THE PARISHES OF

OUR LADY AND ST PATRICK MAESTEG ST. ROBERT ABERKENFIG

Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Edmund Neizer Telephone: 01656 733282 Parish Mobile 07964 366710 Parish Website https://maestegcatholicchurch.org.uk

Parish e-mail: maesteg@rcadc.org Registered Charity 1177272

24th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A, 20th SEPTEMBER 2020 MESSAGE FROM FR. EDMUND

Dearly Beloved Parishioners,

May the peace and joy of Christ be with you.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “The economy of law and grace turns men's hearts away from avarice and envy. It initiates them into desire for the Sovereign Good; it instructs them in the desires of the Holy Spirit who satisfies man's heart. The God of the promises always warned man against seduction by what from the beginning has seemed "good for food . . . a delight to the eyes . . . to be desired to make one wise." (CCC 2541)

Today our Liturgy calls our attention to the need to seek the Lord while He may be found and call upon Him while He is still near. The gospel illustrates how the goodness and mercy of God is the same for all who respond to His call no matter the time of the day or hour. The parable of Jesus makes it clear that whether we are early bird or late converts to the faith, at the end we shall all receive the same reward (Eternal Life). As it is for those who were baptised as infants, it is the same for those who respond to the call of the Lord in later years to the life of faith.

The parable teaches us God’s generosity in bestowing His blessings upon others, for God’s love for each one of us is infinite and specially tailored for our needs. Our good works are not a means of earning salvation, but rather a response to God’s grace and invitation to do His will. All who respond to God’s grace and are made righteous by God receives the fullness of Eternal Life which is found only in Christ Jesus Our Lord.

Beloved, let us seek the Lord while He may be found and call upon Him while He is still near. Our present situation gives us a great opportunity to be united with God through His Son Jesus Christ who comes to us in word and sacrament, to forgive us, heal us, and give us strength in our journey of faith to Eternal Life.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the reality of death should let us know that our days are fleeting and therefore our days to live in holiness are finite. Therefore, let us forsake our own ways and go the way of the Lord. The Lord says, “My ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not your thoughts”. The ordinary way the Lord has given to the Church for the life of holiness is through the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation (Confession).

God’s generosity and mercy is unfathomable: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”(John 3:16). And in Hebrews 8:12 he says “I will be merciful towards their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more”. This should be enough reason for us to trust God unconditionally and follow His ways without bargains.

Let us pray for the grace to always conduct ourselves in the way worthy of the gospel of Christ, for whether we live or die it is for the Lord. In Him we live and move and have our being. To them that believe Him He gives them power to become children of God. God Love you all.

United in prayers!

Following all health and safety protocols, anyone who desires to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), the Sacrament of the Sick or Baptism, or any other pastoral care/visit, should call Fr. Edmund on 07964366710 for private arrangement. Thank you.

MASS INTENTIONS: Father Edmund continues to celebrate Mass (public with restrictions and private Mass). The highest form of prayer for us is the Mass which is a noble and ancient tradition. Thank you throughout lockdown for your submission of Mass Intentions; there are several days free in the forthcoming months. If you wish to have Mass celebrated for someone who has died, for a particular intention or thanksgiving, either give to Stewards when you attend Church, post through the Presbytery letter box, send by post, telephone the Parish number 01656 733282/mobile number 07964 366710, OR e-mail to maesteg@rcadc.org ‘I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord. Should they cry to me in any distress, I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever.’ (Entrance Antiphon Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Saturday 5pm VIGIL MASS 25th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A HOLY MASS AT ST. ROBERT’S (Restrictions apply) People of our Parishes, NHS, Care Home’ Staff and frontline workers/volunteers

Sunday 20th September: 25th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A Home Mission Day We pray today for the spread of the Gospel

HOLY MASS OUR LADY& ST PATRICK’S MAESTEG (Restrictions apply): 9am: Mary Agnes, Cyril & Griffiths family RIP (Family) 11am: Patrick, Janet & Michael Butler RIP (MB&f) 5pm: People of our Parishes, NHS, Care Home’ Staff and frontline workers/volunteers

