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What can we do about Climate Change?
   Join us on Saturday, 23 October, 11am at Clifton Cathedral for the Clifton Climate Liturgy. Bishop Declan is inviting us all as the community of Clifton Diocese to join him in celebrating God's creation. Each one of us has talents to bring to the care of our common home, whether beginning our journey or if we have been working for climate justice for some time. Come and meet others to find out what you can do and to share ideas and experiences, share in the challenge to do something about Climate Change, and bring families and friends - all are welcome!





We are approaching Prisons Week 2021.
A week of campaign and prayer to seek an end to the human suffering caused by crime and imprisonment – for all those affected.
Some of our parishioners support Fr Frank in offering Mass to the inmates of Ashfield Prison in Pucklechurch.
During prisons week there is a zoom meeting (on 12 October 2021 5-6pm) where Arundel and Brighton, Clifton and Plymouth Dioceses invite you all to explore the challenges facing prisoners and their families and how we can get involved in our parishes.
Also, visit Prisons Week social media or https://www.prisonsweek.org/ for more information.

"New to Prisons Week?
WHY? Prisons Week wants to see an end to the human suffering caused by crime and imprisonment – for all those affected. We believe that faith moves mountains, and that prayer moves God. We also believe that when we pray with faith God often moves us to be the answer to those prayers.

HOW? And so we gather together churches and organisations from across the Christian community to issue a call to prayer for change where change is needed.

WHAT? And we do this through a week-long campaign each October with print and digital resources, social channels, events and media appearances.

WHO WE ARE: Prisons Week is organised and run by 25 organisations that come together twice each year as a Board of Reference, and the smaller Working Groups who meet monthly to deliver the annual call-to-prayer campaigns.

WHERE WE FIT: Prisons Week sits alongside the Church to provide information, expertise, resources and encouragement for this particular area of ministry that individual churches are unlikely to have ‘in house’. We also provide a sense of community for those with a passion for this ministry – a place where they can feel part of a bigger ‘whole’."




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Charity Wingwalk
Our intrepid (or possibly slightly crazy!) parishioner, Debbie Kearney, will be taking to the skies, strapped to the top wing of a 1940s biplane, on Sat 2 Oct to raise funds to support
Jessie May Children's Hospice at Home.
Please head to www.justgiving.com/Debbie-Kearney4 to read more and consider sponsoring her for this flying feat if you are able to.
If you would prefer to make an offline donation, please contact debbie.kearney@talktalk.net.
Prayers are also very welcome - for the staff and children at Jessie May - and also for Debbie!
Many thanks, Deb, for being such a legend, for such a great cause.
You can find out more about the charity at their website: https://jessiemay.org.uk/

A Creationtide Update from Bella:
"This is the last week of the Season of Creation ending with the Feast of St Francis when we are hoping to see the launch of the Laudato Si Action Platform which will engage all parts of the Catholic community in action, to foster climate justice.

There are now less than 40 days to the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, less than the length of Lent. There is also a virtual Biodiversity Conference called COP15 in October.
Laudato Si linked the issues of creation care and social justice, and in many ways, the global south is suffering the worst now from the climate crisis.
Cafod's Harvest Fast Day occurs this Friday, 1st October, and many people all over the world fast and pray for climate justice on 1st of the month. We can make small fasts, we can pray for all those suffering now, and for the leaders who need to make the radical changes that the world needs, and we can give donations to Cafod's work for climate justice.
Visit CAFOD's website to donate: https://cafod.org.uk/

Thank you to Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
1st Reading from the Book of Numbers 11: 25-29.
“Numbers” is the name given to the fourth book of the Bible in Greek, most probably because it contains two census listings in chapters 1-4, and 26. The Hebrew name is “In the Desert”, but the Greek title should serve as a pointer into the mystery of this rich book. It contains many different types of literature and seems to have drawn material from many sources. It is a compilation used to draw various events into some semblance of order for teaching. This, particular passage in Numbers, reveals the unpredictable nature of God’s Spirit. It would appear, that the Spirit is able to wander off outside its’ intended limits, with good effect, I might add. We will see the echo of this event in the Gospel passage, that we have for today’s reading.

