Welcome to CONNECT, our Ministry Area Bulletin, gathering together the past week and looking forward to the weeks ahead!
GOD’S EMBRACE
As we celebrate Mothering Sunday, the gospel reading gives us the image of our loving and compassionate God, who goes out to meet us when we are lost, and embraces us with love and joy.
THIS WEEK…
Mothering Sunday |Lent |Worship this Week | Holy Week and Easter | Young People’s Passion| Standing with Ukraine |Community | Shaping the Ministry Area | Diary Dates | United in Prayer
MOTHERING SUNDAY
It’s a Sunday known by many names. Yes, it’s the Fourth Sunday of Lent AKA Mothering Sunday, Refreshment Sunday and Rose Sunday.
During Mass, we bless and distribute flowers as we give thanks not only for our own mothers, living and departed, but also for Mother Church, and for the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
However, it’s also the day when the Cardiff Half Marathon takes place which means there are many road closures so you may have to plan your journey! You can find how to navigate your way to Mass on the Marathon’s webpage where you’ll find details of road closures.
And if you manage to plan your route effectively don’t let all your efforts go to waste by forgetting to put your clocks forward by an hour!
RACING THROUGH LENT
We’re no at the mid point of Lent! With daily Mass and Prayer, Stations of the Cross, Lent Lunches, a vibrant Lent Course, and so much more, we’re praying that we will grow together and have our faith deepened.
RACE FOR HUNGER
The fasts of the rich are the feast of the poor. One of the ways in which our Lenten fast can impact the lives of others for good is by giving money that we would otherwise have spent on things we choose to give up during Lent to those who are in need. This year, our Lenten Charity is Cardiff Foodbank.
Each week we are used to donating food items to Cardiff Foodbank and there are collecting points in each of our churches, as well as the Distribution Centre at St Saviour’s Church which is open each Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening.
As part of our Lenten Charity, Fr Edward is taking part in the Race for Hunger on April 2nd to raise money for the Trussell Trust Foodbanks, and is seeking sponsorships, and it would be great to have your support! You can make a donation here
Money raised from our Lenten Penances can be offered at the Maundy Thursday Mass, as we obey the mandatum of Jesus who gave us an example of love and service by stopping to each his disciples’ feet. “Love one another as I have loved you,” he said.
TO LIVE TOGETHER WELL
We’re taking a break from our Lent Course this week to give way to our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday but the fourth session takes place on Wednesday 6th April at 7pm at Ss Dyfrig and Samson, with the morning session at St Paul’s after the 10am Eucharist.
We know that in any group of people you must have a set of expectations of how you will belong together. A Rule of Life is not there to create difficulties for us and make us do things that prove impossible, but rather to help us to reflect on how our journey of faith is going, to think about what we are able to do well and to reflect on the things that we need to do better.
In the meantime, you can check out Fr Edward’s Blog Post on the Diocese of Llandaff website, written after our second session on PRAYER: ‘What happens when we pray?
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
LENT LUNCHES
Why not join the Lent Lunches at Ss Dyfrig and Samson each Saturday until 9th April from 12 to 1.30pm until 9th April?
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
BUTETOWN:
S MARY THE VIRGIN
1100hrs Solemn Mass
GRANGETOWN:
S PAUL THE APOSTLE
0800hrs Said Eucharist
1030hrs Sung Eucharist
SS DYFRIG & SAMSON
0915hrs Solemn Mass
SPLOTT:
S SAVIOUR
0930hrs Sung Mass
THROUGH THE WEEK
MONDAY 28 Weekday of Lent 6.00pm Mass (S Mary’s) 6.30pm Stations of the Cross (D&S) 7.00pm Mass (Ss Dyfrig & Samson’s) TUESDAY 29 Weekday of Lent 10am Mass (S Saviour’s) 10.45am Stations of the Cross (S Saviour’s) 6.30pm Stations of the Cross (S Mary’s) 7pm Mass (S Mary’s) WEDNESDAY 30 Weekday of Lent 10am Holy Eucharist (S Paul’s) 11am Mass (S Mary’s) THURSDAY 31 Weekday of Lent 10am Mass (S Mary’s) 9.30am Mass (Ss Dyfrig & Samson’s) 5.45pm Mass (St Saviour’s) FRIDAY 1 Weekday of Lent 10am Mass (S Mary’s) SATURDAY 2 Weekday of Lent 11am Morning Prayer and Rosary (S Mary’s) 1130am Mass (S Mary’s) 12noon Confessions (S Mary’s)
HOLY WEEK & EASTER
Holy Week and Easter is at the heart of our year and, as Sunday is to the week, so Easter Sunday is to the whole year.
From the ‘Hosanna’ cries of Palm Sunday to the the intimate beauty of Maundy Thursday, from the silence of Good Friday to the stillness of Holy Saturday, and the beauty of the Easter Vigil which erupts with joy, our journey through Holy Week is filled with many emotions but each moment draws us deeper into the Mystery of God, and Christ’s saving death and resurrection.
