We all like to get things done and be productive but in today’s reflection, Fr Richard reminds us of the importance of making space to listen to God
Tuesday of 27th week of Ordinary Time [Our Lady of the Rosary]
Readings: Jonah 3.1-10; Luke 10.38-42
In our increasingly frenetic, busy and non-stop world, it can be incredibly difficult to find the space to listen to what really matters. The importance of being able to do this is outlined, in different ways, in our readings today.
In the passage from Jonah, we pick up the story after the title character has survived being swallowed by the fish (and being vomited out!). Having failed to run away from the mission God had given him, Jonah finally makes his way to Nineveh and preaches repentance to the people. Then, we are told, a remarkable thing happens: they listen to God’s message, and change their ways. “Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands”, the king commands. This they do, and sure enough God spares them from disaster and ruin.
Our Gospel today is the charming story of the sisters Mary and Martha welcoming Jesus into their home. Mary is sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to his teaching, while Martha is busy entertaining her guests. Martha complains to Jesus about her sister, and asks him to tell her to lend a hand. Jsus seems to side with Mary, and many commentators have seen this as implying that the contemplative life is superior to the active. However, there need not be quite such a stark divide between the approach of the sisters.
For Mary, in that moment, listening to Jesus was the right thing for her to be doing – after all, it’s not every day that the Son of God comes to your home. Indeed, other commentators have said that both Mary and Jesus were enabling something radical to happen – it was unusual in their day for a woman to sit at a rabbi’s feet to learn from him. The active side of Christian discipleship is not being denigrated; but surely it must start with the approach of Mary, of making time to sit and listen to the Lord. It’s that which prompts us to action. If we don’t listen first, then our actions will simply be adding to the frenetic busyness of the world. Listening to God is important, but it should lead to something.
Like the people of Nineveh, it might prompt us to change our life in some way. Or we might sense that God is wanting us to do something in his sevice. Let us make that space to listen to him, and then have the courage to act.
Today’s Mass is celebrated at St Mary’s Church, Butetown at 630pm
We’re back with our daily reflections from the readings at Mass. Today, Fr Richard takes us from a vomiting fish to a world without barriers where everyone can know they are children or God.
Monday of 27th week in Ordinary Time (Year 1)
Readings: Jonah 1.1-17; 2.10 and Luke 10.25-37
To many people outside of the Christian faith, the Bible is probably viewed as a very traditional sort of book, containing rules and regulations about how to live. For those us who are more familiar with the Bible, we know it to be so much more than that.
Tonight’s reading from Jonah, for example, is quite comical, with the image of Jonah himself being thrown overboard from the ship, swallowed by a great fish, then after three days vomited out onto the land! But our reading from Jonah, and today’s Gospel, reveal that the Bible can be very radical, and offer a profound challenge to common ways of thinking.
The reason Jonah was on the ship in the first place was because he was running away from God. He didn’t want to carry out the mission God had given him, which was to go and preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. The fact that God is wanting to send him there at all, to a people outside of the nation of Israel, is very striking. For it tells us that God’s love, mercy and compassion extends to all peoples everywhere, not just a select few. In other words, God’s love is profoundly inclusive.
We see this theme of radical inclusivity in the famous parable of the Good Samaritan. The religious insiders, the priest and the Levite, fail to help the man who has been robbed. They pass by on the other side. It is the Samaritan, the traditional enemy of the Jewish people, who does the right thing and shows the man something of God’s love and compassion. The message is clear: everyone, regardless of who are they are, can be channels of God’s grace. Throughout the course of human history, people have been inclined to put up barriers, and view some folk as better than others, or divide people up into “insiders” and “outsiders”. Perhaps we need a little more the radical inclusivity that we find in the Bible to permeate modern society, so that those barriers can be broken down, and every person can be seen for what they truly are: a beloved child of God.
A Cardiff priest will celebrate 60 years of ministry this week, marking his Diamond Jubilee with a special mass on Friday 13 June at St Mary’s Church Butetown.
