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Home , Archdeacon of Margam, Cardiff Deanery, Diocese of Llandaff, Michael Komor

Esgobaeth LLANDAF of

YR EGLWYS YNG NGHYMRU | THE Summer 2018 Meet this year’s deacons

Inside Focus on chaplaincy Making a difference to the homeless NEWS

Building the future –

Followtell this linkus to the what survey: https://llandaff.churchinwales.org.uk/diocesan-strategic-vision/ you think

Since Bishop June’s arrival in Llandaff and schools over the next five years. events in your local deanery where you last July, she has visited all corners of And now we are asking for your can respond in person. the Diocese talking to parish members, responses to the plan. Bishop June The consultation runs until 9 July. schools and clergy colleagues to is really keen that everyone has the Everyone is welcome to respond understand how communities are faring opportunity to contribute to the vision whether they are a member of a church and what the opportunities are that lie and that we get it right. Is it ambitious or not. Answers are confidential. ahead for the church. A Ministry Task enough? Can you see it working? The vision reminds us that as the Group has also been working behind The draft plan and ten questions Church in Wales we sustain a Christian the scenes consulting specifically on can be found online by following this presence in every single community. ministry questions. link: https://llandaff.churchinwales. Now is the chance to make a difference Using all the information gathered, a org.uk/diocesan-strategic-vision/ Or together. So let us know what you draft strategic vision and plan has been alternatively you can receive a hard think. Go online now and complete the formed which outlines the work and copy in English or Welsh. Call 01656 survey. Help build our church’s future. direction of the Diocese and its parishes 868868. Also look out for consultation

Still time to book Faculties are changing! Places are still available for Llandaff Over the next few months faculty most major works, a more streamlined Diocese’s Festival of Prayer Day which applications within the Church in process has been introduced for is being held this year at St Teilo’s Wales will move online. The Diocese of routine maintenance or minor like-for- Church in Wales High School, on Llandaff goes live in June 2018. like repairs (called List A applications) Saturday, July 14, from 10am to 4.30pm. The new Online Faculty System will and straightforward works (eg. Now in its third year, the day allow registered applicants (petitioners) replacing a boiler) that have little or provides ‘taster’ workshops in many to complete their faculty applications no impact on the historic fabric of the different prayer techniques and spiritual online and to upload the supporting church or churchyard (called List B traditions. The keynote address will be documentation (plans, photographs, applications). given by Bishop June. etc) to go with them. Applications Training will be taking place For more information and to book do not have to be completed in one in the diocese over the next few visit www.FestivalofPrayer.co.uk or call go and any information entered into weeks with registration and user the Revd Moira Spence 01685 881960. the online forms can be saved and guidance now available at: https:// The day costs £25 and includes lunch returned to later. More importantly, it churchheritagecymru.org.uk/help. For and tea/coffee. will allow you to track the progress of those with limited internet access or • Places are also available on the your application at any time. lack of IT equipment, a “hot desk” will next 10-month long Exploring Spiritual The new Online Faculty System be made available at the Diocesan Awareness course held monthly on will also simplify the faculty process. Office which is open Monday – Friday, Saturdays, starting October 13. It costs Although you will still need a faculty for 10am-3pm. £115 and application forms and further details can be obtained from tybara@ btintnernet.com or 01656 881960.

Caption competition Thank you for all your entries to the caption competition. Remember the picture (left) from the last edition?

First place went to Briony Davies of the Diocesan Office, for Ever wondered, “what would Yoda do”…

Please send in your captions for this photograph to Alison Young, Croeso, Llandaff Diocese, The Court, Coychurch, , CF35 5HF or by email to [email protected] © Christian Aid

2 | CROESO Summer 2018 NEWS

How is mission and ministry to be shaped to a changing city centre?

Is it embarrassing to admit that I’ve fallen The wonderous Principality Stadium has Deanery already seek to do it with great in love with Cardiff? I wouldn’t dream put Cardiff on the visual sporting map. integrity and energy. But we also have to of having a favourite place within the However, one of my personal favourites ask how we are going to shape ministry diocese, that would be like preferring is the Millennium Centre looking out and mission to a changing city centre. one of my children across the sea What of the 80,000 students at our three over the other. Every of Cardiff Bay nearby universities? Or other young parish and church where Wales has people who describe themselves as building has its own exported much ‘none’s’, those with no religious affiliation unique place in our life of its best to the but for whom the life of the city is a great and they all draw out world. My mother- lure? What about our relationship with something from my in-law started Wales’ national institutions from politics affections. Yet Cardiff work in the Cardiff to the media, remembering also the retail is not only the place docks at the age life of the city, and the homeless who our family is called to of 14 in 1943 and congregate there? live but it has a special so listening to Whatever answers we find to status in the life of her anecdotes this challenge, I’m sure it will involve Wales. I’ve long been partnerships, some with sister churches, Wales itself has a familiar with what some through interfaith relationships far more ambivalent a transformation and many with community or business

relationship with © Huw Ryden that world has networks who desire to seek the welfare Cardiff. It’s seen as undergone during of our city. having a magnetic her lifetime. With the appointment of Sarah force which draws people and resources The lettering on the front of that Rowland Jones as Dean of St David’s, to itself and that can create a resentment cultural centre is like a hopeful beacon, we are now seeking new leadership for which sits alongside a jealous especially on a winter’s evening. ‘In our own iconic building in the city centre, admiration. The sheer bulk of population, These Stones Horizons St John’s Church. We national institutions and status as a Sing’ is a declaration will seek a priest who capital city is seen by many as having that art in all its forms “Is it embarrassing will not only cherish the bred a sense of superiority. I meet this in will open new worlds to admit that I’ve congregations which subtle but discernible ways, for instance, to us. ‘Creu Gwir Fel worship there but when a Provincial group was asked to fix Gwydr o Ffwrnais Awen’ fallen in love with someone who can be the location of a future meeting, I heard (Creating truth like Cardiff?” part of developing with someone say ‘anywhere but Cardiff’. glass from inspiration’s colleagues a strategic I assumed they were defending the furnace) similarly invites vision for mission in decision of venue against Cardiff being those who walk by or the whole city centre, the default destination. enter to seek truth through fresh insight. someone who can create truth from In recent years, I expect that Gwyneth Lewis’ poetry confidently inspiration’s furnace, that inspiration ambivalence has grown stronger as declares that in the public life of Cardiff being the church’s pledge to work for Cardiff has developed into an even people seek for truth, for what endures. the kingdom of God in Wales’ capital more attractive and economically Cardiff is made up of many parts city. vibrant centre with iconic landscapes and communities, almost all of them and buildings, giving the wider world in our diocese and therefore it is our new images of Wales. The Senedd is a responsibility to proclaim afresh the truth beautifully designed home for devolved of the gospel to this generation of Cardiff government and the Welsh Assembly. dwellers. Our churches in the Cardiff

CROESO Summer 2018 | 3 NEWS

How the sound of a historic

churchThe organ unique sound has of an historic been church preserved organ is to be preserved forever for future generations thanks to a group of musicians from Cardiff.

