Local Notes: Easter services, Include Us All forum and a special celebration

Events and happenings from around the St Pauls area
Local Notes: Easter services, Include Us All forum and a special celebration

Details of Easter mass services announced for the St Paul's area of Waterford City

Quote of the Week:

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair: We are an Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song.” Pope John Paul 11    

Easter Services for St Paul’s and Butlerstown    

Holy Thursday, April 2

Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of Most Holy Trinity - 11am. 

Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper in both St Paul’s and Butlerstown-7.30am.
Prayer before the Altar of Repose in Butlerstown Church 8:30pm -9:30pm.    

Prayer before the Altar of Repose in St. Paul’s Parish- 9- 10pm.

Good Friday, April 3   

Stations of the Cross for families in St. Paul’s Churches-12pm.

Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion in both St. Paul’s and Butlerstown-3pm.

Stations of the Cross in both St Paul’s and Butlerstown 7:30pm.

Holy Saturday, April 4  

Confessions in St. Paul’s Church-11am – 1pm

 The Easter Vigil shared by St. Paul’s & Butlerstown in St. Paul’s Church-9pm    

Easter Sunday, April 5   

Dawn Mass at the Grotto, Butlerstown Church-6am.

 Mass in St. Paul’s  10am-Mass in Butlerstown- 8:30am

Mass in St. Paul’s 11:30am.

Easter Week April 6-10   

Mass each morning in St. Paul’s at 10:30am, except on Thursday.    

Friday, April 10-Mass in Butlerstown at 10am.      

The Jubilee Clock   

 “This clock will stand as a witness to the hours we’ve shared, the laughter, the labour, and the legacy of fifty years”.    

After months of planning and fundraising, you will have noticed that things are moving ahead at a pace with The Jubilee Clock. 

Serious foundation works have been underway in the past couple of weeks, including transplanting of trees, removal of top soil (about fifteen loads), excavation and pouring of concrete base, preparation for new paving, and electrical supply.

Work on the clock itself is well advanced. Every detail is receiving great attention and the project should be largely complete by the end of April.  

Our fundraising is ongoing, and we are grateful for so much generous support. 

We continue to reach out to the wider community, to those who wish to be associated with this unique landmark. 

Every contribution is appreciated, great or small.  We promised at the beginning of this process that the financial burden of this project would not fall on the parish. 

We are holding to this commitment.  

If you would like to donate to our GoFundMe Page, please scan the QR Code, which is around the church and which is also on our website – https://stpaulsbutlerstown.ie.

Please bring this to the attention of your nearest and dearest at home or away.    

Young Pilgrims Appeal Pope John Paul 11 Award Participants    

The young people participating in the John Paul 11 Award are assisting at Mass in our parish on a weekly basis: reading, welcoming at church, handing out Mass leaflets, and singing in the choir, etc. 

Next weekend, March 28 and 29, these young people, who are planning pilgrimages to Mediugorje and Lourdes, will appeal for our support. 

They will take up offerings after Mass to defray some of their costs. 

All help appreciated.  Donations can be given to them in the Church Porch next weekend, Saturday 28, after 6pm Mass and Sunday 29, after 11:30am Mass. 

At this time, you can give them any petitions/prayer intentions which they will bring with them on your behalf. Petitions/prayer intentions can also be handed into the Sacristy, or parish office, over the coming weeks.    

Taize Good Friday Vigil for Peace

We invite you to join us on for a Vigil for Peace led by the The Island of Ireland Peace Choir at Edmund Rice Chapel, Barrack St, Waterford, on Good Friday, April 3, from 8pm to 9:15pm.

Come and find a time of peace, meditation, readings with the beautiful chants of Taize by The Island of Ireland Peace Choir. 

To raise your spirits and to be in tune with our Easter Message of Hope and Love. 

All are welcome!    

Message for Distributors  Easter Deliveries    

St. Paul’s Area: We would be grateful for your help with the Easter delivery in your usual areas if you are available.    

