Next Week's Mass Times

Sunday Dec. 27th 5-6pm Burry Port Quiet Personal Prayer Time and Evening Prayer (Vespers)

Thursday Dec. 31st 6.30pm Burry Port Thanksgiving Adoration, Rosary, Benediction and Holy Mass
Mass Intention: Pro Populo. (for the People)

2010
Octave of Christmas

Friday Jan. 1st 9.00am Burry Port Holy Mass of Mary Mother of God

Saturday Jan. 2nd 6.30pm Burry Port Vigil Mass of The Second Sunday after Christmas
Mass Intention: Private. Donor, Mary James and Family.

Sunday Jan. 3rd 10.30am Kidwelly Holy Mass of The Second Sunday after Christmas

Thank you to all who helped with all the various activities this Christmas and especially to Bishop Mullins For his Faithful Devotion to the parish, God bless you all.

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SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION: -

Burry Port – 6.00 – 6.30pm on Thursday and Saturday.
Kidwelly – 10.00 – 10.30am on Sunday

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Collections: Burry Port - £134.10 (52) Kidwelly - £99.80 (50)

Recent Parish Activities: An Update

PARISH MEAL - Many thanks to everyone who bought tickets for the St Chrysogonus night meal, and also those who could not make the event but donated the price of their ticket(s). The total raised from tickets and donations was £270.
The total restaurant bill was £94. Leaving a profit for the Parish of £176.
A full break down of the sales, donations and costs were emailed to Father and are available on request from him or Gareth. Thanks to all those from Burry Port and Kidwelly who helped to make the event such a success for our Parish.
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CHRISTMAS CONCERT – A big thank you to all who attended or bought tickets for the concert which raised £402
for the parish.
Tickets sales – £254.50. Raffle on the evening - £132.50. Donation - £15.00.
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HARVEST COLLECTION – Thank you to everyone who contributed to the harvest offering. An amount of £41 was raised for the parish from the sale of donated harvest items

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READERS – Burry Port - thanks to all parishioners who have read throughout the year. A list of readers will be available next week. Anyone who would like to read, who is not already on the rota, please speak to Father Thomas.

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Thank you to ALL who have helped in many and various ways throughout the year by raising funds and taking care of both churches and also to all those who donate privately and work quietly behind the scenes. It is this working together as a Parish Family that enables our parish to thrive.

Special thanks to those who helped over Advent and Christmas.

BURRY PORT
Mr. Barry Jewell and Mrs. Margaret Jewell for the beautiful Crib of the Nativity in Our Lady’s Chapel.
Mrs. Irmgard Oag and Finola Evans for the wonderful floral display on the Sanctuary and in the Church.
Mr. Jack Rees for his musical expertise over the Advent and Christmas Season.
Mrs. Gill Lewis for the Altar and Church Linen.

KIDWELLY
Mr. Dominic Conway and Mrs. Kim Conway for the beautiful Crib of the Nativity.
Mrs. Vera Kenny for the wonderful floral display in the Church.
Mr. Philip Pryor for his musical expertise over the Advent and Christmas Season.
Mrs. Joyce Deasy for the Altar Linen.
Mrs.Olive Grantham for cleaning the Church.

Mr. Michael Patrick Burke RIP

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. Michael Patrick Burke (Father Michael Burke’s father) who sadly passed away at the end of November. We have sent our condolences to Father Michael and his family please keep them in your prayers.

Congratulations to Owen and Beth

Owen and Beth Harris were received into Church during Holy Mass, celebrated by His Lordship Bishop Daniel Mullins, on Saturday 19th December.

May we take this opportunity to thank His Lordship for instructing Owen and Beth for the best part of this year and also for celebrating Mass.

The whole parish joins with Father Thomas in wishing Owen and Beth many holy and happy congratulations at this joyous time, we pray that Our Lord will watch over them both and their family.

Following the service many parishioners joined Owen and Beth in the Church Hall for light refreshments, were a specially prepared cake was cut.

We hope to have photos on this Parish website very soon.

It seems such a short time since Owen and Beth first joined us at Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea, and they have quickly become great friends of many parishioners.

Christmas Fayre, Raffle & Concert

Christmas Fayre and Advent Raffle and Christmas Concert -

Very many thanks to all who contributed to these successful events in very many different but essential ways. All the details will be published as soon as Mary has a chance to itemise everything.

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols –

MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE SERVICE WHICH WAS A WONDERFUL EVENING OF TOGETHERNESS. SINCERE APOLOGIES TO THOSE WHO WERE AFFECTED BY THE MIX UP WITH THE TIME OF THE SERVICE AND SOME OF THE READINGS.

Burry Port Flowers Rota 2010

ALTAR FLOWERS ROTA 2010 –
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA, BURRY PORT –

If anyone would like to purchase and place flowers on the altar on a regular basis or perhaps donate money for the purchase of flowers on a regular basis could they kindly add their name in the appropriate column on the list which can be found on the notice board in the porch. Father Thomas and Gill Lewis would like to thank you most sincerely for all your efforts during the last year. A special thanks to those who decorated the Sanctuary and Church at Easter, Confirmation Sunday and at other special times throughout the year and who will be doing the same this Christmas.

Christmas Concert: Pictures

Fr. Thomas with the Burry Port Male Voice Choir


Philip plays one of his solos on the trumpet.


Lily sings Winter Wonderland

Service of Nine Lessons & Carols at Kidwelly

SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS - The Christmas season would not be complete without our traditional service of nine lessons and carols which, this year, will take place at Our Lady & St Cadoc, Kidwelly on Thursday 17th December at 7pm.

