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YR EGLWYS YNG NGHYMRU | THE CHURCH IN Winter 2016

Bye-bye Barry NEWS

Llandaff sets up first mental health chaplaincy The ’ first ever mental health chaplaincy has been set up in the Llandaff Diocese.

The chaplaincy, which is a joint churches who will be trained in dealing Community Mental Health Chaplain. venture with the charity Mind, is with mental health issues. This is a new project for the diocese, being spearheaded by Sarah Harris, “I will be acting as a bridge for which has taken four years to establish, a registered mental health nurse, those people with mental health and we are very grateful to our project who joined the diocese as its first issues who are returning to our church partners, Mind, and Allchurches community mental health chaplain in communities from hospital and prisons Trust, for their involvement. October. to feel welcome. Very “Sarah’s work will Her main aim is to train church often people in the I will be acting as enable parishes to be communities in mental health pews do not know “ more confident in their awareness, mental health first aid what to say or do.... a bridge for those ministry to vulnerable and suicide prevention. She will also so they say and do people, and our mentor people who have mental health nothing, when very people with mental churches to become issues in returning to the community often all they need health issues who are safer and more from hospital or prison and help them to do is say ‘good welcoming places in settle back into parish life. morning’ and/or offer a returning to our church the community.” Sarah who worked in acute cup of tea.” communities from Sarah, who is psychiatry before training as a Sarah will identify married to Jeremy, registered general nurse has worked and direct parishioners hospital and prisons to a church warden in as a community staff nurse for the last to mental health feel welcome” Swansea and Brecon, 18 years and volunteered as a hospital training courses which lives in Gowerton and chaplain for the last two years. She is will be run by Mind. has three grown up also working towards ordination with People already in the community with children. Elim Pentecostal Church in 2019. mental health problems may also be “Mental health is one aspect of our “We want to increase awareness mentored by the chaplaincy overall wellbeing. You don’t have to within our church communities – in addition to those have a diagnosed mental illness to be and create safe places for returning to it from in poor mental health. people coming out of hospital and God wants us to be the best version hospital and prison who prison. of ourselves, with body, mind and spirit have mental health The all working effectively. We are made to issues. Mental health Venerable be together in community, and not to is a huge area – one Peggy exist in isolation,” said Sarah. in four people will Jackson, Sarah is based at the diocesan have a mental health Archdeacon office in but will spend most problem every year for of her time in the parishes. To contact and often this is Llandaff, Sarah email her at sarahharris@ not recognised or said, churchinwales.org.uk diagnosed,” said “We are Sarah. delighted “We will be to see setting up Sarah networks starting of people work within a s our a

2 | CROESO Winter 2016 NEWS

A Chaplain

As chaplain to Barry the Venerable Christopher remembersSmith, Archdeacon of Morgannwg, spent many years at his side. Here he shares some insights into life at Llys Esgob.

“His election as of Llandaff in Archbishop Barry does find it hard to he is a man of clear opinions but many 1999, brought Archbishop Barry back say no to engagements. of these occasions deal with issues of to the diocese in which he was ordained He has an excellent recall of names great sensitivity which he handles with and where he served firstly as a curate, and faces and went out of his way honesty and understanding. and subsequently joined the staff of St to visit homes and churches, often People don’t always realise the Michael’s College. squeezing in visits on the way back enormous responsibility that comes Having been away for 22 years in from meetings. He knew that the best with the Bishop’s role. There is an the of Bangor and , way to get to know people is meeting endless stream of appointments at Archbishop Barry felt he needed an them face-to-face. Llys Esgob, often requiring patience, experienced priest, who knew this Later chaplains confidentiality diocese, to be his chaplain. (there have been four “He has an excellent and wisdom, and The invitation to be that chaplain of us) accompanied Archbishop Barry came out of the blue and I began him more to recall of names and faces takes that very working at Llys Esgob, initially part- services, but I did and went out of his way to seriously. time, in April 2000. less of that, enabling Archbishop Barry Barry very quickly got to know the me to do other visit homes and churches, didn’t really use diocese, its clergy, parishioners and things on his behalf: often squeezing in visits computers. In my parishes. His work load was huge and maybe services or days in the office he his pace of working was fast – and meetings. on the way back from had only just begun He always to use a mobile wanted to learn meetings. He knew that phone (and often more about the the best way to get to know forgot to take it with diocese and its him), but there was work, asking how people is meeting them and remains a great things had gone, face-to-face.” team of staff at Llys who had been there, Esgob supporting and what was an his ministry. It ordinary Sunday like in a parish. is an incredibly busy, and at times Archbishop Barry has a great pressurised place, but there is a lot of knowledge of the Church in Wales and teasing and laughter. Of course, Llys its recent history, having worked in a Esgob, apart from being an office, is number of dioceses and been involved also a home. in provincial life for many years. Barry and Hilary were a great He doesn’t forget much either, partnership and to see Barry with their which means he can make incredibly family, especially their grandchildren is timely and well informed interventions to see someone who is truly happy and in meetings. relaxed. With his election as Archbishop, Hilary’s death was a huge loss the work-load increased and new for Barry, their family and everyone opportunities for the Church’s who knew her, and his retirement will involvement in the wider life of Wales therefore be different from what was opened up. planned. One of his outstanding gifts is as a Golf I am sure will play a part too, communicator. He is an experienced although I am told his handicap does broadcaster and writer, and, therefore, not really reflect the very high standard is much in demand to speak and of his game and the determined way in preach. which he plays!” It will come as no surprise to know that

CROESO Winter 2016 | 3 FEATURE

Consecration service 1956

Eglwys Dewi Sant yn dathlu 60 mlwyddiant yn y Cilgant “Dy law, O Dduw, fu’n tywys, dy braidd o oes i oes”

Eleni, mae Eglwys Dewi Sant, Caerdydd Fe barhaodd y gynulleidfa i addoli yn a thu hwnt. Bydd y dathlu yn gorffen gyda yn dathlu carreg filltir bwysig yn ei hanes. yr Ysgoldy oedd nid nepell o adfeilion Gŵyl Flodau rhwng 22 - 25 Mehefin 2017 Ar ŵyl yr Holl Saint 1956, symudodd yr eglwys am bymtheng mlynedd. Yn - “Yn olion traed y Seintiau Celtaidd”. cynulleidfa Eglwys Dewi Sant o’i hen safle ystod y cyfnod hwn, roedd cryn drafod yn Howard Gardens, i’w safle presennol a dadlau ynglŷn â dyfodol yr eglwys This year Eglwys Dewi Sant, Cardiff yng Nghilgant St Andreas. Eleni mae’r Gymraeg. Doedd dim celebrates its 60th Eglwys yn dathlu 60mlwyddiant yn y adnoddau i ailadeiladu’r Anniversary at its present Cilgant. hen eglwys, ac ‘roedd location in St Andrew’s Mae hanes yr Eglwys Gymraeg yn rhai yn dadlau nad oedd Crescent. The first Eglwys Nghaerdydd yn ymestyn yn ôl i ganol y angen Eglwys Gymraeg Dewi Sant was built in ddeunawfed ganrif, a hanes troellog sydd ei hiaith yng Nghaerdydd, Howard Gardens in 1891, yn perthyn iddi. Adeiladwyd yr eglwys ond trwy ddycnwch, but was destroyed in an gyntaf sef Eglwys yr Holl Saint, Tyndal pendantrwydd a air raid in 1941 (pictured Street yn 1859, ond ni pharhaodd yr gweledigaeth y ficer ar y left). Instead of rebuilding eglwys honno yn Gymraeg ei hiaith yn pryd, y Parchedig Ganon the church, on All Saint’s hir, ac o fewn pymtheng mlynedd roedd R M Rosser a’i blwyfolion, fe symudodd Day 1956 the congregation moved to the y gwasanaethau wedi troi’n Saesneg. Eglwys Dewi Sant i Gilgant Sant Andreas. old St Andrews, a church that was made Dechreuodd ail ymgyrch i sefydlu eglwys Ac eleni, ar Ŵyl Dewi Sant fe ddaeth redundant in 1954. Gymraeg, ac yn Howard Gardens, ar yr Archesgob i ailgysegru’r Eglwys ar ôl Over the last decade Eglwys dir a roddwyd gan Arglwydd Tredegar degawd o waith adfer ac atgyweirio’r Dewi Sant has gone through a major i’r union ddiben, adeilad, ac yna, ar restoration, and on St David’s Day adeiladwyd ysgoldy y Sul ar ôl gŵyl yr this year the Archbishop came and ac yna eglwys fawr Holl Sant cafwyd rededicated the church, and on the odidog a hardd. gwasanaeth Sunday after All Saint’s Day the church Cysegrwyd yr hyfryd o ddathlu celebrated with joy its 60th anniversary. eglwys honno yn 60mlwyddiant Eglwys Dewi Sant remains a church that 1891 yn Eglwys y symud. Mae holds all of its services and activities Dewi Sant ac fe Eglwys Dewi Sant through the , and ddaeth yn blwyf yn parhau i fod yn continues to extend a welcome to Welsh annibynnol yn eglwys sy’n cynnal speakers and learners in the city and 1922. Ond yn ystod un o ymgyrchoedd ei holl wasanaethau a’i gweithgareddau beyond. The anniversary celebrations bomio awyr ffyrnicaf yr Ail Ryfel Byd yn trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg, ac mae ei will end with a Flower Festival between 1941, fe drowyd yr Eglwys hardd honno drysau yn agored o hyd i estyn croeso i the 22 – 25 June 2017, “In the footsteps yn adfeilion llwyr. Gymry Cymraeg a dysgwyr y Brifddinas of the Celtic Saints”.

4 | CROESO Winter 2016 NEWS

Schools Out! Top marks for Edwin After 16 years as Director of Education for our Diocese, Edwin Counsell is moving on to a new challenge in , in the Vale of .

“I’ve often described myself as having and liaising with Local Authorities to achieve their very best, embracing the best job in the Church in Wales. and School Improvement Consortia the world as God’s creation, while That’s quite a claim, but it’s borne of to support almost 9,000 pupils. modelling justice, care and compassion spending nearly two decades working Leading the Education Team, we have as hallmarks of everyday life. with children and teachers who to ensure that there is appropriate Now it’s time for me to move on and constantly inspire me with their faith curriculum and leadership support, allow others to take this work forward. and dedication. It’s a real privilege to as well as responding to personnel I’m going to be the of Llantwit serve a generation of and staffing issues. Major, where there are numerous children as they learn, The role also involves schools and an emerging education grow and flourish, in “It’s a real privilege school organisation and project at the heart of the parish; I need the hope that they will to serve a generation planning Church school to show that I can cut the mustard, achieve astonishing places, supporting and actually do the things myself that things in their lives. If my of children as they schools to develop their I’ve been encouraging others to do for ministry has supported buildings and learning the last two decades...and I’m really that work in even the learn, grow and spaces, training looking forward to getting my hands smallest way, then I am flourish” governors and liaising dirty again!” satisfied that God’s work with parishes looking to is being done. develop links with their local schools. Church schools have been a constant For the last 10 years, I have also My colleagues tease me thread in my life and in my priestly been the lead Education Officer for our constantly about my obsession ministry for more than 30 years. It goes Province, coordinating the Diocesan with refurbishing school toilets! I back to placements in Church schools Education Teams across Wales. always reckon that the loos show when I was training for ordination at St I advise the Bench of on the respect we have for the children Stephen’s House in Oxford. I worked education policy and lead the liaison in our schools, so my parting gift in multi-cultural communities and saw with , working at all is to initiate a special award; ‘The the worth and value that faith brings levels in up to the Education Golden Loo Brush’ will be awarded in schools, as a force for healing and Minister (now Cabinet Secretary) for to the school making the most reconciliation, when many people use it Education. I have also led on curriculum improvement to its school toilets. to create division and mistrust. planning and work with key partners Town CW Primary and As Director of Education, I have including the Welsh Local Government Primary were very highly oversight of education strategy, policy Association, Estyn and the Education commended for their excellent and delivery in Church in Wales schools Workforce Council. My work has also refurbishment projects, but the first across the Llandaff Diocese. involved close liaison with the National winner of this prestigious award is This involves working closely Society, which oversees the work of St Monica’s CW Primary School alongside all Diocesan schools, Church schools in and Wales, in Cardiff, where the children advising head teachers, drawing on their expertise to support have battled against floods and governors school improvement in Wales. vandalism to be very proud of their The last 16 years as Director of refurbished loos and the difference Education have re-skilled me in so they make to their life in school many ways, seeing the need to each day. ensure that every individual, All three schools will be ‘twinned’ whether they’re a pupil or with a loo in a developing country a member of school staff, through www.toilettwinning.org flourishes and achieves their to encourage them to develop very best. Church schools their global links. St Monica’s will are not about how many be proudly enthroned as the first children come to church winners of this award. It’s all panned on a Sunday; they are out well for them, and they’re about how far we can obviously flushed with success! encourage young people Edwin presenting award to St Monica’s

CROESO Winter 2016 | 5 AROUND THE DIOCESE Around the Diocese Friendship and Fika bring Wales

©Media Wales Ltd Ltd ©Media Wales and Sweden closer together There may be over 1,000 miles between them but the parish of St Paul’s Church in Grangetown and Vaskala in Sweden are closer than ever. The two churches have been exploring the idea of twinning for some Memorial unveiled for time, and in August Vaksala’s parish priest, the Revd Lovisa Moller, invited Fr David Morris (parish priest) Cheryl much loved Cardiff vicar Dominguez (church warden) and Julia Watkins (PCC secretary) to Sweden A memorial to a much loved former Cardiff vicar has been to plan for the autumn visit by nine unveiled at the church he served for more than 30 years. members of St Paul’s PCC. Their Swedish hosts gave them The late Revd Bob Morgan, who was “We would like to thank the the warmest of welcomes once again vicar of the Church of Resurrection, community and the Church of the during the autumn season and the ‘St Ely, for three decades and also leader Resurrection for their efforts in ensuring Paul’s Pilgrims’ were treated to a variety of County Council for that the installation of this beautiful of visits to many places of interest in more than 20 of these years, has had a screen which was a dream of my Vaksala and the Diocese of Uppsala. lasting memorial erected in his name. father’s has now been fulfilled. A special The visit included the Children’s Taking the form of a glass screen, the thanks also to the Revd Jan Gould Centre at Arsta Church, and joining a memorial which completely separates who organised the fundraising and Serenity service at Salabacke Church, the Lady Chapel from the main body of construction of the screen and also for where staff work with people with the church was unveiled and dedicated carrying on the tradition of Revd Bob addictions. The St Paul’s group also by the Assistant , reaching out to the community. enjoyed a choir concert and reception David Wilbourne last month. Revd Gould said “We are absolutely dinner at Salabacke Church. His daughter the former MEP, thrilled with the screen. Its sheer beauty In the packed itinerary was a guided Baroness Eluned Morgan AM, said, and the way it enhances the beauty of the tour of Uppsala Cathedral and lunch “The whole Morgan family were deeply church has exceeded our expectations. at one of the student clubs, ‘Norrlands touched that so many people had The Revd Bob Morgan was such a Nation’. While a visit to the historical contributed so generously to fund the significant person in the history of this burial mounds of Gamla Uppsala screen in memory of the late Revd Bob. parish that we really wanted to have was followed by tea at Café Ovandär, He loved the people of Ely and this a meaningful memorial to him in the Gränby Staden - the chaplaincy in screen demonstrates that the people of church. Uppsala’s biggest shopping mall. Ely had great respect for him. “Of course it’s not just a thing of During the very full schedule the beauty - it has created a totally separate group met as many people as possible space in the church which is now used who welcomed them with ‘Fika’ (coffee in a variety of ways.” and cake) at every opportunity. Mr Morgan who died five years ago, Plans are being made for future aged 83, had spent nearly his entire visits including returning the hospitality ministry at the Church of Resurrection. when representatives from the Parish of The screen has the opening lines Vaksala visit St Paul’s in May 2017. of the Magnificat in English and Welsh as well as some Celtic artwork. It took about a year to raise the funds for the £26,000 screen. Baroness Morgan is married to the Revd Dr Rhys Jenkins who is curate in and her brother David is a church Making new friends warden in Canton.

6 | CROESO Winter 2016 Village church reinvents itself for 21st century A medieval font which was discovered being used as a planter in a local garden has been returned to pride of place in a church and been used for its first baptism in 150 years.