Butlerstown Churches  Envelopes can be collected from the Parish Office on Monday, March 23.  

Thank you!    

Butlerstown Dawn Mass Easter Sunday    

On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate Mass at 6am at the Grotto of Our Lady in Butlerstown, which is at the top of the graveyard. 

Weather permitting, it will be held outdoors! 

A wonderful occasion last year – celebrated and well attended, with music adding to the occasion. 

Volunteers would be very welcome to help with the set-up. 

Many thanks! 

Did I hear a rumour there may be special treats afterwards? Sausage Blaas, teas and coffee would certainly go down a treat after the early morning start!

The community is coming together to celebrate the Hope and Love of Easter!    

Waterford City and County Council    

Waterford City & Council is proud to support Daffodil Day by lighting up buildings across Waterford in yellow. 

We are standing with everyone affected by cancer and raising awareness in our community. 

Daffodil Day is a symbol of hope, strength and support for patients, families and healthcare teams across Ireland.    

Presentation Secondary School    

Proof that a school hall can, in fact, become the savannah! 

Huge thanks to our teachers, sponsors, parents and guardians for the support, patience and behind the scenes wizardry. 

Our students had the best time performing The Lion King Junior – stars were born, confidence has grown, and we couldn’t be more proud!  

Cyber-SecuriTEA Workshop TY Digital Leaders had a delightful morning facilitating an internet safety session with the St Paul’s parishioners at their weekly coffee morning after Mass. 

This was their final event as part of the Microsoft Dream Space Ambassador Programme. 

Thanks to Fr. Pat, Maura and Jane for helping us organise this event and to all the parishioners for participating so enthusiastically.    

Butlerstown    

The official launch of a series of landmark Safe Routes to School projects across County Waterford was launched by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Seamus Ryan and John Cummins TD. – which will provide safe, sustainable and healthy transport options to school communities. 

As part of the Safe Routes to School Programme E3000,000 was provided by the Government in 2025 to allow Waterford City and County Council to progress a traffic calming scheme at the school. 

The funding also catered for the upgrade of an existing pedestrian crossing at the school. 

Today is more than just an event to mark the completion of physical works carried out both in Butlerstown and in Kilmacthomas. 

It’s about acknowledging how these projects will positively impact both communities for years to come. 

John Cummins also looks forward to the continued delivery of new and expanded Safe Routes to School projects across the county in future.    

Come and See Day    

A special day to explore the priesthood: talks, time for private prayer, answering your questions, and discerning a vocation. 

The venue is the Pallottine Centre, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, E41A271 on Saturday, April 11, 11am – 4.30pm. 

Booking through National Vocations Office. 

For more information contact: carol.king@vocations.ie.    

Include Us All Forum    

Autism Friendly Waterford, in partnership with the Waterford Disability Network, is delighted to announce the upcoming Include Us All Community Awareness and Inclusion Forum, which will take place on Saturday, April 18, at the Granville Hotel, Waterford, from 2pm to 6pm. 

This community event aims to bring together organisations, groups and individuals who support people with disabilities across Waterford and the surrounding areas. 

The forum will provide an opportunity to celebrate inclusion, strengthen community connections, and share valuable information about supports, services, and initiatives available locally. 

The event will feature guest speakers Cara Darmondy, a well-known teen activist and disability advocate, and Michelle Cullinane, National Volunteer Award Winner. 

The forum will be hosted by Lynda Lawton, Operations Officer at Waterford Chamber, who will serve as MC for the event. 

In addition, Autism Friendly Waterford’s Young Ambassadors will share their perspectives and experiences, offering valuable insight into the importance of inclusive communities. Free to attend – just pop by! For further information, please contact: AutismFriendlyWaterford@gmail.com.      

Our Special Celebration    

St. Paul’s Parish celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, led by St. Paul’s Scouts.  

