Letter of Commendation from the Parish Priest

Dear Friends,

It has been said many times that the Church has only three priorities: worship, nurture and outreach. Together these three form the mission of the Church: to worship God; to be in relationship with him; and to share with others the fullness of life we have received from Christ.

How do we best share the Good News of the Gospel with others?

'The best form of evangelism is the Christ-like, Spirit-filled example of ordinary Christian people living the Christian life. The words of St. Francis resonate in the heart of catholic Christianity, preach the Gospel to the whole world, use words if you have to.'

(Bp. Stephen Cottrell)

On two occasions each year – Christmas and Easter – we do a leaflet delivery to every home in the parish. This is, in part, our acknowledgement that we are here to serve the local community. Such service is also closely bound up with worship. In the offering of the Mass and in the celebration of the daily offices of Morning and Evening Prayer, we stand with the Lord, and with him, we hold before God our Father, our own lives, the life of our local community, and the life of the world in all its need.

In these and other ways we remember that we follow the Lord, 'who came not to be served but to serve'.

As we review and give thanks for the life of our parish in this annual report, we need always to remember that we are here to serve the whole community of which we are part, no less than the world in all its manifold and varied need.

'When God wanted to communicate his love to the world, he focused his everywhere in the somewhere of the womb of the Virgin Mary. He did not send a message of love but a loving messenger.'

This is our vocation today: to live out the message of God’s inclusive, unconditional love revealed in Jesus, and to be a living community of faith, a place where God’s generous grace may be found and experienced by all.

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

	2009
Electoral Roll	106
Baptisms	5
Weddings	2
Funerals	20
Easter	109
Christmas	92
Average communicants for Sundays	63
Average monthly attendance	90

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.

The accounts for this year show an overall deficit on the Consolidation Account of £1,761 that is transferred to the General Reserve Account that now totals £16,168.

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

During the year the receipts from various social and other fund-raising activities have been added to the Repair Fund, which now stands at £17,458 and is included in Creditors.

The value of our investment has increased during the year, and our original investment of £40,000 is now valued at £43,826

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 work on planning and building the new Church Hall facility, which is reported in the Church Hall Project Report.

The P.C.C. agreed for work to be carried out on the Church roof, as highlighted in the quinquennial report.

Following a number of complaints about noise level before Sunday Mass, Fr. Mark discussed this with the P.C.C. It was decided that weekly notices, with the exception of Banns of Marriage, would be read out before Mass, followed by a prayer of preparation and silence before the start of Mass. This change has been appreciated by members of the congregation.

We are pleased to be able to write that our development of the back of the church is now under way, and with all necessary approval and paper work complete, we can look forward to a structure materialising during 2010.

During the year the church warden’s fabric report has been completed, and as mentioned in last year’s report, the whole of the rainwater gutter and down pipe system, together with lead work, has been replaced. This has not only improved the appearance of the church but has prevented ingress of water to the walls.

During the early part of the year, we requested volunteers for grass cutting duties, to help reduce the cost of keeping the grounds of the church tidy, by not employing a professional gardener. Thanks to those volunteers, the cost of this work has been substantially reduced.

As usual throughout the year we have had fund-raising events, parish lunches and the parish holiday. Many thanks to those responsible for these events, details of which are mentioned in the various reports.

In line with the new Parish Share System, our share has reduced slightly for 2010, but this is outweighed by the increase in insurance, heating, lighting and maintenance. We are grateful for your continued financial support whether it be through Gift Day appeal, donations or regular Sunday giving. This income enables us to continue our worship and ministry at St. Gabriel’s.

During the year the once a month coffee after Sunday Mass was changed to weekly. This appears to be very successful, and we thank all who prepare and serve the coffee. This not only provides fellowship between our regular worshippers but also enables us to greet visitors.

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 flower arranging, cleaning, maintenance, lunches, fund-raising or your continued friendship. St. Gabriel’s could not continue to be the worshipping community it is without you. Many thanks and God bless you all.

Last but not least, we give thanks for the support and 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 us with spiritual guidance, friendship and, of course, the fine liturgy we have at St. Gabriel’s, supported by our sacristan, servers of the sanctuary, our organist Stephen, and the choir.

Church Maintenance Report

The major activity regarding church maintenance in 2009 was the work to the roof, guttering, rainwater goods, lightening conductor etc. as required under the quinquennial report. The details of this activity have been reported by the Wardens.

On a minor but very satisfying level, we can hopefully report that the problem of pigeon spoiling in the porch has been resolved, with a series of progressively more intricate mesh and spike systems to render the inside of the porch free from landing zones.

