CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2016 WITHIN OUR PARISHES IN COMMUNION


Family Christmas Vigil Masses on Saturday 24th December:
4pm at Our Lady of Lourdes,   6pm at St Paul's   or  6pm at St Augustine's

Carols (approx half an hour) followed by Midnight Mass
9pm at St Augustine's,  11.30pm at St Paul's   or   11.30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes

Mass of Christmas Day
9am at St Lawrence,   9am at Our Lady of Lourdes
10.30am at St Augustine's  or 11am at St Paul's

BISHOP DECLAN’S PARISH VISITATION


During his Homily at the Masses, Bishop Declan gave us great encouragement and wants us to be positive about the future. At the open meeting after Mass, with about 40 people present, lots of people made comments after he asked us all to consider 2 questions: What do we find challenging about being a Catholic? & What are we most proud of within our Parishes in Communion? As your Parish Priest I was very pleased that all the comments were positive and uplifting about Parish life. The Bishop said to me over lunch that he was very upbeat after his visits to Our Lady of Lourdes and here. I ask you to continue to pray for the Bishop’s personal intentions as he continues his apostolic ministry within the Diocese. 
May God Bless you all. Fr Frank.

Celebrating 60 Years of Scouting and Guiding

After 60 years of service to Catholic Scouts & Guides in our Diocese, Bishop Moth (Scout Liaison Bishop) will say a closing Mass for us, here, at 4pm on Saturday 22nd October. 

Please spread the word to anyone who has ever had an association with our Units.

There will be refreshments afterwards in the Parish Hall to help us celebrate this amazing achievement.
Thank you, Dave Lane ~ Manager of Clifton Guild

Fr Matt... "On yer bike!"

Fr Matt Anscombe is riding across Britain from Lands End to John o'Groats from 10-18th September 2016 to raise funds, awareness and prayers for our seminarians in training.

Click here to see all about his fundraising efforts

We are handing out leaflets all about the incredible journey this weekend with details of how you can help with daily prayers and donations.
Good luck Fr Matt!

St Augustine's OLYMPIC CARNIVAL!!!

This year's Community Summer Event is on Saturday 2nd July from 1-4pm on the School field where we will be bringing a touch of the Rio fun and excitement to Downend!

We will be starting the event with a torch relay for all those who turn up in fancy dress, having an Olym-PIGS race, listening to our school kid's brass band play
and then holding our own 'Mini Olympics' throughout the day with winners announced at our closing ceremony!
We will have our usual, popular bar, BBQ, Tea rooms, Tombola, fun, music and games
but watch out for a few surprises!!!
Everyone is welcome to come along for what looks to be a fantastic community event to raise money for our Church, our School and our uniformed Units.
********
If you can help on the day, if you can donate a new prize (or a box of chocs, bottle of drink) for the Tombola or if you can make cakes for us to sell in the tea room then please contact the Parish Office.
Many thanks!


Sponsored Walk for ABCD

On Saturday 30th April, James Belt, Liz James (and Benji dog,) Maureen Merrifield, Janet Stephens, Mike Stephens and Julia Lee walked 14 miles from St Augustine's Church to Bath Abbey in aid of our International Parish Project ABCD.
Deacon Peter and Deacon Michael gave us a blessing and several warm hearted parishioners waved us off from St Augustine's Church at 11am. Thank you so much to all parishioners for all your support. 
We arrived at Bath Abbey during late afternoon.
Our estimated Total raised between the six of  us is well over £1,000!
God bless you all.
Maureen Merrifield



Recycling across Continents!

The children of St Augustine's Catholic Primary School in Downend have been wearing their brand new school uniform with pride since September but the question was asked... what do we do with the old blue uniform?
Well, as luck would have it, at that same time Downend resident, Martyn Poole was planning to buy sweatshirts to take to Haven Home, an orphanage in India that he, his family and friends visit once a year and have supported through St Augustine's Parish and School for over 10 years.
Haven Home had a school built and named after St Augustine's back in 2010 following a massive fundraising year and many local groups, communities and individuals have supported Haven Home through Martyn ever since. Martyn said "The children are receiving an education in a safe, clean environment meaning that although they well never be rich it will keep them out of poverty and improve their lives no end. The children were so delighted and proud of their new uniform which will help them while they experience cold mornings and evening in Winter. Although it is very warm for us visitors at this time of year, the children are shivering, waiting for the sun to rise to warm them up." 
The school, PTFA and parents of St Augustine's in Downend collected over 100 of the old blue items meaning every child had a jumpers or cardigan to wear. Plus, the people of Downend have donated more money this winter so that the girls can have matching leggings to complete the winter uniform.
Mr Moore, Deputy Head of St Augustine's School said "We are delighted to have this opportunity to help our sister school once again and for our children to learn directly about giving and sharing, especially as it is in keeping with our school values of Service, Responsibility and Respect."
As you can see, the children were more than happy to pose for pictures for us all to see. Don't they look smart!





Fun Quiz Night

After the Christmas and New Year fun has finished, Mike Ryan and the gang are back with another Quiz night!

This night will be in aid of the rebuilding fund for our sister church, Our Lady of Lourdes, following their recent issues with the heating system flooding, so all proceeds will go to that account.

So, get a team of up to 6 together, come and buy a ticket at just £2.50 per person, bring your own drinks and nibbles and see you on Sunday 7th February - 7.30pm start. There will be music, games and a raffle into the bargain!

See you there!