The Venerable Martin Innfeld Williams, 88, was ordained priest in 1965 and has served communities across Wales and England. Since retiring in 2004, Fr Martin continues to be active in the church, co-leading worship in South Cardiff churches of Butetown, Grangetown and Splott with Fr Dean Atkins, Ministry Area Leader and vicar Fr Richard Green.
Close friend and colleague Fr Dean says, “It is a joy and privilege to have Fr Martin’s gentle and prayerful presence in the Ministry Area. His faithfulness is an inspiration.”
Fr Martin’s guidance has inspired many people who have since entered the priesthood, including Canon Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St David’s Cathedral, “Fr Martin was on my discernment panel, 30 years ago – and I remember having a delightful and stimulating discussion. I offer him my congratulations and assurance of prayers and he celebrates 60 years as a priest.”
Canon Sarah Rogers, Diocese of Llandaff added, “Fr Martin was a steady presence by dad’s side, a good and faithful priest, always gentle and affirming.”
David Lewis adds his own tribute, “Fr Martin was a big influence on me growing up when he was Parish Priest in Merthyr. His knowledge and spirituality are second to none and the more time I spent with him I grew as a Christian exploring paths I had never gone down before. His total devotion to the church and his love of God and the liturgical and sacramental life of the church shone through ,and he always made sure that Mass was always available daily despite having a busy schedule as Archdeacon.
“Getting to know Fr Martin as a man and priest was amazing, and he never really liked titles such as Venerable but unfortunately that came with the territory. When he retired I felt a light had gone out, but we always kept in touch especially via Llangasty Retreat House and going to visit him in Brecon.
“I value Fr Martin greatly as a priest and a friend. I will always be grateful to him for the person I am today and I pray that God will continue to richly bless him in his continued Ministry as he is one in a million.”
About Fr Martin Williams
Born in 1937, Fr Martin was educated at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he earned his BA in 1962 and MA in 1992. He completed his theological training at Chichester Theological College in 1962.He was ordained as a deacon in 1964 and as a priest in 1965. Fr Martin served as curate at Holy Cross Church in Greenford, London, from 1964 to 1970.
He then worked as a tutor at Chichester Theological College from 1970 to 1975, and then as Vice-Principal from 1975 to 1977.In 1977, Fr Williams moved to Wales when he was appointed Vicar of St German’s Church, Roath, in Llandaff. He held the post for 15 years until 1992.
From 1992, he took on a number of senior roles. He served as Treasurer of Llandaff Cathedral from 1992 to 2004 and as Vicar of St John the Baptist Church, Penydarren, from 1992 to 2004. He was appointed Archdeacon of Margam from 1992 to 2001, and his final role was as Archdeacon of Morgannwg from 2002 to 2004.
Fr Martin’s Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Mass takes place at 7pm on Friday 13 June at St Mary’s Church, Butetown, Cardiff.
Connecting you to the churches of South Cardiff Ministry Area across Butetown, Grangetown and Splott. Our vision is to be a creative and resourceful community which is welcoming, faithful and just!
(You can subscribe to this weekly news bulletin and receive other updates straight into your inbox by adding your email address at the bottom of the page.)
On Wednesday, as we gathered for a Memorial Service for all those who have died when homeless, working together with Salvation Army’s Ty Gobaith and The Choir with No Name.
It will be featured in a BBC Radio Wales broadcast of ‘All Things Considered’ on Sunday December 8 at 9am. You can listen live or catch up on BBC Sounds
African Celebration
Join us for an authentic African celebration with food, music and culture organised by some of our Nigerian family at St Saviour’s.
The event is free although donations are welcome. You can book your place in person at St Saviours or using the booking form here:
Tomorrow (December 1st) is the First Sunday of Advent as we begin a new year in the Christian calendar.