The reinstatement of the medieval font needs of the community today, rather was a central part of a major £78,500 than the one that existed over 160 refurbishment project at Grade 2 listed years ago. So we have flexible seating, St Catwg’s Church, north of Cardiff to a kitchen area and are fully accessible make it fit for 21st century worship. to people with mobility problems. But The project included replacing the at the same time, we have maintained wooden pews with seats to create a more the Victorian fabric of the church and flexible interior space, the installation of provided a deeper link with our past by a kitchen area, the fitting of a glass door bringing our medieval font back to use. to the church and an improvement in “I would like to thank everyone that the building’s accessibility. has made this project a reality and I Vicar of Pentyrch, the Revd Michael look forward to our church continuing John, said, “We are fortunate in Pentyrch to serve the people of our village for the to have most next 150 years and beyond.” things a thriving The improvements were funded by village needs; sponsorship of the new chairs, sale of a church, a the pews, some grants plus a couple of school, a village generous legacies. and play group for parents and toddlers. hall, shops and “The whole point of this refurbishment “The church is now a far more – of course – was to create a more flexible interior adaptable space for us and has lots of two pubs. We space and we are already putting that potential for more community use in the thought it was into practice. We have extended our future,” he added. vital that we coffee break after the Wednesday The improvements were dedicated adapt our church morning service and are about to launch by the Assistant Bishop of Llandaff, to meet the a monthly Saturday morning breakfast David Wilbourne, at a special service.

Special book written to honour war heroes from a parish

The lives of 32 young and called simply 32 – the number and a really moving Remembrance Day men from one Welsh killed from the parish in World War service that engaged people from the parish who were killed One. Many family members of those in whole community of the town. on active service the book were traced and attended the “There were some very special in World War One dedication service. moments including have been brought The book explains that the naming of the ‘32’ to life in a special these men who died had by young people from commemorative served in three services Stanwell School and St book. stretching across the Cyres School - most of As plans were world and were from all the men who died were being made to unveil a new memorial parts of society, ranging only a few years older at All Saints Church in Penarth on from wealthy to poor and than them. Remembrance Sunday, November from a lieutenant colonel “A plaque to replace 13th, it was discovered that one of the to a private. one destroyed by fire young soldiers had been killed on that Vicar of Penarth All in 1926 and another by exact date 100 years ago. Saints, Canon Peter Cox aerial bombardment in This discovery sparked a decision said, “The discovery that 1941 has been placed in to produce a commemorative book one young soldier from All Saints as a memorial.” to accompany the dedication of the All Saints Church Penarth was killed The idea for the book came from memorial. It was researched and on 13th November 1916 resulted in parishioner Len Smart and the graphics written by parishioner Jane McLaughlin the production of this wonderful book were done by Tom Crooks.

CROESO Winter 2016 | 7 FEATURE Speaking out..... the Archbishop reflects on four decades of service

The , Dr has arguably been Wales’ most outspoken cleric – never afraid to champion causes from Welsh devolution to the bishops.

As he prepares for his retirement after 17 years as Bishop of Llandaff, seven years as and 14 years at the helm of the Church in Wales, he reflects on the changes he has witnessed over the past four decades.

Little did the then Barry Morgan think Church in Wales has become a more Vision for the Church in Wales when he was ordained at Llandaff open church. The whole question of nearly 44 years ago that women would the remarriage of divorced people in “Now we have realised that’s a very one day be joining him on that same church, the ordination of women to the individualistic view of ministry. Ministry journey – let alone that one of his final priesthood and the election of Wales’ belongs to all the baptised and no one acts in ministry would be to consecrate first woman Bishop has made it a has all the gifts. No one can minster Wales’ first woman bishop. more inclusive church and I think it has on their own. So what we are trying But what surprises him even more become a more relaxed church – a less to establish in terms of ministry areas today is that he didn’t think back stiff church. is collaboration between clergy and then that it was unusual to laity and clergy and clergy so that it be training to work within an is a collaborative enterprise.” As institution where no women one theologian put it “It takes a were ordained for ministry. community to manifest the grace But now he says it proves how present in Jesus.” much we are all shaped and The creation of ministry areas is influenced by the society and a key part of the Church in Wales church in which we live. 2020 Vision strategy for growth by As he talks to Croeso on the bringing parishes under one team and eve of his retirement he believes encouraging them to work together that although the nature of within a particular community. It is priesthood – of answering a call to something that Dr Morgan sees as serve the church of God – remains crucial to make the church engaged the same today as when he set with 21st century Wales and it is a New out, the way in which it is being done “Priestly ministry has Testament model of ministry where is changing. thank goodness become much more Paul worked in partnership with others “When I went to theological college collaborative. It used to be thought and always left a team of presbyters in it was an all male theological college that the model to aim for was that you place as he moved around Asia Minor. and I am still astonished that I didn’t served a curacy for three years and then think in the 1960s that it was strange you took charge of your own parish and Beginnings to be in an institution where no women everything was down to you with a bit were ordained for ministry. of co-operation from lay people. The journey into ministry for Dr Morgan, “Over the years I think that the who is the longest serving archbishop

8 | CROESO Winter 2016 in the worldwide Anglican World Council of Churches, the Communion, and also one of the Primates Standing Committee longest serving bishops, began and chair of Cymru Yfory (an in the Amman Valley village of organisation that pressed Gwaun Cae Gurwen where he for greater devolved powers was born, the eldest of three for Wales) meant that issues children into a mining family. continued to arise on which Dr He attended chapel and an Morgan was asked to comment. Anglican church whilst growing up and after studying history at The Archbishop with the Bishops at his inauguration Devolution university, entered training for ordained ministry in Cambridge. presumed consent system for organ “I felt very strongly about devolution as By now he had married his childhood donation, the rights of gay people or someone born and brought up in Wales sweetheart Hilary and after ordination, the plight of refugees that was being and who had studied history that Wales he served his curacy in . debated. had had a raw deal over the centuries Teaching posts followed in South “When you are Archbishop, people and that it deserved a degree of self Wales and then North Wales before a write to ask if you will support various government and a greater degree of return to parish ministry and in 1992 Dr causes or sign letters. On other issues self government than it has and when Morgan’s election as Bishop of Bangor one realises ‘this is wrong’ and I you voice views like that you are bound followed by his translation to Llandaff need to say something about this to get into trouble! as Bishop of Llandaff in 1999. simply because it is unjust. It’s about But that has never particularly “I did not apply for any of the posts confronting the issues that face church worried me or caused me sleepness I have held which is highly unusual and society and hopefully trying to nights – it used to cause Hilary these days. I’ve just been invited or minister to people and institutions as sleepness nights because she always elected so I’ve just gone and done the they arise. worried more about the family than work I’ve been asked to do and I’ve “All the issues and causes have all about herself.” been very happy in each one,” said mattered at the time – I certainly did the Archbishop, who said he would not not see it in terms of ticking boxes but Family hesitate to enter ministry again if he rather of trying to lend support to a was starting afresh. particular cause at a particular time. On The Archbishop now faces a retirement organ donation I thought that, as much without the love and companionship of Future as I favour organ donation, I didn’t think Hilary who sadly died from cancer in that presumed consent was the way January. He admitted it was going to be “Even though I know that some people to go – neither did any of my fellow a very different retirement than the one are pessimistic about the future of bishops. that he had hoped for and paid tribute the church - at the end of the day it’s “I supported those who felt that to Hilary for her support over the years. not my church, it’s not the Church in smacking children was wrong and now “It is actually the spouses of clergy Wales’ church, it’s God’s church and I notice that the Welsh government has who sacrifice the most in ministry as we throughout its history there have been pledged that it is going to introduce move from place to place. When I think what I call ebbs and flows. legislation prohibiting that. We would about Hilary she was a lawyer here in “I think the RS Thomas poem ‘These not dream of smacking another adult so Cardiff and very happy in her work and very seas are baptised. The parish why should we think smacking children then we moved to Bangor and so she bears a saint’s name...’ sums it up - is acceptable? had to start again to find another post in other words you just carry on being “I was invited by Shelter Cymru to and so it continued for nearly 40 years. faithful and leave the rest to God and head a Commission into homelessness Her working career might have been don’t worry unduly about things. When in Wales and that the Church in Wales was disestablished was an enormous back 1920 it was in dire straits privilege – it was financially and we didn’t know whether also an eye opener we would survive and yet the money to see how much came in and things flourished and the poverty there is Church in Wales carried on existing. in every part of The important thing is that there is still Wales.” a church presence in every community Membership and I am humbled by the sheer faith of many other and goodness of so many people.” committees and organisations Controversy including being President of the As Bishop and Archbishop, Dr Morgan Welsh Centre for never shied away from controversy – International Affairs, With Hilary whether it was nuclear weapons, the a member of the

CROESO Winter 2016 | 9 totally different had she not been willing few more rounds of golf, Dr Morgan is doing and I’m looking forward to having to follow me around or been able to aiming for a restful retirement. a rest and not having to respond to settle in the same place all her life. And “I don’t think I am going to do very requests for comments and interviews!” she did all that whilst also bringing up much at all – my life has been full of the children and being a great support to me personally. I could never have Q: If you could give a new priest one ministry is that it’s all consuming , you done many of the things without her piece of advice what would it be? can never do enough, there is always help and support and love and I miss more to do than you can possibly her terribly.” A: Give time to God, be patient with manage and the temptation is always Although he is looking forward to people and try and get a work life to work too hard. Even God rested on spending more time with his three balance because the trouble with the Sabbath!! grandchildren and perhaps getting in a Last presidential address to Diocesan Conference

The Llandaff Diocese is very different today to 17 years ago when the Archbishop arrived as the new Bishop.

In his final presidential address to the Llandaff Diocesan Conference, Dr Barry Morgan thanked everyone in the diocese for all the changes and challenges they had been willing to embrace over the years. “The diocese is a very different diocese today, simply because of you. It almost seems like a different era. When I came, there were very few diocesan officers and they were treated with suspicion because clergy felt that to ask them in to help was our finances, our committees and our would collapse were it not for the an admission of failure,” said the willingness to take seriously the need involvement of Christians and it is Archbishop. for ministry areas. As one of the clergy wonderful to see the diocese involved “Now we have many officers, all with in a ministerial development comment in messy church, food banks, dementia their own expertise, who are in and out put it “We are beginning to change cafes, community gardens, helping of parishes the whole time, helping not from the expectation that the vicar is and offering advice on issues around just with buildings and finance but with the chaplain to a gathered community, debt, helping people to complete job church growth, discipleship, youth and to being a resource for equipping and applications and setting up credit children’s work, collaborative ministry enabling all God’s people in their own unions and community shops. as well as the personal development of ministries”.” “Some may ask what has all this to clergy in their own ministries. That is In a wide-ranging address, which do with the Gospel? Quite simply, the as it should be – we depend on one covered topics including same-sex Gospel challenges us to be involved another. relationships plus Baptism and Holy whenever there is human need of “That is what it means to belong Communion, the Archbishop spoke any kind and at the hurting points of to the Body of Christ - a body with of the emergence of a new Church our society. And out of all this, a new many limbs and members, all working as Ministry Areas were being set up church is beginning to emerge.” together for the common good. across the diocese. And he spoke The Archbishop’s full presidential “Any individual and any institution if of how throughout the diocese the address to the Llandaff Diocesan they are to flourish and grow have to be Church was increasingly engaging with Conference is available online at willing to accept change and we have all kinds of people and organisations. http://llandaff.churchinwales.org. done so in terms of our structures, “Many organisations in our society uk/llandaff-diocesan-conference/

10 | CROESO Winter 2016 NEWS

VacancyThe Electoral College will in meet in LlandaffSee Cathedral from February 21 to 23, 2017 to elect the next Bishop of Llandaff. Canon Mike Komor briefly explains the process.

