The 9 Christmas Mass times in our Parishes in Communion for Mission are as follows:

 *3.30pm Carols & (4pm)Vigil Mass - Our Lady of Lourdes, Kingswood

*6pm Vigil - St Paul’s, Yate

*6pm Vigil - here at St Augustine’s

*9pm Carols & (9.30) Night Mass - here at St Augustine’s

*Midnight Mass - St Paul’s

*9am Mass of Christmas Day - here at St Augustine’s

*9am Mass of Christmas Day - St Lawrence, Chipping Sodbury

*10.30am Mass of Christmas Day - Our Lady of Lourdes

*11am Mass of Christmas Day - St Paul’s

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A Christmas message and Blessing from Fr Barnabas.

Life probably wouldn’t work if we got all we wished for….
Our Christmas list would be long, especially on behalf of others. How many countries in our world need this blessing at the present time? I find myself wondering at times about the gap between God’s love and the basic needs of countless millions in our world… If Christ is born as our saviour what evidence of this salvation do we see over the past 2,000 years?

As Christ said before Pilate, His kingdom is not of this world. If Christ healed all ills, righted every wrong and Blessed all in need then everyone would naturally believe in Him and we would be denied our free will.

God saw mankind’s need and so sent His Son. But Christ has come to establish a Kingdom of the heart. If we all loved God in return, and each other, then we would be a long way to solving many of our world’s problems… which is worse, the war in Ukraine or ‘wars’ that take place within families? I can’t do much as an individual about stopping the war in Ukraine but I may be able to do something about my family…?

The Blessing of Christmas can also be in our gift. We can be a sign of peace to others.

I wish you all the Peace of this season.
I thank you for my welcome and the Christmas cards & gifts I have received. Blessings upon Fr Frank in his retirement, especially in health.
And may God Bless us all, our homes, and our families.

Fr Barnabas.

A Message from John Jordan and the St Augustine's Soup Run Team:

"A Big Big Big Thank-you was sent from our homeless friends who were overwhelmed with the surprise Christmas Buffet our Soup Run volunteers prepared for them at the weekend - with turkey and stuffing rolls and minced pies amongst the Christmas treats.
In respect to this, I sometimes think we, (who go out on the run) have the easy job while you, (on the food & drink rota) give up your time preparing with care such excellent food that would grace any table with pride.
So this Saturday we didn’t want to let you down - a table + cloth was laden with a wonderful selection of food and those present were overjoyed by the thought that people, whom they’ve never met, should make them feel valued and special, with some saying they really felt Christmas had come to them this year. ❤️
But I must add that all year round we always get lots of kind comments on the tasty rolls and cakes they enjoy so much.
We didn’t want the occasion to pass without a picture and those in it were happy to be included in the photo - it made me realise that it’s not so much the “Presents” but the “Presence” of love, your love, that makes Christmas special.
Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.
John & team."

St Augustine's Church operates 2 soup run nights per month, as part of the amazing Bristol Soup Run Trust's wider scheme, to help those on the streets of our city receive food, drinks and supplies to alleviate their plight every night of the year.
Should anyone wish to get involved with our team, whether as volunteers who prepare food and drinks or those who go out on the runs or if you would like to donate items for the supplies, please make contact with the Parish office on: bristol.staugustine@cliftondiocese.com

Thank you to Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for the Readings of Christmas During the Day (Year A,B,C)

1st Reading from the prophet Isaiah 52: 7-10.
This vision Christians have always attributed to Jesus coming, but it most probably was seen as God’s return to his Temple after the Babylonian Exile. It is a beautiful vision of God’s presence and his saving grace which enhances everything and makes all things new. Hence Christians rightly saw in it a reference to Jesus and how he, as the Son of God, forgave and renewed people not just of Israel but his saving was for all the nations, hence Isaiah is able to say, “All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” Jesus fulfils this prophecy perfectly. It is appropriate for us to rejoice at his coming for it really is “beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of him who brings good news.” His Gospel is “Good News”.

Psalm 97: 1-6.
A song to sing at the coming of the Lord. It is so right for us to sing or proclaim this beautiful song on this day as we remember Jesus’ first coming into the world, and we might try and let it sink into our hearts so that we might sing it when we meet him again.

