|
From the Dean…………….
Ordination:
It seems like just a few months ago we were gearing up for the ordination of three deacons. Now a year later all three have been admitted to the priesthood following a memorable service in the Cathedral on Trinity Sunday. The preacher, the Very Rev Paul Draper, Dean of Lismore, through the use of comic strip stories spoke of the role and responsibilities of a priest in the church of God. The Bishop in his inimitable style conducted the whole proceedings, and it was a wonderful sight when all the clergy came forward to lay hands on the new priests at the moment of ordination.
My thanks to all who worked so hard to make it a day to remember - to those who supplied the refreshments after the service, to those who decorated the cathedral so beautifully, to the choir for all their hard work and to all those who in so many ways added to the sense of the occasion. Now that Rev. Ruth is able to celebrate the Eucharist on her own, it will make the rota of services more manageable.
Thank You:
This is perhaps a good opportunity to say a large Thank You to John Galloway, our Diocesan Lay Reader, who so often makes himself available to help out the clergy in ensuring that services are maintained in all parts of the Group. In his own quite way, he conducts services and is a great asset to the clergy team.
Confirmation:
The week prior to the Ordination, the Bishop was again with us, this time for the confirmation of nine of our young people, very appropriately on the Feast of Pentecost. As well as the liturgical colour of the day being red, the Bishop had requested that everyone would wear something red on the day to tie in with his address.
The first part of the confirmation was special for one of the candidates, as Stefan Watts was to be baptised as well. Reminding the candidates of their own baptisms they also were sprinkled with water from the font. We also congratulate Jason Melbourne who was confirmed a few weeks earlier in Kilkenny
Vestries Etc:
Since the last edition of Spires all three Easter Vestries were held in their respective parishes, but due to the low turn out, none of the vestries were able to fill their quota of 12 members. Since then, by co-option some of these places have been filled. As part of the Diocesan reorganisation of parishes from groups to unions, we have been informed by the Diocesan Council that as from Easter 2012 we will be the Waterford Union of Parishes with just one Select Vestry comprising members of all of the four parishes. Waterford and Kilkenny have been granted permission to set up Cathedral Boards to run the more non-parochial side of their dealings. The Cathedral Board will be a sub-committee of the vestry and will report to it. The new Select Vestry in 2012 will consist of two church-wardens from each church (8) plus two glebe-wardens for each glebe (4) plus 20 members for a period of 7 years. After the 7 years the 20 will be reduced to the more normal 12 plus wardens. Nearly all the other groups in the Dioceses are becoming unions in 2011. Some have gone ahead and become unions already.
Finance:
One feature that is causing concern to all of our vestries is the state of our finances across the four parishes. While much necessary work is being done on repair and maintenance to all of the church buildings, this does put a severe drain our financial resources. We must be careful not to lose sight of the normal day to day costs of maintaining ministry in the Group. In these present economic times it is difficult to meet all of our financial needs, with job losses, pay cuts and shorter hours widespread, and it does fall on those who fortunately might be more financially secure, to support those who are temporarily in a weaker state. I would urge all parishoners to look at their level of giving and where possible hold the line, but for those who are able, to increase their giving to help keep the parish afloat.
Fund-raising:
Over the next few months there will be a variety of fund-raising events for all parts of the Group.
Dunmore East has already held a Table Quiz in the Ocean Hotel and they raised over €300 on the night. The next event they have planned is the now annual Pimms Party in the home of Gena and Netta Cobden. This takes place on Thursday 22nd July from 6.00 p.m. This is a very relaxed, social event and deserves support. The Dunmore East Sale of Work takes place in the Church on Thursday 5th August from 10.30 a.m. All contributions will be gratefully accepted.
The Season of Compline Services commences on Sunday 11th July and will continue until Sunday 22nd August.
Tramore/Annestown is having a garden walk at the home of Myrtle Hanley, Dunmore East on Saturday 26th June in aid of their building fund. Then on Sunday 4th July after the 11.30 a.m. service in Tramore the parish are having a barbecue.
