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Latest Soup Run Rota
Thank you to Philip McWilliams for coordinating the St Augustine's Soup Run admin (amongst many other things!)
This latest rota covering April 2021 through to April 2022 still takes into consideration the changes that have been implemented to keep everyone safe under the COVID restrictions.
CLICK HERE to see the new rota - it will stay at the left hand side bar of the website at all times should you wish to find it again easily in the future. (If you require a printed copy please contact the parish office and we will get one ready for you to collect.)

Please pray for the fantastic people who get involved over the city and over the country to help those on the fringes.
Please pray for those who are living on the streets and those in crisis in our society.


Please pray this prayer from Plymouth Diocese for India's recovery from the pandemic. 
"Almighty God, we pray for the people of India as they continue to face the horrors of the pandemic and its effects. Bring comfort to the dying and those who accompany them. Grant eternal rest to those who have died and strengthen those who grieve. We stand in solidarity with those of the parishes and communities of our diocese who are separated from family and loved ones and who are anxious and fearful. Inspire the world to reach out in friendship and peace to bring help and support and open our hearts in compassion. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen."

+ An update from the Desaster Emergency Commission: (DEC)
We’re deeply concerned about the tragic situation in India and our thoughts are with all those affected as well as their friends and families.
Our Coronavirus Appeal is funding work in seven of the world’s most fragile places where healthcare is minimal and millions of lives are also at stake (more info: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/coronavirus-appeal)
However, we encourage anyone wanting to help people in India to donate via the Indian Red Cross - https://www.indianredcross.org


Thank you Martin Le Poidevin for sharing your music with us.


Thank you Deacon Vincent for your reflections for 4th Sunday of Easter – Year B
1st Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 4: 8-12.
Like Jesus, Peter is brought before the authorities, and like Jesus, and before him, Elizabeth upon the arrival of the pregnant Mary, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit, and will not back down one jot. He quotes psalm 117 (118), just as Jesus had done, “the stone which the builders rejected, has become the corner stone.” Notice also, the insistence upon the name of Jesus, which is repeated many times in the Acts. Peter and indeed the other Apostles display astonishing confidence, despite their lack of education, and the fact that they were known to Jesus, really counts as a further proof of their central claim that Jesus was indeed raised from the dead. The authorities will attempt to silence them but to no avail.
We also need to realise that Jesus is indeed raised from the dead and is our constant companion in life so we also can be confident in that belief and not be afraid to own Jesus as our Lord.
Psalm 117 (118)
We continue the theme of the Corner stone being Jesus; and God is glorified in his temple.
2nd Reading from 1st letter of St. John 3: 1-2.
John seems to see-saw in this reading between the Father and Jesus and sometimes it is difficult to distinguish exactly whom he is addressing, but here, it would appear that he is saying to us; to always be thankful to the Father for allowing us to be introduced to Him through Jesus. Not to expect suddenly for everything to go well for us, because the way they have behaved to the Father and recently his only Son, will also be directed towards us. But always be thankful because we have become God’s special children through Baptism and what we are to be in the future has yet to be revealed to us, when we shall see Him Face to face. What a prospect to look forward to, we know that he will forgive all our failings, as long as, we acknowledge our failings to him; so we have nothing to fear when we meet him at last. Alleluia.
Holy Gospel according to John 10: 11-18.
Here John has Jesus using the opening phrase “I AM”, and this takes us back to Genesis when Moses asks God’s Name and God answers, “I AM, WHO I AM.” All the Judeans would have immediately recognised this as a claim to be God Himself. It also aligns Jesus with the Father in being the Good Shepherd. The Father was recognised as the Shepherd of his people Israel. Jesus is saying that unlike the hired men, (the religious leaders), Jesus is the genuinely, Good Shepherd. His sheep know him, and he knows them, they know and listen for his voice. In the Middle East, shepherds lead their sheep to pasture every day and shelter and protect them at night in little enclosures. The sheep know the voice of their own shepherd, and they trust him because when a wolf approaches, they know he will protect them, even with his life, because his sheep belong to him; they are his wealth.
This is the picture he paints for us, we are his possession, he has purchased us, and he will protect us from the “Wolf “, (the evil one). Jesus is telling us that he and the Father are one, and we are their sheep and they have purchased us through the blood of Christ. Jesus will not let us be taken away by the Wolf. We are safe in his enclosure (the Church).
It is an image to make us gaze in wonder. Let us always be “Thankful to God” for allowing us to be saved. Our song should always be ALLELUIA!!
God Bless you ALL & Keep Safe.
Deacon Vincent



