Annual report 2008

 Letter of Commendation from the Parish Priest

 Dear Friends,  

Our Annual Report deals with the life, work and ministry of the Church in our parish. Together we are part of the priestly people of God – a royal priesthood, as St Peter puts it (1 Peter 2:9 ) and God seeks to work through us for the upbuilding of his Kingdom in the world today. This is our mission:

 The word mission doesn’t appear in the Bible. It is a word the church uses, usually to describe its own work and ministry. But instead of talking about 'the mission of the church' it would be much better to talk about 'the mission of God'. The daring revelation of the Christian Faith is that God has a mission. The story of the Bible is the story of a God who is concerned with the world. So concerned that God enters the world in order to reveal its true beauty and bring it to fulfilment. This is the purpose of God and it is a purpose that encompasses every aspect of the creation.

God is concerned for the welfare and well-being of the planet, for the pursuit of justice, and for the salvation (which means the healing and restoration) of every individual human being. God’s mission is vast and beautiful. God is the missionary.' 

(From The Abundance of the Heart: Catholic Evangelism for all Christians by Stephen Cottrell) 

As we review and give thanks for the life of the Church in our parish, we rededicate ourselves to playing the fullest part in God’s mission to our world: 

Be born in us Incarnate Love

Take our flesh and blood and give us your humanity.

Take our lives and give us your vision.

Take our minds and give them your pure thought.

Take our feet and set them in your path.

Take our hands and fold them in your prayer.

Take our hearts and give them your will to love

O Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord and Our God.

Yours in Christ

Father Mark

Mission Statement  

The Parish of St Gabriel’s strives to bear witness to Catholic faith and practice. 

As a parish of the Church in Wales, we seek to be a faithful and worshipping community of Christian people promoting our belief in Christ by word and deed. 

Pastoral and spiritual care is extended to all, particularly those in special need. A welcome is extended to anyone who wishes to worship with the Christian community here or who wishes to enjoy the fellowship and friendship we offer through our organisations and social events. 

We are here to serve the local community of which we are a part. Such service is part of our witness to the love of Christ and is fundamental to our life as members of His Church. 

Our purpose then is to celebrate our faith in Christ and our following of Him by daily prayer and worship, by serving and caring for others and by promoting Christian concerns for peace, justice and unity both in our society and in the wider world.

Eucharistic Ministers 

The following people have the Bishop’s licence to exercise this Ministry: 

David Tolley, Paul Reynolds, Tony Greenslade, Ingrid Trueman, and Trevor Arthurs. 

Tony, Ingrid and Paul are also licensed as pastoral assistants and take the Blessed Sacrament to the sick and housebound both in the parish and in Hill House Hospital. 

We are grateful to all our Eucharistic assistants for the ministry they fulfil. 

Church Attendance

In addition 2 parishioners regularly receive the Blessed Sacrament at home each month.

On average 30 patients receive the Sacrament at Hill House Hospital every Sunday after the 9.30 a.m. Parish Mass, and an average of 12 people receive the Sacrament each month at Earlsmoor.

Report on the Accounts for Year ended 31 December 2008 

The accounts for this year show an overall deficit on the Consolidation Account of £931 that is transferred to the General Reserve Account that now totals £17,481. 

During the year we made the following donations to Religious and Charitable bodies: 

                                                                                                      £

Emanuel Ministry Trust                                                             772

Fund for street children in Cusco, Peru                                    940

Incorporated Building Society                                                     25

Swansea Centre for Deaf People                                              25

St Luke’s Hospital for the Clergy                                                25

Christian Aid                                                                              236

Samaritans                                                                                  25

Additional Curates Society                                                         50

Lesotho                                                                                     400

Swansea & Brecon Widows, Orphans & Pensions                    25

Mission to Seamen                                                                     25

P.I.O.S.A. Madagascar                                                              40

Brynmill Schools                                                                         16

Swansea & Brecon Social Responsibility                                 425

Total                                                                                    £3,029

NOTE:

A donation not included in the above will be paid in January 2009:

Emanuel Ministry Trust                                                           £382

During the year the receipts from various social and other fund-raising activities have been added to the Repair Fund, which now stands at £15,495 and is included in Creditors. 

The value of our investment has decreased during the year, and our original investment of £40,000 is now valued at £39,55

J.S. Abbett – Treasurer

Report of the Secretary of the Parochial Church Council 

The P.C.C. held four meetings during the year in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution of the Church in Wales. There were no extraordinary meetings. 

