Newsletter 1st June 2025

What in this week’s newsletter

  • Donal Neary SJ Reflects on The Ascension of the Lord
  • The Adopt a Hive project supports families in East Pokot
  • The Mass Bookings for September from Tuesday
  • Weekly Contributions Envelopes now available at the Parish Office
  • All-Ireland Rosary Rally, Saturday 7th June at Knock Shrine
  • Volunteers needed for Kitchen Duty with Meals on Wheels, Tramore
Click Here to Download the Newsletter

Newsletter 25th May 2025

The Ascension of the Lord.
 
In the famous crucifix of San Damiano, the Lord ascends with a smile on his face. It is over, his mission is accomplished, and he has conquered death, and is now with us all days to the end of time. His earthly mission is accomplished, but not his mission of love for his people. He is with us now.
 
Jesus often talks of joy, often the joy of God in forgiving a sinner. The big joy of God seems to be mercy, and even in the memory of his own death Jesus finds joy. In the chapel of the home of St Francis Xavier in Navarre, the crucifix is of the ‘smiling Jesus’. He smiles not in comfort and ease, but in love and sacrifice.
 
While we think today of the loss of Jesus, we are invited to rejoice as he leaves one way of being with us – on earth, to another way of being with us – from heaven. He both awaits us there and helps us get there, the mystery of the Divine Son who is one of us. The mystery goes farther that we are invited and called into sharing this life of his on earth, for in each of us is the life of Jesus, who makes his home in us.
 
This is background of the prayer of St Teresa of Avila: his life of his on earth, for in each of us is the life of Jesus, who makes his home in us.  
 
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world…
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
 
 Donal Neary SJ

The Adopt a Hive Project

Fr Tom Hogan

The Adopt a Hive project supports families in East Pokot, Kenya, through sustainable beekeeping. Each €50 donation provides a hive, training, and  equipment to help local people generate income and improve food security.

The initiative is championed by Fr Tom Hogan CSSp, a native of Tramore, who has worked closely with communities in East Pokot for many years. By adopting a hive, Tramore parishioners can make a lasting impact, helping families to help themselves while fostering a meaningful link between our parish and the people of Kenya.

Donations can be made by cash or cheque to Fr Tom Hogan at the parish office.

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES 

Cemetery Masses

The Annual Cemetery Mass & blessing of the graves for all those interred in our cemeteries will take place over the month of June as follows:
 
Carbally: Tuesday 24th June at 7.30pm
Tramore: Wednesday 25th June at 7.30pm, with Blessing of graves immediately after Mass in Holy Cross, St Patricks & St Declan’s
Dunhill: Wednesday 18th June at 7.30pm.
Fenor: Thursday 19th June at 7.30pm, with Blessing of graves immediately after Mass
 

Campa Mhuire Mhathair Faith Camp

Good News Summer Faith Camp for boys and Girls aged 6-12 years will take place at Glór na Mara school, Tramore from Monday 7th -10th July – 10am – 3pm. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Pam 086-0726232/ Olivia 086-3438467. More info www.tramoreparish.ie
 

First Holy Communions at Holy Cross Church

Congratulations to the children from Gaelscoil Philib Barún who made their Communion this weekend.
We wish them every blessing at this important time in their lives.

 

Mass to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Ordination of the Late Fr. Colm O’Brien

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Ordination to the Priesthood of a remarkable, humble, prayerful and genuine priest, who sadly died at the young age of 36 in 2009 after serving as curate in both SS Peter & Paul’s Clonmel and Holy Cross Tramore. 
Fr. Colm O’Brien was ordained to the priesthood on 4th June 2000 by Bishop William Lee in his home parish of St Paul’s in Waterford. 
A way of celebrating and thanking God for Fr. Colm’s life and priesthood, Bishop Cullinan will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Priesthood of Fr. Colm, on what would have been his 25th Anniversary, on Tuesday 3rd June at 7.30pm in St Pauls Church, Waterford. Everyone is most welcome to come to the Mass and give thanks to God for the impact Fr. Colm made in those years, and to pray for the happy repose of his soul.
 

Popes Intention for June

That the world might grow in compassion
Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.
 

Word of God Outreach celebrating Pentecost Sunday

Sunday June 8th, Time: 10am – 5.30pm at the Tower Hotel, Waterford
All welcome – Further information contact:  Síle 086-8590394
 

Tramore Meals on Wheels

Volunteers needed for Kitchen Duty – Mornings only
Please Contact Mandy @ 087 6720501
 

Church Cleaning

The Church monthly cleaning will take place on Wednesday 4th June after 10am Mass. We thank all our volunteers for their continued help.
 

