What in this weeks newsletter?
- Reflections for the 3rd Sunday in Lent
- Prayers for the season of Lent
- Faith At Home
- Recent deaths and anniversaries in our parish
- Mass Booking Update
Holy Cross Church Mass Times
Because of the re-imposition of the government restrictions, there will be no public masses in any of our churches until further notice.
The only exceptions are funerals and weddings, where there is only limited congregation allowed.
Masses will be streamed from Holy Cross church each week day at 10.00am, Sundays and Holy days at 10.30am.
Visit the parish website www.tramoreparish.ie Click on “Live Stream” on the homepage when the services are on.
For anyone who does not have access to online services:
Tramore Parish Radio Services are broadcast From Holy Cross Church, Tramore at 10.am from Monday to Sat and 10.30am on Sunday on your radio 105.4FM
The Church will be open for private prayer on Mon to Sat: 11.00am-4pm (except Thurs 11.00am -5pm) EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Sunday: 11.30am-4pm.
Stations of the Cross via live stream from Holy Cross Church on Friday mornings after 10.00am Mass during Lent
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PRIEST ON DUTY
086-6004384
Faith @ Home is a new resource for parishes that is designed to help parents and families reflect on the upcoming
Sunday readings. Every week families will be invited to Hear, Pray and Talk about the Word of God together in their homes with prompts and guidance. You may wish to make it available on your parish website and social media platforms. You are encouraged to to sign up for this resource by emailing faithathome@waterfordlismore.ie or to view go to visit www.waterfordlismore.ie the 20th edition of Faith @ Home for Mar 7th
Trócaire 2021
“Here are my hands, hold them. Please don’t leave South Sudan alone. We need your prayers. We need your support. We need your love.” Fr. James Oyet Latansio, South Sudan Council of Churches.
Trócaire boxes are available in the church porches.
Please take home a Trócaire box for Lent and give it a prominent place somewhere in the home
DO YOU WANT TO FAST THIS LENT?
IN THE WORDS OF POPE FRANCIS
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and trust in God.
Fast from complaints, contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from word; be silent and listen.
The Parish Office
The Parish office is closed to the public due to Government Covid 19 restrictions but you may ring the office between 9.30 am-4pm Monday Wed, Thurs. Tuesday 9.30am-1pm. & Friday 9.30am-3.30pm for any inquiries.
Contact : 051-386477
Mass Bookings Update
Due to government restrictions the Mass books for April to Aug were not opened as per normal six months in advance.
Mass booking for April and May is now open
Booking will take place by phone: 051-386477
(Mass Booking for June and July & Aug will not open for the moment. Date will be confirmed later).
New Donate Facility
In response to a number of enquiries from our parishioners, we now have an online donate facility on our parish website, 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.
Recent Deaths
Please remember those who died recently, Kitty Bird, Teresa Gallagher, Dermot Blount, Helen Costello, Johnny Rogan
We remember the months mind for Josephine Kearney
We pray for Kitty & Eddie McGrath, John Lodge Jnr, Joan McGrath, Margo Bolger, Tommy Flanagan, Peggy Hutchinson, Dan Cantwell, Antoinette Kavanagh, Joan O’Neill & Family, Margaret Murphy (Special Remembrance) whose anniversaries occur about this time.
Reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Lent
A Question of Authority It is tough at times to figure out who has authority on certain issues. There are ‘experts’ everywhere, telling us how we should eat, exercise, manage our finances… the list goes on. Something that has struck me during the current pandemic is how hard it can be to know who to believe. We hear from doctors and virologists, politicians and economists, and their opinions don’t always align. It can take us a while to trust the voices we hear in the media.
The Temple scene in today’s gospel sparks a debate about Jesus’ authority. While he certainly cuts an authoritative figure as he drives out the stall-holders and money-changers, he is immediately questioned. The Jews demand a sign to explain his provocative words and actions, as if to say ‘Who do you think you are?’ It is interesting to note that in John’s Gospel, this scene takes place at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry (unlike the Synoptic Gospels where it comes towards the end). This would explain the disbelief of the witnesses.
In calling the Temple ‘my Father’s house’ Jesus identifies the source of his authority. But his interrogators do not understand, nor do his disciples, though we are told it later makes sense to them after the resurrection. This scene offers more than an angry Jesus and a clueless audience. It is a public revelation of Jesus’ identity and authority, as the one in whom God’s presence dwells. It also emphasises the radical new way of living that Jesus has come to bring about. As we journey through Lent, we ask ourselves where the message of Jesus has become obstructed in our lives, and how we might open our hearts again to his presence and guidance.
‘I invite all Christians, everywhere, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them… The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realise that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms.’ (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium)
Tríona Doherty