"It is there, in the midst of ordinary, lived experiences, that God chooses to meet us."

Cork's two bishops — Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic — together invite Cork people to a deeper appreciation of Christmas.

This is their joint Christmas message.

As bishops serving the people of Cork, we send our warmest Christmas greetings to all who live in our city and county — to people of faith, and to all people of goodwill.

Each year, when we sit at the Christmas table, whether on our own, with family, friends, or a neighbour, we bring with us all that the year has held.  We bring our joys: a new birth or marriage, the seeds of a new relationship or friendship, the courage to take a new step in life, or the quiet relief of finding peace after a challenge or entering a new stage in life.

Our Lectio Divina resource for week 4 of Advent is now available to download

Listening for God’s promise drawing near in Emmanuel

As we journey through the Fourth Week of Advent, the Church draws us into the final, intimate moments of waiting as God’s promise comes to fulfilment. We begin reflecting on Joseph’s quiet obedience on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, which makes space for Emmanuel, God-with-us. In the days that follow, the Gospel lead us deeper into the joy and wonder unfolding at the threshold of Jesus’ birth: Mary’s Magnificat proclaims God’s faithfulness; the birth of John the Baptist reveals a people awakening to God’s saving work; and Zechariah’s song gives voice to hope fulfilled and light breaking into darkness. A Closing Reflection for Advent invites us to gather these moments of waiting and trust, preparing us to celebrate Christmas Day, where we rejoice in Emmanuel: God’s Promise Fulfilled.

Fr Bernard Cotter, Co-PP of Aughadown, Castlehaven & Myross, Kilmacabea, Rath and the Islands and Skibbereen, has announced the publication of a new book, The Under the Ambo Book, a practical liturgical resource designed for Sundays and feast days in Year A of the Church’s calendar.

The title is inspired by a familiar and often overlooked space in many churches: the area beneath the ambo. Commonly used to store liturgical texts, prayer books, and everyday essentials, the space has become a shared and accessible resource for all who minister during worship. Fr Bernard hopes his new book will find a natural home there, readily available to anyone involved in leading or assisting at liturgical celebrations.

The Under the Ambo Book is intended for wide use, particularly by lay ministers, priests, deacons, and others who help to lead or preside at services. The book offers practical support for a variety of moments within the liturgy, including opening comments, introductions to penitential rites, brief summaries of Sunday readings, bidding prayers, and ideas for liturgy groups preparing weekly celebrations.

The book is published by Amazon and available on their website either in hardback, paperback or on Kindle versions

The Under the Ambo Book on Amazon

This year’s message comes from a live crib on the O’Sullivan Family Farm in Kilmurry, with the participation of pupils from Kilmurry National School

On Tuesday 16th December at 12 noon, Bishop Fintan will share his Live Crib Christmas Message for the whole Diocese of Cork and Ross.

The message will be broadcast to the 175 Catholic Primary Schools across the diocese. All parishioners, families, communities, and people throughout the diocese are warmly invited to watch the video message.

This year’s message comes from a live crib on the O’Sullivan Family Farm in Kilmurry, with the participation of pupils from Kilmurry National School. Baby Patrick also plays a special role in this year’s message.

In his message, Bishop Fintan reminds us that the Birth of Jesus is not merely an event of the past, but a living reality present in every home, parish, Family of Parishes, school, and community. He offers a message of encouragement and renewal as the Church celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope.