Newsletters

Newsletter 21st December 2025

What in this week’s newsletter

  • Huge congratulations to Helen & Michael Crowley on receiving the Benemerenti Medal last Friday evening at Holy Cross Church, presented by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan
  • The annual Christmas collection for the support of the Priests of the Parish will be taken up at all Masses over the Christmas.
  • The Parish Office will close on Tuesday 23rd Dec at 1pm and will reopen on Monday Jan 5th 2026.
  • Holy Cross Church Christmas Tree of Remembrance – If you would like a loved one remembered, please drop into Parish Office. Donation for each remembrance card, in aid of Church Restoration Fund
Click Here to Download the Newsletter CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS OF THE Christmas Services

Newsletter 21st December 2025

Christmas Message from Fr. Richard

As we prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus, our hearts may not be so filled with joy and hope but rather searching for them. The traditional message of ‘Peace on Earth’ has an urgency about it this year once again. Headlines, local and international, are dominated by stories of war, violence, social injustice, unrest, and immense human suffering, from Gaza to Ukraine, Sudan to Syria, Australia to Ireland. We see innocent victims—especially children—whose childhoods have been devastated by aggression, hunger, and displacement. We rightly ask, where is the Prince of Peace amidst such turmoil?
 
Yet, the message of Christmas reminds us that God chose to enter into this darkness not as a powerful conqueror, but as a fragile and vulnerable child in a humble manger in Bethlehem; a place that, even today, is a focus of conflict. In Jesus, we find Emmanuel, ‘God with us.’ This is not a naive hope that denies the reality of suffering; rather, it is the profound assurance that we are never alone in our struggles. The peace and hope that Christ brings is not merely the absence of war, violence, and struggle, but a deep-seated hope that transcends worldly circumstances. It is a call to action, inviting us to be instruments of His peace in our own lives, homes, and communities. We pray that we can be a source of light, support, and hope to people overwhelmed by circumstances not of their own making. With God’s grace, may we all work together to make our world a better, more peaceful place.
It is my privilege on behalf of Fr. Tadeusz, Fr. Stuart, Deacon Brian, and our Parish Pastoral Councils to extend to you and your families every peace and blessing for this Christmas and New Year. We are grateful to all who make life in our Parish vibrant and faithful. We are blessed with many people who share of their time, talent, and gifts to make our parishes the wonderful places that they are. Many take an interest in all that is celebrated and organised, and they support us in our endeavours. We are thankful for people’s involvement and support in any way. Everything done and given, makes a significant difference. 
 
We thank our Sacristans, Readers, Eucharistic Ministers; Choirs, Cantors, Organists and Musicians; Church Carers, Collectors, Counters; Secretaries, Parish Website design and updating, Finance & Building Committees, Child Protection Officers; Baptismal Teams, Prayer Groups, Parish Faith Representatives, Alpha Team; Cemetery/Church Grounds keepers, and Crib design, preparation, and decoration. To them and to all who help in our Parish, we say a big “Thank You.”
 
I pray that you and your families, may you experience something of the hope and peace which God has blessed us with through the presence of the infant Jesus. 
Wishing you a truly blessed and peaceful Christmas and a New Year filled with hope. 
 
Fr. Richard 

CHRISTMAS SERVICES FOR 2025

Please CLICK HERE for details of the services being held in the churches in Tramore, Carbally, Fenor and Dunhill over Christmas week.

THIS WEEK’S NOTICES

Benemerenti Medal

Huge congratulations to Helen & Michael Crowley on receiving the Benemerenti Medal last Friday evening at Holy Cross Church, presented by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan.
Thanks to all who organised and attended the Mass and social gathering at Glór na Mara school.
A special thank you to Fr. Richard and all the clergy who attended.
A very enjoyable evening was had by all.

St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St Vincent de Paul, wish to thank all those from the parishes of Tramore, Carbally, Fenor and Dunhill, who contributed to our annual collection last weekend.
The Society is very grateful for the continued support which allows us to help the less well off in our community. Thanks to all the collectors who kindly helped out over the weekend.

Carbally Collection

Carbally collection for fresh flowers for Christmas will take place this Sunday 21st December.
We thank you in advance for your generosity as always.

