Welcome to Kinsale Parish

Community News

Welcome, and thank you for visiting Kinsale Parish. We hope that our website highlights the wide variety of worship, fellowship and service opportunities available. Please feel free to read more about our church on this site, or come in for a visit. We would love to greet you and share with you our love for Jesus Christ and for you, our neighbour.


You can use the Donate button on this website to make a donation securely to the parish.
There are also a number of other services available including:

  • Make a donation for a Mass offering
  • Send a Mass card and offering
  • Pay for Baptismal or Confirmation certificates

We have upgraded the system so now you can make a donation without creating an account. Click on “Proceed as Guest”. Then you don’t need to create an account. This is great for once-off donations or offerings. Thanks.

Fr. Kevin Lyon, Blessington Parish, Co. Wicklow writes in Intercom Magazine…
JOHN THE BAPTIST
John the Baptist is one of those people you pay attention to. He’s not gentle like Jesus or persuasive like Paul – in fact he’s a holy terror! His body is gaunt from fasting and his eyes are sharpened by the visions he has seen. You get the feeling that when he speaks, he is talking straight at you and that he means every word he utters. John was no man to trifle with. He already had a huge following before Jesus made his first contacts in public life. People flocked from miles around to hear his messages and receive his baptism. John knew what he wanted, and he was determined to get it – no identity crisis here, he cut straight to the point.
When John and Jesus came face to face, the sinless one seeking baptism from God’s rottweiler, John didn’t know what to expect. At first John hesitates, but Jesus insists and it is done. God confirms their decisions: ‘John, this is my Son’, ‘Jesus, I am pleased with you’. Their lives next meet through messengers. John has been imprisoned by Herod, for denouncing his adulterous relationship with Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. As he muses over his fate, he wonders why Jesus is acting so strangely, associating with the very sinners he was trying to scare into salvation. So, John sends messengers to Jesus, ‘Are you really the one we have been waiting for?’ Jesus had a way with words. He told the messengers: ‘Tell John that my call comes from the same book as his. I am only doing what it says in the Book of Isaiah: curing the sick and preaching the good news to the poor’. When Jesus is informed of John’s death Jesus knew then that he had to declare himself. He said ‘Tell that fox Herod that he killed the wrong man; I am the messiah’. Jesus now steps onto centre stage, while the greatest prophet who ever lived faded into the background. John played his role to perfection. He convicted humankind of evil, so leaving God to send us his mercy in the person of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER FOR LIGHTING THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE
Lord God, we light this candle
to thank you for your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is the way.
We, who like sheep have gone astray, have found the way to you through Jesus Christ.
We give you thanks and praise in Jesus’ name,
because he lives and reigns with you in your glory,
and in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY GROUP – RESOURCES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO EXPLORE THE GOSPEL WITH CHILDREN
On the second weekend of each month, the Kinsale Parish Children’s Liturgy Group prepare resources for parents/guardians to explore the Gospel with younger children (pre First Communion). Please find attached the resources for this Sunday’s Gospel.33rd Sunday Ordinary Time Cycle C – 13Nov22 Believe in me

BISHOP PUBLISHES PASTORAL LETTER SETTING A NEW DIRECTION FOR PARISHES IN CORK AND ROSS DIOCESE
Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross, has published a pastoral letter which outlines the context and vision for changes being made this summer.
The pastoral letter entitled Putting Out into Deep Waters introduces a new model for the relationship between parishes and a new emphasis on teams of priests, deacons and lay people ministering together in families of parishes.

BISHOP’S STATEMENT ON PRIESTS’ APPOINTMENTS AND THE INTRODUCTION OF FAMILIES OF PARISHES
Click here to read Bishop Fintan Gavin’s statement on priests’ appointments and the introduction of Families of Parishes.

