Short Reflection on Lent
Parishioner: Teresa O'Driscoll • February 24, 2023
Thinking about Lent...
We have now entered Lent. But what does “entering Lent” really mean? Pope Benedict XVI explained it this way. “It means we enter a season of special commitment in the spiritual battle to oppose the evil present in the world, in each one of us and around us. It means not off-loading the problem of evil onto others, onto society or onto God but rather recognising one’s own responsibility and assuming it with awareness.”
As practicing Catholics we commonly, throughout Lent, either give something up that is dear to us, or do something extra that is probably difficult. What we choose is personal. Yet, we really do have a responsibility to do something.
You could heed those crucial words of Pope Benedict, making them central to anything else you do for Lent, through the following prayer.
“Dear Lord, reading Pope Benedict’s words starkly show the reality of what is happening on earth. Please guide and strengthen me to identify evil and to fight it. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Parishioner Teresa O’Driscoll, author of Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God
Baptism Preparation Course The next Baptism Preparation Course takes place at St. Teilo’s Hall on Monday, November 19th and completes on Monday, November 26 th 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
This weekend is the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday and Pope Leo in his message for World Mission Day 2026 asks us to be “One in Christ and united in mission”. The Holy Father says: “For World Mission Day 2026, which marks the centenary of a celebration established by Pius XI that is very dear to the Church, I have chosen the theme ‘One in Christ, united in mission’. Following the Jubilee Year, I wish to encourage the whole Church to continue its missionary journey with joy and zeal in the Holy Spirit. This requires hearts united in Christ, reconciled communities and, in everyone, a willingness to cooperate with generosity and trust. As we reflect on being one in Christ and united in mission, let us allow ourselves to be guided and inspired by divine grace, ‘to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation’ and advance together in the commitment to evangelisation, in this ‘new missionary age’ in the history of the Church (Homily, Jubilee of the Missionary World and of Migrants, 5 October 2025).” You can read the full text of Pope Leo’s message here - https://www.vatican.va/content/leoxiv/en/messages/mission/documents/20260125-giornata-missionaria.html If you would like to donate to the work of Missio you can do so via the Red Boxes or by clicking here: https://missio.org.uk/donate/
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults The RCIA programme continues in the Parish Hall at St. Teilo’s on Wednesday evenings at 6pm. Please come along and discover more. Attendance does not commit you to completing the programme but is designed to allow you to reflect on God’s call for you. (The Parish Hall is accessed from the back of the Church building, between the Church and the Priest’s House.)
The Archdiocese, in collaboration with the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio, has established a Catechist Formation Track to help catechists deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith and grow in confidence and skill for their ministry. As part of the Archbishop’s ‘Heart speaks to heart’ initiative current catechists are invited to take part in this valuable opportunity for ongoing formation, spiritual growth, and preparation to accompany others in their journey of faith. The Formation Track is completed at your pace from the comfort of your own home and you will be assigned a formation companion to accompany you on the journey. For information about the programme and enrolment, please contact Canon Michael Doyle or Fr. Bernard Sixtus by emailing CI@cardiffmenevia.com
St. Teilo’s Friends of Divine Mercy Prayer Group meets on Saturday, October 24th at 2.30pm in the Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along to pray for the parish and the intentions of the parishioners.
A day for readers has been arranged for all the parishes in the Deanery at St. David’s College from 10.30 to 12.30 on Saturday, November 16th , led by Rev. Deacon Christian Mahoney All those who read at Mass in the Parish are strongly encouraged to attend. Anyone who would like to read at Mass in the future is also encouraged to attend.
The Cardiff University Catholic Chaplaincy invite all parishioners to a talk by Austin Ivereigh – writer, commentator, journalist, biographer of Pope Francis and participant in the Synod on Synodality (2021-24). The talk is entitled “The Catholic Church in a 'Change of Era': why Popes Francis and Leo are calling for Synodality” and takes place on Thursday, October 22nd at 7.30pm at the University Catholic Chaplaincy, 62 Park Place, Cardiff. To register attendance, please email: universitychaplaincy@cardiffmenevia.org
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 Thursday, October 29th . All are welcome to attend.
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.