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Home , Cardiff, Cardiff Deanery, Llantarnam Abbey, North Gwent Deanery, Saint Teilo, Vincent Nichols

Newyddiadur Swyddogol Esgobaeth Caerdydd Issue 265 January 2019 Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of

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Reverend What goes round, Father John comes round Owen RIP Page 8 Page 2

Midnight Mass at St David's Cathedral as Archbishop George venerates the Christ Child. Once in Royal David’s City

Once in Royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed Where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child The restaurant behind bars! Where can you eat a lovely meal in a prison, cooked by prisoners and served by them?

See article on page 5. 2 CATHOLIC PEOPLE ARCHBISHOP Reverend Father John Owen R.I.P. GEORGE’S Please pray for the eternal (1990-2005). ENGAGEMENTS repose of Fr. Tudor John Fr John was a Freeman of Alexander Owen who died the Town of , 1968; JANUARY 2019 suddenly on Wednesday Chaplain, Military and 12th December. He was 75 Hospitaller Order of St. years of age and had been Lazarus of Jerusalem. 5th January Epiphany Day Mass, St. David’s Cathedral 17.30pm in residence at Nazareth Liveryman; Welsh Livery Epiphany Day Event, Cornerstone 19.30pm House for just over a year. Guild. He contributed to Fr. John was a native of Epository Times; Western 12th January Priestly Ordination, Alistair Findlay OSB, Belmont Pencoed near . He Mail; Sunday Times; columnist was born on 7th December in the Catholic Herald (1990- Abbey 11.30 am 1944 of Tudor and Grace 93); Catholic Times (1991- Owen and educated at 95). He was a member of the 15th January Meeting of Clergy Welfare Board, PRC 14.30pm Bridgend Boys’ Grammar Education, University Institute of Welsh Affairs; the School. He read Economics at from 1979-85. Welsh Academy; Groucho 16th – 17th January Meeting of Anglican / Catholic Bishops, the School of Whilst preparing the Club, London; Cardiff Athletic Economics. Following documentation relating to the and Rugby Club; Cameo Club 16.00pm graduation, he began a career erection of the new Diocese (Cardiff); Park House Club; the 20th January Mass for Christian Unity, St. Teilo’s Church, in journalism. He worked for of Menevia, Fr. John took up English Speaking Union; The Economist and some residence at Llantarnnam MCC; Vice President Whitchurch 18.30pm other well-known publications. Abbey for one year. In 1986, Crawshay’s Welsh RFC. In He had a keen interest in he was appointed Parish retirement, John retained a 22nd – 23rd January Standing Committee of Bishops Conference, politics and was a political Priest of near close circle of friends and adviser to a number of unions. Bridgend. maintained contact with London 14.00pm Fr. John’s faith had been In the 1990’s Fr. John was former students. nurtured within the Church in appointed Catholic Chaplain Fr John was renowned for 24th January Presentation of Certificates, Leadership in Schools (Anglican) before to (1998- his eccentric characteristics, 2009), remaining in this post Programme, Cornerstone 18.00pm becoming a Catholic in his his capacity to entertain and twenties. A few years after his until his retirement. He was his ability to provoke. As we 28th January Presents BBC Radio 4 Daily Service 09.45am reception into the Church, also Chaplain to the Royal give thanks for his life and John was accepted as a Welsh College of Music and priestly ministry, we entrust Cardiff Catenians Clergy Night, Jury’s Hotel 19.00pm candidate for priestly Drama, (2003-2009); him prayerfully to God’s formation by Archbishop Communication Officer of the mercy. 29th January Meeting of Diocesan Trustees, ABH 14.30pm Murphy. He was sent to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, (1986- May he rest in peace. His Pontifical in 2009); Editor of the Catholic body will be received at 30th January Department of Christian Life and Worship, London , a seminary for ‘late’ People Monthly Newspaper of Nazareth House on Thursday vocations. He was ordained a the Archdiocese of Cardiff, 3rd January at 4.30pm. The 12.30pm priest on the 7th July 1978. Fr. (1997-2014); Editor of the Funeral Mass will be John served as an Assistant Catholic Province of Cardiff: celebrated on Friday 4th Priest in , at St. Wales and Herefordshire January at 12.00pm. The Joseph’s Parish in Swansea Directory and Year Book, preacher will be Canon Peter and St. Joseph’s Parish in Port (1997-2014); National Newby, parish priest of St. PHILLIP TOM & SONS Talbot. Whilst in Swansea he Chaplain of the Newman Margaret on Thames, studied for a Master’s degree. Association of the UK, (1980- Twickenham, and Chaplain at FUNERAL DIRECTORS John lectured in the 84); member of the Council of St. Mary’s University, …a business that cares Department of Adult Churches Together in Wales, Twickenham. Cathedral Christmas Fayre • Owned and operated by a Catholic family with over 25 years experience to understand your needs Thank you to everyone who supported the Cathedral's Christmas Fayre on Sunday November • Chosen Funeral Directors to the Sisters of St Joseph, 25th.It was held in the Jane Hodge Hall at the Abbey for over 25 years Cornerstone directly after Mass. There was a chance to have a cup of tea or an Irish • We are Licenced by the British Institute of Funeral Coffee before browsing the variety of stalls and Directors finishing off with Spiro’s sumptuous three course lunch in the beautifully decorated Dewi Sant Hall upstairs. • Offer free bereavement counselling Of the stalls, the religious items, including some • Golden Charter Prepaid funeral plans available recently blessed by , proved most popular ,and there were plenty of seasonal items for early • Monumental Masonry Service Christmas shopping-specially designed cards, handcrafted items and preserves. Especially eye- • Serving all areas of catching were the Christmas wreaths made with fresh foliage by parishioners Janine Hurley, Elizabeth Mills and Iwona Hikary seen right.

