Christmas Octave
Webmaster • December 19, 2025
The joy that fills the Church at the birth of Jesus is celebrated throughout the Christmas season. The Church, as a continuation of the Christmas Feast, celebrates the Octave of Christmas, that is, the eight days between Christmas and New Year’s Day as a special celebration, with each day celebrated with prayer based on the Angels’ message to the Shepherds, the Gloria.
Unlike our society, which seems to see December 25th as the end of the Christmas season, for us, December 25th is the beginning of Christmastime. These days between Christmas and New Year see many people taking leave, which is a great opportunity to spend more time with the Lord and come to a Christmas Octave Mass. During this week, we will celebrate the feasts of St. Stephen on the 26th , St. John the Apostle on the 27th and the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph next Sunday. This all culminates in the celebration of Mary, the Mother of God, on New Year’s Day.
The Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference takes place from August 10th to 14th in Solihull. Centred on the theme “Return. Receive. Rejoice.”, the conference offers five days of worship, teaching, healing and renewal in the Holy Spirit. Speakers include Deacon Larry and Andi Oney, Terry Quinn, and Ros Powell, with Bishop Timothy Menezes celebrating the Opening Mass and Fr. Eamonn Corduff leading the Healing Service and Closing Mass. All are invited to join this Spirit-filled gathering for inspiration, deeper faith and renewal. This fiveday gathering is more than a conference - it is an opportunity to: Experience vibrant, Spirit-led worship; Receive life-giving teaching rooted in Scripture; Encounter God’s healing and renewal; Deepen your faith and relationship with the Holy Spirit and Be inspired and equipped for mission Join Catholics from across the UK and beyond for a truly Spirit-filled event that will renew hearts, strengthen faith, and ignite purpose. For more information or to book a place at the conference please visit: https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/Event/birmingham-catholic-charismaticrenewal-conference-2026
The Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia produces a free monthly newsletter, bringing you news, events, and reflections from across our Catholic community - as well as a foreword from within our religious community and links to talks and videos to nourish your faith. Signing up is free and takes just a moment by visiting: https://rcadc.org/newsletter
The Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality at the Carmelite Priory, Oxford to mark the 300th anniversary of the canonisation of Saint John of the Cross and the 100th anniversary of his proclamation as Doctor of the Church, is offering a two day Spirituality summit on the theme of “Contemplative Creativity and Human Flourishing” on July 10th and 11th. The event can be attended in person at the Carmelite Priory, Chilswell Lane, Boars Hill, Oxford or online. We not come and join thirteen international speakers, including Cardinal Anders Arborelius OCD, Dr. Susan Muto, and Fr. Iain Matthew OCD, for a two-day exploration of how contemplative wisdom can renew creativity and restore the human spirit. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.carmelite.uk.net/spirituality-summit-2026%20(1).html
One of our parishioners, along with a group of likeminded people, has begun to provide food for the young, and not so young, men and women who are homeless and live on the streets of Cardiff City Centre. To support this work the team are in need of food supplies and clothing. Boxer shorts (around 32”) and socks are in great demand. There is also a need for hats, gloves and jackets. Those concerned are also in need of jeans or trousers (also 32” waists). Please note that the young people are medium size at most. Please do not donate large clothes items. Pre-used items are welcome. Sleeping bags and haversacks are also very welcome. The team also needs Energy Drinks, supplement drinks (like Ensure, Complan, and Fortisip), fizzy drinks, chocolate bars, crisps, sweets and cakes. If you are able to help by donating any of these items, please drop them at the back of either Church.
Canon John’s swearing in as the new Provost of the Chapter and the installation of Canons-elect Tim McGrath, Cyril Thadathil and Michael Doyle will take place on Wednesday, June 10th at 11:00am in St. David’s Cathedral, Cardiff. All are welcome to join the celebration of the Capitular Mass (Chapter Mass) by Canon John in the presence of the Archbishop and the rest of the Chapter of Canons.
The annual Summer Camp for Young People (School years 9 to 13) is taking place between August, 5th to 9th at St. David's Bunk Barns, St. David’s Pembrokeshire. The cost is £300 with travel and meals included. The deadline for registration and payment is June 8th. To register or for more information email Fr. Matt at youth@cardiffmenevia.org
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.
WeBelieve - Festival of Catholic Life The WeBelieve Festival brings the Church together in England and Wales. It is an unmissable opportunity to discover the traditions and charisms that flow through the Church, to experience the joy of community, and to encounter personally the Lord Jesus, our salvation. Speakers include Archbishop John Wilson and priests and religious from various orders and congregations. The Festival takes place at St. Mary’s College, Oscott, Birmingham from Friday, July 24th to Monday, July 27th . If you are interested in attending, you can find more information and book tickets at https://www.webelievefestival.com/
We will have coffee and tea in the St. Pope John Paul II Chapel at Our Lady of Lourdes after the Mass on Wednesday. If you are at Mass on that day, please stay behind and spend some time socialising and sharing with our fellow parishioners.
Each Tuesday evening, the parish has an hour of silent Adoration at St. Teilo’s from 7pm to 8pm. The primary intention for the period of Adoration is vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Feel free to come for all or part of the hour to pray for the Church in its need for faithful ministers to continue the Mission of Jesus.