Our Parish Clergy
Parish Priests – All have been diocesan priests of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
1975 - 1991 John Maguire
1991 - 2001 Tony Cullen
2001 - 2002 Martin Wilson
2002 - 2003 Interregnum
2003 - 2013 Tony Hodges
2013 (July-Sep) Barry English (temporary administrator for the summer)
2013 - 2018 Gareth Leyshon
2019 - 2022 John Boye
2023 - 2024 Laurence Bryce (Priest in Charge)
In April 2024 Fr Keith Evans was appointed as Parish Priest.
In 2011, Deacon Steve Melhuish, ordained for the Portsmouth Diocese, moved into the parish and now exercises the ministry of Deacon within the parish.
Our Parish Geography
The first housing development in Llanedeyrn was opened in 1968, and building continued during the 1970s in both Llanedeyrn and Pentwyn.
The parish of St Philip Evans was established in 1975. Sunday Masses were originally celebrated in Llanedeyrn High School, and then moved to St Philip Evans School when this was opened, also in 1975.
The parish area of St Philip Evans includes Llanedeyrn, Pentwyn, Pontprennau, and new housing beyond Pontprennau south of the M4. St Philip Evans is the designated parish for Deaf People throughout the Archdiocese of Cardiff, and also serves all people who choose to worship in St Philip Evans Church.
Our Beginnings
Because of the rapid expansion of housing and population in the area, a second Catholic primary school was built – St Bernadette’s in Pentwyn – and it was not until October 1985 that the parish church, with its adjoining presbytery, was opened – following years of concerted fundraising by the congregation. The foundation stone for the church was blessed by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Cardiff in June 1982, and laid by Archbishop Ward in May 1985. After the opening of the church, the next priority was to build a church hall as a centre for social and community events, and this was accomplished in 2000.
Our Growth
During the 21st Century, the parish has benefited from the opening of the Archdiocese of Cardiff Centre for the Deaf, commonly known as the ‘Small Hall’, which gives ample meeting space when not being used by the Deaf Service. Archbishop Peter Smith formally blessed and opened the Centre for the Deaf in October 2007. Since 2007, St Philip Evans has therefore been the “Designated Parish for the Deaf” with a wider role for ministry to Deaf, Deafened and Hard of Hearing parishioners throughout the Diocese.
Our Recent History
In October 2015, Archbishop George Stack celebrated Mass to mark the 30th anniversary of the dedication of St Philip Evans Church. In October 2016, the parish celebrated a Mission with the Sion Community, and since then has begun to offer faith-deepening experiences through Alpha and a monthly "Connect and Explore" group.
Our Mission Prayer
Heavenly Father, unite our parish in this time of Mercy. Inspire us by your Holy Spirit. Guide and help us with our on-going parish mission. Help us to grow in faith and open the door of our lives to Jesus. Give us the strength to build bridges and overcome barriers with love and understanding. Empower our journey of faith that we may be showered with grace, enlightening others and open to your message. Enable us to fulfil your will. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen!