With Annestown Church having been completed last Autumn, work has now started on Christ Church Tramore, with the external walls being re-pointed and some of the drains being dug up and cleared out. It is hoped that this will cure the damp problem in the church.
Cathedral:
The Cathedral opened for tourists and visitors just after Easter. With the opening of the new Waterford Crystal works across the road on the Mall, we should see an increase in tourists. Despite losing an Arts Council grant, we have been able (so far) to keep up the wonderful programme of concerts and events that Lynn Cahill organises. If we had more volunteers we could save on some of the expenses, thus ensuring a longer concert season. If you can help in any way please phone either Susan or Lynn at 858958.
With all major restoration work on hold for the moment, the Cathedral Board has revamped itself to make it more manageable. There are now four separate sub committees with each having responsibility for certain aspects of forward development. The four areas are Finance, Maintenance, Tourism and Concerts.
Exams:
June as always is the time when our young people are facing State exams and college exams. We wish them all the best as they face the pressures of these few weeks. May their work during the year bear fruit now.
From the Registers:
We welcomed Daniel Connor into the fellowship of Christ’s Church in St. Andrew’s Church Dunmore East. He is the son of Damien and Sarah Louise.
We welcomed Stefan Watts into the fellowship of Christ’s Church during the service of Confirmation in the Cathedral. He is the son of Martin and Bernie.
James Coffey and Macey Marini were married in St. Andrew’s Church Dunmore East in late April. James is the son of Zoe Coffey and grand son of Honor Ballantine. We wish them God’s blessing as they start out their married life together.
Terry Crosbie and Carmel were married in Carbally Church on Friday 21st May. The Dean assisted Monsg. Shine at the service. We wish them God’s blessing in the years ahead.
Sadly we said goodbye to Jean Horgan of Passage East who died in the last week of April. The service took place in the Cathedral and she was laid to rest in Crooke Cemetery.
Tramore lost a valued parishoner with the passing of Bertha Turner after an operation in Cork. She was buried alongside her husband in Tramore following service in Christ Church. To her daughters Dianne and Susan we offer deepest sympathy.
Christ Church Cathedral Annual Sponsored Cycle
This year the cycle is a bit later than usual. It is due to take place on Sunday 13th June at 2.15 p.m. The start is at the New Ross end of the old New Ross to Waterford Road as previously. Mrs.Hazel Hemmingway will have sponsor sheets to give out at Sunday Club and Christ Church National School for children that would like to take part. Adults can get sponsor sheets from Richard de Courcy. R. deC.
BOYS BRIGADE
Another year over for Boys Brigade Waterford. We got up to loads these past weeks with our normal games and some extras which included: a visit from Dave’s Jungle, Drumming session in the Park and went on an Amazing Treasure Hunt at Rocket’s Castle. Thanks to all the parents, boys and leaders who gave of their time this year and hoping to see you all again next year.
We would like to send our sincere thanks to both Oliver and his dad Ben Thomas who are leaving us this year they will be missed by all and we wish them a successful new beginning.
Remember we will re-open late September 2010.
Yours sincerely,
Roger Mulligan
Email: rmulligan1@eircom.net Tel: 086-3569493
Check out Boys Brigade Website@ www.boysbrigade.ie
Girls’ Brigade
We have had another busy year in the 33rd Company, finishing with our Parents’ Night on Thursday 29th April. We were delighted to see so many of the girls’ families there. The Explorers performed a drama piece telling the story of the Good Samaritan, and a humorous sketch about the importance of reading signs correctly! The Juniors had learned about Australia and GB in Australia, and they sang two Australian songs – John Brown’s Holden, and Waltzing Matilda. The projects the girls had done on Australia were on display in the hall, along with the decorated bags and shoes which were our entries in the national art and craft competitions this year. Five girls were presented with special Highly Commended certificates for their bag which was decorated to represent the hymn All things bright and beautiful – well done to Julie, Erika, Alex, Lauren and Katie. New members of the company were presented with a special GB spoon, and the girls also got their attendance awards and badges on the night.
