Ireland: Diocese of Ossory to celebrate 'Faith Fest'

The Diocese of Ossory in the south east of Ireland, is gathering for a Faith Fest this weekend: 10, 11 and 12 May 2013. Led by Bishop Séamus Freeman SAC, Faith Fest 2013 is a special event which is being organised by the diocese as a response to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s invitation to all Catholics to mark this year as a Year of Faith.

Faith Fest 2013 will see the people of Ossory celebrating and reflecting on their faith and looking forward to the future in hope. Much of the weekend’s activities, which are organised by Ossory Adult Faith Development, will take place in Saint Kieran’s College near the heart of the medieval city. More than 70 parishes and organisations within Ossory diocese will be represented at the Faith Fest event, showcasing many of the good things that are taking place in the diocese. With imaginative and informative stands and displays those present will be able to share in the stories of individual parishes and organisations and hear about their plans for the future.

In a letter to all homes in the diocese Bishop Freeman explained: “I am writing to invite you, your family and friends, to come join us in Saint Kieran’s College as we celebrate together this “Year of Faith”. Let us celebrate and be grateful for all that is good in our diocese. You are all very welcome.”

As part of the Faith Fest there will also be a number of workshops, talks and lectures for those who want to learn more about or deepen their faith and knowledge of the Church. Guest speakers and workshop presenters include: Dr Suzanne Mulligan (Department of Moral Theology, Pontifical University, Maynooth), Father Gearoid Dullea (Executive Secretary of the Irish Bishops’ Conference), Ms Julie Kavanagh (Kildare and Leighlin Faith Development Services), Mr Dermot McCarthy (Chair of the Boards of All Hallows College and Saint Andrew’s Resource Centre, a member of the boards of Saint Patrick’s College and the Irish School of Ecumenics Trust, a former civil servant, he is the chair of the Pastoral Council in his parish in Dublin) and Mr John Waters (writer and columnist).

To launch the weekend of Faith Fest 2013 a concert will be held in Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, on Friday 10 May featuring Father Liam Lawton with special guests The Unity Singers. Doors open 7pm and the concert will begin 8pm.

Tickets are €20 and are available from Ossory Faith Development (056 775 3624), Saint Mary’s Cathedral Chapter House Bookshop (056 770 3884) and online at www.ossory.ie

The weekend will also see the heats and finals of the public speaking competition for secondary school students in Kilkenny and there will be sporting events and activities for the younger members of the community.

The full programme of events for the weekend is available on the diocesan website: www.ossory.ie

With the exception of the concerts all events are free and open to the public and all are invited to drop in over the weekend.