What is the Electoral the task of electing the new College? bishop defaults to the Bench of Bishops.

Its function is to elect What happens next? bishops to dioceses. When a new bishop needs to be The Bishop-Elect has up elected six clerical and six to 28 days to accept the lay members of the diocese position. The election also which is hosting the election needs to be confirmed by join with three clerical and the Bishops meeting in three lay members of each Sacred Synod, with the of the other five dioceses, Llandaff election due to be together with the remaining confirmed on April 22. If the five diocesan bishops to Bishop-Elect is not already form the Electoral College – a bishop then he or she will making a total of 47 people be consecrated bishop after from across Wales. These this, and then enthroned in will assemble in Llandaff his or her cathedral a week Cathedral, and literally be or two later. locked in, while the rest of the world is locked out. Who will be running The Electoral College also meets to elect an Archbishop the diocese during of Wales from among the the Vacancy in See? diocesan bishops, and will need to do so in 2017. During a vacancy the diocese becomes the responsibility Who can be a bishop? of the Archbishop or, in the of the vote is required to secure the absence of an Archbishop, Technically, any priest of the Anglican election. If no single person receives the senior Bishop. In the case of Communion who is more than 30 years the critical number of votes, then the Llandaff in 2017 this will be the Bishop old can be elected bishop. Both men whole process begins again – fresh of Swansea and Brecon. However, in and women can be elected. nominations are invited, which could practice he will appoint one or more commissaries (senior clergy) to run the How does someone get include those previously nominated and also people whose names haven’t diocese on his behalf on a day-to-day elected bishop? yet been put forward and another vote basis, and details of the commissary is taken. If one person receives at least or commissaries for Llandaff will be The process of election is carried out in two thirds of the votes of those present published in the diocese once the strict confidence. Once the members and voting they are declared Bishop- appointment has/have been made. of the Electoral College (EC) have Elect. The EC will usually close with an sworn an oath of confidentiality and announcement being made from the How do I become an received an address from the senior main door of the Cathedral of who the Episcopal Elector? bishop present (remember there will be new bishop is. no Archbishop at this time) the process With just a few exceptions any of nominations can begin. Members How long can it take? member of the Church in Wales, lay will already have been appraised of or cleric, can stand for election to the particular needs of the diocese. The process of nomination and voting be a diocesan representative on the After nominations have been received can be repeated multiple times over Electoral College. the EC moves to a secret ballot. Every the course of up to three days. If the member can vote for just one name EC fails to give someone the required For full details please refer to the on the list, and a two thirds majority majority in that time it is disbanded and constitution at https://goo.gl/GZs34j

CROESO Winter 2016 | 11 COMINGS & GOINGS

Mrs Denise Morgan has been the Personal Assistant to the Archbishop of Wales who is also the Bishop of Llandaff for the last nine years. She is based at Llys Esgob, Llandaff.

Q What’s the best thing about your grips with it all, I believe it will enhance job? the life of the church and its clergy. A I love the variety of work. No two There are many clergy who live on their days are ever the same. There are own and collaborative working within a so many characterful people working ministry area will, I hope, give them the within the Church in Wales – I can fellowship and support they may need always count on someone to put a now and in the future. smile on my face. Q What’s the most unusual thing you Q What’s the worst thing about your have had to do as part of your job? job? A As I had worked as a PA mainly in the A There is an enormous amount of manufacturing sector for many years paperwork that invariably needs filing. before coming to work for Archbishop I always put the filing at the bottom of Barry, I don’t really think of things in my list of things to do so it mounts up terms of “unusual”. I have found, in and then I end up with a huge pile to my line of work, that “unusual” is the clear. “norm”.

Q Name one thing that you think would Q What’s your favourite karaoke help make the office/the diocese run song? better? A Hi Ho Silver Lining by Jeff Beck. A The diocese has evolved over the I’ve always loved this song from the last few years with initiatives such as 1960’s and it transports me back to Ministry Areas. Whilst all this is new my youth club days. Take Five ground and the diocese is getting to Appointments Leaving New priest for Mrs Angela Atkinson has been The Revd Dr the Dulais Valley appointed as the Hector Patmore Former Acting Director currently assistant developmental of Education for curate (NSM) psychologist the Diocese until at has the Revd Liz Easter 2017. The been appointed Rees has been retired deputy as Director of licensed as head of Bishop Studies at St curate in charge of Llandaff will George’s College, of the Dulais Valley. work two days a Jerusalem. He week. leaves this month. Liz took up her new post last month after serving as a Pioneer Minister in Born and brought up in for the past 18 months. She is married to Fach, Mrs Atkinson taught in a number the Revd Ceirion Rees who is the priest- of schools in including in-charge at , where the couple Infants, Juniors, Retiring Canon Bob Capper, Area Dean of live with their three children. Comprehensive, Cyfartha Cardiff, Vicar of and priest- in- High School and Bishop of Llandaff charge of is to retire next July. She said, “Over the last 18 months I’ve Church in Wales High School. Canon Capper, got to know parts of the Dulais Valley who is married fairly well. The people there are lovely The Revd Craig to Roz, joined and have welcomed me with open arms. Vaughan, assistant the Llandaff I’m excited to explore new and creative curate of Newton Diocese in 2000 ways we can share God’s love with them , , having previously as we build on the work that has started, is to be Team Vicar served in both and continue to discover God’s vision in the Rectorial the for the Valley.” Benefice of Llantwit and St David’s Major. dioceses.