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A message to you all from Fr Frank...
Dear Friends in Christ & all people of goodwill.
Since March 2020 we have been living in the most unusual times. The pandemic has caused havoc all over the world with so many people ill and dying.
~ Eternal rest to all who have died ~
Parish life has not been normal but we must be positive about the future. Many people have started to return to Mass, indeed, numbers are increasing as we move towards the future, despite government restrictions. Church are safe places and I wish to thank all the volunteers for helping out. What the future now holds, we don’t know.
Since Christ instituted Holy Mass on the night before he died for all of us, there has always been a great respect for the sacrament of His Body & Blood. It is not just coming to Mass that counts, rather it is celebrating our redemption in Christ. We live in a very secular society but that should not diminish our attitude to the living Lord. We have only one life on this earth, we determine our life in the next world by how we live in the present world. God willing we will all one day reach the fullness of heaven.
God is full of mercy, we are being asked to be a people of mercy. The scripture readings at Mass portray God as a God of mercy and not as a God of judgement.
As we continue our journey in faith into the future, just think about the Greatness of God.
God bless everybody.
Fr Frank.

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Greta Thunberg, David Attenborough, Bella Harding!
There are many people who are working very hard to help us all realise what needs to change in order to save our beautiful planet.
Bella invites you to join our Parish Live Simply group, on zoom for the moment, in this very exciting year for the Care of Creation.
"It is really helpful to have a group where we can discuss ideas and join together in hope rather than feeling despondent or anxious and helpless.
There is a lot going on nationally and internationally too, which is very exciting. There is a lot of campaigning for young people and I would love to put any young people in touch with this if you are interested.
The dates are as follows: (Fridays from 5-6pm)
30th April
28th May
25th June
30th July
27th August
24th Sept
29th Oct
If you would like to join us please email me at isabellahf@hotmail.com and I will give you the link.
Hopefully before too long we might be able to meet in the flesh.
Looking forward to 'seeing' you,
Bella."

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Gospel of the Day (St John 6:22-29)
[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, His disciples saw Him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with His disciples in the boat, but only His disciples had left.
Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks.
When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
And when they found Him across the sea they said to Him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered them and said, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for Me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.
"Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him the Father, God, has set His seal."
So they said to Him, "What can we do to accomplish the works of God?"
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in the one He sent."

Thank you Martin Le Poidevin for sharing your musical talents with us.



GrassRoots: Suicide Awareness
An important message from our Parish Project charity, GrassRoots, in order to help those who are feeling suicidal.
"Suicide is not inevitable"
Please ask for help.
Please talk if you are worried about someone.











Prince Philip RIP
An official online Book of Condolence is still open for people to leave a message, a selection of which will be shown to members of the Royal Family and all messages will be kept on the records for prosperity. This link will take you to the Royal Website
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.
Amen.




The Sanctuary of Lourdes
We have heard from the Rector of the sanctuary that due to the unfortunate new lockdown in France, they are still not able to accept pilgrimages. So, until visitors from outside the local area are allowed, the chaplains will be offering Masses and Rosaries throughout the day which can be viewed either on their website https://www.lourdes-france.org/en/tv-lourdes/
or on their You Tube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/LourdesWebTV
or on your smart TV You Tube app.

