First Holy Communion

PARISH BEREAVEMENT GROUP: This week we launched the Parish Bereavement Group. The group is open to all in the deanery who have experienced loss and would like join with others in a group support. Meetings will be be monthly and last for two hours. The aim of the group is to provide a safe space to share grief, where people can talkopenly about their loss, no matter how long ago, offer support and breakdown the feelings of isolation and loneliness.  If you would like any further information please contact: parishbereavement26@gmail.com Or via the parish website www.belmontparish.org.uk

PILGRIMAGE TO FÁTIMA, PORTUGAL: Abergavenny parish is planning a pilgrimage to Fatima next year- Monday, 20th September 2027 (6 days/5 nights/Full board/transfers/coach to Airport etc) Costs are approximate depending on airfares at time of booking - Flying to Lisbon from Bristol. Sharing room approx. £820.00. Single approx. £955.00 Staying at the Domus Pacis Hotel, run by the World Apostolate of Fatima. Forms available from Fr Matthew - fr.matthew@live.co.uk, Tel: 01873 851051 and on the parish website: https://www.olsm-abergavenny.co.uk/

LECTIO DIVINA: The second introductory session to Lectio Divina by Dom Leo Maidlow Davis of St Gregory’s Community will be this Thursday evening, 15th October 7.00pm – 8.30pm. The next afternoon meeting will be Wednesday 28th October 3.00pm – 4.30pm. You are most welcome to share in this prayerful engagement with the Word of God. For more information you can contact Renata Schmidt: renata.jmj@outlook.com

THE BIBLE: MYTH OR HISTORY?: A free illustrated lecture series in Biblical Archaeology with David Rohl. SectionTwo: The Dispersion of the Nations - Session 9 - The descendants of Noah – Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. Discoveries in Egypt’s Eastern Desert. The iconography of Mesopotamian in􀁇luence in early pharaonic Egypt. Saturday, 21st November 2.00pm to 4.00pm, Belmont Abbey Parish Centre. Free parking, Free entry. Monthly lectures usually on the second Saturday of each month except this month.

Dear friends in Christ, This weekend is Prisoners’ Sunday, a national Catholic day of prayer and action for prisoners and their families. It is a moment to reflect on the lives of those affected by imprisonment — those in prison, their children and families, and all who struggle with the lasting impact of justice system involvement. It is an invitation to respond with compassion, prayer and practical support. Prisons are in crisis. Too many people are held in overcrowded, unsafe conditions. Too many leave prison with no home, no income and no support. Behind every person in prison is a family— often children — trying to cope, many struggling to get by. The Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact) is there for all those in need. They offer hope, dignity and the chance of a fresh start. Please support their work by donating to the 2nd Collection in the red bag or using the card machines. This week the monks have been invited to sing Vespers at St Illtyd’s Catholic Church in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil on Wednesday at 6pm, to celebrate their 180th anniversary. The parish was originally a Benedictine foundation and in recent years monks of Belmont served in the parish for a short time. Due to this celebration, Vespers will not be taking place in Belmont Abbey on Wednesday evening. Next Sunday is World Mission Sunday: the Holy Father, Pope Leo, is inviting all Catholics to support Missio – his charity for world mission – through the 2nd collection.  This day of prayer, solidarity and giving unites Catholics worldwide to share the Good News of God’s love which has the power to transform lives and heal our world. To donate, use the Missio envelopes, call 020 7821 9755 (office hours) or visit missio.org.uk to give a gift, set up a Direct Debit and even Gift Aid your donation..

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWSLETTER: The latest newsletter welcomes MPs' rejection of the Assisted Dying Bill and invites us to answer Pope Leo's call to pray the Rosary for peace throughout October. It also features Bishop Vaughan School's Festival of Peace, the Spiritus conference in Rome, a golden jubilee for two Sisters of St Joseph, and the new Archdiocesan WhatsApp channel. Coming up: a Safeguarding CaféT at Our Lady's, Llandovery (22nd October), and Austen Ivereigh on Magni􀁇ica Humanitas at St Helen's, Caerphilly (31st October). Read or subscribe at rcadc.org

CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY: Took place last Friday. Please donate to the 2nd collection to support CAFOD Family Fast Day. Put your faith into action and share the Lord’s love by supporting our global neighbours experiencing shortages of food and safe water. Your gift can support children like Tayla in Zimbabwe to stay in school by helping communities and schools provide nourishing meals, improve access to water and grow food in school gardens. Use the CAFOD envelope if you wish to Gift Aid yourdonation, call 0303 303 3030, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or scan the QR code - within the parish newsletter

CALLED TO LOVE: Do you care about our world and people in need - but wonder what to do? Or perhaps you are already involved and looking for more support. Caritas Cardiff-Menevia is holding a day at St. Mary’s Church, Bridgend on Saturday, 10th October to help you. There will be keynote speakers and plenty of opportunity to share and discuss ideas and create new contacts. The idea is that everyone returns home re-energised and more able to live out their Christian calling faithfully. For more information, see the poster in church. To register click here or scan the QR code.

WOW GROUP - Tuesday, 6th October 11.00am Belmont Abbey Parish Centre The WOW group is a social group for widows and widowers being brought together by the shared experience of loss . Meetings are usually around 90 mins, opening with a prayer to remember our loved ones. We share a cuppa, cake and a host of different activities which have included quizzes, talks, crafts, simple 􀀁lower arranging and bingo to name but a few. The group also go on outings, meals out and join in and support parish activities. Any widow or widower is welcome to come along to our monthly meetings of the 􀀁irst Tuesday of the month. For further information email: juliemir􀀁in@btinternet.com