Latest News

A message from Chris Brennan of the Clifton Refugee Sponsorship Scheme.

The Clifton Refugee Sponsorship Scheme is run by parishioners of Clifton Roman Catholic Cathedral (UK), and comes under the Clifton Diocese and its Bishop Declan Lang.

"I am writing as Executive Chair of the Clifton Refugee Sponsorship Scheme (CRSS), to seek your help in finding rented accommodation for a Syrian family comprising parents and two secondary school age boys.

The family came to Bristol on 9th October 2019 under the sponsorship of CRSS and are currently living in Westbury on Trym. Their present home, a two-bedroom first-floor flat, is proving to be inadequate as the boys grow up, and they now require a larger home with immediate effect but no later than 17th November 2021 when their current tenancy expires.

Ideally, the family would like a 3 bedroom ground floor flat (or house) with access to a small garden within commuting distance of Bristol Free School, BS10 6NJ, but any property outside this area would be considered even if it means a change of school.

I'd be very grateful if you would advertise this requirement in your Parish Newsletters bearing in mind that the family are in receipt of Universal Credit which includes a monthly local housing allowance currently capped at £824.99 for 2 bedrooms rising to £950 for 3 bedrooms when the oldest boy reaches the age of 16 in March 2022.

If any of your parishioners can be of help then please ask them to contact me directly.

Many thanks

Christopher Brennan

Executive Chair CRSS

chrismarybrennan@gmail.com"

For more information about the scheme, go to their website.

https://www.cliftonrefugeesponsorship.co.uk/

Please remember the team, and especially the families they help, in your prayers.

Latest News

Mass for LGBTQ+ Catholics.

Please see the details of St Nicholas' monthly Masses for members of the Catholic LGBTQ+ community, family, friends, and allies.

All are welcome.

Please help spread the word.

We post the Newsletter and bulletin sheets onto the website each week under the 'Newsletter' section - the tabs for this are along the top of the website screen.

This way you can find out the Mass times, in case of changes, as well as any news and updates from the parish and Diocese.

We post lots of information here each week under 'latest news' - scroll down to see what has been happening recently

For now, please continue to book a place at Mass using our eventbright link. No need to print tickets. 

Thank you all so much.

Don't forget that our Diocese' website is constantly updated with news and events within our area and beyond.

You can also subscribe to their newsletters so you won't miss anything that's important to Clifton Diocese and the wider Church.

CLICK HERE to go to the website

Latest News

A message from Canon Frank:

"Dear friends in Christ - greetings to all people of goodwill!

First of all, I wish to thank all the people for the lovely messages I received recently on the celebration of my 40 years as a priest.

The 40 years have been a joy for me, as I continue to serve God’s people as best I can.

During my early days in training, I was first told I wasn’t suitable. Deep down I never accepted the decision as there was no communication between the students and the staff about how we were doing and so I couldn’t get out of my mind the possibility of a priestly vocation – it never left me. Because of that I went to several interviews and sought advice and feedback until I eventually returned to seminary life to continue my training.

Looking back over my 40 years, I feel totally fulfilled, which proves I made the right decision in persevering!

The reason I am so happy in my vocation is that I love people!

Now that we appear to be approaching a more normal way of living I invite people to think again about the Day of the Lord and how we can make it Holy.

We live in a very different type of society and we must admit that much of the world and its peoples may have lost the sanctity of the Lord’s day – Sunday.

Celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord in Holy Mass on a Sunday/Saturday evening ought to be a priority in our lives. Our Lord instituted Holy Mass as the perfect means of our salvation. St John Paul II even talked about it being difficult to call oneself a Catholic if we are not participating in Holy Mass on the day of the Lord. This is because every Sunday is a celebration of Easter. And recently at a council of Priests meeting, Bishop Declan spoke of wanting us all to return to the great community of Prayer on the Lord’s Day.

Obviously, with the pandemic, it is not possible for as many people to participate in Mass at the weekend each week as would want to, but we also have masses during the weekdays which fulfill the obligations.

You are ALL very welcome at St Augustine’s, and indeed at any church, however long you may have been away.

This church is open to everyone and I invite you to return to us.

We have only 1 life to live on this earth. Please keep in mind what the Lord has done for each one of us and, in that spirit, consider that thanking the Lord at Holy Mass ought to be a priority for all Christians.

May God bless you all.

Canon Frank."

