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As members of this faith community, we will support and pray for them as they prepare to celebrate this sacrament. We ask God’s blessing on them all and pray that their time of preparation for Confirmation may be filled with grace.
Amen
If you weren't able to make it, please grab a cuppa and take just 10 minutes out of your day to watch this informative video which shows the steps we can take should we ever have to try and help someone in cardiac arrest - we help to form "The Chain of Survival".
It shows us exactly how a defibrillator like ours works - an amazing piece of equipment which talks you through the whole process.
Thanks to all involved and again, to everyone who donated towards this vital piece of equipment.
Whether you are 2 or 102, you are welcome to come along to join together for the story of Good Friday and then enjoy a cuppa and hot cross bun in the hall afterwards.
This week's news
As always, it will be 'A simple quiz for simple people'!
Photo by Simone Secci on Unsplash
This week's news
“Let us pray with one heart and one soul – Lord come to our aid, grant us peace, teach us peace, guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts and give us the courage to say: Never again war.’ Lord Hear Us.
May the weapons be stopped: they will never lead to peace, and may the conflict not widen! Enough! Enough, brothers! In Gaza, let the wounded be rescued immediately, let civilians be protected, let far more humanitarian aid be allowed to reach that stricken population. May the hostages be freed, including the elderly and children. Every human being, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people or religion, every human being is sacred, is precious in the eyes of God and has the right to live in peace. Let us not lose hope: let us pray and work tirelessly so that the sense of humanity may prevail over hardness of heart.”
Amen.
Get Friday 15th March in your diary and tell your friends to join you to enjoy an evening together with pampering, shopping and wine & cheese!
Fabiola will be selling tickets after both Masses this weekend or contact the office and we will put you in touch.
Just £10 gets you entry to the night in the school with 2 free drinks and a cheese platter buffet! As well as that, the profits go towards the school. It's a win:win situation!
Why would you go to the Mother's Day night?...
..."because you're worth it"!
Thanks Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for Fourth Sunday in Lent Year B
1st Reading from the second book of Chronicles 36: 14-16, 19-23.
The two books of Chronicles were just one volume in Hebrew. They belong in some way with Ezra and Nehemia, though scholars are divided about whether they all come from the same author. They trace the history of the People of God down to about fourth century BC. It is a bit of a puzzle as the Greek translator called it “Paralipomena” or “things left out”, which makes one think that the translator wondered why it had been written at all considering the areas were already covered in Samuel and Kings. Jerome called it a “Chronicle of all sacred history”, hence its’ current title. The Hebrew title is “The words of the days2, which translates to “Annals”, however, scholars are waking up to the fact that it is a very interesting composition. This section is dealing with the reason for the disaster of the Babylonian ransacking of the sanctuary of the Lord and the destruction of Jerusalem followed by the deportation of the people into Exile. The lesson for us is that God tied to warn the people that their misbehaviour would have consequences, but they ignored them, so that in the end, God could not stop their terrible and traumatic disaster. God is always trying to save us from our folly, we need to read the times and listen for God and his messengers, but not just listen as to heed God’s warnings and adjust our behaviour and attitude.
Psalm 136: 1-6.
This song continues the theme of the first reading as we witness the heart break of the Exiles, as they mourn the loss of their homeland. Any exile can equate with these sentiments it is a very evocative song.
2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 2: 4-10.
We are invited to be astonished at the generosity of God, and to feel the impact on our lives. We need to concentrate upon the main precepts of Pauline belief. One) God raised Jesus from the dead; Two) The Resurrection has a clear impact on the lives of Christians: Three) This is not because Christians have deserved this privilege, but because of God’s loving generosity. It is wonderful to consider ourselves as his great works of art. God is the potter, we are the clay.
The Holy Gospel according to John 3: 14-21.
This is the first example of what is called “Johannine irony”, This happens when Jesus is talking to someone who completely fails to understand him, while the reader understands perfectly well. This reveals the two stages on which this Gospel operates. If you belong “up there”, you understand Jesus, if you belong “down there”, you do not. Hence Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night, signifying that he is “down there”. Hence, he only listens to the words, and is unable to comprehend the deeper meaning that Jesus is driving at. It is worth remembering that Nicodemus is a member of those whom Jesus did not trust himself to, as we read in last weeks extract, of this Gospel. For those of us who are post resurrection Christians it is obvious that Jesus, when talking of how he must be lifted up as Moses lifted the serpent in the desert, he was of course referring to his crucifixion. But have we pondered the real meaning of Moses lifting the serpent, it was to cure those who had been attacked and bitten by a serpent and save their lives. Jesus having been lifted up for us, is to be our life saver and bring us to full life in the Spirit. We need to ask ourselves if that is what is happening in our lives at the present. During this coming week of Lent it might be worth us examining our response to Jesus great sacrifice, and trying to make really more effective.