When Leon West, listener in different parts of the church.” “To think the sound is preserved in Leone Vuetivavalagi He added: “I had to play each note this way really is something special,” and Thomas on both keyboards, 140-odd in total, on added Leon. Westgård heard every single stop for around 12 seconds While planning permission has been the organ at St at a time, leaving enough silence in granted to Wales and West Housing Paul’s Church in between them to then capture any Association (WWHA) to convert part of Grangetown could natural reverb the church had. St Paul’s Church into 12 apartments, be removed as “The painstaking part was editing together with the development of two part of a housing them down in the studio into individual residential units within the grounds, no association’s plans to convert the church notes that we could then programme decision has yet been taken on the future into apartments they swung into action. in. It was laborious at times but I like of the church organ. They sampled every note of the organ monotony and repetition. It’s all rhythmic A spokesman for Wales and the West and also took a sonic imprint of the mental exercise.” Housing said: “We are working with the church, which is famous for appearing in While Leon played Leone and Church in Wales to save the Grade II a 2004 episode of Doctor Who. Thomas captured the sound of the organ listed St Paul’s Church, Grangetown, “When I heard that the organ could be via state of the art recording equipment. as a place of worship while creating dismantled we were keen to record the In addition the pair also captured a sonic affordable homes for Cardiff. sound for posterity preserving the sound imprint of the church. “Our development would create of the organ and the space itself for “A sonic imprint basically means the 12 apartments in the nave and two future generations,” said Leon. reverb of the church, like painting a sonic semi-detached houses in the grounds. Along with friends Leone and Thomas picture of the church,” said Thomas. “We The plans would preserve the smaller from Bywyd Studios they undertook the did this by using something known as an chancel, where the church organ is painstaking process of recording the impulse response. housed, along with the vestry and sound of the organ at the church, which “We achieved this in two ways – sanctuary area as a place of worship. A was built in two phases between 1889 popping balloons with mics dotted single-storey extension would also be and 1902. The organ was sampled one around the space and by firing a built to connect the church and parish note at a time, with microphones dotted slingshot up into the church ceiling where hall.” throughout the church to preserve the we had concealed microphones. Father David Morris from St Paul’s sound. “We have software in the studio we Church, said: “A decision as to whether “We had two days to load in can use to analyse that soundwave and the organ will be removed or remain is around 16 microphones and set them transform it into reverb.” yet to be taken. However, I was more up strategically to capture the sound The musicians now aim to house than happy that sound of the organ has honestly,” said Leon. “This was mainly a historic record of the sounds they been preserved in this way, preserving it so when I called these sounds up in the captured in their studio where it can be for the future.” studio I had the option of placing the called up for musicians to use. Article courtesy of WalesOnline

4 | CROESO Summer 2018 NEWS

New life in church ministry begins (left to right) Dr Angela Cooper, Nick Gill and Dave Jones A dad-of-three is swopping delivering college placement in his hometown of it as I wasn’t quite sure what it meant the mail for delivering sermons when he Barry, alongside fellow trainee priest for me and my family. Finally after much begins a new life in church ministry. Nick Gill. prayer and reflection, everything seemed Dave Jones along with Nick Gill and Nick, 32, a lifelong churchgoer, to click into place and I started the Angela Cooper will be ordained deacon who felt his calling during his first year journey of discernment at on June 30, by at Lampeter University where he was “I’m really looking forward to starting Bishop June. reading theology, is married to Georgina, my curacy and putting into action The former postman will serve as and has three children. some of the things that I’ve learnt and assistant curate in Glan Ely; Nick will Originally from Shrewsbury, Nick met consolidating some of the things that serve as assistant curate in Whitchurch his wife while at university and remained I’ve already being doing.” and Angela will serve as assistant in Wales, working in a local supermarket curate (NSM) in the East Vale group of before seeking selection for ordination. churches. During the same service five “Over the last few years I’ve enjoyed deacons will be ordained as priests. the academic work but now I am really Dave, 53, who worked as a chef, looking forward to the next step on baker and self-protection consultant as the journey - meeting new people and well as a postman, already knows his putting into practice all the things that new parish well as it was his postal beat I’ve learnt,” said Nick. for ten years. Dr Angela Cooper, 52, who lives in “I’m really looking forward to being with her husband and three present in the community – I intend to children is delighted to be staying in the The Revd Rosemary Hill along with be out on the streets just as I was as a East Vale, where she served her training the Revd Charlotte Rushton, the Revd postman – and am particularly looking placement. Mark Broadway, the Revd Peter Godsall forward to working with young people in Originally from Bolton, she was and the Revd Jude Peters will be the area,” said Dave. brought up attending church as her ordained as priests by Bishop June. Despite having no faith for many mother was an elder in the United Mrs Hill, a former teacher, will years, it was attending a harvest supper Reformed Church and as a child continue as assistant curate in with his wife at his local church in she attended a Church of and Llandough (St Augustine’s); Mrs which was led by a worship secondary school. Rushdon, a former police civilian finance band and a guitar playing priest that After studying Applied Biology at team leader, will continue as assistant first got Dave involved with the church. Sunderland University and a PhD at curate in the parish of , Having played rock guitar himself since Nottingham University, Angela worked St David and and Mr his teens, he was persuaded to join as a research scientist for ten years Broadway, a former legal worker, will the band, and from then there was no before having her children. continue as assistant curate in , looking back. “Wherever we’ve lived I’ve always Nolton and with Coychurch. “From someone who had so little faith looked for a church to attend and Retired health and safety advisor and that they insisted on being married in I found one where I felt Mr Godsall, will continue as assistant in a registry office I became more and completely at home,” explained Angela. curate (NSM) in the parish of , more involved in the church – I looked Over the years, Angela became more and Mrs Peters, a former to become a worship leader and then I involved in church life, especially after reception administrator in the Llandaff thought about Reader ministry before doing an Alpha course and joining the Diocesan office at Coychurch, Bridgend, being selected to train as a priest,” said Diocesan Children’s committee, and will continue as assistant curate (NSM) in Dave, a dad-of-three, whose favourite through this felt a calling to ministry. the Rectorial Benefice of . band is the Rolling Stones. “It had been in my mind for a while All are called: Page 16 During training Dave served his but it took me some time to talk about