Advent is a beautifully rich season, full of deep symbolism and it has some lovely liturgical celebrations and devotions, from the Advent Wreath to the Jesse Tree, from Las Posadas to St Lucy’s wheat. You can check out some of out Advent and Christmas resources for prayer and devotion here:
Join us for a wonderful celebration of light, suitable for children and families and all on Sunday 8 December at St Paul’s Church
Worship for the Week Ahead
Mass is celebrated each day across our churches. Here’s our pattern of prayer for the week ahead.
Sunday 1December 9.30am: Sung Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson 9.30am: Sung Mass at St Saviour’s 11.00am: Sung Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Solemn Mass at St Mary's
Monday 2 December 6.30pm: Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson
Tuesday 3 December 6.30pm: Mass at St Mary’s
Wednesday 4 December 10.00am: Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Mass at St Mary's
Thursday 5 December 10.00am: Mass at St Dyfrig & St Samson
Friday 6 December 10.00am Mass at St Saviour’s
Saturday 7 December 11.00am: Morning Prayer & Rosary at St Mary's 11.30am Mass at St Mary's 12 noon: Sacrament of Reconciliation
You can discover more about our regular pattern of worship through the week at
Connecting you to the churches of South Cardiff Ministry Area across Butetown, Grangetown and Splott. Our vision is to be a creative and resourceful community which is welcoming, faithful and just!
(You can subscribe to this weekly news bulletin and receive other updates straight into your inbox by adding your email address at the bottom of the page.)
All are welcome on Wednesday, as we host a Service of Commemoration for all those who have died when homeless, working together with Salvation Army’s Ty Gobaith and The Choir with No Name
African Celebration
Join us for an authentic African celebration with food, music and culture organised by some of our Nigerian family at St Saviour’s.
The event is free although donations are welcome. You can book your place in person at St Saviours or using the booking form here:
Get the date in your diary and get the word around for St Paul’s Christmas Bazaar on November 30th at 12 noon. Join us for lots of fun and bargains, food and goodies!
Advent and Christmas 2024
Check out our celebrations throughout December across the Ministry Area as we celebrate Advent and Christmas
Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent as we begin a new year in the Christian calendar. Advent is a beautifully rich season, full of deep symbolism and it has some lovely liturgical celebrations and devotions, from the Advent Wreath to the Jesse Tree, from Las Posadas to St Lucy’s wheat.
You can check out some of out Advent and Christmas resources for prayer and devotion here:
Mass is celebrated each day across our churches. Here’s our pattern of prayer for the week ahead.
Sunday 24 November 9.30am: Sung Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson 9.30am: Sung Mass at St Saviour’s 11.00am: Sung Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Solemn Mass at St Mary's
Monday 25 November 6.30pm: Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson
Tuesday 26 November 6.30pm: Mass at St Mary’s
Wednesday 26 November 10.00am: Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Mass at St Mary's
Thursday 27 November 10.00am: Mass at St Dyfrig & St Samson
Friday 28 November 10.00am Mass at St Saviour’s
Saturday 29 November 11.00am: Morning Prayer & Rosary at St Mary's 11.30am Mass at St Mary's 12 noon: Sacrament of Reconciliation
You can discover more about our regular pattern of worship through the week at
Connecting you to the churches of South Cardiff Ministry Area across Butetown, Grangetown and Splott. Our vision is to be a creative and resourceful community which is welcoming, faithful and just!
(You can subscribe to this weekly news bulletin and receive other updates straight into your inbox by adding your email address at the bottom of the page.)
We have some special occasions across the Ministry Area on and around Remembrance Sunday.
Please note: on this day the Eucharist at St Paul’s will be at the earlier time of 9.45am and there will also be a short act of remembrance at Ss Dyfrig and Samson at the end of Mass.
Homeless Memorial Service
Commemorations, memorials and celebrations continue throughout November including a Memorial Service for those who have died homeless (above) which takes place at the end of the month.
The conflict in Gaza is taking a devastating toll on the lives of people in Gaza. They’ve seen death and destruction on a scale of unimaginable proportions.
