Annual report 2010
Dear Friends,
During my sabbatical in Palestine last year I visited the Wi-am Conflict Resolution Centre in Bethlehem. The centre was founded by a Palestinian Christian called Zoughbi Zoughbi who says:
We have found that conflict resolution is the art of working and sharing ourselves, our minds and hearts with others.
Zoughbi’s story about the work done at Wi-am was an incredibly profound witness to the power of Christ’s love to be a wellspring of hope in a dark and difficult situation of injustice and oppression. Those of us who listened to his story were struck by his deep faith , which under-girded his commitment to the way of justice, peace and reconciliation.
All of us have two unique and wonderful stories to share with others – the story of what God has done in Jesus, and the story of what God has done in us. It is the particular ministry of witness to tell this latter story as a way of encouraging others on their journey to God. Therefore we need to ponder on our own story. How has God been at work in our life? How did God find us? What is he doing and saying through our life that speaks of the hope he offers to all? In this way we will be ready to witness to Christ in his continuing mission of love to the world.
[Stephen Croft, Travelling Well)
Our annual parish report is part of our Christian Story in this parish. We recall this story in thanksgiving to God and in our rededication to his service – and in faith that by the power of his grace, this story continues.
I warmly recommend this annual report to you
Yours in Christ’s service,
Father Mark
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.
Liturgy and Worship
St Gabriel’s continues to celebrate the richness of Catholic liturgy.
The Mass is the centre of our liturgical life: there is a Solemn Mass each Sunday at 9.30 a.m. and Mass is offered every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday as well as on important Holy Days. Average Sunday communicants is 58, and average monthly communicants is 85. In addition 10 parishioners receive the Blessed Sacrament at home each month.
Evening Prayer and Benediction, is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month at 6 p.m., and the Stations of the Cross are followed every Sunday during Lent at 6 p.m.
A Guild of Prayer meets each month to pray for the sick and all in special need. The liturgy alternates between the Rosary and the Ministry of Healing, with laying on of hands and anointing.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is celebrated before Christmas and Easter and at any time by appointment.
The Office of Morning and Evening Prayer are said daily in church.
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.
The Parish improved on its past record of making substantial contributions to both Home and World Religious and Charitable causes. A total of £3,951 (exceeding its special missions collections total by £1,222, and representing some 13% of its planned and loose collections for the year) was given as follows:
£
Bright Stars of Bethlehem 782
Lesotho 650
Street Children of Peru (Lent Appeal) 937
Christian Aid 97
Faith in Families 345
Haiti Appeal 215
Pakistan Flood Appeal 200
WI’AM Bethlehem Christmas Smiles 500 *
Additional Curates Society 50
Swansea Samaritans 25
Jubilee Fund Gaza Hospital 100
Mission to Seafarers 25
Swansea and Brecon Widows and Orphans 25
*A further £326 was collected after 31/12/10 for this cause.
The finances of the Parish are on a sound footing given the current level of reserves. However, inroads will be made into this total by the residual cost of completing the conversion project in 2011, the Church Hall Sale Fund now having been exhausted. Further repairs to the Church fabric will also have to be funded next year.
Having been elected to serve as Treasurer in the latter part of 2010, I am exceedingly grateful for the help of my predecessor Jim Abbett, and for the continuing support and encouragement from Father Mark and the Wardens.
Richard Verge
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 and one extraordinary meeting.
Prior to the Annual Vestry Meeting in March the Electoral Roll was updated, and the total number was 110.
In addition to the usual business and reports the main item on the agenda continued to be the building of the new Church Hall facility and the completion of the external structure in time for the parish Christmas lunch. Full details of this project are in the Church Hall report.
The P.C.C. agreed that in the event of a national disaster when emergency funding is always urgently needed, the Treasurer would send a cheque for £200, and members of the congregation would be asked to reimburse church funds.
An important item for discussion was the reorganisation of Deanery boundaries. The Church in Wales has for several years been looking to amend deanery and parochial boundaries in order to facilitate the ministry and mission of the church. A handout was distributed to the congregation so that they could be included in our discussions.
On 16 August an extraordinary meeting was held to discuss the question of St Gabriel’s formally asking the Diocese to be transferred to the Deanery of Swansea. At that meeting all those present voted in favour of this. Our request has been sent to the Bishop.
At the P.C.C. meeting in November Mr Jim Abbett retired as Treasurer after being in office for twenty seven years. We thank him most sincerely for his devoted service and for his loyal and wise stewardship of the Church’s finances during that time.
We are fortunate that Mr Richard Verge has agreed to become the new Treasurer and thank him for taking this office.
Hilary Roberts
P.C.C. Secretary
Church Wardens’ Report
Peter Lloyd
Our first fund-raising event of 2010 was the Annual Auction and Pancake Night. This was held on Shrove Tuesday 16 February. The evening started with a delightful serving of pancakes accompanied by liquid refreshment as desired.
