Whilst worship, especially the Eucharist, is the source and summit of all that we do, it is not and can never be disconnected from the life of our communities.
The Eucharist strengthens and inspires us to live a Eucharistic life, to be thankful for all that we have, and helping us to be the Body of Christ in the world, seeing the world transformed, and meeting him in those we are called to serve.
How do we aim to be a Just Community?
Being alert to and actively responding to need
Building relationships and working with others to create strong, cohesive and healthy communities
Living with respect and concern for one another, so that all feel valued and have all they need to live full and healthy lives.
Community Organising
As members of ‘Citizens Cymru’ we have been involved in a number of campaigns and activities to bring change to our communities.
Both clergy have taken part in the Citizen UK’s Six Day Training, and we are committed to ongoing training for members of our churches.
Young People
As part of Citizens, we are members of the Core Team for the ‘Youth Endowment Fund’, helping young people in Butetown and Grangetown to flourish.
This is a five year project which we hope will have sustainability for the future, and will help to transform lives. We’ll bring you updates soon.
Refugees
We are partners in ‘Croeso Butetown’, which is part of the Community Sponsorship of Refugees, with the commitment to welcome, home and support a family for up to two years.
We have already raised over £12,000 alongside Tabernacl Church, and we are currently seeking a suitable home in Butetown.
At St Mary’s, we are also home to Women Seeking Sanctuary Advocacy Group.
Refugee Week is also an embedded part of the Ministry Area which grows stronger and wider each year. It’s vibrant and joyful week which also incorporates Windrush Day and The Great Get Together both of which we celebrate.
More in Common Network
As members of the “More in Common” Community Cohesion Network in Cardiff (presently chaired by Fr Dean) we are part of a diverse group of people from many different sectors across the City to work for strong and safe communities.
Through this membership, we are committed to celebrating “The Great Get Together” in the summer and winter each year, and to share, listen to and address local needs and concerns.
The Day of the Soup is one of our initiatives which gathers together a diverse range of people for sharing food.
Faithful Butetown
Living and working in diverse, multicultural communities, our ‘Faithful Butetown’ project aims to share our experiences further afield so that we help communities to build trust and respect.
We have begun to work with a number of schools from different Local Authorities, and are keen to expand the opportunities.
Interfaith
We support the ‘Interfaith Network for Wales’ and it’s events, particularly during Interfaith Week,
We are committed to building friendships with people of different faiths so that we can be part of a strong, cohesive society. We aim to help reimagine and relaunch the South Cardiff Interfaith Network.
Homelessness
Homelessness comes in various guises from those who sleep rough on our streets to families living temporarily in hotels or living with housing insecurity. We try to play our part in offering support and bringing change.
Our Homelessness Charter sets out our response and commitment. We are committed to make financial offerings to Homeless Charities.
We are looking forward to helping to welcome families to the neighbouring Cargo House in January 2024 by providing a useful hamper of items for each family and helping to create a welcoming and supportive environment, working alongside St Mary’s School.
We have also presented gifts at Christmas to the residents of Ty Gobaith, and always aim to maintain and develop good relationships with them and other similar service providers. We have served as host for the November Memorial Service for all who have died homeless. One of our Christmas Charities in 2023 is Wallich, and our Advent and Christmas celebrations will be inspired and moved by issues of Homelessness and Housing.
Care for Creation
Each of our churches tries to care for God’s world in various different ways but our plan moving forward is to follow the ‘A Rocha’ Eco Award so that we can be consistent across the Ministry Area.
This will serve to drive us forward in our ambition to live sustainably and with care and responsibility for the natural world.
Justice Cafe
So much happens over a coffee! Our ‘Justice Cafe’ is a means through which we bring to the table issues of concern, so that we can explore possibilities and actions.
They take place in various venues across the Ministry Area at advertised times. Check out the latest here:
Charity
We support a number of charities through the year with our monthly charity coffee mornings at St Paul’s, as well as other events across the Ministry Area.
Find out more about how charitable giving and how you can get involved.
Cardiff Foodbank
We donate food items to ‘Cardiff Foodbank’ each week. We also run two Food Bank sessions at St Saviours on Wednesday and Thursday.
Through these session we are able to serve a wide range of people in crisis and who present with so many different needs.
For more information on Cardiff Foodbank visit their website at:
Community spaces
We have some great community spaces which are used by a wide variety of groups.
Our own activities each week and through the year also aim to build strong communities, combat loneliness, and build friendships.
We’re on a Journey!
These are just some of the things we do as we work towards being a Just Community.
We are on a journey, and aim to work creatively and resourcefully, making the most of what we have, and using it to bring change.
We’ll bring you more news and opportunities to get involved soon! In the meantime, please get in touch to find out more.
South Cardiff Ministry Area 