Today we pray for vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life. Please take an envelope for your contribution to the training of seminarians for our diocese. In the light of my 40th anniversary of ordination, some people have asked me in which parishes and ministries I have served. So here’s a quick CV of one priest. But, of course, the real story is one of the Lord, his people and an all too human servant leader, of journeys and sharing the joys and challenges of life in the Lord.

1964 – 1970 St Illtyd’s, Cardiff
1971 – 1974 Downing College, Cambridge (Modern Languages) 1974 – 1978 Beda Seminary, Rome
1986 – 1988 St Paul University, Ottawa, Canada (Cannon Law) 1978 1 April Ordained priest, St Brigid’s Church
1978 – 1979 Assistant priest, St Theresa of Lisieux, Port Talbot 1979 – 1981 Assistant priest, St Francis & St Clare, Ely
1981 – 1983 Parish Priest, St Cuthbert, Docks
1983 – 1986 Parish Priest, Ledbury, Herefordshire
1988 – 1997 Parish Priest, St Francis & St Clare, Ely
1997 – 2000 Parish Priest, Penarth & Dinas Powys
2000 – 2004 Parish Priest, St Cadoc, Llanrumney
2004 – Parish Priest, St Brigid’s / St Paul’s / Christ the King

1988 – 2007 Member of Cardiff / Menevia Tribunal
2007 – Judicial Vicar (leader), National Tribunal for Wales 2005 – 2013 Chairman, Diocesan Council of Priests
2008 – Canon of Cathedral Chapter
2016 – Diocesan Consultor
2016 – Dean of Cardiff

School Governor at 7 primary schools and 5 secondary schools. Chaplain at hospitals: Ely, Hamadryad, Llandough and Holme Tower Prison Chaplain HMP Cardiff, and Port Chaplain Cardiff

Fr Matthew

There are many special events and celebrations in our 3 Churches between now and the summer. Note that some are on a Friday or Saturday and will affect the times of Mass on those days.
Read your newsletter (except when we get it wrong!)

So, here is what is coming up …

CONFIRMATION
Archbishop George Stack will be with us this coming Saturday 21 April to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at Christ the King 10am. Come and support our young people.
CELEBRATE!
This annual family weekend takes place at Mary Immaculate High School next weekend Saturday – Sunday 21 – 22 April www.celebrateconference.org/wales
ANNIVERSARY
On Friday 27 April there will be a Thanksgiving Mass at 7pm for Fr Matthew’s 40th Anniversary. Followed by a Bring-and-Share supper – finger food only! All are very welcome!
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Our younger children receive Jesus for the first time in Holy Communion on Saturday 12 May at St Brigid’s at 11am.
PENTECOST
Sunday 20 May: This is the third of the great 3 feast days of the year, with Easter and Christmas – the feast day of the Holy Spirit and of the Church
MASS WITH THE SICK
Saturday 26 May: We welcome especially those who cannot normally get to Mass. Please assist anyone who is in this category. Transport details are elsewhere in the newsletter.
ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
Deacon Peter Davies will be ordained priest by Archbishop Stack on Friday 29 June, the Feast of Sts Peter & Paul, at 7pm in St Brigid’s.

Fr Matthew