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
🗞️ Archbishop Mark's March 2026 Newsletter is now available! This month's newsletter includes a variety of topics of interest to people across the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia, including: ✝️ Welcome & Appointments - new chaplaincy and parish appointments across the Archdiocese 🙏 Vocations - updates on those in formation for the priesthood and permanent diaconate ⛪ Episcopal Appointments - news from across the Church in England and Wales, including the installation of Archbishop Richard Moth at Westminster 🕯️ Prayers - remembering those who have died and those who are ill 🌿 Chrism Mass - taking place on Tuesday 31st March at 11am at St David's Metropolitan Cathedral, Cardiff - all welcome! 💛 Lenten Alms - this year supporting local HCPT Groups and Christians in the Middle East 🎒 Emmaus Youth & Vocations Events - exciting upcoming events for teenagers and young adults 📖 Heart Speaks to Heart - Archbishop Mark's six-week study programme, now available for parishes, schools and groups ✈️ Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Italy - join Archbishop Mark on pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo and Assisi, 28th September - 2nd October 2026 🔗 Read the newsletter here: rcadc.org/archbishop-marks-march-newsletter
