1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Bedydd yr Arglwydd: 11 Ionawr 2015
The Baptism of the Lord: 11 January 2015
“You are My Son, the Beloved.”
This weekend we bid farewell to the
Christmas Season and return to the
Ordinary Sundays of the year. Our Lord
had grown from the Babe of Bethlehem
into the man baptised at the River Jordan
by St John the Baptist.
The prayers and ceremonies we use as
Catholics only make sense because Jesus
is at the centre. We recognise Jesus as the
Beloved Son of God, we listen to his
teaching, and we worship His Father in
the way He taught us, by gathering
around a priest making present His
Eternal Sacrifice at each Mass.
In the Gloria at Mass, we affirm that Jesus ALONE is Our Lord. Implicitly,
we are promising not to turn to any other source of spiritual power. And
this is more subtle that it seems, because in today’s world there are New Age
practitioners and alternative therapists who claim to be using “Christ
Energy” or tapping into “Christ Consciousness” – but this isn’t what Jesus
taught us to do, and we cannot transform other spiritual paths into
Christian ones simply by attaching the name of “Christ”.
Offeiriad Plwyf / Parish Priest: Y Parch. / Rev’d Gareth Leyshon
Diacon / Deacon: Y Parch / Rev Steve Melhuish
Gwefan / Website: www.sphilipevans.co.uk
Gweplyfr / Facebook: Eglwys Sant Philip Evans / St Philip Evans Church
Dilynwch ni ar Drydar / Follow us on Twitter: sphilipevans
Rhan o Archesgobaeth Caerdydd, rhif elusen gofrestredig: 242380
Part of the Archdiocese of Cardiff, registered charity number: 242380
In this weekend’s sermon (which you can read again, like all my weekend
sermons, at CatholicPreacher.WordPress.com) I have explored this in more
detail. Part of my duty as a Parish Priest is to guide the parish community in
paths that lead towards Jesus and away from false (but attractive) ideas.
You may disagree with some of the things I have said. You may think I am
being over-cautious. I am more than happy to have a conversation with
anyone who thinks I am wrong, but before you come to me, do some
homework. Check out what Jesus actually said. Read the Catechism of the
Catholic Church. If you don't agree with Jesus, take it up with Him! But if
you think I am misrepresenting the teaching of Jesus, then we can certainly
have a conversation to clarify that, and I am more than happy to make an
appointment for such a conversation, at your place or mine.
Finally, and most importantly, if you are concerned or unsure about
something you have previously been involved in, do talk to me. There is
nothing beyond Christ’s power to restore. The Church offers both
confession and prayer for spiritual healing in order to help us walk more
closely with Jesus – and nothing could be a better use of my time as Parish
Priest than to help parishioners in this regard. Similarly, as we take the
White Flower Appeal this weekend, I would say to anyone who feels guilt
or shame from any personal involvement with abortion – come to me, so
that you can lay down your burden and receive the forgiveness and healing
which Jesus offers to all who know and admit their need.
Pastor Gareth
White Flower Appeal - The Society for the Protection of Unborn
Children (SPUC) will be holding its annual appeal this weekend. In
common with the Catholic Church, SPUC defends and upholds the sanctity
of human life from conception until natural death. The Society’s work
covers a wide spectrum of pro-life, pro-family issues. It seeks to protect
unborn children from abortion and defends the disabled, elderly and
incapacitated from euthanasia and assisted suicide. SPUC also provides
trained speakers for schools and offers pro-life support for teachers, parents
and medical professionals. Please give generously to this worthy cause.
Christmas Decorations – this weekend, the feast of the Baptism of the
Lord, sees the end of Christmastime. The decorations in the church
therefore need to come down after the 11 a.m Mass this Sunday – if you
can stay for 10 / 15 minutes to help, this would be very much appreciated.
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Speaker Night: This Thursday (15 January) at 7.45 p.m in the Small Hall
– local vicar Revd Marian Dowsett will come to speak about the situation
of Christians in Palestine and the wider conflict continuing in the Holy
Land.
Call to Question: This Friday (16 January) at 7.30 p.m in the Small Hall.
Pastor Gareth will be leading us in exploring the Acts of the Apostles.