Latest News

We send our Love and Congratulations to Canon Frank

- 40 years a Priest on Sunday 20th June 2021.

A wonderful achievement.

He was given massive applause at both Masses this weekend and has had many cards, gifts, Mass cards, and well wishes - from as far away as Australia!

His lovely family in Ireland even organised a beautifully framed message from his beloved Liverpool FC!

Although we couldn't arrange a proper party and celebration for the whole Parish, as we are still staying safe under the restrictions, the 'staff' of the Parishes in Communion had an outdoor buffet lunch in his honour (in the drizzle!) so that the event didn't go unmarked.

We have organised Masses in thanksgiving for his Priestly ministry on the following dates;

Tuesday 20th July

Friday 23rd July

Saturday 24th July &

Sunday 25th July

-giving as many people a chance to attend as possible over that week - please book a place using the eventbright link if you wish to attend.

God bless you Fr Frank!

St Joseph's Home

How wonderful to see the residents of St Joseph's Home in Cotham having fun, celebrating the Queen's birthday last week.

We have always had a close relationship with the Little Sisters of the Poor and thank them for the caring and loving work they do for our elders.

Please remember them and all the residents in your prayers. 

Thank you Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

1st Reading from the book of Job 38: 1, 8-11.

Job is one of the most striking books of the Old Testament. It is part of the Wisdom literature, and poses the eternal question, “How does a good God allow suffering?”. The main body of the work is poetry of a very high calibre. This selection is just after one of Job’s friends has castigated him for not repenting of his sins, which have caused his misfortunes, and then God will make everything right. Job refuses to admit to any sins that he has not committed, he continues to maintain his innocence and indeed has castigated God for treating him so harshly. This is part of the opening reply from God to Job. God is clearly setting out his stall as the almighty creator, and there is this beautiful statement “Come thus far, I said, and no farther: here your proud waves shall break.” What beautiful imagery for God setting the bounds of the sea at creation. This perennial problem of sickness and disease is a constant companion for us humans, and it especially true for us today amid this pandemic. Whether the book of Job answers the question? For some who read it there is clarity for others it poses still further questions. It would be good to read and ponder Job during this week, it is very enlightening.

Psalm 106: 23-26, 28-31.

The psalm sings of how God saves the distressed. It is an attempt by the psalmist to answer the questions posed by the book of Job; and is full of hope for those who are suffering or in doubt. We can be sure that God’s love endures for ever.

2nd Reading from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 5: 14-17.

Paul’s passion for Christ is tangible in this passage. Paul is trying to direct their admiration towards God in his goodness and be reconciled with him, not Paul. Paul is speaking of the deepest reality of all, God’s Resurrection victory over death., and that deepest reality is not just for Jesus, but is available to all of us, such is the generosity of God, but God will not force us, so Paul is saying to us “Be reconciled to God, and astonished at his generosity, in sending Christ for us.

The Holy Gospel according to Mark 4: 35-41.

We have this remarkable story presented by Mark of the disciples taking Jesus across the Sea of Galilee, and a storm arises, and the disciples accuse Jesus of being indifferent to their fate. Jesus in response rebukes the wind and sea and calm is restored again. Fear comes upon the disciples which is a clear indication that we are in the presence of God. Then Jesus rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith, stressing for the first time the importance of faith to them. The disciples’ response is to ask themselves “Who is this person then?” Mark does not answer the question and instead invites the reader to respond. Who is this then? Mark is taking us also on a journey of discovery with the disciples. Let us enter into the spirit of exploration with Mark, becoming one of those disciples following Jesus throughout his Ministry, and see where it takes us.

God Bless you all, and stay safe. Deacon Vincent

BSpoke16

We have the luxury of a local shopping trail in our area on the weekend of 16-18th July!

Please look up the details on their website (CLICK HERE) and keep an eye out for a map of who and where and what!

It will be an opportunity to walk around and see what talented artists and makers are in our community!

Please support our local independent business owners if you can after such a difficult year for so many traders.

And pray for good weather!

Latest News

CLEAN AIR DAY 2021

What can we find out about making our air cleaner on this #CleanAirDay2021?

Do we let our cars idle for too long?

Do we make short car journeys when we could have walked or cycled?

Maybe spend a moment looking into this today and help spread the word about what we can all do to help ourselves, our communities and our planet to 'breath better'.