2nd Reading from the letter to the Hebrews 1: 1-6.
This is a remarkable opening to the letter. It relates that the news about Jesus has always been proclaimed by God through the prophets and Hoy Scripture. His Son is proclaimed as his Son, he is also heir and that all things were created through Him. These are astounding claims and throughout this letter the author argues on the basis of Old Testament texts. The author points to the closeness of Jesus’ relationship with the Father. “He is the radiant light of God’s glory.” Also “the perfect copy of God’s nature.” We also have a picture of the nativity with “Let all the angels of God worship him,” upon introducing Jesus, his First-born, to the world. Hebrews is not always easy reading, but it is worth persevering and discovering an amazing testimony to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and saviour of the world.

The Holy Gospel according to John 1: 1-18.
My translation suggests that we should read it aloud to ourselves and let the sheer beauty and power of this most astonishing opening of John’s Gospel wash over us and be absorbed into inner most being. It is a most poetic creed, full of beauty and power. Tradition has it that this opening passage was the result of the prayer and fasting of the community on behalf of John, to write a Gospel for them like the other communities. At the conclusion of the fasting John burst forth with this most dramatic opening of any of the Gospels. It links the Old Testament from “the beginning” through to Christ. Holy Scripture opens “In the Beginning”, every Jewish Christian would immediately make the link. Proclaiming a continuity with a renewal. Those who can proclaim Jesus as Lord are born of God. An amazing statement for those of us who acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Jesus as Word and that wonderful statement of Faith “The Word was made Flesh.” The Latin Mass pre-Vatican 2, this Gospel was proclaimed at the end of nearly every Mass in the weekdays and Sundays. Its’ magic and poetry were always apparent even in Latin, and especially at the words, “Et Verbum caro factum est,” everybody genuflected in wonder at God becoming man for us. In our own language it is as dramatic and beautiful. Today we celebrate the Word becoming flesh in a babe, God comes as a weak and vulnerable baby. God relies on humans, Mary and Joseph to nourish, protect and bring the boy up in the traditions of the people of Israel. It shows how much he loves and cherishes us by allowing himself to be at such risk to rescue us from the power of sin. Today we celebrate the beginning of our freedom to live as God’s children, not born of the will of man or the urges of the flesh, but of God himself. What a gift, what a realisation of our true potential for good.

Let us celebrate Jesus’ birth, as his adopted brothers and sisters with joy and thanksgiving.

A Happy & Holy Christmas to You All. Deacon Vincent

LOCAL WARM SPACES: NEW COMMUNITY CAFE

LOCAL WARM SPACES: 

NEW COMMUNITY CAFE

*From Friday 6th January*

We are opening up our parish hall here at St Augustine's every Friday (1.30 – 3.30pm) from January onwards, to offer refreshments, warmth & friendship to the community.

 
A great way for us to socialise even more & a wonderful way for us to offer a warm welcome to others with cuppas and company if needed by anyone who may be lonely or during these difficult financial times.

All are welcome to drop in to our new cafe.

St Augustine's Parish Hall - Boscombe Crescent - BS16 6QR

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A Message from Mark Hilliam, Head Teacher of our wonderful Primary School.

"After two, long frustrating years, parents, carers, parishioners, and friends were delighted to attend two amazing performances of the Nativity by the KS1 children on the 6th and 7th of December.
It was such a moving time!

Our festivities continue this week and we would like to invite you to the following events which will take place in the Church:
- Wednesday 14th of December at 6pm: KS2 Carol Service -"Christingle"
- Thursday 15th of December at 9:30am: School's Advent Mass for Christmas.

Please come along!"

What a weekend it was for our Church!

