More than just greeting people when they come to one of our churches, this is about creating a culture of warmth and invitation, sharing what we have and who we are.
It’s about nurturing a sense of belonging and purpose, and reaching out to those who would usually remain distant, befriending the stranger, the lonely, the vulnerable and those in need.
Being a welcoming community means fostering a strong and healthy community of love which extends beyond our buildings and provides a meeting point, a shared exchange with all we meet.
Diverse and Multiculural
Our congregations are diverse, and represent the communities of which we are a part.
However, we don’t take anything for granted. We want to ensure that full representation is embedded in our life together.
We are committed to learning more about and valuing protected characteristics, to ensure that we are an anti-racist church and that no one feels excluded. Many of our activities and involvement in certain initiatives throughout the year (such as Refugee Week, Windrush Day, the Great Get Together, etc) celebrate diversity and welcome.
Safeguarding
We are a ‘Safe Church’. All who work with children and vulnerable adults have the relevant DBR checks and Safeguarding Training.
Our Safeguarding policy is displayed in each building, and here on our website. It is reviewed annually and we have a Safeguarding Officer for the Ministry Area and in each of our churches.
Building for the Future
We have the privilege (and challenge!) of a number of churches and other buildings, and each presents their own challenge!
There are obviously significant costs in maintaining historic building and it’s even more costly to adapt and develop them but we are committed to ensuring that each of our buildings are accessible and welcoming to all.
We have ambitious plans for some of our churches, and there are many possibilities being explored so that our built resources can be used creatively for the wider community.
We’ll be sharing some of the plans and possibilities for individual plans on our website soon.
Accessibility
Our churches were built in the 19th and early 20th century and have changed and developed over the years. Whilst each church now has facilities such as accessible toilets, ramps and other aids, we recognise that we can do far more to ensure they are accessible for all.
In 2024, we will carry out an Accessibility Audit of our buildings, estates and activities so that we can continue to develop and grow, and be welcoming and accessible.
Community Spaces
We have great community spaces which are available for hire, and which we use for community gatherings, meetings and events.
More information is available on our Community Space pages.
Belonging
People of all ages and backgrounds are involved in our worship and community life, and we actively encourage and welcome others to get involved in whatever way is right for them.
There are many different ministries and jobs in which people can participate, from gardening to governance, from cleaning to community organising, from reading at Mass to working with schools.
Hospitality
Our churches are places where all can feel at home, and we offer free hospitality. There is usually tea and coffee (and often cake!) after each Sunday Mass which is free for all.
We are careful to distinguish between ‘fundraising events’ and ‘social events.’ Many of our social events are free. However, if they do incur a charge then we always ensure that the costs don’t prevent someone from taking part. When we are aware of financial difficulties, we will ensure that there is a free place for you at the table, discreetly organised!
Check out our calendar for events and occasions
Visitors and Tourists
Situated in or near central Cardiff, we love to welcome visitors and tourists to our city.
St Mary’s Church, which is closest to the city centre, also has plans to create a visitor and welcome centre which will share the rich life, history and heritage of St Mary’s and Butetown. Our plans will also enable the church to be open more often during the week.
Our website has resources to explore Faithful Butetown and Faithful Cardiff with trails and tours celebrating the part Faith has played (and continues to play) in the life of Cardiff, and which we hope to extend across the Ministry Area. Sometimes, we offer accompanied trails or can offer bespoke tours. Get in touch!
Schools
The Faithful Butetown project has also been developed into Discovery Days for schools (and others!)
We welcome schools! Our church buildings and communities are wonderful resources for delivery of the curriculum. But we also love working with our schools on community concerns.
We have a number of resources to strengthen our welcome of schools and we are committed to creating many more!
Cymraeg
We are part of a bilingual nation and a bilingual church.
We are upping our game on the use of the Welsh language in our worship, signage and publications. This will be more evident during 2024.
You’ll soon be able to check out our ‘Cymraeg’ page which will provide a few Welsh language resources for worship and prayer, including parts of the Mass and other prayers.
Sanctuary
We are sensitive to the needs of Refugees and Asylum seekers, and also many others who have journeyed from around the world to live in Cardiff to work or study.
We are pleased to provide a free home in one of our buildings to Women Seeking Sanctuary Advocacy Group.
Our Croeso Butetown project with Tabernacl Chapel is working to welcome, house, support a Refugee Family for up to two years.
Our Homeless Charter sets out our promises and priorities to those who are homeless. We are working with St Mary’s School to welcome new families to Cargo House from January 2024 by offering home parcels to new arrivals.
South Cardiff Ministry Area 