SGN Special edition on Synodal Pathway June 2022[2]
This Special edition of Sharing the Good News on the Synodal Pathway includes a profile of Dr. Nicola Brady’s cover story interview from the June issue of Intercom magazine. It also includes a piece on the Day of Prayer on Sunday 5th June which was offered in thanksgiving for the Diocesan phase of the Universal Synod.
A Prayer for the Synodal Pathway
Lord of all hopefulness, as we embark on this journey together, may we listen and discern and be guided by the Holy Spirit, who constantly breathes new life into our world, our hearts, our families, homes and parishes.
May renewal and reform, fresh hope and healing come for all people of God in Ireland.
By virtue of our baptism may we each play our part in transforming the church through a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit which is your gift and promise, upon our land.
Grant us the encouragement we need to bring faith, hope and love in abundance to meet the challenges before us and to fulfil the Church’s mission of proclaiming to the world, God’s love and salvation in Jesus Christ.
A Mhuire Mháthair, mother of the Church, guard and guide us on our pilgrim way. Amen.
[source: Liturgical Calendar for Ireland 2022]

GLOBAL PRAYER FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE
On Friday 25th March which was also the Feast of the Annunciation, Catholics around the world were invited to join their prayers with those of Pope Francis as he consecrated both Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
This Act of Consecration places the warring countries under the protection of Mary our Mother, trusting in the power of her intercession.  Such an act looks towards God, the source of all peace, and seeks God’s peace through Mary.
People are invited to pray the Prayer of Consecration with family or on one’s own. The text of the Prayer of Consecration is available here.

PRAYER FOR UKRAINE
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
[Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell]

SYNOD OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 2021 – 2023
An invitation to think, discuss and discern
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Pope Francis has invited the whole Church to reflect on some fundamental questions in preparation for the Synod of Bishops in Rome in October 2023 and so that every baptised member of the Church is more aware of his or her mission and calling.
Pope Francis often talks about a “Synodal Church” – by this he wants to draw attention to the fact that each of us, because of our baptism, has a role to play in the Church; we are all together on the same road. (This is what the word Synodality means – it comes from the Greek words syn meaning together and hodos meaning way.) Because we have received the gift of the Holy Spirit we are asked to reflect on these questions with the Spirit’s help, speak about them with the Spirit’s inspiration and listen to what others say, understanding that the Spirit may be speaking to us in what we hear from others.
The Fundamental Questions that Pope Francis wishes to consult the whole People of God about are:
A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.”

  • How is this “journeying together” happening today in your local Church?
  • What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”? (Par 26, Synod Preparatory Document)

There is an animated explanation of what the synod is at www.https://synod.ie/multimedia-resources/ scroll to the bottom to “synod on synodality-all you need to know through sketches”

HEARING LOOP SYSTEM AVAILABLE IN ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH
Hearing loops are assistive listening systems that exist in many public venues all over the world to assist those with hearing loss. This inductive loop system provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by hearing devices with telecoils. The hearing loop system is available in the main body of St. John the Baptist church.

BIBLE STUDY
There are currently two groups in the parish who meet to study the Bible every week. These groups are ecumenical and meet for about an hour. One group meets on Wednesday mornings and the other group meets on Sunday evenings. Newcomers are always welcome. Call David on 0861727747 or Ger on 0876775126 for more information.

 IRISH HOSPICE FOUNDATION BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT LINE
Many people have experienced the death of someone they love during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line, in partnership with the HSE, is there to provide connection, comfort and support for anyone grieving in these exceptional times. It is a national freephone service 1800 807077, available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.

SVP KINSALE AREA
The contact number for St. Vincent de Paul, Kinsale Area is 085 2186966

KINSALE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Applications for Pendant Alarm for the Elderly
Alarms are provided free. Only monitoring fee to be paid. Contact:
• Kinsale Neighbourhood Watch; or
• Your local Community Alert; or
• Kinsale Garda Station

COVID 19 SUPPORT LINE FOR OLDER PEOPLE
ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm, by calling 0818 222 024.
To volunteer your help, visit www.alone.ie

Parish Notices

Parish News

CHURCH HOLY DAY MASS TIMES
Thurs. 8th Dec. is the Feast of The Immaculate Conception. Mass times:
Parish Church: 11.00am and 7.30pm
Friary Church: 10.00am

PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee met on Tuesday 22nd Nov. Items discussed:
• Parish Financial Report
• Increase in heating/electricity bills
• Increasing awareness about tax relief on donations to parish by standing order and envelope scheme
• Internal and external church maintenance.