This year the auctioneers were not letting us go home empty handed, so there was a two-phases attack. The first phase had the gavel in the hand of Brian Chappell, and just when we thought we had bought enough the second phase came in with the gavel going to Dick Phillips, and between them and the sales recorder and cashier, Hilary Roberts, many did go home with empty pockets but not empty handed.
The number of people attending this year was a little disappointing, but the people who attended seemed to have a good evening. Our expenditure was kept to a minimum through the generosity of our ladies providing the pancakes.
Our Summer Fete this year was held on Saturday 12 June. Unfortunately, although the weather was excellent, we were forced to hold the Fete indoors, due to the continuing building works within the church grounds. Although attendance was down on previous years, the usual enthusiasm was shown by our faithful band of stall-holders who worked so hard to raise funds.
On Saturday 19 June a band of volunteers set up a bric-a-brac stall at the Fun Day in Brynmill Park. This was an enjoyable day, and through our stall sign and presence, it was a reminder to people that St Gabriel’s Church is the parish church for the community of Brynmill, and is still very active.
The Quiz, Cheese and Wine Night was held on Wednesday 20 October. With the nights getting darker and colder, it is appreciated that people do come and support this evening event. Our resident quizmaster, Peter Lloyd, presented a variety of questions, varying in topic and difficulty. It appeared that all who attended had a good time.
The Parish Christmas Fair was held, once more, in the Scouts and Guides Headquarters on Saturday 20 November. We had our usual high standard of stalls, together with hot food and drinks, to keep people sustained over the lunchtime period. However, the number of people who attended was down on previous years. This, of course, was disappointing, not only for the church, but for the stall-holders, who put a great deal of effort into collecting items and setting up the various stalls.
As stated last year, because of the high cost of coach hire and insufficient interest, there were no one-day coach trips. Income was also lost by not having a Parish Holiday, although the residue from the 2009 holiday has been placed in the Fund Raising account.
The table below shows the Fund Raising events and income over the year.
£
Auction and pancake night, 16 February 420
Summer fete, 12 June 639
Fun day at Brynmill Park 40
Quiz, cheese and wine night, 20 October 201
Residue from 2009 parish holiday 147
Christmas fair 20 November 1000
Total 2447
As coordinator I thank my fellow committee members for their support and work, and, on their behalf, thank all who throughout the year, have given their time and expertise in providing our programme of events. Thanks are also due to all who have willingly cleared up after these events. Although without their support the various events could not be staged, we recognise that it is the financial support through attendance or donations that enables funds to be raised. To maintain the fabric and maintenance of our fine church, I trust your continuing support will be enhanced by additional support from newcomers during 2011 to enable our requirements to be met.
Keith Rogers
Chairman
Health and Safety Report
I am pleased to report that during the last twelve months there have been no accidents or reportable incidents. During the year, regular checks have been made of the lighting system and other electrical appliances. Our fire extinguishers are given regular visual checks, and have been inspected by an independent specialist and issued with a certificate of maintenance in accordance with our Health and Safety Document.
During the latter part of the year, for safety reasons, the gate to the steps to the North East corner of the church from Brynmill Crescent, has been permanently closed. The ramp and pathway to the North side of the church has been inspected on a regular basis and kept clean. As you are no doubt aware, the pathway to the west and south of the church, together with the main steps to the south door, have been closed due to the building work for the new extension and drain work. Unfortunately, because of the delay in completion through bad weather, the main steps from Bryn Road to the south door and the pathway to the west end of the church will not be reinstated until the New Year, by which time full access will be given to the Garden of Rest, without the necessity of climbing the steps.
I trust our good safety record will continue through 2011.
Keith Rogers
Health and Safety Officer
Church Hall Project
At the end of 2009 we had reached the point where the church had agreed detailed plans to progress the new building with kitchens, storage and toilet facilities, and the west end conversion with a new screen. The tenders for the work were circulated to five builders in January, with replies received from four of them. The committee reviewed the tenders with the architects, and it was agreed to meet with two candidates, Rourke Davies of Brecon and Edmund Webster of Swansea to discuss their submissions. The lowest estimate (by about £7,000) was offered by Rourke Davies at approximately £162,000 plus VAT, and combined with their existing experience with the architects, this was considered the best route to follow.
Work started on site in the week after Easter with a promise of completion by 5 November 2010. During a period of very favourable weather, a lot of progress was made, with foundations and lower walling in progress and drains mostly dug. By 9 June they had reached the point where the beam flooring was to be laid. But on 12 June, totally unexpected, the builders ceased trading and went into liquidation.
