Newsletter 15th December 2024

REFLECTION:

Reflection for 3rd Sunday of Advent

Brings Out Our Best

This mid-point of Advent alerts us to issues of justice and equality.
The prophet John has been asked as a sort of trick by people who exploited others with tax bills, and soldiers who often used their brute force on others how they should repent. His words were tough but quite ordinary –
~ don’t overcharge ~ share your surplus with the needy ~ and don’t exploit people.
It’s another, but more figurative way, of stating the basic demands of ‘Love one another’.

Christmas can bring out the best in us to care for the needy. We are surrounded by charities looking for aid. We know that Jesus hears the cries of the poor, and he joins every carol singing group trying to help.
Christmas also asks us to consider our honesty and integrity, for we know that many are poor, at home and abroad, because of the greed of others.
Christmas is a reminder and a challenge that all can live with the dignity we have come to regard as human rights – education, safety, shelter, food, water, employment, freedom.
The Christ child who was born poor represents all the poor of the world, especially children. As he was born ordinary, he represents that God who meets, greets and helps us in the ordinary aspects of life. The one who is to come is the one who will live and love according to these truths of human dignity and equality.
Come, Lord Jesus, child of the earth, child of God.
Come into our world of joy and sorrow.
Stay with us always,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Donal Neary SJ

THIS WEEKS NOTICES:

Christmas Arrangements 2024

Holy Cross Church, Tramore
& Our Lady’s Church Carbally

Sunday 15 December:
Carbally: Mass of Reconciliation at 11am.

Saturday & Sunday 21/22 December:
Tramore: Mass of Reconciliation at all Masses.

Tuesday 24th December: Christmas Eve
Tramore:
10.00am & Christmas Vigil 7.30pm

Wednesday 25th December: Christmas Day
Tramore: Mass at 8.30am & 11am
Carbally: 11.30am

Thursday 26th St Stephen’s Day
Tramore: Mass 10am

Sacred Heart Church Dunhill &
Church of the Immaculate Conception Fenor

Saturday 14th December:
Fenor: Mass of Reconciliation at 6pm Vigil.

Sunday 15th December:
Dunhill: Mass of Reconciliation at 9.30am.

Tuesday 24th December: Christmas Eve
Dunhill Masses: 7.30pm Vigil

Wednesday 25th December: Christmas Day
Fenor: Mass at 10am

 

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.

 

Advent Prayer

This is Advent, the season of expectation. In homes throughout the land Christmas cards have arrived and stand displayed on mantelpiece and windowsill. Festive trees are adorned with tinsel and baubles, and children wonder what gifts will lie beneath them this year. Two thousand years ago a people waited expectantly as they listened to a prophet called John talk of one who was to come, the Promised One of God, and they began to prepare themselves for that moment.
Father God, your servant John the Baptist came with a challenging message; calling for repentance and lives to be transformed. Those who heard were filled with expectation, waiting for Messiah, and yet ultimately failing to notice his arrival in that humble stable.
This Advent season, may we be filled with expectation, as we celebrate the greatest gift of all; your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

 

SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL TRAMORE

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 on Sunday next 15th December.
We thank you in advance for your generosity as always.

 

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)

Parish Office Opening Hours For Next Week

Mon – Thursday 9.30am – 1pm & Friday 9.30am-3.30pm

Mass booking
The Mass book for March 2025 will is open at the Parish Office on Monday 2nd Dec at 9.30am. Phone bookings taken after 10am

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

 

The Parish Office Shop

In the Parish Office, we stock a selection of religious items:
Rosaries, Medals, Prayer Cards, Baptismal Candles, Devotional Candles,
Books for adults & children
Mass Cards & Mass Bouquets for all intentions: Get Well, Birthdays, Special Occasions

Christmas Stock now in!

Christmas Cards and Christmas Mass Bouquets, Church Art Calendars, Children’s Christmas Books.
Please drop in and have a browse. All Welcome.

 

 

POPES INTENTION FOR DECEMBER

For Pilgrims of Hope
Pope Francis requests this month’s prayers “so that this Jubilee strengthens us in faith, helps us recognize Christ risen in our lives, and transforms us into pilgrims of Christian hope.

 

LECTIO DIVINA (WITH THE APOSTLES OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS):

September to December 2024, mid-January to mid-June 2025.

A time of reading and reflecting on the Sunday Gospel, followed by a cuppa. 2 options: Tuesdays 2.30-4pm at St John’s Pastoral Centre, John’s Hill, Waterford or Thursdays 7.30-9pm at Sacred Heart Convent, Cedar Lodge, Newtown Road, Waterford. Queries? Ring / text Sr Kathryn 087 4042784

 

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION in in the Diocese:

Spend time in the True Presence of Jesus. For a list of locations and times for Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese check out www.waterfordlismore.ie/eucharistic-adoration

A huge thank you to all who attended the 3pm Rosary at the Marian Park Grotto throughout the month of October.
The holy sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

 

ST ANTHONY’S NOVENA

ST ANTHONY’S NOVENA Waterford Novena and Blessing with the Relic of St. Anthony will be held on Tuesdays in the Cathedral after 10.30am Mass

Home of the Mother Formation Evenings for Adults
Every Tuesday at 7:00 pm, in St. Saviour’s Church, Bridge Street, Waterford City led by the Servant Priests and Brothers and Servant Sisters. Adoration at 6.30pm.
Each week we will reflect and chat about different topics that will help us deepen our knowledge of the Catholic faith and live our Christian lives to the full!
All are welcome.

 

RADIO MARIA IRELAND

RADIO MARIA IRELAND Christmas Fundraiser! On Friday 13th December in the The Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Doors open at 5:30pm followed by a four-course meal, live music, information about Radio Maria including its mission, vision and how it can help support the faithful in Ireland today. Why not come along and enjoy a great night and help a charity! To book your ticket (€70 per person) go to Eventbrite.ie or to book over the phone or for more information, call the studio on 01 4 123456 or online on www.radiomaria.ie
Radio Maria Ireland is available on digital television via Saorview channel 210, website www.radiomaria.ie, or on the App ‘Radio Maria Ireland’, via Alexa, Facebook and Google and, for those without digital connectivity via landline phone broadcast on 01 437 3277.

RECENT DEATHS:

Please remember those who died recently Margaret (Ita) O’Reilly (Former sacristan in Fenor) Kathleen Maher (Former sacristan in Carbally)

We remember the months mind for Nicky Hayes , Bridie Prenter

We pray for Frank & Mary O’Mara, Stella & William Piper, Joseph & Babe Walsh, Josie & Nellie Kiely, John & Elsie Power, Jim Corbett whose  anniversaries occur about 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.

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 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, 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 from 9am to 4 pm Monday -Thursday & 3.30pm on Friday. 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