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Help! Our stock of our home-made soup, for the homeless people of Bristol to enjoy, has run dry!

...do you like making soup? Can you make some for us? Do you want to give it a go if not?!


We would love people to donate home-made soup for us to freeze and store.


If you can help, please send us an email at bristol.staugustine@cliftondiocese.com and we will put you in touch with Maeve who stores and organises the soup run freezer for us.


*Please be very careful of hygiene when making your soup
*Please don't make it too thick/hearty as can be difficult to pour when out on the soup run
*Please put in plastic milk containers and write the type of soup and date made on the side
*Please don't fill right to the very top as it needs space to expand when frozen


If you can help we would be very, very grateful!
Thank you so much.


Canon Tony Harding RIP

We ask for prayers for the repose of the soul of Canon Tony Harding who died at St Joseph's Home yesterday.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.
Amen

https://cliftondiocese.com/news/r-i-p-canon-anthony-harding/


All are welcome at St. Nicholas of Tolentino RC Church, Bristol for their monthly celebration of the Eucharist for members of the LGBTQ+ community, family, friends and allies.



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Candles 

If you have any old, unwanted candles or half used ones/old wax, please bring them to church as we are supplying old wax to be melted to make new candles for Ukraine.

There is a box in the Narthex or bring them to the Parish Office if the church is closed.

Thank you to Anne Knight for organising this.



Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

1st Reading from the prophet Zephanaiah 2:1, 3: 12-13.
Zephaniah is addressing Judah and Jerusalem for being attracted by the surrounding nations, especially Assyria and its capital Nineveh, and adopting idolatrous practices. Both groups are threatened with the “Day of the Lord”, a time of anger, judgement and punishment, but there are also promises some for all humanity, others for the “People of God”, as well as the restoration of the people. This extract which is selected for us today speaks of the consolation of the remnant of Israel. They will have a time of peace and consolation after their trials. As the Western World experiences a drift away from Christian practice, we are in a very similar position to the one Zephaniah experienced. It is worth remembering that there will be a restoration and a time of peace and tranquillity as the people turn back to God. Our work is to assist that process and stay strong in the face of opposition and indifference.

Psalm 145: 7-10.
This is the first of five psalms in praise of the Lord, linked to the re-building of the Temple. It is a beautiful vision of how God wants the people to be. He desires us to continue to strive for perfection.

2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 1: 26-31.
It is a good idea for us to imagine how these Corinthians, gathered at the meeting house received the news that they were regarded as foolish, weak, common and contemptible. It would have come as a bit of a shock. It would be wrong for us to think that Paul was simply cutting their pride down to size. Yes there is an element in that, but most importantly he is trying to lead their focus away from themselves and to concentrate on God and Jesus. Paul will point towards the crucifixion as their salvation and redemption. Sometimes a remnant can become smug about how they are saved and forget that it is not by our own efforts that we are saved, but by the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his generosity in choosing us, that we are on the road to salvation.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 5: 1-12.
Matthew commences his greatest of his five “sermons”, by capturing our attention in painting a picture of Christ in the same mode as when Moses on the mountainside delivered the Law (the ten commandments). Here Jesus delivers his new Law. Jesus sits down adopting the teacher’s position and opening his mouth he began to teach, saying: Now he delivers nine Blessings (in my translations they are “Congratulations”), which on the face of it look absurd. He is congratulating the destitute, the sad, the meek, those concerned about justice, the merciful, those who concentrate solely on God, those who refuse to follow the road of violence, and finally those persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. This turns human natural responses upside down. However, when we look closely at these cone congratulationsor blessings there is a profound wisdom in these blessings. They draw us closer and closer to God and we need to rely more and more upon Him. We are taken into a world of trust, sincere concern for each other, away from greed, avarice, lust, power. We are introduced to God’s world, to God’s desire for us to emulate, and excel in these virtues and find true peace and happiness.

God Bless us in meditations on this great sermon.
Deacon Vincent





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Christian Eco-Friends: Event on February 4th to help against Climate Change 


A brilliant new Ministry for single Christians which focuses on helping mitigate the Climate Crisis by working together on outdoor projects to help and heal Nature is hosting another event on Saturday February 4th at Stoke Park in Bristol.  


To book on this event - helping to re-green Stoke Park - click on the link below; and see you there! 


https://christianecofriends.co.uk/events/




THANK YOU & Happy New Year to all Chinese members of our Community.

We really enjoyed celebrating together with our friends from Hong Kong, after Mass on Sunday, with your delicious treats & gifts for good luck, health and happiness for the year of the Rabbit.