The architects re-approached our second choice, Edmund Webster, and asked if they would pick up the contract, and after a number of meetings, agreement was reached. The cost would rise slightly in line with the original tender and the completion date would go out to the end of November. Work restarted in July and progressed, initially at a good pace, until the British weather took charge and over two working weeks were lost to rain. Nevertheless the floor went down on 18 July and the walls above floor level went up during August, and the whole building began to take shape.
The on-site stonemasons have done an excellent job with recycled stone from a chapel (I think) in the Swansea Valley, and we have a very sympathetic match with the church walls. The roof timbers went up in the first week of September, and by the beginning of October the slates were on and the building was weatherproof, if not yet glazed. At the end of October the west wall of the church, all 40 inches thick, was breached to make the new opening. During the first half of November, the glazed link was installed and the building fully glazed. It was clear that our timing had slipped, but a new promise of 15 December was made, which would coincide with the Christmas lunch. With the 'bribery' of a free Christmas lunch our contractors promised to finish by the 13 and after a hectic last four weeks of services completion, decoration, kitchen installation and snagging, we made it. We were able to provide Christmas lunch 2010 cooked in our new kitchen.
In achieving all this we did let the screen and west bay conversion slip. We were uncertain of funding, and costs for the screen increased because of pillar supports needed to support the screen’s width, and also because we modified the screen near the North door, to ensure easy access for funeral processions. All this is now resolved and the builders will restart in the church in late January, after the Christmas tide programme.
I would like to thank the project committee members for all their efforts, ideas and decisions. They have put in years of work, as we started this project in 2005 and sold the old hall in 2006.
Fr Mark Katheryn Lloyd Keith Rogers
Jim Abbett Hilary Roberts Dick Phillips
Peter Richards Allen Grove Brian Chappell
I should also like to thank Stefan Horowskyj, our architect and Ben Bowker, his assistant, for their on-site and behind the scenes activities on our behalf. I should also like to thank the builders Edmund Webster, their site manager Bob Gear, and their site foreman Dave Thomas, for what is appreciated as a fine looking building attached to our fine church.
Peter Lloyd
Chairman
Diocesan Conference
The Diocesan Conference was held on Saturday 9 October at the Cathedral and took its theme 'Belonging, Believing and Behaving'. The Assistant Bishop of Llandaff, the Rt. Rev. David Wilbourne gave a thought-provoking and entertaining address, which provided much material for the discussion groups which followed. The whole diocese will be asked to look at and discuss these issues at a local level.
Stephen Dunn
Deanery Conferences
On 2 February a joint Area Deanery Conference with Gower Deanery was held at Newton Village Hall. The speaker, Canon Robert Jones, Diocesan Child Protection Officer, introduced the ‘Diocesan Safeguarding Policy’, which will embrace all vulnerable groups including elderly adults in nursing and care homes.
The Annual General Meeting of the Clyne Deanery Conference was held on 4 May at Holy Cross Church, West Cross. Canon George Bennett led a discussion on what individual parishes in the Deanery are doing to promote this theme. Each parish gave a short presentation on their work and ideas.
On 9 November a meeting was held at Newton Village Hall, where the Revd. Tim Hewitt gave an interesting presentation on ‘Encouraging Vocations’.
Hilary Roberts
Magazine Editor’s Report
Swansea University print room has continued to print the Magazine throughout the past year. The arrangement has worked well and no difficulties have been experienced with either the quality or the timeliness of the product. The Magazine for each month has regularly been made available on the last Sunday of the preceding month. Each issue has contained 16 pages of A4, a total of 192 pages in the full year. We are indebted to Andrew Treharne in the print room for his unfailing helpfulness.
As in previous years I am most grateful to the clergy and other regular contributors and to all who have supplied me material, including the anonymous contributions that appear from time to time in my box at the back of 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.
Paul Reynolds
St Gabriel’s Mothers’ Union
Our year began as usual, with our New Year Lunch at the Olchfa House for members and their friends, and a happy time was had by all. We were given the customary care and attention from the restaurant staff, which is greatly appreciated.
We have followed the usual pattern of meetings after the Mass on the third Wednesday of the month, and we have enjoyed fellowship with members of the congregation when they have joined us for coffee.
During Lent we attended the Lenten addresses during Mass and the Clyne Deanery Quiet Time. During the year we attended the Clyne Deanery Eucharists – usually held in St Mary’s, but because of work in the church we made use of St David’s Priory Church instead.
Our 'Make a Mother’s Day' Appeal reached an excellent sum of £254 and we put up a display at the back of church for all to see where our donations had been spent. Our grateful thanks to all who contributed for their wonderful generosity.
We were unable to entertain our Twin Branch of Hay-on-Wye this year, but plans are in hand for their visit in 2011 when our splendid new facilities will be put to good use !