ARCHDIOCESAN DIARY OF EVENTS

BEL – Belmont Abbey – The Retreats Secretary - email: [email protected] or tel: 07799 811 646. All retreats begin with Vespers at 6.00 pm – check-in at Hedley Lodge from mid afternoon LL – Ty Croeso Centre, Llantarnam Abbey, tel: 01633 867317 PRC – Pastoral Resources Centre, 910 , Rumney, Cardiff tel: 029 20360044 St.P – St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street, Cardiff CF24 3BA

JANUARY

Beaconsfield House 12th January Priestly ordination, Alistair Findley OSB, Belmont Abbey 11.30am 155a Commercial Street Newport Road 20th January Mass for Christian Unity St Teilo’s Church, Whitchurch, Cardiff 18.30pm Risca 24th January Presentation of Certificates, Leadership in Schools Programme, Cornerstone 18.00pm NP11 6EY To list Archdiocesan and Deanery Events in this Diary contact: Dr James Campbell-Editor. Archbishop’s 01633 615005 House, 43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HD. Tel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: (029) 2037 9036 Email: [email protected] www.pts-funerals.co.uk Articles to be received by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following month. CATHOLIC PEOPLE 3 St David’s College gives back to the this Christmas Staff and students at Cardiff-based in temporary accommodation. friendship to our brothers and sisters St David’s Catholic Sixth Form Students were introduced to the who are in greater need than us and College, have come together to work of Crisis at Christmas and each to help them materially in whatever Editorial raise over £1,800 for the homeless tutor group was given the challenge of way we can. The generosity of our community in Cardiff. raising as much money as they could students and staff is a clear and With the money raised, St David’s for the charity. strong indication of this faith in action.” has provided 64 people with a place The art department also created a Our Pastoral Director in charge of A multi-talented to go this Christmas. number of poignant installations the initiative said: “I am delighted how Just £28.18 buys someone three across the College to raise awareness the students have been so receptive meals, a bed, a shower, a health of the issue and to encourage staff to Crisis at Christmas. They have been man check and treatment, expert mental and students to contribute to the really creative in their fundraising You can see on the facing page the health and addiction help, advice on cause. activities across all tutor groups, housing and employment, and a way Fundraising activities included bake raising an incredible amount in just obituary to Father John Owen. out of homelessness through sales, sports tournaments, Christmas one week! I am really proud of what education and training. quizzes, busking on the College piano, the staff and students have achieved Yet an obituary does not tell everything During their pastoral tutor sessions ‘guess the biscuit’ blindfold activity to ensure that homelessness is about a man so multi-talented and so for the first two weeks of December, and most dramatically, one student addressed.” steeped not only in the Catholic faith the students looked at homelessness allowed his tutor to shave his head. Founded in 1967, Crisis has helped but in the secular life of Wales. across Cardiff; gathering statistics and Speaking of the activities, St David’s tens of thousands of people out of researching reasons why people Principal, Mark Leighfield said: “We homelessness and has been become homeless. are proud to be raising money for instrumental in the legislative changes You only have to look at his journalistic Figures for Cardiff have risen by just Crisis this Christmas. St David’s is very required to help those in need. contributions as a priest, harking back over 50% from 2016-17, and 74 much a community-oriented college. Based in , St David’s to his early days as a journalist on The people are now registered as sleeping We are inspired by the values of the Catholic Sixth Form College is the only Economist (he read Economics at the rough, though it is likely that this Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Roman Catholic sixth form college London School of Economics) and in number is higher in reality. The and we are committed to serving our operating in Wales currently, helping other publications such as the Western number of people who are homeless community both locally and globally. to nurture successful students through Mail, Sunday Times, Catholic Herald and runs into the thousands as this “It is appropriate especially at this its supportive and stimulating learning includes those sofa surfing and living time of year to extend a hand of environment. Catholic Times.