The main item on the agenda continued to be the Church Hall Project and it is hoped that 2009 will see some progress with this project. A report from the Deanery Finance Planning Group (DFPG) concerning the future of the church was discussed and questions answered. During the year the Baptismal Font was successfully relocated to the South aisle, and the quinquennial inspection that was carried out highlighted many items of work that need attention. 

The P.C.C. noted with sadness the sudden and unexpected death of Peter Hamilton, who had been a member of the P.C.C. for many years. He was also an altar server and a Eucharistic minister, and contributed to the life and work of St Gabriel’s in so many ways. Peter will be greatly missed in the parish. 

In October Fr Mark and the Secretary attended another presentation given by the Diocesan Board of Finance on the proposed new Parish Share System.  

Hilary Roberts.  P.C.C. Secretary

Church Wardens’ Report 2008 

The start of this report is unfortunately a repeat of last year. To date, work on the plans for our development of the back of the church, is still ongoing. This is most frustrating especially for the Project Chairman, Peter Lloyd. It is hoped that by the end of 2009 we see material development. 

Throughout the year we have had fund-raising events, together with lunches and a Parish holiday. We thank those who are responsible for these events, details of which are mentioned in the various reports. These activities certainly do provide fellowship between our worshippers and the community as a whole. 

Although our parish Share has not increased on last year, our costs for heating, lighting and maintenance have risen, which, of course, puts a strain on our finances. We are grateful for your continued support through using the envelope scheme. It is only through your regular support that we are able to continue our worship and ministry at St Gabriel’s. 

During the year the church wardens’ fabric report has been completed, and following our quinquennial inspection report, remedial work to the roof and rainwater gutters has to be undertaken during 2009. 

We thank our sidespeople, readers and all members of St Gabriel’s for their support and assistance over the past twelve months, whether it be through fund-raising, maintenance, lunches, flower arranging or through your continued friendship. We do receive comments from visitors to our services, that we are a welcoming congregation. St Gabriel’s could not continue to be the worshipping community it is without you. God bless you all.

We close by giving thanks for the dedicated ministry of our parish priest, Fr Mark, together with the faithful assistance of our honorary priests, Fr Brian, Fr Ian and Fr Peter, all providing St Gabriel’s with its fine liturgy, spiritual guidance and friendship, all supported by our servers of the sanctuary, our fine organist Stephen and our choir.

Keith Rogers – Vicar’s Warden

Katheryn Lloyd – People’s Warden 

Church Maintenance Report 

The maintenance activities around the church have been handled in a minimal way in 2008, and on an ad hoc basis, by willing individuals or small groups when a need has been seen. There have been no major activities and work undertaken has, for the most part, been cosmetic to keep the surrounds of the church presentable. The most noticeable external result has been the removal of nearly all the ivy that was climbing on the south wall. 

During the year, the quinquennial report was received and will provide for a programme of work that has been reported in the Warden’s report. However, much, if not all, of this work will require professional attention beyond the capabilities of our committee. 

I should, as always, like to thank the small number of faithful people who have put in some time in the last year on the general tidying activities around the church, and hope that we can count on their continuing help.

Peter Lloyd

Fund Raising Report

Our first fund-raising event of the year was the annual Auction and Pancake Night, held on Tuesday 5 February. This was the first time this event was not held at our old venue, the Church Hall. Although the amount of room we were afforded was not as good as at the hall, the evening was made enjoyable by the compactness, which provided a very friendly and fun evening. Our resident Auctioneer, Dick Phillips, managed to extract money from most of us, and the usual expenditure was kept to a minimum by the generosity of all who provided the pancakes, raffle prizes and goods for the auction. 

This year’s Summer Fete was held on Saturday 7 June. Although the weather didn’t look promising at times, we did manage to see the day through without rain. As in the past, we had our usual high standard of stalls, offering us everything from books to quality items on the bric-a-brac stall, together with a selection of plants, cakes and novelty stalls. Of course, no Summer Fete would be complete without liquid refreshment and a BBQ lunch followed by strawberries and cream, and this year was no exception. The whole event was most enjoyable. 

On 26 July we had a coach trip to the Eardisley Village Festival in Herefordshire. This was truly a 'Summer Day' as the weather was perfect. The enjoyment of the decorated village and Flower Festival in the village church provided us with a truly enjoyable visit. Our return journey was via Hereford, which afforded our travellers a couple of hours shopping, sightseeing, or simply the enjoyment of a cup of tea or other liquid refreshment. 