12 | CROESO Winter 2016 FEATURE

Retreat the perfect preparation for something new

“Don’t use your break to move house” – was one of the best pieces of advice that Father Anthony Beer was given this year.

The break in question arose from Fr “It was wonderful to first dedicate Lake in the Brecon Beacons as its base Anthony leaving the Rectorial Benefice some time to my family which set the for the annual pre-ordination retreat in of Llantwit Major where he had served scene for being able to dedicate some June. for six years to become priest-in-charge time to myself. “Llangasty was breathtakingly of the Benefice of and Merthyr “On my way to Llangasty I stopped beautiful and although I went there with Mawr with Penyfai. for a short break at Pen-Y-Fan mountain, a hugely unrealistic ‘to do list’, I not only And although moving house whilst and coming home I took the time to got through so much more than I could still in post made his last few weeks in walk the hill, so in many ways the great ever have hoped for, there was also real Llantwit an extremely busy time, it also outdoors and the mountains of South time in which to reflect, rest and enjoy meant that when his break arrived, he Wales provided the perfect bookends the beauty of the Beacons. was able to take proper time-off, first on to the retreat. The great outdoors is very “In the end, retreating proved to be a short holiday with his family and then important to me and when I came off the the perfect way to give thanks for, learn to withdraw on retreat at Llangasty. mountain at the end of my retreat, I had from and draw a line under the most “My time in Llantwit had been a acquired a real sense of letting go and a amazing five years in Llantwit but also wonderful and constant learning curve, desire to go forward. to renew energies, pray over what may but it was also full-on, right up to the day “Llangasty itself is a place well- lie ahead and listen for God’s still small I left. As a result there’d been no time at known to many across the Diocese as voice as I placed my hand in His and all to begin thinking or planning for what Llandaff has, for many years now, used stepped forward towards a new set of might lie ahead,” said Fr Anthony. the house on the shores of Llangorse challenges.” On being Venerable Julie Baker who left Llandaff three years ago updates us on her life Down Under

I was so surprised to be asked for an Unlike Llandaff, in Bunbury there is article for Croeso, I thought for sure only one archdeacon and I cover an area you would have forgotten about me by approximately the size of Portugal. We © The Very Revd Darryl Cotton, Darryl Revd © The Very Cotton, Dean of Bunbury now! For those who remember me, I are geographically large but small by was selected, trained and ordained in population with currently 32 parishes the serving my title being cared for by around 27 clergy. We How did it happen? Your guess is as at All Saints’ Barry and going on to be exist within the structure of the Anglican good as mine! It was an appointment I appointed Priest Vicar at the Cathedral Church of Australia, but each diocese was not anticipating. There is much to Parish. Three years ago I followed God’s is autonomous with its own synod and do, more to learn and great distances to call to another diocese quite a bit further statutes, and every cleric is a voting travel, but for all the challenges this feels afield, and now find myself in the diocese member on that synod. We meet as like the right place for me at this time. I of Bunbury, Western Australia. The clergy twice per year for conference and have been overwhelmed by the support current interest in my ministry, I suspect, once for a retreat and my main focus as of my colleagues here, who could have has to do with my recent appointment as archdeacon is enabling the clergy and been forgiven for wondering what a archdeacon of that diocese. attending lots of meetings! Welsh girl had to offer rural Australia!

CROESO Winter 2016 | 13 SCHOOL NEWS

Privilege, pets and participation Pupils and staff from St John Baptist High School began the year with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Barry in St Elvan’s Church, Aberdare. The pupils participated fully in the service during which 16 members of staff and sixth form students were licensed to administer the chalice. Over the years the Archbishop has constantly supported the life of the school in leading worship, taking part in question and answer seminars and been a guest speaker at prize giving. “Archbishop Barry’s visits are always met with great joy by everyone in the school and we are indebted to the time he gives to us. He is an excellent role model and we thank him for his difference was held when Year 8 pupils Dr Sue Mitchell who has been support,” said headteacher Dr Sue brought in various animals for the headteacher for the past ten years, Mitchell. annual pet blessing service to celebrate was presented with an MBE for Later in the term a Mass with a St Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day. ‘services to education’ from the Queen A total of 29 dogs, a cat, guinea during a ceremony pigs, kittens, hamsters and even a at Buckingham chicken were welcomed by Father Palace in October. Matthew Gibbon who led the service in “I was very the school hall. humbled, proud Sparkles the cat behaved very well and privileged to whilst sat next to Millie the chicken and receive the honour, Iestyn Scorey did an excellent job with and it’s all down to the reading amidst all the barking and what goes on at the meowing! school,” she said.

Top of the class Hitting the All Saints Church in Wales School in a 12-strong School Improvement Group right note Barry is celebrating after being selected with initiatives including BuildToExpress Young singers were in fine tune for the as was one of five schools to appear in – a scheme which explores learning recent ‘Festival of Music’ staged by local the first ever Welsh education section of through LEGO. It also supports other churches in . the Parliamentary Review. schools in improving their rating in the Choirs from Cwm Aber Infant School, Headteacher Mrs Clare Lewis national school categorisation system. Hendredenny Park Primary School, said they were very proud to have “Our school has made an incredible Nant Y Parc Primary School, Cwm Ifor been chosen as an example of good journey. I often feel like the captain of a Primary School and Hendre Junior practice for Wales. The school which spaceship, as our school has now moved School all took part in the evening of is recognised as sector-leading in into another dimension altogether. Its musical entertainment held at Ysgol y wellbeing by ESTYN, is the convenor of capacity to share practice is Tardis-like Gwyndy. and I didn’t fully comprehend the extent A panel of experts provided feedback of our expertise until we became involved to the choirs and cash prizes and in the Central South Wales Challenge trophies were awarded. (CSWC) initiatives. Not only have we The Revd Sue Pratten of the Rectorial helped over 50 schools to improve their Benefice of and Caerphilly practice but have continued to develop said, “Our aim was to work with the and improve our own,” said Mrs Lewis. primary schools in the cluster More details from http://www. to provide an opportunity to showcase theparliamentaryreview.co.uk/editions/ the excellent musical traditions in our pdfs/TPR2016-Education-Wales.pdf schools.”

