November 2011
Parish Archive
Last Sunday, as part of our St Dyfrig's Celebrations, we officially launched the St Dyfrig's Archive with 16 documents of historic interest being made available online and in yellow folders available to browse. Technical problems (because the invoice to renew our website did not reach us!) prevented the documents going live last weekend but they are now all available: go to treforest.pontypriddRCdeanery.org.uk & click on the "Registers & Archives" button.
Photos of Canon Dwyer's 99th birthday are included in document SDRA-09.
Contributions of appropriate material to add to the archive are welcome.
PASTOR GARETH would like to thank all those who made the special St Dyfrig's Day celebrations possible, especially the members of the Worship Team who arranged the drinks in the hall, and Bronte and Ellen who spoke about their experiences at World Youth Day in Madrid.
Sunday Missals
While the text of the prayers used at Sunday Mass has changed with effect from September this year, the Bible Readings are unchanged and will stay as they are at present for at least 6 years, probably longer - though translators are working on updated versions of these, too.
Publishers are now bringing out People's Missals with the Mass texts and Bible readings:
The Catholic Truth Society has a SUNDAY Missal available for £18 and a DAILY Missal (Sundays+Weekdays) for £45 - the latter is not available until February 2012. The Cardiff CTS shop is on 029 2039 7174.
There is also My Sunday Missal (mass texts, Sunday readings and a supplement of devotional prayers) for £19.95: Redemptorist Publications. 01420 88222. www.rpbooks.co.uk
Alternatively, download an A6 leaflet of the main new prayer texts to paste into your existing missal - see http://www.romanmissal.org.uk
It's a Miracle!
Pastor Gareth was interviewed about ‘miracles' on Radio Wales this weekend. If you didn't hear the programme at 9 a.m. Sunday (or the repeat 5.30 a.m. Thursday) you can Listen Again on iPlayer.
Chocoholics
It's that time of year again! Chocoholic's books are available in the narthex with order forms inserted. Please note - the earlier you order the better as many items become out of stock closer to Christmas. See Kate Mantle for more details & completed orders.
SVP Monthly Report
We would like to thank all parishioners for the very generous response to our annual collection in September and also for the proceeds of the jumble sale. All these funds will be put to good use for those in need. Very many thanks.
Thanks also to all of you who have given or offered items of household goods. We currently are in touch with two people we are able to help with items of furniture, bedding, etc., which you have donated. Once again many thanks and please keep them coming. One request in that regard: at the moment we have no means of transporting larger items of furniture, so if anyone can help with this - petrol will be paid - we would be very grateful.
There is to be a meeting on 24th November at 7.30 pm in St Luke's, Rhydyfelin regarding the setting up of the Pontypridd Food Bank. We will hope to be part of this. If you feel you would like to hear more about it you would be very welcome at the meeting.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 30th November at 7.pm in the Presbytery. If you would like to come and find out more of what we try to do, please join us. Meantime we continue to visit local people who need support and a chat.
Youth Club
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This term we have had to cut back on the number of sessions that we are open because of the shortage of volunteers. If no new volunteers come forward soon, we will have to cut back how often we open even more.
If you could offer to volunteer for one session every half term or even once a term, we would be able to open more often.
If we cannot find new volunteers, the Youth Club may not be able to continue in its present form from as soon as January.
If you would like to become a volunteer, please contact Kinga Hayes , or any of the present Youth Club Volunteers for more information. Volunteers need CRB checks, so please let us know as soon as possible for the relevant checks can be completed on time.
Thank you for your support, The Youth Club Team
An Experiment in Keeping Warm
At this week's Parish Steering Group meeting, concerns were raised about the use of the side-chapel for Friday evening Mass. So many people come on a Friday that the chapel gets rather full. But the parish's economic circumstances are such that we cannot justify heating the whole church for Friday Mass and Adoration.
Therefore, we are going to try an experiment. Three possible solutions will be tried: rearranging the side chapel to maximise space, trying to heat the Narthex and using that for weekday worship, or having Mass in the house. We will run each option for 2 weeks, and by the end of January, we will have enough experience to know what creates the most conducive environment for prayer.
Now - 3 Dec - the side chapel with a new layout.
5 Dec - 16 Dec - heating the Narthex
17 Dec - 31 Dec - back to the side chapel
2 Jan - 14 Jan - using the House
Walk With Me
The traditional Advent Prayer booklets, "Walk With Me", are with us again. Please consider buying one of these for just £1 and using them to prepare to celebrate Christmas as a true act of faith.
Friendsfirst
The Bible advises us to never give up hope. That's hard sometimes if you've been searching for a soul mate for a long time or your fear of rejection prevents you from branching out. But if you change you attitude and realise that getting a No is just a normal part of life, then you can start counting No's as part of your route to success. Friendsfirst helps people just like you find soul mates providing hope and encouragement along the way. Call them on 01214271286 for a confidential chat or look at their website www/friends1st.co.uk. they are also on facebook.com/friends1st.
Mr Britton - On Secondment
Following a successful inspection, our Primary School head, Mr Britton, has been seconded to the local authority as an advisor for two terms. We offer him our congratulations and wish every blessing to Mrs Chris Meek as she fills the role of acting head.
Christmas Hospitality
Once again, the University Chaplaincy are looking for volunteers to host a student or students for a meal over the Christmas period. The Chaplaincy scheme covers three days, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the day after. We think that this year we may have more requests than ever so we are looking for lots of volunteers.
If you think you can help, there are forms available from your church secretary or from the Chaplaincy. Alternatively, you can contact Jan Harris on or contact the Chaplaincy by 6th December.
Say It With Flowers
If you have an event to celebrate or commemorate and would wish to contribute money to the floral displays in church please make a note of the date, etc on an envelope with the donation and either hand to Agnes Hughes, Helen Friel, Father Gareth or at the office, and we shall be pleased to accommodate.
If you are interested in joining the small band of flower arrangers, please, give your name in to the office 01443 402439 and we shall contact you regarding their next meeting. Learners are welcome.
Getting Married?
A Catholic is only married in the eyes of the Church if the wedding is conducted by a Catholic minister or with a license from the Catholic Church to be married elsewhere. It takes time to process marriage applications and you are strongly recommended to give six months' notice. Please speak in the first instance to Pastor Gareth.
Before your wedding is authorised, you will be required to attend a marriage preparation course. The course is also valuable for couples in exploring their relationship with one another.
GIFT AID: If you are a taxpayer who gives money to the Church each week (or even occasionally) in the collection basket, then you could help further by signing a GIFT AID DECLARATION FORM. The tax you have already paid on your donations can be reclaimed for the sole benefit of this parish. No increase in your giving, but a little "Something for Nothing", for the Parish. Please think about it, and then act: your Parish will be most grateful. GIFT AID DECLARATION FORMS and weekly contribution envelopes can be obtained by contacting the Parish Office.
Health & Safety...
Users of the Hall, please note: it is neither acceptable nor safe to leave property or jumble blocking the designated fire exits. Thank you.
Ministry to the Sick
Under current privacy law, if a Catholic is admitted to hospital, it is the patient's responsibility to declare that they are Catholic and ask for a priest to visit and to be brought communion. Unless you, or your next-of-kin, make this request, you will not be visited in hospital by a Catholic minister.
If someone you know is Catholic has gone into hospital, or been moved from one hospital or care home to another, please inform our visiting co-ordinator, Tony Carroll
Mass Intentions:
If a Mass is requested for a Private Intention only the words "Private Intention" will appear in the bulletin unless you specify the wording you want. The person requesting the Mass should write their phone number on the request so they can be informed when their intention is being offered.
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