About the Family of Parishes

Saint Ciarán and All Saints

When Bishop Fintan established families of parishes in 2022, he challenged us to be missionary disciples, quoting the lord’s call in Luke 5:4: “Put out into deep waters”.

St Ciarán was our original missionary disciple, leaving his home on Oileán Cléire to bring the Faith to the area where our parishes are located. Boats are familiar features in this maritime region. This boat surmounted by the cross symbolises Ciarán’s efforts; an image of the Church, bringing us safely through choppy waters. The anchor by its side is Christ, on whom we rely to keep alive our hope of safely reaching our destination.

We are helped on our voyage, not only by the prayers of Ciarán, but by all the saints, especially the other seven after whom our churches are named: St Mary, St Patrick, St Brigid, St Fachtna, St Barrahane, St Comghall, St Mona. We are encouraged also by our saintly ancestors, including the famine dead of Skibbereen and its hinterland, 9,000 of whom are buried in Abbeystrowry graveyard alone, all saints surely.

In the summer of 2021 Bishop Fintan Gavin encouraged the Diocese of Cork & Ross to face some new realities and challenges

He restated his commitment to the formation of “Families of Parishes” in the including a re-configuration of the parishes for mission

What is a “Family of Parishes”?

It describes the creation of a bond between a group of parishes in order to sustain their pastoral life. Practically this means parishioners, lay people, clergy and religious communities sharing resources, responsibilities, and ministry, strengthening our unity as one Body of Christ.