|
The Feast of All Saints on 1st November 2007 saw the
creation of a new Parish in the Diocese. In a lively and colourful Mass
Archbishop Smith 'suppressed' the six Parishes of Saint Anne, Saint Basil
and Saint Gwladys, Saint David, Saint David Lewis, Saint Mary and Saint
Michael in the west of Newport and 'erected' one new Parish, the Parish
of 'All Saints, Newport'.
The New Parish has six Churches, or Communities, served
by a Pastoral Team of four priests, five religious sisters, and a deacon.
At the start of the celebration the Bishop 'missioned' them to lead the
Parish in new ways of ministry, life, and growth. This vision was given
flesh in the entry procession led by sixty children each carrying a stone
inscribed with a Saint's name, to build a cairn of Saints at the foot
of the cross while the congregation of over 800 sang the litany of Saints,
led by a choir and musicians assembled from the six Communities.
Newport Leisure Centre was transformed by carpets, a
calvary and a lectern, Altar and flowers into a warm basilica. After readings
by the Mayor of Newport and the Chair of the Churches Together in Newport,
and the Beatitudes proclaimed by the Deacon, the Archbishop's sermon was
introduced by the fledging youth group: Discerning the need for greater
lay involvement, and for help and training for this, they interrogated
the parish priest, who led them to the Bishop to ask for his help. Archbishop
Peter, well prepared, answered with a challenge to holiness and prayer,
and encouragement to be all saints, alive and active..
After the creed and the prayer of the faithful led by
one member from each of the six communities, a dramatic dressing and decorating
of the Altar, and a prayerful Eucharist and Communion, the Bishop blessed
a thousand wooden Crosses which were distributed among the congregation
by the altar server, along with a card with the new Parish prayer and
logo. A final rousing rendition of 'For all the Saints' closed the liturgy
and led the mixed congregations of the six churches through a display
of the history of the former Parishes to well-earned refreshments and
a chance to meet new friends, renew links with old acquaintances, reminiscence,
and look forward to being all Saints - Alive and Active.
|