We awoke to a sprinkling of snow which helped to make the Christmas Gift weekend and Carols by Candlelight afternoon even more festive this 'Gaudete Sunday' (3rd Sunday of Advent) - Gaudete meaning 'Rejoice!' - a moment of Joy for us all as we continue to prepare for Christmas Day.
~
~The lighting of our Church Christmas tree...
~Gifts donated for those we will meet on the Soup Run over ~Christmas, equalling: 94 big bars of chocolate, 158 pairs of socks and 68 pairs of boxer shorts!
~Singing of festive Carols and Advent reflections...
~Children hanging their Advent promises onto the little tree...
~Cuppas and minced pies in the hall for all...
~The Parish Prize Draw winners announced...
~A wonderful amount of money donated for our 2 Parish Projects at the Carols event...
~
What an amazing community we have - thanks to all involved in making it such a special weekend.

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for 3rd Sunday in Advent Year A

1st Reading from the prophet Isaiah 15: 1-6, 10.
Let the desert rejoice and burst into bloom, is the opening of one of the most beautiful passages in the scroll of Isaiah, it evokes the joy of returning exiles crossing the frightening desert wastes after their exile. All the things that should bring fear are now turned to joy because the Lord is bringing them home. No matter how tough the journey the Lord will strengthen and inspire them to keep heading for home. The lame will leap with joy, grief and sorrow will be left behind; the Lord has ransomed his people. These themes will re-occur several more times within the scroll of Isaiah, which has prompted scholars to wonder whether it was, in fact, written after the exile, but nevertheless it evokes the joy of their liberation, and early Christians saw in this vision a parallel with the Messiah, particularly with its reference to the Lord ransoming his people. Either way just soak up the sheer joy this passage evokes. This is describing the delights of pilgrimage, leading to a new dynamic for living within God’s covenant once again.

Psalm 145: 6-10.
A song in praise of the Lord. It echoes the themes that Jesus will highlight in his answer to John’s inquiry as to whether he is the one who is to come: he sets prisoners free, the blind see, the lame walk, good news is proclaimed to the poor. It is another illustration of how the Old Testament echoes the New Testament and the New Testament reflects the Old Testament. It is important for us to become familiar with both Testaments.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. James 5: 7-10.
This letter is addressed to the Jewish Christians who live outside the Holy Land, and this passage is encouraging them to be patient, whilst awaiting Jesus second coming, exactly like the prophets, who waited patiently for the Word of the Lord. It is a very special Judaic appeal going from the Old Testament to the New Gospel of Jesus Christ to illustrate the continuity of the New Covenant.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 11: 2-11.
This is a mysterious passage in Matthew’s Gospel, and one would assume that there was a strong community of John the Baptist’s disciples, whom Matthew would like to convert by relating this episode, highlighting confidently that, Jesus is the expected one. Jesus quotes Isaiah (as well as the psalm 145) in answering their question. These were the signs of the Lord among men. Jesus unequivocally aligns himself with God in his answer. Then he goes on to praise John as one of the greatest, however John ranks lower in heaven than one of Jesus’ disciples. John is clearly shown to be the “messenger who prepares the way for the Lord.” Matthew has a very tidy mind and does not like any confusion between John and Jesus. He declares to all that Jesus is the Messiah the one who is to come. We should not be left in any doubt that Jesus is Lord, and we can follow him with confidence, and furthermore Jesus has endowed us all with the extraordinary acclamation of being great in the Kingdom of Heaven. This privilege, bestowed upon us in our baptism, should always be before our minds and hearts as we live out the Gospel in our daily lives.

God Bless us all as we come to the true realisation of our calling. Deacon Vincent

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Carols by Candlelight ~ Sunday 11th December ~ 3pm

Please come and join us for festive music and reflections to celebrate the Joy of Advent and to prepare ourselves for Christmas. Always a lovely service for both young and old.

There will be free refreshments in the hall after the service with the picking of the winners for our Parish Christmas Prize Draw!

We wish to thank the teams who have worked so hard to create so many wonderful events (this included) all in aid of our 2 Parish Projects, Grassroots and The Patrick Wild Trust. Please come along for a lovely afternoon and to support these 2 amazing charities - there will be a chance to make a donation and/or to buy a ticket for a special Hamper for the charities.

Christianity in Action this Christmas.

There are so many things we can do to support those who are struggling. If we are in a position to be able to help others, why not buy the simplest of items for our local foodbank when shopping this week - such as from this list (below) of most needed items, or something from the collective foodbank Christmas List - see picture. They would appreciate Christmas list items by 2nd December so they can make up hampers for families and households in need.