However, most of us remember him not only for these publications but for his distinguished editorship of this newspaper Catholic People 1997-2014. I was proud and humbled to succeed him as editor and always aspire to meet his high standards and expectations.

He gave great service to Welsh society as well as the Catholic faith. He was chaplain to Cardiff University, a member of the policy think-tank the Institute of Welsh Affairs, Cardiff Athletic and Rugby Club and many other Welsh insitutions.

May he rest in peace. Congratulations

Our Director of Music at St David’s Metropolitan Cathedral Jeffrey Howard, was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List.

Well done Jeff!

Your Catholic People… Catholic Province ‘We have nothing but Editorial Dr James Campbell- Editor. Archbishop’s House, 43 praise for Coles and the Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 of Cardiff, Menevia, 9HD dignity and compassion and Books Tel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: available they showed us and our (029) 2037 9036 Email: Herefordshire from your [email protected] and loved ones. Articles to be received by the Parish ’ 20th of the month for inclusion Includes Priest John, 74, in the following month Diocesan Father, Grandfather Advertising Tel: 0151 709 Accounts 7567 We take care of everything Email and Designed & Produced Mersey so you can concentrate Mirror, Suite 4, Pacific Telephone on what really matters. Chambers, 11-13 Victoria Street, L2 5QQ. Parishes Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 Clergy lists 707 1678 Email: [email protected] Schools Submission of photographs Articles and Please note photographs photographs Cardiff’s award-winning, independent, submitted for publication must family-run funeral homes. Rumney | Birchgrove be in jpeg or pdf format. Those Retreat Centres 029 2079 7516 | colesfuneraldirectors.co.uk in Word format cannot be accepted 4 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Epiphany celebrated in our cathedral

Archbishop George celebrated Epiphany with a Mass at St David's Metropolitan Cathedral and afterwords invited people form all over the diocese who had contributed to the work of the church to a reception in the Cornerstone. Here are some of the photographs taken at the Epiphany Mass.

Archbishop George blesses frankincense sent from the Holy Land and The Archbishop and servers process into the cathedral distributed to the congregation Green Willow Funerals Personalised Funeral Services and Funeral Plans

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www.greenwillowfunerals.com Communion during the epiphany Mass CATHOLIC PEOPLE 5 Archbishop celebrates Christmas Mass in prisons within the Diocese In addition to his duties at St. David’s Cathedral, Cardiff, Archbishop George continued his tradition of visiting the three prisons in the Diocese for the celebration of Mass over Christmas. On Christmas Eve he visited Parc Prison in Bridgend and was welcomed by the prison chaplain, Deacon Tony. He was able to celebrate Mass twice for the various categories of prisoners there. On Christmas morning he visited Cardiff prison with the chaplain Andrew Thomas for Mass at 9am. On New Year’s Eve he celebrated Mass at the prison in . Speaking of this important ministry, Archbishop George said “It is good that whilst we celebrate the birth of the Saviour with joy in our home sand in our churches, it is good to remember those who are separated form their for any reason whatsoever. “Families of prisoners have a particularly difficult time at Christmas, not least because of difficulty of visiting their loved ones.” The Archbishop paid a particular word of gratitude to the staff of the prisons who do great work in the prisons at this difficult yet beautiful time of the year. They too are separated from their families on Christmas Day. Archbishop George: “Remember the who are separated from their families at Christmas”

CYCLE OF PRAYER FOR THE PARISHES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE 2019

BRIDGEND DEANERY Date Sunday/Feast Parish Clergy Other intentions 6. i. 19 The Epiphany Saint Mary, Bridgend, Rev Timothy McGrath Princess of Wales Hospital Our Lady Star of the Sea, Portcawl, Rev Silvio Briffa (Rtrd) HM Prison Parc Saint Joseph of Arimathea, Rev Deacon Dr Philip Manghan Saint Mary’s Primary School Rev Deacon Robert Coyne Archbishop McGrath High School Rev Deacon Anthony Martin

13. i. 19 The Baptism of the Lord Our Lady and Saint Illtyd, Rev Mark Rowles. UWC . with Saint Cadoc, Cowbridge

20. i. 19 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Our Lady and Saint Patrick, , Rev Edmund Neizer. Maesteg Community Hospital Time (C) and Saint Robert of Newminster Glanrhyd Hospital Aberkenfig Maesqwyn Hospital Saint Mary and Saint Patrick Primary School Saint Robert’s Primary School.