新年快乐

 


Community Cafe

All are welcome to come along to our Community Café in the parish hall every Friday 1.30–3.30pm for refreshments, warmth & friendship.

And, on 3rd February, James Oldham from South Glos council will be attending. He will be available to tell anyone interested what financial support is available, e.g. grants for insulation.





Marriage Care:
Would you be interested in becoming a ‘Relationship Counsellor’ with Marriage Care? 
New applications are being accepted now. Six places are available. 

For more information and to apply go to www.marriagecare.org.uk/crc/ 

Closing date for this course is soon so it does interest you please apply soon.





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Reflections for 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A from Deacon Vincent


1st reading from the prophet Isaiah 8: 23- 9: 3.
Here we have Isaiah pointing to a time of peace, a period of respite before the Northern kingdom of Israel is destroyed. This prophecy of Isaiah refers to the fact that Gentiles of Zebulun and Naphtali are also included in God’s family. This area just beyond the Northern Kingdom fringed the chosen people’s territory and there was an element of interaction between Jews and Gentiles with a cross fertilisation of trade and ideas. He reports that God will enlighten the area with his Word. It would eventually become the Galilee where Jesus would base his mission. It is a significant shift for a prophet in Israel to be pointing to the salvation of God extending to the Gentiles. Matthew will aptly use this passage at the beginning of Jesus’ Ministry in his Gospel, which we will examine shortly.

Psalm 26: 1-4, 13-14.
A song of confidently trusting in God. A song of hope, something we need plenty of today, so we might turn to this song in times of worry and uncertainty. These songs were born out of the experience of the people as they journeyed towards keeping God’s Holy Covenant with his people which includes us by our baptism.

2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17
This letter is in response to Paul discovering these divisions in Corinth. They had slipped into different groups formed around various preachers and teachers. There must have been differences of practice or liturgy. Paul is furious, he asks a very pointed question, “Were Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, crucified for you?”, No it was Jesus Christ. “Were you baptised in the name of Paul, Apollos or Cephas?” No, it was Jesus Christ. Paul then affirms his central theme, “As for me, I am for Christ.” Christ is the centre of Paul’s life, and the centre of the Gospel. Obviously, differences in philosophy had crept in, but Paul is adamant that the crucifixion cannot be expressed in philosophical terms. His great appeal is to focus on Christ and follow his gospel life. It is a message for us also, we need to go from gospel, to life, and then life to gospel. He will then bind us together in unity. In the Eucharist we are one, because there is only one Christ.


The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 4: 12-23.
When John is arrested, Jesus goes back to Nazareth and packs his bags and goes to Capernaum a town that borders Zebulun and Naphtali. This enables Matthew to quote Isaiah’s prophecy to prove that Christ is moved by the same God as the prophets. Christ as the Word of God will enlighten the area with his Gospel preaching. We witness his calling of two pairs of brothers. The first to be called are fishermen Simon Peter and Andrew his brother with that wonderful phrase, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of people.” His presence must have been imposing, for they leave their nets there and then and follow him. Further on along the shore, he meets James and John both sons of Zebedee, preparing their nets for fishing. Jesus calls them also and leaving their nets and their father in the boat, they followed Jesus. They follow him around the district and witness his power of healing diseases and ailments. They are discovering that Jesus is more than a teacher he is becoming their Lord. The Gospel is obviously encouraging us to, also, be single minded in choosing Jesus over our own ambitions, in order to proclaim Jesus as our Lord and our God to the world. We need to trust the Holy Spirit to inspire us to move Jesus more central within our lives. It is a challenge and Jesus is asking us to step up to the challenge, in just the same way as he expected of Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
God Bless and inspire our Response to Jesus.
Deacon Vincent 

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The bells!
Listen! ..... can you hear that?....... ...........No?
That's because our bells aren't working at the moment!
Our fancy automatic bell system took a hit when we had the localised power cut/surge a couple of weeks ago and so it has gone to 'bell hospital' to be lovingly cared for.
We hope the sound of the noon and 6pm Angelus and the weekend call to Mass bells will be back with us soon.
For now... enjoy the silence!


Sharing more information about courses at our local libraries:
SGS College will be running Free Computer Courses for beginners in your local library in February.
Join us in a relaxed and friendly environment, with approachable and patient tutors, topics include:
-Video chat with friends and family online
-Online shopping and how to buy groceries
-Using the Internet to search for information
-How to compare prices online
-Understanding email, messages and attachments
-Learn about safety and security when working online
The course will take place at the following libraries, in the week beginning 6th February:
Tuesday - Downend
Wednesday - Bradley Stoke
Thursday - Winterbourne
Contact us on 0117 909 2393 or email academic@sgscol.ac.uk to reserve a place.