Gardens look their best in summer and this was certainly true of the garden of Elizabeth and Richard Verge, where we were invited for a cream tea on Sunday 10 August The beautiful surroundings of Cross House, Llanrhidian gave us a most delightful afternoon. Many thanks to Elizabeth and Richard, and to those who provided items for the home bake and produce stall and raffle prizes. 

Summer had past and we were into autumn, and on Wednesday 22 October we held one of our other annual events, the Quiz, Cheese and Wine Night. This is always a great evening, even though our 'grey matter’ is tested by our resident quiz master, Peter Lloyd, presenting us with questions on a variety of subjects. This is always a fun evening, with light hearted banter and rivalry, and is enjoyed by all who attend. 

This year’s Parish Christmas Fair on Saturday 15 December was, once again, held at the Scout and Guide Headquarters in Bryn Road. This is a great venue, affording us plenty of parking for all. The attendance was better this year. Entry money taken on the door indicated that in excess of 100 people attended. This was a very pleasant few hours with a variety of fine stalls, hot snacks, tea and coffee and of course, a visit from Santa, to cater for our younger visitors. As in the past, the success of the Fair was due to the stall-holders and all helpers who worked so hard in the preparation and on the day. Of course, the day could not have been a success without the support of all who attended and parted with their money. 

Our final event of the year was the Concert held in church on Sunday 30 November. This was a most enjoyable evening, with entertainment provided by the Belmont Singers, Ysgol Gymraeg Bryn-y-Mor Choir, Jean Thorley, Sharon Williams and Sean Walker. Musical accompaniment was provided by John Davies on the piano. The variety of music afforded vocal entertainment for various tastes. The evening was well supported, and provided the pleasant sight of a full church. Thanks go the Ingrid Trueman who produced and compered the show. 

This year, for various reasons, we only had our Cake and Home Produce stall on two occasions after 9.30 a.m. Sunday Mass. 

During our summer holiday to Barnstable, we were able to raise money from the sale of refreshments on the coach and from a raffle. 

Thanks to all who supported the communal Christmas card that was placed for signing at the back of the Church.

The table below shows the Fund Raising events and income over the year.

I would like to thank my fellow committee members for their work and support, and to all, who through the last year, have helped to raise funds by baking, cooking, organising, clearing up after our various events, and to those who attended and gave their financial support. It is only through this support we can continue to raise funds to be able to maintain the fabric of our beautiful church 

Keith Rogers – Chairman 

Health and Safety Report 

I am pleased to be able to report that during the last twelve months there have been no accidents or reportable incidents. During the year, regular checks have been made on the lighting system and other equipment including our fire extinguishers. These extinguishers have also been checked and certified by an independent specialist, in accordance with our Health and Safety document. 

Our pathways and steps have been regularly inspected and kept clean. As mentioned last year, the outside low energy lighting system to the east end of the church is far safer for people using the steps from Brynmill Crescent, and the pathway between the vicarage and the church. 

I trust our good safety record will continue through 2009.

Keith Rogers – Health and Safety Officer

Church Hall Project  

In 2008 we have seen the one visible sign of the new project’s progress by moving the font from the west end of the church to its new location in the south aisle.  

Apart from this, activities have been happening behind the scenes, but still extremely slowly. The decision was taken to proceed with the proposal to build an external building at the west end of the church, to include a kitchen, toilets and storage facilities. The end bay of the church would then be totally cleared and become one large 'hall area'. Separating the 'hall' from the church proper will be an 8 feet high wooden partition screen, in a style similar to that between the choir and the vestry. This partition will have glazing in its central sections and central double doors to allow it to be used inclusively in a major church event requiring extra space. 

During the summer our architect advised that, contrary to what we had previously believed, we would have to submit our plans to Swansea City Planning Department for approval. At time of writing this report, we have answered all their queries and hope to receive approval very soon. 

In 2009 we progress to formal Diocesan approval via a faculty request The ground for this has we hope, been well laid in our communications with the DAC and the Archdeacon at all stages of the project so far. 

I apologise for the lack of concrete progress, but it has not been for the lack of trying! 

Peter Lloyd. Chairman

Diocesan Conference 2008 

The 2008 Diocesan Conference was held at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon on Saturday 11 October. The Right Reverend John Davies, our new bishop, gave his first presidential address and spoke of his vision and the challenges which face the church in the years ahead.