The rector is inviting all our intentions and petitions which again can be requested through their website https://www.lourdes-france.org/en/ . "This is a difficult time for all of us, but please pray for the local people of Lourdes, along with the Chaplains and those who serve at the shrine." The Rector assures us of his prayers.

Thank you Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for 3rd Sunday of Easter – Year B
1st Reading from the Acts 3: 11-15, 17-19.

This is Peter’s second speech, and we can see how he is growing in confidence, and he is transformed from the man we meet in the Gospels. This is how the Spirit works. Luke, actually, gives him the awkwardness of speech to let us know that it is the same Peter. Peter is talking about how the Spirit has worked through the scriptures from Moses, through the prophets to the present, when the prophecy of how the Messiah would suffer.
The Resurrection is the guarantee, if we are repentant, of the forgiveness of all our sins, and indeed the sins of the whole world. But Peter is insisting on a complete turning around of our lives, to live according to the commandments, and to realise that the people were responsible for the death of Jesus, and how the Apostles role is as the witnesses to the Resurrection.
This speech is also for us today. We have the opportunity to turn our lives around and serve the Lord as true witnesses to his life within us through the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 4: 2. 4. 7, 9.
This is a night prayer of confidence in the goodness of God and how he always hears our cries for help. We can sleep in peace knowing he is always near and ready to listen to us.
2nd Reading from St. John’s first letter 2: 1-5.
John combines the desire for us never to sin, but the realisation that, in fact, we do. He describes Jesus as the “Paraclete”, “The Advocate”, which in the fourth Gospel is the Holy Spirit. John also insists on the humanity of Jesus, and on his death, and how this is the expiation sacrifice, that takes our sins away. The true test of a follower of Christ is, do they keep the commandments and are they a people of truth.
It is a real challenge for all of us, and we all rely upon the mercy of Jesus to save us.
The Holy Gospel according to Luke 24: 35-48.
This passage has two themes, that Jesus is different, as he can suddenly appear in their midst, and they are not too sure about him, secondly, he has a body with the marks of the crucifixion, and he can eat. Luke is telling us that the Resurrection is not just a feeling that Jesus is still with us, it is much, much more than that.
He is sending us out into the whole world to preach the Good News, starting at Jerusalem. That is important for us Gentiles. We need to comprehend that the Judaic people are not our enemies but the source of where the message begins. We should always be thankful for their preservation of Holy Scripture, which gives us the true scope of God’s merciful plane for those of us who acknowledge Jesus as “Lord”. Alleluia.
God Bless you all and keep safe.
Deacon Vincent.

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HRH Prince Philip RIP

Sharing a lovely poem by Fr Mark Skelton from the Diocese of Plymouth.
~~~
A poem from Fr Mark Skelton in tribute to HRH The Prince Philip.
Prince Philip. RIP.
The head that did not wear the crown,
But sought to lighten its demand.
The one who, when her heart was full,
Could bring a smile, would hold her hand.
His role to stand behind the throne,
To help the girl, the queen, his wife.
But now he stands before the King
Who'll welcome him to fullest life
~~~
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.
Amen.


A Message from South Gloucestershire Council
We recognise that many people will want to express their sadness at the passing of HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh in their own way. The council’s book of condolence can be found at http://orlo.uk/SouthGlosCondolence_BU7NC
In lieu of placing flowers, Buckingham Palace has asked that people consider donating to one of the charities with which Prince Philip was associated. We do understand the enormous financial pressures that the current situation is placing on some people and nobody should feel obliged to donate
If you do wish to place flowers, the Council will make a place available in both Page Park in Staple Hill and in Kingswood Park.
Alternatively, in recognition of his distinguished military service and long association with the forces, you may wish to place flowers at your local war memorial, in a safe way.
We will leave any flowers left safely in place for a period before relocating them to an appropriate, public location.


Dare to Dream

The
Clifton Diocese "Dare to Dream" programme continues, looking at 'embracing uncertainty', reflecting the experiences of the disciples...