Christmas Community Concert at Our Lady Star of the Sea

CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY CONCERT:

Very many thanks to all who attended our concert with the Burry Port Male Voice Choir who performed magnificently on the evening. Grateful appreciation also to Lily for her beautiful solo performance of Winter Wonderland, to Philip for his splendid trumpet solo renditions of Panis Angelicus and O Holy Night and to Mark for Taking us on a Journey to the Holy Land. The evening was a wonderful experience and was thoroughly enjoyed by all, parishioners and guests alike.

A special thank you to the organisers of the event, Mark Stephens and Stephen James. Also those who sold and bought tickets and to Netta for the hamper which was raffled. Success was achieved by us all working together. Well done.

A letter will be sent to the Burry Port Male Voice Choir on behalf of the Parish offering our sincere gratitude for their performance at the concert.
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Burry Port Male Voice Choir Christmas Community Concert

CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY CONCERT -

PLEASE SUPPORT Our Community Concert which is to be held on Thursday 3rd December at 7.00pm in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Burry Port.

Kindly performing will be the Burry Port Male Voice Choir along with one or two artistes from our Parish. Tickets for the event will be on sale at £3.50, due to the restrictions of the size of our hall unfortunately refreshments will be provided for the choir members only.

For Tickets please see Stephen James in Burry Port and Mark Stevens in Kidwelly.


Webmaster's note: Online readers can come on Thursday and purchase rickets at the door. Thank you.

St Chrysogonus' Night Meal Report

PARISH DINNER - Due to a family bereavement, Gareth, who did all the hard work in arranging this event, and his family were unable to attend. May we take this opportunity to offer the family our very deepest sympathy on their recent sad loss. We would like to thank Gareth for having organised the event thus enabling all who attended to have a very enjoyable evening. It was nice to be able to partake of a leisurely meal and have a chat as a parish family.

Webmaster's note: Thanks to everyone for their kind words and prayers. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Gordon Tulloch. Thankyou.

St Richard Gwyn's Feast Day

St. Richard Gwyn

Feastday: October 17
1584

One of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Also called Richard White, he was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1547, and stud­ied at Cambridge University, England. Converted from Protestantism, he returned to Wales in 1562, married, had six children, and opened a school. Arrested in 1579, he spent four years in prison before his execution by being hanged, drawn, and quartered at Wrexham on October 15, for being a Catholic. While jailed, he com­posed many religious poems in Welsh. He is considered the protomartyr of Wales and was included among the canonized martyrs of England and Wales by Pope Paul VI in 1970.

Webmaster's note: I read a booklet about St Richard Gwyn in which it stated that he was particularly good at humorous poetry that poked fun at the idea of married priests and other novelties of the "new religion," and that at his trial he and his two co-defendants gave their final address to the court in Welsh, English and Latin.

New Sign for Our Lady Star of the Sea, Burry Port

PARISH SIGN

A new parish sign has been made in Burry Port. Our Grateful thanks to Pat Keegan and Finbarr Jewell for all their Good work and all those who assisted in this process.

November Dead List

NOVEMBER DEAD LIST – Envelopes and request forms can be found in the porch at both churches. Once you have written the names of loved ones on the form place it in the envelope and then place the envelope in the basket which will then be placed on the Sanctuary throughout the month of November, the month of the Holy Souls.

Reminder: Sung Mass This Saturday

SUNG MASS - After our recent success with our new choir’s splendid singing of the Missa De Angelis at the confirmation Mass which added such solemnity and beauty to our liturgy, it has been decided to continue with the sung Latin on a monthly basis, starting in November, thus the first Saturday of each month will be a sung Latin verse for the Kyrie, Sanctus, Gloria and Credo which can be found on the printed sheets in the porch, a grateful thanks to Jack, Maura and all the choir for their continued assistance.

Sponsored Walk Update

MATTHEW MULCAHY ANNUAL SPONSORED WALK -

Pat and Ken Horton who accompanied him, thank you for your support. The final amount raised was £301.00. Once again very many thanks.

St Chrysogonus' Night Meal

PARISH DINNER - St Chrysogonus' Night Meal. Tuesday, 24th November at Taylors Steak House, Burry Port.

Tickets:
Child: £3
Fish & Chips: £7.50
Pork Steak: £7.50
Vegetarian Meal: £7.50
Rib Eye Steak: £10

Tickets will be available from next week.

Desserts and drinks extra (same as our St Patrick's Day meal back in February).

Please purchase your tickets asap, and help support another evening to help bring the congregation(s) together and raise some money for the Parish.

Tickets are limited to 50, so please do buy yours as soon as they are available.

Harvest Service

HARVEST OFFERINGS -

If you would like to donate items for the Harvest offering then please bring them to the weekend Mass and speak to Gloria or Mary in Burry Port or Netta in Kidwelly. Thank you.

Burry Port Weekly Readers

READING CYCLE - YEAR B PART 2

OCTOBER 10th (Sat.) ROBERT COOK 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

OCTOBER 17th (Sat.) GLORIA HALL 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

OCTOBER 24th (Sat.) NORMA DAVIES 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

OCTOBER 31st (Sat.) MAIR KEEGAN ALL SAINTS MASS

NOVEMBER 7th (Sat.) BERNARD NORTHEAST 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Remembrance Sunday

NOVEMBER 14th (Sat.) STEPHEN JAMES 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

NOVEMBER 21st (Sat.) MARY JAMES OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
THE KING




Please feel free to rearrange with another reader if the date alongside your name poses a problem.