The grounds have been mown and strimmed by a small group of helpers, to whom we are very grateful, and additionally we are pleased to say that the avoidance of gardening fees has balanced the purchase cost of equipment, and we are now in credit.

Fund Raising Report

Our first fund-raising event of the year was the annual Auction and Pancake Night, held on Tuesday 24th February. This was enjoyed by all who attended and our Auctioneer, Dick Phillips, managed to extract money from most of us. As in the past, expenditure was kept to a minimum by the generosity of all who provided the pancakes, raffle prizes and articles to be auctioned.

Our Summer Fete this year was held on Saturday 6 June. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favour, but with a typical 'we will not be defeated' attitude, the event was rearranged and held at the back of the church. Although room was rather restricted, none of the stalls was omitted

With summer past we were into autumn, and on Wednesday 21st October we held our Quiz, Cheese and Wine Night. The Quiz Master, as usual, was Peter Lloyd, who with a varied selection of topics and questions, provided us with an excellent evening.

On 9 November there was a Coffee Morning, with a Flower Arranging Demonstration by Mrs. Audrey Mackintosh. All who attended were fired with enthusiasm for constructing their own house displays for Christmas.

The Parish Christmas Fair was, once again, held at the Scout and Guide Headquarters on Saturday 14 November. The weather on the Friday, when the stalls were being set up, was atrocious, but one advantage of using this venue is that cars can be unloaded near the entrance, and parking is no problem. We had our usual high standard of stalls, and hot snacks and drinks to keep people sustained over the lunchtime period. Although some of the stall holders of the past had relinquished responsibility for the organisation, they were more than pleased to give advice and help to the 'New Management.' As always, we are indebted to the stallholders who tirelessly prepare and run the stalls, and to all who each year, come and support the Fair.

Unfortunately this year, because of the high cost of coach hire and insufficient interest, there were no one day coach trips. If sufficient interest is shown at the start of 2010, the committee could arrange, what has in the past, been a good day out. During our Parish Holiday to the Peak District we were able to raise money through raffles and the sale of refreshments on the coach.

I thank my fellow committee members for their work and support, and those, who throughout the year, have helped to raise funds, and assisted in clearing up after various events. I am also grateful to those who attend and give financial help. It is only through this support we can continue to raise funds.

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 electrical items. Our fire extinguishers are regularly given visual checks. They have been inspected by an independent specialist, and have been issued with a certificate of maintenance in accordance with our Health and Safety Document. Our steps and pathways have been inspected on a regular basis. I trust our good safety record will continue through 2010.

In 2008 I reported a quiet year in which little overt progress had been made towards the new hall facility. I am pleased to be able to say that 2009 saw a new energy in the project, and that we are now making real progress towards a build and conversion in 2010.

The City Planning approval, which had been applied for in December 2008, was duly received in February 2009. This was the last piece of the jigsaw which allowed us to submit our request to the Diocese for a Faculty for the conversion works. After receiving the latest cost estimates from the architect, the Faculty was submitted in May and it was reviewed at the Diocesan Advisory Committee meeting in July. Provisional approval was received with minor questions about the style of the screen, additional heating and lighting types, and whether there should be a serving hatch.

All these enquiries were dealt with by the committee and advised to the DAC, who granted full approval on 22^nd September. It was agreed that we would not install additional heating facilities in the hall area, but would use church heating. Even though it is expensive to heat the whole church for the sake of the hall, it is still cost effective against the alternative of a new heating system. The efficacy of this decision will be reviewed with experience

Meetings with the architect followed to review the 'nitty gritty' in the scheme of works, and to enable full design drawings to be prepared. Formal Building Regulations approval was sought and received in September. Load bearing calculations for the roof structure were obtained in November. Full details of the locations of services were verified also in November. Following all this work, the formal building specifications were prepared for tendering and were sent out at the beginning of January 2010. They must be returned by 29 January 2010 by the five building companies that have been approached.

Finally, the sub-committee mandated to find grant funds has had some success and we have £6,500 from a number of sources to offset our costs. The investment from the hall sale money stands at about £167,000. The architect has indicated that although materials costs have gone up, there is competition in the trade which is helping to drive some of the other costs down. The returns from the tenders are awaited with interest.

This year the Diocesan Conference was held at the Cathedral on Saturday 10 October. It had a somewhat new format with a guest speaker, Canon David Hoyle, Canon Missioner in the Diocese of Gloucester, supported by a drama presentation taking as its theme what it meant for us to be `Children of God`. The conference then broke into groups to discuss various questions posed by Canon Hoyle. These will be further discussed at Deanery level and the Bishop will ask for a response with regard to future action.