Clean Air Day - the UK's largest clean air campaign

PETERS’ PENCE

We will be making a special ("2nd") collection at all Masses for a week, starting on Sat 26th June, where there will be a 2nd basket as you arrive at church.

Below you will see details of the charity, its history and a link to the Vatican site for even more information.

Thank you for the ongoing generosity of our wonderful community to all our regular and annual collections, most of which have been cancelled for a second year due to the pandemic.

If you would prefer to donate online then you can use this link to go straight to the charity website: https://www.obolodisanpietro.va/it.html

The Peters Pence Collection unites us in solidarity to the Holy See and its works of charity to those in need. Your generosity allows the Pope to respond to our suffering brothers and sisters with promptness, love, and compassion, so God’s people will not feel alone in their time of misfortune.

The Collection derives its name from an ancient custom. In the ninth-century, King Alfred the Great collected money – “pence” or pennies – from landowners as financial support for the Pope. Today, the Peter’s Pence Collection supports the Pope’s philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the means to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression, and disease.

Go to the Vatican website:

www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/obolo_spietro/documents/actual_en.html

Pope Francis' Prayer for protection from Coronavirus.

Please continue to pray for all Governments across the world, that they will make the best decisions for their people.

Pray for the countries who are struggling with taking control of the virus and with vaccinating their citizens against COVD.

Pope Francis' Prayer for protection from Coronavirus.

O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign

of salvation and hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.

At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain,

with steadfast faith.

You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.

We are certain that you will provide, so that,

as you did at Cana of Galilee,

joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love,

to conform ourselves to the Father’s will

and to do what Jesus tells us:

He who took our sufferings upon Himself,

and bore our sorrows to bring us,

through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection.

Amen.

We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.

Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test

– and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Amen

Brazilian Church calls day of prayer as Covid-19 victims approach half million - Vatican News

The EU Settlement Scheme deadline is 30 June 2021.

If you aren't yet aware of the scheme and if this applies to you, please start the process asap!

Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status): Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Latest News

Prayers for peace in Myanmar.

The Catholic Bishops of Myanmar have written to the people of the country as violence escalates with reports of attacks on at least three churches. “We plead with all to kindly allow the humanitarian corridor to reach out to the starving masses wherever they are,” say the bishops. “These are our citizens and they have basic right to food and safety.”

They also call for places of worship, schools and hospitals to be respected as places of sanctuary.

Our own Bishop Declan Lang, who is the Chair of the International Affairs department of the Bishops’ Conference here in England and Wales, has echoed this call:

“We are united with Myanmar’s Bishops in their prayer for peace and defence of human dignity, confronted with this worsening violence. The Church’s appeal for humanitarian corridors, respect for the right to sanctuary, and protection for places of worship must be supported by the whole international community. All of Myanmar’s people remain in our prayers.”

Click to see the full article here

Thank you Martin for sharing your musical talents with us all, for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost.

Thank you Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

1st Reading from the Prophet Ezekiel 17: 22-24.

Ezekial is relaying God’s message about King David’s royal descendants. He is telling the people that the tall tree is about to be brought low, but that God will keep his promise to David, by planting a new tree on the heights (A more pure and Holy Descendant), this cutting represents Jesus, who will be of the line of David, but he really will be shelter for his people and attract new birds (Gentiles) under his branches. It is God’s message of hope to the people who are perplexed and anxious about the future. Ezekiel is sent to re-build the people’s adherence to God and relay to them that God has not abandoned them. He is still with them, and they will eventually be restored to Jerusalem. We should reflect just how God is in control of events and works things to his advantage, and at the same time ours as well, so we must always be a people of Hope.

Psalm 91: 2-3, 13-16.

A song of thankfulness for God’s faithfulness, and we see the use of a tree to illustrate how God cares for his people (the tree). “The just will flourish like the palm-tree and grow tall and strong as a Lebanon cedar.” A song full of hope for all of us, who greatly hope and trust in God, at the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as we follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

2nd Reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 5: 6-10.

For Paul, resurrection is central to the Gospel. We need to look beyond the present and physical life; seeking a good examination in front of the Tribunal of Jesus, by doing good and leading an exemplary life, always mindful that God is constantly working for our resurrection to right judgement. God is not at work to condemn, otherwise he would not have sent Jesus. He is constantly teaching us how to live the Gospel life, as shown to us by Jesus, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Gospel according to Mark 4: 26-34.

