Assisted Suicide Bill - Message from Archbishop Mark There will be a Second Reading and vote in the House of Commons for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill) on 11th September. As Catholics, we oppose this legislation since it attacks the innate dignity of every person. It is also very poorly written and gives no safeguards to healthcare staff, nursing homes, or hospices, all of whom will be pressured to implement the bill if the legislation is passed. I encourage all Catholics to write to their MP. The Bishops' Conference has information available on its website at: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/. On the page, there are various resources, copies of statements and guidance on writing to your MP, and please, please do so, to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN: Fr Patrick Lobo is the Catholic Chaplain who makes regular visits. If you or a loved one wants him to visit while in hospital please let him know. Telephone: #07922 323603. In an emergency, or if Fr Patrick is unavailable, please contact Fr Augustine on the parish telephone number. He is always happy to visit.
An Ecumenical Service in anticipation of the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross at 3.00pm Sunday, 13th September at Tintern Abbey. The monks of Belmont Abbey will be singing alongside Newport Cathedral Choir. Abbot Brendan will be preaching. Please bring a folding chair and umbrella. Entry to the Abbey and parking is free to those attending the service. Lunches and teas, are available in the village.
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2027: To all those aged 18-30, join Archbishop Mark and a group from the diocese heading to next summer's for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea. With Pope Leo and a million other young Catholics, we'll enjoy a full schedule of activities and formation, in a country with a vibrant and growing Catholic community - we'll also have opportunities to meet up before we travel. The dates of the trip are July 28th to August 9th, and the cost is £1500 per person plus the cost of lights (TBC - in the region of £800 to £1200). Places are limited and will be allocated on a irst come irst served basis. For more information contact Fr Matt Roche-Saunders at wyd@cardiffmenevia.org.
PARISH OPEN MEETING & AGM – Saturday, 19th September, 10.00am–12.30pm Join us and discover the many groups, ministries and activities that make up our parish. There will be an opportunity to meet those involved at stations around The Chapterhouse, ind out more about what we do, and discover how you can get involved. Elections for members of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) will also take place. Nomination papers are available in the glass porch, and we warmly encourage parishioners of all ages and backgrounds to consider this important role in helping to guide the future of our parish.
HE TROJAN WAR FACT OR FICTION?: A free illustrated lecture examining the archaeological evidence about the Trojan War with David Rohl. Saturday, 5th September, starting at 2.00pm to 4.00pm, in The Chapterhouse, Belmont Abbey. Free parking, Free entry including complimentary refreshments.
THE BIBLE: MYTH OR HISTORY?: A free illustrated lecture series in Biblical Archaeology with David Rohl. A free illustrated lecture series in Biblical Archaeology with David Rohl. Session 7 - In Search of Eden: The geography of Paradise and its fabled garden. Saturday, 12th September 2.00pm to 4.00pm, Belmont Abbey. Free parking, Free entry. Monthly lectures on the second Saturday of each month.
Dear friends in Christ, On Tuesday we have a special Day of Creation, organised by our CAFOD group, for the beginning of the Season of Creation, an annual period in the Catholic Church and across many Christian traditions dedicated to prayer, reflection and action for the care of Creation. It runs from 1st September to 4th October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, who is widely regarded as the patron saint of Ecology. The day will begin with a Mass for the Care of Creation at 10.15am. From 11.30am there will be a meditative walk around the Abbey gardens. Starting from the Parish Centre, there will be prayers, readings and reflections, pausing at beautiful visual displays designed to explore the theme of living water. This will be followed by a light lunch. Please see the poster on the CAFOD board in the glass porch for complete details about the day and sign the book in front of the board if you are interested in attending the lunch. This Friday we celebrate the Dedication of the Abbey Church, the birthday of our parish and monastic church. Let us give thanks to God for the beautiful church in which we get to give praise and glory to God.
CAFOD - DAY OF CREATION: On Tuesday, 1st September the season of creation commences. This is an ecumenical celebration uniting Christians in prayer for and in praise of God's glorious creation. The theme for this year is living waters. Please join us on this day for a meditative walk around the Abbey grounds pausing and relecting at beautiful visual displays centred on the immersion of living waters-and then for a light lunch in the Parish Centre. Please see the CAFOD board in the porch for full details of the day. Please sign the book in front of the board if interested and take an invitation. P
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE GRAVE OF ST JOHN KEMBLE � SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST 2026 9.15am Mass at St Mary’s Church, Monmouth. 10.15am Pilgrims set off to walk to Welsh Newton - bring a packed lunch. 3.00pm Rosary, readings and prayers at St John Kemble’s Grave, Welsh Newton Churchyard. 4.15pm Benediction at St Mary’s Church, Monmouth. Everyone welcome.