Psalm 18: 8, 10, 12-14.
God is revealed in the Law. The Decrees of the Lord, is like a bright light it opens up our minds to higher things, lifting us above earthly life and passions. The Decrees of the Lord, set us free to explore heavenly things, and brings joy to the heart. It is an encouragement for us to study scripture more assiduously to gladden our hearts.

2nd Reading from the Letter of St. James 5: 1-6.
It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that some of James’ community were more concerned with creating wealth than putting Christ’s teachings into practice. It is a common thought today that we quite often think more about planning expensive holidays and great schemes of home improvement whilst ignoring the plight of the poor. James is trying to illustrate that Christ’s teaching is to transcend all aspects of our lives there are to be no exceptions. Not paying just wages will be punished, because when we exploit or ignore the plight of the poor, then we are doing this to Christ himself. We need to examine ourselves and our actions in the light of our Baptism into the family of Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

The Holy Gospel according to Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48.
Jesus is very aware of the incident, involving Moses and how the gift of the Holy Spirit was not limited to its’ original destination, there is an unpredictability about the Holy Spirit. He almost replicates Moses’ response to Joshua in our first reading, when he rebukes John for having tried to stop the person, not a member of their group, from casting out devils in the name of Jesus. The key thing to concentrate upon is belonging to the kingdom of God. Many of us have witnessed, in our own lifetime, how the Holy Spirit took the 2nd Vatican Council in a direction that was unforeseen by most people in the Church. We, also, still witness the misguided response by some, who want to turn the clock back. It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit doing what God wants, not necessarily what we, with our limited vision, desire. We need to listen to what the Spirit is teaching us and where he is leading us.
God bless you all. Deacon Vincent.

Latest News

Missio ~ RED MISSION BOXES: 

If you have a donation box at home it will have been some time since we have been able to collect them back in, so we are sure they some might be pretty heavy with loose change! 
You can now bring yours back to church for collection - to the parish office or bring it with you if attended Mass and leave with the stewards on arrival/leave by the collection basket. 
Many thanks for your involvement and help for this charity.
As World Mission Sunday approaches, please visit the MISSIO website for information on the work the charity does around the world.


The Daughters of Divine Love Congregation.

"Wherever there is need, there we go." SISTER MARY PAUL.

On the weekend of 2/3rd October we will be holding an appeal collection for the Daughters of Divine Love Congregation.
From feeding the hungry, educating the needy, visiting the lonely, they are committed to the corporal & spiritual works of mercy around the world.
Please bring any change that you can spare that weekend if attending Mass or you can go online to make a donation that way.
God bless you all.
Fr Frank

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A message from the Department for School and Colleges for an Administrator
Following the retirement of our current administrator the department is looking to recruit a suitable replacement.
The post would be suitable for someone looking to work during term time only and between the hours of 9.30 - 2.30 Monday- Friday.
Details of the specific role and person specification can be found on: https://schools.cliftondiocese.com/vacancies
or on the main diocesan website.
The extended Closing Date is Tuesday, 28th September at 12 noon.

Clifton Diocese: Catechist Day
"On Saturday 25 September we are looking to draw together catechists from around our diocese, offering an opportunity for conversation and formation, focusing on family catechesis.
David Wells & Ingrid La Trobe will help us to reflect on the role of parents in catechesis and give catechists the confidence to enable them to be the first teachers of their children’s faith.
The day will take place at St. John the Baptist parish centre, Trowbridge, and will start at 11am and finish around 4pm. Refreshments will be provided from 10.30am, we ask for catechists to bring a packed lunch. Numbers will be limited for the day so please register through this email: adult.education@cliftondiocese.com.
Details can be found on the diocesan website https://cliftondiocese.com/news/parents-as-the-first-teachers-of-the-faith/

