Local Notes: Parish refurbishment, summer camps and more from St Paul's Parish in Waterford city
Johnny, Ella and Sarisa, at St. Paul's Community College 6th Year Graduation Evening. Photo: Joe Evans
Quote of the Week: “Community is first of all a quality of the heart. It grows from spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves but for one another” - Henri J. Nouwen
The Soul Song Community Gospel Choir presented a cheque to Monsignor Pat Fitzgerald for €1,000 towards the refurbishment of the parish meeting rooms recently. The choir have also made donations to the Barrett’s Town Foundation, as well as helping a sick member of the community with a contribution towards the cost of their pilgrimage to Lourdes.
The choir raise money through various raffles and a bingo night and would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported them throughout the year. The choir practice on Thursday nights between 7 and 8.30pm in the St Paul's Parish meeting rooms - new members are always welcome.
Butlerstown Cemetery Mass 2025 takes place on Thursday, July 10, at 7pm. Already the graveyard is looking well with beautiful flowers and the Grotto and surrounding area is bright with colour from flowers and shrubs. A lovely occasion to remember our loved ones who have passed on.
Meanwhile, Lisnakill Cemetery Mass takes place on Thursday, July 31.
We’re recruiting and have multiple vacancies for household survey interviewers in Waterford. Permanent and temporary positions available. If you’re good with people, opportunity has knocked on your door! The Central Statistics Office frequently hire temporary and permanent household survey interviewers with an average of 25.15 hours per week. This role is designed for individuals who can work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, to best reach survey participants. Applications are now being accepted. To apply email: competitions@cso.ie Closing date: 3pm on Wednesday, July 16.
Pathfinders St. Paul’s is with Larchville Lisduggan Resident’s Association and were delighted to present Gus on behalf of the Resident’s Association with a Superhero Award. These superhero awards were presented to those who make a difference in our community. Laughter and pure joy is evident in Francis Court when Pathfinders visit. Well done!
St. Paul’s Parish/Frank Leahy Annual 5 Mile Run were delighted to make a sizable financial presentation to Patsy Halloran of Naomh Pol/St. Paul’s GAA Club. The club are great supporters of our annual event. The presentation was made by John Hearne, Ger Hearne and Jason Murphy. These funds will go towards developing our teams, especially the junior club members, keeping our youth healthy and fit. A great addition to our community!
A pupil of St. Paul’s Community College Jack Caulfield has been signed by Mission Darts. He is seen as an emerging Irish talent. The 15-year-old from Waterford is the first player from the Republic of Ireland to join the Mission Academy, having caught the eye with some impressive performances on home soil during the last 18 months. “The Jackhammer” currently sits in second place in the JDC Volts Series 1 Irish rankings, winning six titles in events held in Kilkenny and Carlow, whilst the teenager has also made his mark in the senior ranks finishing fifth in the ADC Vault 11 Ireland rankings. He is in the running to represent Ireland in the forthcoming competitions. Well done Jack!
Join us at Oaklands Fishing Lake, Wexford for two introduction to fishing sessions on July 17 and August 7 from 11am-1pm. Cost of each session €22.14. Oaklands Lake is near O’Brien Transport Newbawn Ltd on the R733. This is an initiative of Waterford Sports Partnership. There is also Fishing for Men over 55 on August 7 cost €22.14. To book email: eventbrite.ie/e/fishing-for-wellbeing-for-men-tickets.
To the family, friends and neighbours of Michael Waters, Cherrymount, Waterford, formerly Lismore Park, Waterford. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Ellen, brother Chris and sisters Bridget and Eileen. Loving husband of Esther and much-loved father of Paul, Derek, Kevin and Niall. Will be sadly missed by his brother Frankie, sisters Betty and Bernie and Chris, daughters-in-law Carmel, Lisa, Kristie and Amy, grandchildren Dayna, Lucy, Claire, Jake, Adam, Dylan, Sarah and Ben, great grandson Luka, his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. May Michael Rest in Peace. After reposing in Tom Hennessy’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 17, Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday, June 18, followed by burial in St. Otteran’s Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh.
Great excitement in Little Einsteins for their Graduation Class. As we say goodbye to Holly, Elijah, Elsie, Ruain, Mella, Finn, Patrick, Charlotte, Annabelle, Billy, Eimear-Lily and Lily we wish you all the happiness in the next chapter of your life, we will miss you loads but know you will have the best time in Big School.