If you would like to become a reader then please speak to Father Thomas.

Update on Christmas Events

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE - Tickets will soon be available for our Christmas Raffle which will be a joint raffle between Burry Port and Kidwelly. It has been decided this year to limit the prizes to 15. Of the first four prizes three will be cash and the fourth a hamper (the hamper has already been donated), if you would like to contribute towards the cash prizes or give another prize please refer to the list on the notice board at Burry Port and Kidwelly. For further information please speak to Carol at Burry Port and Vera at Kidwelly.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE - To be arranged by the ladies of Kidwelly and Burry Port and held in the church hall at Burry Port on Saturday 12th December where the draw of the above raffle will take place. If you have any items for the Fayre, e.g, toiletries, bottle stall items, jewellery, good toys, Christmas items and nearer the date various cakes, please bring them to the church at Kidwelly and the church hall at Burry Port where they can kept until the event. Thank you.

CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY CONCERT - Our Community Concert is to be held on Thursday 3rd December at 7.00pm in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Burry Port. Kindly performing will be the Burry Port Male Voice Choir along with one or two artistes from our Parish. Tickets for the event will be on sale at £3.50 which will include light refreshments in the church hall after the concert.

SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS - The Christmas season would not be complete without our traditional service of nine lessons and carols, which this year will take place at Kidwelly and has provisionally been booked for Thursday the 17th of December at 7pm.

Church Cleaning Burry Port

It has been suggested that Parishioners resume responsibility for the cleaning of the church. Names are requested to be added to a new Cleaning Rota.

It is an important sign of our commitment to our Church that those who are able can spend a little time preparing for the weekly services and events, our Lord will surely reward you for your care for the fabric of his Holy Church.

A list for those interested can be found at the Porch.

Forthcoming Events October & November

Ten Days of the Rosary

October is the Month of the Rosary and it was therefore thought suitable to hold the traditional 10 days of the Rosary, which will begin on Wednesday 21st of October and will be continued every evening at 6:30pm at Burry Port ending on Friday 30th of October with a small Harvest gathering, where light refreshments will be served, in the church hall. If you would like to donate any harvest offerings to be sold at the gathering then please speak to Gloria or Mary.

Please note that ALL EVENING week masses during these 10 days will consequently be transferred to the morning at 9am. However on the weekend of Saturday 24th the Rosary will start at 6pm and Mass will follow as usual at 6:30pm.


November Parish Dinner

After the successful St Patrick's day dinner this year, it has been agreed that we hold a similar event sometime in Mid November, further details will be posted in forthcoming newsletters, please see Gareth in Burry Port for any additional information.

Sung Latin Mass First Saturday of Each Month

Sung Mass at Burry Port -

After our recent success with our new choir’s splendid singing of the Missa De Angelis at the confirmation Mass which added such solemnity and beauty to our liturgy, it has been decided to continue with the sung Latin on a monthly basis, starting in November. Thus the first Saturday of each month will be a sung Latin verse for the Kyrie, Sanctus, Gloria and Credo which can be found on the printed sheets in the porch, a grateful thanks to Jack, Maura and all the choir for their continued assistance.

Christmas Itinery for Catholic Parish of Burry Port & Kidwelly

Christmas Mass times:

Please let Father know if the times suggested below are suitable, thank you.

Christmas Eve -
7:00pm Kidwelly - Family and childrens Mass
11:30pm Burry Port - Christmas Hymns and Blessing of the Crib followed by Midnight Mass of
The Nativity of Our Lord

Christmas Day -
9:00am Burry Port - Holy Mass of Christmas Day
10:30am Kidwelly - Holy Mass of Christmas Day


Service of Nine Lessons and Carols:

The Christmas season would not be complete without our traditional service of nine lessons and carols, which this year will take place at Kidwelly and has provisionally been booked for Thursday the 17th of December at 7pm.


Christmas Raffle:

Tickets will soon be available for our Christmas Raffle which will be a joint raffle between Burry Port and Kidwelly. It has been decided this year to limit the prizes to 15. Of the first four prizes three will be cash and the fourth a hamper (the hamper has already been donated), if you would like to contribute towards the cash prizes or give another prize please refer to the list on the notice board at Burry Port and Kidwelly. For further information please speak to Carol at Burry Port and Vera at Kidwelly. Thank you.


NB: Plans for a Christmas Concert are on hold for the moment. More news as we get it.

Cleaning and Flower Rotas

Church Cleaning Burry Port:

It has been suggested that Parishioners resume responisbility for the cleaning of the church. Names are requested to be added to a new Cleaning Rota. It is an important sign of our commitment to our Church that those who are able can spend a little time preparing for the weekly services and events, our Lord will surely reward you for your care for the fabric of his Holy Church. A list for those interested can be found at the Porch.

Flowers - Burry Port -
More names are needed please for the flower rota. If you would like to provide flowers for our church one weekend then please speak to Gill. Thank you.

Flowers - Kidwelly -
Donations for flowers are needed for the church in Kidwelly please. A collection box will be placed in the porch for those kindly wishing to donate. Many thanks.

Exposition of Relic of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

A young parishioner says her prayers before the exposed relic of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus in the Lady Chapel of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Burry Port.

