Parish News & Events

Growing in Faith Club - from March 2012 St Mary’s Parish is supporting a new club for children and parents who want to explore and deepen their faith.  The Growing in Faith Club offers catechetical support to parents of Catholic children in the parish.  It is particularly intended for children who don’t attend Catholic schools, but is also open to those who do.  It involves meeting once a week in the Parish Hall on Wednesdays (5.30pm-6.30pm).  There will be 10 sessions beginning on Wednesday 14th March and running through to mid June.  If you are interested and would like to know more, please contact Annette Daly (club co-ordinator) tel: (029) 2089 2801 or 07764684160 or speak to Fr Maguire.

St Mary’s Parish Youth Club - Wednesday at 6.30pm for pupils in Primary 6, 7 & 8.  Please use the Kings Road entrance.  All  new members must register with a committee member.  Parents will be required to sign certain forms in order to allow their children to take part in the various activities.   I wish the club continuing success as an important new initiative for the youth of the parish.

Confirmation will take place on Tuesday 15th May in St Mary’s Church.  Meeting for all parents and candidates on 28th February in St Mary’s Parish Hall.  Preparation sessions begin on 6th March.

The Church Notice-board - will now be managed by Idel.  May I respectfully ask that if you have a notice for the board to please put it in the notice-board box at the back of the church and it will be put up in the appropriate place  Any unauthorised notices will be removed.  Thank you for your co-operation.

Lenten Station Masses.  Archbishop Stack is renewing the tradition of Lenten Station Masses.  Our Deanery Station Mass is to be at St Helen’s, Barry on Friday 2nd March at 7pm.

Mass Intentions - I would respectfully ask those who are requesting a Mass intention to please write the following details on a slip of paper: (1) name of intention (2) date required.  We will try to facilitate the date required but priority will be given to funerals and weddings.  Thank you for your help.

Welcome to all newcomers  If you are new to the Parish (within the last 2 years) but have not yet filled in a welcome form, could you please complete one today.  The clergy and parishioners would like to welcome you and get to know you

Other News and Events

Quiet Day for Carers entitled ‘Because you’re worth it!’ is from 11am - 3pm on Saturday 18th February at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Bridgend (lunch provided).  If you care for a relative, friend or parishioners and would like time for reflection in a prayerful setting with others in a similar situation please contact Elizabeth Hughes tel: 01446 774121 or e-mail: elizabethhughes@btinternet.com to book you place.

Catholic Parliamentary and Public Policy Internships - for the last 9 years the Catholic Bishops’ Conference has organised Parliamentary and Public Policy Internships for recently graduated Catholics.  This year we are looking to offer 8 internships: 5 interns will be placed with Christian MPs at Westminster;  2 in Public Policy with CAFOD and CARITAS Social Action Network; and one in a media internship at Archbishop’s House, Westminster.  All internships will run from September 2012 - July 2013 and include accommodation and subsistence allowances.  Application forms are on:  www.catholicnews.org.uk/interns and completed application forms must either be e-mailed to interns@cbcew.org.uk or posted to: Michaela Kelly, Head of HR, 39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1BX.  Closing date 29th February, Assessment days 28th and 29th March.

CAFOD - Could you help transform lives in the developing world by volunteering to visit our Catholic Schools?  School volunteers help raise awareness with children and young people about CAFOD’s work in developing countries.  No experience is needed and full training and support is given.  For further information please contact CAFOD on (029) 2045 3360 or e-mail: southwales@cafod.org.uk