Carraig Centre – Construction On-site

Oct 17, 2019 | Latest News

RENOVATION WORK BEGINS ON THE CARRAIG CENTRE, BALLINCOLLIG

The Carrigrohane Union of Parishes is excited to announce the start of renovation work on their building on Old Fort Rd in Ballincollig. The building, empty for many years, will have a new lease of life as a community and parish centre. The Carraig Centre aims to offer people of all ages, different faiths and none, many diverse opportunities to experience belonging and hope in Ballincollig.


The Carraig Centre will house community and parish activities. Meeting and event spaces will be available to rent by community groups.
One parish group that will move into the renovated Carraig Centre is Sparks, a Friday morning get-together for all pre-school aged children and their carers. Jessica Kindler, the coordinator of Sparks, remarked, “Many families have enjoyed Sparks over the years, but getting to our parish centre in Carrigrohane has been a real challenge for some. We’re excited to offer a warm welcome in a bright, cheerful venue that’s within walking distance for many young families in Ballincollig.”


The Carraig Centre will also host an informal Christian worship service on Sunday mornings. Matt Gould, youth worker at Carrigrohane Union of Parishes, said, “Our SundayAM gatherings let us hear and respond to the Christian gospel, develop our faith, and invite friends to consider good news of Jesus.”

Cian Jenkinson, a recent graduate of Gaelcolaiste Choilm, remarked that the SundayAM meetings demonstrate that church can be fun. A strong focus on young people will be an important element of The Carraig Centre’s operation, building on over 10 years of successful youth work in the union’s existing premises.


Canon Ian Jonas, the rector of Carrigrohane Union of Parishes, part of the Church of Ireland, explained the name for the new centre. “‘Carraig’ nods to the parish’s roots in Carrigrohane, but more importantly it emphasizes that Christians build their hope, faith, and lives on Christ, who is our solid rock.”


It is expected that construction will take six months. The members of Carrigrohane Union of Parishes look forward to welcoming their friends and neighbours to The Carraig Centre when renovation work finishes in early summer 2020.


Carrigrohane Union is a union of churches in Carrigrohane, Blarney, and Inniscarra. Each of the three congregations seeks to be centred on the life and teaching of Jesus, to grow in his love together, and to express his love in action.


Ready for Confirmation?

Oct 15, 2019 | Archived News

Bishop Paul Colton has asked if anyone in the Parish is thinking about Confirmation this year? If you are ready to take this important step of faith – do chat to any of the staff team. We would love to encourage anyone – young people or adults who are thinking about it to get in touch in the next week or so to let us know … below are some FAQ’s about confirmation.

What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptized. If you were baptized at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you. 

The local bishop will lay their hands on your head and ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the strength and commitment to live God’s way for the rest of your life.

What happens During the service?

Confirmation usually takes place in a special service in your own church, at the cathedral or in another parish church, although it may take place during the main Sunday service at your own church.  There will be hymns, readings and sometimes those being confirmed talk about their faith.  After the Bishop has laid hands on each person’s head there will be special prayers – then there will be often some celebratory refreshments to follow!

There may be a rehearsal before the confirmation service so that you understand everything that happens in the service

How can I tell if I’m ready for Confirmation?

If you feel strongly for yourself that confirmation is right for you at this point in your life, it’s likely that it is. Pray about this and ask others in your church to pray for you. Talk to your Rector too, and even if you are unsure about being confirmed, you may wish to participate in the confirmation course to help you think about it.