Month: July 2013

The Word This Week

When we see the child in the sweet shop nagging and moaning at mum or dad for something, we probably don’t think of it as a model of our prayer lives! And yet, if we take the word of God seriously today, that is exactly what out faith teaches us to do! The message is persistence – never giving up, even if prayers do not seem to be answered. We shouldn’t ask why they are not answered on the spot (God’s probably got a reason), but should just continue beating on the door of heaven in faith and hope.

Today’s Scripture

Genesis 18: 20 – 32
Response: Psalm 137
I thank you, Lord, with all my heart, you have heard the words of my mouth. Before the angels I will bless you.
I will adore before your holy temple.
I thank you for your faithfulness and love which excel all we ever knew of you.
On the day I called, you answered;
You increased the strength of my soul.
The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly and the haughty he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of affliction you give me lift and frustrate my foes.
You stretch out your hand and save me, your hand will do all things for me. Your love, O Lord, is eternal,
discard not the work of your hands.

Colossians 21: 12 – 14
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
The spirit you received is the spirit of adoption, and it makes us cry out “Abba, Father!” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Luke 11: 1–13
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, answer!

Kingdom Come @ Walsingham

Kingdom come webNext month we will see the biggest annual Catholic Youth Event in the UK, hosted by ‘Youth 2000′ – it runs from the 22nd – 26th August, 2013. This is an open invitation to join with over 1,000 young adults (16-30) at the Shrine in Walsingham, Norfolk, to experience the love and power of God.

Get ready for a fresh experience of faith and friendship: Socialising, Adoration, Contemporary Worship, Engaging talks, Workshops, Sports, and more, all in a festival atmosphere. This prayer festival is totally run on donations, so don’t let money be a barrier between you and a great social and spiritual experience, accommodation and food are all free (just bring a sleeping bag).

We are proud to be running a coach from South Wales to the event again this year, so if you want to book a seat, email us at: youth2000wales2walsingham@gmail.com For further Information you can browse the official Youth 2000 website or find us on Facebook.

The Word This Week

Sacred Hospitality is our theme: as the letter to the Hebrews says: “remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” True hospitality lies in two things: first the welcome, encouraging the stranger to enter the house and be at home there: secondly, the gift – not just of food or drink, but of time: listening to the stranger, and giving of ourselves to them. This is what makes hospitality costly, but holy, and a true service of Jesus Christ.

This Week’s Scripture
Genesis 18: 1 – 10
Response: Psalm 14
Lord, who shall dwell on your holy mountain ? He who walks without fault;
he who acts with justice /
and speaks the truth from his heart; he who does not slander with his tongue.
He who does no wrong to his brother, who casts no slur on his neighbour, who holds the godless in disdain,
but honours those who fear the Lord.
He who takes no interest on a loan
and accepts no bribes against the innocent. Such a man will stand firm for ever.
(Sung Antiphon: R/. The just will live in the presence of the Lord.)

1 Colossians 1: 24 – 28
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Open our heart, O Lord,
To accept the words of your Son. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Luke 10: 38 – 42
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, kindly do not pass your servants by.

Parish Family Groups

PFG LOGOAs you may or may not know, we have established a Parish Family Groups register and currently have over 70 names on it. Recently we placed families/people into three ‘groups’ , though there are places left in the groups, if you’d like to join. Why not check out our Parish Family Groups page on this site and please get in touch if you’d ike more information or to join us?

God wants us to make a difference in our communities.
First, we must make a difference in our church,
then…together we can make miracles.

Caerphilly Flower Festival – This Weekend

Flower Festival, CaerphillyThis year’s Flower Festival is on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July, inclusive – a treat for us all, celebrating Saint Francis. Come and enjoy it! As always Welcomers are needed for these three days. If you can help with time welcoming and guiding, please sign up on the list in the porch. Thank you!

The Flower arrangers are in need of some cut lavender in bud or bloom for next Wednesday please. If you can help call Johanna on 20867908 or Berenice on 20861930.

Here’s some further information from Caerphilly Flower Festival website:

The event comprises of a core group of churches, located around the town centre, which have joined forces to provide a fantastic flower festival with impressive floral displays highlighting the spectacular buildings in which they are held. The festival has expanded each year with nine churches and six societies now participating, helping them to open their doors and promote their venues and services. The Malcolm Uphill, Wetherspoons is also a keen participant involved in the Flower Festival and it’s annual wheelbarrow competition.

The event takes place on the 5th-7th July with some additional activities taking place on the 6th & 7th only in Caerphilly Visitor Centre, such as the children’s free facepainting, falconry displays and free pot to plant workshops.

The churches are accessible via an open top bus on Saturday and Sunday, which offers visitors a birds eye view of the area including the popular historic monument, Caerphilly Castle. The hop on hop off service has proved a real hit with people over the years and now forms an attraction in itself, taking visitors up to Caerphilly Mountain as well as all the participating venues. This year Caerphilly Players will offer commentary on local points of interest and information on the area.

Themes have been incorporated into the event, including the 2011 events well-received nature meets industry theme and last year’s Celebrations theme. This year the theme is up to each individual church and range from ‘Love’ and ‘All the World is a stage’ to ‘Children’s Story Time’.

This year’s wheelbarrow competition will take place on 6th & 7th July with the theme being Children’s Story Time, so think of the classics, or maybe some of the modern tales. Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite Floral Wheelbarrow.

The benefit of this event is not only the great level of involvement from the churches and societies, but also Caerphilly town centre itself, which provides a shopping experience for visitors. And with Caerphilly Castle at the heart of the festival, there are plenty of additional activities to add to a great day out!