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.

AS WE CONTINUE OUR LENTEN JOURNEY…
During Lent some of the great symbols of faith are put before us. Last week, it was water, our thirst for living water, our need of baptism in Christ, to live in the living water of his Spirit. This week, the symbol is light. The story of the blind man is presented. There’s a lot of tension in it. Jesus heals the physical blindness of the man and sends him to wash in the waters of the pool of Siloam – a reminder of the waters of baptism. For the Jews of the time physical blindness was a sign that the man was a sinner. Any grave illness was regarded as a punishment. Jesus set out to correct that way of thinking. His encounters with the blind man are accompanied by a call to leave the darkness and believe in the light. Jesus is the light. He is the one who heals the darkness of sin. Jesus highlights the contrast between the Pharisees whose physical sight was perfect, and the blind man. They do not recognise the light, they do not recognise Christ. The blind man sees him immediately and recognises him for who he is, and, we are told, worships him.
This language of light and darkness is very symbolic – but does it touch us? Is it real for us? If we want to discover whether or not we’re walking in the light, the question we might ask is ‘am I happy?’ Am I the person God created me to be be? Am I living the life that God wants me to live? Or am I wandering about in the dark, looking for the light?
[from ‘My Life in Your Hands’ Thoughts and Words of the late Fr. John Cummins]

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.3rd Sunday Lent Cycle A – 12Mar23 Samaritan Woman

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

EASTER CARDS AND SPRING STATION DUES ENVELOPES
Sincere thanks to the volunteers who distribute the Easter cards and station dues envelopes. These can be collected from the box under the table at the back of the church.

CHILDREN’S ROSARY
The Children’s Rosary Group meets once a month in the Parish Church for about 40 minutes.
Our next family rosary will be on Saturday 18th March at 2.30 pm.
New families are very welcome. Children are invited to pray a decade of the rosary and are supported in doing so. Afterwards we sing the children’s rosary song and finish with a chat and treats.

Diocese of Cork and Ross
TURKEY & SYRIA EARTHQUAKE COLLECTION
Bishop Fintan has given approval for a diocesan collection to be taken up in support of people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. This will take place this weekend (Sat. 18th & Sun. 19th March). All funds raised will be channelled through Trócaire who are working with the Caritas Internationalis Network in Turkey and Syria.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HOLY WEEK CEREMONIES
Extra Ministers of the Word and Ministers of the Eucharist are needed for the Holy Week ceremonies and Easter Masses.
Volunteers are also needed to have their feet washed at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.
If you would like to help please contact the parish office 021 4773821 or email parishoffice@kinsale-parish.org

PARISH FOLK GROUP
Would you like to join the Parish Folk Group? Everyone is welcome. Please contact Trina 0851403847 or Paul 086 3773512.

PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Parish Finance Committee met on Tuesday 21st Feb. Items discussed:
• Fr. Robert and the committee acknowledged and thanked people for their generous donations to the parish. Parish financial report for 2022 published in the Spring edition of the Yellow Beacon.
• External and internal church maintenance
• The need for a Parish Centre location for social gatherings after Masses.

SPRING STATION MASSES
• Monday 20th March at 7.30pm in Kinsale Soccer Club for: Summercove, Ardbrack, Fort View, Haven Hill, Ringcurran Rise, Ringcurran Grove, Rathmore, Prehane, Sallyport, Clonlea, Lower and Middle Cove, Bawnavouta, Forthill, Brownsmills, Camphill, Farm Lane, Waterlands, Knockduff, Snugmore, Garraha, Kilcaw.
• Friday 24th March at 7.30pm in Dunderrow N.S. for: Farrangalway, Ballyvrin, Ballinamona, Melifontstown, Ballythomas, Ardcloyne, Dunderrow, Whitecastle, Knocksmall, Horsehill, Ballyregan, Puckane, Hollyhill, Killaney, The Doon, Ballywilliam, Tissasson, The Weirs.
• Monday 27th March at 7.30pm in Scoil Naomh Eltin for: Cork St, Barrack St, Catholic Walk, Friary Lane, Friary Ave, Friar’s St, Chairman’s Lane, The Rock, Stonewell, Barrack Green, O’Brien Tce, The Kennels, The Belfry, Rock St, Carmelite Tce, O’Neill’s Villas, Finian Kelly Tce, Friary Court, Abbey Fort, Kinsale Manor, Bandon Rd, Ardcarrig, Abbey Place, Abbey Lane, Mandeville Tce, Friar’s Gate, Butcher’s Row, Abbey View, Hillcrest, Woodlands, Kippagh, Abbeycourt, Ard na Mara, Harbour Hgts
• Tuesday 28th March at 7.30pm in the Temperance Hall for: Ballinacubby, Commogue, Knocknacurra, River Meadows, Rose Abbey Park, Abbey Crescent, Presentation Pl, Rose Abbey, Radharc an tSaile, The Orchards, Eltin’s Wood, Springmount, Compass Quay, Hogan’s Row, Monastery Gardens, Pine Grove, St. Joseph’s Tce, St. Mary’s Tce, St. Patrick’s Tce, St. Multose Walk, Guardwell Homes, Guardwell, Blindgate, Mansfield Land, Church Lane, Church Square, Winter’s Hill, Convent Garden, Compass Hill, Dromderrig, The Mall, St. John’s Hill, The Green, The Ramparts, Rampart Court, Rampart Lane, Rampart Manor, Rampart Mews, Higher & Lower O’Connell St, World’s End, The Wharf, Denis’ Quay, Viking Wharf, Ferryview, Gift House, St. John’s Tce, Lobster Cottages, Shearwater, Sean Hales Tce, Collins Tce, Eastern Rd, St. Eltin’s Crescent, Admirals Walk, The Glen, Main St., Market St., Market Sq, Marian Tce, Assumption Tce, Pearse St, Newman’s Mall, Sleaveen Hgts, Sleaveen Pk, Scilly, Featherbed Lane, Market Place Apts, Market Ln, Barrack Hill, Glanbeg, Trooper’s Close, Malt House Apts, Meadowlands, Short Quay, Pier Rd

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.

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