PALM SUNDAY
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday as we recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. In each church we gather (in different ways) for the Blessing of Palms, Procession and Sung Mass
BUTETOWN: S MARY THE VIRGIN The Blessing of Palms and Procession begins at St Paul's Methodist Church, Loudoun Square at 10.30am. 1100hrs Solemn Mass (Preacher: Revd Paul Martin) GRANGETOWN: S PAUL THE APOSTLE 0800hrs Said Eucharist 1030hrs Sung Eucharist SS DYFRIG & SAMSON 0915hrs Solemn Mass SPLOTT: S SAVIOUR 0930hrs Sung Mass
MAUNDY THURSDAY
We begin the Holy Triduum with Maundy Thursday. The celebrations of these next three days form one liturgical act.
On the night that Jesus gathered with his apostles in the upper room, and gave us the gift of the Eucharist, so we gather to do what he has commanded us to do. In fact, there are two commandments. ‘Do this in remembrance of me’ and ‘Love one another as I have loved you’ which is expressed in the Washing of Feet.
Tonight, on this holy night, we gather to celebrate the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, with Washing of Feet, Stripping of the Altar, and Watch until midnight (the hour may vary in each church)
7.00pm St Mary’s
7.30pm Ss Dyfrig and Samson’s
8.15pm St Saviour’s
GOOD FRIDAY
We gather in silence for the sacred Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion with Veneration of the Cross and Communion. There are three different opportunities to gather for this:
1pm St Saviour’s, Splott
2pm St Paul’s, Grangetown
3pm St Mary’s, Butetown
STATIONS OF THE CROSS: In addition to the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, there will be the opportunity to walk the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday in the churches of the Ministry Area, including a joint Stations with St Alban’s RC Church in Splott (at 12 noon) which begins with a procession from St Saviour’s to St Alban’s beginning at 11.30am.
HOLY SATURDAY
Holy Saturday is a day of waiting. As Jesus body lay in the tomb, so we watch and pray until we gather for the Easter Vigil, the most important act of worship of the whole year. There are two opportunities to celebrate.
The first is on the evening of Holy Saturday, as darkness descends, at St Mary’s Church at 8pm.
The other alternative is to rise before dawn and gather at St Saviour’s at 5.45pm, followed by Easter Breakfast.
EASTER SUNDAY
BUTETOWN:
S MARY THE VIRGIN
1100hrs Solemn Mass
GRANGETOWN:
S PAUL THE APOSTLE
0800hrs Said Eucharist
1030hrs Sung Eucharist
SS DYFRIG & SAMSON
0915hrs Solemn Mass
SPLOTT:
S SAVIOUR
0930hrs Sung Mass
YOUNG PEOPLE
PASSION | YOUTH EVENT
Sunday April 3 | 5-7pm | St Mary’s
Passion is a new event for young people hosted by St Mary’s Church. Whatever your age, all are welcome – as long as you respect that this is a space for young people!
Beginning with a Barbecue at 5pm we’ll gather in church for worship at 6pm. To help us with catering it would be really good to have some indication of who’s planning on coming along! This is an exciting initiative, so we’d love as many people as possible to come along!
This event now coincides with the Day of Prayer for Ukraine (see below) which means that our time together will have a focus on prayer for peace for the people of Ukraine, and for deep concern for all who suffer as a result of war and conflict as we pray for a peaceful resolution.
UKRAINE
The continuing plight of the situation in Ukraine continues to move all of us and, each day, we pray for Ukraine, and for a peaceful end to the invasion.
You can make donations to the DEC’s fund at each of our churches. You can also find more resources about how you can contribute and help at the Diocese of Llandaff website
£1278 FOR UKRAINE!
The final total raised at St Paul’s Charity Coffee morning was an amazing £1200 for Ukraine. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed. This will be sent off soon along with all the other donations being made across the Ministry Area
DAY OF PRAYER FOR UKRAINE
On Sunday 3rd April 2022, churches and Christians from across the UK and Ireland will come together in an act of witness to pray and light candles for Ukraine, for an end to the conflict, and for all those affected by the terrible impact of war. Our planned PASSION event for young people on this day will incorporate this plea for prayer, and our hope for peace.
You can also find out more about the Day of Prayer at the website of the Diocese of Llandaff
COMMUNITY
EYES DOWN!
Yes, it’s the ever popular BINGO in Grangetown! Why not give it a try?!
Monday | 7pm | S Paul’s
Thursday | 7.30pm | Ss Dyfrig & Samson’s
EASTER RAFFLE
Tickets are now available for the Easter Raffle at Ss Dyfrig and Samson from Pam Ivins
COFFEE MORNING (@ST MARY’S)
Our Community Coffee Morning continues to grow, and provides a safe space for anyone who wants to pop along for a free coffee each Thursdays from 11am—1230pm.