All welcome.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity runs 18-25 January
Among events available for us:
After Masses on 17/18 January, you are invited to remain behind for a brief
reflection on what St Philip Evans parish has done, and could do, in cooperation with other Christian Churches in the local area.
Choral vespers for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at St. David’s
Cathedral, Cardiff, Sunday January 18th at 3pm.
Guest speaker: Rev. Eden Fletcher, Methodist Superintendent Minister.
This is followed by refreshments.
All welcome to this ecumenical service.
Each weekday, we are invited to gather with Christians in a different
church to share worship in their tradition. (These days, there are no
restrictions on Catholics attending worship in other churches, but we do not
receive communion at other Christians’ services. We understand that their
communion bread is only a memorial of Christ; only a priest ordained by a
Catholic or Orthodox Bishop has the God-given power to require it to
become the true Body and Blood of Christ. Most of the shared services will
not be communion services.)
Monday 19 January :: 1.30pm Pontprennau Community Church
Tuesday 20 January :: 9.00am HERE St Philip Evans (Morning Prayer)
Wednesday 21 January :: 4.00pm Church of the Resurrection (St Mellon’s)
Thursday 22 January :: 10.30am Cyncoed Methodist (Communion)
Friday 23 January :: 9.15am All Saints’ Cyncoed (Morning Prayer)
Saturday 24 January :: 10.30am 19 Capel Edeyrn CF23 8XJ
(Tea and prayer at the home of local URC minister Sally Massey-Thomas)
Our MAIN local service of prayer for Christian Unity will be at Christ
Church (further down Llanedeyrn Drive from St Philip Evans) 6 p.m. Sun
25th Jan. Jesus prayed for unity among his followers. Can we?
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GLENWOOD CHURCH CENTRE, LLANEDEYRN
JOINT CELEBRATION on Wed 21st Jan, 7:30 pm at Glenwood Church
Centre, Llanedeyrn. Cardiff Churches are uniting for a city-wide celebration, to
worship and to hear of the many great things that God is doing in our nation.
Roy Godwin (who leads the work at Ffald-y-Brenin Retreat Centre and House
of Prayer in North Pembrokeshire where the Holy Spirit is moving in power;
he is also author of "The Grace Outpouring") will share some of the amazing
stories of what God has done and continues to do, with stories of outpouring,
salvation, transformation and healing. Cath Woolridge will be leading
worship: she is Director of SOW ministries, and is one of the worship leaders
in Glenwood Church. She has led worship at conferences both in the UK and
as far away as Singapore and Cambodia. Her desire is to see God’s Kingdom
come on earth as in heaven, seeing the invisible chains broken, people
transformed by the radical, outrageous love of Jesus and bringing hope to
people through music and arts in the power of Jesus. Come along for an
evening that, through worship and Roy speaking, will inspire, encourage, build
faith and bring more of God’s Kingdom here on earth!
Burns Night
ST DAVID’S ECUMENICAL CHURCH invite you to
our Burns Supper on Saturday 24th January
at 7.30pm. A traditional evening of haggis, trifle,
and silly speeches, cost £5 each.
Please bring your own drinks.
Numbers needed by 15th Jan at the latest so the
haggis can be ordered (vegetarian version available
- please let me know when you book).
Contact Heather
CHRISTCHURCH UNITED CHURCH PANTOMIME
The Christchurch panto is well on its way to completion....Oh no it's
not!!!! Well we will be ready by the last weekend in January.......Oh
yes we will!!! Get your tickets early. They're just on sale .
We shall be performing on
 Thursday 29th Jan. 7.30pm
 Friday 30th Jan. 7.30pm
 Saturday 31st Jan 2.30pm and 7.00pm.
Tickets available from Mrs. Ruth Dickinson
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200 Club: Once again the subscriptions for the 200 Club are due. The
subscriptions for the year are £12 and can be made in cash or by Standing
Order through your bank. Cash Payments can be given directly to Joan
George or by completion of the subscription form and placed in an
envelope marked 200 Club and placed in the collection bags at Mass –
forms available in the foyer.
Thank you
Thank you everyone for your prayers and kind wishes this Christmas, and
thank you so much for your generous gifts and cards this Christmas. It was
very touching, so thank you again for making me so welcome here in St
Philip Evans.