A steady stream of parishioners from Burry Port, Kidwelly and towns/villages nearby came today to pray before the relic of the Holy French nun whose autobiography has stirred so many souls to a deeper love of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

ST. THÉRÈSE

St. Therese, "the little flower"

Therese Martin was the last of nine children born to Louis and Zelie Martin on January 2, 1873, in Alencon, France. However, only five of these children lived to reach adulthood.

Precocious and sensitive, Therese needed much attention. Her mother died when she was 4 years old. As a result, her father and sisters babied young Therese. She had a spirit that wanted everything.

At the age of 14, on Christmas Eve in 1886, Therese had a conversion that transformed her life. From then on, her powerful energy and sensitive spirit were turned toward love, instead of keeping herself happy. At 15, she entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux to give her whole life to God. She took the religious name Sister Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. Living a hidden, simple life of prayer, she was gifted with great intimacy with God. Through sickness and dark nights of doubt and fear, she remained faithful to God, rooted in His merciful love. After a long struggle with tuberculosis, she died on September 30, 1897, at the age of 24. Her last words were the story of her life: "My God, I love You!"

The world came to know Therese through her autobiography, "Story of a Soul". She described her life as a "little way of spiritual childhood." She lived each day with an unshakable confidence in God's love. "What matters in life," she wrote, "is not great deeds, but great love." Therese lived and taught a spirituality of attending to everyone and everything well and with love. She believed that just as a child becomes enamoured with what is before her, we should also have a childlike focus and totally attentive love. Therese's spirituality is of doing the ordinary, with extraordinary love.

Therese saw the seasons as reflecting the seasons of God's love affair with us. She loved flowers and saw herself as the "little flower of Jesus," who gave glory to God by just being her beautiful little self among all the other flowers in God's garden. Because of this beautiful analogy, the title "little flower" remained with St. Therese.

Her inspiration and powerful presence from heaven touched many people very quickly. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925. Had she lived, she would have been only 52 years old when she was declared a Saint.

"My mission - to make God loved - will begin after my death," she said. "I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses." Roses have been described and experienced as Saint Therese's signature. Countless millions have been touched by her intercession and imitate her "little way." She has been acclaimed "the greatest saint of modern times." In 1997, Pope John Paul II declared St. Therese a Doctor of the Church - the only Doctor of his pontificate - in tribute to the powerful way her spirituality has influenced people all over the world.

Cafod Family Fast Day

FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER -

Envelopes will be distributed after the Masses this weekend and will then be collected next weekend 3rd /4th October.

All donations will be very gratefully received for this most important charity.

A thought - Fasting does not always mean doing without food it can also mean foregoing unnecessary purchases of perhaps clothes, shoes, toys, jewellery or other similar items.

‘ Every little bit helps and TOGETHER we can make a difference.’

Sponsors Needed

MATTHEW MULCAHY ANNUAL SPONSORED WALK -

to take place on Sunday 11th October - Please can you sponsor Pat and Mair Keegan who will be taking part in this walk in aid of ‘Feed My Lambs’ which is a baby feeding programme in Sudan.

Each £5 that they are sponsored for can feed a little baby for one whole month.

If you would like to sponsor Pat and Mair please add your name and amount to the form which can be found on the notice board in the porch.

Many thanks.

Parish Meeting this Wednesday, St Jerome's Day

PARISH MEETING -

A meeting of the parish is to be held on WEDNESDAY, 30TH SEPTEMBER in the church hall at Burry Port, at approx 7.15pm after Rosary and Benediction.

This offers an opportunity for parishioners to express their views on various subjects regarding our parish so please make every effort to attend. Thank you.

Confirmation Mass Celebrated by Bishop Thomas Burns

Today's Confirmation Mass was a great success.

We were especially pleased to welcome our new Bishop, Thomas Matthew Burns, to our humble parish.

Of course all our thoughts and prayers were especially with the four children being confirmed, but we must extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the occasion such a great success.



The four Confirmation candidate prior to the Mass.


The four newly Confirmed parishioners with Fr. Thomas and Bishop Burns...


...joined by their sponsors and all the servers.


Our Bishop cuts the cake with Ieuan, Natalia, Stuart and Edward as Father Thomas looks on appreciatively.


The cake bearing the Confirmants' names and the image of the Holy Ghost.



The church cleaning, the beautiful flowers, the food preparation and serving, the setting-up of the Church Hall and the gazebo, this and much else was carried out dutifully by so many people.

There was also the preparation of the Confirmants themselves, plus the practice of the sung Latin parts of the Mass.

We are, of course, grateful to Bishop Burns for coming to Burry Port. Many parishioners had the opportunity to talk to him at the reception after the Mass, and we certainly hope our Bishop will come back and visit us again soon.

I don't think I'm alone in wanting to congratulate Father Thomas for all the hard work he did in preparing the whole parish for this wonderful event in all its facets. We all felt overjoyed for him that the Mass and reception went so well.

And so today we can all celebrate the fact that our parish has four more 'soldiers of Jesus Christ' qualified, according to the Catholic encyclopaedia, "for the duty of honouring God by professing the Christian Faith before its enemies. The sacramental character is compared by theologians to a military badge, or the insignia of an order of knighthood."


Link:
Confirmation

September 30th: Parish Meeting

There will be a Parish Meeting on 30th September (that's a week next Wednesday) immediately after Benediction, in the Church Hall, Burry Port.

All parishioners (Kidwelly and Burry Port) are asked to attend so plans can be made for the future of the Parish, activities, fund-raising and much else.

(NB: This is a date-change from the originally posted Michaelmas/29th Sept date).

