Holy Cross Church, Gendros

Introduction

Holy Cross Church in Gendros, within the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia, was dedicated and opened on 8th December 1989, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

History

The first Catholic Mass in Fforestfach was celebrated by a canon assisted by three curates in the Billiard Hall on Fforestfach Cross and then on the upper floor of Ryan’s shop. In 1956 the parish became a parish in its own right, separate from St Joseph’s. 2014 marked sixty years of a Catholic presence in Gendros and twenty-five years of the present Holy Cross Church.

Music and liturgy

The parish music group prepares music from many different styles and traditions reflecting the diverse cultural congregation, and begins each practice with the Novena to St Jude. The music group sings at all services at Holy Cross and also sings in other churches and venues in the local community. The parish has a flourishing youth music group that leads the music at Mass. The youth music group enjoys preparing music for Mass and other occasions, growing together in faith and friendship.

Children's Liturgy takes place during Sunday Mass, where children participate in the Liturgy of the Word in the Sacristy with approved adult leaders. The parish has a strong team of altar servers whose duties include carrying the cross, candles or thurible, and helping the priest during Mass. Sacristans prepare the chalices, ciborium, hosts, wine, corporal, finger bowl and towel, and check that Mass books for the Liturgy of the Word are on the lectern. Ministers of the Word proclaim God's word to the parish community with careful and prayerful preparation, representing all ages and cultures. Ministers of the Eucharist distribute Holy Communion at Mass and take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound at home.

Parish life

Land at Upper King's Head Road was purchased to build a church, and Our Lady Queen of the Universe opened in 1954. The young adults are involved in both sacred and secular parish life, with opportunities to read at Mass, serve coffee in the hall, and help at the Summer Fete. The knitting group has stitched more than 200 squares to make blankets for those in need, plus baby's booties, hats and scarfs. Members of the knitting group meet in the parish hall after Mass on Friday mornings.

The parish has a Welcomer ministry to extend hospitality to all who come to the church. The parish catechist aims to give children and parents a loving relationship with Jesus, helping them grasp the mystery of the Incarnation. Through instruction, sharing and music, the catechist leads children to appreciate being part of God's family and the sacrament of Baptism. Saturday Mass includes the Novena to Our Lady.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The SVP group visits parishioners in hospitals, nursing homes and at home, and helps with legal documents, forms and shopping. Monthly meetings for young people combine formation, instruction, healthy debate and fun.

Visiting

Directions describe Holy Cross Church as just before Haig Place on the right when coming from the M4, and just after Haig Place on the left from the city centre. Sixteen people attended the first knitting group meeting. Anyone who has made their first communion is welcome to join the altar servers. The Parish Advisory group is made up of a cross section of parishioners together with the Parish Priest.