14 | CROESO Winter 2016 NEWS

Red carpet treatment for Pitch perfect films about faith A collection of short films about faith one are unique and powerful yet they received a cinema premier attended raise questions most of us have had at by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry some point in our lives. I am sure the Morgan. DVD will become a valuable resource Fourteen choristers from All Saints’ Twelve is a collection of for discussion groups, Church in Barry, ranging in age from three-minute films featuring challenging and inspiring us 13 to 75, recently passed their RSCM 12 individuals from across to seek out answers.” Bronze Award Examination. south-east Wales who share Llandaff Diocesan youth Choirmaster James Bull, who took their personal stories of officer, the Revd Dr Sarah over just over a year ago, was thrilled as faith and pose questions Rogers added, “This is a many of the choristers do not even read which relate to their personal vital new discipleship training music. They received their certificates experiences. It was officially resource.” from Bishop David Wilbourne at the launched at Showcase Twelve is available South East Wales RSCM Festival. Cinema, Nantgarw. to purchase as a DVD The 25-strong choir is looking forward Dr Morgan said, “These from Churches Together to singing at Bath Abbey and St Georges 12 short films offer a compelling and Bookshop or to stream from the website Chapel Windsor next year. New members creative way to explore questions http://twelvefilm.org/ are always welcome and anyone about our faith. The stories behind each interested in joining should contact James on [email protected] The Poet’s Quest for God, Priest publishes Eyewear Publishing This anthology of ‘21st include Welsh prize-winning poets his first book Century Poems of Faith, Philip Gross and Tony Curtis, alongside Doubt and Wonder’ contains Christian writers Alwyn Marriage, Rowan over 400 pages of contemporary verse Williams and our own Sarah Rowland The ‘Mystery of from writers of all faiths and none. From Jones. At £25, it is a potential source for across the English-speaking world they inspiration and meditation for years to Archer Hall’ address every aspect of belief and doubt, come, and would make a lovely gift. Just under three from the touching and profound, to the http://store.eyewearpublishing.com/ years ago the Revd witty and questioning. Contributors products/the-poets-quest-for-god Philip Leyshon, who is priest in charge of Pen Rhondda Fawr, found himself Caption competition between meetings in Thank you for all your entries to the Croeso, Llandaff Diocese, The Court, a café in Tonypandy. Caption competition. Remember the Coychurch, , CF35 5HF or by Usually he would picture from the last edition? email to alisonyoung@churchinwales. read a book but on First place went to org.uk this occasion as he Pamela Hollinshead of was trying to get to Cadoxton-juxta-Barry grips with a new tablet, he tried out for “I know it’s said a word processing app and started to ‘Cleanliness is next to write a few words of a story. Those first Godliness’ but don’t few words about a girl rushing to school you think that the before the gates closed turned into a Rector is pushing this chapter, and then Fr Leyshon decided a bit far.” that instead of reading a book between Please send in meetings he would write his own! your captions for The book, about a girl called Jessica the photograph who moves from London to a small on the right to country village, is published by Octavo Alison Young, and can be purchased from Amazon.

CROESO Winter 2016 | 15 Thank you for being my friends

My Dear Friends

It seems strange to be doing things for that is happening in parishes as you the last time as I prepare to retire. The serve the communities in which you are trouble is that I still feel young but my set, in all so many ways. I also realise body (and sometimes my mind as well) that for nearly fourteen of those years reminds me that that is not the case! I find you have had to share me with the it hard to believe that I have been bishop province, so that I have had to delegate here for over 17 years – the longest stint some episcopal work to the two Davids I have done anywhere. It (Yeoman and Wilbourne) whom I have is well known that I found To quote St Paul been fortunate to have assist me, to say nothing it a hard decision to come “ I thank God daily here, not because there of the many archdeacons was anything amiss with for you” – for your and deans who have the diocese but because faithfulness, love served with me. My debt to all of them and to my I had only been Bishop of and charity and for Bangor for barely seven chaplains and secretaries years and I had thought making both Hilary is also considerable. I would spend the and myself so very I was especially touched rest of my welcome. ministry by your love and there. It understanding when is not for nothing that a Hilary was very ill and when she died. bishop is given a ring at Those of you who have lost your partner his because really understand the sense of terrible the link of a bishop to a loss and grief. No matter how strong our particular diocese is like faith or belief in God, the fact remains a marriage and so to that we shall never see them again in my mind was meant this life, and there have been times when to be for life (or until I have found that hard to bear. The odd retirement anyway). card, hug, touch or word have helped It took me a while enormously and the fact that so many of to work out that you came to her funeral was testimony I also had an to me of your great affection and love. obligation to She would have been astonished by it all be obedient and I know she would have said had she to the and I been present at someone else’s Electoral funeral, full of such dignity and joy, that College’s sad though it might have been, it was a decision truly splendid service. to translate me and I For all of that and much more, I give God have been thanks daily and pray for you as you very happy in begin to think about my successor and your midst. hope that you will be as kind to her/him as you have been to me. So to quote St Paul “I thank God daily for you” – for your Yours in God’s love faithfulness, love and charity and for making both Hilary and myself so very welcome. I am constantly encouraged by all

Croeso is edited by Alison Young and designed by Jeff Lewis (Space on White). The deadline for the next edition is February 10, 2017. Please send all copy and images to [email protected]