On Sunday 26th October we commemorated 40 years since the first Mass was celebrated in our church. Fr Keith showed us the newsletter from that day, 6th October 1985, and there were a handful of people in the congregation who had also been there at the first Mass, including Chris Barry, who played the organ at the first Mass and has played regularly ever since. She was even playing last Sunday.
St Philip Evans Parish 40th Anniversary Celebrations
November 6, 2025
On Sunday 26th October we commemorated 40 years since the first Mass was celebrated in our church.
After Mass we went into the Hall for a shared lunch. The food reflected the parish's international membership and was delicious. I'm sure no-one went home hungry. In fact, there was some food left over after we had all taken what we wanted. Nothing was wasted, it was parcelled up by Tracey and Howard, or H as we know him, and shared with 7 families-in-need living close to the church.
During the festivities we presented Chris Barry with a card and a bouquet of flowers. Fr Keith will celebrate four Masses for her intentions as a mark of gratitude for her long-standing service and commitment to our church.
We also took the opportunity to present a voucher as a token of gratitude to Deacon Steve, marking his 25th anniversary of being made a Deacon. He's spent 15 years in our parish, for which we are very grateful. Anyone who missed the opportunity to contribute to the secret collection could still contribute now, just put the donation in an envelope marked for Deacon Steve and hand it to one of the welcomers at the entrance to the church at the Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses. We presented a bouquet of flowers to Jan, his wife, in recognition of her unwavering support to Deacon Steve and to our parish herself.
Thanks to Sheri for designing the eye-catching poster, Geraldine for baking the beautiful cake, to Barbara for helping with the preparations beforehand, even though she couldn't come, to Stephen Bailey for the photos, to Cynthia (Swaine) for keeping the hot water coming for teas and coffees and coping with the relentless washing up through the afternoon and to Cynthia (Ogbonna) for helping in the kitchen too. Thanks to Joan and Ada for distributing the cake. Thanks to Tracey and H for helping set everything out, the Hall looked lovely. They even cleared up after us.
Lastly, thanks to all who came and all who helped in so many other ways, making the day such a memorable event.
Sara Hayes
The Parish is in need of people to serve at the weekend Masses as we now only have 4 regulars and Emma is the first new server for some years. As Caru shows you do not need to be a school child to be a server and we are aware that there are a number of ex-servers who are still regular attenders at Mass. With Deacon Steve taking a step back that will often leave Fr Keith on his own on Sunday mornings. If you are interested please speak to Fr Keith or Deacon Steve
The U.C.M will be holding a Christmas Themed Coffee Morning in the Hall on Tuesday November 18th between 10 am and 12 midday. Tea, coffee, raffle and lucky dip. Take a couple of hours out to relax with friends! As always, all proceeds will go to parish funds!
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When you come to Mass this weekend you may spot these new signs on the shelf in front of your pew. They are small welcome notices for all visitors to the parish, with a QR code they can scan if they would like to make a donation. Please be assured: if you are already a regular donor, you are also welcome but we don’t expect an extra gift!
There will be no weekday adoration next week (Monday 27th - Friday 31st October) due to half term holidays. Adoration will be back to usual starting on Monday 3rd November from 10,30 am to 2.30 pm in our side chapel.
The card machine in the narthex can now be used to make donations to our Special Collections. Currently you can donate to CAFOD (from weekend of 4th/5th October) and World Mission Appeal (from weekend of 18th/19th October). Most of our Special Collections are required by either the Archdiocese, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales or the Holy See. So you have a chance to prayerfully consider how you wish to donate, these are the Special Collections coming up over the next few months: 1st & 2nd November: Sick & Retired Clergy Fund . Advent & Christmas - 29th Nov to 11th January 2026: Crib Offerings (Aid to the Church in Need / Caritas Cardiff & Menevia working with homeless people)