You can see the whole programme on the Diocese website. CLICK HERE for the latest videos and resources
Or you can read the update here CLICK FOR THE PRINTED VERSION


Diocesan Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage
~ a message from Clifton Diocese ~
"Friday 16th April is the Feast Day of St Bernadette Soubirous, so as part of our own ongoing virtual pilgrimage Monseigneur Liam Slattery will be celebrating a livestream Mass at 7:00 pm, please join us through the Clifton Diocese website at www.cliftondiocese.com"


Thank you to Deacon Vincent for your reflections for 2nd Sunday of Easter Year B

~ Divine Mercy Sunday
1st Reading Acts of the Apostles 4: 32-35
Luke gives us a brief summary of the way the early church interpreted their calling, it is a charming image of the way everything was held in common, but it is a very idealistic image, we know that some abused this generosity. It is quite significant that the oldest church became known as the poor ones, as eventually, their wealth ran out; but they continued to share whatever little they had with those less fortunate. There is a lesson to be cherished by those of us today, who struggle to find our way or role in life. It might be that we just need to be aware of the needs of our fellow travellers on the Way, that Jesus prepared for us.
Psalm 117
It is a great invitation to praise God, and we encounter the stone which the builders rejected phrase, one we come across as we read the Gospels. It s a psalm that reminds us that God is for all of us, Jew and gentile.
2nd Reading from 1st letter of St. John 5: 1-6.
What kind of letter is this? Some scholars believe it is a commentary on St. John’s Gospel. It emphasises the humanity of Jesus, just in case reading John’s Gospel we underplay that humanity of Jesus. But it is important to keep an open mind on what this letter is trying to open for us. Remember that “we saw and we are testifying he appeared to us, despite his closeness with God himself.” Let us rejoice and be glad in this wonderful period of the Resurrection. Alleluia!!
The Holy Gospel according to John 20: 19-31.
We need to comprehend that the disciples were afraid, did not believe in the resurrection, and needed this jolt of encountering the Risen Jesus to affirm their belief and enable them to proclaim to us, what God is offering us through Jesus Christ. We encounter the Holy Spirit, as the very breath of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ life breathing and living within us. The mission is to forgive sins, not condemn, and retain those sins which people do not want forgiven. Our mission is to enable those who desire to live with God’s Son to be set free from guilt and sin and become a new life, alive with the life of Jesus himself, within us. We are told why the Gospel is written for us and the object is that we come to belief that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this we may have life through his name.
We rely upon his Divine Mercy for our Salvation. Alleluia, Alleluia!!
God Bless you All,
Alleluia, Alleluia!!
Deacon Vincent


Global Healing
"Tiny actions, done by millions, create change. Our actions start and are fuelled by our love of God’s creation. We need dramatic changes by 2030 to avert a climate crisis." Please take some time to look through the outcomes of the Global Healing meetings, giving us all a toolkit with some reflections, prayers and positive actions we can all take to make a difference to our struggling world.
CLICK HERE to bring up the interactive report - with links to films, useful websites, music etc to help.
Thank you to Bella Harding for keeping us so well informed.


Resound Food Bank
Here is the latest list if anyone wishes to support our local foodbank and a reminded of where/when to donate items.
Thank you



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"Dare to Dream"
Eastertide resources from Clifton Diocese for us all to share.
See the 1st update here or go to the Clifton Diocese website to view the whole program with videos etc....

 





Cardinal Vincent Nichol's homily from Easter Sunday can be heard on the Diocese of Westminster website.
CLICK HERE to go to the page








Pop Francis' latest tweet


Prayers for Indonesia &East Timor.

Please pray for all those around the world, especially right now in Indonesia and East Timor, who are suffering and dying as a result of flooding or extreme weather.



Happy Easter

 Spring... Hope... Easter!

Sending the love and joy of the risen Christ to you all this Easter.