Fr. Marius celebrated Mass in Clonakilty Church. (Photo: BGM Media)

The call to serve God and his people is still being heard across our diocese.

This is the message being proclaimed in parishes across the diocese by the recently appointed Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

Fr. Marius O'Reilly has begun a series of visits to parishes at which he is preaching about diocesan priesthood. 

Speaking at Mass in Clonakilty this past weekend, Fr. Marius explained how before answering the call he felt to be a priest, he had first graduated from college and set up his own successful business.

Since being ordained a priest of the diocese he has served as chaplain at UCC, chaplain at the Mercy University Hospital and as Curate in the Cathedral Family of Parishes while being based at SS. Peter and Paul's Parish.

During the summer, Bishop Fintan Gavin appointed Fr. Marius as Director of Vocations with Canon Robert Brophy as Assistant Director – roles which includes promoting vocations, supporting people who are discerning a vocation and engaging with people in their formation years.

Fr. Marius is also asking people in the parishes to commit to prayer for vocations and to pray for those who are thinking about becoming a priest.

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Our parishes welcome adults who may wish to become full members of the Catholic faith community. 

This is possible by following the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)(previously known as the RCIA). This is a one-year programme used across the world in parishes. Candidates are supported during the year by a group of local people who have been trained and are supported by the Office for Mission and Ministry of the diocese. 

Candidates may already be baptized in the Catholic faith and may now wish to receive the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. A person may have been baptised in another Christian denomination and may now wish to be part of the Catholic Church. Or a person who is not Christian at all may wish to embark on a full Christian initiation journey.

If you or someone you know wishes to become a member of the Catholic Church and would like more information, please give your name and contact details to the parish office at 023 8835654 or

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First Holy Communion © AdobeStock

The dates of the First Holy Communion Masses in our family of parishes have been published.

• Sat April 24th    
  • Ardfield NS at Ardfield Church
• Sat May 1st      
  • Clogagh NS at Clogagh
• Sat May 8th      
  • Barryroe NS
  • St. Joseph’s GNS
• Sat May 15th
  • Rosscarbery parish schools
  • Gaelscoil Mhichíl Uí Choileáin
  • Timoleague NS
• Sat May 22nd
  • Scoil na mBuachaillí and Knockskeagh NS
  • Kilmeen NS (in Rossmore)

All Masses are at 10.30 am.

We wish all the children and their families and teachers every blessing in this most sacred year for the children.