SVP News - December 2023

A 5-day version of the Ignatian Exercises offered specifically for men (whether lay or ordained), this retreat will be preached by the Benedictine Monks of St Joseph’s Abbey, France. Founded in 1988, this community has retained its charism of a specific apostolate to men and of engaging them through a shortened version of the Ignatian Exercises. One-to -one direction will be offered alongside the talks. Priests are welcome to attend and concelebrate or celebrate their own Mass. For more information and to book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-spiritual-exercises/

As a way of saying thank you to Father John Patrick, Aileen, Rlyn, Melanie and Cyrill are organising a get together after church with Filipino food and drinks. Please join us in wishing Father a gracious farewell! It will be held on Sunday, 23rd February, after 10.30am Mass in the Parish hall and all are welcome! There will be a financial collection (yes we want money!), which will be presented to Father JP at the get together on the  23rd February 2025. If you wish to contribute please see either Margaret Cleveland or Stephen Nessmann before 22nd February 2025.

Fri 21st February: St Peter Damien, Bishop, Doctor Sat 22nd February: Chair of St Peter, Apostle

Taking place at St Mary’s Seminary, Oscott and centred on the Eucharist with families in mind, this festival offers a feast of invitation for each step of the faith journey, in a unique experience of the universal Church. For more information, please visit https://www.webelievefestival.com  JUBILEE YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO ROME/ASSISI – 25TH – 28TH JULY 2025

Our Lady’s Lamp - Intentions week commencing 16th February 2025 Blessed Sacrament No intention St Bride’s No intention If you wish Our Lady’s Lamp to be lit for a loved one or an intention, please let us know. A donation of £5 is suggested and the candle will be lit all week in the church

Please take note that on the weekend of 1 st February the time of the Sunday Morning Mass at Gorseinon will be changing to 10.30 am . This is as a consequence of the appointment of Fr Clement who is the Prison Chaplain to Swansea Prison. He has the obligation to celebrate their morning mass at 9.00 am every Sunday. I am sorry for the inconvenience this may cause some of our parishioners, Fr. John Patrick

The relics of Bl Carlo Acutis, who will be canonised in April, will visit our Archdiocese in February. Over the course of the visit, the relics will be made available for veneration at both cathedrals, as well as Belmont Abbey and Bl Carlo Acutis School, Merthyr. Sunday 16th: St Joseph’s Cathedral, Swansea 8.00am Arrival of the Relic and Mass 9.00am Veneration of the Relic 10.00am Mass (celebrated by Archbishop Mark) 11.30am Veneration of the Relic, Sacrament of Reconciliation & Devotions 3.00pm Holy Hour 4.00pm: Benediction Sunday 16th (evening): Sacred Heart, Morriston 5.00pm Documentary & refreshments (Parish Hall) 5.45pm Reception of the Relic (Parish Hall) 6.00pm Prayers & Talk on Bl Carlo 6.50pm Candlelit procession to the Church 7pm Holy Hour Rosary Sacrament of Reconciliation 8.00pm Mass followed by Veneration of the Relic

The patron saint of victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, takes place on February 8. There are 50 million victims of human trafficking across the world and as many as 130,000 in the UK, hidden in plain sight in your neighbourhood. Pope Francis describes human trafficking as “blood money” and a “crime against humanity”. We are all called to combat this evil trade. To find out more and what you can do, go to santamartagroup.org/resources .

The weekend of February 8-9 marks the Jubilee for Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel. Mass will be held at the co-cathedral of St Joseph, Swansea on February 8th at 11am.