Reflection - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Webmaster • February 3, 2024

Reflection - Signs of God’s Healing


There is a debate about whether the people whom Jesus healed were really possessed by the devil or were just mentally disturbed. That debate is utterly besides the point. These individuals were deeply troubled and Jesus healed them. His intent was to heal people both in body and soul. Most scripture scholars now agree that miracles were an important part of Our Lord’s ministry and of the memory of that ministry in the early church. We simply cannot abandon them to please those who say miracles are impossible. The precise explanation of how these healings were accomplished is another matter and perhaps one that is also besides the point. Jesus did not work miracles to prove anything. Rather they were signs that God’s healing love is at work in the world.


Once upon a time some doctors discussing whether prayer helped their patients. “Does it do any good,” they asked, “for people to pray for those who are sick?” One group said “Well, it helps those who pray to feel that they’re doing something for the sick person. But it really doesn’t help the sick person at all.” The other group said that they had the impression that prayer really had a positive effect on sick people. The first group said “That’s scientifically impossible!” So they decided to try a “double blind” experiment on those who were recover from heart problems. They would have prayers said for some and not for the others to see what happened. The doctors didn’t know who was chosen to be prayed for and the subjects of the prayers didn’t know either. However a list of first names were given to those who were to do the praying. So neither the “pray-ers” nor the “pray-ees” nor the researchers knew who had been chosen to be the target of prayer. What happened? Those for whom praers were said recovered more quickly. “See!” said those who had argued that prayer worked, “there’s more things under heaven than science dreams of.” (This story of research was reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine.)


© Irish Association of Catholic Priests. 

Scripture Study Group

By Webmaster • June 13, 2026
Meet Tuesday at 5pm in the Parish Office.

Tea and coffee

By Webmaster • June 13, 2026
Please join us for tea, coffee and a chat after mass on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month in Gorseinon

Day for Life 21st June 2026

By Webmaster • June 13, 2026
On Sunday, 21 June , we mark the Day for Life under the theme “The Wonder of the Child in the Womb.” The theme also recognises the loss of children who died before birth and the grief of their parents. The bishops’ message and prayers can be found on the Day for Life website: www.dayforlife.org . The second collection will go towards the Day for Life Fund, which distributes grants to organisations that promote respect for life from conception until natural death. You can also donate online via the Day for Life website."

Intentional Accompaniment Day

By Webmaster • June 13, 2026
Intentional Accompaniment Day, Saturday 20th June | 11am – 4pm | Our Lady of Peace, Llanelli. Sharing our Faith with others is at the heart of being a missionary disciple - something Archbishop Mark has placed at the centre of his vision for the Diocese. CCO (Catholic Christian Outreach) missionaries will be on hand to guide you through Intentional Accompaniment - a practical way of walking alongside others on their journey of Faith, helping them towards conversion and supporting them as they grow into missionary disciples themselves. more at the link below. https://rcadc.org/a-mission-for-the-whole-diocese-ccocomes-to-cardiff-menevia/

A Mission for the Whole Diocese

By Webmaster • June 13, 2026
CCO Comes to Cardiff-Menevia This summer, the Archdiocese is partnering with CCO (Catholic Christian Outreach) for a three-week Diocesan Mission across Cardiff-Menevia - running from 19 June to 5 July 2026. Twelve missionaries will be joining us to help us learn a practical approach to evangelisation called Intentional Accompaniment, equipping us to walk with others on their journey of faith. Events are open to all, including Nightfever at Cardiff Cathedral (19 June), a Day of Prayer across the whole Diocese (24 June), a Learn to Pray day at Belmont Abbey (27 June), and a Young Adults Day in Cardiff (5 July). For full details, visit https://rcadc.org/a-mission-for-the-wholediocese-cco-comes-to-cardiff-menevia/ For newsletter queries, please email gorseinon@menevia.org .

Parish Film Club

By Webmaster • June 13, 2026
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month in the Gorseinon Parish Hall. Doors open at 1.30pm, film to start at 2pm 

Holy Rosary Group:

By Webmaster • June 13, 2026
First Saturday of the month at 11am in the Blessed Sacrament (Gorseinon) parish hall

Our Lady's lamp

By Stephen Nessman • June 13, 2026
Our Lady’s Lamp - Intentions week commencing 14th June 2026 Blessed Sacrament Evelyn Land RIP 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

First Holy Communion

By Webmaster • June 6, 2026
On the 7th June 26 during Sunday morning mass at 10.30am Fr. Clement will undertake First Holy Communion to our Communion class led by Mary Roberts. As is tradition there will be a First Holy Communion breakfast in the hall after mass. If you can contribute to the food required there is a list of what is required in the porch. Please remember all the children in your prayers.

Sacrament of Confirmation

By Webmaster • June 6, 2026
On 14th June 2026, the Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred by Archbishop Mark at the 10.30am mass. There will be tea, coffee and cake after mass in the hall. If you can assist with the provision of cakes, helping on the day with serving tea or coffee, wash up etc please see Marie-Louise Smith who will be coordinating the provision of tea and coffee. There is also a need to have a general clean of the church and hall, church grounds and garden. If you can assist with any of these see Stephen.