Archbishop Mark’s Pastoral Letter to be read on Feast of the Holy Family, 28/29th December, 2024

The National Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse takes place every year on the Fifth Tuesday of Easter. In 2026, the day is marked on Tuesday, May 5th . Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10). The theme for this year’s Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse looks at the scourge of domestic abuse which causes pain and fear that prevent its victims from living the life Jesus came to bring. Immediately before the much-loved part of this verse from the Gospel of John, we hear Jesus’s words: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” This is how abuse feels to those who experience it – their dignity and value as a unique child of God is stripped away and destroyed. The physical danger domestic abuse presents to life is clear. A woman is murdered by a partner or ex-partner every five days in the UK. Between three and 10 women die by suicide each week due to domestic abuse. Abusers can also perpetrate spiritual and coercive abuse, disrupting their victims’ relationships with God and the Church. This can lead victims – adults and children – to feel guilt and shame that push them away from the support that the Church has to offer. At its best, the Church can – and should – be a safe haven where support is available for victims and survivors so that they can live life without fear and begin to experience the life in abundance Jesus came to bring. This hope is what we pray for this year.

Rest in Peace Please pray for those who have died recently especially Jean Brad, aunt of our parishioner Jodie Callaghan, who died on Wednesday.  Please also pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Bishop Mark Jabalé OBE, Canon Francis O’Donnell, Father David Crowley, Father Eric Wastall, Emily Wells, Jessie Carton, Margaret Panayi, Bernard Griffiths, Mary Reynolds, Mervyn Cole, Salvatore Cushieri, Joseph St. Cassan, Teresa Gillard, Terence Full, Pauline McKendrick, Brian Crothers, Gregory Hoyle, Neil Deacy, Harriet Worthington, Mary Brown, Phillis Corrigan, Anne Print, Mary Fegan, Richard McCarthy, Henry Ball, Ann Haynes, Dennis Griffiths, John Thomas, Christine Weekley, Bnenislava Pruul, Frederick Jonker, May Kerman, Alan McLean, Mary Newman, Evelyn Williams, Catherine Barry, Michael Burrows, John Daly, Bernadette Delaney, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Bridget Wynne-Farrell.

Archbishop Mark has written a pastoral letter, inviting all unmarried men who feel God may be calling them to the priesthood to take a first step in discernment. He invites every unmarried man who is open to this call to join him for Evening Prayer at St David's Cathedral, Cardiff, on Sunday, May 31st at 3:30pm , followed by an opportunity to meet with the Archbishop and others exploring the same vocation. To register your interest, please email: vocations@cardiffmenevia.org

The children of the parish will be making their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 10th at the 10am Mass. Please keep these young people in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament for the first time. The children’s names are Clara, Finn, Luca, Mafalda, Max, Oliver and Rodrigo. Please also pray for Rudy, from our parish, who will be making his First Communion with his class at Christ the King.

Baptism Preparation Course The next Baptism Preparation Course takes place at St. Teilo’s Parish Hall on Monday, May 11th and completes on Monday, May 18th at 7pm. Both sessions will last around an hour. All those who wish to have their child baptised need to attend the course before the Baptism. For further information and to book a place, please contact Cathy and Mel on catherinehopkins45@gmail.com

The annual Welsh National Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan, led by Rt. Rev. Peter Brignall – Bishop of Wrexham, takes place on Sunday, May 17th from 1.30pm to 5.45pm. The event begins at 1.30pm with confessions, at 2.30pm the Rosary Procession takes place. At 3.00pm The Celebration of Mass and at 5.15pm Benediction & Blessing of the Sick. For further information, please contact Canon Pius Augustine by email at cardigan@cardiffmenevia.org or by phone on 01239 612615

On Saturday, May 30th there will be a Pilgrimage for young people in Years 8 to 13 to Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan - The Welsh National Shrine of Our Lady. There will be transport available. If you are interested in attending and want to book a place please email: youth@cardiffmenevia.org or ring 029 2037 9490.

Congratulations to Canon John on his appointment as Provost of the Chapter of Canons Archbishop Mark, having consulted with the Cathedral Chapter, has invited Canon John to become the new Provost of the Chapter of Canons, replacing Canon John Kelly who has reached the age of 75. Please pray for Canon John as he takes on this new responsibility in addition to his existing roles in the Parish and Archdiocese.  Canon will be ‘sworn in’ as Provost at an event in June (date to be confirmed), when three priests of the Archdiocese will be installed as Canons to replace the three Canons who have recently reached 75. The Canons-Elect are Fr. Michael Doyle, Fr. Tim McGrath and Fr. Cyril Thadathil. Please also keep these priests in your prayers.

The Parish Rosary Prayer Group meets on the last Thursday of each month at 2.00pm in Ty Mair, 19 Heol y Waun CF14 1LB at the junction of Heol Gabriel and College Road. The group members have intercessory prayer, read and discuss the following Sunday's Gospel, pray the Rosary, pray the 3 o'clock prayer and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and have a cuppa! The next meeting takes place on this Thursday, April 30th . All are welcome to attend.