PREPARATION MASSES FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
First Communion preparation Masses will take place next weekend (10th/11th December):
Dunderrow N.S. and Gaelscoil: Saturday 10th December at 6.30pm
Scoil Naomh Eltin: Sunday 11th December at 10.00am
Summercove N.S: Sunday 11th December at 12 Noon

PREPARATION MASSES FOR CONFIRMATION
Preparation Masses for young people preparing for Confirmation will take place this wknd (3rd/4th Dec.):
Dunderrow N.S. and Gaelscoil: Saturday 3rd December at 6.30pm
Scoil Naomh Eltin and Summercove: Sunday 4th December at 10.00am

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL (KINSALE AREA) ANNUAL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
The contact number for St. Vincent de Paul, Kinsale Area is 085 2186966
The Annual SVP Church Gate Collection will take place outside Masses on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December.
The SVP ‘Giving Tree’ will be in the parish church during December. Tags will be hanging on the tree with suggested gifts written on them. Gifts can be handed in to the parish office.
Thank you for your support.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Sunday 11th December: O Holy Night Christmas Concert at 8pm in St. John the Baptist Church. Proceeds to SVP Kinsale.
Sunday 18th December: Combined Choirs Carol Service at 7pm in St. Multose Church.
Monday 19th December: Penitential Service at 7.30pm in St. John the Baptist Church.

REMEMBRANCE TREE
During November there will be a Remembrance Tree in the parish church. There will be doves on the tree with the names of those who died in our parish during the past year as a reminder to us to pray for them.
There are also labels on a table beside the Remembrance Tree. You are welcome to write the name of a loved one and hang it on the tree.
There is also a special book of remembrance in the parish church for parishioners who have died recently. If you would like a family member to be included please contact the parish office, with a photograph of your loved one and the date of death.

PARISH CHURCH BELL SYSTEM
There was a problem with the bell system in the parish church recently. Sincere apologies to all who were woken by the church bells during the early hours of the morning during the past few months. The bell system has now been repaired.

AUTUMN STATION MASSES
Sincere thanks to all those who helped to organise the Autumn Station Masses. Thanks to those who distributed dues envelopes, set up the Altars, organised refreshments and attended the stations. Thank you also to everyone who sent in their Station Dues. May the Lord reward your generosity.

PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Parish Finance Committee met on Tuesday 6th September. The following items were discussed:
• Parish Financial Report
• Review of internal and external church maintenance
• New Family of Parishes
• Co-option of two parish community members to complete the formation of the new Committee (2022 – 2025)

PARISH CHURCH CHOIR
We welcome new members to the Church Choir. We meet every Monday from 7pm to 8pm in the church for practice and sing at 12 Mass on Sundays. If you would like more information, please contact Frank Buckley at 086 0893118.

SACRED SPACE PRAYER BOOK 2023
The Sacred Space Prayer Book for 2023 is on sale from the parish office or the back of the church. Cost €10.

PARISH ASSEMBLY UPDATE
The Parish Assembly met on Monday 13th June at the Friary Centre.
The following items were discussed:
• Corpus Christi Procession
• Review of Synodality meeting
• Season of Creation – September
• Autumn Stations
• Ways of welcoming newly baptised children and their families into the community
• Re-starting prayer services in Haven Bay Care Centre
There will be no Parish Assembly meetings during July and August.