Thank you Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
1st Reading from the Book of Wisdom 2: 12, 17-20.
The first Christians who read this must instantly have thought it was composed with Jesus in mind. The wisdom literature was written specifically with the Greek-speaking Jews in mind. They were surrounded by the great philosophical traditions of Stoicism and Platonism. This could have been overpowering for them, so it designed to illustrate that the Jewish religious traditions, which were much older, were as good, if not better than, these wonderful modern Greek philosophical traditions. It is worth noting that we also can feel that our philosophy is out-dated and no longer has a place in modern society. Think again, read these magnificent Wisdom Books, and absorb what they hold for us. We are attacked because we do not agree with where this society is going, so we are attacked and society tries to make out that we are in the wrong and try to ridicule us. Maybe, just maybe this literature can enlighten our minds and hearts to see that what happened to Christ, is our destiny also, maybe not physical torture, but mental torture. Look to God’s eternal Wisdom and follow Jesus “Good News”, the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand, believe the Gospel.

Psalm 53: 3-6, 8.
God is my helper, and he upholds my life. Jesus might well have been reciting quietly this song to himself whilst under torture.

2nd Reading from the Letter of James 3: 16- 4: 3.
James is contrasting the wisdom from below, with the wisdom from above, one might also find a link with Paul’s virtues listed in Galatians 5: 22, 23, and their opposed vices (5: 19-21). Thos who make peace may allude to the seventh beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 9.). This is James treatise on True Wisdom, teaching us to pray for the things that will assist us on our journey to the Lord, not concentrating on selfish desires or envy. As we all know they lead to wars and destruction.

The Holy Gospel according to Mark 9: 30-37.
It is encouraging to our frail attempts to follow Christ, to realise just how wrong the Disciples interpreted Jesus’ teachings. They were absorbed with who was the greatest among themselves. They knew deep down it was wrong because they were very sheepish about opening up to Jesus. Jesus tells us that the new model of leadership is one of service, just as a child relies upon his parents, so we must rely upon Jesus, the Son of God, we are merely servants, here for a short while, and our role is to look after his flock with love and care, and not as a Lord who will rule over them and push and shove them around, and regard them as lesser beings. We are to love and cherish each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, and be of service to each other. What an amazing challenge for us to live up to. Always be grateful to the teachings of the Holy Gospels.
God Bless You All. Deacon Vincent 

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CREATIONTIDE UPDATE: (Thanks Bella)
This season of creation, spend more time in your garden listening to the birds and being grateful for all we are lucky enough to have, or in the park if you have no garden. Continue to share your garden produce and give to CAFOD.
This week the Royal Horticultural Society launched 10 tips for healing the planet, as our gardens are a huge natural resource in this biodiversity depleted country of ours:


This week's Newsletter and Bulletin sheets are here for your to view/print



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Newsletter
Apologies - this week's newsletter wasn't posted up on the newsletter section.
Here it is, in all its glory!

Normal service will be resumed!










Not long now!

Get your ticket for the School's 50th Jubilee Celebration, to help raise some money for the school's future and a wonderful way to safely celebrate, back together as a community.
All are welcome, whether you are a child or just childish!
Tickets via the link below or contact the parish office for a form to complete for cash/cheque payments

Latest News

New Bishop’s Video for School Governors:
There are 62 maintained schools in Clifton Diocese, educating 21,673 pupils.
They are supported by a ‘volunteer army’ of school governors, including 350 Foundation Governors appointed by Bishop Declan. The Bishop wishes to recruit new candidates to join the governing bodies, to help grow and sustain Catholic education in the Diocese for current and future generations, and so has produced a new promotional video https://vimeo.com/592918008 where the Bishop and current governors and Headteachers, talk about the importance and value of school governors.
Please watch the video to discover some of what being a school governor is about. If you would like to support Catholic education and so would like to apply to be a governor, please complete the online application form https://schools.cliftondiocese.com/form-2 or contact Bill McEntee, Governance Officer via bill.mcentee@cliftondiocese.com or call 07710094976 for more information – he would love to hear from you!

