From Fr. J.P. Thomas

April 15, 2023

From Fr JP Thomas


Weekday Masses It is well over a year now since we have moved out of COVID lockdowns and subsequently the protocols surrounding public health in social gatherings have been relaxed. However, one of the apparent long-term effects has been the drop off in numbers of those coming to weekday masses both here in Gorseinon and Pontarddulais.


The blessings of regular participation in the mass are many not least in our being deepened in God the Father’s love for us through remembering his beloved Son’s sacrifice on the cross. It is Jesus’ desire that through celebrating the mysteries of faith together regularly we grow closer together in love, in understanding and in our vocation as members of his body the Church. Thus strengthening each other in witnessing to the gospel of love and building up the parish as a visible expression of the kingdom of heaven.


It may have come to your attention that for quite some time there has been no Tuesday morning mass in Gorseinon. The decision to drop the mass was based the necessary commute to the parish while the renovation of the presbytery was underway and finding myself celebrating mass in an empty church. Now that the presbytery renovation is nearing completion it is my desire to restore the Tuesday morning mass once I have moved back into the presbytery. In the meantime, can I invite you to come along and participate in the weekday masses if you are able and willing?


Thank You In these times of hardship for many I am deeply grateful for your generosity in thinking of me at Easter. For the cards and gifts and Easter Offerings please accept my sincere thanks. Know that every day I pray for you all    asking the Lord to bless you. May he continue to do so as I do too.               


Every blessing,           Fr John Patrick

Blessing of the Graves

By Webmaster • October 26, 2026
St. Bride’s Church: After 9.30am Mass on 2nd Nov 26 at Rhydgoch Cemetery.  Blessed Sacrament Church: After 10.30am Mass on Sunday 8th Nov 26 at Kingsbridge Cemetery.

Parish Clean up

By Webmaster • October 26, 2026
On Tuesday 3rd November after 9.30am mass some parishioners are meeting to undertake a clean up of the parish hall kitchen.  If anyone else is free more people would be quite welcome. There will be coffee and cake afterwards.

Sick & Retired Clergy Fund: 31st Oct/1st Nov.

By Webmaster • October 26, 2026
Next weekend there will be a second collection for the Diocese’s Sick & Retired Clergy Fund. The fund makes a vital contribution to providing our priests with a secure and dignified retirement. Making a donation is one way in which we can simply say ‘thank you’ for the service these priests have given to Christ, the Church and our parish communities. Please support them to the best of your abilities .

NOVEMBER DEAD LIST – MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS

By Webmaster • October 25, 2026
November is traditionally the month of the Holy Souls, when we remember and pray for our deceased loved ones. Envelopes are available at the entrance of the church. Please write the names of those you wish to be remembered at Mass and return the envelope to the church.

Date for your Diary

By Webmaster • October 25, 2026
Saturday 12th December 26 . A fundraising cabaret. Further details nearer to the time.

African Night Celebration

By Webmaster • October 25, 2026
What are you doing on Saturday 21st November 26 , between 5pm and 9pm? Well what about coming along to our African Night Celebration? There will be African dishes and treats, Cultural dresses and presentations as well as bingo and a raffle. Tickets are available to purchase from the following people:  • Dr Vivian Osuchukwu • Dr Maria Adeboboye The tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for children under 15. Proceeds go to the church. We are also looking for donations for the raffle.

Our Lady's lamp

By Stephen Nessman • October 25, 2026
Our Lady’s Lamp - Intentions week commencing 25th October 2026 Blessed Sacrament Nancy & Ron Powell RIP (SM) St Bride’s No Intention If you wish Our Lady’s Lamp to be lit for a loved one or an intention, please let us know. A donation of £5 is suggested and the candle will be lit all week in the church

Diocesan Newsletter October 2026

By Webmaster • October 17, 2026
Archdiocesan Newsletter is now available for October at: https://mailchi.mp/rcadc/july-2026-newsletter-archdioceseof-cardiff-menevia-12939030 -

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

By Webmaster • October 17, 2026
Today is World Mission Sunday Today, parishes worldwide celebrate World Mission Sunday. By supporting Missio – the Pope’s charity for world mission – we stand united as God’s global family, in prayer, solidarity and action. The Holy Father has chosen the theme ‘One in Christ, united in mission’ to celebrate 100 years of World Mission Sunday and encourages us to unite with missionaries as they strive to reach out with God’s love to communities in need. Please pray for the work of mission and give what you can to this vital collection.  To donate, use the Missio envelope, call 020 7821 9755 (office hours) or visit missio.org.uk to give a gift, set up a Direct Debit and Gift Aid your donation if possible. Today’s Second Collection will be for Missio.

Parish Contact List

By Webmaster • October 17, 2026
We need to update our parish contact list to ensure we have your names, address, email and telephone numbers in case we need to contact you. So please take a census form from the porch , complete it and put it in the box in the porch once complete. None of the information you give is given to anyone outside of the church. ( This applies to Blessed Sacrament only. St. Bride’s will be updated in November)