Over the next few Sundays there will be an opportunity to donate in a retiring collection at St Mary’s for the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal through Christian Aid. You can find out more at the Christian Aid website
Well, actually, it’s not! But we are getting ready for all our Advent and Christmas preparations, and this week we launched details of our Advent Course, “It’s Christmas!”
The course which explores the meaning of Christmas through popular musical soundtracks from the Christmas season. You can discover more here:
Mass is celebrated each day across our churches. Here’s our pattern of prayer for the week ahead.
Sunday 10 November 9.30am: Sung Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson 9.30am: Sung Mass at St Saviour’s 9.45am: Sung Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Solemn Mass at St Mary's
Monday 11 November 6.30pm: Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson
Tuesday 12 November 6.30pm: Mass at St Mary’s
Wednesday 13 November 10.00am: Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Mass at St Mary's
Thursday 14 November 10.00am: Mass at St Dyfrig & St Samson
Friday 15 November 10.00am Mass at St Saviour’s
Saturday 16 November 11.00am: Morning Prayer & Rosary at St Mary's 11.30am Mass at St Mary's 12 noon: Sacrament of Reconciliation
You can discover more about our regular pattern of worship through the week at
Connecting you to the churches of South Cardiff Ministry Area across Butetown, Grangetown and Splott. Our vision is to be a creative and resourceful community which is welcoming, faithful and just!
(You can subscribe to this weekly news bulletin and receive other updates straight into your inbox by adding your email address at the bottom of the page.)
This month’s time of devotion before the Blessed Sacrament takes places at St Saviours on Wednesday at 6pm
Mass of the Sick
This is celebrated on Friday at 10am at St Saviours Church. We offer Mass for those who are sick and celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick with Laying on of Hands and Anointing. This Mass also celebrates the feast of All the Saints of Wales.
Clergy Appointment
The vacant post of Vicar for South Cardiff Ministry Area is now being advertised on the Diocesan Website and in the Church Times.
You can read the Ministry Area and Job profile at the Diocesan Website (link below). In the meantime, I’m grateful for your patience with so many things experienced under the current circumstances, particularly with the extra demands on my time and availability. I’m trying my best to meet those demands according to what is reasonably possible. We are also so grateful to the retired clergy who are helping to maintain the weekly and weekday celebrations, and to all who have particular responsibilities in each of our churches – Fr Dean.
Commemorations, memorials and celebrations continue throughout November including a Memorial Service for those who have died homeless (above) which takes place at the end of the month.
You can also discover all the different ways in which we are commemorating Remembrance Sunday across the Ministry Area at our November pages on our website (and there are also separate details below)
We have some special occasions across the Ministry Area on and around Remembrance Sunday. Please note: on this day the Eucharist at St Paul’s will be at the earlier time of 9.45am and there will also be a short act of remembrance at Ss Dyfrig and Samson at the end of Mass.
Churches Together
The Annual General Meeting of CYTUN (Churches Together in the City Centre and the Bay) takes place on Wednesday November 6th at 730pm.
Member churches are invited to send two lay representatives along with the clergy. If you’d like to be involved then please speak to Fr Dean
Gaza Appeal
The conflict in Gaza is taking a devastating toll on the lives of people in Gaza. They’ve seen death and destruction on a scale of unimaginable proportions.
Over the next few Sundays there will be an opportunity to donate in a retiring collection at St Mary’s and St Saviour’s for the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal through Christian Aid. You can find out more at the Christian Aid website
We welcome the Provincial Synod of the Society of the Holy Cross to St Mary’s on Tuesday with a concelebrated Mass at 12 noon
Our monthly time of worship at Bella Vista Nursing Home takes place on Thursday at 11am
Worship for the Week Ahead
Mass is celebrated each day across our churches. Here’s our pattern of prayer for the week ahead.