On 21 January a joint Area Deanery Conference was held at St. Hilary’s Church, Killay, for an update on the new method of Parish Share, given by Mr. Nigel King, Diocesan Stewardship Committee.

The Annual General Meeting of the Clyne Deanery Conference was held on 5^th May at Holy Cross Church, West Cross. The Revd. Keith Evans spoke about the importance of music in worship, and Mr. Leslie Ryan talked about the R.S.C.M. and its Voices for Life scheme. This scheme encourages children to sing both church and secular music.

On 10 November a meeting was held at All Saints Church, Oystermouth, The Revd. Tim Williams spoke on communication, and Canon George Bennett reflected on the Diocesan Conference theme, A child of God.

During the past year, following the reduction in the operating hours at Eastmoor Resource Centre, it was necessary to make new arrangements for the production of the Magazine. Fortunately the University print room was in a position to take on the job on a regular basis. This has resulted in a slightly faster turnaround time, and in an improved layout (A3 paper folded to produce an A4 magazine, with centre staples, producing a magazine that is easier to read).

Another effect of the move to the University print room is that the number of pages is now regularly 16, since production in multiples of 4 means that there are now no longer any financial benefits to be gained by restricting the number of pages to 14. The total number of pages produced during the year was 186. 16 pages per issue compares favourably with other parish magazines, since these 16 pages are entirely editorial matter with no advertisements, and equate to 32 pages of A5.

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, including the anonymous contributions that appear from time to time in my box at the back of the Church. I am always glad of these and would encourage members of the congregation to continue to pass on any suitable items that they might come across.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the dedicated work of Mrs. Mary Colebrook at Eastmoor, who has produced many hundreds of pages of the Magazine over the years and wish her a happy and fulfilling retirement. I am also most grateful to the staff in the University print room for their friendly co-operation in fitting the production of our Magazine into what can sometimes be a very busy workload.

2009 started in its customary way with a New Year Lunch at Olchfa House for members and their friends, and a happy time was had by all. I must thank the Restaurant and Staff for the wonderful care and attention they give us each year.

Our programme has followed the usual pattern of meetings after the Mass on the third Wednesday of the month, when we have enjoyed fellowship with the congregation over coffee before having our meetings.

In Lent we attended the Lenten addresses during Mass, the Clyne Deanery Quiet Time at St. Hilary’s, Killay, and during the year we have taken part in the Clyne Deanery Eucharists in St. Mary’s, Swansea.

In 2008 we supported the M.U. 'Make a Mother’s Day' Appeal in memory of our own mothers, and we raised £100. We decided to do the same in 2009 and raised £125 for the Appeal. As our gifts we chose a birthing kit, one mother hen and a dozen eggs, a vegetable patch, three blackboards and chalk, one latrine with hand washing facilities, and money to train parenting facilitators. Each gift enables M.U. work to improve the lives of mothers and carers in all countries where there are M.U. members. We hope to continue with this Appeal in 2010.

As we reported last year, each M.U. Branch has been twinned with another Branch in a different part of the Diocese. Our twin is Hay-on-Wye, and on 13 May we were able to pay them a visit. After lunch at Pilgrims Restaurant, Brecon Cathedral, we travelled on to Hay where we were welcomed by Fr. Richard and the members, not forgetting Jimmy 'the curate' (Fr. Richard’s poodle!) After a talk about the church and seeing a display of beautiful vestments, we enjoyed a wonderful tea and chat with our new friends. We are extremely grateful to Peter Lloyd who drove the minibus at the last minute, and has now become our honorary driver!

Another first for the Branch was a Quiet Day at Llangasty Retreat House on the shores of Llangors Lake near Brecon. For many of our members it was their first visit to Llangasty, and we hope to make it an annual event. The day was led by Fr. Mark and Fr. Brian, and we are grateful to them for making it such a fulfilling day. Thanks too to Peter Lloyd for driving the minibus.

Some of us attended the Diocesan Rally at the Brangwyn Hall on 10 June, when the speaker was Thandi Xandu, a Central Trustee from South Africa. We were happy that Fr. Mark, Fr. Brian and Fr. Peter were able to be there with us.

2009 was the Year of the Child, and the Diocese decided to give a Barnabas Children’s Bible to our schools and church groups. I was pleased to present a Bible to Fr. Mark for use in St. Gabriel’s, which was placed near the font during Mass on a Sunday in June. On 15 June we presented a Bible to Ysgol Brynymor and the next day we took a copy to Brynmill Primary School. Fr. Mark and I were given a warm welcome at both schools, and we hope they are enjoying using their Bibles.

