Reflection - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We are in need of a volunteer to assist in the production of our newsletter This entails working opposite a current parishioner every other week. The newsletter needs to be completed in time for mass at St. Bride’s church, Pontarddulais each Saturday. The volunteer would need to be familiar with Microsoft office as we use Word and Publisher to produce the newsletter. If you are interested speak to Stephen

We are in need of a volunteer to keep our Health & Safety programme up to date. This work is not arduous and entails using a software programme to keep risk assessments up to date. But it does need to be done regularly. If you have relevant qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety e.g. Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, and can spare some time each week please speak to Stephen for more information.

First Saturday of the month in Swansea Centre, outside St David’s Priory at 1pm.

24th - St. Franceis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church; 26th - Sts Timothy and Titus; 27th - St Angela Mercini; 28th - St Thomas Aquinas;  31st - St John Bosco.

This new group has being formed by a parishioner to enable those who would like to come together to pray the rosary. The group will meet on the first Saturday of the month. Next Rosary Group meeting will be on Saturday 7th February 2026 at 11am. Everyone is welcome. If you haven’t got rosary beads they are available in the repository.

As the Senedd prepares to debate whether to give legislative consent to Westminster's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, Archbishop Mark and Bishop Peter Bignall wish to express their deep concern about legalising assisted suicide in Wales. International experience shows that where assisted suicide is legalised, eligibility criteria expand over time and subtle pressure is placed on those who are elderly, disabled, or who fear becoming a burden. True compassion means accompanying those who suffer and ensuring no one feels abandoned, not ending life. They urge Members of the Senedd to withhold consent and focus on strengthening palliative care. On Monday 26th January, those who can are asked to observe a day of fasting in solidarity with the vulnerable. Please also engage respectfully with your Member of the Senedd to make your voice heard on this important decision for Wales.

Our Lady’s Lamp - Intentions week commencing 25th January 2026 Blessed Sacrament Deceased Farrell Family RIP (SM) St Bride’s No intentions 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

This year's Crib Offerings will be shared between Aid to the Church in Need and projects helping homeless people within the Archdiocese. If you would like to donate electronically there is a QR code ,which you can scan next to the crib.

 Reflection for the Epiphany – Year A The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the nations, symbolized by the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12). It is a moment of divine revelation — God’s light breaking into the world, not for a select few, but for all peoples. In Year A , the Gospel invites us to see ourselves in the Magi: seekers who journey through uncertainty, guided by a light they do not fully understand, yet compelled to follow. Their perseverance leads them not to a palace, but to a humble home — a reminder that God’s glory often appears in unexpected places. The Magi’s gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh — are more than treasures; they are acts of worship, acknowledging Jesus as King, God, and the One who will suffer for our salvation. Their encounter transforms them, sending them home “by another way,” symbolizing the change that true meeting with Christ brings. Reflection Points: • God’s light is for everyone — no one is excluded from His love. • The journey of faith requires trust, humility, and openness to surprise. True worship leads to transformation and a new way of living. Prayer: Lord Jesus, Light of the world, guide my steps as You guided the Magi. Help me to seek You with a sincere heart, to recognize You in the humble and unexpected, and to offer You the gift of my life. Amen.