Dear brothers and sisters,
As we enter the third week of the Great Fast, we look forward to the Sunday of the Cross, with the Life-Giving Cross, as our encouragement and support at the midpoint of Lent.
However, before the weekend, we will have our weekly catechesis session at the church of St Mary Butetown. Contrary to our announcement in church, this will be at 19:00 on Thursday, as some of those who attend each week wish to support our parishioner, Aleksandra Kenonova, who will be singing in a fund-raising concert in St Edward’s Church, Roath, on Friday, at 19:00 (tickets £10 at the door).
I shall hear confessions from 18:00 before catechesis on Thursday, and on Friday as needed, and ask for requests by Wednesday evening – as in the last few weeks: otetzmark@hotmail.com
Our Sunday celebration in St John’s Church, the Liturgy of St Basil, will follow the Hours at 11:00, with the veneration of the Cross at the end of the Liturgy. Our trapeza – as on the last two Sundays – will allow fasting fare with wine and oil.
May I remind those present that the clergy should not be left to clean and tidy up, as we still have liturgical packing away and tasks to do after a longer than usual Liturgy, and the drive to Llanelli ahead of us.
As we await the arrival of parishioners’ families from Ukraine, let us all be very mindful of our conversations and what we say as we socialise, ensuring that trapeza is a relaxed, warm and hospitable place free from divisive and emotive subjects: a place that is inclusive, where everyone can feel safe, relaxed and included.
May God bless you all!
In Christ – Fr Mark