Happy new year! I continue to pray for you and your families in this new
year!
Jonathan, your seminarian.
Baptism Sessions
‘Our baptism has changed us, given us a new and glorious hope, and
empowered us to bring God’s redeeming love to all, particularly the
poor.’ Pope Francis.
Child Baptism classes will begin soon.
If you would like your child to be baptised, then
please speak to Jonathan about joining us for our
Baptism Preparation sessions.
These sessions will be just an hour long on Monday
nights in February.
Together we will explore what it means to be a
Catholic parent, share the Faith and meet other
Christian parents. (The classes are for the adults,
not the children).
Of course, non-Catholic parents are also welcome to
come, share and find out more.
Everyone is welcome.
So, if would like to have your child baptised, please
speak to Jonathan, who will enrol you for the sessions.
It would also be great to have some of our regular parishioners to
encourage the parents and to welcome them with teas and coffees.
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Please pray for the repose of the soul of Karen Fiteni, a close
friend of Toni Jones, who died on Thursday, 8 January.
Please also pray for those who are sick:
Karen Ash, Bev Sullivan, Norma Miles, Mary Chisholm, Joan Ryan, Val
MacGillivray and Patrick Millar
Vocations Weekend for young women (20s and 30s)
Theme: Discerning God's Call in my life
Dates: 23rd - 25th January 2015
Location: Liverpool
The weekend is organised by the sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ).
There will be input from the FCJ sisters on different aspects of vowed life,
and time for prayer, reflection and discussion with other young women
who are also considering a vocation to religious life.
It's an opportunity to live community life for a weekend and meet some
sisters!
For more information contact Sr Lynne fcJ at lynnefcj@hotmail.com or
visit our website www.fcjsisters.org
--------------------
Vocations
Want to find out more about Vocations?
About why so many young people are saying “YES!!” to God?
Check out our Cardiff Vocations websites! Read our different stories of why so
many are answering God’s Call, here in Wales.
Also, there is information on the Vocations to the Married Life ; the
Priesthood ; Religious Life ; Single Life.
www.facebook.com/CardiffVocations
www.cardiffvocations.com
www.ukvocation.org
www.ukreligiouslife.org/about-vocation/vocation-stories
CYNCOED METHODIST CHURCH
Journey to the Centre of the Stable: if you missed the performance or
want to hear it again tune in to PremierChristianRadio.com, here it is
available in the schedule for 30 days through their Listen Again facility.
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PROCLAIM '15
On 11 July next summer, invited representatives of all the dioceses in
Wales and England will gather in Birmingham for a national convention
on how we can best spread our Catholic Faith among those who do not
yet share it. We are encouraged to hold local events that same
evening, to pray for the national event and for God's blessing on our
local efforts to share our faith. A diocesan PROCLAIM convention will
follow later in the year, on Saturday 10 October 2015.
Website: www.catholicnews.org.uk/proclaim15
Facebook: facebook.com/cbcew
Twitter: @catholicew #proclaim15
Email: proclaim15@cbcew.org.uk
Diocesan contact: Revd Gareth Leyshon
leyshon.gareth@rcadc.org
Diocesan website: www.rcadc.org/evangelisation
Cardiff Foodbank
Hi there
Just a little note to say we have weighed in the food you donated to Cardiff
Foodbank, and to say thank you so much to everyone at St Philips Evans' Church
who contributed to the 18kgs of food collected.
The food is being sorted and dated at our Warehouse now before it is given out to
Cardiff people in crisis who can't afford to buy enough food for themselves or
their families.
Thank you / Diolch yn fawr
Derek Alder, Office Administrator, Volunteer Co-ordinator
Cardiff Foodbank currently needs more:
Jam
Sugar
Tinned / Mash potatoes
Tinned Sponge pudding
Fruit Juice
Team Heaven hospitality
There is a new rota on the board in the foyer, for those people
who have very kindly volunteered to make teas and coffee for the
Faith Exploration group. We really appreciate the support you
have given to the group since last September.