GB has almost finished now for this session. Our summer tour this year is on Saturday 12th June, we will be meeting at school at 9.00 a.m. and returning at 2.30 p.m. We are going to Workhouse Studios in Kilmacthomas, home of one of Ireland’s newest craft groups, where we will get a chance to see the jewellery, glass and pottery that the artists are working on, and then get our hands dirty as we try out some of the crafts for ourselves.
Again thank you to everyone who has helped this year to make GB so much fun. If there are any other mums out there who would like to get involved in helping, please contact Miss Coulter in Christ Church NS.
Sonja Coulter, Captain
From the Curate
The end of May brought a big event to Waterford Cathedral, when Christine, Ivan and I were ordained priest. It was a very special occasion for each one of us, reaching the point that we had been striving for over many years. For us it was a day of looking back at our unique journeys and of looking forward to all the new adventures that lie ahead as we take up this form of ministry within the Church of God.
The Sunday arrived with excitement and a few nerves, and to be honest it flew by in a blur! So the retreat we had had with the bishop was a good grounding in reminding us of the serious nature of what was asked of us, and so it was not lost in all the joy and excitement! In the service itself the scrum of priests laying hands on was only topped by the extremely loud AMEN that came at the end of the ordination prayer from everyone in the cathedral.
As the bishop said at the service each of us had picked a hymn – if you haven’t guessed yet, my choice was ‘O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder’- unfortunately it was the collection hymn and a nod from Dean Trevor to receive all the plates meant I didn’t get to enjoy it to the full but I did get back to sing the last refrain which is ‘Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee, How Great thou art’, which I hope will be the refrain during the rest of my ministry.
I want to say thank-you to everyone who made the day so special – to all supplied food, served tea, decorated with flowers, sang and all the other jobs that brought it all together – to Pippa, Susan and Dean Trevor who were my presenters – and finally a HUGE BIG THANK-YOU to those who supported me by their presence and by their prayer, it was greatly appreciated. It will be a day I remember forever!
Cathedral Sunday Club
"The Sunday Club Summer Party will be in St Olaf’s Hall during the 10 o'clock service on Sunday 20th June, with fun games for all Juniors and Senior members. (Any offers of help welcomed!) After the service we plan to go to Kennedy Park and join in the Christchurch School picnic to get the summer off to a great start! This will be the last time the Sunday Club meets this year and will begin again in the new school year in September. To all our members have a great summer from Colin, Tanya, Hazel, Sarah, Ruth and Georgi.
The Sunday Club meets during every 10 o'clock service during term time except the 4th Sunday in each month when Family Service is held. The Club is open to all children of school going age and is run by volunteer leaders. If you would like to help out at Sunday Club or are interested in becoming a leader please contact one of the leaders after church or call Georgi on 0861712994."
News from Tramore and Annestown
If you have driven past Tramore church recently you may have noticed scaffolding on one side. Work began on re-pointing work on one wall in an attempt to deal with the damp problems that the building suffers from. In the process further issues have come to light and that will require further investigation and work. Discoveries relating to an old boilerhouse and damaged waterpipes have revealed what seem to be major causes of damp over decades, and so rectifying them is vital. This all means further expense, so there will be a series of fundraising events over the coming months. There are currently two events planned – a Garden Walk on Saturday 26th June, and also Tea at the Rectory on Tuesday 20th July. So please come along and give your support.
Tramore also had the loss of a loyal member of the parish when Bertha Turner passed away at the end of April. Bertha was a great lady who had many aspects to her life over the years and continued to be as sharp as a tack and full of life. There are many memories and stories that each of us have about her, and she will be deeply missed by family, friends and the parish.
To finish with some good news we were thrilled to have two young people confirmed this year – Jason Melbourne was confirmed in Kilkenny and Stefan Watts in Waterford. We hope that this will be a special moment in their walk with God that they will remember in the years to come.
Cathedral Choir
We are now winding down following a hectic schedule and are looking forward to a little break from Thursday evening practice until September. We will still sing at Sunday morning service throughout the summer.
Over the past twelve months we have had the ordination to the diaconate of Christine who is a past and valued member of the choir and Ruth who when she has time joins us in the alto section. Their ordination along with Ivan Dungan was for us an honor and a privilege to be a little part of it. We wish them Gods blessing and good wishes.
We commenced recording of music written for Christ Church Cathedral,Waterford by Dr Eric Sweeney and Eric DeCourcy who was organist for many years here in the Cathedral. We also have some great pieces written by Deans of the past namely Leslie Stevenson and Mervin Williams. This task took longer than expected. We look forward to the 'end result' and hopefully a CD will be available in the not too distant future.
Apart from the confirmations, the Boys and Girls Brigade enrolment service, Christmas and Easter ceremonies we sang in Cashel Cathedral for the Bi-Centennial of Archbishop Charles Agar in July last. Then in March of 2010 we 'went on tour with Eric Sweeney's 'Hymn to Gaia' having had the first performance in Christ Church.
All in all it has been a very busy year and a big thanks is in order to all my fellow choir members for their time and dedication. - Dermot
SAINT ANDREWS CHURCH
We all thank Sidney Shaw, Glebe Warden for his continued work towards the restoration of the church. We are delighted to receive a Conservation Grant of €15,310 towards the roof/wall fund. Our Roof Appeal Diary: Pimms Party Thursday 22 July from 5.30pm at the Cobden’s garden, Circular Road. Table Quiz at W.H. Sailing Club on Thursday 29 July at 8pm. Coffee Morning/Bring and Buy on Thursday 5 August, 10.30am at St Andrews Church. There will be a Bring and Buy and teas on Saturday 14 August at Myrtle Hanley’s garden Kildare Lodge, Kilmacleague. From 2.00 p.m. - Gena Cobden
W.O.W.
“The final ‘Women Of Waterford’ group meeting was a meal at Chez K’s in May and a great time was had by all . This years activities included theatre trips, a trip to Anna’s Closet and a Party games night! Good Luck to the new committee Liz Fitzmaurice, Ruth Culbert and Sarah Davin. The group will begin again in September. Check the pew sheet for details or contact one of the new committee members. “
CHRIST CHURCH N.S.
The sun is shining on a lovely June evening as I write these notes and try to remember all the happenings for the last few months.
We send heartiest congratulations to Kristin Knoph, our fifth and sixth class teacher, who got married on 16 April to Mike Culloty. We wish them every happiness in their lives together.
Congratulations to the Lanigan family on the birth of Robyn, the O’Shea family on the birth of Lucy, the Scott family on the birth of Olivia and the Thompson family on the birth of Fred.
We send our sympathies to Miss Butler on the death of her grandfather and to the Smith family on the death of William’s mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad and lonely time.
It was very nice to be able to bring all the children to the Cathedral on Ascension Thursday where we joined the parishioners for the morning service. Afterwards the children enjoyed looking at the Texaco Children’s Art.
We send our best wishes and prayers to Rev Ruth and to Rev Christine, who were ordained to the priesthood. Congratulations and best wishes too, to the children who were confirmed - Claire, Kevin and Sophie.
The Diocesan Children’s Choral Festival will take place in the Cathedral on Friday 11th June at 11.30 am. Children, teachers and clergy from schools across the diocese will be joining us. All parents and friends of the school are invited to attend the service and the giant picnic in the school afterwards.
The garden in school is beautiful at the moment. The sensory garden at the front of the school is taking shape and the wild flower garden will be at its best shortly. The organic vegetable plots at the back of the school are doing well, and we harvested and tasted the radishes recently. Our sincere thanks to Holger who has worked so hard to make our garden grow.
The playground is now finished and looking magnificent. The children are so pleased with the new play equipment and enjoy their break times immensely.
Thank you to the Board of Management for all their hard work in the refurbishment of the school.