You can drop off locally to:
Resound Church - Fridays from 10-12noon or
Sainsburys, Filton, on Fox Den Road - any time they are open (7am until 10pm) - the drop off is by customer services.

FOODBANK SHOPPING LIST:
INSTANT COFFEE
INSTANT NOODLES
BOXES OF CHOCOLATES
CUSTARD (TINNED OR INSTANT)
INSTANT MASHED POTATOES
SPONGE PUDDINGS
RICE PUDDING
FLOUR (ANY TYPE)

***PLEASE NO MORE TEA - PASTA - CEREAL - BAKED BEANS**

A message from CSAN (Caritas Social Action Network) who are an agency of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
"On Thursday 01 December at 6pm, in Clifton Cathedral, with our colleagues from St John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG), there will be an event to promote our new matching service for Ukrainian nationals displaced by the war in Ukraine and those in the UK willing to host such individuals under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Please see the link below for details of the event and to register."
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sjog-homes-for-ukraine-event-in-bristol-tickets-469140440687

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Remembrance Weekend

St Augustine's Church held beautiful tributes to all those who died as a result of war or conflict during both Masses this weekend, with the Last Post & Reveille played, The Exhortation and Epitaph read, 2 minutes silence, and poppies laid in the Garden of Remembrance.

"When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today."

 

Our friends at St. Nicholas of Tolentino RC Church, Bristol are hosting their monthly Mass for Catholic members of the LGBTQI+ community and for family, friends, and allies on 20th November.

See poster for information.

The Letter

Please join us for a screening of "The Letter" on Friday 18th November at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall (Mass will be at 7pm this Friday) as we share refreshments and watch the film together (1hr 20 minutes long) then we can briefly discuss the content together after.

All are welcome to watch this docu-film of action following Pope Francis' call for us to care more for our common home.

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The Countdown is ON!

Join us on Saturday from 12noon until 3pm for our Countdown to Christmas Community Event.

We would love to see you there, enjoying lunch, cuppas & cakes, shopping at our fantastic trader stalls, playing games, trying your luck on the Bottle Stall or Gift Tombola, having a family photo taken at the photo shoot stall, or seeing the kids enjoying face painting, biscuit decorating, clay decoration modelling or visiting Santa for an early pressie!

Please remember to bring some cash with you as although some of our traders will have card facilities we are still very much a CASH event.

The charities and fundraising this year will be for;

Our Parish Funds

Our Primary School PTFA

Our Preschool funds

The Guides, Brownies and Rainbows

Our Parish Projects - Grassroots and The Patrick Wild Trust

The Polish Scouting Association

Thanks to all those groups and to the other groups helping to plan and run the event:

The Not So Young Club

The Prayer Group

The Romanian Orthodox Church

The Hong Honk RCIA Group

and the many other parish volunteers.

It will be fantastic to be back together after a few years apart!

Remembrance Sunday

We will be observing 2 minutes silence at the start of both Masses this weekend, with the last post played in Remembrance of all those who have died as a result of war and conflict.

We will also have a small garden of remembrance outside the church if you wish to place your poppy there at any time

  

Thank you to Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

1st Reading from the prophet Malachi 3: 19-20.
You might find this in some translations as 4:1-2. Malachi, we cannot be sure of his real name, but it is thought that it might be taken from 3: 1, “Look I am sending my messenger”. Malachi means, “my messenger”. Malachi has similar concerns as Nehemiah for the priests who neglect their duties and fail to instruct the people, people marrying unbelieving wives, failure to pay tithes. The exact date is unknown but thought to be after the Persians allowed the re-building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Today’s selected reading is from the section dealing with the disillusionment of the people. Those who persevere and do not despair will witness the “Sun of Righteousness rising”. It could be written for our times. The book is not very long and worth exploring, its format is as follows. God’s Love, then deals with the priests who despise God’s name. People who have embraced idolatry, those who are not serious about God, the Call to Return, and our section the disillusionment of the people. It shows us that nothing is new for those trying to follow God’s ways. We are in permacrisis always, the test is for our resilience and fortitude in staying true and passing on the Faith.