The Bowl of Shamrock was presented by Heather Dunne, the First Reading was by Scout Leader Pat O’Connor and the Second Reading was by Susan O’Neill, Beaver Leader. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Scouts: Sinead O’Dwyer, Harry Griffin, Fiadh O’Connor Burke, Daire Breathnach, Caithlin Ready and Liam Power. 

Elodie Howard and Aidan Freeman presented the Offertory Gifts. 

The Colour Party included Scouts Jake Tubbritt, Oscar Butler, Alannah Davy, Jack Davy, Theo Hannigan, Shane Rooney and Jack Allen. Fr. Pat greatly appreciated their participation, as did the whole congregation. 

The altar and church were beautifully decorated for this special Mass. 

A truly uplifting occasion for all, and especially for those attending online and on the radio. 

Fr Pat remembered them especially and wished everyone a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day.    

St Paul’s Community College    

Ceiliuradh seachtaine lan le gniomhaiochtai spraiula Gaelige. Bi na buaiteorie na gncomortas uile. Comoras Poc Fada, Trath na gCeist agus Tomhais “Buille faoi thuairim an Mhuinteora (riddles guess the teacher) agus comortas postear.  

A fantastic day for St.Paul’s at the Munster Badminton Competition in UL recently/ Our U14 boys, Alex, Michal, Fareed, Even and Harshit – were outstanding, going undefeated in all 18 games across singles and doubles against teams from Cork, Limerick and Kerry to take gold!

A brilliant effort from our senior boys team (Sudais, Elijah, Nathan and Toby), who narrowly lost out in the final on a countback after a great run through the competition. 

Our senior girls also performed very well, losing to the eventual winners on a close scoreline in all games.

A tremendous day for St Paul’s in their first Munster Badminton Competition.  

On our no uniform day in aid of the Solas Centre, our second year English students also showed kindness by posting personal letters to family and friends all around the world. 

Let’s see how long they take to reach their destination. 

The College was delighted to present the money raised by our non-uniform day to Solas Support Centre in support of Mr O’Brien as he prepares to abseil from The Hogan Stand in Croke Park to raise money and awareness for Solas Cancer Support Centre.  

Congratulations to the 1st year soccer boys who had a fantastic win against Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore. The game finished 1 – 1 after extra time. 

St Paul’s won on penalties 4 0 3! 

Thanks to the students, coaches, backroom team and management of Mr Dunne and Mr Bonfil for their time and efforts. 

This team have now progressed to the quarter finals, where they will play Middleton CBS.  

Big win for St Paul’s Community College! Our beginners team topped a field of 19 at the WWETB JCSP Chess Finals. 

Our Intermediate team drew with Creagh College in the finals. 

Very proud of all our players!    

St Paul’s Football Club    

This Wednesday sees our 1A side travel to Carrick UTD AFC. Kick off at 7pm. 

After defeat on opening day, the lads will hopefully go and take home the three points, but it won’t be easy. 

Good luck to players and coaches. 

C’mon out and Support The Parish.            

How to Run a Clothes Swap    

Ever thought about running a clothes swap in your community? 

Join Change Clothes for a practical, hands-on workshop in Centra Library, Lady Lane, Waterford on Friday, April 17 and learn exactly how to make it happen. 

Get step-by-step guidance on planning your swap. 

Learn how to manage donations and leftover clothes. 

Learn how to run a clothes swap in your community, from start to finish. 

Choose the session that suits you: a 2-hour workshop at 10am – a full, in-depth guide. 

Or a one-hour workshop at 2.30pm – a quick, practical introduction. 

Booking is essential: 10am workshop: www.eventbrite.ie.e/how-to-run-a-clothes-swap-tickets-19847762094?aff+oddtdcreator. 2:30pm workshop: www.eventbrite.ie/e/how-to-run-a-clothes-swap-1-hour-workshop-kets-1984782840906?aff+oddtdcreator.    