Confirmation Mass: Only one Mass this Weekend

Reminder:

This weekend there will be only ONE MASS on Sunday 20th at 11am in BURRY PORT.

Happy Owain Glyndwr Day

Tomorrow, the 16th of September, is Owain Glyndwr Day.

Many people know of the history of the Welsh national hero, but his last days following the failure of his rebellion to establish an independent Welsh nation are clouded in mystery (specifically because by that time he was a "wanted" man).

The following link has the information that the Prince of a (briefly) united Welsh nation, who enjoyed much support from Welsh monastic houses, may have ended his days as a Catholic Priest:

"...many believing he spent his last years as a priest in Kentchurch, Herefordshire near the manor of Sir John Scudamore..."

Link:
The Last King of Wales?

Summer Barbecue Raised £250

SUMMER BARBECUE:

A very enjoyable evening was had by all who attended the BBQ and helped raise the sum of £250.00.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who worked so hard in various ways to make the event a successful one with a special thank you to Margaret for the raffle and to the chefs Mark, Netta and Bernard, the food was delicious.

(Webmaster Comment: See earlier post for photos from the BBQ).

APF (Mill Hill) Red Donation Boxes

APF RED BOXES -

Could you please bring in your boxes for emptying.

Please see Robert Cook at Burry Port and Dominic Conway at Kidwelly. Thank you.

Confirmation Mass, Reception & Transport (Reminder)

CONFIRMATION - His Lordship Rt. Rev. Thomas Matthew Burns, Bishop of Menevia, has kindly agreed to administer the rite of confirmation which will take place at
11.00 AM ON SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER AT BURRY PORT.

There will be no mass at 6.30pm on Saturday in Burry Port and no mass on Sunday in Kidwelly at 10.30am.

This will be the first occasion that our new bishop will visit our parish and in order for the whole parish to participate in this auspicious occasion, on that particular weekend there will be only ONE MASS on Sunday 20th at 11am in BURRY PORT.

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TRANSPORT TO THE SERVICE
A MINI-BUS OR LIFTS CAN BE PROVIDED FOR PARISHIONERS WHO DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORT. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR NAME ON THE LIST ON THE NOTICE BOARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU DO NOT HAVE TRANSPORT.

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CONFIRMATION SERVICE - A RECEPTION WILL BE HELD FOR OUR NEW BISHOP IN THE HALL FOLLOWING THE CONFIRMATION SERVICE AND ALL ARE WELCOME. A LIST CAN BE FOUND ON THE NOTICE BOARD FOR PARISHIONERS WISHING TO HELP WITH THE CATERING FOR THE CONFIRMATION SERVICE. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR NAME NEXT TO THE REFRESHMENTS THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE. PLEASE FILL THIS IN THIS WEEKEND. THANK YOU.

Confirmation Mass: Altar Servers Practices, Update

ALTAR SERVERS - Practices for altar servers to serve at the Confirmation Mass will be held on the following dates :-

Sunday 13th September at 5.00pm

Saturday 19th September at 10.00am
(Confession for Candidates for the sacrament of Confirmation.)

Saturday 19th September at 11.00am
(final practice for Altar Servers and Sponsors before the Confirmation Mass.)

If you would like to become an altar server please speak to Father Thomas.

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Also the last lesson for the four candidates for Confirmation will be at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Wednesday 16th September, 6pm.

Confirmation Mass: Hymn/Liturgy Practice

HYMN/LITURGY PRACTISE -

There will be a practice of the hymns/liturgy (Missa de Angelis) that will be used during the confirmation service this week before and during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and after Mass on Thursday 17th at 7pm.

A final practise will take place on Saturday 19th at 6.30pm. For more information please speak to Fr Thomas.

List of Burry Port Readers

BURRY PORT WEEKLY READERS


READING CYCLE - YEAR B PART 2



SEPTEMBER 5th (Sat.) STEPHEN JAMES 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time


SEPTEMBER 12th (Sat.) MARY JAMES 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time




The following Mass will be the Confirmation Mass at which the Candidates will read.

SEPTEMBER 20th (Sun.) 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time




SEPTEMBER 26th (Sat.) GLORIA HALL 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time


OCTOBER 3rd (Sat.) ROBERT COOK 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time


OCTOBER 7th (Sat.) MAIR KEEGAN 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time


OCTOBER 14th (Sat.) BERNARD NORTHEAST 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Confirmation Mass, Reception & Transport

CONFIRMATION -

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Thomas Matthew Burns, Bishop of Menevia, has kindly agreed to administer the rite of confirmation which will take place at 11am on Sunday 20th September at Burry Port.

There will be no mass at 6.30pm on Saturday in Burry Port and no mass on Sunday in Kidwelly at 10.30am.

This will be the first occasion that our new bishop will visit our parish and in order for the whole parish to participate in this auspicious occasion, on that particular weekend there will be only ONE MASS on Sunday 20th at 11am in BURRY PORT.


CONFIRMATION SERVICE -

A reception will be held for our new Bishop in the hall following the confirmation service and all are welcome. A list can be found on the notice board for parishioners wishing to help with the catering for the confirmation service. Please leave your name next to the food item/refreshments that you are able to contribute. Thank you.


Transport to Service
A mini-bus or lifts can be provided for parishioners who do not have transport. Please leave your name on the list on the notice board as soon as possible if you do not have transport.

Confirmation Mass Altar Servers Practices

ALTAR SERVERS - Practices for altar servers to serve at the Confirmation Mass will be held on the following dates :-

Sunday 6th September at 5.00pm

Sunday 13th September at 5.00pm

Saturday 19th September at 10.00am
(Confession for Candidates for the sacrament of Confirmation.)