The PTA have been very active this year organising family-friendly activities. We thank them for their involvement in the school, and their positive input. At the end of April, parents, children and dogs had a walk to Portally Cove along the coastal path in Dunmore East, followed by a lovely picnic on the beach, and swimming for some! Over €1200 was raised to buy library books for school. To finish off the year, a family picnic is planned for Sunday 20 June in Kennedy Park.
The whole school had a very special visit to Mount Congreve in May. The children ate their picnics in the beautiful walled garden in the sunshine. Thank you to Ben and Oenone Thomas for organising this memorable day for the children. After lunch, we went to Annestown for some beach –combing and sandcastle-building.
Our thanks to Marcel Wagenaar and Shirley Moore for coaching the children in hockey again this year. The teachers have noticed a marked improvement in the children’s standards from last year!
We will be holding our annual Sports for All Fun Day near the end of term. Once again, the children will take part in their colour teams, and fun, teamwork and co-operation will be the focus.
The swimming gala for 1st to 4th class took place on 17 May. This year, the focus of the gala was on showing the children’s progress in swimming and aquatics, and the emphasis was on teamwork and progression rather than competition. The gala for Infants, 5th and 6th classes will follow a similar format.
Hurling has continued, with the younger children having the opportunity to play this term.
Some of the older children represented the school as Dubai in the Schools Tag Rugby World Cup. They had a wonderful time, and did us proud. Thanks to David and Louis from Waterford City Rugby who coached all the children.
Teams from the school have competed in 5-aside and 7-a-side soccer this term. We qualified for the County finals in both competitions. Thanks to all the teachers and SNAs who accompanied them to the various matches, to the parents who supported them, especially the Davins who drove the team to Cappoquin.
Most of the children took part in the Waterford City Schools Athletics in the RSC. Well done to all who took part, those that won medals and congratulations to Jessica and Cameron who qualified for the County Finals.
The junior children have enjoyed a module of drama with Conor Halpin.
We have just held a very successful Book Fair in school. We sold over €1,000 worth of books and get half of that back in books for the school library. Thanks to all who supported it so generously.
We have a new school website: www.christchurchns.scoilnet.ie/blog
Thank you to Ms Walsh for setting up and maintaining the website.
5th and 6th class with Ms Knoph worked very hard to earn our 4th green flag. This is a huge honour for our school and we will be celebrating on 15th June when Michael Kelly of Grow It Yourself (GIY)and journalist in the Irish Times will raise our new flag. All parents and friends of the school are warmly invited.
We will be having an end of term service in Christ Church Cathedral on Friday 25th June. This will be organised by sixth class as they finish their primary school education and move on to secondary school. We say goodbye to Anthony, August, Bevin, Caoilinn, Claire, Daryl, John C., John J.,Kevin, Martha and Sophie. We hope that you enjoyed your time with us and we wish you well as and move on to secondary school.
We wish all our pupils, parents and teachers a very safe and relaxing Summer. H.H.
Strawberry Fair and Coffee Morning
Wednesday 16th June at Jack Meades Pub 10.30 – 12
Bick a brac, cake stall, book stall, plants.
Adm €5 includes strawberries & cream
Please support
Friendship Group
Summer lunch
At
Haven Hotel, Dunmore East
On
24th June at 12.30
Approx €16 Names, and transport, if needed, to the Dean
Services for May 2010
2nd May 8.45 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
Easter 5 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer, Annestown J. Galloway
11.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Dunmore East The Dean
11.30 a.m. Family Service, Tramore Rev. West
5th May 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
Wed
7th May 10.45 a.m. Healer Prayer Service, Tramore Rev. West
9th May 8.45 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
Easter 6 10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer, Cathedral Rev. West
10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Annestown The Dean
11.30 a.m. Morning Prayer, Dunmore East Rev. West
11.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Tramore The Dean
Thursday 13th May
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
(Ascension No Wednesday Service)
16th May 8.45 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer, Annestown Rev. West
11.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Dunmore East The Dean
11.30 a.m. Morning Prayer, Tramore Rev. West
19th May 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
23rd May 8.45 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
Pentecost 10.00 a.m. * No Service Cathedral *
10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Annestown The Dean
11.30 a.m. Family Service, Dunmore East Rev. West
11.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Tramore The Dean
3.30 p.m. Confirmation, Cathedral The Bishop
26th May 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
30th May 8.45 a.m. Holy Communion, Cathedral The Dean
10.00 a.m. * No Service Cathedral *
10.00 a.m. Holy Communion, Annestown Rev. Crowley
11.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Dunmore East The Dean
11.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Tramore ` Rev. Crowley
4.00 p.m. Ordination, the Cathedral The Bishop
From the Dean …………
After one of the longest and coldest winters in over forty years, the weather is slowly turning more benign and as the evenings lengthen, we all start to look forward in hope to the spring and summer months.