All-Ireland Rosary Rally

Saturday 7th June at Knock Shrine: Mass, Talks, Youth Conference, Living Rosary, Rosary & Scapular Making Workshop, Rosary Procession and Stations of the Cross, Marian Conference. More info on www.allirelandrosaryrally.com
 

Jubilee Tour to Westport, Knock & Co Mayo

8th June 2025. €699.00 pps. Price includes return train, 4 nights in 4* Castlecourt Hotel, Westport with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Guest speaker Marion Carroll who was cured at Knock. All entertainment, excursions and transport included. Visit Knock, Kylemore Abbey, Croagh Patrick. Limited single rooms €150.00. Contact 094 900 6426 or 087 1890 236 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com
 

Retreat and Ministry of Healing

St. Mary’s Parish, Irishtown, Clonmel Co.Tipperary Eircode E91FD28
Saturday 31st May – Sunday 1st June.
Led by international Priest Fr. Rozo Palić.
Bring the sick, family, friends.
For further information contact: Patricia 089 9466193 or Imelda 089 9558283.
 

Church Opening Hours

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.

50th Anniversary – Class Re-Union Sacred Heart of Mary Convent, Ferrybank

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Class of 1975 at Sacred Heart of Mary Convent, Ferrybank.  If you or someone you know left or was due to leave in 1975 – we’d love to hear from you to update our database of information. 
Whilst at a preliminary stage, we are planning to meet in September 2025.  If you can help please send contact email or mobile numbers details to  ferrybank1975classreunion@gmail.com
 

Jubilee Year of Hope

For the Jubilee Year of Hope Bishop Cullinan invites the people of the Diocese to visit various pilgrim locations from Ardmore to Mount Melleray, from Lismore to Waterford.
“Pilgrim Path Passports” are available in all porches to record people’s personal journeys to special places around the Diocese.
For more information visit: www.waterfordlismore.ie/jubilee2025
 

Become a member of Family Carers Ireland

Are you caring for a loved one at home with additional needs? A spouse, partner, child, close relative or neighbour? Then you are a family carer! Become a member of Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers nationwide.
Contact 057 93 70221 and hear how we can support you or for more info visit www.familycarers.ie.

Weekly Contributions Envelopes

The new envelopes for 2025/2026 (Beginning May 4th) are now available at the Parish Office for collection.  When the new envelope contribution year begins on May 4th, please discard any unused 2024/2025 envelopes.
Please have your current number to hand when you call in to the office for your new box. Any parishioner who is not registered for the weekly contribution envelopes, and would like to be, please contact the Parish Office.

Mass Booking

The Mass Book for September will open at the Parish Office on Tuesday 3rd June from 9.30am. Phone bookings will be taken after 10am

Parish Office Opening Hours For Next Week

Mon – CLOSED BANK HOLIDAY
Tues – Friday – 9.30am – 1pm
Contact: 051-386477

Church Opening Hours for Next Week

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.

Family Carer

Are you caring for a loved one at home with additional needs? A spouse, partner, child, close relative or neighbour? Then you are a family carer! Become a member of Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers nationwide.
Contact 057 93 70221 and hear how we can support you or for more info visit www.familycarers.ie.

Encounter – Monthly Young Adult Event

Faith & Fellowship for 18-35 year olds!
Inspiring Talk, Music, Prayer followed by Pizza & Chat – Donation only.
St. John’s Church, Parnell Street, Waterford X91 FH04 on Tuesday June 10th at 7.30pm
Email: youthministry@waterfordlismore.ie
WhatsApp: +353 85 8623704
 

Ascend Youth & Young Adult Ministry

For more information, visit www.waterfordlismore.ie/youth-ministry
 

Parish Office Shop

New stock has arrived at the Parish Office/Shop!
Lovely selection of Cards, Rosaries, Rosettes & gifts for First Holy Communion & Confirmation, are now available.
Please feel free to drop in.

 

Frassati Camino

For Young adults from the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore and the archdiocese of Cashel & Emly
Frassati Camino, July 31st – August 4th
80kms over 4 days from the Rock of Cashel to Ardmore Round Tower
Celebrate the Canonisation of Pier Giorgio Frassati in the Great Outdoors!
Spiritual Directors: Fr. Shane O’Neill & Fr. Vincent Stapleton
€275 pps, Ages 18 – 35
 

Holy Cross Church Opening Hours

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.