CARDIFF DEANERY Date Sunday/Feast Parish Clergy Other intentions 27. i. 19 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Metropolitan Cathedral, Church of Rev Canon Peter Collins The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri in Time Formation The , Nazareth House Saint Cuthbert’s Primary School

3. ii. 19 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Alban-on-the-Moors, Rev Philip Scanlan IC Saint Alban’s Primary School Revd. Michael McCarthy IC

10. ii. 19 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Brigid with Saint Paul, Cyncoed, and Rev Canon Matthew Jones Christ the King Primary School Prisons and Christ the King, Corpus Christi High School Saint David’s Catholic College rehabilitation 17. ii. 19 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Cadoc, Rev Brian Gray Saint Cadoc’s Primary School Saint John’s College Archbishop George, as you can see from the article at the top of this page. visited prisons in the 24. ii. 19 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Francis of Assisi Rev David O’Donnell Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de diocese over the Christmas period. Paul. The article makes the so valid point that prisoners Saint Francis Primary School are separated from their families as this festive period Mary Immaculate High School and, so are prison staff. I know the prison system from a previous post as 3. iii. 19 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Helen, Barry Rev Canon Patrick O’Gorman, VF Saint Helen’s Infant School Head of HM Prison Service Media when based at the Saint Helen’s Junior School. Home Office. And I have to say that some of the press coverage of prison policy is pretty appalling. "Lock 10. iii. 19 1st Sunday of Lent Saint John Lloyd, Trowbridge, Rev Paul Millar The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Annecy them up and throw away the key!" and Blessed Sacrament, Rumney Saint John Lloyd Primary School For example, one national newspaper criticised the Saint Illtyd’s High School plan to put telephones in every prison cell. These phones would have enabled prisoners to talk to their 17. iii. 19 2nd Sunday of Lent Saint Joseph, Rev Justus Okibo IC University Hospital of Wales (Chaplain families and the numbers they could ring would be Bro Brian Butler IC Rev David Prichard) severely restricted and monitored. Keeping this Rev Deacon Mark Howe. Saint Joseph’s Primary School humanitarian line open does help in terms of prisoners not reoffending when they are released. What is 24. iii. 19 3rd Sunday of Lent Saint Joseph, , and Rev Canon Joseph Boardman, VG Marie Curie Holme Tower Hospice happening at the moment is that mobile phones are Saint Mary, Dinas Rev Deacon Elfed Jones. (Chaplain: Canon Boardman) smuggled into prisons which prisoners then can use to Llandough Hosital (Chaplaincy continue criminal activities, including trying to import Coordinator: Judith Braeman) drugs into prisons through the use of drones. Saint Joseph’s Primary School. Stopping mobile phones and providing phone lines Saint Richard Gwyn High School. into cells, with the appropriate precautions and 31. iii. 19 4th Sunday of Lent (Laetare) Saint Mary of the Angels, Canton, Rev Monsignor Canon John Maguire safeguards, is a humane policy, which, as I know from and Holy Family, Fairwater Rev Andrea Bord Saint Mary’s Primary School pilot schemes tried out in prisons, can stop Rev Nicholas Williams Holy Family Primary School reoffending. Rev Deacon Professor Maurice Scanlon Let me give you an example. When I was Assistant Director of the UK Anti-Drugs Unit in the Cabinet 7. iv. 19 5th Sunday of Lent Saint Patrick, Grangetown Rev Canon Saint Patrick’s Primary School Office, pilot schemes run in prisons to rehabilitate drug addicts and to help them recover from their addiction 14. iv. 19 6th Sunday of Lent Saint Peter, Rev Sagi Dominic IC Saint Peter’s Primary School showed a rapid drop in reoffending when prisoners Rev Shinto Kumminiyil IC were released. Bear in mind that without treatment Rev Jim McKnight IC. (Rtrd) while in prison, offenders will simply descend into theft Rev Deacon Michael Randell. and other crimes in order to fund their addiction to drugs such as heroin. 21. iv. 19 Easter Sunday of the The Archdiocese of Cardiff The Most Reverend Archbishop Rehabilitation work in prisons is so important not Resurrection of the Lord only to tackle the problems such as drug addiction, but also to teach prisoners new skills, such as the work 28. iv. 19 2nd Sunday of Eastertide Saint Philip Evans, Spire Hospital. they do in HM Parc, in Bridgend, which Archbishop Saint Philip Evans Primary School George visited over Christmas, helping them, for Saint Bernadette’s Primary School example, to work on furniture construction. Similarly, at The Clink Restaurant, in Cardiff Prison, people are 5. v. 19 3rd Sunday of Eastertide , Whitchurch, with Rev Canon William Isaac taught kitchen skills. Our Lady of Lourdes, Rev Michael Oszczudlowsk Velindre Hospital If you think for one moment that prison is a punishment, solely, without rehabilitation, then all you 12. v. 19 4th Sunday of Eastertide University Chaplaincy Rev Sebastian Jones get is prisoners who come out of jail...and will commit Rev Alexander Gee crimes again. Bro Ambrose Jackson Dr James Campbell, Editor Catholic People 6 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Statement on the Settlement Scheme for EU citizens Archbishop George and all the other bishops in Wales and have supported the right of EU citizens to stay in the UK.

