Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory

15/06/2026

On Sunday 14th June 2026 in St Canice's Cathedral, the licensing of two new Diocesan Readers took place. They were Mr Shane Reynolds, of Portlaoise Union with Ballyfin, who also serves as Diocesan Communications Officer and Mr Eric Driver, of the Tullow Group of Parishes.

In her sermon, the Warden of Readers Canon Helen Oxley, encouraged those called to this ministry to remain faithful in prayer, rooted in Scripture and committed to proclaiming the Gospel with humility and hope.

During the service Shane and Eric affirmed their belief that God had called them to this ministry and answered the questions put to them concerning worship, preaching, prayer, Christian discipleship, and service. The congregation also pledged to uphold and encourage them in their ministry and to pray for them.

The Bishop then admitted both candidates and after they put on their blue readers scarves, licensed them to minister within the Diocese. Readers from across the Diocese were then invited to stand and renew their commitment to ministry before they were relicensed for another three years. The Bishop took the opportunity to thank all of them for dedication and service.

Following the final blessing, those present enjoyed refreshments and fellowship. Thanks were extended to Dean Stephen Farrell for the preparation of both the licences and the liturgy.

We pray that Shane and Eric, together with all who serve as Readers in the Diocese, may be strengthened and guided by the Holy Spirit in their ministry.

14/06/2026

The Diocese extends its warmest congratulations to Mr Shane Reynolds and Mr Eric Driver, who were licensed and commissioned by the Bishop today in St Canice’s Cathedral.

A full report of today’s service, together with a selection of photographs, will follow soon.

14/06/2026

13/06/2026

Meet two of our students as they reflect on their experience of the Maynooth Certificate in Christian Studies. George and Hazel have recently completed the first year of this two-year programme and are looking forward to continuing their studies when they begin Year 2 this September.

Applications and enquiries for the Maynooth Certificate in Christian Studies are now welcome.

To learn more or to apply, please contact Revd. Janet Finlay on 087 759 8384 or email [email protected]

12/06/2026

On the morning of Friday, 12th June, over 400 pupils from Ferns Diocesan National Schools, plus parents and parish members, gathered in All Saints, Carnew for a Choral Service celebrating the school year just ending.

The theme was "Love Your Neighbour," with readings from 1 Corinthians 13 and a dramatised version of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The singing of worship songs old and new was quite magnificent - "Our God is a great big God" came close to raising the roof.

Congratulations and thanks go to all the schools, and especially to Ms Kenny and Ms Hadden, the Principals of Carnew and Kilcommon, and their teams, for all the preparation and co-ordination put into a splendid and joyful, yet worshipful, occasion.

12/06/2026

On Thursday, 11th June 2026, the Feast of St Barnabas, St Laserian's Cathedral, Old Leighlin, hosted the Ordination to the Priesthood of The Revd Yvonne Carter. The Bishop ordained and licensed her to serve in the Stradbally Union and Portlaoise Union with Ballyfin as part of the Ordained Local Ministry. The sermon was preached by The Revd Bronwyn Nortje, Chaplain of Kilkenny College. Prior to the service, Yvonne made the required declarations before subscribing to the Bishop's Roll of Subscription.

In the sermon, The Revd Bronwyn Nortje, reflected on the significance of priesthood within the continuing story of God's faithfulness to the Church. Drawing on John 20:19–23, she acknowledged the fears and uncertainties facing the contemporary Church of Ireland, while emphasising that Christ continues to bring peace and hope to his people. She highlighted that priesthood is rooted in service, attentiveness, and dependence on God's grace, encouraging the ordinand to remain close to Christ throughout the joys and challenges of ministry. The sermon concluded with an affirmation that Christ remains faithful to the Church and continues to call ordinary people into ministry.

During the Rite of Ordination, Yvonne affirmed her calling to the office and work of a priest and made the declarations required of those being ordained. Following the Litany and the singing of Veni Creator Spiritus, the Bishop, together with the assisting priests, laid hands upon her and prayed for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yvonne was then vested in the customary manner and presented with a Bible as a sign of the authority entrusted to her to preach the Word of God and minister the holy sacraments. The congregation welcomed the newly ordained priest with applause.

Following the final blessing by the Bishop, those present gathered in the Chapter House for refreshments and fellowship, offering congratulations to Yvonne and giving thanks for this joyful occasion in the life of the Diocese.