Remembrance Sunday

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Extracts from an Order of Service for Remembrance Sunday composed by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland:

We commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations, that all people may, together, live in freedom, justice and peace.
We pray for all who in bereavement, disability and pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror.

We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives,
in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away.

O God of truth and justice, we hold before you
those whose memory we cherish,
and those whose names we will never know.
Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world, and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm. As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future;

for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever.

Let us commit ourselves to responsible living and faithful service.
Merciful God, we offer to you the fears in us that have not yet been cast out by love: May we accept the hope you have placed in the hearts of all people,
And live lives of justice, courage and mercy;

When you go home tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow we gave our today.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them

Ordination at St Brigid’s

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We are absolutely delighted to announce that Archbishop George Stack will ordain Peter Davies as deacon in St Brigid’s Church on Saturday 2 December during Mass at 12 noon – and all are invited to this wonderful occasion.

Peter is part of the chaplaincy team at our Cardiff hospitals, and became Catholic two years ago. He has become a regular attendee at St Brigid’s. Now after a period of reflection and formation, the Archbishop will ordain him deacon, hopefully on the way to priesthood next year. This last stage before priesthood is called being a “transitory deacon” as opposed to the “permanent deacons” who remain as deacons for good. As a married former Anglican priest with family, this has required special approval from the Vatican.

This is a great opportunity to take part in an ordination, which is one of the most beautiful liturgies of the Church, and may be a new experience for many. It is very fitting also to be at the beginning of Advent. It will be the beginning of a new year in the Church’s history, and, of course, is the beginning of a new stage in Peter’s own journey.

We will need extra altar servers – you are welcome from all 3 Churches. Fr Daniel Stanton will return to MC for this special occasion.
The Archbishop has decided that the Mass texts will be from the First Sunday of Advent.
To continue the celebration and welcome the new deacon, there will be a Bring-and-Share Lunch after the Mass in St Brigid’s Hall. Finger food (please) should be taken to the Hall before the Mass.

Please put the date in your diary – these events do not come around often! And watch for further details. Saturday 2 December 12 noon at St Brigid’s.

Fr Matthew

The limit of our sight

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Wednesday sees the beginning of November, month of the Holy Souls.

  • Wednesday 1 November Feast of All Saints, Holyday of Obligation. Mass times inside and on back cover.
  • Thursday 2 November Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls). Mass will be celebrated as usual on Thursdays, at 9.30am at Christ the King, and 7.30pm at St Brigid’s.
  • Saturday 11 November 3 Churches Mass of Memories at Christ the King 10am. Our Bereavement Support Group invite you to come in memory of your loved ones. We remember especially those who have died since last November. Light refreshments to follow.
  • Wednesdays 1, 15 & 29 November “A Time to Remember” at the Cathedral House. The Mostyn Room (former CTS) will be set aside as a quiet space for those who have experienced bereavement. Tea/coffee, a chance to talk, or just to be quiet, reflect, pray…
  • Throughout November Remember that St Brigid’s and St Paul’s churches are always open each day. People pop in to pray or just for peace.
  • Throughout November In each of our 3 Churches there will be a November Book of Remembrance. You are welcome to add the names of those who have been important to you. Regular Masses will be offered for those mentioned in these books.
We give them back to You, O Lord, who first gave them to us;
Yet as You did not lose them in the giving, so we do not lose them by their return... 
For what is yours is ours also, if we belong to You.
Love is undying, and life is unending,
And the boundary of this mortal life is but a horizon,
And the horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further. 
(Bede Jarrett)