Sunday 3 November 9.30am: Sung Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson 9.30am: Sung Mass at St Saviour’s 11.00am: Sung Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Solemn Mass at St Mary's
Monday 4 November 6.30pm: Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson
Tuesday 5 November 6.30pm: Mass at St Mary’s
Wednesday 6 November 10.00am: Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Mass at St Mary's
Thursday 7 November 10.00am: Mass at St Dyfrig & St Samson
Friday 8 November 10.00am Mass of the Sick at St Saviour’s
Saturday 9 November 11.00am: Morning Prayer & Rosary at St Mary's 11.30am Mass at St Mary's 12 noon: Sacrament of Reconciliation
You can discover more about our regular pattern of worship through the week at
Connecting you to the churches of South Cardiff Ministry Area across Butetown, Grangetown and Splott. Our vision is to be a creative and resourceful community which is welcoming, faithful and just!
(You can subscribe to this weekly news bulletin and receive other updates straight into your inbox by adding your email address at the bottom of the page.)
The vacant post of Vicar for South Cardiff Ministry Area is now being advertised on the Diocesan Website and will hopefully also feature in the Church Times from next week.
You can read the Ministry Area and Job profile at the Diocesan Website (link below). In the meantime, I’m grateful for your patience with so many things experienced under the current circumstances, particularly with the extra demands on my time and availability. I’m trying my best to meet those demands according to what is reasonably possible. We are also so grateful to the retired clergy who are helping to maintain the weekly and weekday celebrations, and to all who have particular responsibilities in each of our churches – Fr Dean.
The beautiful Feast of all Saints is on Friday November 1st, which we celebrate with Mass at 630pm at St Saviour’s Church.
On the following day, we commemorate all the faithful departed with two Masses at 11.30am. You can also request for one of the weekday Masses throughout November to be offered for one or more departed loved ones. Please send your request to Fr Dean.
Remember November
Commemorations, memorials and celebrations continue throughout November including a Memorial Service for those who have died homeless (above) which takes place at the end of the month.
You can also discover all the different ways in which we are commemorating Remembrance Sunday across the Ministry Area at our November pages on our website.
The second Harvest lunch of the season takes place on Saturday November 2 at 12 noon Ss Dyfrig and Samson
Get in touch if you’d like to book a place!
Remembrance Sunday
We have some special occasions across the Ministry Area on and around Remembrance Sunday. Please note: on this day the Eucharist at St Paul’s will be at the earlier time of 9.45am and there will also be a short act of remembrance at Ss Dyfrig and Samson at the end of Mass.
Churches Together
The Annual General Meeting of CYTUN (Churches Together in the City Centre and the Bay) takes place on Wednesday November 6th at 730pm.
Member churches are invited to send two lay representatives along with the clergy. If you’d like to be involved then please speak to Fr Dean
Gaza Appeal
The conflict in Gaza is taking a devastating toll on the lives of people in Gaza. They’ve seen death and destruction on a scale of unimaginable proportions.
Over the next few Sundays there will be an opportunity to donate in a retiring collection at St Mary’s and St Saviour’s for the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal through Christian Aid. You can find out more at the Christian Aid website
Why not get out and about this Half Term and visit some of the Llanscapes of Wales with our PILGRIM pages (although you can also explore them from the comfort of your home!)
Over two decades of scientific research has shown that listening to a personalised playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia. In fact, listening to music that is personally meaningful has many psychological benefits, meaning anyone can benefit from a playlist.
Playlist for Life is a music and dementia charity, founded by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson after the death of her mother who had dementia. Their vision is simple: for everyone with dementia to have a unique, personalised playlist and everyone who loves or cares for them to know how to use it.
If you’d like to help deliver the project in our Ministry Area then please speak to Fr Dean. You can find out more about Playlist for Life here:
Mass is celebrated each day across our churches. Here’s our pattern of prayer for the week ahead.