The in England and working groups set up to discuss the Wales stands in solidarity with all Settlement Scheme. We will continue CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ EU citizens who have made their to do so as it is implemented. home here. As the majority are Applying for the scheme CONFERENCE OF themselves Catholic this is a Notwithstanding our concerns about ENGLAND AND WALES special pastoral concern for us. these principles and practicalities, it The Church has experienced first- remains a fact that EU citizens must Dear Brother Bishops, hand the extensive contribution that apply if they are to protect their As you will be aware, Brexit is causing people from across Europe have existing rights and their place in our uncertainty and concern to many EU made to our society. They are an society. citizens living in the UK. Both clergy and integral and valued part of our We therefore ask Catholic parishes, parishes, schools and communities. schools and organisations to bring the laity alike share this uncertainty and We also recognise the evidence that Settlement Scheme to the attention of concern. from Europe has not all who need to avail of it and to be Apart from those who are uncertain undermined opportunities for UK aware of vulnerable people who may about their future, others are inevitably in a citizens, but rather brought face barriers to applying or not realise state of ignorance and unaware that Brexit considerable economic and social that they need to apply. will affect their immigration status. Bishop Paul McAleenan: “Brexit is benefits. In particular we encourage you to In March 2019, the Government is due causing uncertainty in our dioceses”. It is clear that since the 2016 signpost people towards the official to launch a Settlement Scheme. All EU referendum many people living here understand that, especially for people information on the Settlement citizens living in the UK will be required to have faced profound uncertainty and who have contributed to our society Scheme: gov.uk/settled-status-eu- make an application if they wish to remain insecurity about their future. over many years, it may feel unjust citizens-families here after Brexit. However, Irish citizens will Although the reassurances offered and divisive that they are now required And to make use of the various by senior politicians are important, to apply for permission to stay. information resources available: not be required to apply as their rights are people have been given far too little We also expect that some people, gov.uk/government/publications/eu- separately protected. information or binding commitments particularly those who are already settlement-scheme-community- Many parishioners, priests and religious about their right to stay. vulnerable, may face difficulties in leaders-toolkit in our Dioceses will be affected. For some this has been worsened practically accessing the scheme, Finally we urge the whole Catholic Please see the enclosed statement by the appalling rise in hate crime, leaving their immigration status at risk. community to take up Pope Francis’ setting out necessary information. I hope which has left them feeling We strongly oppose the decision to call to welcome, protect, promote and that you will be able to circulate this widely, unwelcome or even threatened in the charge people for securing the rights help to integrate everyone who has including to your Vicar General, Director of country that has become their home. they already have. This is not only made their home here - with particular Education, Vicar for Religious, together with The Settlement Scheme The unprincipled but will also create a concern at present for our European those responsible for social action in the government will soon launch a barrier for larger families or people brothers and sisters. Diocese. Settlement Scheme, offering EU facing financial difficulties. Bishop Paul McAleenan Lead With my prayers and best wishes, citizens living here a legal route to The Bishops’ Conference has made Bishop for Migration and Asylum remain. representations on these issues to Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Yours sincerely, While this is an important step we ministers and through the Home Office England and Wales

Compassionate pupils help homeless Bishop Paul McAleenan Lead Bishop for NATIONAL Migration and Asylum Catholic Bishops’ CELEBRATION OF Conference of England and Wales PRIESTHOOD