This season of Creationtide: A message from Bella....

"Enjoy our lovely altar cloth banner, share our garden and allotment produce and pray for the world, especially Haiti, and Honduras and New Orleans who have recently experienced disasters.
While the Young Christian Climate Network has reached Nottingham in their 1000 mile relay to COP26, the Christian Climate Action pilgrimage, caminotocop, has begun from London and Bristol walking to Glasgow. In many ways the walkers are experiencing voluntarily the vulnerability, tiredness and need for welcome that refugees are forced into, and so expressing their solidarity. The animals of the earth are also made refugees by deforestation, burning, drought and floods. Pray for the walkers, that they are sustained and able to spread the word of the urgency of action on Climate Change, and pray for all who are made homeless by the climate and biodiversity crisis.
Bishop Auckland Churches Together held a service in Thanksgiving over a coffin, for the life of the species now extinct and those lives of present and future children blighted and shortened by the Climate Crisis, with a strong call to action now before it is too late.
Let us all do something, even if just to talk with our neighbours and friends and resolve to live more simply and more gratefully and to raise our voices for sustainable change."



Time to Start School?

If you have a child born between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018, then now is the time to apply for a place at a Catholic primary school in the Diocese. You must complete an application form (either online or on paper) that is available from the school admissions team of the South Gloucestershire Council, for admission during the 2022-23 school year. If your child has been baptised, you must also provide a copy of the baptism certificate to your preferred school.
Please ensure you apply by the closing date of 15 January 2022.




LGBTQ+ Catholics
All are welcome at St Nicholas of Tolentino Church in Easton on 19th September for their monthly celebration of the Eucharist for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families and friends.










Thank you Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

1st Reading from the Prophet Isaiah 50: 5-9.
This is the third song of the Servant, the Servant visions are contained in the Second or “Deutero-Isaiah”, this is a clear personality behind these chapters, and is a disciple of Isaiah, hence his inclusion in the Isaiah book of Prophecy. These poems or songs present us with an image of God’s ideal servant, whose task is to bring home the scattered people of Israel, and who in consequence will suffer terribly. Christians for obvious reasons have always found these images of Jesus the promised Messiah. It pictures scourging, and degrading false prosecutions, but God will vindicate his Servant. We all know how God vindicates his servant, it is the cornerstone of our Faith, the Resurrection from the terrible death of Jesus Christ. Did Isaiah have a vision of Jesus? it is difficult not to contemplate so accurate an assessment of the suffering servant without believing that he did actually have that vision in four stages. It is worth exploring all those visions in the coming week.

Psalm 114: 1-6, 8-9.
A song of thanks for deliverance it might almost be the song of the suffering servant upon his vindication.

2nd Reading from the Letter of St. James 2: 14-18.
Sometimes when reading this passage it might appear in contrast to Paul’s treatise on Faith, but the letters have the same theme, Love must be the prime mover, we must love our neighbour, not with just glib words, but actually assisting the poor by feeding and clothing them regardless of their social standing. Luther did not like this particular letter of James, referring to it as “a rather strawy epistle”, because it counters his argument that Faith alone justifies a person. It must be faith inspiring our actions and behaviour that justifies a person. The second commandment Jesus tells is similar to the first, and that is to love your neighbour as yourself for God’s sake. The first, of course, is the love of God above all things.


The Holy Gospel according to Mark 8: 27-35.
This central passage deals with ongoing education of the disciples. Jesus starts with what is the current belief about him. They give a variety of versions, John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the Prophets, Then, Jesus asks, “But you, who do you say I am?” Peter gets it stunningly right. “You are the Messiah”. Jesus then counsels them not to tell anyone about him. Then Jesus explains what being the Messiah will mean, he will go the way of the “Suffering Servant in Isaiah”, part of which is described in the first reading. Peter remonstrates with Jesus telling him that he must not talk like that. Then from getting stunningly right he gets it stunningly wrong and Jesus’ response is, to name him Satan for thinking that way. Their education must face the fact of his crucifixion and death, and that those of us who follow him must expect similar treatment at the hands of the world. If they treat the Mater this way what else can the servants expect? It is an uncomfortable fact of our discipleship, and we need to pray constantly to God to give us the strength to follow Jesus to the end.
God bless you all.
Deacon Vincent.