God bless our endeavours to straighten out our lives.
Deacon Vincent.
*I fully acknowledge the assist given me by Nicholas King’s Study Bible in this and all my reflections. For his insight into the books and writings of the Holy Bible. He has been my inspiration and insight into the wonders of Holy Scripture.
Our goal is to build a sense of belonging and commitment to Downend, an understanding of its character, residents, businesses and visitors, and to enhance social cohesion between people of all ages and backgrounds through enjoyable and inclusive activities."
See their website for all the information
https://www.downendchap.org/
The Annual Assembly will take place on 18th April, 7.30pm at Badminton Road Methodist Church
All our welcome to join the meeting.
https://www.dbhparishcouncil.uk/your-council/meetings/annual-assembly/annual-assembly/annual-assembly-2
This week's News
As well as the local groups, we will be hosting a main group get together *this Saturday (2nd March)* from 10am until 12noon - all invited to come to the parish hall for a chance to join he conversation that is taking place in the home groups.
All are welcome.
Congratulations to all the new candidates as they joined together with their family and friends
We are starting a new formation course in Stroud on a Wednesday evening called 'Invited'. These formation sessions are for parishioners who are interested in learning more about their faith and passing it onto others. I would be grateful if you could promote this in your newsletter/noticeboard/website. The details are:
Invited - God offers us a radical invitation but what does it mean to say yes? What does it mean to be a Catholic? What do we believe and how do we grow deeper in our Faith? This twelve-week course will enable us to explore a variety of questions relating to Catholic Teaching. Who is Invited? This is a course for anyone who is interested in learning more about their faith and passing it onto others, so very useful for new and experienced catechists. The course will take place at The Immaculate Conception, Stroud. The Wednesday evening dates are: 17 April, 24 April; 1 May, 15 May, 22 May; 5 June, 12 June, 19 June, 26 June; 3 July, 10 July, 17 July.
For the full outline of the course please see here: cliftondiocese.com/news/invited-a-formation-course-in-stroud/. To express your interest please complete the booking form on the diocesan website and send to catechists@cliftondiocese.com or post to the Department of Adult Education & Evangelisation, Alexander House, 160 Pennywell Road, Bristol, BS5 0TX.
Cost of Full Course £50 or £6 per session (bacs details are on the booking form). Although it is not necessary to attend every session (they are stand-alone) we hope that the group will grow together as a community. The sessions will be 7pm to 9pm including time for refreshments.
Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for Third Sunday in Lent Year B
1st Reading from the book of Exodus 20: 1-17.
The ten commandments or “ten words” (Decalogue) are sometimes explained as “a manifesto for a free society”. Don’t get hitched up on their apparent negativity. God is offering us a route map for a loving relationship, we can either attempt to live it out for God’s sake or ignore it and slip into a free for all society where anything goes, which usually signals a selfish view of life pleasing to ourselves and not necessarily pleasing to others. The first three concern how we recognise our God and treat God with the respect deserved by the God who rescued the Israelites from a life of servitude in Egypt. God gave them back their national identity. The other seven concern how we should live as a people who attempt to be Holy as God is Holy. This will enable God to prepare a people to receive His only Son, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the World, and enable the new creation to continue to live in harmony, and at one with God. In our respect and gratitude to God we attempt to develop a sweetness of spirit towards God and each other. When the seven are ignored in part or in all; disharmony, terrors and wars ensue. Far from being restrictive, when we try to observe these guidelines; happiness and harmony become the fruits.
Psalm 18: 8-11.
A song in glory of the Law (Ten Commandments), singing joyously of the great gift God has given us and its’ fruits. “The command of the Lord is a bright light”, which is a wonderful description of the fruits of God’s Law.
2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 1: 22-25.
In this selection from Paul’s letter, we are entering at a point where Paul is emphasising that the message he brings is about Christ Crucified, which is anathema to the Jews who can’t comprehend God’s plan in such an act, and absolute madness for Greeks. However, Paul insists with great confidence almost breathtaking audacity that “for those called; Jesus Christ is God’s power and wisdom, for God’s stupidity is wiser than human beings, and God’s weakness is stronger than human beings.” Jesus Christ is irresistible in Paul’s experience, because he is God’s Word. The Spirit of Christ captivated Paul and sent him to the Gentile world to convert firstly his Jewish brethren and then offer the Gentiles God’s reconciliation through the Crucified Jesus Christ. By Jesus’ sacrifice we are purchased for God and into God’s Law.
The Holy Gospel according to John 2: 13-25.
May God open our minds to grow ever closer to Jesus and the Father through the Holy Spirit.
Deacon Vincent
This week's news
Janet said "I'm honoured to be invited to attend this Sunday Mass and very proud to be part of the service and witness to the blessing. Our parish council were happy to offer help for the purchase of this AED and the lifesaving asset it will be for our community."