God bless Ann and Jonathan
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MASSES and SERVICES
Baptism of the Lord
Saturday 10 January
5.15 p.m
6.00 p.m
Reconciliation (until 5.45 p.m)
Mass
Winifred Carey RIP
Baptism of the Lord
Sunday 11 January
9.30 a.m
11.00 a.m
5.30 p.m
in Welsh
Mass
Libby Millar RIP
Signed
Mass
Tess Barry RIP
Evening Prayer and Adoration, with Benediction at 6.30 p.m
Monday, Week 1, Year 1
Monday 12 January
7.30 a.m
9.00 a.m
Mass
Tess Barry RIP
Morning Prayer and Adoration until 3 p.m
Tuesday, Week 1, Year 1
Tuesday 13 January
9.15 a.m
10.15 a.m.
7.30 p.m
Mass in St Bernadette’s School
Morning Prayer and Adoration until 3 p.m
Mass
People of the parish
Wednesday, Week 1, Year 1
Wednesday 14 January
7.30 a.m
9.00 a.m
5.30 p.m
8.00 p.m
Mass
Morning Prayer; Adoration until 3 p.m
Rosary
Pro life prayer group, with adoration
Thursday, Week 1, Year 1
Thursday 15 January
10.15 a.m
5.30 p.m
7.00 p.m
Adoration until 3 p.m
Evening Prayer followed by Holy Hour
Mass
Friday, Week 1, Year1
Friday 16 January
7.30 a.m
10.00 a.m.
10.15 a.m
Mass
Mass in St Philip Evans School
Adoration until 3 p.m
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Saturday 17 January
5.15 p.m
6.00 p.m
Reconciliation
Mass
Sunday 18 January
9.30 a.m
11.00 a.m
1.00 p.m
5.30 p.m
(until 5.45 p.m)
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
in Welsh
Mass
Signed
Mass
Paricia Gauci RIP
Baptism
Seth
Evening Prayer and Adoration, with Benediction at 6.30 p.m
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OFFERENNAU a GWASANAETHAU
Dydd Sadwrn 10 Ionawr
5.15 y.h
6.00 y.h
Cymod
Offeren
Bedydd yr Arglwydd
(tan 5.45 y.h)
Winifred Carey RIP
Dydd Sul 11 Ionawr
9.30 y.b
11.00 y.b
5.30 y.h
Offeren
Libby Millar RIP
Offeren
Tess Barry RIP
Gweddi’r hwyr ac Addoli, Bendith am 6.30 y.h
Dydd Llun 12 Ionawr
7.30 y.b
9.00 y.b
Llun, Wythnos 1, Bl 1
Offeren
Tess Barry RIP
Gweddi foreol ac Addoli hyd 3 y.h
Dydd Mawrth 13 Ionawr
9.15 y.b
10.15 y.b
7.30 y.h
Mawrth Wythnos 1, Bl 1
Offeren yn Ysgol Y Santes Bernadette
Addoli hyd 3 y.h
Offeren
Plwyfolion
Dydd Mercher 14 Ionawr
7.30 y.b
9.00 y.b
5.30y.h
8.00 y.h
Mercher Wythnos 1, Bl 1
Offeren
Gweddi foreol ac Addoli hyd 3 y.h
Llaswyr Mair
Grwp dros fywyd, gydag Addoli
Dydd Iau 15 Ionawr
10.15 y.b
5.30 y.h
7.00 y.h
Iau Wythnos 1, Bl 1
Addoli hyd 3 y.h
Gweddi’r hwyr ac Awr Sanctaidd
Offeren
Dydd Gwener 16 Ionawr
7.30 y.b
9.15 y.b
10.15 y.b
Cymod
Offeren
Ail Sul Cyff, Bl B
(tan 5.45 y.h)
Dydd Sul 18 Ionawr
9.30 y.b
11.00 y.b
1.00 y.p
5.30 y.h
Gwener Wythnos 1, Bl 1
Offeren
Offeren yn Ysgol Y Sant Philip Evans
Addoli hyd 3 y.h
Dydd Sadwrn 17 Ionawr
5.15 y.h
6.00 y.h
Bedydd yr Arglwydd
yn Gymraeg
Wedi’i harwyddo
Offeren
Offeren
Patricia Gauci RIP
Bedydd
Seth
Gweddi’r hwyr ac Addoli, Bendith am 6.30 y.h
Ail Sul Cyff, Bl B
yn Gymraeg
Wedi’i harwyddo
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INTERNATIONAL MASS –
Here at St Philip Evans, 11 a.m. Sunday 1st February,
world lunch afterwards. Is it in your diary yet?