CROESO Summer 2018 | 5 NEWS

Cyfarwyddwr Ffydd, Trefn ac Undod Ers i mi gael fy mhenodi fel Cyfarwyddwr gilydd tra’n parhau’n ffyddlon yn llwyr i’n Ffydd, Trefn ac Undod yr Eglwys yng ffydd yn yr Iesu Grist, ein Harglwydd a’n Nghymru mae nifer o bobl o fewn a thu Gwaredwr. allan i’r eglwys wedi gofyn i mi beth yw Edrychaf ymlaen yn fawr at yr natur a phwrpas y rôl. Wel, dyma fi’n heriau a’r posibiliadau sydd o’m blaen ysgrifennu rhyw ddeg diwrnod ar ôl a gwerthfawrogaf eich gweddïau wrth cychwyn ar y gwaith ac yn dechrau dod ymgymryd â’r gorchwylion cyffrous a yn fwy abl i fedru ateb y cwestiwn! Yn chymhleth hyn. sicr, bydd yn wahanol i’m gweinidogaeth flaenorol fel caplan prifysgol a swyddog In this article, Ainsley Griffiths, the Datblygiad Gweinidogaeth Parhaus ond sy’n adlewyrchu ein perthynas â’r Duw Church in Wales’ new Director of Faith, gyda sawl edefyn yn gyffredin. byw. Felly o dro i dro daw ffurfiannau Order and Unity reflects on this new Mae’r pennawd ‘ffydd’ yn sôn am newydd fel y drefn newydd ar gyfer role, examining each of the three main yr hyn mae’r Eglwys yng Nghymru Conffyrmasiwn a’r deunydd cyffrous ar areas of work which correspond to the yn ei gredu. Sut fedrwn ni ddyfnhau gyfer y tymhorau eglwysig a fydd yn cael three keywords. ‘Faith’ relates to the ein dealltwriaeth o wirionedd Duw a ei gyflwyno i’r Corff Llywodraethol ym Church’s ongoing task of understanding ddatguddir yn bennaf oll yng Nghrist mis Medi. more deeply and proclaiming more a’r Ysbryd Glân? Ac wrth wneud hynny Gwyddom oll am y tristwch o fod faithfully its belief in God, Father, Son a fedrwn ni ddod yn fwy hyderus wrth yn eglwys ranedig, ble nad oes yna and Holy Spirit. The main focus in geisio rhoi cyfrif o’r gobaith sydd ynom gydnabyddiaeth lawn o drysorau’r ‘order’ is the continual development (1 Pedr 3:15)? Wrth ystyried hyn, byddaf enwadau eraill na chymundeb llawn of the Church’s forms of worship, that yn ymwneud yn bennaf oll â Chomisiwn â phob un sy’n cyffesu Crist Iesu yn liturgy which traces its roots back to the Athrawiaethol Sefydlog yr Eglwys yng Arglwydd. Prif ffocws y pennawd first Book of Common Prayer and well Nghymru a’i waith pwysig. Golyga hefyd ‘undod’ felly ydy cydweithio â’r enwadau before that. ‘Unity’ provides many areas cydweithrediad â phobl eraill o fewn yr Cristnogol eraill ac hefyd mudiadau of exploration, most prominently the Eglwys. Mae’r Comisiwn, er enghraifft, fel Cytûn a Chomisiwn yr Eglwysi ongoing search for oneness with those newydd gynnal sesiwn undydd Cyfamodol i barhau i chwilio am yr Christian sisters and brothers from whom fuddiol dros ben gyda swyddogion undod hwnnw sy’n rhodd gan Dduw i theological, liturgical and ecclesiological gweinidogaeth y Dalaith i drafod natur ni oll. Bydd fy ngwaith hefyd yn golygu difference have separated us. It also bod yn ddiacon, offeiriad ac esgob cysylltu gydag eglwysi eraill y Cymundeb involves work with the other provinces of yn enwedig wrth i ni geisio gwireddu Anglicanaidd gan ystyried sut y gallwn the Anglican Communion, with valuable gweledigaeth Golwg 2020. gydweithio ar faterion amrywiol fel collaboration in key areas. Finally, there Wrth sôn am ‘drefn’ y prif ffocws cyfiawnder cymdeithasol, litwrgi, is the task of reaching out in courtesy ydy litwrgi, y geiriau a’r defodau a materion rhyng-ffydd a llu o gwestiynau to the other religions represented in the ddefnyddiwn i addoli. Fel eglwyswyr eraill ble mae’r elfen ryngwladol yn diverse Wales of the twenty-first century, mae gennym etifeddiaeth ragorol yn ein cyfoethogi ac yn ein hatgoffa bod seeking friendship and cooperation whilst mynd yn ôl i’r Llyfr Gweddi Gyffredin perthyn i eglwys fyd-eang yn fraint remaining solidly rooted in our faith in cyntaf a chyn hynny i draddodiad coeth arbennig. Byddaf hefyd yn ceisio pontio Jesus Christ, Lord and Saviour. Ainsley y canrifoedd cynt. Ond ar yr un pryd, â’r crefyddau eraill a gynrychiolir yn y appreciates your prayer as he attempts gelwir arnom i barhau i fod yn ffres, a Gymru gyfoes gan chwilio am ffyrdd to undertake this exciting and complex deall bod y traddodiad yn beth byw parchus a chreadigol o gyfarfod â’n role.

6 | CROESO Summer 2018 NEWS

Vital repairs carried out to Cathedral As essential repair work is completed at Llandaff Cathedral, Cathedral Architect Izaak Hudson takes us behind the scenes.

