Easter Message
April 2026
from Bishop William Crean, Cloyne

“From darkness into light”

My friends,

Our spiritual journey through Holy Week leads us to think about Jesus’ last days. His experience in the face of betrayal, deceit, a show trial and torture to the point of execution, manifests the darkness and evil that so many innocent people today are subject to. In those last days Jesus on the other hand washed the feet of the apostles as an example of service and care. In the midst of his agony, he experienced the compassion of the women of Jerusalem and Veronica wiped the sweat and blood from his disfigured face.

The joy of Easter comes from knowing that darkness, evil, hate, even death do not have the last word. That’s our hope, our joy and our peace. Jesus’ sacrifice reveals God’s love for the world and for us today as so many innocents suffer the affliction of war.

Three additional dates added for Child Safeguarding Training in the Diocese of Cloyne 

Monday 13th April 7pm - 8:30pm - Midleton Pastoral Centre

Wednesday 15th April 7pm - 8:30pm - Scoil Naomh Padraig, Mill Rd, Kanturk

Thursday 16th April 7pm - 8:30pm - Macroom Parish Centre

Booking is essential, please contact Rosarie O'Riordan This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Evangelium is hosting a one-day Catholic apologetics conference for young adults (18–40)

Saturday 21st March 2026 (10am–6:30pm) at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cork

The day will include talks and a panel Q&A on topics such as the Resurrection, St Augustine, evangelising youth and the beauty of the Catholic faith

Tickets are €15 (incl. refreshments). Tickets can be found on Eventbrite or www.evangelium.ie

Carrigtwohill Parish Pilgrimage to Fatima 7th - 14th September 2026

Spiritual Director: Fr. Patrick Winkle

• Direct return flights from Cork to Faro, with Bus to and from Fatima included
• Full Board - breakfast, lunch and dinner each day 
• 7 nights Hotel Steyler
• Limited number of places
• €1045 (single supplement extra) - limited single rooms, insurance is also extra
• 20kg baggage included with Aer Lingus flight.
• Guided tours and full spiritual programme

Please make enquires to Fr. Patrick Winkle 021-4882439 or Joe Walsh Tours 021-2427190 or 01-2410800
Or book direct online with Joe Walsh Tours

Fatima Pilgrimage 2026

Walking in the Bible for Lent - Carrigtwohill Parish

Gentle reflections with questions welcome
8pm – 9.15pm

As a Parish we wish to explore the Bible during Lent, looking at the readings for the Easter Vigil as a way of guiding the exploration. Interested in walking through the Bible with others: Bible for curious and faithful. Discovery the wonder of the Scripture. Tues 3rd March, Tues 10th March, Wednesday 18th March and Tuesday 24th March

All are Welcome

Venue - Parish Sacristy

TAIZE PRAYER
Friday evenings at 7pm in St. Mary's Church, Carrigtwohill

Baptised and Sent - Lenten programme in Macroom

This Lent, parishes, schools and groups across Ireland are invited to journey together through a set of reflective resources inspired by Baptised and Sent which is the preparatory document for the 2025 National Pre-Synodal Assembly in Kilkenny

Grounded in the conviction that baptism is the foundation of our identity, dignity and mission, these resources help us return to the heart of Christian life: being reborn in Christ and sent out by the Spirit in service of the Gospel

You are warmly invited to join with us each Monday evening during lent in St. Colman’s Church Parish Centre, Macroom from 7pm to 8pm

Each weeks’ Lectio Divina, offers us an opportunity to reflect on the upcoming Sunday Gospel, which is prayerfully linked to key insights from Baptised and Sent.

Facilitated by Bill Kelly

Eucharistic Adoration Cloyne Diocese 

Day of Prayer led by Fr. John Keane - Diocesan Director of Eucharistic Adoration

Sunday 22nd February from 11:15am - 4:30pm,  in Shalom Retreat Centre, Charleville (former Convent of Mercy)

Day of Prayer with Eucharistic Adoration, Testimony, Talk, Music and Eucharistic Blessing

Booking is essential please email bThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call 083-4405359

Please bring a packed lunch.  Tea and coffe will be provided

All very welcome

Camp Creideamh, Catholic Faith Camps for teenagers, boys and girls, will take place again in Knockadoon (East Cork) over the dates 7th – 13th June. For those who are Post-Primary school age.

Activities will include catechesis, prayer, sports, hillwalking, kayaking, swimming, music, arts and crafts and other activities.

For bookings go to the website Camp Creideamh

For more information please call Fr. Eamon Roche on 086 9972539

Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimages 2026

The Annual Lourdes Mass -  Friday 13th February 2026

Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kanturk, P51 TY36 at 7.30pm
Bishop William Crean will be the Chief Celebrant of the Mass

Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock - Sunday 10th May 2026

Parishes to make their own travel arrangements

Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 29th May – 3rd June 2026

All bookings for the Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes should be made through Joe Walsh Tours by telephone 01-2410800, online at Joe Walsh Tours or by post to 89 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, D02WY88. No booking is definite until a non-refundable deposit payment of €350 per person (plus insurance premium where applicable) has been receipted by Joe Walsh Tours. Early booking advisable.

Pilgrims who would like to travel with the Special Assisted Section should apply to: Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, c/o Parish Secretary, 27/28 Bank Place, Mallow, Co. Cork. Tel: 022-20276. This special assisted/sick section is accommodated at the Accueil Notre Dame. Acceptance for travel with the special section for the sick is subject to approval of the Pilgrimage Medical Board. The closing date for receipt of application is 31 March 2026.

Special Day of Prayer in Midleton

Midleton parish invites parishioners from all parishes of the Deanery to participate in a Special Day of Prayer at

Holy Rosary Church, Midleton

Saturday 10 January 2026

to mark the closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope and to ask God’s blessing on the New Year ahead and the process of discernment taking place regarding changes to parish structures for the future.

The Day of Prayer commences with morning Mass at 10.00am and will continue throughout the day until the Saturday Vigil Mass at 6.10pm in Holy Rosary Church.