Waterford City and County Council    

Waterford City and County Council is proud to light up landmark buildings across Waterford in red in support of Wear Red Day and Anti-Racism month: Today, we stand together to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and reaffirm our commitment to a community where everyone feels welcome and valued.    

Date for Your Diary    

Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12. 

Ceremonies commence in St Paul’s at 1:30pm with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation 2pm to 3pm. Mass at 3pm.    

Butlerstown Camogie Club    

Congratulations to Sophie White Langford and Emily Godkin, who are representing Waterford in the Minor Camogie All-Ireland Qualifier against Clare at De La Salle Field, Gracedieu, Waterford on Sunday, March 22. 

Throw in 2pm. 

Best of luck, all!    

Official Opening of Glass Work    

From Crystal to Cutting Edge Waterford’s E43m Glassworks opens its Doors. 

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was in Waterford today for the highly anticipated opening of Glassworks, the E43m enterprise block on the former Waterford Crystal manufacturing site. 

In attendance were Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber and Rebeccs Skedd, Membership Services & Events Executive at Waterford Chamber. 

The 80,000sq/ft Glassworks Building One is Ireland’s first co-located university enterprise quarter and is expected to eventually house 800 employees. 

The opening of the new Glassworks block comes almost two decades after the closure of the landmark Waterford Crystal manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Waterford City. 

The Glassworks campus aims to take inspiration from successful models such as the University of Nottingham’s Innovation Park and the Cortex Innovation District in St. Louis, Missouri. 

The first commercial building has been developed by a joint venture formed between the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF and Frisby, the Waterford-based developers and is expected to be more than 50% let by next month.

There were a number of key figures at the event, including Ministeer John Cummins, Sarah Hickey, Senior Investment Director, ISIF, Noel Frisby Snr., Noel Frisby Jnr, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Minsiter Mary Butler, and Waterford City and County Mayor Cllr Seamus Ryan. 

Waterford Chamber looks forward to welcoming everyone to Glassworks at our Business After Hours event on April 30, which is already sold out. (Waterford Chamber).    

Waterford FC    

On Saturday, Jason Healy & Sean Keane from our Men’s First Team paid a visit to Mr Price in Waterford City to take part in their spinathon to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.    

Youth 2000 Retreat Day for Teens    

Residential Retreat Day for ages 16 – 35, CBS Secondary School, Midleton, Co. Cork. April 17 - 19. 

Donation only. 

All information: www.youth2000.ie.

Millennium Community Youth Programme    

We have spaces in our Friday cooking and baking programme. Ages 11-13 years. 

Fridays from 4:30 pm – 6pm in the Millennium Youth Centre, Church Road, Lisduggan. 

Please reach out if you have any young people interested in joining. Contact Ciara: 086 609 31 40.    

Waterford Suir Valley Railway    

Easter is fast approaching, and at WSVR, we are getting ready to welcome the Easter Bunny. 

Visit any day from Friday, April 3, to Monday, April 6, to meet the Easter Bunny, do a treasure hunt to receive a lovely prize, enjoy a 40-minute train trip on Ireland’s longest narrow gauge railway through the Suir Valley. Book online: https://www.wsvrrailway.ie/event/easterbunny. or call Kilmeaden Station 051 – 384 058 to reserve your compartment.    

Just a Reminder    

For those of you who are unable to attend our Churches due to ill health or any other reason. 

All our services are live-streamed and broadcast from St. Paul’s and Butlerstown Parishes. Live Stream from St Paul’s: https://www.men.live/Camera/st-paul-s.  Live Streaming from Butlerstown: https://www.men.live/Camera/butlerstown.  

You can also read our latest Newsletter at the above links.  

Radio: Mass from St. Paul’s Church on the Radio at 107.9FM.  

Church Opening for Private Prayer  St. Paul’s Church: Weekdays 11am – 1pm  Butlerstown Church: Daily 12pm to 4pm. 

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