We have also had a 'bleed kit' fitted by Heartsafe during the week so we are able to offer 24/7 access to that emergency medical kit as well to help within our area if ever needed. We are very grateful to them for this free equipment.
Thanks to the team who worked hard to make this happen and to all within our parish community who fundraised and donated to reach our goal, especially Downend and Bromley Heath Parish Council.
Please come along to an awareness session in our parish hall on Sunday 17th March at 10.45am where we will share a training video on how to help in the event of a cardiac arrest and showing in detail how the AED works.
We are so sad to hear of the death of Mike Procter at the weekend. As you'll remember, our parish supported the Gloucestershire cricketer's South African children's charity as one of our parish projects just last year and it was wonderful that Mike was able to visited us and joined in with our Summer event. (see picture)
His Foundation sent the sad news to the charity's supporters and announced online saying that he died in hospital near his home in Durban after relatively routine surgery but suffered a heart attack afterwards. His family were able to join his bedside before he died. Foundation trustees were together only two weeks ago with new sports coaches at a new school
"It was Mike's wish that the Foundation supports this vision after he is gone. The Trustees are committed to making this happen and to do Mike proud."
Please pray for Mike's family, friends, Foundation colleagues and all who are supported by his charitable works.
May He Rest In Peace.
https://mikeprocterfoundationuk.org/
We are planning an appeal for later in the year, but we encourage you to visit their website to see for yourself the work they do to help around the world, and especially at this time, in the Holy Land.
Reflections for Second Sunday in Lent Year B from Deacon Vincent
1st Reading from the book of
Genesis 22: 1-2, 9-13, 15-18.
We have this famous story of the Patriarch Abraham;
being tested in the most terrible way by God. God requests Abraham’s only son
as a sacrifice. Abraham trusts the Lord so much he does not hesitate to follow
the Lord’s instructions. On the third day Abraham spots the place designated
for the sacrifice. He sets the altar, lights the fire and draws his knife to
strike Isaac, but the Lord sends an Angel to stop him striking the boy. Abraham
finds a ram caught by its’ horns in a bush and sacrifices the ram in place of
the boy. One can view it as an early example of how God draws his people away
from human sacrifice or as many Christians saw a parallel between how God saved
Abraham from a sacrifice that God himself would make with Christ, who was God’s
only Son. God, having tested Abraham, shows Abraham’s descendants exactly how
much he loved us, by making that sacrifice to bring us into God’s kingdom. God
has proven exactly what lengths He will go to, to save his creation, in Christ
Jesus our Lord. We begin to visualise the full magnitude of sin, when we view
the sacrifice required, to negate it.
Psalm 115: 10, 15-19.
A selection from a song of “thanksgiving”, which we can imagine Abraham singing on his return journey from the harrowing test he had undergone. It is a song we might call to mind after any stressful experience.
2nd Reading from the letter of St. paul to the Romans 8: 31-34.
We have a very small selection from one of Paul’s
longest letters, but it is such a joyous message for us it is worth shouting
from the rooftops. “If God is on our side, who is against us?” What a wonderful
thought to ponder during our Lenten reflections. “Christ Jesus is the one who
died …. Was raised…He is the one who is at God’s right hand. He is the one who
intercedes for us.” Who can help but be buoyed up by the poetical certainty of
Paul’s optimism.
The Holy Gospel according to Mark 9: 2-10.
Jesus takes his most trusted disciples, Peter James
and John up to a high mountain privately, on their own. This is a very private
revelation for them. Suddenly Jesus is “transfigured” and we glimpse the truth
about him. His glory is revealed, but more than this, Moses and Elijah appear
and are in conversation with Jesus. We are looking at the Law and the Prophets
accepting Jesus, at least, as their equal. Peter is overcome and wants this to
go on, so he offers to build three tents for them so they can stay a while. But
now we witness the descent of the cloud, and the voice of God is heard. “This
is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him.” The disciples are terrified, but when
they look up there is only Jesus with them. They receive their instruction to
say nothing till Jesus be raised from the dead. They obey the instruction but
talk amongst themselves what “Rising from the dead could mean.” This vision can
only be understood in the light of Jesus’ death and resurrection. These three
disciples will be very important in the post resurrection story. This vision
will help them through the traumatic events of “Good Friday”. It is good from
time to time to reflect upon Jesus’ glory. He is the light that draws us like
moths to the candle. We need to be dazzled by him and then allow his words to
sink deep into our souls. Jesus is our guide so let us get as close to him as
possible this Lent, lest we lose sight of him in the business of our lives.
May God keep us close to Jesus this Lent.
Deacon Vincent
*I fully acknowledge the assist given me by
Nicholas King’s Study Bible in this and all my reflections. For his insight
into the books and writings of the Holy Bible. He has been my inspiration and
insight into the wonders of Holy Scripture. *