Four presentations were given looking at various ways in which the conference was perceived, in order to stimulate peoples’ thinking as to the format and direction of future conferences.  

Various reports were presented to conference including those of the Board of Finance, Board of Social Responsibility and Ministry of Education. 

Stephen Dunn  

 Deanery Conferences 2008 

The Annual General Meeting of the Deanery Conference was held on 6 May at Holy Trinity, Sketty, when the guest speaker was Canon Andrew Knight, Vicar of Sketty. He gave a presentation 'Working together more effectively', preparing for the future with fewer clergy, based on information received following a questionnaire that had been sent to parishes in the Deanery.

On 20 October a joint Area Deanery Conference was held at St Catherine’s Church, Gorseinon, for a presentation and discussion on the new method of apportioning the Parish Share. 

On 4 November the Deanery welcomed Bishop John to a meeting held at St Hilary’s, Killay. The meeting was well attended and those present heard the Bishop talk about his plans for the future.  

Hazel James

St Gabriel’s Guild of Prayer 

Our monthly prayer group continues to meet on the first Monday in the month. We have the Rosary and the Healing Service on alternate months. Everyone is welcome at these services where we offer our prayers for the sick and for all people in need or adversity throughout the world. 

Hilary Roberts 

Magazine Editor’s Report 

Once again production of the Magazine continued to schedule and without any problems throughout 2008. Twelve monthly issues were produced with a total of 180 A4 pages, which was slightly less than the 192 pages of 2007. In the interests of economy, the use of colour printing has been restricted, which is unfortunate but necessary. 

A new cover design was introduced with the February issue, which features the statue of the archangel Gabriel from the Lady Chapel reredos. 

As in previous years I am most grateful to the clergy and the other regular contributors, and to all who have supplied me with material from time to time, including the anonymous contributions that appear in my box at the back of the Church. 

I am also very happy to acknowledge the dedicated work of Mrs Mary Colebrook at Eastmoor, who runs off the required number of copies from my originals each month, and never fails to produce them on time. I would also, of course, like to thank those who distribute the Magazine, and finally, all who buy and, I hope, read it.

Paul Reynolds 

Reports from Organisations

St Gabriel’s Mothers’ Union 

We started 2008 according to custom with the New Year Lunch at Olchfa House with husbands and friends, when a happy time was had by all.  

Our programme has followed the usual pattern of monthly meetings after Mass on the third Wednesday, when we have enjoyed fellowship with the congregation over coffee, listened to very interesting speakers or discussed business matters. 

For Mothering Sunday we supported the 'Make a Mother’s Day' Appeal from the M.U. in memory of our own mothers. Our donations reached £100 that funded food, two trees for oil and shade, and two goats to provide milk. Part of this money also  went towards education for four grandmothers. The 2008 appeal made an amazing £159,000 to support mums across the world. We hope to be able to do the same in 2009. 

During Lent we attended the Lenten addresses during Mass and also the Deanery Quiet Time at Holy Cross Church on 3 March. 

Branches have now been given a twin branch and ours is the branch at St Mary’s, Hay-on-Wye. Mrs Ann Jackson is our Twinning Officer and gave us a very interesting talk on the church and the town of Hay. We are hoping to be able to meet the members of this branch when they come to the rally in the Brangwyn Hall in 2009. 

In June the Diocesan Festival was held in the Cathedral when the preacher was the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan. It was an excellent service and address, but unfortunately, Monica and Ann were the only two to represent our Branch, accompanied by Fr Mark, Fr Brian and Fr Peter. Also in June the M.U. Roadshow was held in St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Ann, Joan and Monica travelled up to attend it with members from all over Wales. It was a most interesting and informative occasion, and an opportunity to meet up with friends and members from other Dioceses. 

Our Summer outing to Llangennith had to be cancelled due to lack of support, which was most disappointing. It is hoped that we shall be able to improve on this in 2009. 

Both President Ruby and Fr Ian were unable to come to speak to us owing to health reasons, but Canon Peter Williams, Vicar of Llangennith came to us in October, and gave us a most informative talk on his work as Director of Social Responsibility in the Diocese. He has done tremendous work over the last 20 years, in setting up Family Centres in different areas of the city, and we were most moved by some of the stories that he had to tell us. It was decided that we would make an appeal on Advent Sunday for Christmas gifts for under-privileged children who attend the centres, ranging from babies to teenagers. The response from the whole parish was overwhelming, and I would like to thank all those people who gave so generously to make Christmas a happier time for these children.

