Local Arrangements - Parishes of Skibbereen & Rath and The Islands

Sacraments – Local Arrangements

Celebrating the sacraments is at the core of our parish life. Our big moments in life are marked in a solemn way from womb to tomb.

Here we provide details for the celebration of the sacraments in our parishes. Follow the link for more information on each sacrament.

For details regarding Funerals in our Parishes, please see under the tab “Our Parishes” or click here

Baptism Arrangements

Baptism is celebrated in our parish at the following times:

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Skibbereen: held every Saturday at 4 pm
Sacred Heart Church, Rath: 2.30 pm on Saturday – by arrangement
St. Mona’s Church, Sherkin Island: by arrangement
Seipéal Naomh Ciáráin, Oileán Chléire: by arrangement

Forms for registration of Baptism are available in the Parish Office or can be downloaded below. These completed forms are to facilitate the registration of your child’s Baptism and to enable us to provide you with a Baptism certificate. When booking the Baptism you must provide a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate. Please ensure booking is made 3 weeks in advance.

Adult Baptism

If an older child or adult wishes to be Baptised please make contact with the Parish Office 028 22828.

To arrange date of Baptism in either parish, please contact the Parish Office 028 22828.

Download the Baptismal Booking Form here

Reconciliation (Confession)

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) takes place:

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Skibbereen: Saturday morning 10.00 am to 11.00 am

Sacred Heart Church, Rath: by arrangement with Priest

St Mona’s Church, Sherkin Island: by arrangement with Priest

Seipéal Naomh Ciáráin, Oileán Chléire: by arrangement with Priest

Eucharist and First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion ceremonies take place in May each year. As part of our preparation for First Penance and First Holy Communion, we run a parish based programme with our Parish Catechists. This programme is a continuous programme connecting the classroom with the home and the parish. As part of this, there is an Information Night where the Parish Catechists meet the parents and usually takes place in the Autumn. A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate will be needed at this time. There is an Enrolment Ceremony for you and your child, and there are four Saturday Vigil Masses set aside where you and your child will have some participation in the Mass.

We encourage all parents and children who are preparing for their First Holy Communion to attend Mass as a sign of your commitment to your child’s preparation for the Sacrament.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a very significant milestone on the faith journey of your child.

Every second year, Confirmation is celebrated between March and May in the parishes of Skibbereen and Rath and The Islands. Primary school children from 5th and 6th class from the schools in each parish, make their Confirmation together. The dates for Confirmation are usually announced in the autumn. They will be published here as soon as they are available.

If an older child or adult wishes to be Confirmed, please make contact with a priest or contact the Parish Office 028 22828

Marriage Arrangements

Congratulations on your decision to get married.  In this diocese, church weddings can take place on any day other than Sundays and major feast days.

Marriage: To get married in any of the churches in the parishes of Skibbereen and Rath and The Islands, you must give at least three months notice of marriage.

Marriage with a celebration of Mass has been the tradition for Catholic Church marriages. Marriage without a Mass may however suit a couple and their guests. Discuss this when booking your wedding and with the Priest who will be your Solemniser.

Please contact the parish office 028 22828 to make arrangements.

For Marriage in a Catholic Church:   The Pre-Nuptial Enquiry form must be completed with the priest of your parish of domicile. When completing this form, you will need a current (not more than 6 months old) Baptismal and Confirmation certificates and also a certificate of completion of an approved Pre Marriage Course.

Pre-Marriage Courses: Website: www.accord.ie www.naomi.ie

Download our Marriage Booking Form here

For further information contact the Parish Office 028 22828 or email skibbereenparish@gmail.com

Housebound and Sacrament of the Sick

During the week of the First Friday of the month, the priests visit the housebound with Holy Communion. If you are unable to attend Mass due to illness or frailty and would like to be visited by a priest on the First Friday, please feel free to contact the Parish Office 028 22828 to be included on the First Friday visits.

The Priests of the parish and Ministers of the Eucharist attend to our sick in hospitals, in nursing homes, and at home.  Many like to receive the sacrament of the sick and are strengthened and affirmed.  If you would like to receive the sacrament of the sick or know someone who would like to receive it, please contact any of the priests or the parish office 028 22828.

Holy Orders – Ministry of the Priest

The ongoing life of the church depends on vocations to the priesthood. Our diocese has a director of vocations and we’d be delighted to make an introduction for any interested candidates. Talk to any of the priests to get more information.

Find out more about applying to study to be a priest in Cork and Ross

Contact: Fr. Michael Keohane
Address: Cork and Ross Offices, Redemption Road, Cork
Tel (Diocesan Office): 021 4301717

Fr Cian O’Sullivan, CC Ballincollig and Diocesan Director of Vocations.

Fr Cian can be contacted for a chat and without obligation at 021 4877161 or email: vocations@corkandross.org.

Find out more about priesthood in Cork and Ross contact priesthood@corkandross.org