Reflection (For Sts. Peter and Paul, 29th June 2023)

Webmaster • June 25, 2023

Singled out for service


What singled Peter out from the other disciples was his God-given insight into the identity of Jesus. It was because of his unique insight that Jesus gives Peter a unique role among his followers. He is to be the rock, the firm foundation, on which Jesus will build his church. It is an extraordinarily significant role for Jesus to give to any of his disciples. Peter’s role is further spelt out by Jesus giving him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. The image of the keys suggests authority. The nature of that authority is expressed in terms of binding and loosing. This is probably a reference to a teaching authority. Peter is being entrusted with the task of authoritatively interpreting the teaching of Jesus for other members of the church. Yet, this same Peter would try to deflect Jesus from taking the way of the cross, and when Jesus did take that way, Peter would deny any association with him. Jesus is portrayed by Matthew’s gospel as giving a significant role to someone who remains very flawed.


If the gospel associates teaching with Peter, the 2nd Reading associates preaching with Paul. In that reading Paul refers to the Lord who “gave me power, so that through me the whole message might be preached for all the pagans to hear.” Paul was the great preacher of the gospel to the pagans throughout the Roman Empire. He preached it for the last time further west, in the city of Rome, where, like Peter, he was martyred for his faith in Christ. The extract from his second letter to Timothy that is our 2nd Reading today may well have been written from his Roman imprisonment. It is a very stirring text, “I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith.” The image of the fight and the race suggest that “keeping the faith” was a struggle for Paul; it did not come easy to him, just as keeping the faith did not come easy to Peter either.


Keeping the faith does not always come easy to any of us. Paul’s letters show that he was very aware that keeping the faith was not due primarily to his own efforts; it was the Lord who enabled him to keep the faith. As he says in today’s 2nd Reading, “the Lord stood by me and gave me power.” It is the Lord who empowers all of us to keep the faith; his faithfulness to us enables us to be faithful to him; his faithful love encourages us to keep returning to him even after failure. The faithful witness of Peter and Paul speak to us ultimately of the Lord’s faithfulness to us all.


© Association of Catholic Priests Ireland.

Newsletter - Help wanted

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
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

Health & Safety - Help wanted

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
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.

Men's Rosary Rally

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
First Saturday of the month in Swansea Centre, outside St David’s Priory at 1pm.

Solemnities, Feasts and Memorials this week

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
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.

Holy Rosary Group:

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
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.

Legislative Consent Motion on Assisted Suicide Bill

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
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

By Stephen Nessman • January 25, 2026
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

Crib Offerings 2025

By Webmaster • January 11, 2026
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 - The Epiphany

By Webmaster • January 4, 2026
 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.

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

By Webmaster • January 4, 2026
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated on Tuesday 6th January 2026 and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses as follows: Monday 5th January 26, Vigil Mass in St. Bride’s Church, Pontarddulais at 5pm;  Tuesday 6th January 26, Mass in Blessed Sacrament Church, Gorseinon at 9.30am.