Month: October 2014

Watch the Excellent Catholicism Series on TV This Autumn

Catholicism-SeriesStarting this week, the EWTN TV Channel is broadcasting the excellent Catholicism series by Father Robert Barron. The first one starts on 20th October and then runs weekly at (I believe) 10.00pm.

Here’s the ‘Extended Preview’ to give you a flavour of what the series is about:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXz7CiIovJ8?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0]

The Catholic Faith As you’ve Never Seen It Before

For the first time, in breathtaking and high-definition cinematography, the truth, goodness, and beauty of Catholicism are illustrated in a multimedia experience. Journey with Fr. Robert Barron to more than 50 locations throughout 16 countries. Be illuminated by the spiritual and artistic treasures of this global culture that claims more than one billion of the earth’s people.
From the sacred lands of Israel to the beating heart of Uganda, from the glorious shrines of Europe to the streets of Mexico, Kolkata, and New York City, the mysteries of CATHOLICISM are revealed. Learn what Catholics believe and why. Discover the full meaning of the faith.
Mike Leonard, a veteran NBC Today show correspondent and acclaimed filmmaker, is the Executive Producer of this groundbreaking production.

Ten hours. Ten episodes. One Film Series.

Episode List
Click here to see all episodes (and select Europe)

Where to Watch It
Sky – Channel 589 under the Religion category
Other Options – click here

St Helen’s Church Website Has An International Reach

When we consider our website we think that it appeals primarily to people from Caerphilly and possibly the Diocese. And largely this is true. However, a close look at our stats reveals that people are looking at our website from all over the world. If we look at the last 3 months, we can see that we have received visitors from 41 countries. And a look at the stats for the past year indicates that we have reached 62 countries. So, you could say that we are trying to take the Gospel to all parts of the world!

Last Quarter
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Past Year
World Stats for Past Year

Continue reading “St Helen’s Church Website Has An International Reach”

The Synod on The Family and Evangelisation

The Synod on The Family and Evangelisation continues in Rome, a good coincidence for us as we too, the family and families of the Parish, encourage and challenge ourselves and each other in the Mission and the call to share the Good News. Let us all keep the Synod in our prayers this week. If you’d like to follow what’s happening in, why not check out the following resources?

Catholic Church in England and Wales’ updates and news articles.

Screen Shot 2014-10-14 at 09.33.35Vatican News Service for updates, documents, video and photos

Vatican YouTube Channel for many videos

The Tablet for updates and blog articles

Catholic Herald updates

twitter_logo_blue2-e1413279122114And if you’re on Twitter, you may want to check out the hashtag: #synod2014 for the latest tweets.

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This Week’s Newsletter Is Out Today!

In this week’s newsletter you can find out the Mass and Services for the week, read about the Synod on the Family and Evangelisation, find complete details on next week’s mission, discover how much we raised for CAfod and learn about the next coffee morning we have and more. And have you signed up to receive updates on this site? Well, if not please sign up today!

Keep In Touch With St Helen’s Church

MailfnAs some of you already know, this website has a email subscription form. If you sign up, you will automatically receive email updates of the latest articles on the day they are added to this site! This includes many news items, such as pilgrimage articles (see below), photos from events, videos, ‘early-bird’ newsletter notifications, links to bible readings, details on upcoming events (such as the Parish Mission) and much more.

All you have to do is  click this link and add your email address. For those who are already signed up, could you please forward this on to others who may find it of interest?

Parish Mission 2014 Details Available

life-to-the-fullWe were pleased to welcome Tim Stevens of CaFE (Catholic Faith Exploration) to St Helen’s Church this week to give us an insight of what to expect for our Parish Mission which will take place on the 16th – 20th October. Please take a look at the Parish Mission link (in the navigation above) or simply click on the following links to find to more. We hope that you can attend as many events as possible and don’t forget our Parish Mission is open to everyone.

Life to the Full – Mission Overview
Parish Mission Timetable
Parish Mission Biographies

The Word This Week

Today we focus on … a vineyard: frequently we see the vineyard as an image or parable of the Kingdom of God. A vineyard takes a great deal of work, throughout the year; it must be tended, watered, pruned, cared for if there is to be any fruit – there are no quick results with vines. So the financial and labour investments made would create high expectations for a good crop. How heartbreaking when the fruit is as sour as vinegar! So it was with God and his people: He invested immense care and love on them, tending them and giving them what they needed – but the fruit was rotten and sour. What can God do? Hand the vineyard over to some tenants who will bring in a harvest. Is that is us, the ‘new people of Israel’? but what sort of harvest will we produce?

Today’s Scripture (Psalter: Week 3)

Isaiah 5: 1 – 7
Response: Psalm 79
You brought a vine out of Egypt;
to plant it you drove out the nations.
It stretched out its branches to the sea,
to the great river it stretched out its shoots.

Then why have you broken down its walls?
It is plucked by all who pass by.
It is ravaged by the boar of the forest,
devoured by the beasts of the field.

God of hosts, turn again we implore,
look down from Heaven and see.
Visit this vine and protect it,
the vine your right hand has planted.

And we shall never forsake you again;
give us life that we may call upon your name.
God of hosts, bring us back;
let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Philippians 4: 6 – 9
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
I chose you from the world,
to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last,
says the Lord. Alleluia!

Matthew 21: 33 – 43
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. God of peace, be with us.

Read Today’s Scripture on Catholic Online.

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This Week’s Newsletter Is Out Today!

In this week’s newsletter you can find out the Mass and Services for the week, some interesting news about the Parent and Toddler Group (we need your help!), details on next year’s pilgrimage to Spain and details about a new book published by the diocese plus information on community hall events and more. And have you signed up to receive updates on this site? Well, if not please sign up today!