Parish Organisations
St Gabriel’s Guild of Prayer
The group meets on the first Monday in the month. We have the Rosary or a 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.
Secretary: Hilary Roberts, 26 Hendy Close, Derwen Fawr, Swansea (01792 422111)
St Gabriel’s
Mothers’ Union
St Gabriel's branch of the worldwide Mothers' Union meets after Mass on the third Wednesday of every month. Activities include visiting speakers and social events. Members share a New Year lunch and a summer outing every year and from time to time join with other branches for diocesan and similar events. Non-members (including husbands!) are always welcome.
Branch Leader: Monica Jones, 12 Harlech Crescent, Tycoch, Swansea (01792 421115)
Society of Our
Lady of Walsingham
The Swansea Cell of Our Lady Star of the Sea
Parishioners of St Gabriel's always participate in the annual Swansea Parishes’ Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham which normally takes place every May. St Gabriel's also hosts other events of the Swansea Cell of Walsingham pilgrims and supporters at different times throughout the year.
Contact: Hilary Roberts, 26 Hendy Close, Derwen Fawr, Swansea (01792 422111)
Lesotho Friends
An informal programme to raise funds in support of the diocese of Lesotho in southern Africa.
The Luncheon Club ('Chez Gabriel') normally meets every month for a 3-course hot lunch at the back of the church in the area that is due to be converted into a meeting place for social activities. The menus reflect the seasons, including a celebratory Christmas lunch, a simple Lenten lunch, or a Harvest supper. Proceeds go towards parish funds (via the annual Gift Day) or to other good causes such as the diocese of Lesotho.
Organiser and caterer : Katheryn Lloyd, 53 Lon Masarn, Tycoch, Swansea (01792 203803)
Flower Guild
A small group of flower arrangers ensure that each week throughout the year (apart from Lent) the church is decorated with flowers, observing the correct colours as far as possible. A special effort is made to ensure that the church looks its best for Easter and Christmas. The costs are often met by gifts from parishioners in memory of departed family members.
Organisers :Audrey Mackintosh and Joyce Phillips
Music
A small choir leads the responsorial psalm and other sung parts of Sunday's Solemn Mass throughout the year. On major feasts and special occasions a chorale drawn from the wider congregation sings suitable motets and anthems to enhance the liturgy.
Organist and choirmaster: Stephen Dunn, Stavel Newydd, Llanrhidian, Swansea (01792 390013)
Social events
A range of social events takes place throughout the year, both to provide enjoyment for parishioners and friends and to raise funds for the maintenance of the parish. Regular events include an annual auction and pancake night (every Shrove Tuesday) and an autumn quiz, wine and cheese night. Every year we hold an autumn fair in the nearby Scout and Guide Headquarters and a summer fete in the Vicarage garden. A day trip is often arranged during the summer and a shopping trip in the weeks before Christmas. Concerts with visiting performers are held from time to time, sometimes to raise funds for outside bodies such as Cancer Information and Support Services which is based in the parish.
Contact: Keith Rogers, 15 Church Gardens, Cockett, Swansea (01792 578097)
Parish holiday
Every year in September a parish holiday is arranged, generally to somewhere in Britain but sometimes overseas. Recent locations have been in County Durham, north Devon and Brighton.
Organiser: Peter Lloyd, 53 Lon Masarn, Tycoch, Swansea (01792 203803)