On 1 July we were delighted to host the Clyne Deanery Festival here at St. Gabriel’s. Fr. Mark, assisted by Fr. Brian and Fr. Peter, conducted the Ministry of Healing which was very well received as a new venture by Deanery members. After the service we entertained the congregation to tea, and I must thank all our members for their most generous hospitality. It really was a wonderful occasion.

We visited Llangennith Church for our Summer Outing, which was most enjoyable and was followed by a very nice lunch at the North Gower Country Club.

During the autumn session we had talks by Ruby, our Diocesan President, and the Revd Kay Warrington. In addition Fr. Ian, gave a fascinating illustrated talk with slides about stained glass windows. The year ended in December when Audrey gave another demonstration of her inspiring Christmas table decorations.

In conclusion we send our heartiest congratulations to the Revd Kay Warrington who has been elected Diocesan President for the next triennial. Also our congratulations go to Ann Jackson who has taken over the post of Clyne Deanery M.U. Treasurer.

It has been an enjoyable and active year for the Branch. Thanks to all who have helped to make it so, especially to Joan Davies, who works so hard as our Secretary and Treasurer. Finally, thanks to Fr. Mark for his continuing support, to Fr. Brian for his work as Social Secretary, and to all members for their love and friendship.

Our monthly prayer group continues to meet in the Lady Chapel 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.

This has been another successful year for fundraising. The Luncheon Club very kindly hosted a Lunch thus raising £268, which, together with other donations has enabled us to send £300 to St. James’ Hospital and £50 for the Lesotho Diocesan Association. I would like to thank everyone who has supported this charity throughout the period I have been associated with it.

Note : It is coming up to 60 years since Mrs. Connie Harvey started fund raising for Lesotho in the early 1950’s. At the age of 103 years, this remarkable and much loved lady has decided it is time for her to retire. Thank you, Connie, for the work you have done on our behalf for Lesotho.

Luncheon Club

Chez Gabriel has been busy again this year. We have held 10 lunches, which included the Advent Lunch in aid of the Christmas Appeal for the Evangelical Home and School in Ramallah, Palestine, the Lenten Lunch to support the Easter Appeal for the street children in Cusco, Peru, and a lunch to support Connie Harvey’s fund-raising for Lesotho.

We also raised £1,400 to give to Gift Day, and this was only possible due to the continued support of so many people who attend the lunches, whatever the weather and parking conditions! Your loyalty means that we can provide the fellowship and social contact which are so important to the life of the Church.

St. Gabriel’s Flower Guild

How quickly the year goes by and again our thanks are due to all the ladies who decorated our beautiful church for the Christmas season. Once again this year we used our Floral Decorating slot during the 'Happening Saturday' before Christmas to decorate the window sills and the candle poles for the pew ends. It was a lovely morning with so many helpers. It is always rewarding to see so many ladies involved. Pardon! Two gentlemen have proved invaluable on these occasions, viz. Keith Rogers and Peter Lloyd.

During the year the church is so beautifully decorated each week, but for Christmas, Easter, Harvest, Pentecost and our Patronal Festival, we all give that little extra which is so appreciated.

Finally our thanks to you all for the many financial contributions you make and without which we could not work.

Music at St. Gabriel’s

Yet another year has gone by and we continue, in our small way, to enhance the wonderful liturgy at St. Gabriel’s. I am extremely grateful to our loyal ladies for joining me in the choir stalls to ensure we are able to sing the responsorial psalm. Many thanks also to the members of the Chorale who have come together on a number of special occasions to add to the musical content. We have in our sights Holy Week and Easter together with the visit of Bishop John in April.

May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and encouragement, knowing that it is our privilege to be part of the St. Gabriel’s family.

Society of Our Lady of Walsingham – Swansea Cell of Our Lady Star of the Sea

Unfortunately no pilgrimage was made to Walsingham this year because of the low number of people wishing to go immediately after Easter.

On the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady on 8 September, Solemn Mass was concelebrated at St. Alban’s Church, Treboeth. Refreshments followed this, and as it was Fr. Nigel Doyle’s last Mass in the parish, a presentation was made to him.

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.

Event	£
Auction and Pancake Night - 25/2/2009	543
Summer Fete – 6/6/2009	708
Quiz, Cheese and Wine Night 21/10/2009	209
Sale of refreshments on Parish Holiday	150
Coffee Morning & Flower Arranging 26/11/2009	91
Sub total	1,701
Christmas Fair 14/11/2009	1,200
	£2,901