Are you wondering what God is calling you to? Or how to listen to his voice?

This Lent, the YOUcan network and the diocese of Clifton are inviting you to discover ways to discern your own unique God-given vocation. There will be several speakers and an opportunity to participate in the monastic liturgy.

A retreat for young Catholic adults for Lent - a weekend is open to men and women aged between 18 and 35 years old.

The suggested offering is £ 90 full board.

Please contact Rina (rina@youngcatholicadultnetwork.uk) to book your place or to request further information.


There is a new opportunity 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, mission rooted in synodality?
• Do you have an interest in developing resources and working with a variety of different groups to deliver effective and dynamic ongoing faith formation and sacramental preparation, alongside accompanying parishes in their outreach to those seeking faith or simply curious?

The person appointed to this role will be someone committed to the mission of the Church, a confident communicator, able to promote the Gospel and support parishes to grow in their capacity to be places of mission and outreach. He or she will work closely with the Officer for Caritas and Environment on some joint projects, particularly in the area of Youth Ministry.

If you are interested in such a role and would like to work for Clifton Diocese, please send your application to Sarah.Adams@cliftondiocese.com. For more information and an informal conversation, prior to applying, please contact Sarah Adams, Director for the Department of Adult Education and Evangelisation, on 0117 902 5595. Further Information and Application form can be found here: https://cliftondiocese.com/diocese/working-for-us/

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 11th February 2023; interviews week beginning Monday 20th February 2023.

Live Simply

Being a "Live Simply" Parish, here are six catchy ways (thanks Radio 4) to care for our planet and all life…

*EAT GREEN-a little less meat and no waste

*DRESS RETRO-why do we need more clothes?

*TRAVEL FRESH-walk a little more

*HOLIDAY LOCAL-discover the area

*END CLUTTER-shop less

*CHANGE THE SYSTEM-talk to your friends (how good it feels!) & if you doubt what difference a small act can make, try a smile. Why not decide to greet someone you haven't talked to before each time you come to church?



Community 'Warm Space' Cafe
We had about 25 people drop in to our Community Cafe in the first week for cuppas and company.
A wonderful start!
Everyone is welcome so please come along if you are free.
Every Friday from 1.30-3.30pm in the Parish Hall, Boscombe Crescent BS16 6QR


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Pope Benedict XVI RIP ~ May he Rest In Peace

 

Music from the special Requiem Mass held at our Cathedral on Tuesday for Pope Emeritus Benedict.



Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

1st Reading from the prophet Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6.
This is a brief extract from the second song of the “Suffering Servant”, which is a feature of the second Isaiah. It enhances the picture of the perfect servant of God. He is formed in the womb by God and is not specifically for the people of Israel, but is to be a light for the Nations, the Gentile world. This theme was taken up by Luke in his Gospel, chapter 2, by Simeon, the righteous and pious, waiting for Israel’s comfort. He takes the child Jesus in his arms and exclaims, “For my eyes have seen your salvation for the Nations, the light to enlighten the Gentiles and give glory to Israel, your people.” We are beginning to share Isaiah’s theology of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is so important in developing our understanding of Christ. The ministry of Jesus will result in God’s salvation stretching to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 39: 2, 4, 7-10.
This is a thanksgiving song and a prayer for help until the end. God is the instigator of the song; his spirit enables us to do his work.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 1: 1-3.
Paul uses the conventional opening of the letter to work for him. The first thing we notice is that Paul is called to be an Apostle, it is not a task he has chosen for himself but has experienced a divine calling. He is not working alone but in conjunction with Sosthenes, a fellow Christian. He mentions Jesus four times in this opening passage, he is overwhelmed by his beloved Jesus. Corinthians were inclined to get above themselves, so he gently reminds them that it is not by their own efforts but by the beneficiaries of God’s generous action. He mentions God and Jesus action of sending grace and peace to them, but he has yet to explain their relationship and how this benefice works. Paul’s letters are interwoven with so much quiet, almost hidden theology. He is intriguing to study.


The Holy Gospel according to John 1: 29-34.
Here we have an amazing exclamation of John, upon seeing Jesus for the first time coming towards him. “The Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” This title appears nowhere else in the New Testament, except in Revelations, but it is a different word in the Greek that is used. We cannot be sure of the precise force this title had, but it finds its way into the Christian Eucharistic liturgy. We think the “Lamb” refers to the “Passover Lamb”, with an oblique reference to the “Scapegoat” in the taking away the sins of the world. John goes on to testify that he saw the Spirit descend on him like a dove. He will baptise with the Holy Spirit. Then John further testifies that Jesus is “the Chosen One of God.” John’s gospel is unique in that in its opening passages it acclaims Jesus as the Son of God, and then goes on to explain why that is claimed, whereas the other three Gospels take us on a journey of discovering exactly who Jesus is. Whichever way it is explained we are blessed with an introduction to the Son of God and how we come to be ransomed and adopted by Him. Let us always be thankful to the Holy Spirit for our baptism which opened us up to God’s loving care.