Healing Vigil at St. Brigid’s
A Healing Night Vigil will be held at St. Brigid’s Church on 6th
February, between 7 – 9.30 PM. The Vigil would include
hymns, healing Mass, praise & worship, sermon and healing
service. There will also be a separate service for children
during the course of the service. It will be led by Fr. Soji
Olikkal (Sehion Ministry, Birmingham), who has been
conducting healing services and missions for over a decade.
He leads a service at the Bethel Convention centre in
Birmingham on Second Saturdays which draws a
congregation of over 3000 people. There are innumerable
testimonies of healing, deliverances and miracles that place
during his services.
Fr. Soji came to the UK in 2009 and started his work in
Birmingham. Before that, he was the Assistant Director of
Sehion Retreat Centre, Kerala, India. Children’s ministry is
also an important part of Sehion UK ministries and more than
1000 children attend the Second Saturday
convention. Various other ministries are also conducted as
part of Sehion UK, such as Street Ministry, Sehion Youth,
Healing Services, Annual retreats and One Day
Conventions.
WELSH NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2015
The Welsh National Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 2631 July 2015 and will be organised by Joe Walsh Tours with return
flights from Cardiff airport. The format will be the same as last
year’s successful pilgrimage. The cost will be £689. Pilgrims are
invited to join in parish groups or individually. Further details may
be obtained from Fr. Kevin Paine at Newbridge (01495 243304).
Bookings can be made through: Tel: 00 353 1 241 0800
Joe Walsh Tours 143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 IRELAND
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NEXT SUNDAY IS PEACE SUNDAY
Pax Christi has chosen the theme: slavery, violence and war
Pope Francis describes slavery as ‘an open wound on the body of the
human family – a running sore on the flesh of Christ’.
Someone is considered to be in slavery if they are:




forced to work - through mental or physical threat;
owned or controlled by an ‘employer’, usually through mental or
physical abuse or the threat of abuse;
dehumanised, treated as a commodity or bought and sold as
‘property’;
physically constrained, or with restrictions placed on his/her freedom
of movement.
Modern slavery takes various forms and affects people of all ages, gender
and races.
 It may be linked to poverty and indebtedness – causing people to act
out of desperation in order to support themselves and their families.
 It is also linked to conflict, as many are forced by the violence of war
to leave everything behind and seek refuge elsewhere. In the process
they are taken advantage of by
unscrupulous people. Women and
children are also ‘enslaved’ by the
violence of war: abducted and
traded as ‘spoils’ of war, raped, or
trained to become child soldiers.
 It reminds us that some people are
enslaved in work that they consider
to be unethical or immoral, such as
the arms trade – with little or no
alternative.
We will not be holding a special collection in the parish next weekend,
but if you do wish to give directly to Pax Christi, please ask Pastor
Gareth for one of the envelopes available.
More info available on the Peace Sunday page of their website
www.paxchristi.org.uk.
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News from St Bernadette’s School
Happy New Year and welcome back to all of our families at St
Bernadette’s.
Year 5 Poetry: This week year 5 are looking at different styles
of poetry. We have looked at nonsense, concrete, shape and
Haiku poems focusing on comparing similes, metaphors and
personification. The pupils researched their favourite animal,
then planned their poems before writing them. They looked at
how their animal would behave and what they would do during
the day. Using personification in their poems, the children were
able to make their animals act and talk like humans.
Giraffes
Giraffes, giraffes, as tall as trees,
They much enjoy eating leaves,
Way up high in the sky,
Way down low they’re very slow.
Giraffes, giraffes, giggling to each other,
Each night and day they pray and pray,
For a safe, calm and comforting day,
Avoiding any harsh and unfortunate ways.
Platypus
All platypus lying in the day light,
Waiting patiently until the moon light,
Searching up and down the hill,
Stuffing beetles down its bill.