As we look forward, we do so in the knowledge, despite all the hardships of the winter, we have come through and can now start to plan events for the late spring and early summer.
After the break in at the Cathedral last July at last all the work of repair and cleaning up is finally at an end and the building is now back to its best and is ready to open for the forth coming tourist season. This promises to be an interesting season with the opening of the New Waterford Crystal factory on the Mall in the old E.S.B. offices. It is the hope of the City Council to run organised tours in the Crystal and through the Viking Quarter, via Reginalds Tower, Greyfriars, the undercroft and the Cathedral. Then next year, the Bishops Palace will be open as a museum and all this will increase the footfall in the general area.
Now that the major work on the Cathedral is complete for the time being, present economic conditions being as they are, the Foundation Committee which has headed up all the work since the 90’s is being disbanded and four new groups are being set up to carry on the plans of future development. The Cathedral Parish owes a great debt of gratitude to Edward McBride, Norman Pearson and all the committee members over the years. Through their dedication and hard work, work which began in the Dean Ben Neill era is now almost complete. The way forward for the Cathedral will now be overseen by four working groups which will report to the Cathedral Select Vestry on progress made. These four groups will deal with tourism, concerts, maintenance and finance. Despite all this work and development we must not loose sight of the fact that the cathedral is, and always will be, primarily a place of worship.
The Cathedral will open for tourists in Easter week and will remain open until October. Our concerts, thanks to the efforts of Lynn Cahill have continued, despite loosing €15,000 Arts Council Funding. Thankfully, Waterford City Council has responded and increased their grant from €3,000 to €10,000. The Concerts and Tourism are two areas of fundraising that should benefit from the increase in numbers visiting the city. But, as always, we do need volunteers to help at concerts and to assist in the Cathedral shop. If you can help, please contact Susan or Lynn at the Cathedral 051 – 858958.
Confirmation will take place in the Cathedral on May 23rd at 3.30 p.m. Classes are now well on their way and my thanks to Mr. Keith Lemon and Newtown School for permission to use one of their classrooms. Please remember Claire Beardsley, Killian Daunt, Kevin Deverall, Dylan Henry, Nigel Kennington, Sophie Lee, Bill Mittman, Sylvia Warren and Stefan Watts as they prepare for this forward step in their Christian journey.
May will be a busy time in the life of the Cathedral as on the following Sunday, 30th May at 4 p.m. the ordination to the Priesthood of Rev. Ruth West, Rev. Dr. Christine O’Dowd Smyth and Rev. Ivan Dungan will take place. The preacher at that service will be the new Dean of Lismore, Very Revd. Paul Draper, who is also, the Diocesan Director of Ordinands.
April is the time for the Annual General Vestry meeting (or the Easter Vestry). This is when a new Select Vestry is elected for the coming year to carry out the traditional remit of a vestry, i.e. to look after the 3 F’s – Finance, Furniture and Fabric of the respective parishes. Sadly these meetings which are for all members of the Group, are not well attended. Please come along to the Easter Vestry of your part of the Group and show your interest in what is happening within the Parish.
The dates for the three Select Vestries are as follows:
Tramore/Annestown following 11.30 a.m. Service in Tramore Church on Sunday 11th April.
Cathedral Parish on Wednesday 14th April at 8 p.m. in the Cathedral.