If you’d like to help with hospitality and welcome, then get in touch, particularly if you can help this Thursday to open and close (as Fr Dean is unable to be there!)
EASTER PREPARATIONS
Our churches are already getting ready for Easter, and there are lots of ways in which you can be part of the activity.
FLOWERS
At St Saviour’s Church, if you’d like to donate flower arrangements (in memory or thanksgiving) then please see Gwyneth. Flower arrangements will need to be paid for by Sunday April 3, please. Likewise, at St Mary’s, you can also donate arrangements, and there is a list at the back of church, or you can speak to Iris Musa.
A CALL TO CLEAN
There are are also various opportunities to help clean the Church. Over the next few Friday afternoons, we are calling people to clean at St Mary’s, whilst St Saviour’s will be a hub of activity on Holy Saturday. Speak to Liz. In our Grangetown churches, please speak to your wardens who will be able to guide you into what needs to be done!
FUNERALS
Our ministry to the bereaved, and for those who have died, is such an important part of our life. Here are the funerals taking place in the Ministry Area over the next few weeks
ST MARY’S:
Tuesday 5 April | 1pm | Kenneth Blackett
ST SAVIOUR’S:
Wednesday 30 March | 9.45am | Joan Supp
Thursday 31 March | 12.45pm| Menzies
SHAPING THE MINISTRY AREA
ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING
You can play your part in the shaping of of our Ministry Area in our first Annual Vestry Meeting.
Nomination forms for Churchwardens, Sub-wardens and Ministry Area Council Members are available in each of the churches. The meeting takes place on Wednesday March 30 at 7pm at St Paul’s Church. All members of the electoral roll are able to vote.
Here are the financial statements for 2021 for St Mary’s, St Saviour’s and St Paul’s
LAY CHAIR
We are pleased that the Bishop of Llandaff has appointed Glyn Perryman as the Lay Chair of the Ministry Area
DATES FOR THE DIARY
CHRISM MASS
Bristol Cathedral | Monday 11 April | 12 noon. | Coach available
This is a Chrism Mass celebrated outside of the Diocese by the Bishop of Chichester. If you’d like to book a free place on the Coach, then please either add your name to the list in church (where applicable) or contact Fr Dean.
WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE
July 25—28 | Bookings are being taken now
SINGING FOR SEATS AT ST SAVIOURS
Clare Williams and her friends are planning another fundraising concert at St Saviours on Saturday 16 July. All proceeds will go towards new seating in the church. More details will be available closer to the date.
UNITED IN PRAYER | SIDE BY SIDE
PRAYER POINTS
For the Ukraine, the DEC appeal
For all peoples displaced by war, for refugees and asylum seekers, a safe route and welcome for all
For the Ukraine, the DEC appeal
For all peoples displaced by war, for all refugees and asylum seekers
For the Annual Vestry Meeting this week, and all who have particular responsibilities in the Ministry Area
For our preparations and publicity for the PASSION youth event on April 3rd, and for all young people and those who work with them
S MARY’S
Eleri Francis, Aron Bux, Carol Blades, Iris Norden, Aisha Bin-Matt, Simon Williams, Christopher Hoffman, Andrew Partridge, Ella Robinson, David Brooks, Dave Robbins, Irene Fox, Hayley McConnell-Hayward, , Brian Pepperell, Fr Christopher Smith, Linda Griffiths, Ronald John, Jeanette Sestanovich
DEPARTED: Roger Pearson, Michael Benrnarde, Kenneth Blackett
LAMP DEDICATIONS: Last Sunday’s Lamp was dedicated to George Saunders, killed in action 25 March. This week’s is in memory of Fred Gibbins, and for all mothers on Mothering Sunday
S PAUL’S
Jane Pritchard, Ollie Meredith, Kathleen Phillips, Eileen Newbury, Gwyneth Day, Ken Bowen, Debbie, Anthony Lewis, David Nash, Lyn, Christine Davies, Gloria Lockwood, Allan Collier, Pam Probert
SS DYFRIG & SAMSON’S
Christine Moseley, Jacqueline Swain, Mike Williams, Enid Ostler, Pauline, Eric Roberts, Kath Hancock, Jeanette Seymour, , David Williams, Pauline Morgan, Robert Bunkell, Fr Roy Doxsey, Ajay Christopherson
ANNIVERSARIES OF DEATH: Lily Denham, Harold Ernest Ash, Emma Jane Griffiths, Leopold King, Glynne Williams, Florence Maud Morgan, Anthony John Sourlis, Dr Deborah Margaret Lamont, William John James, John Dibble, James Gay, Phoebe Rogers, Frederick Rogers, Blanche (Daisy) Dare, Peter Cox, Alice John, Dean Paul Cotter.
ST SAVIOUR’S
Beryl Hill, David Ryan
DEPARTED: Joan Supp
South Cardiff Ministry Area 