Psalm 97: 5-9.
This song continues the theme that, the Lord is coming, and the world will never be the same again. We should all sing and dance for joy.

2nd Reading from the second letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians 3: 7-12.
One of the reasons for Paul’s letter is that certain Christians were thinking that if the Lord’s coming is imminent, then they no longer needed to work. Paul is completely opposed to any sort of indiscipline, so emphasises his own example and his assistants who when they were with them went out of their way to work and earn their keep, so as not to be a burden to anyone, despite the fact that they really didn’t have to do that. Once again, we see how the Church has always existed in permacrisis, it is nothing new. We must constantly persevere on the Way and be aware of giving good example to the young people, fearlessly passing on the truths of our Faith. Jesus Christ is Lord, he has risen from the dead, and will come again.

The Holy Gospel according to Luke 21: 5-19.
Here we have the prediction of the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, also it deals with what Christians can expect, namely being hunted down and cast out, sent to prison, and being brought before Kings and governors on account of the name of Jesus. You will even be betrayed by parents, siblings, cousins and friends and they will kill some of you and we will be loathed by everyone because of the name of Jesus. Well, there has not been one century since the birth of Christianity when this has not happened. The Church and its people must wake up to the fact that we will always be in permacrisis, for the name of Jesus. But we need to remember that we have the presence of the living Spirit of God within us, and he will guide us and help us to keep the Gospel message alive. God really is in charge, and he might be drawing us to a new vision, so we need to trust Him, and rely upon his infinite Mercy. As we saw on the road to Emmaus, Jesus was walking with them, and they did not realise it. He is always walking with us leading us to the Father. He loves us so much he left us the gift of himself in the Eucharist. Let us rejoice and be glad that he has chosen us as his family members.

May God grace us with perseverance in the midst of our trials. Deacon Vincent.

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Could you donate a prize (or 2) for our Tombola stalls?

If you are able to buy, or have around the house, a new, unopened bottle or box of chocs or unwanted gift, we would LOVE to have a few more prizes for our tombola stalls....

If you are able to help please pop donations to church or to the parish office over the weekend so we can 'get ticketing' early next week.

Many thanks for your support.

  

12th November - Christmas Shopping Alert!

Get ready to fill your stockings as there will be everything from Christmas wreaths and decorations, jewelry, candles, cards, keyrings, hand-cut pictures, stationery, bags, pottery and pickles!

We have 8 local traders who will be at our 'Countdown to Christmas' event - please bring your cash along to pick up some amazing gifts on the day...

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Just 12 days until the return of our 'Countdown to Christmas'!

Saturday 12th November- join us from noon until 3pm for lunch, for drinks, for cakes, to play games, to do fun activities, to get some amazing Christmas shopping in and even see the 'Big Guy in Red'!

How can you help... Do you have any unwanted gifts? Did someone kindly give you a present but you won't be able to use it?

We would LOVE to have new, unopened gifts such as toiletries, stationery, gadgets etc for our tombola stall, run by the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

Please bring any donations of bottles, chocs, new gifts for our prize stalls to the presbytery for storage.

Many thanks! From the Parish Social Committee

Photo credit to Phil Hearing

The Department of Adult Education and Evangelisation has a new series of online conversations planned, ‘A Faith Full Journey’.
With this series we encourage you to simply turn up, come and deepen your faith and invigorate your formation.
For ‘A Faith Full Journey’, we will be embracing a hybrid approach to faith forming experiences, this series will be synchronous and asynchronous. Quite simply the real time will be recorded so that you can watch in your own time individually or as a group.

See the poster for details or go to the website for all the info:
https://cliftondiocese.com/news/a-faith-full-journey/

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Just 17 days to go until the return of our 'Countdown to Christmas'!

Saturday 12th December - join us from noon until 3pm for lunch, for drinks, for cakes, to play games, to do fun activities, to get some amazing Christmas shopping in and even see the 'Big Guy in Red'!