After eight months of strange white expected, a vast quantity of corroding wrappings coming-and-going across iron dowels and cramps were removed the cathedral, the clerestory shaft from the shafts, although a small project was completed in time for the quantity of slate and even timber dismantle Holy Week celebrations. dowels were found. All were replaced all the windows, The main project was split over in stainless steel, and the shaft sections which would have been a very five distinct phases with a separate repaired and rebuilt. expensive and intrusive task. scaffold for each phase. This meant The scaffold also provided the George Pace’s wonderful Sapele that the project could be undertaken opportunity to repair and redecorate and Opepe wood ceiling was cleaned without completely covering the interior high-level plaster, and lightly clean and in the areas where it was accessible of the cathedral in scaffold, and it consolidate stonework. The internal from the scaffold, and previous water also meant that scaffold changeovers West Front window stonework was staining was removed. could be coordinated with key events probably the dirtiest and most sections The project was set-up so that six in the cathedral calendar, such as the responded well to cleaning with water trainees, working in training blocks, Bishop’s enthronement and Advent, and PH-neutral soap. could be taken on during the course of to allow the cathedral to function free The capitals on the internal West the work. As well as experience on site of scaffolding when required. The Front were very encrusted with carbon at the cathedral, trainees also spent ‘downtime’ for the contractor between and the decision was taken to shelter some valuable time at the contractor’s scaffold strikes had to be minimised coat the capitals with a limewash to masonry workshops in Abernant. The by very careful coordination of the protect them, but also re-unify their training programme worked very well scaffolds and programming of the appearance so that the dark and and brought some very interesting works to the day and hour. shade of the carvings can be properly and self-motivated young people into Thanks to the excellent work of appreciated rather than everything contact with the conservation process. the contractor, Coe Stone, and sub- appearing as a mottled black. The project has achieved its main contractors Cardiff Scaffolding and the While the scaffold was in place, objective to clean and repair all the glazier Jim Budd, the project ran very all the high-level clear-glazed clerestory levels of the cathedral, smoothly. windows were cleaned, repaired and and also achieved the secondary A total of 64 shafts in the Nave strengthened with stainless steel objectives of providing an inspirational and Choir were dismantled, 24 to the brackets. The brackets will help training programme and completing inside of the West Front and four on secure the rattling window panes, and some important maintenance repairs the outside of the West Front. As they avoided the need to elsewhere around the cathedral.

CROESO Summer 2018 | 7 FEATURE

Picture courtesyPicture of RNLI/ ...to providing From a listening ear blessing lifeboats...

Chaplaincy is often one of the priesthood’s lesser-known activities, but the role affords the opportunity to support and reach into the lives of those who themselves serve the wider community.

Here we look at the responsibilities of four chaplains and how they see the Church’s responsibilities to groups and organisations in today’s society.

Canon Philip Masson asked me to serve them as chaplain. “Sometimes it means organising There aren’t many jobs which include great events, like the blessing of the blessing lifeboats, but as chaplain to ‘Rose of the Shires’ (it was interesting RNLI Porthcawl, Canon Philip Masson is how a crew that is regularly soaked by involved in the all aspects of the lifeboat the waves can shy away from a little holy The lead Team Vicar of community. water) or doing the ordinary or regular has joined SWP’s group of chaplains His role as chaplain is many-fold things. – now numbering 11 – to help cover and provokes a spectrum of emotions “Other times it is harder, being part of Northern Division, Cynon Taf ranging from sadness to joy. the team which cares for the crew, the and Merthyr. A reminder of the astounding bravery helpers and their families when darker As the largest police force in Wales in of lifeboat crews can be found on the things happen – prolonged searches, the most densely populated area, SWP wall of All Saints Church. bereavement, sorrow and loss.” covers rural and urban areas including There a memorial plaque But being a RNLI chaplain also has the cities of Cardiff and Swansea. commemorates the lives of the 39 crew many happy elements, and Fr Philip Throughout the UK Police Chaplains members of the SS Santampa which enjoys joining in the life of the Station UK brings together chaplains from all was wrecked in 1947 and the eight crew and all those associated with it – even faiths to offer support services to both of the Mumbles Lifeboat who died trying if that means plunging into a freezing ‘people of faith’ and ‘people of no faith’. to rescue them. a Bristol Channel as part of the annual Support is available for all police officers, Says Fr Philip, “It reminds me of Christmas Day charity swim! staff, and their families. the unconditional commitment given “The RNLI Porthcawl is a community A former chaplain at Port by those who serve the RNLI and the which is built on trust, friendship, Talbot Hospital and to Porthcawl Sea dangers they can enter into on behalf enthusiasm and mutual commitment. Cadets, Fr Michael is well versed in of others. My job is to hold them before To be part of this is a privilege – the sure the role of a chaplain – but his latest God and to give time to those who have welcome, the unending hospitality and position, and the nature of modern the invitation to share in one of the better policing brings with it new challenges. sides of our society.” “We are working to get the message out there that we exist. It is still very early Father Michael Gable days, this is a new concept for many as stereotypically, and historically there Just six months since he stepped into has been a feeling of maintaining a ‘stiff the role Father Michael Gable admits upper lip’. he is still ‘finding his feet’ as chaplain to “So, we are feeling our way as Police. a listening ear for staff and officers