God Bless us throughout the coming year: Deacon Vincent

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As we pray for the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict we can join in with the special Diocesan Mass on Tuesday 10th January at 11am, whether by attending the Mass at the Cathedral in person or via live stream at cliftoncathedral.org.


Stitch It - Don't ditch it!

Did you know that there is a monthly "Stitch it. Don't ditch it!" group that meets on a Thursday afternoon in the parish hall?
It is a group of like-minded, lovely 'crafty' people who socialise with a cuppa whilst mending things and giving items a new life!
Please feel free to come along and join them with something you would like to restore rather than throw away!
The next 'Stitch It' session is this Thursday (12th Jan) from 2pm - 3pm in the parish hall next to church.
All are welcome! Just drop in!



Sycamore is an informal course about the Christian faith and its relevance for life today. It gives you space to meet other people, share ideas, explore your beliefs, and think about questions that really matter.

Rose Lanigan, Mission Support Manager for Sycamore is running a series of ‘How to Webinars’ for Clifton diocese. This helpful and practical series will be hosted on Zoom in January as four evening sessions each starting at 7pm and then repeated in February during the daytime from 11am.

If you are interested in being involved in running the course for St Augustine's Parish, please make contact with Fr Barnabas and sign up for the webinars to learn more about the 'how to's of the group....
OR if this is something you would like to join, if we can find people to run the course, please also let us know so we can gauge interest.

https://cliftondiocese.com/news/sycamore-what-do-you-believe/


SGS College have contacted us to help spread the word....
They will be running free maths courses in local libraries for adult learners who do not have their GCSE in Maths at grade C / 4 or above.
The Cake & Eat It maths course is entry level and is designed to help adults re-acquire some vital maths skills in an informal and friendly setting.
There will be free refreshments each week and the tutor will lead learners through some fun and engaging maths activities in their local library. There are no exams or tests to sit, but learners can progress onto other free qualification-carrying courses after attending this course.
The course will take place at the following libraries, beginning the week commencing 16th January:
Winterbourne Library: Mondays 10am - 12pm
Downend Library: Tuesdays 2pm - 4pm
Emersons Green: Wednesdays 10am - 12pm
Bradley Stoke Library: 2pm - 4pm
Patchway Library: Thursday 10am - 12pm
If interested, contact 0117 909 2393 or email academic@sgscol.ac.uk to reserve a place.

https://www.sgscol.ac.uk/study/english-and-maths/cake--eat-it


Highlighting the wonderful work of Winston's Wish - giving hope to grieving children.

Should you know of a child or young adult who could benefit from the range of support services, after the death of someone close to them, their services are free and they can be contacted online at https://www.winstonswish.org/ or by calling the national number: 08088 020 021, where experienced and trained bereavement practitioners are there to help.




Parish Pastoral Council

 Meet St Augustine's Pastoral Council 

Your council, working with Fr Jim and Fr Barnabas, meet monthly to discuss the vision and future of our church community.

The Role of the PPC

  1. The PPC takes forward the views and suggestions of people in the parish, the Council is also cognisant of the plans of the Diocese for Mission and Evangelisation and aspires to scrutinise the latter and implement ideas and strategies in the parish. The Parish Priest constitutes the authority of the PPC and he is the final arbiter in implementing policy.
  2. The council meets to discuss and explore the pastoral and spiritual life of the parish community. Various projects and initiatives will be examined to facilitate the growth of this community and the liturgical life will be planned with those responsible and in particular the clergy.
  3. The Council regards local ecumenism as a key aspect of discussion and planning. There is a real desire by the Council to meet other Christians in fellowship and explore practical ways this parish can collaborate in evangelisation in our local area.
  4. The PPC works in collaboration with other groups in the parish, this is particularly the case with the Finance Committee. It is essential that all plans and strategies meet with the pastoral/spiritual ethos and aims of the PPC.
  5. The PPC explores opportunities to widen participation in the parish and actively encourages training to support a variety of ministries.
  6. The PPC filled with faith and hope engages in challenging discussions which aim to provoke and shake up the parish community when it becomes a comfort zone and potentially excludes individuals.


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