Saturday 19th September at 11.00am
(final practice for Altar Servers and Sponsors before the Confirmation Mass.)

If you would like to become an altar server please speak to Father Thomas.

[NB: These dates have changed from those previously posted].

Our Summer BBQ: The Photos

Was this the rowdiest table on the night? The gazebo set up outside added extra seating and was a nice touch.

Robert provides service with a smile in the kitchen (the two ladies who hid when they saw the camera - F & M! - shall remain nameless).

The Church hall midway through the evening.

"We ate our fill and we're still smiling!"

Father congratulates the purveyors of our fine food. Pictured L-R are Mark, Father Thomas, Netta and Bernard. The gathered throng later clapped and cheered Mark and Bernard when they brought the last of the sausages into the Church Hall.

Maura and Betty show their appreciation of the self-service buffet in the Church Hall.

And lastly, sorry - no photo! - but special mention also to Margaret for selling all the raffle tickets.

Burry Port Summer BBQ: Fantastic Success

Huge congratulations to all concerned with today's Barbecue at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Burry Port.

The food was fantastic - way beyond what many of us expected for our £2.50 entry price - and there was a great atmosphere with an impressive turn-out.

So well done to the organisers and all those who worked so hard this evening, not even a brief spell of rain could dampen the enthusiasm of all present.

More news on the amount raised when we get it, and all being well I hope to post pictures from the Parish BBQ tomorrow.

Thanks again to everyone who worked so hard cooking, preparing, washing-up etc. etc. It really was a great evening.

Don't Forget: BBQ THIS SATURDAY

This coming Saturday -- 29th August -- our Parish is holding a BBQ at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Burry Port.

Right: A burger.

With free entry to children, and adult tickets a mere £2.50, this is a great chance for families and friends to come along and have a great time.

The BBQ will be after Mass on Saturday evening (Mass ends circa 7.30pm) and everyone is welcome.

Below: A burger for Jansenists(!)

So come one, come all - and help make our Summer BBQ a success.

Altar Servers for Confirmation Mass - Dates

ALTAR SERVERS - Practices for altar servers to serve at the Confirmation Mass will be held on the following dates :-

Thursday 3rd September at 5.30pm
Tuesday 15th September at 5.30pm
Thursday 17th September at 5.30pm
Saturday 19th September at 5.00pm (final practice before the Confirmation Mass)

If you would like to become an altar server please speak to Father Thomas.

Burry Port Summer BBQ: NEXT SATURDAY!

SUMMER BARBECUE: HURRY, there are only a few tickets remaining for THE B.B.Q which is to be held on Saturday, 29th August after the Mass in Burry Port.

Children can attend free while the adult tickets only cost £2.50, a bargain.

For more information or if you are able to help at the event please contact Marc Stevens in Kidwelly or Stephen James in Burry Port.

Pope St Pius X's Day Report

POPE SAINT PIUS X - On Friday 21st August the exposition of the relics took place in the Lady Chapel at Burry Port. After Mass Father Thomas led morning prayers and throughout the day many parishioners attended to pray and to venerate the relics of this most holy Saint. The exposition ended with Father Thomas and parishioners celebrating evening prayer.

See previous post for pictures of the relic in the Lady Chapel.

POPE SAINT PIUS X

Pope Pius X was born Giuseppe Sarto in the village of Riese in the province of Treviso near Venice, one of eight children in a poor family. His father was a cobbler by trade, and also served as the village postmaster.

He was ordained a priest at the cathedral in Castelfranco in 1858. In 1884, Father Sarto was appointed bishop of Mantua by Pope Leo XIII. In 1893, Giuseppe Sarto was appointed a Cardinal and Patriarch of Venice.

Cardinal Sarto was elected Pope and chose the name Pius X. In his short reign as pope (1903-1914), Pius X had an impact on the lives of ordinary Catholics which was greater than that of almost all of his predecessors.

Pius X has been called the Pope of the Eucharist, and he more than any other person was responsible for changing the eucharistic practices of Catholics. Issued decrees on early Communion (age 7 instead of 12 or 14 as previously). Destroyed the last vestiges of Jansenism by advocating frequent and even daily Communion. Reformed the liturgy, promoted clear and simple homilies, and brought Gregorian chant back to services. Revised the Breviary, and teaching of the Catechism. Fought Modernism, which he denounced as “the summation of all heresies“. Reorganized the Roman curia, and the other administrative elements of the Church. Worked against the modern antagonism of the state against the Church. Initiated the codification of canon law. Promoting Bible reading by all the faithful. Supported foreign missions.

Pius X through his pontificate sought to strengthen and guard the church against her enemies, he championed a traditional Catholic teaching and everywhere sought to diminish the influence of the secular world.

Pius X was deeply distressed by the outbreak of World War I in 1914. About a month after the war started the Pope came down with influenza. Unable to fight the infection, he died peacefully on August 20, 1914. In his will he wrote: “I was born poor, I lived poor, I die poor.”

He was beatified on June 3, 1951, and canonized on May 29, 1954.

Exposition of Pope St. Pius X Relic in the Lady Chapel

The relic of Pope St Pius X was exposed today after morning Mass, it being the Saint Day of the same holy Pope.

The report of the day, in this coming weekend's newsletter will be posted on this site.

Pope St Pius X - Pray for us.

