastoral Teams for Funerals & Ross will take place on Saturday 23rd March 2013 at Ennismore Retreat Centre. Those Training for Pastoral Teams for Funerals interested who feel they may have a vocation and unsure what to next can contact Fr will take place in Blackrock Parish Centre Tom Deenihan on 0214301717. on four consecutive Thursdays 15th, 23rd, Parishes interested in promoting vocations or gathering to pray for vocations can receive 30th November December 6th, 8pm resources and assistance from the Pastoral Development Office on 021-4537603. -9.45pm. Further details from Fr Christy on 087-2675275 Belgooly Flower Festival On the weekend of 5th-7th October the TRÓCAIRE Sacred Heart Church in Belgooly hosted 2013 sees Trócaire celebrate its 40th ‘From The Rich Earth Festival of Flowers’. Anniversary. Their Advent Parish Resource This project was the effort of the Clontead Pack about Palestine is now available Parish Assembly Group, the Kinsale from the Maynooth Office Telephone 01- Flower & Garden Club and the Belgooly 6293333. The Lenten Resource Pack will be Community Centre Committee. Fifty two available from the beginning of February. If arrangements adorned the much loved you would like to promote and sell Trócaire century old church created by exhibitors Global Gifts in your parish for Christmas from both city and county. People travelled contact the Cork Office 021-4275622. Gifts from all over to view the arrangements from €5 are available this year. including many former parishioners, alongside this was an art exhibition highlighting local artists and refreshments Website were provided in the local community To access all information about Pastoral centre. An tAthair Tomás Ó’Murchú PP Development see: www.corkandross.org and use the quick link to all our pages. opened the festival on Friday evening The resources handbook for parish groups and closed it with a concelebrated Mass is now fully uploaded in five “chapters” on Sunday evening at 5pm to a capacity under the headings: Celebrating Special congregation. Moments; Family & Children; Welcome & Communication; Young People; Contact Details for Pastoral Community Building. Have a look and find hundreds of ideas for your group! Development Team

If you would like us to visit your parish/ Farewell & Thanks group or are looking for resources please During the summer months we said contact us: farewell to Fr Sean O’Sullivan and Pat Fr. Charlie Kiely Sheehan, we wish them both well as Sean Director of Pastoral Development takes up his role as PP of the Harbour 021 4537603 Parishes and Pat returns to work with The Brother of Charity Services. Our sincere [email protected] thanks to them for their work in the Fr. Christy Fitzgerald Pastoral Development Office Liturgy 021 4537600 Very Rev Canon Denis O’Leary [email protected] Parish Priest of Bandon Best Wishes Died 25th August 2012. Anne Francis This past summer saw four Parish Priests Adult Faith Development & RCIA retire. They are Monsignor Leonard We offer our sympathies to the family, 021 4537602 O’Brien, Canon Tom Kelleher and Canon colleagues and the parishioners of Bandon [email protected] Tadhg Ó Mathuna and Fr. Tom Riordan. on the recent death of Fr Denis. He is 087 2282134 Canon Ó Mathuna will continue to work remembered in a special way in Pastoral as an Assistant Priest in Blackrock. We Sr. Karen Kent Development for the establishment of wish them well and thank them for their Pastoral Development dedicated work in the diocese and their Parish Assemblies in various parishes 021 4537601 support to Pastoral Development over the where was parish priest. [email protected] years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam 087 9161792