St Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church, Canton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 51°28′58.83″N 3°11′47.26″W / 51.4830083°N 3.1964611°W | |
| Location | Canton, Cardiff, Wales |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | Church Website |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Consecrated | 30 October 1907 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Architect(s) | Frederick Walters |
| Style | Romanesque |
| Completed | 1907 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Cardiff |
| Diocese | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cardiff |
| Province | Province of Cardiff |
St Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church (which is Llanfair Yr Angylion in Welsh) is a church in Canton, Cardiff, Wales. It is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cardiff. The church first opened its doors on November 3, 1907. The current main priest is Rev. Canon David Hayman.
Contents
Church History
Building the Church
The church was designed by a famous architect named Frederick Walters. It was built by a company called W. T. Morgan. The very first stone of the church was placed on January 20, 1907, by Bishop Hedley. Later that year, on October 30, the altar (the special table in the church) was blessed. The church then officially opened on December 3. A tall tower was added to the church in 1916.
The church is built with strong, rough sandstone and smooth Bath stone. It looks like churches from the late 1100s in France, a style called Romanesque.
Changes Over Time
In January 1941, during a bombing raid from the sky, some parts of the church were damaged. The sacristies (rooms where priests prepare) and St Ann's Chapel were destroyed. They were rebuilt about 10 years later.
In 1952, the church closed for a short time. Workers cleaned and repainted it. They also put in new lights and sound systems. The church was painted again in 1962.
In 1975, the church became a "listed building." This means it is a special building that needs to be protected because of its history and design.
For many years, a group of monks called the Benedictine community looked after the church. But in 1991, the Archdiocese of Cardiff took over its care.
Recent Leaders
On October 11, 2022, the priest at the time, Canon Peter Collins, was chosen for a new important role. He became the new Bishop of East Anglia. He was officially made a bishop on December 14, 2022, in Norwich.
In January 2023, Archbishop Mark O'Toole chose Rev. Canon David Hayman to be the new main priest for St Mary of the Angels. Canon Hayman was already a leader in the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
The inside of the church was changed and updated in the year 2000. The church also now keeps the old records from another nearby church, Sacred Heart, in Leckwith.
Schools Connected to the Church
St Mary of the Angels Church has strong links with local schools.
- It is connected to St Mary's R C Primary School in Canton.
- It also supports Mary Immaculate High School in Wenvoe.
- For older students (ages 16 to 18), the church helps support St David's Catholic College in Penylan. This college provides Catholic higher education.
In the News
The children of famous singer Charlotte Church and rugby player Gavin Henson were baptized at St Mary of the Angels church.
- Their daughter, Ruby Henson, was baptized on June 28, 2008.
- Their son, Dexter Lloyd Henson, was christened in August 2009.
Charlotte Church even mentioned the church's priest, Father Delaney, in one of her songs, Confessional Song.
Church Groups
The church has many groups for people to join:
- Altar Servers Guild of St. Stephen: Helps during church services.
- St Mary's Music Group: Plays music for the church.
- Choir: Sings during services.
- Ministers of the Word: Helps read from the Bible.
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Helps give out communion.
- Parish Council: Helps make decisions for the church community.
- Parish Advisory Council: Gives advice to the church leaders.
- Children's Liturgy: Special activities for children during services.
- Offertory group: Helps with collecting offerings.
- Saint Vincent de Paul Society: Helps people in need.
- Prayer Group: Meets to pray together.