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has 2019 MARCH FOR confirmed that there will be a National Celebration of the Priesthood at LIFE UK - Saturday on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday 28th June 2019. 11th May London The Cardinal will preside at the Mass, together with the Bishops of England and Wales, at 12noon. All diocesan priests are The day will start at 9.30am-1.30pm invited to join in this celebration with an indoor festival called honouring the 450th anniversary of the LifeFest19 which takes place in the foundation of Douai College. Connaught Rooms, Covent Garden. You will appreciate that this was an This will comprise of workshops, important moment in the genealogy of children’s activities, education stalls, the diocesan priesthood in England and speakers and prayer. Wales. Everyone will then leave together to Further information will be available in process across the city for keynote speeches outside in the afternoon. due course, but do put the date in your Pictured here, pupils from St Philip Evans Primary School, Cardiff, diary. For more information, please visit: who collected toiletries for the homeless in Cardiff. Well done boys http://www.marchforlife.co.uk and girls! Sharing Best Practice In Catholic Education Fiona Bell of St Teilo’s With Our Lady Of Lourdes Church To collaborate further a site visit to the in Whitchurch visited the London Oratory School earlier School was made. During the course of the day there were in the year to share best practice in Catholic Education. discussions with several departments across the school, As part of a senior leadership course Fiona has focused on including the English and Mathematics Department, and also one of her school’s performance targets which is raising the within her own subject specialism which is History. Of number of 5 A*/A GCSE. In preparation for this she particular interest were the extension classes which were contacted staff at the Brilliant Club (www.brilliantclub) and offered to students as part of developing pupil knowledge of Seren Network (www.gov.wales/seren), agencies which deal the super-curriculum. with students who have the potential to achieve highly. Fiona also valued the pupil voice session which was The Brilliant Club is a charity which sends PhD students organised by the school. A group of Year 12 students who into schools to work with pupils delivering university had achieved very highly at GCSE level discussed the tutorials, and the Seren Network is a strategies which they had found helpful in preparing them for initiative to help raise aspirations among sixth formers, examinations. In addition, Fiona was able to observe English including their choice of university or post-Key Stage 5 and History lessons, which proved valuable as a way of destination. seeing successful strategies in action. CATHOLIC PEOPLE 7 THE SOCIETY OF SAINT GREGORY NEWS IN BRIEF FR. GARETH LEYSHON Fr. Gareth Leyshon will shortly be taking ‘SPRING GATHERING’ up his role with the Sion Community in . In wishing him well for this new This will take place on Initiative. Joanne and Sr. Susan work, we thank him for his dedication and Saturday 18th May (l0am – hope to offer this opportunity to commitment not just to the parish of St. 4:30pm) in Saint Helen’s as many people as possible. Philip Evans but also to the wider church Parish, . MARRIAGE PREPARATION IN in the field of Evangelisation. The Council THE DIOCESE of Priests and the deanery of Cardiff have Talks, liturgies, and workshops, The partnership between benefited from his meticulous minutes and with a particular focus on Marriage Care and the record keeping. planning and preparing for Archdiocese of Cardiff is Fr. Daniel Stanton has agreed to undertake Mass, exploring what is progressing well. To date, 10 the role of secretary to the Council of needed for a truly worthy volunteers have been recruited to Priests in addition to his other celebration of Mass. All are deliver the Marriage Preparation responsibilities at All saints in Newport. welcome, particularly anyone program of whom 7 have made The date of the next meeting of the involved. significant progress with their Council of Priests will be circulated in the The speaker, Monsignor training. They will need to deliver New Year. Kevin McGinnell, will look at the chaplains of Stella Maris is part of a course alongside the basic principles and explore what is supported by the Sea Sunday experienced volunteers. CLERGY IN SERVICE CONFERENCE needed for a worthy celebration of collection. A cheque for £1.900 has Twelve Marriage Preparation courses As mentioned at the recent Council of Mass. The workshops will take place recently been sent to Stella Maris, the are planned for the Archdiocese in Priests meeting, there will be an In Service during the afternoon. second tranche of the donations made 2019: 6 in Cardiff at the Pastoral Training Conference for Clergy from The day will culminate with the by parishes in the Diocese for Sea Resources Centre; 4 in Dowlais; 1 in Wednesday 12 June until Saturday 15 celebration of Mass. The cost is £10 Sunday 2018. and 1 in North Gwent. Please June to be held at The Holiday Inn per person (bring your own packed ensure that couples who are in touch Newport. This is the same venue as for the lunch). You can book online via the PUBLICATIONS with you about their forthcoming Conference on marriage two years ago. Society of Saint Gregory website, or if CTS marriage are directed to one of these This conference will replace the official you prefer you can print out a booking Two new beautiful ritual books are now courses. They are a pre-requisite for Diocesan Retreat for 2019, although form to post. available to order. The Book of marriage to take place in our churches. priests are encouraged to make their own Eucharistic Devotions published in The Marriage Care team will shortly private retreat at another time. The theme Workshops: support of the aims of Adoremus, is a be embarking on a program for Natural of the Conference is "Forming Intentional Planning for liturgies – beautiful and practical new Family Planning. The remote Disciples" and the keynote speakers are This will be led by Martin Barry, who compendium of rites and devotions for preparation for this, of course, takes Sherry Weddell from the Siena Institute was Choirmaster and Director of