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)) 

Bell Tower Fundraising Cardiff Museum Visit

By Webmaster • September 25, 2026
Sunday 18th October at 11am Meet Angelo & colleague at the Museum The tour will take about 2 hours. Tickets £10.00 (Please pay on booking) available this weekend from Church porch. Only 15 places available so sign up quickly.  If more people interested then another date could be available

St Peter's Church Parking Restrictions

By Webmaster • September 25, 2026
The Council confirm that the new restrictions are not currently active – as the zone is still being delivered. Their contractors are anticipated to be on-site until approximately the end of November. The Council will be sending out a letter closer to the time to all properties advising of a “go-live” date for the zone when enforcement will begin, and will put something on social media. This will be done in advance to provide people with enough time to obtain the relevant permits, and will contain more information on how to obtain permits.  Until the new restrictions are in place the current restrictions apply – weekdays 'two hours free parking’ – Sunday no restrictions in parking areas.

God's Love for You - Sunday 27th September 2026

By Webmaster • September 25, 2026
The Holy Family’s Obedience & Faith (5) Obedience is always within the Holy Family, and the Son of Man even with His Eternal Wisdom also most humbly obey to the fullest. Consider that He was only 12 years old when He sat amongst the teachers in the temple of Jerusalem, revealing His knowledge and understanding that were beyond the most learned, in order to bear witness to the truth. But soon after learning His disappearance for 3 days had caused His parents on earth so much sorrow: “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.” (Luke 2:48), even Mary did not explicitly ask Jesus to go home, Jesus left the temple, went down with them and was subject to them. Although His parent did not tell Him to never do it again, but He understood their feelings and officially withheld His Mission until another 18 years later! Jesus’s obedience is not superficial, but fully and complete. Again, looking at the wedding of Cana, Mary did not order Jesus to perform a miracle, but her words to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” is enough for Jesus to take action. Even if His hour has not yet come, but Jesus showed us obedience is more importance is His Eyes. And Jesus is not ‘partially’ fulfilling His mother’s request, as it was not just one jar of wine so can tide the bridegroom over until he can get more elsewhere. It was total obedience, since it was six full jars up to the brim so the couple won’t be lack of any good wine for the rest of the wedding. If one say, that was not too difficult since Jesus only needed to give His Words and it was accomplished. Then what about in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he foresaw his every sufferings in His Passion, that he shuddered with fear and sweated great drops of blood. Jesus is truly God and is truly human, the Passion is what His human nature needed to go through completely, there is no such thing He can hide within His Divinity and suffer lesser. Oh, how horrid and barbaric those torments will be! But He knew this is His Heavenly Father’s Will. So, Jesus prayed: “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42) How many can totally forget oneself, and be truly obedient even in the midst of pain and sufferings, unto death? Jesus did.

Sunday 27th September 2026

By Webmaster • September 25, 2026
O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven. 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.

Bell Tower Fundraising - Autumn Fair

By Webmaster • September 25, 2026
Bell Tower Fundraising - Autumn Fayre Saturday 10th October 11am-3pm St Peter’s Hall (behind Church) Free Entry. All are welcome. We need donations of the following: Raffle prizes; Bottles (alcohol, soft drinks); new/nearly new Toys; Jewellery; 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. There will be a meeting Thursday 1st October at 7pm in the Presbytery for those who are interested in helping with the Fayre.

Mass of Thanksgiving

By Webmaster • September 25, 2026
Mass of Thanksgiving in St Peter's We had a beautiful and joyful parish celebration at St Peter's Church on Saturday 19th September. During the Mass, Archbishop Mark presented Peter Sullivan and Ray George with medals in grateful appreciation for their dedicated contribution and service to our Catholic community. Following the Mass, the congregation gathered together in St Peter's Hall for a wonderful celebration, sharing food, friendship and congratulations with Peter and Ray. It was truly a special Parish family occasion, filled with gratitude, joy and fellowship Congratulations to Peter and Ray! --------------------------- Thank you to Annette Millett, Geraldine Green and all who helped to make the Parish celebration such a success. Many thanks also to all who attended and contributed to such a memorable evening. Peter & Ray

Organ Music for the Bell Tower

By Webmaster • September 25, 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: 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.

God's Love for You - Sunday 20th September 2026

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

Home Mission Sunday 20th September 2026

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.

Sunday 20th September 2026

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.