Catholic World – St Helen's Roman Catholic Church, Caerphilly

Share the Journey

cafod War, persecution, natural disaster and poverty force millions of people from their homes. Most come from poor countries and seek safety in poor countries nearby.

We cannot turn away. These are human beings, with hopes, fears, desires and stories to share, just like each one of us.

The Church worldwide is committed to sharing the journey of people on the move. World leaders must be moved to do the same as they negotiate two global agreements on refugees and migration between now and autumn 2018.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ special concern for migrants and refugees, we invite you to join the Share the Journeycampaign. Alongside Catholics worldwide, we call on governments to agree on two global ‘compacts’ which place the human dignity of people on the move at their heart.

You are invited to the hall this Thursday, June 7th, at 7pm, to discuss and become part of a proposed walk in support of the refugees and to respond to the ongoing Crisis of which Pope Francis is calling us, and all the world, to become aware.

Further information can be found on the Cafod site.

Remembering Genocides – and the Power of Words

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Once a year we remember those who suffered, and continue to suffer, as a result of the Jewish holocaust. Holocaust Memorial Day 2018 falls on Saturday 27 January.

In the UK and around the world, 27 January has become known as Holocaust Memorial Day, a day when we remember all those countless numbers of people who have been affected by genocide. Why 27 January? This is the date when, in 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the concentration camps, was liberated from the Nazis. Six million Jews were known to have been murdered by them, but the actual number could far exceed this. However, Holocaust Memorial Day is even more than remembering with sorrow the countless numbers of Jews as well as gypsies, gays and mentally and physically handicapped people who were killed by the Nazis. It is when we remember also all the genocides that have taken place since the second World War. On this day we call and pray for an end to racial violence.

To mark 27 January, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust chooses a different theme each year, relevant to the Holocaust and subsequent genocide. This year the theme is The Power of Words. In these days of “fake news”, it is important to acknowledge the potency of words, both for evil and for good. It is important to remember those who have perished and to flag up a warning for the future, so that such atrocities will no longer disfigure humanity.

The national event to mark the Holocaust Memorial Day will be held in London, but all around the country thousands of events will be held locally – in town halls, schools, churches. See the interactive map for an activity near you on the website of The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

Download

The Power of Words 175.88 kB<
Resource produced by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust exploring the the theme "The Power of Words"

Catholic-Jewish relations

Catholics in England and Wales to celebrate Peace Sunday

No one can be unaware of the tens of thousands of people around the globe who have been displaced and forced to leave their homes because of violence, war, trafficking and climate-related disasters , so it is no surprise that Pope Francis has chosen the theme ‘Migrants and Refugees – men and women seekers of peace,’ for his 2018 Peace Day message. Every year Catholics in England and Wales celebrate the Pope’s message on Peace Sunday, promoted by Pax Christi and supported by the International Affairs Department of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

In his letter to parishes, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, National President of Pax Christi wrote:

“Many in the UK have responded to the invitation to shelter the stranger and more are involved in campaigns to stem this tragic flow in their work to challenge the arms trade and protect the environment.

“With this timely theme, we are all invited to reflect on our role to be peacemakers and peace-seekers today.” Continue reading “Catholics in England and Wales to celebrate Peace Sunday”

Safeguard the future of Catholic Education

As the end of 2017 approaches we look back on an eventful year within the life of the Church and the State as a whole. One of the major events to take place was the General Election that resulted in another hung parliament.

During the 2017 election campaign the Conservative party made a promise to remove the 50% cap on Catholic admissions to Free Schools. The cap has hindered the opening of new schools in areas that need them. It now looks that the Government may be preparing to backtrack on its manifesto promise.

The Government is making a critical decision on whether to overturn the admissions cap which prevents some schools from allowing all Catholic pupils to attend. By her own admission, the Secretary of State has said the rule has been ineffective and adversely affects Catholic families. There will be no legislative debate as this is a decision purely for the Government itself. Whilst the Catholic Bishops’ Conference are lobbying the Government on the issue, the lobbying does not appear to making any inroads.

Are you a Catholic who wants to send your child to a Catholic school? Do you support the right of Catholic parents/guardians to choose a Catholic education for their child or children? Do you want to safeguard the future of Catholic education in England? If the answer’s yes to any of these questions, we urgently need your help.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have set up a petition for ‘Safeguarding the future of Catholic Education’. To sign the petition click the button below and complete your details. When you have done this the next screen will show your letter to the Secretary of State for you to ‘sign’ and send.

Also please share the link to the petition as widely as possible, to as many Catholics as possible, let your voice be heard.

Journey To Justice – a CAFOD Retreat

Romero-retreat_opt_fullstory_large Listening to the poor, reflecting on the Scriptures and engaging with political realities transformed Oscar Romero into one of the Church’s most respected and inspirational figures. His legacy of radical love lives on 100 years after his birth.

At this CAFOD ‘Journey to Justice’ retreat, you are invited to explore how Romero’s life and faith can inspire and challenge us and transform our world. Take time to reflect on your own journey of transformation, and be inspired and enriched by stories of those who continue to speak out for justice today.

All are welcome to join us on Saturday 18 November, 10am-4pm, at the peaceful surroundings of the Tŷ Croeso Centre, Llantarnam Abbey, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 3YJ. You don’t have to be a CAFOD campaigner or volunteer already to take part.

The retreat is free of charge, but donations accepted. A simple lunch will be provided. Advance booking needed.

Book your place on this retreat

There are similar retreats taking place across England and Wales in November. All retreats are open to people from any diocese. See the full list of retreats.

We also have an opportunity to learn more about Romero closer to home this Friday, November 10th at 7.00 pm when the film of his life and ministry will be shown in St Helen’s Community Hall.

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Proclaim ’17

Archdiocese of Cardiff Evangelisation Conference

Come and be equipped to share the Gospel! Practical steps forward in pursuing the Church’s mission – to make disciples of all nations. After a keynote address from Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham, we will be split into the five tracks that are designed to meet the needs of all parishes at different stages; Evangelising as an Individual, Teams for Mission – What can we do first?, The Unchurched, Non-Churchgoing Catholics, and Growing Parishioners into Disciples. Each track consists of a seminar and workshop which will inspire you but also give you practical help and resources as you take up the Church’s mission. With wonderful speakers from across the UK it really is an event not to miss! For further information and to book, head over to the Proclaim ’17 page.

Click here to see more information about the different speakers.

To book and for further information please go to www.tinyurl.com/cardiffproclaim

Date: Saturday 21st October

Venue: St David’s College, Cardiff.

Great Three Days of Easter – Holy Saturday

We continue our fasting in exited anticipation until … The Easter Vigil, waiting and watching, starts after nightfall. This is the time, above all others, for us to recommit and dedicate ourselves again in faith. An Easter fire is lit, and lights up every thing around. From it, we light the Easter Candle. The Candle is solemnly carried into church as the sign of the Light of Christ which overcomes the darkness of sin and death. In that light we read the story of what God has done for us from the dawn of creation until today, in the scriptures. We all renew our faith, and our Baptism into the Risen Christ. And so we go forward together to share in the food and drink of Life. As we make our prayers and sing our praises, our hope is that the Holy Spirit will free in our lives the full power of Christ’s Rising from the Dead.

Our Services
10.00 am – The Office of Readings and Morning Prayer of the Church
11.00 am – Blessing of Easter Baskets
8.30 pm – The Solemn Vigil and Mass of the Resurrection of Our Lord

Category: Catholic World