We’re looking forward to celebrating Refugee Week again this year. Our celebration begin on Sunday 14 June, and this years theme is courage!
The word courage comes from the Latin cor, meaning “heart.”
Inspired by the lives and experiences of people seeking sanctuary, Refugee Week 2026 invites us to explore the theme of Courage.
For refugees around the world, courage is often a daily necessity. It is the courage to face unknown journeys, learn new languages, navigate unfamiliar systems, or simply to wake up each morning and step into an uncertain world.
At a time when some seek to divide and blame, Refugee Week 2026 calls us to come together and share the courage to welcome, to stand for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community – to be joyful, imagine new possibilities, dream, heal, and connect.
The Great Get Together
The Great Get Together is the UK’s annual celebration of everything that connects our communities, inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common than that which divides us.
This year’s Great Get Together will take place on 19-21 June 2026 and will mark 10 years since Jo was killed.
Many of us remember how, in the days that followed Jo’s murder, people responded not with fear, but with something Jo believed in deeply: connection. Neighbours came together. Differences were set aside. Communities chose unity over division.
This anniversary is not just about remembrance. It is a moment of choice.
Refugee Week in South Cardiff Ministry Area
Here’s our full timetable for the whole week, which begins on Sunday 14 June but make sure to check back for updates and further details!
Sunday 14 June
Ice Cream Sunday!
As we kick start our week of welcome and celebrations, join us for Ice Cream Sunday after each of our Sunday Masses
Everyone is welcome!
5pm: ‘OMG!’ at St Saviour’s
In the evening, OMG! at St Saviour’s will have a Refugee Week theme, and we’ll be enjoying fruit kebabs!
5pm: ‘Thrive at Five’ at St Paul’s
Meanwhile, at St Paul’s Thrive at Five, our monthly event for young people will also have a Refugee Week theme, accompanied by pizza!
Monday 15 June
630pm: Mass at Ss Dyfrig and Samson
Intention: we offer this Mass in Thanksgiving for the contribution made by refugees to our country, and for all participating in Refugee Week.
7pm: ‘Film Festival’ at Ss Dyfrig and Samson
As Part of Refugee Week’s Global Film Festival, we’ll be sharing snacks and drinks and checking out a few short films!
Here’s a little taster of some of the films available.
MIGRANTS: Two polar bears are driven into exile due to global warming. They will encounter brown bears along their journey, with whom they will try to cohabitate. (Certificate: U)
HAYAT: Rahma, an Eritrean migrant living in Australia, faces isolation and daily struggles as she works to keep her four young children connected to their cultural roots while building a new life far from home. (Cert: parental guidance)
Tuesday 16 June
St Mary’s Gardening: pupils from St Mary’s School will be gardening at church today! One of the many SIMPLE ACTS for Refugee Week!
3.15pm: Global Picnic at Moorland School
Food is an amazing means of bringing people together, so come along and experience some delicious tastes and community life!
630pm: Mass at St Mary’s
Intention: we offer this Mass for all refugees who have died whilst making the difficult journey in search of safety and sanctuary.
Wednesday 17 June
10am School Mass at St Paul’s
11am School Mass at St Mary’s
Intention: That we may welcome all who seek safety and sanctuary in our community and country
6pm: ‘Croeso Butetown’ at St Mary’s
Join us for a bite to eat and great conversation!
We’re excited to be working with Tabernacl Chapel in the Hayes to support refugee groups through micro grants. This is our first step to discovering what is useful and exciting for you as you support refugees.
Thursday 18 June
10am: Mass at Ss Dyfrig and Samson
Intention: we pray for leaders, politicians and governments making decisions which affect the lives of refugees, and for stability and peace throughout the world.
Friday 19 June
1130am Mass at St Saviour’s
Intention: we pray for ‘Oasis’ in Splott, and all other organisations in our city which support Refugees.
Gardening in Splott
Moorland School will be planting at St Saviour’s this morning, one of the many SIMPLE ACTS of Refugee Week!
315 pm: Global Picnic at St Mary’s School
This is always an amazing occasion. Join us for a global picnic at St Mary’s School, part of the Great Get Together!
Saturday 20 June
1130am: Mass at St Mary’s
Intention: we offer this Mass for all involved in the Great Get Together, and for community cohesion and unity.
Sunday 21 June: Sanctuary Sunday
Masses are at the usual Sunday times across the churches of our Ministry Area, as we celebrate Sanctuary Sunday!
930am at St Saviours, and Ss Dyfrig and Samson
11am at St Paul’s,and St Mary’s
12 noon: Great Get Together Barbecue
Rounding off the week’s celebration on Sanctuary Sunday is the Great Get Together Barbecue at St Mary’s Church. (Vegetarian and Halal options are available.)
Through the Week
As well as various events and celebrations, there will be many other activities throughout the week.
From gardening to the distribution of packets of seeds, as well as reflection spaces for schools (and others!) at St Mary’s Church. There is also our comfortable Refugee Children’s book corner loved by all ages!
Poster Celebration
There will also be a children’s poster competition. So get creative and help spread the message of COURAGE!
Find out More
Check out the websites of Refugee Week and the Great Get Together to find out more or watch these short videos
South Cardiff Ministry Area 