God's love for you - 22nd December

Webmaster • December 20, 2024

A Christmas Meditation (2)


Once again, let our thoughts return back to the scene inside the Cave. Joseph already prepared it as comfortably as he can for Mary. As Jesus' Birth soon approached, Mary begged Joseph to do all he can to receive the Child with honour, and invited Joseph to unite his prayer with hers for all those who didn't give Him a place to stay. They bore no hate, no grudges towards others who did not accept them nor complained about the situation they were in. But to prepare with all their hearts and mind for the soon coming of Our Saviour into the world. On that Holy night, Mary was deep in her prayers, supernatural light streamed out from her and filled the cave, her body raised above the ground...then Mary gave birth to the Holy Child. There was no pain, no distress, no tainting of Mary's Virginity. What a lovely sight to see Angels prostrated around Mary who was holding Baby Jesus. And Joseph was so happy yet so humble and full of devotion that it was until Mary urged him again then he embraced the Sacred Infant. Beholding this Baby sweetly lying in the Crib, Mary and Joseph sang praises to God and shed tears of joy... Quite some distance away from the Crib, this silent night became an unforgettable night to some shepherds, as they saw magnificent light shining on the Crib, Angels appeared and spoke to them, and heard the Angels singing the Gloria. Note that the first group of people who received the news of this great Mystery is not the powerful, rich or intelligent ones, but the simple and poor ones, as God Loves the humble and lowly. How blessed are the shepherds who has the privilege to listen to the sweet and beautiful voices of the Angels singing! Yet they are even more blessed that they believed and went to the Crib Cave, and became one of the first people to adore Baby Jesus with their very own eyes! They offered Him gifts of little animals, food etc. What would you like to offer Him this Christmas? May be as Christina Rossetti wrote in her poem: "what I can I give Him, — Give my heart." Dear all, He was born because His Love for you, love Him back is the most pleasing gift you can give Him. May you be united in love with Him this Christmas, have a very Merry Christmas!


(Reference: • Luke 2:8-16 • The life of Jesus Christ and biblical revelations, Volume I, Ven Anne Catherine Emmerich, Tan Books & Publishers, 1986 • The Sermons of St Francis de Sales for Advent & Christmas, "The coming of the Divine Infant", 24 December 1613 • A Christmas Carol, Christina Georgina Rossetti (1872)) 

