Newsletter 19 January 2025

Reflection for 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Cana: New wine for life
The human side of the gospel today is the huge need of a young couple on the best day of their lives. Jesus hears of their need and the result is the wine for the wedding, but more so, it is the promise of the fullness of God.
We look for the fullness of life in money, food, sex, travel, security, reputation-none last. Only the simplest joys of life really satisfy in the end, like
the joy of love,
the thrill of friendship,
the caring in family and
the ways we enjoy the goodness of creation.
A man asked once in the hospice at the end of his life -‘what is happiness?’
‘Find happiness now’ was his answer -‘be satisfied, be grateful, for what you have, for what you have received, for what God has given you.’ There is a fullness of life in being happy with who I am, what I have… and asking God for what he knows I need.
No matter what our age, we can do good for others, we can share the graces of life and the soul can grow. That’s what I hope can happen for me as life goes on. In any group of people, some look happy and some look miserable. The happiest are not always the ones who had or are having the easiest life. They are the ones who have found peace with themselves, others and God.
Because of the gift of the fullness of God in ‘new wine’, we always have a home, here and after – in the heart of our God in Jesus Christ now and for eternity.
Jesus of the wedding feast of Cana,
give us the faith and hope to know that you can always make a change for the better,
and the love to live by what we receive.

Donal Neary SJ

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES

Please note Holy Cross Church will open at 9.15am

Monday to Saturday and will close at 4pm Mon, Tue, Wed & Friday.
Exposition takes place on Thursdays at 5pm and the church will close immediately afterwards.

The Parish Office will open from 9.30am – 1pm Monday to Friday.

Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen

Faith@Home Activities for Children.

‘Let’s Dive In’ Activity Sheet available in the porches
Parents, please take one home for your child/children or Grandparents please feel free to take one for your grandchild or grandchildren.
Further resources for Children on Diocesan website:
Resources | Diocese of Waterford & Lismore (waterfordlismore.ie)

POPES INTENTION FOR JANUARY

For the right to an education
Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.

Mass Booking

The Mass book for April is open at the Parish Office. The Next Mass book for May will open on February 4th

Parish Website

You may have noticed, there is an additional page added to our Parish website: “Gospel & Reflection” which features the Sunday Gospel every weekend.
On this page also there is a Reflection on the Gospel each week, written by Fr Richard. www.tramoreparish.ie

School Enrolment

Enrolment forms for September 2025 for Holy Cross N.S., Glór na Mara & Gael Scoil Philib Barún are currently available from the school’s offices.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 28th February.

Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi for the Jubilee Year

Full details:
https://joewalshtours.ie/tours/pilgrimage-to-assisi-rome-2025-03-30/
Flying on 30th March 2025: 6 nights, €1449 Per Person
Spiritual Director: Fr Michael Toomey

RECENT DEATHS:

Please remember those who died recently, Sean Foley, Butlerstown Rev Fr Ray Liddane, Rory Gallagher, Noreen Condron née O’Rourke, Jim Whelan, Kathleen Daly née Power, Noel O’Neill

We remember the months mind for Patrick (Paddy) Downey, Kathleen Power

We pray for: Maura Power, Michael Power, Carmel Foley, David Kiely, Peter Thomas, Leo Burke, Tommy & Peggy Curran, Chris Curran, Larry Curran, Margaret & John Maher, Elaine Shilton née Corcoran, Kitty & Neddy Power whose anniversaries occur at this time.

Lord,
We pray for those who mourn, immerse them in your love and lead them through this darkness into your arms and light.
For those who comfort, be in both the words they use and all that’s left unspoken;
Fill each heart with love.

Lord,
We pray for those who mourn, immerse them in your love and lead them through this darkness into your arms and light.
For those who comfort, be in both the words they use and all that’s left unspoken;
Fill each heart with love.