Our year ended on 17 December, when Fr Mark showed us a most moving DVD of Bethlehem, 'Hidden behind the Wall of Separation'. We thank him very much for showing it and telling us about the situation there, of which most people are unaware. 

I would like to conclude by thanking Fr Mark for his continuing support of the Branch, and Fr Brian for his work as Social Secretary and printing duties. My thanks go also to Mrs Joan Davies for her excellent work as Secretary and Treasurer, and to the members for their love and friendship at all times.

Monica Jones

Lesotho Friends 

I would like to thank everyone for supporting Lesotho this past year. Many thanks to Katheryn and her helpers for the wonderful luncheon held in support of the cause. 

We sent £300 for St James Hospital and £100 for the Diocese Association. The donation has been gratefully received.

Connie Harvey

Luncheon Club 

For Chez Gabriel, it has been business as usual during the past year. We have adapted to our improvised accommodation in a way that few thought possible, and the re-siting of the baptismal font has made it much easier to fit in all the tables, even on the few occasions when we have served over 50 people. 

We raised £1,500 again this year, and this money was used to purchase a dishwasher which has been temporarily sited in the vestry, whilst it awaits its permanent home in the new kitchen. It has made a very big difference to our ability to wash and sterilise crockery and cutlery on site, instead of having to take everything home, wash it and return it to the hall again for storage. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have helped us by taking home crockery and cutlery before we had this facility. 

As usual, we thank everyone who supports us so loyally throughout the year, enabling us to provide fellowship and social contact to parishioners.

Katheryn Lloyd

St Gabriel’s Flower Guild 

It is probably fair to say that each week throughout the year our church is beautifully decorated with flowers. Many thanks to all those who contribute so readily to the rising costs of flowers. 

The first major festival of the year is Easter, and the beautiful floral displays are so welcome after the absence of flowers during Lent. Each of the festivals of the Church year is marked with floral tributes and as far as possible, keeping the correct colours. 

Christmas is the one time when the flower arrangers can readily demonstrate their skills and the church always looks so beautiful. This year for the Christmas decorations there was so much help on hand – and the posies for the candlesticks at the end of the pews, were completed during 'The Happening' on the Saturday before Christmas, when so many people were involved. 

This year our Advent Ring was arranged by Barbara Grove (last year by Joyce Phillips) and was very successful. Now we are looking for a volunteer for this coming December. 

It is a joy to see so many people involved and proving it can be easy work. 

Audrey Mackintosh

Joyce Phillips

Music at St Gabriel’s 

Throughout the year we have sought to maintain the singing of the Responsorial Psalm and this is due to the loyalty of the ladies who take up their position near me on a Sunday morning. 

On some of the major Feasts and Festivals the Chorale have again enhanced our wonderful liturgy by performing a variety of anthems, motets and Taizé chants.  

May I sincerely thank all concerned for their support as we strive to contribute musically to life at St Gabriel’s.

Stephen Dunn

Organist and Choir Master 

Society of Our Lady of Walsingham

The Swansea Cell of Our Lady Star of the Sea 

This year the Annual Swansea Parishes’ Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham was held from 12 to 16 May. Once again, those attending enjoyed the experience of this special place. 

On Tuesday 14 October, an open evening was held at St Gabriel’s to share the Walsingham experience. The DVD 'England’s Nazareth – a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham' was shown, and there was an opportunity for those interested to find out more about the pilgrimage. Wine and refreshments were served and the evening was very well attended. 

On the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday 8 December, Solemn Mass was concelebrated at St Alban’s Church, Treboeth. This was followed by refreshments.

Hilary Roberts 

Brynmill Primary School and Ysgol Bryn-y-Mor 

Classes from both schools regularly visit St Gabriel’s. Several parishioners are involved in the life of the schools, some serving as governors at both schools. Fr Mark regularly takes assembly at Brynmill Primary School. 

Earlsmoor Home – Respite Care and Rehabilitation Unit 

Fr Mark visits each month and the Blessed Sacrament is administered then and on Christmas morning. Several parishioners serve on the Friends of Earlsmoor Committee. 

Cancer Information and Support Services 

As a Parish we seek to give prayerful and financial support to CISS. A number of our parishioners help to run the charity shop.