8 | CROESO Summer 2018 Says Fr Ben, “I’ve always been interested in the navy, and two years ago I was approached and asked if I would like to take on the position of honorary chaplain to HMS Cambrian, which is currently based in Sully, and its satellite division in Swansea.” In December 2016 he was appointed by the Chaplain of the Fleet and HMS Cambria’s Commanding Officer. Canon Ian Rees pictured presenting bibles ...to providing Being a Royal Navy reservist to Ospreys forwards coach Allen Clarke with requires much commitment, and Jeff Bowen representing the Gideons. although members serve part-time a listening ear (unless they are mobilised for an operational tour of duty) they have to have or are beginning to consider keep up their skills and fitness levels. having a chaplain. There are around The age range at HMS Cambria is 150,000 sports clubs in the UK, and 16 to 50, and also includes students the vision of Sports Chaplaincy UK is from Cardiff and Swansea University to see a chaplain in each club. who have their own unit at HMS Canon Ian Rees began as a Cambria. chaplain back in 2008 at Cardiff Blues He adds, “I go to their training rugby club, and he was also chaplain nights most Wednesday evening, and to the New Zealand U20 team who I am a listening ear and support to the won the Junior Rugby World Cup. whole ship’s company from the new He says, “Chaplaincy care for entries right up to command. I am young people at professional clubs is Picture courtesy Picture of South Police Wales there to listen, offer pastoral support extremely important. These are people whether professional or personal. We are and moral guidance. with all kinds of hopes and dreams but a point of contact for them to just have “We talk about naval things, but the reality is that most won’t make it a chat and maybe suggest support from also day to day stuff and family life. I to be rugby superstars. Picking up the another service they want.” always speak to those who are going pieces can be tough for some of these Fr Michael’s appointment came to be deployed, and when they come young people and chaplains provide through the Archbishop’s office which back too – and also to those who an independent listening ear. was looking for chaplains from a number go off to HMS Raleigh for their initial “On the other side of course, some of deaneries – including two from training.” of those players do make it to a senior Llandaff. As the only RNR unit in Wales, HMS contract and they are suddenly faced He says, “I would hope that we can Cambria’s reservists often take part with all kinds of issues including be a resource to the staff and officers, in high profile ceremonies flying the money and the ‘popularity’ that comes to support them in their professional, White Ensign for the Royal Navy. with being a professional sports personal and spiritual lives regardless of In recognition of its services, HMS person.” any faith they may or may not profess Cambria has received the freedom of Fr Ian recently took over as or of their role within the South Wales Barry and earlier this year received the chaplain at the Ospreys region; and Police Force.” freedom of Swansea with a parade has presented the young Ospreys with through the city. bibles provided by the Gideons with Father Ben Andrews Says Fr Ben, “One of the high spots the Ospreys logo. is the public events, and this year it “We’ve also been involved in was a privilege to lead prayers at the shoebox packing for Operation freedom of Swansea. It was a very Christmas Child. Many of the boys proud and historic day - despite the were struck by the fact that what bitter cold - to have a church presence seemed so little in terms of gifts in and to give thanks for the Royal Navy’s these boxes would mean so much to links with Swansea and its continued the child who received it. presence.” “A simple shoebox begins to offer a bigger message about serving others As chaplain to the military at HMS Canon Ian Rees and social justice as we recognise the Cambria, Father Ben Andrews, gives gifts and privileges we have. This then advice and support to those who balance Many people are used to the idea also offers a chance to talk about the two lives – as civilians many with full-time of a hospital chaplain or a university real meaning of Christmas and God’s jobs, and as trained members of the chaplain but are less used to the idea love for each one of us which was armed forces whose skills may be called of a chaplain at a sports club. shown so clearly in the birth of Jesus.” upon in times of conflict. However, many clubs either now

CROESO Summer 2018 | 9 AROUND THE DIOCESE Around the Diocese Soup Dragons all fired up A community lunch club - offering a bowl of soup and a chat - has been launched to help tackle loneliness amongst the elderly and isolated.

Dubbed the Soup Dragons, the ladies It aims to support from St Mary and St James in Taffs those who may not Well, got off to a great start with 21 get out much by people going along to the inaugural offering somewhere lunch club held in the church hall in for them to meet once a month to April. socialise and have a chat. It runs from Operative who donated money and noon to 3pm and for £2.50, offers food and with local councillors in a bowl of soup, sandwiches and a addition to investment from the PCC, ‘bottomless’ cuppa. we were able to launch Soup Dragons. Parish priest the Revd Zoe King said, “We were delighted that so many “Part of our theme for the last year has people came along for the first lunch been having courage to step out and and we hope in the future to develop try something new and we identified the club by inviting people in to talk and loneliness amongst the elderly as offer support.” something that we could try and tackle. Soup Dragons is supported by the “So working with the local Co- Co-op Community Fund. The Easter story brought to life New greenhouse in church garden opened An interactive tour bringing the Easter 150 pupils, from St Nicholas, Peterston by Lord Mayor story to life was enjoyed by more than and Church in Wales primary 150 schoolchildren when it was staged schools, visited the Experience Easter The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor in an East Vale church. event in St Nicholas Church. Volunteers Bob Derbyshire, officially opened a new Experience Easter splits the from all seven churches in the East greenhouse during a visit to the award story into six stations: Hopes and Vale group acted as storytellers and winning St Peters Community Hall and Dreams (Palm Sunday); Servant King facilitators at the six stations. Gardens in Fairwater. (Washing of the feet); Remember Experience Easter, which was The greenhouse, which was funded Me (Last Supper); Alone (Garden of organised by ordinand Dr Angela by recycling company Viridor, will enable Gethsemane); Sharing our Sorrows Cooper, was funded by a Diocesan volunteers to propagate and bring on (Good Friday) and Resurrection (Easter Mission Fund Grant of £587. For details cuttings which can be sold to raise Day) and the children visit each station on what grants are available and how to funds to plough back into the gardens. in small groups. apply visit http://llandaff.churchinwales. The gardens which were created on During the week before Holy Week, org.uk/parish-resources/ wasteland next to St Peter’s Church, open under the National Garden Scheme. They have twice won a Green Flag award and have come second in Postcard from Pen-y-fai the community garden section of the Cardiff in Bloom awards. A new community newsletter has “The idea is to provide contact been launched in Pen-y-fai to help details and descriptions of local strengthen links within the village. organisations and their forthcoming ‘Postcard from Pen-y-fai ‘was events plus articles about the history the brainchild of David Southwood, of Pen-y-fai,” said Mr Southwood. By a member of the parochial church its third issue the print run had nearly council of All Saints Church, Pen-y-fai, doubled to 250. and is published bi-monthly.

10 | CROESO AutumnSummer 20172018 A day in the life of a church night shelter….

By Hilary Lovitt, parishioner of St German’s, , Cardiff.