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)

Creation Surf Retreats, Tramore, Co. Waterford

Retreats for Body, Mind and Soul:
For Post-Primary Schools & Community Groups
Dates available in April through to October
Enquiries/Bookings
Call Billy – 086 3914908
info@freedomsurfschool.ie

67th Waterford & Lismore Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025

(Under the leadership of Most Rev. Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan)
5 nights Full Board 4-9th June 2025
Enquiries: Joe Walsh Tours
Tel: 01-2410800
Email: info@joewalshtours.ie

Diocese of Waterford & Lismore Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome

November 10th -16th 2025, led by Most Rev Alphonsus Cullinan
Contact Myriam Tours
Tel: 057-9355050
Email: info@myriam.ie

Ciorcal Cómhrá Returns – Fáilte Mór Roimh Chách!

We are delighted to welcome everyone back to the Ciorcal Cómhrá at Tramore Library. Following the Easter break, our weekly Irish conversation group will be meeting again on Thursdays at 7pm and we can’t wait to get chatting again.
Our sessions are all about enjoying the language together, having a laugh, and keeping the cúpla focal alive in a supportive setting. It’s a lovely way to spend an hour through sharing stories, trying out a few sentences and connecting with others over a mutual love of Gaeilge.
Come along as we pick up where we left off. We’re looking forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones too. Bígí linn!
Irish Conversation – Tramore’s Ciorcal Cómhra

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

RECENT DEATHS:

Please remember those who died recently. 

We remember the months mind forUrsula Margaret O’Sullivan and James (Jim) O’Brien

We pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Karen Walsh, Stella & Willie Piper & families, Jim & Kitty Gilligan, son Eugene & daughter Joan, Joan & Larry Cullinan and Francis & Sarah Douglas

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.

rest in peace Tramore Parish

PARISH INFORMATION:

Holy Cross Parish Mass Times & Services

Mass Times:
Saturday 10am & 7.30pm (Vigil)
Sunday 8.30am, 11am
Monday to  Friday 10.00am

Confessions:
Saturday 10.30am & 7pm and upon Request

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help:
Mondays after 10am Mass

Holy Face Devotion:
Tuesday after 10am Mass

The Divine Mercy Prayer Group:
Wednesday at 3pm.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:
Thursday after 10am Mass until 5pm

Church Closing Times:
Church closes at 1pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday and at 5pm Thursday

Our Lady’s Church, Carbally

Mass Times:
Sunday at 11.00am

Church of the Immaculate Conception, Fenor

Mass Times:
Saturday Vigil at 6pm
Tuesday  at 9am.

Sacred Heart Church, Dunhill

Mass Times:
Sunday at 9.30am
Wednesday at 9am

Holy Cross Church-Live Streaming

Live Streaming facility is in operation, where you may join us for Tramore Parish Services online from Holy Cross Church.
Log in to the parish website www.tramoreparish.ie Click on “Live Stream” on the homepage when the services are on.

Tramore Parish Radio

Services are broadcast from Holy Cross Church, Tramore at 10.am from Monday to Sat,7.30pm Sat evening, 8.30am, 10.30am & 12 noon on Sunday on your radio 105.4FM. (It may be tuned in only when service is on.

CCTV/Live Stream

Please be aware that for the protection and security of all, CCTV Cameras are in operation in Holy Cross Church. All Masses are live streamed and broadcast over the internet.

Parish Facebook Page

CLICK HERE to open Facebook Page, where we share Parish information, news, prayers and reflections with you all. You may also access via the link on the very top of the page on the parish website:www.tramoreparish.ie  Please LIKE and SHARE with your family and friends.

Donate Online

We have an online donate facility on our parish website: www.tramoreparish.ie, where you can make your Sunday offering to the parish.

Please quote your envelope number, if applicable, when you make your donation. All contributions are gratefully received, and we thank you in advance for your generosity.

Parish Office Opening Hours

The parish office is usually open Monday – Friday 9.30am to 1pm. However, opening times may change temporarily, Please check the newsletter for updates.

COVID-19

We strongly recommended, that parishioners continue to sanitize their hands upon entry and leaving the church.

PRIEST ON DUTY – CALL 086-6004384

Tramore Parish, Waterford