Fr Charles Higham S.J., Our Parish Priest 2001 - 2007

Fr. Charles Higham was our parish priest from 2001 until 2007.

he sadly passed away earlier this year.

The image below is from the front cover of his funeral programme.

To follow (next post) is the text of the obituary that appeared in the Jesuits' in-house magazine for Britain along with an introductory letter from Fr. Peter Edmonds S.J. to a parishioner.

Fr Charles Higham S.J., RIP

Altar Servers for Confirmation Mass

ALTAR SERVERS -

A practise for altar servers will be held on the 20th August in order to prepare for the confirmation mass in September anyone wishing to become an altar server please contact Fr Thomas.

Summer Barbecue in Burry Port: TICKETS ON SALE

SUMMER BARBECUE:

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR THE B.B.Q which is to be held on Saturday, 29th August after the Mass in Burry Port. Children can attend free while the adult tickets only cost £2.50.

For more information or if you are able to help at the event please contact Marc Stevens in Kidwelly or Stephen James in Burry Port.

Next Week's Second Collection

PRIESTS TRAINING FUND -

This is perhaps one of the most important second collections the Parish is asked to contribute to and it is especially important in these times of Priest shortage. We have three prospective priests in seminaries and one candidate who is continuing with his studies for the permanent diaconate. The diocesan expenditure in the last financial year to 31 march for the training of priests was £81,200.00 and last years PTF collection was approx. £11,000.00. Please continue to support the training of our future priests by donating generously to the priests training fund, thank you.

Songs of Praise in Burry Port

SONGS OF PRAISE -

The Annual Songs of Praise will be held in the marquee at Burry Port Harbour on Sunday the 30th August at 3.00pm. If you would like to attend and need a lift please speak to Mary (in Burry Port) after Mass.

Fr Michael Burke's Silver Jubilee

FATHER MICHAEL BURKE -

Father Burke asked those who attended his thanksgiving Mass to convey his thanks and blessings to the parishioners of Burry Port and Kidwelly and also to thank you all for the silver jubilee card that was given to him on behalf of Father Thomas and the Parishioners. Father Murphy who was also attending the Mass sends his best wishes to all.

Summer Fete Raised Over £500! Well Done!

SUMMER FETE -

A very big thank you to EVERYONE who helped in many ways in making this event so successful, whether by donating sale items, giving donations, selling raffle tickets, buying items, preparing the hall and garden or manning the stalls. By working together as a ‘Family’ we actually raised £501.02 a terrific amount and effort. Once again thanks to all.

A message has been sent to the local paper thanking all who visited our fete for their support.


Reminder:

SUMMER BARBECUE: A barbecue has been arranged for Saturday, 29th August after the Mass in Burry Port. Tickets will be £2.50 for adults, children will be free. For more information or if you are able to help at the event please contact Mark Stevens in Kidwelly or Stephen James in Burry Port.

Bishop Mullins' Birthday Celebration: More Photos

Apologies for the delay, but here are some more photo's from His Lordship, Bishop Mullins', 80th Birthday celebrations at Mynydd y Garreg Hall:


A partial view of the hall, wherein circa 90 parishioners gathered to celebrate and congratulate Bishop Mullins on his milestone!



I sneaked into the kitchen and caught Mary unawares as she brewed another batch for 'the troops.' Being too modest I feared that she might refuse a photo opportunity otherwise, as well as a chance for some well deserved thanks for all her hard work on so many occasions.



His Lordship, Bishop Mullins, assures all present that he is cutting the cake with great care to avoid damage to the Irish shamrocks and Welsh red dragons, much to the delight of Netta, its creator, who looks on appreciatively!

Today's Summer Fete at Burry Port

Congratulations to all concerned re. today's Summer Fete at the Church Hall in Burry Port.

There was a great deal to choose from on the many stalls.

A big thanks to all - from both Burry Port and Kidwelly congregations -who took the time to organise the event, run the stalls and man the kitchen!

News on the amount raised will be in next week's Parish Newsletter and will be posted on this site of course.

September Confirmations at Burry Port

CONFIRMATION - His Lordship Rt. Rev. Thomas Matthew Burns, Bishop of Menevia, has kindly agreed to administer the rite of confirmation which will take place at 11am on Sunday 20th September at Burry Port.

This will be the first occasion that our new bishop will visit our parish and in order for the whole parish to participate in this auspicious occasion, on that particular weekend there will be only ONE MASS on Sunday 20th at 11am in BURRY PORT.

More information will follow nearer the date.

Mrs Taylor, Requiescat In Pace

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Taylor RIP, who sadly passed away last Sunday and also remember her family who will need your prayers at this time.

Mrs. Taylor’s funeral service will be at Llanelli Crematorium on Tuesday 28th July at 11.30am.

Motu Proprio Stealla Maris

Given the recent collection for the Apostleship of the Sea, here is a link (in the Vatican archives) to the 1997 Motu Proprio issued by John Paul II, entitled:

APOSTOLIC LETTER
"MOTU PROPRIO"
STELLA MARIS
ON THE MARITIME APOSTOLATE

Link:
Motu Proprio Stella Maris

Bishop Mullins' Birthday Celebration: Newsletter Report

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: A celebration was held in honour of his Lordship Bishop Daniel Mullins who marked his 80th birthday last weekend. His Lordship Bishop Mullins thanked all the parishioners of Our Lady and St Cadoc, Kidwelly and Our Lady Star of the Sea, Burry Port, for their friendship and support over the years he has resided in our Parish and spoke movingly of his early childhood in Ireland and his own vocation to the priesthood.

