Dean Atkins

Epiphany

On Friday we celebrate the light filled Feast of the Epiphany. Guided by a star, those mysterious figures from the East are given a revelation of profound proportions. The Magi have been identified by many as Zoroastrian priests although the term “magus” is also associated with Simon Magus in the Acts of the Apostles (ActsContinue reading “Epiphany”

Now and in the year to come

At the final Mass of the year, the Scripture readings take us back to the beginning, and open our hearts to eternity. As we look forward to a new year, we pray for a spirit of gladness. The month of January is named after the two-faced Roman god of Janus. He was, for them, theContinue reading “Now and in the year to come”

The Remnants of Christmas Day

Today, is Stephen’s Day, although its more commonly called Boxing Day. In a homily for the Feast of Saint Stephen, the first Christian Martyr, whom we celebrate at Mass at noon, we ask what are the remnants of Christmas Day? Today, outside the houses of many people sits the debris of Christmas Day. The exchangeContinue reading “The Remnants of Christmas Day”

Love is a Strange Thing

‘In the darkest and deepest hour of the night, as silence descends upon the earth, we gather to celebrate the birth of Christ whose coming, so we are told, promises peace and brings hope.’ Here is Fr Dean’s homily for the Christmas Mass at Midnight, which reminds us of the Christmas call to challenge injustice,Continue reading “Love is a Strange Thing”

The passing of a crown

“She was anointed for service determined only by her heritage and how wide her heart was open to the passing of a crown.”

Common Ground

This is a half-remembered, fully-edited and yet extended reflection from today’s homily at Mass. It’s by no means entirely or exactly what was preached at all but it is a sensitive reworking, and simply provides a little prompt for reflection. The gospel reading was the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) The story ofContinue reading “Common Ground”

Leading us to the street

Life is fragile, and full of ruined dreams and hopeless situations, and toppled stones, and so often we feel nervous and out of place. Strangers in a strange land

My Today

Faith is common currency here in Butetown. At St Mary’s (Church in Wales) Primary School we are able to beautifully give expression to all faiths within a Christian nurturing environment. About 86% of our pupils are from Muslim families and there is wonderful respect of each other’s faith as we work together to build aContinue reading “My Today”

Welcome

Here’s a brief glimpse of the last few days as we celebrated a number of different things, working closely with St Mary’s School (as we always do!) to celebrate the Diocesan Churches Unlocked Festival, Refugee Week, and The Great Get Together 2022!

Churches Unlocked

Welcome to our Churches Unlocked festival with activities and events taking place from Tuesday 21 – Sunday 26 June, 2022 We are one of ten churches in the Diocese of Llandaff taking part in the Festival, and you can discover more of the riches of our diocese being unleashed during this festival week here WELCOMEContinue reading “Churches Unlocked”