Christian Art are delighted to launch a national Catholic schools Art Competition in the lead-up to Adoremus this October, organised by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Young people are invited to reflect creatively on themes such as the Blessed Sacrament, the presence of Jesus, and the beauty of our cathedrals. Entries will be judged by a professional panel of art experts, with categories for ages 6–8, 9–12, 13–15, and 16–18 . A winner will be selected in each category, along with one overall winner. Archbishop Richard Moth will host a reception for all the runners-up and winners on Thursday 1 October at 2pm at Archbishop’s House. Entries to be submitted by simply sending a photo of the artwork to artcompetition@christian.art Deadline for entries: 15 September 2026 For any queries, please email info@christian.art

Every year churches around the world celebrate Sea Sunday. It is a day for people to come together to pray for seafarers and fishers, and thank them for the vital role they play in all of our lives. But seafarers often work in difficult and dangerous conditions. Conflicts around the world are increasing risks to their safety, especially for crews travelling through regions such as the Strait of Hormuz. Many also face abandonment by employers, long separations from family, stress, and poor mental health. Since a typical contract for those who call the ocean their workplace lasts several months, often with limited internet access, while working in shifts around the clock. Isolation, exhaustion, anxiety, and uncertainty can weigh heavily on those who work far from home and community. This is why the work of Stella Maris is so important. Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) is the maritime charity of the Catholic Church. Through chaplains and ship visitors, Stella Maris offers pastoral, practical and spiritual support, friendship, and a listening ear to seafarers and fishers in ports of the UK and around the world. A simple visit can remind someone that they are not forgotten. A conversation, a prayer, or help contacting family can become a source of hope in difficult times. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate in church, by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate, or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5. This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work, so please give generously. There is a 2nd Collection for Stella Maris this weekend

O God, who show the light of your truth to those who go astray, so that they may return to the right path, give all who for the faith they profess are accounted Christians the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ and to strive after all that does it honor. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.

You can help our neighbours affected by the 24 June earthquakes in Venezuela with emergency shelter, water and food. CAFOD is already working with local Church partners to support people who have lost their homes, but we need your support to help more survivors. Your donation will provide essential supplies and help families rebuild their lives. Donate today: cafod.org.uk/ Venezuela or call 0300 999 0030 or scan the QR code. Please keep our neighbours in Venezuela in your prayers.

Eucharistic Miracles of Buenos Aires, Argentina (Part 1 of 3) In the parish of St Mary, there has been 3 Eucharistic Miracles that occurred in 1992, 1994 and 1996. After the Mass on Friday 1 May 1992, while preparing the Eucharistic reserve, a Eucharistic minister found some pieces of consecrated Host on the corporal. Following what the Church prescribes to do, the Priest put them in a vessel of water, which was then placed in the Tabernacle to wait for them to dissolve. Several Priests went to check it in the following days, but nothing had changed. 7 days later, on 8 May, they opened the Tabernacle and saw that the Host fragments had become a reddish colour that looked like blood. During the two evening Masses on 10 May, several small drops of blood were noticed on the patens with which the Priests distributed Communion. On 24 July 1994, during the children’s Sunday Mass, while the Eucharistic minister took the pix from the Tabernacle, he saw a drop of blood running along its side. On 15 August 1996, a consecrated Host which fell to the ground during the distribution of Communion in Mass, had to be placed again in a vessel of water so it would dissolve. But days later, on the 26th, a Eucharistic minister opened the Tabernacle and saw the Host had transformed into Blood. An Australian lawyer, Ron Tesoriero, who was central to the scientific investigation on the 1996 miracle, gave the account: “…On 21 October 1999, we presented a sample for DNA testing to Forensic Analytical Genetics laboratory in San Francisco. On 1 May 2000, they reported to me that whilst there was the presence of human DNA, no human genetic code could be obtained. This was unusual. Different scientists had different opinions. Who was right? I proceeded to study forensic pathology and cell biology. For more than one year I researched hundreds of histology images and eventually found one that resembled the Buenos Aires case. (Reference: www.miracolieucaristici.org)

By Fr Benny Dennis Travelling to Uganda with our college students for the outreach programme was a grace-filled experience. As a teacher, I was drawn to the classrooms and the eagerness of the children to learn. As a priest, I found myself reflecting on the quiet ways God is present in people's daily lives. We spent much of our time in schools, and what struck me most was not the lack of resources but the abundance of joy. The children welcomed us with smiles that seemed untouched by the hardships they faced. They celebrated life with a simplicity that challenged many of the assumptions I carry from a more comfortable world. One encounter remains particularly vivid in my mind. A young girl came to school carrying her toddler sibling because her parents had gone to work and there was nobody else to care for the child. She sat in class with responsibilities far beyond her years, yet there was a determination in her eyes whenever she engaged with her lessons. In that moment, I was reminded that the desire for education is often strongest among those who have the least access to it. Throughout the visit, I met people who worked tirelessly to provide for their families. Resources were limited, yet I heard little complaint. Instead, I witnessed resilience, generosity, and a strong sense of community. The experience was a humbling reminder of how easily we overlook the blessings that surround us. It deepened my gratitude to God and renewed my appreciation for the dignity and strength that exist within every human person. As I reflect on our time there, my prayer is simple: that these children may continue to find joy amidst their challenges, that education may open doors of opportunity before them, and that the bonds of faith, fellowship, and mutual care that I witnessed among them may continue to flourish. They taught me far more than I could ever have hoped to teach them.

O God, who in the abasement of your Son have raised up a fallen world, fill your faithful with holy joy, for on those you have rescued from slavery to sin you bestow eternal gladness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday 5th July 2026 3pm Starting from the Lighthouse, Roath Park Lake Colette Jones is our key walker and will walk 11 thousand steps for the 11 million unborn children who have lost their lives under the UK 1967 Abortion Act. Further info or to take part please phone Paul and Diane on 02920 405942

There is a Second Collection this weekend 27/28 June Donating to Peter’s Pence is a concrete gesture of communion with the Holy Father and of solidarity with his mission to bring the Gospel throughout the world. As every year, every offering – large or small – will support the Holy Father in his ministry and in his charitable activities in response to emergencies and needs around the world. Visit: www.obolodisanpietro.va or scan the QR code Join the Pope in His mission of Peace, Hope & Love