PARISH SAFEGUARDING UPDATE
The Parish Safeguarding Representatives Fiona Sinclair and Susan O’Hanrahan met with Fr. Robert on Friday 27th May. There have been no safeguarding incidents / events reported to date. Items discussed:
• The areas that young people are involved in the Church.
• Altar Servers – development of a written policy regarding parent supervision, signing the register book on arrival and collecting Altar Servers after Mass.
• Fiona will work with Mary Broderick on induction for new Altar Servers and the paperwork that needs to be completed.
• Susan and Fiona will complete a monthly audit of the Altar Servers Register.
• Susan will audit the Folk Group register.
• Children’s Liturgy Group are currently working online.
• Fiona will contact Cleo Yates, Diocesan Director of Safeguarding, to formally add Susan and Fiona as parish safeguarding representatives.
• Fiona and Susan will check that the Safeguarding Statement is displayed at all entrances to the church.
The next meeting of the Safeguarding Representatives and Fr. Robert will take place on Friday 30th September. The Safeguarding Representatives can be contacted through the parish office (021) 4773821 or parishoffice@kinsale-parish.org

BIBLE STUDY
Two Bible study groups meet in Kinsale each week. One group meets on Wednesday mornings, the other group meets on Sunday evenings. For the past two years the groups have been meeting online, but the Sunday evening group is returning to meeting in person. Contact David 0861727747 or Ger 0876775126 for details.

ALTAR SERVERS
We are blessed to have a great group of Altar Servers in our parish.
Children and young people are eligible to become Altar Servers after they have received their First Holy Communion. Altar Servers serve at Mass about once every three weeks and full training is provided. The parish follow all child-safeguarding guidelines.
If your child would like to be an Altar Server please contact the parish office 0214773821, email parishoffice@kinsale-parish.org or download the application form Altar Servers letter and form
Application forms will also be distributed to the local primary schools. Thank you.

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE
One of the impacts of Covid was a rise in the amount of “screen time”, finding ourselves spending more time ‘looking down than looking up’. This is especially worrying for our children. Please check out these useful websites with resources for keeping our children safe online:
Office for internet Safety; Webwise; That’s not cool; Think you know; Net lingo; Translate it; Laya Healthcare Online Safety; Screen Time app; Connect Safely; Google Family Safety Centre; PEGI Rating System; Kid Rex (safe search); YouTube Policy & safety; ICIA’S Parents Guide to Mobile Phones Irish Mobile Phone Operators Code of Practice. (Courtesy of Dr Maureen Griffin)

PARISH ALTAR SOCIETY
We are very grateful to the Parish Altar Society who enhance the beauty of our church with wonderful flower arrangements.
If you would like to volunteer to help please contact Eileen O’Brien 0214773256.

MASS BOOKS
‘My Mass Book’ is on sale at the back of the church and in the Parish Office for €3. The book contains:
• The Order of Mass
• Morning, Night & Occasional Prayers
• Prayers for Confession and Communion
• Novenas & Devotion to the Saints

BIBLES
Bibles are on sale in the parish office. Cost €25

BEACON NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE ON PARISH WEBSITE
The Beacon newsletter is available on www.kinsaleparish.org (go to the ‘News and Notices Page’ tab at the top of the homepage). If you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter by email, please contact the parish office parishoffice@kinsale-parish.org

‘YOU CAT FOR KIDS’
Catholic Catechism handook for 8 – 13 year olds and their parents
This beautifully illustrated book is written in a language suitable for children.
The material is structured in question and answer format.
The book is available from the parish office at a cost of €15.

SAFEGUARDING
All Clerics and Religious are Mandated persons. The Children First Act 2015 places a legal obligation on them to report child protection concerns to Tusla – Child and Family Agency. These mandated persons must also assist Tusla, on request, in its assessment of child protection concerns about children who have been the subject of a mandated report.
The Diocese recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of vulnerable adults and is committed to safeguarding all our members. Therefore, the Diocese has introduced Guidelines for Clergy, Staff and Volunteers for Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults which can be found at www.corkandross.org and click the safeguarding tab.
The Diocese continues to ensure and maintain compliance with the Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016. For more information on the policy please visit www.corkandross.org and click the safeguarding tab.

REMEMBERING OUR PARISHIONERS WHO HAVE DIED
The parish has started a special book of remembrance for parishioners who have died recently, so that they remain in a tangible way a part of our parish and its memories. If you would like a family member to be included please contact the parish office, with a photograph of your loved one and the date of death.

CCTV IN OPERATION
CCTV is in operation in the church and church grounds. Unacceptable behaviour is captured on camera and will be brought to the attention of the Gardai