How can you help... Can you donate a bottle of something? ..from wine to lemonade, from coke to whisky... any new, unopened bottles help us make a fantastic and popular 'Bottle Stall', run as always by our wonderful PTFA!

Please bring any donations of bottles, chocs, new gifts for our prize stalls to the presbytery for storage.

Many thanks! From the Parish Social Committee

SOUP RUN REQUEST

Please can you help increase the stock of home-made soup for the freezer?
If you can, please contact the parish office by email and we will put you in touch with Maeve who stores our soup for us, so you can organise delivery to her in Downend.

Tips: please don’t make it too thick/chunky/hearty as it can be difficult to pour when out on the soup run. Please put the soup in plastic milk cartons with a gap to allow for expansion when frozen. Please label and date the carton.
Many thanks.

Time to Start School?

If you have a child born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019, 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 2023-24 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 2023.

Our own wonderful Primary School's website can be viewed here for information about the education they offer.

https://www.staugustinedownend.org.uk/

A message from the Diocesan Office:

Calling Chartered Accountants! The Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust https://www.thedcet.com/ is seeking a qualified and experienced Chartered Accountant to join their Trust Board of Directors. The Board is the accountable body of the Trust for the educational and financial performance of all its schools. Amongst their wider functions, directors approve and scrutinise budgets and accounts of the Trust overall and the individual Schools within the Trust to ensure financial probity and legal compliance with Company and Charity Law, as well as general directorship of Trust. This is a good opportunity to use your skills and experience to help support Catholic schools and their pupils.
For further information, contact please contact Bill McEntee, Governance Officer, Clifton Diocese via bill.mcentee@cliftondiocese.com or 07710094976.

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Praying for World Peace.

At this troubling time for the world when it can feel like there is nothing we can do to help, we can pray...
Join the St Augustine's Community for a Holy Rosary Novena for world peace starting this Tuesday 25th October at 7.00 pm (for half an hour before the 7.30pm evening Mass begins) for nine weeks, ending Tuesday 20th December.
Please make all efforts to join in this prayer as it is desperately needed at the moment!


Concert in the Church

St Augustine's Parish is supporting 'Info Art Frontier UA' ~ a charity project created as a collaboration of Ukrainian artists and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine who want to introduce their rich history and culture and show their Ukrainian spirit to the international community.

They are working on organisation and delivery of aid into Ukraine to the soldiers on the front line, to general public and Christmas presents to children that have lost their homes.

We are pleased to be hosting a Concert by Anna Zoshchuk, soloist of the Odessa Philharmonic on Saturday 29th October at 7.30pm until 8.30pm in the beautiful surroundings and acoustics of our church.

We ask people to make a donation to attend - either online using the QR code below, or on the door on the night, and all money raised will go towards medical and food supplies as well as heaters, candles, power banks and support for people that lost their homes.

Info Art Frontier UA have arranged a bigger art and culture exhibition which will open in Bristol Cathedral on 31 October for a week and then continue in Vestibules of Council offices. They would like to welcome you to any of the cultural events and appreciate any support you can provide.

~ Organisers INFO ART FRONTIER UA
~ Iryna Forostyan and Vera Stadon 

Holy Cross Church - Charity Quiz Night ~ A message from Fr Eugene Campbell.

"After experiencing the plight of the Christians in Bethlehem in Palestine whilst on the Diocesan Holy Land Pilgrimage recently, I feel we should try and support them as best we can so we are holding a Quiz Night to raise funds.

Quiz Night to support the Christians of Bethlehem.
Friday 11th November 2022 ~ 6.30pm.
Bring your own booze / drinks.
Tickets £6.00 per person including baked potatoes with assorted fillings. Team of 4ish!
Proceeds to the Friends of the Holy Land.

Holy Family Parish Centre, Southsea Road, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5DP. Email bristol.holyfamily@cliftondiocese.com to book.
God Bless, Fr Eugene Campbell VF."

Welcome!

We Warmly Welcomed Fr Barnabas as our resident Parish Priest and Fr Jim as Parish Priest in Charge of our Parishes in Communion for Misson at a special Mass last Friday.