Mark continues to give us a flavour of Jesus’ teaching, using everyday experiences for an agrarian people to illustrate a spiritual message. He is trying to get people to think their way to enlightenment. For his disciples he will help and guide them, but for the people outside his inner circle they will have to tease out what he is driving at. The kingdom of God is his assembly, the church. It will plant seeds of messages in the hearts of people but nobody knows who will germinate and bear fruit and who will wither by the wayside. The mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, and so the early church will look minuscule and meaningless, but eventually, birds (gentiles) will shelter in its branches, this is a direct link to Ezekiel’s little parable, that we read in the first reading. We need to remember that in our baptism we are admitted to Jesus’ inner circle; and have at our disposal all the tools needed to be a loyal and fruitful member of the kingdom of God.

Today the church is again looking small and meaningless in this world, but it is being pruned to sprout new life and new energy into the main trunk. Always remember God has charge of everything, we need to stay loyal and trust him.

God Bless you all, and stay safe.

Deacon Vincent

Latest News

CONGRATULATIONS to Canon Frank who will have been ordained a Priest for 40 years on Sunday 20^th June.

We pray, with thanks to God, for the gift of the Priesthood and for the work and care our own, dear Fr Frank has given to his people, wherever that may have been in the world.

We will celebrate all together as a parish when it is safe to do so, later in the year.

May God continue to bless you Canon Frank!

Monthly Mass

St. Nicholas of Tolentino RC Church, Bristol invites us all to their monthly celebration of the Eucharist for the LGBTQ+ community, family, friends, and allies - to which all are most welcome.

Please help spread the news of this event, as we try to reach out to LGBTQ+ Catholics, many of whom feel estranged from the Church.

Latest News

Thank you to Martin Le Poidevin for sharing his musical talents with us for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost.

A message from CAFOD

"Thanks to your support, CAFOD has been helping communities around the world cope with the pandemic. Just in Zambia, in the past year, our reports show we’ve been able to

*reach 1,234,200 people with messages on COVID-19,

*provide 13,312 people with access to safe water,

*train 392 frontline health workers from Zambia’s 11 dioceses on how to prepare and respond to COVID-19 in their local communities

*and donate over 1000 handwashing hygiene stations in communities to support handwashing measures.

Thank you for standing alongside people in Zambia and for supporting people in more than 30 other countries worldwide.

With many thanks and best wishes,

Liz Baldwin

Community Participation Co-ordinator – CAFOD"

If you wish to make a donation go to: https://cafod.org.uk/Give

Latest News

A Message from Jenefer Morgan, Chair of Governors for St Augustine's School.

"We are looking for new Governors to join our Governing Body for St Augustine's Primary School. We have a variety of roles that we are looking for assistance with, including:

 - Marketing

 - Curriculum (so ideally someone with a teaching background)

 - Finance

Would any of our parishioners at St Augustine's Church be interested? I'm very happy to speak to you, to share what the role entails. I would be very grateful if you would get in touch with the parish office and we can set up a time to chat virtually (or in person).

It is a wonderful way to invest in our parish school. 

Jenefer - Chair of Governors and Parishioner"

CAFOD - G7 - What can we do...?

"The G7 summit will see heads of government of seven of the world’s richest countries - including President Joe Biden - travel to Cornwall and discuss how the world can rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has a crucial role to play, with the UK holding the presidency of the G7. We want to send a message to him and the other G7 leaders that people of faith in the UK and around the world expect them to put in place plans for a global and green recovery from the crisis which leaves no one behind.

The pandemic means we can’t all travel to Cornwall to send this message to the leaders at the summit. But that doesn’t stop us coming together online in an act of witness.

So, instead of travelling to Cornwall, we can join together on our laptops, tablets or phones on Thursday 10 June at 7pm at an event streamed live from Truro Cathedral.

We’ll reflect on the impact of the pandemic, how we rebuild and send a digital message to the presidents and prime ministers ahead of the start of their meeting the next day."

CLICK HERE to go to the CAFOD page

CONFIRMATION - Thursday 9th June 2022

We now have a date for the Sacrament of Confirmation to be celebrated by Bishop Declan, for our Parishes in Communion, at St Augustine’s.

Dates/times for preparation classes have not yet been finalised but we would like all candidates to now fill in the registration form.