“The banging on the door was overwhelmed that they were going to were reluctant to leave the warmth of persistent and I couldn’t ignore it any have a ‘proper’ dinner, with one telling the shelter. We really wanted to go longer. I glanced at the kitchen clock as us afterwards ‘that was the best meal to Mass but how could we leave our I dried my hands and went to the front I’ve had for months’. The pleasure that guests. Two of our regular volunteers door. ‘It’s only 4.30pm Carl, and you they had because someone had done told us they would stay and see our know we can’t open the door till 7pm, something ’just for them’ is hard to guests out. With gratitude we accepted those are the rules and we can’t change describe. their offer and with tears in my eyes I them.’ ‘But it’s snowing and I’ve been After washing up and leaving our said goodbye to those guests who were out since 8.30am this morning’. It was guests drifting off to sleep with the remaining. Accompanied by three of with a heavy heart that I closed the door night shift volunteers we left tired but our guests we went to Mass and the saying I would bring him a cup of tea exhilarated knowing we had achieved peace and spirituality of our beautiful and a sandwich. When I returned, there something good and we were the church washed over me. When we were now five of our guests waiting and richer for it. We returned early the next exchanged the Peace I was engulfed in the snow was falling quite thickly. Even morning, with snow settled quite heavily a bear hug ‘thanks for everything you’ve though we were far from ready and we on the ground, to begin the breakfast done for us’ was the gruff response. were short of volunteers, it was agreed preparations. How strange that I was the one who felt that we should open the doors early privileged and that it was me who had and welcome our guests. In they came, gained so much from this experience. cold, tired and hungry, grateful to be When Fr Phelim first told us about the out of the bitter weather. Cardiff Churches Night shelter scheme So began the last evening shift of and how it could be part of our mission our Night Shelter project which had at St German’s, little did we realise begun 13 weeks earlier. For this last what that would entail. On reflection, night Angela Parry and I had promised so much can be achieved as long as to cook a roast chicken dinner followed the key ingredients are present: a bit of by apple crumble with custard. The vision, much enthusiasm and powers of requests for teas and coffees came I always dreaded the moment when persuasion, enormous goodwill and a thick and fast along with the now the lights were switched on, it seemed willingness to put time and energy into familiar good humoured banter. It was so cruel to rouse them from their sleep a worthy cause. We are delighted with good to see their friendly faces and to as all they had to look forward to was our hosting of a Night Shelter this year. know they were safe. In the main hall another day on the streets of our city. It was made so much easier because of the beds were being made up and as But as usual I was surprised by their the many volunteers from the different the weather continued to deteriorate good humour even at this early hour. parishes of , as well as so more guests were arriving and more Cups of tea and coffee were made from other churches and traditions who beds were being made ready. Once as quickly as possible, and as fast as took part. I think we can honestly say all was ready Father Phelim O’Hare they finished one cup they were asking that rather than looking on and doing called the volunteers together for a brief for another. All the while orders for a full nothing, we stepped up and made meeting and a few minutes of prayer. “Welsh” breakfast kept coming. With a positive difference to the lives and We had 15 guests and they were 8am Mass nearly upon us we were wellbeing of just some of the homeless all hungry and looking forward to nowhere near close to finishing the task men and women of Cardiff.” their meal and many were quite of clearing up and many of our guests

CROESO Summer 2018 | 11 AROUND THE DIOCESE Rare Georgian Royal Arms shines again in a Neath church It’s taken months of patience and expertise, but following conservation work a treasured artwork and piece of regal history has returned to its ‘home’ at a church in Neath.

For centuries, the Parish Church of St wooden boarded panel set in a Thomas has housed a rather special gabled frame. Georgian royal symbol. Dated 1731, Mounted on the east wall the Royal Arms of George II has hung of the church’s north aisle, the in there for nearly 300 years, a mark of Arms has been a feature of St the church’s importance in the town and Thomas’ since the original 12th district. century church was enlarged Following the restoration of the around 1730. monarchy in 1660 every church was The artist, and why the encouraged to display a royal coat of Arms came to be hanging in arms to show allegiance to the king, St Thomas’, remain a mystery After however, the Royal Arms in St Thomas’ is but unusually it is inscribed particularly late. with the names of two Neath Churchwarden, Robert Williams, who Believed to be the largest coat of arms townspeople – John Hopkin who was is also HM Deputy Lieutenant of West of its kind found in a church outside of Portreeve, and William Gabb the church , said, “We are absolutely London, the Arms measure more than warden. delighted with the result, the colours are 11ft The conservation work was carried vibrant once more and you can see all the wide out by specialist firm Howell & Howell beautiful details included by the artist. and over Ltd. of Saffron Waldon in Essex, and it “But this important historical 10ft high took a number of months to clean away conservation project could not have and is centuries of dust and dirt. taken place were it not for the generosity painted A service was held to re-dedicate of a benefactor who wished to see the Before in oils the Arms, which has been re-hung in its Arms protected for future generations of on a original place above the choir vestry. worshipers and visitors to St Thomas’.” Celebrating the role of women in World War One

The role of women in World War One together by ’s Cwm Brombil has been brought to life thanks to an Ladies WI, runs until November. exhibition at Margam Abbey staged to It charts the effect of the conflict on boards and stands. It is open daily from mark 100 years since the end of the the women of with local 10.30am to 3.30pm (unless there are conflict. history, personal stories and pictures services in the Abbey). Visitors, especially The exhibition, which has been put on display through a series of exhibition from parishes, are warmly welcomed. New home found for people and pulpit panels

When St Anne’s Church, , was by arts and crafts architect John Coates War Memorial Church of Roath Parish, closed on Christmas Day 2015, the Carter (1859–1927). St Edward’s was the natural home for majority of the congregation stayed After several attempts to find a the panels, and a suitable location was together and found a welcome and church that could accommodate the found on the south wall of the chancel, a new home just up the road in St complete pulpit, the bold decision facing the main parish memorials on the Edward’s Church. Then came the more was taken to dismantle it and preserve north wall. challenging task of finding new homes the essential features, the four relief The panels were carefully removed, for the many “treasures” they had left panels narrating scenes in the life of St beautifully restored and relocated by Mr behind, among them the beautifully Anne and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Robert Stogdon of St John the Baptist carved octagonal wooden pulpit, a First including the names of the men “who Church, Cardiff. They were rededicated World War Memorial, designed in 1920 fell in the Great War 1914-1919”. As the in a special service.

12 | CROESO Summer 2018 SCHOOL NEWS

Who built the Ark?

