Parish Christmas Concert

Dear friends in Christ, Today, parishes worldwide celebrate World Mission Sunday. By supporting Missio – the Pope’s charity for world mission – we stand united as God’s global family, in prayer, solidarity and action. The Holy Father has chosen the theme ‘One in Christ, united in mission’. Since Pope Pius XI established World Mission Sunday (WMS) in 1926, it has grown from a simple appeal to support missionaries through prayer and giving into a global celebration of the Church’s missionary identity. As we celebrate 100 years of World Mission Sunday, we are encouraged to unite with missionaries as they strive to reach out with God’s love to communities in need. Please pray for the work of Missio and give what you can to this vital collection. To donate, use the red bag, the card machines, Gift Aid using the Missio envelope, call 020 7821 9755 (office hours), scan the QR code or visit missio.org.uk to give a gift, set up a Direct Debit and Gift Aid your donation if possible. This coming Tuesday (20th October 2026) I will be chairing the Christians Together in Ewyas Harold & District’s Annual General Meeting. The meeting starts at 7.45pm at the Baptist Hall, Ewyas Harold. Christians Together in Ewyas Harold & District is the ecumenical meeting of Churches Together for the district Belmont Parish is part of within Churches Together in Herefordshire. As well as the business of the AGM, there will also be a discussion about ecumenical plans for Advent and for events in the first half of 2027. All are welcome to attend. Archbishop Mark released the following message this week: "We pray earnestly for our beloved Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Now that we know that the recent operation was to remove a cancerous growth, we deepen our sense of solidarity with him and all battling cancer. I ask all parishes and communities across South Wales and Herefordshire to offer prayers for the Holy Father at Masses over this next week, and to offer a Votive Mass for Pope Leo XIV this coming weekend."  The Monastic Community will very much be keeping Pope Leo in our prayers; I hope you will too. My prayers and best wishes,

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/

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS 2027: If your child is in Year 3 or above and you would like him/her to receive First Holy Communion in 2027, please email Rob and Jacqui Corrigan on 􀀁hc.belmontabbey@gmail.com by the end of December to register your interest. The classes will run from January to June on alternate Saturday mornings with the Mass taking place on or around Corpus Christi.

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.

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

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

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.