Dunmore East Parish on Wednesday 21st April at 8 p.m.
One of the issues exercising the minds of the Vestries is the proposal by Diocesan Council to turn all Groups into Unions. In our case that would mean just one Select Vestry instead of the three currently in operation. The three Select Vestries have appealed against this decision and await a reply from the Diocesan Council.
The Parish received a visit from members of our twinned Diocese, Sodor and Man, in February. This was the first of a series of links to be forged between the two Dioceses. On the day of the visit, the Bishop was at last able to play “O come all ye faithful” on the Cathedral organ as it was out of commission during his organ marathon in September.
The Friendship Group met on Shrove Tuesday in the Deanery and explored some of the facts and fiction about the period of Lent. The inner man was catered for in accordance with the day.
The next meeting of the Group will be on Thursday 15th April when the guest speaker will be Matthew Lester talking about his Easter break spent with Newtown School Transition Year students on a building project in Romania.
The next get together of the “Women of Waterford Group” will be on Tuesday, 20th April – an evening of “Parlour Games” with everyone bringing something to eat. The May event will be a meal out. Further details will be on the pew sheet or from Grainne Duggan or Georgi McGeary
The Cathedral has received a donation of a defibrillator and eight people have been trained in its use. It is hoped that the National School will soon be able to acquire one for their use.
Many thanks to those who organised appropriate gifts which were presented during Mothers Day services.
From the Registers:
The following four little girls were welcomed into the fellowship of Christs Church:
Sadhbh Florence Hilliard, in the Cathedral on St.Valentines Day. Sadhbh is daughter of Barry and Louise.
Angel Maura Kelechukuu in the Cathedral in early March. Angel is the daughter of Bernard and Martina.
Celeste Barnard, on the same Sunday in St. Andrew’s, Dunmore East.
Celeste is the daughter of Hubret and Francois.
Julia Christina Stanley, in the Cathedral, a week later. Julie is daughter of Fintan and Amanda.
Sadly, we lost Robert (Robbie) Jephson in early March. The Service of Reception was based on his beloved Service of Compline, a service he never missed in Dunmore East during the summer season. The large turn out on both days was a fitting tribute to a much loved and respected businessman. His son in law, Roy Willoughby, spoke about Robbie’s life and achievements but shining through it all was his love of family and friends. To his wife Pam, daughter Anne, sons Gerald, Colin and Kevin, and all the extended family, we offer deepest sympathy.
From the Curate………..
News from Annestown and Tramore
With all the extremely cold weather life has been a little quieter in Annestown and Tramore, though there were stories of frozen and burst pipes, lack of water and so forth. The ice and snow did result in rearranging Sunday services, but it did not prevent us from meeting together for worship, especially some hearty singing to warm not only bodies but also our spirits.
The Lent season of the Church’s year provided us with opportunities for reflection and renewal on our own lives. As part of this, a weekly Lenten service was held in Tramore on Friday mornings, with the small prayer room nearly bursting at the seams. We reflected on Old Testament texts that are linked to the passion of Jesus; from the imagery of the Passover, to Isaiah’s suffering servant, to Psalm 22 whose opening verse is the cry of Jesus from the cross. All followed up with a cuppa and a chat.
Easter Celebrations
Some of you know that I have a degree in mathematics, and as such I like patterns, balance and symmetry. In the previous issue I wrote about Lent, this time I want to mention the season of Easter. Lent is a season of preparation and reflection prior to Easter, and is technically 40 days in length (with Sundays not counted). However, Easter Sunday acts as a hinge; it is the opening of the Easter season. This season is a balance to the solemn reflective Lent, as it is a season of celebration and joy. Now, my mathematical brain would love to say there was symmetry, but Easter lasts longer than Lent, at 50 days including the Sundays, taking us up to the celebration of Pentecost. Yet we may learn something from the difference in length. Lent, due to its nature tends to bring focus on to us – our sins and shortcomings, but Easter is all about God and celebrating what Christ did for us through his death and glorious resurrection. While Lent is time for us to sift and confess, to recognise our sin cuts us off from God, Easter is realising that God has already resolved the problem through Christ, and has invited us to be in relationship with him. Lent has a purpose but it is well and truly trumped by what Easter is.