Music those leading Eucharistic Adoration. place at a much earlier stage than the USA and Brother Loarne Ferguson OFM, at Salford Cathedral for 23 years. The Book of the Chair (excerpts from formal marriage preparation. Hence formerly Director of the Seeker Centre in Singing and music to accompany the the Roman Missal) is the practical programs like “A Fertile Heart” now Pantasaph. Saturday's sessions will be assembly. This will be led by Stephen alternative for use at the Chair for which being rolled out in our schools. open to parishioners. Booking forms and Bryant, Head of Music at Badminton priests have been expressing a need. further information will be distributed early School for Girls, and Organist at Available from CTS: www.ctsbooks.org ADOREMUS DAY OF in the New Year. I would be grateful if you Clifton Cathedral. or 020 7640 0042 or RECOLLECTION - ST DAVID’S would note these dates in your diary. [email protected] COLLEGE Exploring the texts – Loneliness Congratulations and thanks to Christian From the familiar words of the Gloria to ‘The Shattering of Loneliness: On Mahoney for organising and leading the Eucharistic Prayer IV, this will be an Christian Remembrance’ — Eric Varden, Day of Recollection on 8 December. opportunity to examine the prayers we OCSO. The Abbot of Mount St Bernard Over 100 people attended, many of Wanted for the use at Mass in detail. This will be led Abbey writes in this book of the human whom had participated in the by Mgr Kevin McGinnell, a priest of experience of loneliness as being as Adoremus Eucharistic Congress in Missions Northampton Diocese, Secretary of the universal as hunger and thirst. Yet Liverpool. There was time for Advent Spirituality Committee, Department of because it affects us more intimately, silence and reflection during the day, as Large Statues (Even damaged Christian Life and Worship (Bishops’ we are less inclined to speak of it. In well as Adoration of the Blessed ones), old vestments, pictures, Conference) and Chairman of the this unique and profound meditation on Sacrament and a presentation on the church fittings, rosaries, prayer Society of Saint Gregory. loneliness and humanity, Eric Varden theology of the Mass and the uses a diverse range of sources: significance of communion in every books, religious books, relics etc. SISTERS’ MISSION COMMITTEE survivors of wartime violence; writer sense of the word. There is obviously a I am pleased to confirm that the Sisters' Dag Hammarskjöld; actor Stig hunger and a love for the Bread of Life. Please ring Mission Committee have been Dagerman; the life of Mary and Anna Those who shared in this day were Mr. B. Ferris KSC, allocated to our Diocese for the 2019 Akhmatova - to illuminate his themes of grateful for the opportunity to meet and Mission appeals, writes Archbishop Loneliness and Remembrance. Priced reflect and pray together in the 102 Moor St, Earlsdon, George. at £6.51 (Kindle Edition) or £6.75 presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Coventry CV5 6EY This is a collaboration of the female (paperback edition). missionary societies and provides a CBCEW and the Armed Forces “LET THE GOOD YOU DO LIVE Tel: 02476 676986 unique opportunity for people in our Covenant AFTER YOU” parishes to hear directly from a The Bishops’ Conference has recently Together with the Bishops Conference missionary - religious or lay - about signed The Armed Forces Covenant. of England and Wales, the Archdiocese their time overseas and the nature of The Covenant (which can be found at of Cardiff is embarking on a program to the Church as both universal and www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk ) encourage people to leave a bequest missionary in nature. established the following key principles: in their will to the parish, the Diocese or Of course, it also provides a chance l) No member of the Armed Forces the Church at large. A brochure giving for people to contribute financially to Community should face disadvantage information about this will be distributed the work of this particular missionary in the provision of public and to parishes early in the New Year. All H. TOVEY • J. TOVEY society. I am sure you will make them commercial services compared to any major charities now rely on bequests J. CORTEN • R. DALE most welcome in the parishes. other citizen. for a significant part of their income. In K. FOSTER • D. O’CONNELL 2) In some circumstances special the year 2015, over 37.000 wills that CAFOD’s new chief treatment may be appropriate went to probate in England, Christine Allen has been appointed the especially for the injured or bereaved. and Wales had charitable bequests in new Director of CAFOD in succession The CBCEW will publicise these them. Over 121,000 charitable 01633 266848 to Chris Bain. She will take up her post commitments through literature and/or bequests were made in those wills. The in Spring 2019. Chris will be remaining websites, setting out how these total amount bequeathed that year was Newport Funeral Home, in post during the transition period. We principles will be honoured. £2.2 billion. People are often willing to welcome Christine warmly and look DEMENTIA AWARENESS PROJECT make charitable bequests but do not 9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport forward to working with her. Joanne White and Sr. Susan are know how to do so. The Diocesan (opposite Royal Gwent Hospital) working to spread dementia awareness brochure will help and encourage them THE APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA within the parishes. They are using the to leave a legacy behind them when www.toveybros.co.uk The Bishops of England and Wales Dementia Friends Awareness they die. A number of parishes have have agreed to the request that in Programme from the Alzheimer’s benefitted significantly in recent years future the Apostleship of the Sea Society. The session lasts about an from such bequests. A trusted family business serving should be known as ‘Stella Maris’. This hour and includes some local families and the community in is the name familiar throughout the comments/discussion on spiritual More on this marvellous bequest Catholic world. issues. The project is supported by the scheme in greater detail in the South for six generations The great work done in our ports by Catholic Bishops’ Mental Health February edition of Catholic People. 