It was lovely to have Fr Richard and Fr Duncan from our Deanery and Deacon Vincent with us for the service, during which they all renewed their vows - a very special moment.

We toasted their health with cuppas, cake, and glasses of wine in the hall afterwards.

Thank you and Welcome to our Community to you both - we look forward to growing together for Mission.

CAFOD are streaming praying the rosary for the care of creation every Thursday at 9am.
They are very prayerful and thought-provoking reflections and it is good to pray with others all over the country.
This is the link to register: https://cafod.org.uk/Pray/Pray-the-rosary

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Fr Barnabas' first School Mass

It was wonderful for Fr Barnabas to meet the school children at their first Mass together on Tuesday.
The pupils had written prayers to hang on their class prayer trees which were brought up to the Altar during Mass.
They led the readings and reflections beautifully and are a credit to their parents and the staff at St Augustine's Primary School.

Thanks Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

1st Reading from the book of Exodus 17: 8-13.

This rather crude story is to illustrate the power of prayer to God. It also illustrates how the Prophet Moses is not the power, he is God’s intercessor for the people of Israel, from God comes the victory. Israel had not declared war on the Amalekites; the Amalekites decided to attack the people of Israel, and we witness the completion of the experiences of Divine Providence. The early Christians reading this in Greek via the Septuagint translation would not have missed that Joshua in Greek is Iesous, which comes into English as Jesus. As stated at the beginning the real essence of the story is the power of prayer and trust in God, something for us to remember in this very cynical time.

Psalm 120

God is faithful, he watches by day and by night, the companions on the road to Emmaus are accompanied by Jesus, but they do not recognise him. This is a song for recalling before starting some difficult or arduous task or the commencement of a vocation. It is re-establishing our trust in the abiding presence of God in our lives.

2nd Reading from the second letter of St. Paul to Timothy 3: 14-4:2.

Paul is anxious to convey to Timothy that in Holy Scripture we are given the tools with which to teach and refute, to improve and training the man of God to be proficient and prepared for any good work. Paul points to his own example in keeping going in the face of all sorts of difficulties. Paul knows he is nearing the end of his earthly life and wants to pass on as much as he can to Timothy of his own experience. He is encouraging Timothy to keep running the race to gain the imperishable crown that awaits the loyal servant. We can almost feel the urgency with which Paul is conveying this message to Timothy and ourselves, as his awareness that the end of his life is imminent. If Holy Scripture was the foundation of Paul’s life in Christ, how much more should we follow his example and pray the Scriptures to form our lives.

The Holy Gospel according to Luke 18: 1-8.

We continue the theme of prayer as we listen to Jesus encouraging us to keep praying and not to relent. This story is only found in Luke’s Gospel, and it is beautifully crafted. In my translation the judge is worried that the widow will come and give him a black eye. What a wonderful vision. She is looking for justice, and Jesus is saying that God will give justice and if he is slow to act on our behalf, don’t give up, keep praying. The ending of this parable conveys Jesus’ sorrow that at his coming the Old Testament seems to end with failure, few believed in him and later most were influenced by the confusion, the false saviours, and the violence which precipitated the fall of the nation forty years after the death of Jesus. Let’s make sure that when he does come again, he will find us burning brightly with our lamps well-trimmed and with plenty of oil. May God give us the grace and inspiration to keep running the race and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to the world around us.

God Bless us all on our journey. Deacon Vincent.

St Augustine's Primary School VACANCY:

A Cleaner is wanted for 15 hrs a week: 3:30-6:30pm on weekdays.

If you are interested in joining their friendly team please call the office on 01454 866690 for information or to apply.

Latest News

URGENT APPEAL
Right now, up to 20 million people across Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia are fighting for survival in the face of the most devastating food crisis in decades.

Watch the video for details of the appeal and find out more:

https://cafod.org.uk/.../Donate.../World-Food-Crisis-Appeal

Clifton Diocese, in partnership with Caritas Plymouth, is hosting
A Fresh Start: People Affected by Imprisonment
on Zoom, Tuesday 29 November 2022 from 19:00-20:00.
This is an opportunity for people to explore prison ministry, praying together and learning about the context of prison ministry.
See poster for details.