It may have been Noah who built the Ark play and learning space at Llandaff City Ark on our lower school playground in the biblical story but at one Cardiff Church in Wales Primary School. which all the children are absolutely primary school it was hoorah, hoorah for The children who were joined by a thrilled with,” said a spokesman for the Men’s Sheds Cymru who helped revamp donkey performed, ‘Who Built the Ark’ school. an outdoor classroom. and all the five Noahs in the school Men’s Sheds is a movement where And there was no orderly marching helped to officially cut the ribbon. like-minded gentlemen can meet to work in two by two as 60 excited year one “Men’s Sheds has given us hours on shared projects in the community and pupils, dressed up as various animals, and hours of their time for free to help us improve mental and physical health and celebrated the opening of their new achieve our vision of creating a Noah’s counteract loneliness. Christian and Muslim faith schools promote shared values with joint residential trip

Two Cardiff faith schools joined forces including orienteering, rock climbing and Abigail Beacon, says, “It was wonderful for the first time in a joint residential caving. to see us come together to show trip for pupils. The trip was planned to help promote support and increase understanding Thirty children and five members of interfaith dialogue and understanding of how much more alike we are than staff from Saint Monica’s Primary and between pupils and gave them the different, whether we are Christian, Cardiff Muslim Primary in visited opportunity to learn how communities Muslim, of other faith or no faith.” Longtown Outdoor Learning Centre in from differing faith backgrounds can Mr Zahed Khan, Head of Cardiff the Brecon Beacons National Park, for come together to work cooperatively, Muslim Primary School, said, “It was what both schools hope will become an recognising and enhancing what is a great opportunity for children from annual trip. common to all of us: respect, kindness, different faiths and backgrounds to have The children from years Five and Six and belief in God. fun, as well as learn and co-operate with took part in a range of outdoor activities The Headteacher of St Monica’s, Mrs each other.”

Excellent Estyn report for the High School

Students, staff and governors at the so highly as students make outstanding are very pleased with the outcome of Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales progress in their subject knowledge the inspection visit. The judgements High School are celebrating after Estyn and skills, while performance in public awarded are a reflection of the genuine judged the school ‘excellent’ in all examinations are “substantially higher commitment and talent of all members categories in its recent inspection. than those in similar schools in nearly all of the school community.” Inspectors said, “Inspirational indicators”. The performance of more Estyn has invited the school to leadership, coupled with a strong focus able students, as well as those eligible prepare case studies on its work in on professional development, has led for free school meals is notably better relation to the leadership of change and to outstanding teaching, attainment and than these groups in similar schools, quality assurance. This will be shared student wellbeing”. the Estyn report said. on Estyn’s website for other schools The school’s performance is rated Headteacher Marc Belli said, “We and providers.

CROESO Summer 2018 | 13 COMINGS & GOINGS

Appointments Leaving Mrs Denise New Morgan has left her role as A highly regarded all his ministry in this diocese and knows Bishop’s PA cleric who has it well. In addition to serving as a parish after ten years, served his priest, over the years he has taken following her whole ministry in on many diocesan roles. He is highly appointment as Llandaff Diocese regarded by his colleagues and I look secretary to the has been appointed to one of the forward to working more closely with Chief Constable. She was thanked for diocese’s most senior positions. him.” her service by Bishop June who said, Canon , Rector Canon Komor said, “I consider “Whilst the South Wales Police will of Coity, Nolton and Brackla with it to be a tremendous honour to be benefit greatly from her wonderful skills, Coychurch (Bridgend Ministry Area) has offered this role. After more than three we will miss her greatly.” been appointed Archdeacon of Margam. decades in ministry I had thought that The Revd Jude Announcing his appointment, my learning curve had levelled off, but Peters, has left her Bishop June said, “I am delighted to it’s soon to rise very steeply indeed.” He role as reception be appointing Michael as the new will be licensed at Margam Abbey on administrator at the Archdeacon of Margam. He has served September 27, at 7.30pm. diocesan office after 10 years, to be carer for her husband. The Revd Sister Wendy Tayler, Whitchurch welcomes new Rector Team Vicar in the It is a homecoming still running today,” said the Rector. Neath Ministry Area, for the new Rector After school and university, John has moved to the of Whitchurch as became a teacher working in schools Diocese the Revd John in the Vale and Barry, but all the while after being been appointed associate Davis returns to knowing he would eventually enter the priest in the Caerleon Ministry Area. his Cardiff and Llandaff Diocese roots. priesthood. The Revd Dr John, who took up his new post in He served his curacy in Porthcawl Jonathon Wright, April, grew up in nearby Grangetown. from 1996 and was also the Diocesan curate in Whitchurch Indeed, it was while walking past St Children’s Officer for two-and-a-half has moved to the Paul’s Church in Grangetown as an years until 2000, when he left to become Diocese of Swansea 11-year-old boy while the railings were vicar in Tredegar in the neighbouring and Brecon after being being painted and asking if he could help, . appointed priest-in-charge of Swansea that first led John on the road to ministry. Married to Sallyann, a teacher, with St Peter (Cockett) and associate priest “No one else in my family went to whom he has three teenage children, in the Penderi Ministry Area. church but before long I’d joined the John has returned to Llandaff after 18 Sunday school and the choir and within a years as Vicar of the parish of St George few years I started the youth club that is and St James, Tredegar. Retirement The Revd Geraldine Blyth, Vicar of the parish of with , since 2006 is to retire at the end of August. She was thanked for her The Revd Emma been appointed as a Team Vicar in the ministry and wished a long and happy Rees-Kenny is parish of Pontypridd. Jude is currently a retirement with her husband David, by returning to the diocese curate at St Ann’s, Manchester. Bishop June. as Team Vicar in The Revd Marcus Nelson has been After being ordained, Geraldine served Canton. Emma served appointed as incumbent to the parish of as curate in from 1994 to as assistant curate at Barry All Saints . 2001. She was then Rector at until 2015, when she moved to St Asaph The Revd Dr Liz Rees, and chaplain at Royal Glamorgan Diocese as incumbent at Llansantffraid- part-time curate in Hospital until 2006. From 2002 she was yn-Mechain and Llanfechain followed charge of the Dulais also co-ordinating chaplain Pontypridd by being a Team Vicar in the Benefice of Valley has become full- and Rhondda NHS Trust. Geraldine was Mission Area of Vyrnwy. time priest in charge of also Mothers’ Union Diocese Chaplain The Revd Judith (Jude) Mitson has the same parish. from 2002 to 2007.

