Archbishop's Newsletter October 2024

The Parish Lenten Sessions continue on Wednesday. The theme, based on the theme of the Jubilee Year is: “Hope against Hope” The topic of the fourth session will be: The Prayer of Hope.  The session will remind us that the virtue of hope enables us to desire things that are naturally impossible to us, such as holiness, eternal life and beatitude in God. We hope because God makes these things possible for us to obtain. Why not come along to reflect on the theme of Hope during this Jubilee Year when we are called to be: Pilgrims of Hope?

In 1925 Archbishop Mostyn appointed Canon Thomas Phelan as the first Parish Priest of the Parish of St. Teilo’s, Whitchurch. The Archdiocese had recently purchased the site on which the church now stands. The institution of the new parish was marked on the 4 th April 1925 by Archbishop Mostyn blessing and opening the, then, Parish Hall in St. Margaret’s Road. At 7pm on April 4th 2025 we gather, led by Archbishop Mark O’Toole, to mark the centenary of the establishment of the Parish and the 100 years of faith, prayer, family and community with which we have been blessed. Please make every effort to attend the Centenary Mass to remember those who have gone before us in faith and to pray for those who will take the banner of faith into the future.

Saturday, April 5th, is the first Saturday of April. We will therefore celebrate the First Saturday devotions after the 10am Mass. There will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the devotions and confessions will be available. Why not come along to respond to Our Lady’s call to pray for the whole world?

In the Middle Ages in England and Wales, this antiphon led to the tradition of people returning to their Mother Church on this day, that Church being the church of their baptism or family home, which led to the day being called Mothering Sunday. Even after the Catholic tradition had died out in these islands, servants and other domestic staff were released from service for this day to visit their families. This led to the idea of paying special attention to our own mothers on Mothering Sunday, which is why it is now also known as Mother’s Day.  So, today we will celebrate with all the Mothers, Grandmothers and Carers in the parish. On this day, our parish mothers, grandmothers and carers take this day to give thanks to God for their children, families and friends.

Today is Laetare Sunday. The Latin “laetare” means "to rejoice" - the first word of the Entrance Antiphon for today’s Mass: Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast. In the spirit of joy of this middle Sunday of Lent, today is a day of relaxation from normal Lenten rigours; a day of hope with Easter at last within sight, only three weeks away.  When we face personal challenges or hear of atrocities in Ukraine and elsewhere, we know that in a time of challenge and trial it is not always easy to rejoice, but our faith reminds us that even in the darkest of times the Lord is near. As Lent reminds us, Easter only comes after the pain and agony of the Cross.

Those who would like to volunteer to take part in the liturgy of the Easter Triduum as Readers, Eucharistic Ministers etc. are asked to sign their names on the list at the back of the Church as soon as possible. Volunteers for the washing of feet on Maundy Thursday evening are also asked to sign on the list at the back of the Church.

Heddiw bydd y gymuned Gymraeg yn dathlu Offeren yn Gymraeg am 4.30pm.  Today, we welcome the Welsh language community who will be celebrating Mass in Welsh at 4.30pm. Croeso!

Rest in Peace Please pray for the repose of the soul of Wendy Doxsey and Toinette Butcher who have both died recently. Mrs Doxsey lived in the parish and has been receiving Holy Communion at home in recent times. Toinette attended Mass regularly with her mother Yvonne. Details of their funeral arrangements will be announced once they are confirmed.  Please also pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Canon Paul Chidgey, George Cuddihy, Matilda Hunt, Anastasia Kennedy, Justin Callan, William Thomas, Mary Stamati, Vincent Burgon, Winifrede Mullins, Dorothy Mathieu, Joan Morgan, Joyce O’Connor, Arthur Williams, John Cottrell, David Israel, Thomas Mortimer, Standish Lloyd, Isabella Allen, Dorothy Joyce, Mary Hann, Ellen Gardner, Terence Debono, Daniel Cahill, Catherine Higgins, Anna Doyle, Nathaniel Woodman, Albert Proctor, John Hill, Carolina Wilshin, Mary Murray, Francis Gallagher and Alice Pinches.

The Safeguarding Department have released the 2024 Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia Safeguarding Report. In this year’s report, they highlight key actions taken, including: * The establishment of a dedicated victim-survivor support post * A major reduction in DBS backlogs * The development of policies to promote best practices Looking ahead, the report outlines plans for: * Enhanced safeguarding audits * Improved training for clergy, staff, and volunteers * Stronger collaboration with statutory agencies Click the link below to read the report: