Wishing you all a Very Happy & Holy Christmas

"I wish you all Blessings for Christmas. I would like to wish you Peace but we don’t live in a peaceful world at present. Also, we need the Blessing of Peace within our own families. This is where we need to support one another especially any who are in difficulty. I feel our Community events do give good witness, the Friday Café, Carol services & coffee after Sunday Mass…

May we continue to Bless one another in the name of Jesus Christ as we celebrate Christmas & prepare to start a New Year."     

Fr Barnabas.

This week's News

 Christmas Mass Time for our Parishes in Communion

There is also Mass on Boxing day at St Lawrence in Chipping Sodbury at 9.30am and at St Joseph's in Fishponds at 10am.

Soup Run at Christmas 

The soup run team have been out distributing the gifts you all so generously donated for those they meet whilst out in Bristol.
There were so many pairs of gloves and socks, lots of deodorants and tons of chocolate bars - so they were able to make up amazing gifts bags.
Gaby from the team said "The gifts were perfect! As usual the parish community were very generous. We had enough gifts for this soup run and the next one in the early part of the new year too, so please pass on our thanks and best wishes."

The final Prize Draw money is all in and counted and together with the profits from the Countdown to Christmas event on the day, the Guides, the Parish, Preschool & the School’s PTFA got a whopping £1,012.76 each!
That is a truly amazing amount which will help so many people. Thanks to all who supported the event & the draw. What a wonderful community we have!

Thank you to our amazing Pre-school who've made some beautiful decorations for the church windows - have a look out for them around the church when next at Mass

 

Community Carol Evening

On Friday 20th December, our church was delighted to host the local Community Carol sing-a-long! What a wonderful evening it was. We welcomed over 250 people into church to enjoy beautiful music and singing from the Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir and the band of The Salvation Army Staple Hill.
Everyone was in fine voice, they survived Mike's jokes, and then all went to the hall afterwards for refreshments and more music from Rachel's sing-a-long and the Sea Shanty group.
We kept the church open after for anyone who wanted to come back in to light a candle for someone they are thinking of this Christmas.
A truly lovely community evening with amazing feedback given to us from so many who attended.
Thanks to the Friday Community Cafe team who organised the evening with sponsorship from Downend and Bromley Heath Parish Council.

 

 

This week's news

A message from St Bonaventure's Church, Bristol

"You are warmly invited to a Parish Open Morning on Saturday 11th January 2025 at St Bonaventure's Church, Egerton Road Bristol BS7 8HP.

We will start with Mass at 9.30 followed by refreshments. Representatives from our parish groups will speak briefly about what they do, then afterwards there will be time to talk informally and find out more about what goes on at St Bons. You will also have a chance to look around our church and grounds if you wish, before making your way home for lunch.

We are holding this event to mark the beginning of the Church's Jubilee Year in 2025, and look forward to welcoming parishioners from neighbouring churches in our Pastoral Area.

If you are coming by car, please note that our car park is accessed from Berkeley Road not Egerton Road, and you need to use the postcode BS7 8AF in your Satnav to get you there."

On behalf of St Bonaventure's Pastoral Council, we look forward to welcoming you and your parishioners on 11th January next year."

https://stbonsbristol.com/

Bishop Bosco MacDonald has recorded a special Christmas message for this Holy Season.

In his first message as Bishop of Clifton, Bishop Bosco talks about the challenges we have all faced both locally and globally this year, but lets us know that the message of Christmas shines brightly; and this message is Hope.
As we celebrate this Holy Season, he asks that we also remember our call to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. Whether it’s by a small act of love or something bigger, every act of kindness brings us closer to building a community where no one feels forgotten or alone.
You can watch the full video message by clicking the Vimeo link below:
https://vimeo.com/1039644501

As Advent begins this weekend, here are the services, events and special Masses for the festive period:

*Sat 30th November* ~ Advent Penitential Service from 10am-12noon, in church with coffee in the hall.

*Sat 30th Nov & Sun 1st December* ~ Weekend Masses celebrating the 1st Sunday of Advent. (6pm Sat & 9.30am Sun)

*Sat 7th & Sun 8th December* ~ Weekend Masses celebrating the 2nd Sunday of Advent, and including 'Gift Weekend', where you can bring gifts for the homeless people we meet on the Soup Run.

*Sun 8th December* ~ 3pm, Carols By Candlelight in the church.

*Sat 14th & Sun 15th December* ~ Weekend Masses celebrating the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

*Thurs 19th December* ~ 9.30am, School Christmas Mass in Church

*Fri 20th December* ~ 6.30pm, 'Community Carols' in the church and parish hall.

*Sat 21st & Sun 22nd December* ~ Weekend Masses celebrating the 4th Sunday of Advent.

*Tues 24th December* ~ 6pm, Vigil Mass of Christmas
& 9pm, Carols service before 9.30pm, Christmas Night Mass begins.

*Wed 25th December* ~ 9am, Mass of Christmas Day.

See poster for all the Christmas Masses within our Parishes in Communion.
See our Newsletters each week for all our Mass times and confirmation of any changes.

This Week's News

Carols by Candlelight

This weekend we held our annual "Carols by Candlelight" service ~ a beautiful afternoon of reflection, during Advent, to prepare us for the coming season. Various musicians and singers were there to lead us in the carols (everyone was in fine voice!), including our 'Cantonese Angels' who sang some carols for us in English and Cantonese, and a group made from our various church musicians who performed a very moving rendition of 'Mary, did you know'.
Thank you to all involved with the service and with the lovely refreshments in the hall afterwards. And thanks to all who came out. The donations, craft sale and raffle for our Parish Projects raised an amazing £320! ~ we hope you enjoyed the afternoon.

Lost Property

Someone has left a red plastic bag full of Christmas cards at the back of church - they are now in the parish office in the presbytery for safe keeping, so you can come and collect them from there. Thank you.
And don't forget, any lost property is placed in the lost property cupboard as you walk into Church on the left hand side. Have a look through if you have anything missing (there is quite a collection of items!)

Celebration of Mass at St Nicholas'

Please see poster for details of St. Nicholas of Tolentino RC Church, Bristol's monthly celebration of Mass for LGBTQ+ Catholics, friends and family.

All are welcome.

Thanks, Deacon Vincent, for your Reflections for Second Sunday of Advent Year C

1st Reading from the Prophet Baruch 5: 1-9.
Baruch, the name means “Blessed”, was the secretary to Jeremiah who wrote down Jeremiah’s preaching. This book, however, was not written by Baruch, but the author used the name of a figure from the “Golden Age”, and re-interpreting Jeremiah for a new situation. Israel is still occupied by a foreign power, with the usual extortionate taxes. This book is seeking to put “hope in the Lord”, back into the people; this book is speaking to Jews who are living in the Greek-Speaking Dispersion. The writing that we are reading today is from a poem of consolation for Jerusalem. It is lifting the people who are separated from their homeland and telling them that God has not forgotten them. They are remembered and loved by God. It is worth studying and dwelling upon the fact that although things do not always go well with us, God never forgets us, but is trying to resolve our difficulties. We need to always trust God and keep our hope alive, for we are a people of Hope.

Psalm 126(125): 1-2b, 2c-3, 4-5, 6.

This is the song of the returning exiles, very appropriate, as a follow up to Baruch’s exhortation. Sing and shout for joy whenever God hears us and comforts us.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 1: 3-6, 8-11.
In the Thanksgiving of Pauline letters, it is always useful to look out for themes that will re-appear later in the letter. Paul uses “all of you”, several times which might indicate that there is a problem with disunity amongst them. Notice the use of “Joy”, in the opening passage, for although Paul is in prison, whilst writing this letter it is one of his most joyful letters. Paul also emphasises partnership, which carries with it the idea of fellowship, union and communion. If you read on into this letter these themes will come to light for some expansion from Paul.

The Holy Gospel according to Luke 3: 1-6.
This prolonged introduction to John the Baptist’s mission contains the only date in the whole of the New Testament (AD 28-29). He lists the important people in descending order of importance to the region. We are introduced to Pontius Pilate and Annas and Caiaphas, three people who we will find scattered throughout this Gospel. Eventually Luke arrives at the key figure that he wants to talk about, namely John the Baptist, son of Zachariah. John is in the wilderness calling the people to repentance, which fits perfectly with the Isaiah’s prophecy of a voice crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the Way of the Lord.” Every one of the Gospels have John preparing the people to meet their Saviour, Jesus Christ. John is the springboard for Jesus to enter his public life. He must have been a towering figure, for Jesus says of him, “There is none greater than John the Baptist born of woman.” Let us hear John’s cry today to transform our lives so that we are ready to meet the Lord, when he comes.

God forgive our foolish ways and bring us close to Jesus.
Deacon Vincent.

This week's News

ADVENT PENITENTIAL MORNING

Please join us in St Augustine's Church this Saturday 30th Nov from 10-12noon.

We will hold a Holy Hour, several Priests will be in Church to hear Confession and then come for a coffee in the hall

~ All in preparation for the Season of Advent.

Everyone welcome to drop in during the morning and stay for as long as you would like.

Carols by Candlelight ~ Sunday 8th December at 3pm in our Church

Everyone is invited to come along for a beautiful Advent service with singing, reflections and something for the little ones.

Taking place on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, it is a time to prepare together for the coming of the season.

After the service, please join us for festive refreshments in the hall with a raffle for our 2 Parish Projects, Brandon Trust and Little Sisters Of The Poor, as well as finding out the lucky winners of the Parish Christmas Prize Draw!

International day for ending violence against women and girls.

The Caritas Social Action Network and the National Board of Catholic Women have issued a statement on the need to act with determination, urgency and create a world that is safe for all women and girls.

"25th November marks the international day for ending violence against women and girls. The day is observed annually and begins a 16-day period to raise awareness of the global scourge of violence against women and girls.
We are encouraged to take part in events, social media campaigns and educational activities that advocate for ending this violence. This is an increasingly important issue, recognised by the World Health Organisation as a pandemic and now in the UK as a national emergency.
Globally, a third of women have been subjected to physical or sexual abuse.
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable in times of war and conflict; sexual violence is used as a weapon of war. An estimated eight million women and girls in Ukraine are in need of humanitarian aid. In Gaza, disproportionate numbers of women have been killed, while pregnant women face malnourishment and lack of access to essential healthcare. Escalating restrictions on women living under the Taliban in Afghanistan include forbidding speaking in public to other women, singing, travel, study or work.
Ending violence against women and girls involves challenging deeply rooted cultural attitudes. In the words of Gisele Pelicot, speaking recently in court in France about the horrific violations orchestrated by her husband; “shame must change sides.” This is a challenge which lies deeply at the heart of Catholic Social Teaching.
Pope Francis has spoken about violence against women and girls on many occasions, issuing a call to all Catholics to use our power to bring about this cultural change. “It is our duty, the responsibility of each person, to give a voice to our voiceless sisters… It is necessary to act immediately, at all levels with determination, urgency and courage.”
As Catholics, we are preparing for the Jubilee year as pilgrims of Hope. Let us enter these 16 days with that Hope, so that we can indeed act with determination, urgency and create a world that is safe for all women and girls.

Do you need help?
If you feel unsafe at home or are worried about someone else, contact:
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Life Fear Free Helpline (Wales): 0808 8010 800
welshwomensaid.org.uk

Rape Crisis: 0808 5000 2222
rapecrisis.org.uk

Galop: 0800 999 5428
galop.org.uk

If you are concerned that you may be harming the people you love: Respect Phoneline: 0808 8010 327
respectphoneline.org.uk

Read the full statement and details here:
https://www.cbcew.org.uk/stand-up-against-domestic-abuse/

Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for First Sunday in Advent Year C

1st Reading from the prophet Jeremiah 33: 14-16.
Jeremiah is asked by God to inform the people that Jerusalem and Judah are going to be restored. God goes on to say that a descendant of the line of David will come forth and display justice and righteousness in the land, and his name will be, “The Lord is our righteousness”. Christians have always seen this is as a promise of the coming Saviour Jesus Christ, who is a descendant of David, by Joseph’s lineage. God is encouraging his people to keep strong in turbulent times for Israel. It is a good thing, to remind ourselves, that God really is the Master of the Universe.

Psalm 24: 4-5b, 8-9, 10, 14.
This is a song asking God for forgiveness and help. It is a reminder that we need God’s guidance and the help of his commands to find the right path and lead the Gospel life, as illustrated by Jesus in the
Gospels.

2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians 3: 12-4: 2.
This is a charming and loving prayer, with a subtle reminder to the Thessalonians that they still have a way to go in perfecting the Gospel life. Paul aligns Jesus with God in the opening passages, which shows how he is still working out the actual relationship of Jesus with the Father, he is confident of their unity of action, however. Paul mentions Jesus coming (the Parousia) more prominently in these letters to the Thessalonians. It is a timely reminder for us, during Advent, to renew our prayer, “Come Lord Jesus, Come.”

The Holy Gospel according to Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36.

We concluded the previous year with predictions of the end, and we begin our new Liturgical Year with yet another reminder that this world will end one day. It is best to think occasionally of our own end and remind ourselves of the things that really matter. Loving God and always being respectful to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, staying sober and leading good lives according to God’s law, treating our neighbour with kindness and consideration. Always looking out for the widows and orphans, who need our loving care. Now is the time for preparing to meet the Lord. Hold ourselves upright and don’t be weighed down by the troubles of the day; always trust in the Lord, Our Redeemer. He loves us and wants to lead us to the Father, so always be joyous as we journey with Our Lord.

God grace us to always be prepared to meet our Lord. Deacon Vincent.

*I fully acknowledge the assist given me by Nicholas King’s Study Bible in this and all my reflections. For his insight into the books and writings of the Holy Bible. He has been my inspiration and insight into the wonders of Holy Scripture. *

This week's News

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS What a wonderful afternoon on Saturday, celebrating all that is good about our parish community. We hope you all enjoyed it?
We had record numbers through the door and a lovely atmosphere with music, games, shopping, Santa and more.
The feedback has been so positive and it looks like a great amount of money has been raised for all the groups and charities represented (info to follow soon).
Thank you SO MUCH to everyone involved with the day, whether you were part of the planning, organised and ran a stall, helped with the setting up and clearing up or if you came along and enjoyed yourself. We thank you all.
See you next year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADVENT PENITENTIAL MORNING
Please join us in St Augustine's Church on Saturday 30th Nov from 10-12noon.

We will hold a Holy Hour, several Priests will be in Church to hear Confession and then come for a coffee in the hall

~ All in preparation for the Season of Advent.

Everyone welcome to drop in during the morning and stay for as long as you would like.

GIFT SUNDAY

Each December we ask for help for those who are on the streets in our city to give them a gift from our community at Christmas. So, on Sat & Sun 7/8th Dec, we invite you to bring a gift to Mass for the homeless people we will meet on our soup run, if you are able to.
The team would love to make up gift parcels which could include men’s gloves, deodorant, socks, and any large (110g) bars of chocolate. They will put donated gifts together to make up lovely gift bags for the Christmas soup run, (so no need to wrap anything). Thank you in advance for your generosity.

A message from Clifton Diocese:

'Beyond the Threshold' – creating safe spaces for people to find out who we are, what we believe and what we’re like!
A day for all! On Saturday 18 January we will explore the key principles that we need to employ before we embark on any specific programme of catechesis. Our day at St Brendan’s College, Brislington, will start at 10am (9.30am refreshments) and will be led by International Speaker and Author, David Wells as our keynote speaker. In addition, there will be a series of workshops to look at how we apply the principles of creating a safe space, enabling others to know who we are, what we believe and what we are like!

To register for the day please click on the Eventbrite link: https://beyondthethreshold.eventbrite.co.uk

Statement on assisted suicide

Following Fr Barnabas' sermon this weekend, as promised, here is the link to the statement from the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales.

https://cliftondiocese.com/news/catholic-bishops-of-england-wales-and-scotland-unite-in-compassionate-action-to-oppose-bill-on-assisted-suicide/

On your own this Christmas?