14 | CROESO Summer 2018 FEATURE

Walking the Pilgrim’s Way By the Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes

I was raised in North Wales and from memories of the journey I undertook can 2) God’s presence: Although the walk a very young age I was fascinated by now be very simply broken down into was fraught with difficulties, it was also stories of the medieval pilgrims who my pain and God’s presence. blessed with numerous moments of joy would walk from Basingwerk Abbey, 1) My pain: I had not certainly and beauty. These moments sparked near Holywell in the north-east of Wales, expected this walk to be as difficult as what Cardinal Newman called the to the furthest western tip of the Llyn it was. Despite my long-standing back “illative sense” – the sense that allows Peninsula, where they would board a condition, I had built up strength to be everyday moments connect us with the boat to the mystical Bardsey Island. able to walk long distances. However, I divine. I felt palpably close to God as The island is said to be the graveyard had not factored in how easy it was to I walked in the footsteps of countless of 20,000 Celtic Saints and was so get lost (which led to many extra miles other pilgrims – I experienced the important in the Middle Ages that it was of walking), how uneven the terrain was wonder of the creation story as I gazed known as “the Rome of Britain“. Up until (I should have known that Snowdonia on the most spectacular scenery, I saw last month, I had never stepped foot on is quite hilly!), how changeable the the burning bush in seemingly ordinary this beautiful, remote, and tranquil island. weather was (again, I should guessed trees that I walked past, I tasted bread After the joy and busyness of Holy Week that!), and how many obstacles I’d have of heaven in the much-needed meals and Easter this year, though, I finally got to overcome (not least electric fences, I devoured, and I met Jesus himself in the chance to visit there. Before that, I barbed wire, gnashing farm dogs, and those who joined me for sections of took up the challenge of walking that wading through so much thick mud). On the walk and in strangers I met on the 135-mile pilgrimage route across the top top of this, I had not considered how way. I felt as if I was witnessing God’s of Wales. It was to be an uplifting and health issues would flare up in my knee kingdom breaking through each day. As life-affirming journey, but also hugely and back. I am still struggling with back such, pilgrimages realign our priorities challenging and difficult. pain in particular, but, as I remind my and, when we return home, our eyes It has now been some time since ordinands who have often been through are open anew to encountering God I travelled on the boat to beautiful so much themselves, while God certainly in our everyday lives. After all, as the Bardsey, flanked by seals, puffins, and doesn’t wish struggles on us, he does poet R.S. Thomas (who ministered in porpoise, after having walked those long transform our situations and then uses Aberdaron, the last stop of the Pilgrim’s miles. I am now lying down on a sofa at our times of difficulty to inspire us to Way before Bardsey) reminded us, these home, still struggling with back pain and bring much-needed compassion and breath-taking moments of connection an inflamed knee. By the side of me is hope into a wounded world. and awareness in our ordinary lives are my pilgrim’s passport. The passport is like the ‘pearl of great price’ of Jesus’s stamped at various places of worship, parable that we should be selling museums, and shops on the pilgrimage. everything to experience. I was, according to those stamping my Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes is passport, the first pilgrim walking the Vicar of Christ Church, Pilgrim’s Way this year, although I did and DDO of the diocese. He was meet someone who was driving between sponsored to walk the pilgrimage to these places to get his passport raise money for a new church hall. stamped – much easier than walking! My

CROESO Summer 2018 | 15 All are called, some are collared! © Huw Ryden © Huw Ryden

By diocesan vocations advisor Father David Morris, of Grangetown, St Paul with St Dyfrig and St Samson.

‘Do you think God might be calling you Jesus when he said ‘come, follow me’. to be a priest?’, he asked tentatively. This invitation he extends to us too, it is ‘No’, was the swift reply. ‘Don’t respond a call to holiness, and our response in immediately, go away and pray about faith through the waters of baptism and it…’ beyond is an experience we all share. And so I did. My path to ordination However, we will each travel distinct began with a simple question and a paths too, because we all have a unique knee jerk reaction, but my parish priest’s ‘vocation’. For some it will be priesthood, provocative question flipped a switch for others the diaconate or the religious me, turning on a light that enabled me to her discernment. She wrote: life, or possibly reader ministry, children see a path before me. What he triggered ‘I knew that one love drove the and youth ministry, pastoral ministry, with a question was an awareness of members of the Church to action… I a ministry of hospitality and welcome, God’s will, an awareness of God at saw and realized that love sets off the maybe ministry in the workplace, work in my life in a way that I hadn’t bounds of all vocations... Then, nearly chaplaincy, a ministry of outreach and anticipated. He triggered a process of ecstatic with the supreme joy in my soul, so on. discernment. If he hadn’t asked me that I proclaimed: O Jesus, my love, at last I Figuring out our unique vocation will question in my early teens, I don’t know have found my calling: my call is love.’ often be determined by our strengths and where I’d be today! I may have become (Chapter XI, The Story of a Soul, Thérèse abilities, our gifts and talents, but as St a vet because that was the original of Lisieux) Thérèse discovered - discernment can intention, but sometimes our intentions In responding to God’s call in our be tricky! It must begin with prayer. How don’t always conform to the will of God. lives we are responding to God’s love, can we possibly begin to discern God’s Some will be able to identify with and it begins at our baptism when we will if we don’t take the time to speak to my story and others not so much, and pledged to follow Christ and took those him, but even more importantly, to listen rightly so, because not all are called to first steps on the path of discipleship, to him. God prompts us in other ways ordained ministry - but all are called. which is a path of love, love of God too, most notably through others.The Every Christian is called to be a living and love of neighbour. For some that process of discernment is often triggered, and tangible sign of God’s love, that is commitment was made on their behalf as it was with me, by the observations of to abide in his love and make his love in infancy, for others it was a more others who will often see in us the giftings known through the things that we do and conscious decision made in adulthood, and qualities that would suit a particular say. but regardless of when baptism occurred ministry. Through prayerful discernment Following a time of uncertainty we each experienced an outpouring of and loving nurture, the vocation of any about God’s call in her life, St Thérèse God’s grace in our lives, transforming individual should eventually become of Lisieux finally realised that she was and empowering us to be the people apparent and enabled to flourish. principally called to love, and that from he created us to be. From that grace It’s important to remember that love flows service as Christ has shown filled beginning we are then continually discerning God’s will for our lives is not and taught us. St Paul also reminded discerning, responding and conforming to simply about figuring out what God is us that anything done without love is the will of God as we journey with him. calling us to do, but also about what God meaningless and this inspired Thérèse in The disciples responded in faith to is calling us to be.

Croeso is edited by Alison Young and designed by Jeff Lewis (Space on White). The deadline for the next edition is Monday, September 3, 2018. Please send all copy and images to [email protected]