Monday: 21st September: St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Private Mass: Dermot Keane (Wexford) RIP (KR)

Tuesday: 22nd September: Weekday in Ordinary Time, Year II, Week 25 10am: Holy Mass (Restrictions apply)

Tom Bolger RIP (M&f) Mrs Francis Thomas RIP

12 noon Funeral Service of Mrs Frances Thomas RIP

Wednesday: 23rd September: St Pius of Pieteicina Priest 10am: Holy Mass at St. Robert’s (Restrictions apply): Wellbeing of Geoffrey Phiri (BL) 2.15pm|: St Robert Funeral Service of Peter John Hermolle RIP

Thursday: 24th September: Our Lady Star of the Sea 10 am: Holy Mass (Restrictions apply) Peter Hermolle RIP (A&RM) Friday: 25th September: Weekday in Ordinary Time, Year II, Week 25 Private Mass: Danti Ascari RIP (AA) We pray for the Clergy

Saturday: 26th September: Votive Memorial of Our Lady Private Mass: Private Intention (Family & Friends) Souls in Purgatory (AA)

Saturday 5pm VIGIL MASS 26th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A HOLY MASS AT ST. ROBERT’S (Restrictions apply) People of our Parishes, NHS, Care Home’ Staff and frontline workers/volunteers

Sunday 27th September: 26th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A 9am: Ellen Teresa Hughes & Buckley family RIP (Family) 11am: Thanksgiving 50th Wedding Anniversary Gaynor & Anthony Lawler 5pm: People of our Parishes, NHS, Care Home’ Staff and frontline workers/volunteers ETERNAL REST: Let us pray for the repose of the souls of GWYN JONES who died on the 2nd September, and FRANCES THOMAS who died on the 9th September; their funeral services will take place on Monday 28thSeptember at 12.30pm and Tuesday 22nd September at 12noon respectively at Our Lady & St. Patrick Church; and PETER JOHN HERMOLLE who died on Sunday 13th September; his funeral service will take place on Wednesday 23rd September at 2.15pm at St. Robert Church, Aberkenfig; and DERMOT KEANE (Wexford), brother of Mrs Kath Richards. Our sincere sympathies and prayers go to the bereaved families at this sad and difficult time.

WE PRAY FOR the faithful departed parishioners, family, friends and those who have died from the pandemic; may they rest in peace. Amen.

WE PRAY FOR the sick at home/hospital and housebound of our Parishes, our friends, relatives, neighbours, fellow Parishioners and those who are suffering with Coronavirus; for the NHS/Care Home’ staff and frontline workers/volunteers.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS our schools, as staff and pupils have returned, especially during this continued difficult time of the pandemic. Also our students who are now entering a new stage of their life at University.

CONGRATULATIONS AND EVERY BLESSING TO GAYNOR & ANTHONY LAWLER WHO RECENTLY CELEBRATED THEIR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. BEST WISHES FROM FAMILY, FRIENDS AND PARISHIONERS.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER & FASTING FOR LIFE MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER A great prayer for Life is urgently needed. (Pope St. John Paul II) On Monday 28th September please pray and fast for the end of abortion and euthanasia. Last year this country saw the largest number of abortions ever. Your prayer and fasting is urgently needed. For information on the day of Prayer and Fasting contact The Good Counsel Network on 020 7723 1740 or www.goodcounselnetwork.com

Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael September 29th

St. Michael and the Devil, Raphael, c. 1504 – c. 1505 or 1518, Source: Wikimedia Commons Archangel Gabriel Annunciate, Fra Angelico, 1431 – 1433, Source: WikiArt Archangel Raphael with Tobias, Pietro Perugino, c.1496 – c.1500, Source: WikiArt On this day we celebrate the three named Archangels in Scripture – Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Angels, or messengers from God, appear at key moments in Scripture and always point to the wonderful works of God and inspire worship of God. St. Michael appears a few times throughout the Bible, in Daniel’s vision as “the great prince” who defends Israel against enemies (Daniel 10:13-21) and in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 12:7-9) as leading God’s armies in the final victory over evil. Devotion to Michael began in the East during the 4th Century. Michael is the Patron Saint of Police Officers and his symbol is a sword. St. Gabriel is best known for his encounter with Mary at the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) but he also appeared in Daniel’s visions (Daniel 8:15–26, 9:21–27). Gabriel is the Patron Saint of broadcasters and his symbols are a trumpet and a lily. St. Raphael’s appearance is recorded in the Book of Tobit where he guides Tobias (Tobit’s son) on his journey to restore his family’s wealth. On the way Raphael protects Tobias, leads him to and heals his future wife, and heals Tobit of his blindness on their return. St. Raphael is the Patron Saint of travellers, the blind, ill health, happy meetings, nurses, doctors and care workers. He is often pictured holding a staff and either holding or standing on a fish.

FINANCE MAESTEG PARISH: INCOME RECEIVED 13th September: Gift Aid £492.50; Planned Giving/Loose £117.50; Retiring £198.90. Standing Orders August £839.00; Restoration/Maintenance collections – if you gift aid, could you please place in an envelope stating your gift aid number. Sincere thanks.

PARISH OF OUR LADY & ST PATRICK & PARISH OF ST ROBERT Book in advance for Mass by telephoning the following Stewards. Please do not attend if not booked and please advise Stewards if you are unable to attend.

MAESTEG PARISH: TUESDAY 10.00am Telephone: Derek or Denis on 01656 731767 (Any afternoon after 2pm) THURSDAY 10.00am Telephone: Collette on 07702023565

SUNDAY: 9.00am Telephone: Derek or Denis on 01656 731767 (Any afternoon after 2pm) 11.00am Telephone: Collette on 07702023565 5.00pm Telephone: Michelle 07488322929

ABERKENFIG PARISH

SATURDAY 5.00pm (Vigil Mass at St. Robert’s Church) & WEDNESDAY 10 .00am Telephone: Bill Ennis on 724855, after 6.30 pm.

Face masks are now required as advised by the Welsh Government Please arrive between 20 and no later than 5 minutes before the start time of Mass Please adhere to the strict social distancing guidelines and follow the instructions and support

of the Stewards Please note the toilet has to remain closed Offertory collection will be taken as you enter the Church and retiring collection will be taken

as you leave the church If you have any COVID-19 symptoms or shielding please stay home. The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has confirmed that the obligation to attend

Sunday Mass remains suspended. So please do not feel under any pressure to attend Church Online or phone Mass are valid alternatives and remain available; details below

Let us give thanks to God for this great mercy. May God richly bless you. Stay safe and remain in God’s love and care.

SUNDAY AND DAILY MASS: St Mary’s Bridgend, (Father Tim McGrath) now LIVE STREAM –

click on home page of their Website for timetable of Masses. St Mary & All Saints, Stowhill, Newport (Father Michael Doyle)

- check their Website for times of Masses. St Teilo’s, Whitchurch, Cardiff, 10 am (Canon William Isaac)

If you have no access to the internet and livestream Mass, a local telephone number has been set up which will lead you in a 10-15minute period of prayer and reflection relating to the Sunday readings.

Telephone: 01633 982483 A service for those of our parishioners and others, who are without access to the Internet

“DIAL FOR MASS” service - 029 2267 0999 2 PM on Sunday and available during the week.

Thanks for visiting “You Tube” and participating in the live streams within the Archdiocese, although we may be physically separated, we are spiritually united.

PRAY THE ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least Spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

UNIVERSE NEWSPAPER & CATHOLIC DIRECTORY and YEAR BOOK 2021: Please if you would like to purchase weekly copies of the Universe Newspaper or the Catholic Directory and Year Book 2021, can you give your name and contact to any to the Stewards or Father Edmund so that we can request for the numbers needed. Thank you.