Another visit which has become an annual event for the Branch was the Quiet Day at Llangasty on the shores of Llangorse Lake on 15 April. It was led by Fr Mark and Fr Brian, and eighteen of us attended. Our grateful thanks to Peter Lloyd who has become our honorary minibus driver!
St Peter’s Church, Newton was the venue for our Clyne Deanery Festival on 1 May, and afterwards we were entertained to tea in their splendid new hall. On 25 June, Monica and Ann attended the Festival at the Cathedral where the preacher was the Bishop.
Our Summer Outing this year was to All Saints Church, Oystermouth where we were shown around by the Verger, Bill Barrington, who was a fount of knowledge on all aspects of that lovely building. We had our lunch in the newly refurbished Woodman Inn, Blackpill which we enjoyed very much.
Speakers during the year were Ann Jackson on her visit to Oberammergau; Katheryn and Peter Lloyd who spoke on their visit to the Antarctic called 'Journey to the end of the world', which was illustrated by splendid slides; and Fr Mark on his Sabbatical in the Holy Land. We were so pleased to welcome members of the congregation to these talks and invite them to join us whenever they wish.
On 24 November the Diocese was delighted to welcome the World-Wide Mothers’ Union President, Rosemary Kempsall. Each branch was invited to send two members to the special lunch in St Mary’s, and an open invitation was extended to all members to hear Rosemary speak in the afternoon. Hazel and Nettie attended the lunch with Ann and Monica, and others joined us for the afternoon.
Our session concluded in December with coffee and mince pies and a demonstration of Christmas table decorations by Joyce – ably standing in for Audrey who was celebrating her big birthday on the Orient Express.
In conclusion, I would like to sincerely thank Joan for her hard work as Secretary and Treasurer, Fr Mark for his continuing support and Fr Brian as Social Secretary. Thanks to all the members for their love and friendship at all times.
Monica Jones
St Gabriel’s Guild of Prayer
Our monthly prayer group continues to meet on the second Monday of the month in the Lady Chapel, when we offer our prayers for the sick and suffering, and for all people in situations of need. We have the Rosary and the Healing Service on alternate months.
Should you wish any sick or needy person to be remembered in our prayers, please pass on your request to Fr Mark or to me.
Hilary Roberts
Lesotho Friends
I wish to thank all who contributed to the Lesotho Association this past year, those who attended the lovely lunch in the summer and those who gave donations.
We raised £300, and were able to send £200 for St James Hospital (always Connie’s first choice) and £100 for the Association.
Joan Davies
Luncheon Club
The past year has been a very busy one for the Luncheon Club. We held ten lunches, of which four were for charitable causes: the Advent Luncheon in aid of the appeal for the Bright Stars of Bethlehem, the Easter appeal for the street children in Cusco, Peru, a lunch to support fundraising for Lesotho and an additional lunch to raise funds to assist Fr Mark when he took his sabbatical leave to the Holy Land in July.
A total of £2,339 was raised, of which £1,500 was given to Gift Day. This was an excellent sum of money raised under most difficult circumstances, and was only made possible by the loyal support of our diners.
With the opening of the new kitchen extension, life should be a bit easier for the catering staff, who remain committed to continuing this means of sustaining social contact and fellowship within the life of the church.
Katheryn Lloyd
Our dedicated group of flower arrangers continue to ensure that each week our church is beautifully decorated. Then at Easter, Harvest and Patronal festivals the larger arrangements and window sills are made for these the special occasions.
This Christmas, once again, in spite of inclement weather conditions, the flower displays were so beautiful.
This year the Advent pedestal was lovingly restored by Keith, since it had begun to look unloved !! We are indeed grateful for the work he does.
However, none of this would be possible without the financial support of our church members, who contribute to the flower fund regularly.
Audrey Mackintosh
Another year has passed with us being privileged to be part of our wonderful liturgy at St Gabriel’s. May I thank the ladies for their commitment and support in joining me to ensure that the responsorial Psalm is sung on Sundays.
My thanks also to the Chorale which has again contributed to some of the major occasions, but the severe weather during Advent and Christmas prevented any rehearsals. However, we look forward to preparing music for Easter and the forthcoming visit of the Bishop for Confirmation.
Stephen Dunn
Organist and Choir Master
Society of Our Lady of Walsingham – Swansea Cell of Our Lady Star of the Sea
This year four priests and nineteen pilgrims attended the Annual Swansea Parishes Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady Of Walsingham, which was held from 17 to 21 May. We were fortunate to have a week of glorious sunshine, and it was good to see some new faces join us on our visit and experience the peace and joy of this very special place.
Since our last visit in 2008, the Visitors Welcome Centre and new Milner Wing accommodation block are now open.
The next pilgrimage to Walsingham will be 16-20 May 2011.
Hilary Roberts
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.