The Parish Office

The Parish Office will close on Tuesday 23rd Dec at 1pm and will reopen on Monday Jan 5th 2026.
Mass booking for April will take place on that day from 9.30am at the parish office and from 10am by phone.
We wish all our parishioners a very happy Christmas and every blessing in the New Year
 

Holy Cross Church Christmas Tree of Remembrance

Again this year we are decorating our Christmas tree in the church with silver Christmas decoration cards.
If you would like a loved one remembered, the name will be added to the card and it will be placed on the tree in their memory.
Please drop in to the Parish office and we will be happy to assist you.
Donation for each remembrance card, in aid of Church Restoration Fund.
 

Pope’s Monthly Intention for December

For Christians in areas of conflict
Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.

Mass Booking

The Mass Book for March is open at the Parish Office.

PARISH & DIOCESAN EVENTS:

Fire in the South

A Catholic Charismatic Outreach Movement to enable people to encounter the personal love of God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Zoom on Wednesday with companionship, music, sharing, prayer, the odd funny story, Sacred Scripture and adoration.
Zoom ID: 86141473152 / Password: fire / Wednesdays 8 to 9.15 p.m.
 

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

If anyone is interested in donating money to offset the total cost of the Tramore Guild of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for the sick, they could hand in their donation to either the Sacristy or the Parish office.
Also, if anyone is interested in travelling with the Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2026 (3-8 June 2026) they could hand their name and phone number to the Office or Sacristy.

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

DIOCESAN RESOURCES:

Two New Young Saints for the Church!

To learn more about St Carlo Acutis and St Pier Giorgio Frassati, check out www.waterfordlismore.ie/youth-ministry

Jubilee Year

A Jubilee Year is celebrated by the Church every 25 years.  This Jubilee Year begins on Christmas Eve 2024 and concludes on 6 January 2026.

In the Catholic Church, a Jubilee or Holy Year is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation, in which people are invited to come back into right relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation.

For more information please visit www.waterfordlismore.ie/jubilee2025

Diocesan Newsletters

Faith@Home Family Newsletter, Let’s Dive In Children’s Resource, To the Heights Youth Newsletter or Diocesan Events Bulletin, go to www.waterfordlismore.ie/resources
 

Ascend Youth & Young Adult Ministry

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

LOCAL EVENTS & RESOURCES:

Tramore Community Care – Meals on Wheels

Urgently needs Kitchen Volunteers for the following periods:
9am – 11am or 11am – 12 noon, Monday to Friday.
Please call to the centre or phone 051-381126 / 089-2050290

Free Senior Citizens Cafe – Revive Cafe

Every Thursday 12.30 – 3pm, X91 F2AH
Booking advised: Text or call 087 2472005

Little Nellie’s Baby Bank- Volunteers Wanted

Volunteers wanted 2 hours per week, for Little Nellie’s Baby Bank — John’s Hill, Waterford: A pro-life & pro-family charity serving local families. Roles: • Van Drivers: weekly 2-hour delivery/collection run (full licence). • Baby Bank/Shop: sort donations, prepare baby packs, help on the shop floor.
Sign up today: Pamela — 085 862 3705

RECENT DEATHS:

Please remember those who died recently: Breda Delain, Birmingham

We remember the months mind for: David (Davy) Whittle, John James Brett and Mamie Smith Ganley

We pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Mary Kiely, Toni O’Kelly, Jimmy Denton, Celia Wall & deceased members of Rockett family, Clive Noblett, Esther Keoghan, Gerry Noblett, Thomas Lyons, Paddy & Mary O’Donoghue, Teresa & Lucy O’Donoghue, Maureen & Michael Coyne, Patrick McDonald, Austin Costello, Pat Murphy, Mary Caulfield, John Legg, Stan Couch, Alice & Jack McGrath, Babe & Joseph Walsh, Danny McCarthy, Nicholas & Catherine Cheasty, Frank Comber, Tom & Mamie Mackey, Martin & Annie Boran & family, William & Alice Caulfield, Michael & Catherine Kiely and Anne & Matt Murray

Dear 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 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

Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory:
Friday after 10am Mass

Church Closing Times:
Church closes at 4pm 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 & 11am 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.

Gospel & Reflection

Take a few minutes to visitn the Gospel and Reflection section on the parish website written each week by Fr. Richard.

www.tramoreparish.ie/category/gospel-reflection/

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.

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

Diocesian News & Information

Please visit the diocesian website to find out what is happening and resources available to you on the website for the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore:

www.waterfordlismore.ie

PRIEST ON DUTY – CALL 086-6004384

Tramore Parish, Waterford