**For all candidates~secondary school age & above~email the parish office for a form (bristol.staugustine@cliftondiocese.com)

or pick one up from the parish office. (If completing a paper copy, please include an email address we can use for all communications.)

Many thanks. Fr Jim and Fr Frank.

Thank you to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for Feast of Corpus Christi Year B

1st Reading Exodus 24: 3-8

Moses reads the commands and ordinances of the Covenant and upon the peoples’ agreement he seals the covenant with the blood of bullocks, which is sprinkled over the altar, erected on twelve stones for the twelve tribes of Israel, and sprinkled over the people. The Covenant is sealed with the blood of the most important animal to the people, for bullocks were working animals, they pulled carts, ploughs, as well as providing food. These were very expensive animals, thus emphasising the importance of the act in agreeing to the Covenant with God. It showed the gravity of that agreement they had just entered with God. We shall see how Jesus, reflects Moses action when he seals the new and eternal covenant in the Gospel reading from Mark a little later.

Psalm 115: 13-13, 15-18.

This psalm sets the dramatic scene of the Last Supper, where Jesus takes the cup of salvation and offers his own life as the death of God’s faithful servant. It is a wonderful hymn of praise of God our Father.

2nd Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews 9: 11-15.

This letter is emphasising that Jesus is the, long awaited, Messiah; the real thing. The letter goes on to explain how Jesus’ covenant is much better than the previous covenant in that it contains the forgiveness of sins within it; and will be sealed with the precious Body and Blood of Jesus himself the Faithful Son of God, God’s only Son. Jesus, himself, will be the mediator in this new covenant. It is helpful for us to remember that the word covenant can also mean a “will” or a “testament”, hence the talk about death, surrounding the sealing of this new Covenant with God our Father.

The Holy Gospel according to Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26.

Jesus, himself has arranged the venue for the Last Supper, the greatest feast in the Judaic calendar, as the disciples had forgotten in all the previous happenings. The mood, instead of being joyous is sombre, with a betrayal of one at table, a most heinous crime against the law of hospitality, then Jesus taking Bread and Wine to be his exterior signs of the true meaning of His New and eternal Covenant, his own Body and Blood, which will be offered for the forgiveness of sins, but unlike Moses Jesus obtains assent of the new Covenant by agreeing to take the Bread (His Body) and the Chalice of Wine ( His Blood), instead of sprinkling us. We, who take the Bread and Wine are in fact, standing with those disciples at the Last Supper, outside of time, united to Christ and each other by receiving his Body and Blood as the food of our lives in this New and Eternal New Covenant for the forgiveness of our sins, and our renewed commitment to live by his commandments, contained by his life as shown to us in the Holy Gospels, which we read and ponder week on week throughout our lives. This is the most solemn moment in the History of the World. Jesus, the only son of God, offering himself for us, that we might grow like him and truly become his brothers and sisters in the Holy Spirit of God Himself.

God Bless you all - and stay safe.

Deacon Vincent.

Photo from 2020 Corpus Christi

Job Vacancies in the Diocese

We have been asked to advertise the two opportunities below. They might especially suit a recent graduate.

"Clifton Diocese Department of Adult Education and Evangelisation

Two exciting new opportunities to work for the Diocese of Clifton within the Department for Adult Education and Evangelisation.

Adult Formation and Evangelisation Officer

• Are you passionate about your faith and have a desire to share it with others?

• Would you like to support our parishes in their mission to be communities of evangelisation and mission?

• Do you have an interest in developing resources and working with a variety of different groups to deliver effective and dynamic sacramental preparation alongside accompanying parishes in their outreach to those seeking faith or simply curious?

The successful applicant will need to be committed to the mission of the Church, a confident communicator, be able to promote the Gospel and support parishes to grow in their capacity to be places of mission and outreach.

Caritas and Environmental Officer

• Are you passionate about our planet and how we care for it?

• Do you care about the poor and the vulnerable in our local communities?

• Would you like to be able to develop co-ordinated plans for action, working with parishes and schools in a Catholic setting?

With two key aspects to this role, the successful applicant will need to have the confidence to ensure that both the Cry of the Poor and the Cry of the Earth are fully integrated into the life of our parishes and schools.

For further information/informal discussion about the roles please contact Sarah Adams, the Director of Adult Education & Evangelisation on 0117 902 5595.

The job description, personal specification and application form are available from www.cliftondiocese.com/diocese/working-for-us/

Closing date for receipt of applications: 25 June 2021."