The word ‘closure’ is not solely linked to the demise of major employers in Waterford.
One of the most famous retreat centres in the southeast has closed due to a lack of staff to run the facility.
Grace Dieu Manor Retreat and Conference Centre, which is operated by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) on the Tramore Road in Waterford City, closed its doors after 30 years.
Since 1971 the centre has been a place of retreat, a meeting centre and has also hosted small conferences and seminars to groups from across Waterford and the southeast.
Announcing the impending closure the centre's Director Fr Michael Serrage said that the decision was taken following a process of review of all their ministry activities throughout their Province, which serves the work of the catholic Church not just in Ireland and England, but also in countries like Venezuela, South Africa and Russia as well as the southern states of the USA.
He added, “The review process of our ministries in England and Ireland was conducted with independent external assistance. This involved consultation with our members in both countries and was a rigorous and extensive procedure.”
Fr Serrage confirmed that the decision taken was based on a number of factors, the most significant of which was the shortage of personnel to staff the commitments that they had in many different ministries.
“The combination of a shortage of new entrants to our congregation and the aging of our existing membership led to an inevitable recognition that they could no longer serve all the work that they once undertook.”
A special mass to mark its closure was held in the centre earlier this month where the guest preacher was the Provincial of the Sacred Heart Order Fr Joe Magee.
An alternative use for the centre is expected in the coming months although its closure will lead to the immediate loss of eight jobs.