Easter is a joy filled season! So celebrate the 50 days with feasting and praise... so enjoy a few Easter eggs and lift your voice in adoration!
CHRIST CHURCH NATIONAL SCHOOL
It is hard to believe that another term is almost completed; a term that started with extreme weather conditions, much to the delight of some!
We have been very busy on the sporting front. The senior boys took part in a 7 a side football competition for small schools and have qualified for the finals. The senior girls took part in the equivalent competition and were beaten on goal difference. Fifth and sixth classes played in a basketball competition and did very well. The senior classes attended an orienteering competition in Newtown School and the sixth class girls team finished in first place. Thanks to those that coach and to the teachers and assistants for giving of their time so freely.
We welcome Danielle and Naomi to our school and hope that they will be very happy with us.
We congratulate Ms. Hanlon on the birth of Lilly. We welcome Holger as our new gardener and Lisa as the new cleaner. We say goodbye to Sarah who cleaned the school for many years.
We sympathise with the Jephson family on the death of Robbie and with the McKenna family on the death of Jarlath's dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad and lonely time.
Ella, from the City Council, spoke to all the children on the importance of recycling and reusing. She is encouraging us to use less fuel, use the bus and walk to school where practical as we strive to get our fourth green flag.
Third and fourth classes had a workshop on a similar theme and made wonderful insects and birds—all from “rubbish”.
Since Hallowe'en we have had builders on site, working on the drains, roof and in the playground. All the windows were replaced over half term and wonderful new playground equipment was installed during the week. The work was carried out with the minimum of interruption to the school and we are the envy of many as all the work was grant aided.
A coffee morning in aid of Daffodil Day was held on Wednesday 24th. This was a great success and raised €765. Thanks to all who supported and helped in any way.
The following evening we had a beetle drive in aid of a defibrillator. This was a fun evening and €550 was raised. Again thanks to all who supported.
We wish all our pupils, parents and friends a very Happy Easter.
H.H.
Cathedral Choir
The choir have busily engaged in performing 'Hymn to GAIA over the past couple of week-ends in three cities commencing with the premier of this wonderful new work by Eric Sweeney here in Christchurch Cathedral in Waterford on Saturday 13th March to a great reception by those lucky enough to be present.
We were joined by the choirs from Dublin (Lassus Scholars) and Galway (Tribal Chamber Choir) soloists Bridget Knowles (mezzo soprano) and Eoin Power (baritone) narrator Jim Nolan and ensemble.
On Sunday morning we had an early start as we sang at morning prayer before setting out for Dublin
We had our second performance in St Teresa's church, Clarendon Street at 8pm. It is a large church and even though the audience numbers were reasonable it looked smaller in such a large space. It was enjoyed by all despite rumors of a protest by some radical elements who had disrupted a mass earlier in the day as they felt that as 'Hymn to GAIA' was dedicated to a pagan goddess and should not be performed in a R.C church . They were enlightened as to the true meaning of the work, as a result we had a trouble free evening. Feedback from Dublin was very positive.
Galway was our last performance on Saturday last the 20th March. It was a long journey but well worth it
as we were in the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas. (the largest medieval parish church in Ireland) and at present has four churches worshiping under its roof. Because this was the last performance everyone was more relaxed and as a result the performance was the best of the three (in my humble opinion). We were given a great Galway reception and it was wonderful to be able to get to sing with two fine choirs.
We arrived back in Waterford a very tired but fulfilled lot in the early hours of Monday morning.
Best wishes to Eric on the great work and congratulations.
Dermot Murray.
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
Thursday, 15th April, 2.30 p.m. at the Deanery
Matthew Lester
On
His Easter holidays spent working on a building project in Romania.
Requests for lifts to the Dean
Women of Waterford Group
Tuesday 20th April
An evening of “Parlour Games” with everyone bringing something to eat!
| 