Before the term ended the children all enjoyed their school tour to the Copper Coast Mini Farm. Always the best day ever! We celebrated our last day of preschool with a tea party where the children made some home bakes and brought them to school to share with their friends. There were lots of wonderful cakes and bakes enjoyed by everyone. Enjoy the summer break! See you all soon!
Art Connects is at Broad Street Bar & Grill where Kaitlyn presented Jane Kavanagh with the Brothers of Charity Superhero in the Community Award. Jane was chosen because from day one, Jane has always welcomed us with a friendly face, full of enthusiasm, dignity and respect. We also noticed how important Jane is to the elderly customers. Jane makes everyone welcome. Jane went above and beyond to support us in our Autism lunch and now is supporting Kaitlyn in her working role. Well done Jane.
Little Einsteins, Butlerstown will be running a Summer Camp for Pre-School children and welcome those aged three to six years. Activities include arts and crafts, outdoor games, drawing and painting, water play, baking and much more. The dates available are: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: July 8-10; July15-17; July 22-24; July 29. The cost is €15 per morning. To book your child’s place please text: 087 6285333.
The aim of the Laochas – The Warrior Soul Project is to support and educate children experiencing mental health issues. There are some places left at the summer camp if your young person is looking for something with fun, games, music, art and more importantly making friends.
The Neuro Warriors for young people aged nine to 14 takes place at the Quakers Meeting House, Newtown, Waterford from July 14-17 at 10-11am each day, cost €65. To book email: eventbrite.ie/e/neuro-warriors-9-14-years-tickets.
Will you walk with us in September? The 2025 Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, proudly supported by Aviva, is more than just a walk, it’s a powerful gathering of people united in support, remembrance, and hope. While you walk to honour special moments and loved ones, you’ll also help build new memories as part of a nationwide event. Why walk? Because 64,000 people living with Dementia in Ireland need your support! For further information call 01 2073833 or email memorywalk.ie
Congratulations to Laura and Jason Conway, Butlerstown, on your 30th Wedding Anniversary. Two wonderful people! Enjoy your holidays!
The bereavement support group provides a safe space for family members who have experienced the death of a loved one because of problem substance use or related issues. The group is facilitated by two trained psychotherapists and will include respite and other opportunties that may be relevant. This is a free service specific to the South East Support Network. Commencing on Tuesday, August 26, from 10.30am to 12.00pm, and will continue for 8 weeks at the Millennium Building, Church Road, Lisduggan. For further information email: info@serfsn or phone Riona 086 6045805/Catherine 083 0162069.
Applications are invited for the position of church sacristan in St. Joseph and St. Benildus Church, Newtown, Waterford. Essential duties include the preparation of the church for Mass and other liturgical services, the ordering of church requisites, maintaining order in the sacristry, the opening and closing of the church and liaising with other church personnel. This is a part-time position and may suit someone who has recently retired. Applications with full CV can be emailed to the Parish Priest, Fr. Liam Power at parishofficejbm@gmail.com or they can be posted to Fr. Liam Power P.P., St. Joseph and St. Benildus, Newtown Rd., Waterford.
For primary school-aged boys and girls. €40 per child (€25 for each additional child in family). Team games, drama, music, action songs, arts and crafts, Prayer.
Joy of Faith Camp, Dungarvan: July 7-10: Contact Shauna 087 137 8364.
Good News Summer Faith Camp, Tramore July 7-10: Contact Pam 086 0726232; Olivia 086 3438467.
St. Declan’s Summer Faith Camp, Ardmore: July 21-24: Contact Margaret 024 94363.
Waterford has been officially named Ireland’s Cleanest City for 2025, a well deserved recognition of the hard work and community spirit shown across the city. Special thanks must go to the Larchville/Lisduggan Resident’s Association and their volunteers, which included My Youth Group, Pathfinders St. Paul’s, St. Francis Court Residents and many other local groups. Their commitment makes a real and visible difference in our community. This award is a testament to what can be achieved when we all take pride in our local environment. The trees and flowers that have been planted in the different areas make our community one of beauty and peace.
If you have any notes for this column please contact nualacolfer33@yahoo.co.uk or marian.murphy@hotmail.com before Thursday each week.