By Webmaster September 18, 2026
Organ Music for the Bell Tower As part of our fundraising for the Church Bell Tower, there will be three organ recitals taking place between now and Christmas. They are: 24th September – Peter Clark 15th October – Huw Morgan 12th November – Tim Lyons All recitals start at 7.00pm and there will be a retiring collection in aid of the Bell Tower fund. Please come and support the music, the organists, and your Parish.
By Webmaster September 18, 2026
The Holy Family’s Obedience & Faith (4) Mary, the Mother of God, not only most willingly obey to God and the law of Moses, even within the family she also very gladly subject to her husband Joseph. Through private Divine Revelation to Venerable Mary of Agreda, we can have a glimpse of a loving conversation between Mary and Joseph, when Mary wished to visit Elizabeth after learned that her cousin was pregnant at an old age: "My lord and husband, it was made known to me by the divine light, that the prayer of my cousin Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, has been heard through the graciousness of the Most High; she has conceived a son, though she was sterile. Since she has received this wonderful blessing, I hope that through God's unending generosity, her Son will greatly please and glorify the Lord. I think that on this occasion I am obliged to visit her and talk to her on certain things so to give her consolation and spiritual encouragement. If this is pleasing to you, my master, I will do it with your permission, because I am entirely under your will and pleasure. Please think what is best for me and tell me what I should do.” And Joseph answered: "My Lady and Wife, You knew that my greatest wish is to serve You with diligence and attention; for I have strict confidence in Your great virtue, that You will not prefer anything which is not according to the greater pleasure and glory of the Most High; and this is also my belief about this journey. I am happy to go with You and take care of your needs on the way, lest you travel alone without your husband’s company and experience something unexpected. Please set the day when we shall leave together." The most holy Mary thanked her prudent spouse Joseph for his loving solicitude and for his attentive cooperation with the will of God in whatever he knew to be for his service and honour. They both concluded to depart immediately on their visit… Reference: The Mystical City of God, Ven Mary of Agreda
By Webmaster September 18, 2026
Today, we celebrate Home Mission Sunday, a day for us as the Catholic community in England and Wales to celebrate our faith in these lands, and our shared commitment to communicate the beauty and the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. When we speak of ‘Home Mission’ we are not neglecting our sisters and brothers around the world (World Mission Sunday gives due attention to this important work), but we recognise that we are called to witness to Christ in our homes, at work, in our friendships and in every aspect of our daily life. Being part of the family of God means we should feel ‘at home’ but this also challenges us to be missionary disciples in England and Wales so that we can make a home for all who hunger and thirst for the God who loves them and wants them to come home to him.  Celebrating the Holy Father’s first encyclical, the theme for this year is “Magnifica Humanitas” as the heart of mission. We can celebrate together the call the Holy Father has placed before us to live out our authenticate humanity which finds it’s fullness in Christ. More details can be found on: www.cbcew.org.uk/home-mission-sunday The Second Collection on this weekend is to support the work carried out by the Bishops’ Conference Mission Directorate. Through the Mission Directorate, we support our Church in a wide field of service and mission here in England and Wales. Please hold this important work in your prayers and give as generously as you can. Thank you.
By Webmaster September 18, 2026
O God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Law upon love of you and of our neighbor, grant that, by keeping your precepts, we may merit to attain eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.
By Webmaster September 18, 2026
Bell Tower Fundraising Cardiff Museum Visit Sunday 18th October Meet Angelo & colleague at the Museum at 11am. The tour will take about 2 hours. Tickets £10.00 will be available from next weekend from the Church porch. Only 15 places available so sign up quickly. If more people interested then another date could be available. ------------------ Guess the Amount The Winner is Carla Carpanini The amount in the jar £215.08 We raised the amazing total of £501.90 -------------- Date for Diary Bell Tower Fundraising - Parish Autumn Fayre Saturday 10th October St Peter’s Hall (behind Church) Free Entry. All are welcome. We need donations for the following: Raffle prizes; Bottles (alcohol, drinks, shampoo); new/nearly new Toys; Jewelleries; Home-made Cakes (nearer to the date) Please bring them into the Church porch from Sunday 27th September to Friday 9 th October. Thank you for your support. ------------------ Bell Tower Fundraising £103.00 Parish Picnic Raffle £1203.99 Tabletop Sale £501.90 Guess the Amount £3080.00 Private Donations (x4) £70.00 Collection Box (G-Aid) £125.37 Collection Box St Peter's Parish value your every effort, whether it is big or small, in helping with the Bell Tower fundraising.
By Webmaster September 4, 2026
There will be a meeting on Thursday 10th September at 7pm in the Presbytery for those who are interested in organising the autumn fayre. If you already know what stall you would like to run please fill in the form at Church porch.
By Webmaster September 4, 2026
The Holy Family’s Obedience & Faith (2) After Angel Gabriel spoke to Joseph in a dream that he should remain to be the ‘father’ of Jesus, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and who was to be the Saviour of his people, it did filled this poor soul once so troubled and confused with inconceivable joy and happiness. Because Joseph believed this was not merely a dream but God’s Mystery was truly being revealed to him. But all these knowledge did not cause Joseph to feel more superior than others or has the world at his feet. In his humbleness, he did not made himself to be an exception to the law in this world. He obeyed to the decree of Caesar, his temporal ruler, and travelled with Mary for days from Galilee to Bethlehem in order to be enrolled and to be taxed because he was of the house of David. For Joseph also believed all that happened is ordained by God and trusted in all events His Providence will help and direct him. But waiting for the Holy Family ahead is another greater trial of faith and obedience, when the angel spoke to Joseph in another dream to ask them to flight to Egypt. Joseph and Mary is not unaware of the immense danger along this journey which can last for 2-3 weeks: they could be attack or devour by wild animals, get rob or killed by thieves, die of hunger or thirst, die of heatstroke or freeze to death…Even if they survived, the hardship of crossing the desert is not for a timid heart. Not forgetting the Holy Family at that time was so vulnerable (with a woman and a new-born child). Joseph and Mary still willing to be obedient to God’s Will and did not delay in making this ‘possible journey of no return’. How much courage and faith in God they need to make this possible! If we look at ourselves, how often we turn our back from obedience because we encounter some inconvenience! Let us pray today we can practice this virtue better. Because God love the ones who obey. References: ●www.prayinglatin.com/joyful-mystery-meditations/ ●The Mystical City of God, Ven Mary of Agreda
By Webmaster September 4, 2026
Bishop Stock: ‘Do not reject God’s loving gift of life’ Bishop Marcus Stock, Bishop Leeds, makes this call ahead of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday, 11 September. “Our time is precious. “Throughout our lives, we hope for more, or at least enough time to spend with others or have quiet time to ourselves. Time to complete projects at home or at work, to increase our knowledge, develop our talents, and fulfil our potential. Every day, every moment is precious. Not to be wasted or cut short. And perhaps our time is most to be treasured when it is running out toward the natural end of our lives. “Time to change our hearts and minds, come to terms with what we have achieved or left undone, reconcile with others, perhaps to pray Maybe for the first time ever, so that even in our last few moments we experience the peace which comes through God’s mercy and forgiveness. Assisted dying and dignity in dying are simply euphemisms for assisted suicide. There are many ways in which people can rightly and properly be assisted to die with dignity. By offering them our love and care, by supporting them and their families with our prayers, and through the services provided by palliative care and hospices. Advanced age, sickness, or improperly managed pain should never be the reason for someone to want to commit suicide, least of all with the help of the very healthcare professionals who care for them and the families who love them. “As Catholics, we believe in the dignity of all human life throughout its natural span. We believe that, except in cases where our mental health is adversely affecting our capacity to make balanced choices, to intentionally take our own life is a rejection of God’s loving gift of life to us. And is therefore one of the gravest of sins. Living with the fear of death and pain is part of our human condition. But if, in the fullness of our time on earth, that natural fear is met with compassion, prayer, and the best medical, pastoral, and spiritual care, surely all people can live and die with true dignity.”  Please complete the postcard and send it to your MP, asking them to vote “no” to the Bill.
By Webmaster September 4, 2026
O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption, look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters, that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.
By Webmaster September 4, 2026
Mass of Thanksgiving Saturday 19th September St Peter’s Church 5.30pm During the Mass, Archbishop Mark will present Peter Sullivan and Ray George with medals in grateful appreciation for their contribution to our Catholic community. Social Gathering Following the Mass of Thanksgiving, there will be a celebration in St Peter’s Hall (behind the Church) to congratulate Peter and Ray. We hope this will be a Parish family occasion. In order to have an idea of numbers for the buffet (please BYO refreshments), can you add your name to the list in the Church porch. If you are able to help with the buffet, or set up and/or clean up, please can you let Annette or Geraldine know or email stpetersprayerlinks@gmail.com