Marmalade Trust has been highlighted to us to spread the word in case anyone is going to be on their own this Christmas. They are an award-winning charity dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and empowering people to make connections.

Please contact this charity in case they can offer some friendly support.

Click here to go to their website

SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY

TW: Last weekend was SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY, a day where we can focus on the fact that, as Christians, we try to look out for each other & help keep each other safe - especially those who are vulnerable.
We have our ‘Support Board’ as you leave church with details of support groups & charities should you or someone you know be experiencing anything that needs help or advice.
Also our Diocesan Safeguarding team & contact details are there, should you ever have concerns on someone’s behalf & need an expert to talk to.
I have tagged, here, several amazing charities and groups who operate to give advice and sign post people to get the help they need. See our support board or visit them online to find contact details and information.

Hourglass ~ if concerned about an older person. Safer ageing, stopping abuse
The Survivors Trust ~ United against sexual violence & abuse

Samaritans ~ there for everyone ~ call 116 123
Campaign Against Living Miserably ~ suicide prevention charity on a mission to help people end their misery, not their lives
Women's Aid ~ National domestic abuse charity
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
Childline ~ help for children and young people under 19
Mind ~ mental health charity
CAP - Christians Against Poverty UK ~ helping to provide free debt help.
RESTORED ~ Christian charity working to support survivors of domestic abuse.
One in Four UK ~ supporting people who have survived child sexual abuse
NAPAC - The National Association for People Abused in Childhood

See our website's separate Safeguarding page

or Visit https://cliftondiocese.com/departments/safeguarding/ to find more information about Clifton Diocese' safeguarding principles and processes and for contact details if you have concerns or someone has disclosed issues to you. They can talk to you and help deal with the situation on your behalf.
Bernadette (Safeguarding rep) or Fr Barnabas are also happy to talk about any concerns to help point you in the right direction to get expert help.

Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for the Feast of Christ the King Year B

1st Reading from the prophet Daniel 7: 13-14.
Daniel has a vision, and he refers to, “one like a son of man.” This term is frequently used in Ezechiel, when God addresses the prophet and Jesus himself uses the phrase often, as a way of avoiding saying “I”. This passage we are reading today, was used by Jesus when he was being examined by the Chief Priest, after his betrayal. (See Mark 14:62 & Matthew 26:64.) He cites this vision after stating that he was the Messiah, the Holy One of God, and subsequently brought about his being condemned to death. As a result, Christians have always looked upon this prophecy of Daniel as actually referring to Jesus receiving his kingdom.

Psalm 92: 1-2, 5.
This song is proclaiming the greatness of God, upon the completion of creation before God rests upon the seventh day. (The Sabbath). God is the Master of the Universe, something we often forget.

2nd Reading from the book of the Apocalypse 1: 5-8.
The word “Apocalypse” is Greek for unveiling, and Revelation is the Latin. It describes what type of document this is. Later we are told it is an unveiling of Jesus Christ, the author is a “John”, but which John we are not told, it is a prophecy which is “the speech of God to human beings, and not necessarily a prediction of the future. We are told Jesus loved us and freed us from our sins by his blood, made us a kingdom, priests for his God and Father. We are assured of the Lordship of God as the Alpha and the Omega, indicating God’s control of the present, past and future. We need to be reminded of this in the confusion of the world in which we reside.

The Holy Gospel according to John 18: 33-37.
We only have before us the conversation between Jesus and Pilate. Who is in charge is not certain. Pilate is dashing between the baying mob outside and the serene countenance of the imprisoned Jesus. Pilate should be dominating things as the representative of this world’s Emperor, but it is Jesus who holds centre stage. “Yes, I am a King, I was born for this, I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice”. We see Jesus as the true Messiah, whom the world believes they have conquered, and he will be destroyed; but we know that He has conquered the world and is Risen and is the True King of the Universe to bring all to the Father. This is the person we encounter intimately at the Eucharist. We are truly Blessed to have such a Saviour who wants to engage with us.

We adore you O Christ, King of the Universe.
Deacon Vincent.