The Season of Advent Its Meaning and some Ideas

Webmaster • November 16, 2024

Mistakenly because of consumerism focusing on Christmas winter festive celebrations these precious 4 weeks of Advent have lost their purpose and meaning. Advent is about preparing for the Lord’s return at the end of time – as He promised. That preparation is at the heart of the Church’s mission which is captured in the liturgy by our readings at mass. Reading that focus on the importance of the prophecies of the Old Testament which prepared the people of Israel for the birth of Jesus, the ministry of John the Baptist as his herald and the place of Mary in God’s plan of Salvation as announced by the archangel Gabriel.


By praying and meditating on these readings in the light of our Christian Faith we can enter more fully into the mission of the Church to be heralds of hope and announcers of the fulfilment of the salvation of the world we work towards. To be Christ bearers and co-workers with him in radiating the love and forgiveness, the joy and the peace of God.


At last week’s clergy deanery meeting a few ideas emerged regarding getting into the spirit of Advent.


Advent Angels

To cut out paper angels, and write the names of parishioners on each angel and put them in a basket. Then ask each parishioner to pick out an angel and over the 4 weeks of Advent to pray for that parishioner (without telling them). Then just before Christmas to tell the parishioner who has been prayed for and give them a small gift.


Christmas Tree Petitions

Cut out paper squares and thread each card with a piece of cotton. Ask parishioners to write a prayer of petition on each one and hang them on the Christmas Tree. Then pray for all those petitions throughout Advent and Christmas.


Blessing the Baby Jesus

In many countries there is the tradition of families bringing the Baby Jesus from their family crib to mass of Gaudete Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent) and having it bless.



Blessing of Christmas Cards

Some have the tradition of having the Christmas Cards they send blest before they sent them, as a spiritual gesture of closeness and blessing.

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.