8 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Open Evening success for St David’s Catholic Sixth Form St David’s breaks Open Evening records St David’s Catholic Sixth Form ranging from the sciences to learning environment helps to every step of the way to Catholic sixth form college College is celebrating a record- creative subjects such as art and nurture success because we ensure they become the best operating in Wales currently, breaking turnout to its open design, film studies, languages see the bigger picture. From they can be.” helping to nurture successful evenings this November. and more which cater to everyone, our Learning Support Centre Based in Penylan, St students through its The Cardiff-based sixth form whether they’re opting for A Level to our dedicated teachers, we David’s Catholic Sixth Form supportive and stimulating college welcomed almost 1000 or BTEC pathways. are here for our students College is the only Roman learning environment young people across the two “Over the years, we’ve had the evenings to its Penylan campus, pleasure of educating many all looking to take their next steps talented students and household in their education. With an names including weather WHAT GOES ROUND, COMES ROUND increased footfall of almost 20% presenter, Liam Dutton, Stella and a 32% increase in completed actress, Catrin Stewart and Kris About seven years ago, we applications since the previous Agland of the and had a visit from a academic year, St David’s is we continue to welcome more missionary priest, a Spiritan, becoming increasingly each year. We’re proud that our Fr Ernest from Ejisu, Ghana. oversubscribed. students have gone on to achieve During his appeal for their The College also recently so much success, with our recent seminary, one of the celebrated its 30th anniversary of A Level results highlighting how congregation asked ‘what nurturing youth in the 2017/2018 much our students truly thrive does it cost for a student for a academic year and marked an here.” year’. His answer was ‘about enormous success with regards to Present students were very £1500.00’. applications and student A Level much front and centre at the open Over coffee afterward, we results. But now it’s already set to evening events, showcasing their were discussing if we, as a reach a record number of work across all departments, most parish could sponsor a applications for the 2018/2019 noticeably in the art department student annually, £1500 did year. with creative projects on display. seem manageable with a little Speaking of the open evening They also acted as chaperones for effort. success, St David’s Principal, Mark parents and prospective students We took advice from people Leighfield, said: “We have been during both events, providing real in the field and for various educating young people in Cardiff insight and sharing their personal reasons were advised to for over three decades, and it’s experiences at the College. support a seminary rather great to see student interest in St Mr Leighfield continued: “At St than a specific student in and Zimbabwe. This has been asking him where he came David’s continue to rise. We’re David’s, we believe that our areas where there are many for various projects, eg from, the answer was Ghana. I proud to offer a variety of courses, stimulating and supportive vocations but not enough repairing a library roof as the told him that we have a close facilities in the seminaries. books were being damaged association with Ghana and I We set out to start a fund by rain, in the cattle would like to speak to him by inviting parishioners to which the students were before he made his appeal. It subscribe a small amount raising for food- they kept turned out that he had been monthly by Standing Order, as escaping, helping with student at the seminary in Ejisu which it turns out this is from £2 to accommodation for was the first one we had £20 per month. We call it indigenous students in supported and was ordained ‘Priests for Tomorrow’. Ecuador, bibles and breviaries last year. Our contact there We saw this fund as in Sri Lanka. In Iraq, we do not was his cousin who sends us The Caring Funeral Service fulfilling specific projects ask for a project as they are ordination pictures each year Award Winning Independent Funeral Homes rather than in the general trying to rebuild their seminary so Fr Emanuel was able to running of the seminary and which had to move to Erbil point himself out of all the of course the first recipient from Mosul to escape students. He was really Award Winning, was the Spiritan Seminary in Isis/Daesh. Iraq is just one big amazed when he realised that Ejisu in Ghana, where Fr project. he was a beneficiary of our Independent Ernest came from. They were Receiving emails from all ‘Priests for Tomorrow’. Funeral Arrangers in the process of constructing these interesting places Coincidentally, our original a biogas system to fuel the makes it very rewarding. So Spiritan, visitor, Fr Ernest had kitchen as the price of gas far in seven years we have died and the day we met Fr Privileged to have was very high. We sent £500 raised over £18,000. Many Emanuel was the 6th served the Catholic towards that project and it has contributors have been with Anniversary of his death. been up and running since us since the beginning. Each Our parish has been without community since 1989 that time. year we have an Annual a permanent priest for a while It was not easy to find Report at all Masses in the so it was doubly appropriate parish and this sometimes that he should have come and • Private Rest Rooms seminaries in the Third World who needed our support. Not adds a few more contributors. we benefited from his ministry • 24HR Call-Out Service all such places had Internet On the feast of Christ the - ‘What goes round, comes • 5* Client Reviews but through many enquiries King, we had another appeal round’. • Caring, Dignified, Personal & Professional and referrals we have from a Spiritan priest, Fr For any further information supported projects in Ghana, Emanuel Osei-Akoto; I please contact Jocelyn Prys- Service , Ecuador, Sri Lanka, managed to contact him on Williams 01873 850861or • Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Malawi, Nigeria, , Iraq his way to . On [email protected]

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