Sunday 28 October 9.30am: Sung Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson 9.30am: Sung Mass at St Saviour’s 11.00am: Sung Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Solemn Mass at St Mary's
Monday 29 October 6.30pm: Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson
Tuesday 30 October 6.30pm: Mass at St Mary’s
Wednesday 31 October 10.00am: Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Mass at St Mary's
Thursday 1 November 10.00am: Mass at St Dyfrig & St Samson
Friday 2 November 6.30pm Sung Mass at St Saviour’s
Saturday 3 November 11.00am: Morning Prayer & Rosary at St Mary's 11.30am Mass at St Mary's 11.30am Mass at St Dyfrig and St Samson 12 noon: Sacrament of Reconciliation
You can discover more about our regular pattern of worship through the week at
Connecting you to the churches of South Cardiff Ministry Area across Butetown, Grangetown and Splott. Our vision is to be a creative and resourceful community which is welcoming, faithful and just!
(You can subscribe to this weekly news bulletin and receive other updates straight into your inbox by adding your email address at the bottom of the page.)
All Saints Tide
The beautiful Feast of all Saints is on Friday November 1st, which we celebrate with Mass at 630pm at St Saviour’s Church.
On the following day, we commemorate all the faithful departed with two Masses at 11.30am
Remember November
Commemorations, memorials and celebrations continue throughout November including a Memorial Service for those who have died homeless (above) which takes place at the end of the month.
You can also discover all the different ways in which we are commemorating Remembrance Sunday across the Ministry Area at our November pages on our website.
The second Harvest lunch of the season takes place on Saturday November 2 at 12 noon Ss Dyfrig and SamsonH
Get in touch if you’d like to book a place!
MacMillan Coffee Mornings
Thank you to all who have taken part in the Coffee Mornings in each of the churches of the Ministry Area over the last few weeks.Together, we raised approximately £800!
Archdeacons’ Visitation
On Saturday, members of the Ministry Area Council participated in a whole day together with other Ministry Areas of Cardiff Deanery
Churches Together
The Annual General Meeting of CYTUN (Churches Together in the City Centre and the Bay) takes place on Wednesday November 6th at 730pm.
Member churches are invited to send two lay representatives along with the clergy. If you’d like to be involved then please speak to Fr Dean
Playlist for Life
Over two decades of scientific research has shown that listening to a personalised playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia. In fact, listening to music that is personally meaningful has many psychological benefits, meaning anyone can benefit from a playlist.
Playlist for Life is a music and dementia charity, founded by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson after the death of her mother who had dementia. Their vision is simple: for everyone with dementia to have a unique, personalised playlist and everyone who loves or cares for them to know how to use it.
If you’d like to help deliver the project in our Ministry Area then please speak to Fr Dean. You can find out more about Playlist for Life here:
If you would like to make a small contribution to an icon of St Martin de Porres for St Saviour’s then please speak to Liz or Fr Dean.
We shall dedicate the icon on November 3rd which is St Martin’s feast day. Amongst many other things, Martin is patron saint of those of mixed heritage, black people, barbers and animals, and the icon will be blessed on the back of Black History Montj
Worship for the Week Ahead
Mass is celebrated each day across our churches. Here’s our pattern of prayer for the week ahead.
Sunday 21 October 9.30am: Sung Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson 9.30am: Sung Mass at St Saviour’s 11.00am: Sung Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Solemn Mass at St Mary's
Monday 22 October 6.30pm: Mass at Ss Dyfrig & Samson
Tuesday 23 October 6.30pm: Mass at St Mary’s
Wednesday 24 October 10.00am: Mass at St Paul's 11.00am: Mass at St Mary's
Thursday 25 October 10.00am: Mass at Ss Dyfrig & St Samson
Friday 26 October 10.00am: Mass at St Saviour’s
Saturday 27 October 11.00am: Morning Prayer & Rosary at St Mary's 11.30am Mass at St Mary's 12 noon: Sacrament of Reconciliation
You can discover more about our regular pattern of worship through the week at
South Cardiff Ministry Area 