All platypus chatting to each other,
Secretly staying away from any bother,
They waddle and waddle down the river,
Flapping violently with their gentle flippers
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Year 2 News: This term Y2 got off to a very busy start. In RE,
our topic for the next few weeks is based upon books. During
this term, we will be learning about the Old and the New
Testaments in the Bible – God’s Special Book, and we will also be
learning about the importance of the Gospel Readings in Mass.
All of this work will be celebrated on our class assembly on
Wednesday 21st January. All parents of Y2 children have been
invited to the assembly and our learning will be shared with the
rest of the school.
A New Year’s Celebration Mass: On Tuesday 13th January we
will be having our New Year’s Celebration Mass for the whole
school. All are welcome.
PARISH MEMBERSHIP NUMBER: 1985
Prayer Room open:
Sat 8-5; Sun 12-5.30; Mon 8-7; Tues 8-7.30; Weds 8-7; Thurs 8-7; Fri 8-7
DYDDIADUR / DIARY DATES
13 January
Mass in St Bernadette’s School 9.15 a.m
15 January
Parish Speaker Night 7.45 p.m Small Hall
16 January
Call to Question 7.30 p.m Small Hall
22 January
Parish Vision Night 7.30 p.m
25 January
Christian Unity Week Service 3 p.m
29 January
Preparation for International Mass 7.45 p.m
1 February
International Mass 11 a.m
2 July 2015
Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation
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News from St Philip Evans School
Our Choir will sing with the African Children’s Choir at St David's Hall on
Wednesday 14th January at 7.30pm
A Concert not to be missed in 2015!
Our Choir will be performing as part of a combined Junior
Schools’ Choir with the African Children’s Choir, next
Wednesday 14th January at 7.30pm in St David’s Hall. A
limited amount of tickets are still available from the St
David’s Hall Box Office, but they are going quickly. Over 1500 tickets have already
been sold to support this amazing event.
Contact the Box Office on 02920 872444 Tickets: from £9 for Adults/Under 12s:
£5.00
There is going to be lots of media coverage including our School Choir being
filmed by the BBC on Tuesday morning at the dress rehearsal at Albany Baptist
Church. Roy Noble will be broadcasting a live interview with ACC music next
Sunday 9-30 to 10.00am. Tune into BBC Wales. Both ITV and BBC News desks and
Made In Cardiff TV are going to feature the Choir and the concert on their
channel for a topical programme about cultural events around Cardiff. We will let
you know when it will be shown as soon as the news is released!
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So What Is The African Children’s Choir Concert All About?
The children of The African Children's Choir melt the hearts of audiences with
their charming smiles and delightful African tunes, accompanied by ethnic
instrumentation. The programme features well loved children's songs, hand
clapping, traditional spirituals and contemporary tunes. Over the past 19 years,
the children have appeared in thousands of concerts around the world and world
leaders and top entertainers have heard their voices.
Composed of children aged 6-12, many of whom have lost both parents through
war, famine or disease, the choir brings inspiration to listeners; the children are
radiant with hope, musically gifted and wonderfully entertaining. They represent
all the children of a continent and they demonstrate the potential of African
children to become strong leaders for a better future in their land. Not only will
you experience an inspiring evening of music by attending the African Children’s
Choir’s concert, you’ll also help continue this amazing work.
They performed the official Diamond Jubilee song Sing composed by Andrew
Lloyd Webber and Gary Barlow to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Helping Africa's most vulnerable children today...so they can help Africa
tomorrow. This concert is part of a tour to raise awareness of the needs of
destitute and orphaned children in Africa and to raise funds for the continued
development of the African Children's Choir Programme.
The concert is sponsored by Music for Life, an interdenominational, non-profit
humanitarian charity based in the USA, Canada and the UK.
It is currently supporting 7,000 homeless and disadvantaged children in Africa
and also provides emergency assistance to orphans in Rwanda, the South Sudan,
Albania, Romania and Bosnia.
Here is our School Choir performing the official Diamond Jubilee song
Sing composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gary Barlow at the John Lewis
Store in Cardiff on
December 18th 2014.
The School Choir are
currently preparing
to sing The African
National
Anthem
along with a variety
of other songs ready
for the concert! Well
done everyone for all
your hard work and
perseverance.
You
are sounding very
professional!
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