Apart, yet together. #ChurchAtHome

Photo by Isaac Sloman - Unsplash


Journeying from Despair to Hope…Prisons Week Online event - 12 October 2021, 5-6.15pm


Clifton, Arundel & Brighton and Plymouth Dioceses would like to invite you to explore the challenges facing prisoners and their families and how we can get involved in our parishes. Prisoners and their families are often some of the most socially excluded people in our society. There are many prisons in our diocese: Ashfield, Bristol, Eastwood Park and Ley Hill. This event will offer an opportunity to direct our thoughts and prayers to prisoners and their families and to reflect on how we as individuals, as a Church and as a community are serving those affected by imprisonment.

Speakers include:
Canon Paul Douthwaite, National Catholic Chaplain for Prisons at Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales
Andy Keen-Downs, Chief Executive Prison Advice and Care Trust

Participants will receive advice on practical steps that parishes can implement and information on voluntary organisations helping prisoners and their families.
Please register your attendance by filling in this form https://forms.office.com/r/J1zTkUTiP7

 


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Spotlight on our Parish Projects - past and present.

The Patrick Wild Centre
sits within the University of Edinburgh’s College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, which is a world-leader in biomedical, translational research. They are part of a hub of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative research centres that put patients and families at the heart of scientific endeavour.
Their mission is to understand the neurological basis of and to test new therapies for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), fragile X syndrome (FXS) and intellectual disabilities (ID)— from cell to synapse, from circuit to behaviour.
They work on the genetics of the disorders, develop and test new ways to help people with these conditions and engage those affected by these conditions, as well as their families and those who support them, to better understand their difficulties.

Why not visit their website to see more about the work they do and if you are able to, make a donation to help them carry on with their important work.

https://patrickwildcentre.com/

Anna Davies is helping to raise funds for the charity, who have helped her grandson and family, and


once again is making her famous, delicious chutney!
She is busy picking apples and we will let you know when this year's batch is ready!
All donations will go to the Parish Project.
Contact the parish office if you would like to go on the chutney list!



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Vacancy
Clifton Diocese Admin Position:
Schools & Colleges Department Administrator
Term-time – 25 hours per week.
The Schools & Colleges Department are recruiting for a vacancy to join the team as the Department Administrator.
Based in Alexander House, Pennywell Road, Bristol, the role supports the department with various administrative activities and hours of work are 9.30 am to 2.30 pm Monday to Friday.
The successful applicant will need to have office administration experience and be well organised.
For the job description, personal specification and application form please visit:
Closing Date is midday on Friday, 10th September 2021

Latest News

Afghanistan crisis


What can we do to help with
this tragic situation which is highly complex with decades of conflict that have taken a terrible toll on Afghan people, resulting in deaths, injuries and pushing families further into poverty. Drought and coronavirus have added even greater problems for vulnerable families struggling with hunger and healthcare.

We can donate if we are able to. Go to the CAFOD website:

And we can pray...

Almighty God, in our distress and grief help us to remember that you love us.
We do not understand why this great disaster has happened but help us to trust you.

Loving Lord, for those who have died, give them eternal rest
for those who are bereaved, comfort and console them
for those who are hurt, heal and strengthen them.
Lord God, enable us to help our suffering brothers and sisters in whatever way we can.

Heavenly Father be with us now and always. 

Amen.



We welcome you all to the Season of Creation!

We welcome you all to the Season of Creation!
During September we pray especially for the planet and for its future, which is in our hands.
We will offer advice and tips for how we can all do more for the environment and offer prayers for the climate.