Very many thanks to all who came on this special day. Also a special thank you to Netta and Mark for all the arrangements and to everyone who so generously contributed to the occasion and Philip who provided the music. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.

The whole parish thanks His Lordship Bishop Mullins for his ministry and his continued support to our spiritual life.

---

Site Editor's note: I hope to put up more photos and a short report this week too when time allows. Apologies for not having done so sooner.

St Patrick's Day Parish Meal in South Wales Evening Post

This is the report of our parish's St Patrick's Day evening meal at Taylor's Steak House in Burry Port back in March.

Despite our hopes that it would be featured in the Llanelli Star (and the as-was Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley editions) it actually appeared in the Swansea-based South Wales Evening Post on Wednesday 25th March, with the result that many parishioners missed it.


This is the report of the meal that appeared in our own parish newsletter the weekend after the meal:

The evening of the 17th of March saw parishioners from Burry Port and Kidwelly accompany our parish priest to Taylor's Steakhouse in Burry Port for our long anticipated St Patrick's Day evening meal.

The venue was very pleasant and there was a great atmosphere, accompanied by enjoyable food. There were more than a few who took advantage of the St Patrick's Day Lenten dispensation to tuck into the famous home-made Sticky Toffee Pudding and other tasty desserts.

The room itself was bedecked in Irish and Welsh bunting, with a Happy St Patrick's Day flag forming a backdrop, adding to a wonderful atmosphere. We were pleased that a photographer from the Llanelli Star came along to take some pictures, hopefully giving the parish some publicity that lapsed Catholics in the parish may notice as we approach the important season of Easter.

The staff did a wonderful job of relaying our food to the tables, and the owners were kind enough to donate a bottle of wine to our raffle. The five prize raffle helped raise a good proportion of the money raised for the parish.

The breakdown of the monies taken are:

Ticket Sales: £292

Raffle: £56

Total Taken: £348.

Money paid to the venue: £117.

Money Raised for the Parish: £231.

A big thanks is due to all those who supported the event by promoting it, bringing along friends and family and by attending the evening's celebrations, and to the venue owners and staff for all their hard work and support.

With the evening bringing together parishioners, raising funds and publicising the Catholic Church in the local media, it is hoped that we can hold another evening at the venue in the future. The attendees and venue owners were certainly keen that this should be the case.

Fr Burke's Silver Jubillee, Morriston, 28 & 29/07/09

FATHER MICHAEL BURKE - SILVER JUBILEE

Father Burke will be celebrating his Silver Jubilee at the end of July and has invited parishioners to attend a Mass of Thanksgiving.

One Mass is being held on Tuesday 28th July at 7.00pm and will be celebrated by Fr. Burke.

The second Mass, which His Lordship Bishop Burns is celebrating, is to be held on the following evening Wednesday 29th July also at 7.00pm.

The two services will be held at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Morriston and both will be followed with an informal reception.

For more information please read the letter on the notice board. If you are interested in attending one of the services then please add your name to the list which can be found on the notice-board and also your preferred day. A mini-bus can be arranged if enough people are interested.

Summer Fete, Burry Port, 25/07/09

SUMMER FETE: Will take place on 25th July in Burry Port.

If you have any items for the stalls e.g. books, bottles, tins, toiletries, toys, ornaments, clothes etc., please bring them to the church at Burry Port or Kidwelly after the weekend services or to make alternative arrangements please speak to Mary in Burry Port or Vera in Kidwelly.

Confirmations in Burry Port, 20/09/09

CONFIRMATION - His Lordship Rt. Rev. Thomas Matthew Burns, Bishop of Menevia, has kindly agreed to administer the rite of confirmation which will take place at 11am on Sunday 20th September at Burry Port.

This will be the first occasion that our new bishop will visit our parish and in order for the whole parish to participate in this auspicious occasion, on that particular weekend there will be only ONE MASS on Sunday 20th at 11am in BURRY PORT. More information will follow nearer the date.

First Communions at Kidwelly: More Photos

Some lovely images from after the First Communion of our four young parishioners, Ania, Liam, Oliver and Robert.

Picture 1: The First Communicants with their 'teacher' Maura.
Picture 2: Many hands make for light work! The cake is cut in no time.
Picture 3: Family, friends and parishioners tuck into the cakes on offer.
Picture 4: It was their special day.

Bishop Mullins's Birthday Celebration at Mynydd y Garreg

Many thanks to everyone concerned for a truly wonderful birthday celebration for Bishop Mullins's 80th birthday at Mynydd y Garreg Hall.

Here Bishop Mullins gives a speech much to the delight of all present.

More pictures and reports to come...

Happy 80th Birthday Bishop Mullins

HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY - Very many happy returns is wished to his Lordship Bishop Daniel Mullins who became an octogenarian on Friday 10th July. We hope he enjoyed his special day and wish him very many successive happy birthdays.

A Birthday celebration on behalf of the parish will be held at Mynydd y Garreg Hall today, Sunday 12th July at 6.00pm.

Refreshments for the above - Please bring any refreshments you have prepared to the hall which will be open from 5.00 pm today. Very many thanks.

We hope to have a report on the celebration soon.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Summer Barbecue 29/08/09

Summer Barbecue: A barbecue has been arranged for Saturday, 29^th August after the Mass in Burry Port. Tickets will be £2.50 for adults, children will be free. For more information or if you are able to help at the event please contact Mark Stevens in Kidwelly or Stephen James in Burry Port.