When you next visit the Church you will see the beautiful banner created by members of the parish from surplus materials they all had. it says 'Laudato Si' which means 'Praise Gid' and is the title of the Pope's letter on the Care of our Common Home.
Surrounding the centerpiece are all the beautiful things of creation, flowers, animals, birds, bees, frogs, fish, and rainbows!
The centerpiece represents the 7 elements of the Laudato Si action platform, the care for creation programme the Vatican is about to announce:
*hear the cry of the earth (pollution, extinction of species and warming)
*the cry of the poor (whose lands and flooded or without rain etc)
*economics for creation (not profit alone)
*a simple lifestyle
*education for creation (we should all learn more)
*spirituality for creation (we pray for the planet and all life)
*and active community participation in making the future a better one.

All parts of the church are invited to join to become carbon zero ASAP and to heal the planet.
THIS WEEK'S TIP: We invite you to share your surplus garden produce at the back of church - we may be feeding those who really need it and it is so nice to share! Maybe have a think about how much meat and fish we are eating. Try eating less this week. The industrial levels of farming and fishing are a major worry to the environment. Perhaps do some research and see what you think?

For more information or to join the creation action team, please contact Bella harding, via the parish office.

Thank you Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B:
1st Reading from the Prophet Isaiah 35: 4-7.
Isaiah’s visions, for those of us, who have read the Gospels and encountered the Lord, are very Messianic, but Isaiah was seeing the return of the captive Israel from exile. It is very Messianic because it is the work of God, and God will direct the Messiah to carry out his will at a later date. As Isaiah sees the people coming home through the great mercy of God, everything will be restored, and the people made whole again. We see in the actions of Jesus, how the will of the father is for everything to be restored because the Messiah is the Son of God. Isaiah is a spokesman for God, and so we perceive the ongoing enhancement of mankind through the word, preserved in the holy books of Israel, which is preparing us to be able to interpret Jesus when he comes into the world. In the New Testament we see a reflection of the First Testament, simply because it is God’s continuous revelation, preparing the way for his beloved Son, Jesus. This vision of Isaiah is a continuation of a very long revelation and it is encouraging the people to take heart because God is coming for them, he is not passive he is actively working to bring them home, everything will be made possible for the people to once more come home. Later we will see how Jesus continues God’s work by enlightening and encouraging the people to realise the great Goodness of God. God is not just interested in our spiritual well-being but in our physical well-being as well.

Psalm 145: 7-10.
A song in praise of God’s continuous work on our behalf, always looking after our welfare. God really is good, and we need to realise just how much he does love and care for us, especially those who are struggling and weighed down by life. He is always close at hand, so

2nd Reading from the letter of St. James 2: 1-5.
James, like Jesus is not afraid to be remarkably direct when he encounters, what he sees, as hypocrisy in the believers. We are shocked into realisation, when he illustrates how we treat with so much warmth, the affluent, more so than with the poor, when they come to church. James points out how this goes against Jesus’ teaching, that the Second commandment calls upon us to love our neighbour as ourselves. We see in James' letter an echo of Matthew’s Gospel 22: 39. It is a very salutary reminder to have placed before us, as we strive to be more Christ-like.
                                    
The Holy Gospel according to Mark 7 31-37.

This episode takes place on the eastern side of the Jordon in foreign territory. Jesus calmly and without any effort opens the man’s ears and touches his tongue and the man can hear and speak clearly. Once again Jesus commands silence from the person healed, for this is not to define him as just a miracle worker, the sign he will give which the world can shout about from the rooftops will be his death and resurrection, that is what will define Jesus as the Messiah the chosen one of God, Gods Son. The point of this story may be an echo of our first reading today, from Isaiah. Jesus is the ongoing work of the Father. The First Testament is constantly being affirmed and reflected in the New Testament. Both Testaments are intertwined in the Father’s ongoing work for us today. Therein lies the importance of becoming familiar with both Testaments.

God Bless you All & Stay Safe. Deacon Vincent