This coming Wednesday is 'Ash Wednesday', which marks the start of Lent.
Look up the details of Ash Wednesday on the Bishop's Conference's website
https://www.cbcew.org.uk/ash-wednesday/
Our friends at St. Nicholas of Tolentino RC Church, Bristol are holding their monthly celebration of Mass for LGBTQ+ Catholics, families, friends and allies next, on Sunday 18th February.
See poster for details.
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A Message from SJOG Homes For Ukraine
As an official provider of the government scheme, SJOG Homes for Ukraine acts as a matching, training, and support pathway for guests from Ukraine and hosts in the UK who are willing to provide much-needed support. Our programme operates collaboratively with the esteemed Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN).
At SJOG Homes for Ukraine, we offer a range of services to ensure fulfilling experience for both guests and hosts. These services include matching, training for hosts and guests, transportation assistance, a Welcome Box for Ukrainian guests upon arrival, and support during the placement.
See some useful links below:
https://sjog-homesforukraine.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1thQgi9dSEmwkKyEBtBs0dyecLU55SLROlUyIcwuuOBJtqptv2-YWDnC0
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-sponsor-using-recognised-providers-homes-for-ukraine
"You are dust and to dust you shall return"
#AshWednesday
#AshWednesday
PARISH PROJECTS
We are delighted to announce that last year you helped raised a total of £2,285.97 for Friends of the Earth & £2,960.30 for The Mike Procter Foundation. Thanks to Bella and Mike for your work in championing these 2 wonderful charities.
And thank you all so much for your support!
And thank you all so much for your support!
*ANNOUNCEMENT!* 2024’s new Parish Projects will be
Little Sisters of the Poor St Joseph’s Care Home Bristol , which is in urgent need to replace both their help call system for the residents & their broken lift, led by Norbert & Sue Stricker.
And Brandon Trust who provide high-quality, individualised support for children, young people & adults with learning disabilities & autism, led by Tim & Marie Johnston.
Look out for events & fundraising ideas soon or speak to the Stricker's or Johnston's if you would like to help out.
Message from Clifton Diocese:
*Clifton Diocese, Finance and Property Support Officer*
The Clifton Diocese Curia offices are currently looking to recruit a Finance and Property Support Officer to strengthen it's central finance and property functions. The role is a part-time, 2year fixed term contract, to be worked over 25 hours per week and based at Alexander House, Pennywell Road, Bristol.
The successful applicant will need to have a comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office, good communication and organisational skills, to include time management and working on various tasks simultaneiously. Previous administrative experience and a can-do flexible attitude are essential.
For further information please go to the 'Working for us' section of the Clifton Diocese website or contact Simon Hussey, Head of Finance on 0117 902 5591. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 8th March 2024.
https://cliftondiocese.com/diocese/working-for-us/
*Clifton Diocese, Finance and Property Support Officer*
The Clifton Diocese Curia offices are currently looking to recruit a Finance and Property Support Officer to strengthen it's central finance and property functions. The role is a part-time, 2year fixed term contract, to be worked over 25 hours per week and based at Alexander House, Pennywell Road, Bristol.
The successful applicant will need to have a comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office, good communication and organisational skills, to include time management and working on various tasks simultaneiously. Previous administrative experience and a can-do flexible attitude are essential.
For further information please go to the 'Working for us' section of the Clifton Diocese website or contact Simon Hussey, Head of Finance on 0117 902 5591. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 8th March 2024.
https://cliftondiocese.com/diocese/working-for-us/
Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for First Sunday in Lent Year B
1st Reading from the book of Genesis 9: 8-15.
The name means “origin” or “birth” or “coming to be”. It is the name given by its Greek translators; however, it is known in Hebrew by its first word “In the beginning…” This is not a scientific examination of the beginning of the world, but a narrative which indicates that our story begins, as it must end, with God. This passage we have before us today, is about a new beginning after the catastrophe caused by sin. God speaks to Noah and his sons. God is establishing a new Covenant, not just with man, but also with every living creature. The sign of this new covenant? “When you see the clouds gathering in the sky and you look upwards you will see the “Rainbow”, and you will know that I have remembered my covenant with you. It is wonderful to visualise the people of Israel looking at the gathering storms, and being happily reassured that all will be well, because they are dealing with a loving and kindly God, unlike the unpredictable and irascible deities of the surrounding cultures. The repetitions are to emphasise the point that is being made. We might also be reminded of our responsibilities to look after our environment and all the living creatures in it, because they are part of the covenant as well. God is concerned for the welfare of all his creation, so we also must remember to care, as well.
Psalm 24: 4-9.
An appropriate song for the beginning of our Lenten deliberations. It is a song asking God for forgiveness and help. A lovely thought of God teaching us the way and guiding us in the truth. We need to draw close to God so we can hear his teaching and guidance.
2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Peter 3: 18-22.
This letter clearly claims to be written by St. Peter, leader of that first group of Jesus’ companions, but the high standard of Greek used in the letter would suggest that it is written in his name. The letter is a circular addressed to five Churches in modern Turkey. It is a letter to help those who are undergoing some form of persecution. The author suggests we relate our sufferings with Christ’s, who innocent though he was, underwent terrible sufferings for us. Some scholars suggest this letter might be a homily for those about to receive baptism, which would account for the reference to the curative power of water to wash away sin, and fit us for heaven.
The Holy Gospel according to Mark 1: 12-15.
There is a breathless urgency in the first few chapters of Mark’s gospel. In the translation I have before me it reads, “the Spirit hurls him out into the desert.” Jesus is there for forty days, which prefigures our forty days of close examination of our life with Jesus, on the way to the Father. It is comforting to note that the Angels looked after him. We might ask them to assist us in our spiritual desert. Then Jesus burst out at the moment of John’s arrest (The Forerunner). Again, there is an urgency in the proclamation, “The time has come”, there is no time to waste, “the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the Good News.” That message is as stark today as it was then. There is no time to lose we are called to repentance to re-new our lives and embrace Jesus’ teachings and follow him more closely. God is patient with us and allows us yet another lent to turn our lives around.
God give us the grace to “Repent and believe the Good News." Deacon Vincent.
1st Reading from the book of Genesis 9: 8-15.
The name means “origin” or “birth” or “coming to be”. It is the name given by its Greek translators; however, it is known in Hebrew by its first word “In the beginning…” This is not a scientific examination of the beginning of the world, but a narrative which indicates that our story begins, as it must end, with God. This passage we have before us today, is about a new beginning after the catastrophe caused by sin. God speaks to Noah and his sons. God is establishing a new Covenant, not just with man, but also with every living creature. The sign of this new covenant? “When you see the clouds gathering in the sky and you look upwards you will see the “Rainbow”, and you will know that I have remembered my covenant with you. It is wonderful to visualise the people of Israel looking at the gathering storms, and being happily reassured that all will be well, because they are dealing with a loving and kindly God, unlike the unpredictable and irascible deities of the surrounding cultures. The repetitions are to emphasise the point that is being made. We might also be reminded of our responsibilities to look after our environment and all the living creatures in it, because they are part of the covenant as well. God is concerned for the welfare of all his creation, so we also must remember to care, as well.
Psalm 24: 4-9.
An appropriate song for the beginning of our Lenten deliberations. It is a song asking God for forgiveness and help. A lovely thought of God teaching us the way and guiding us in the truth. We need to draw close to God so we can hear his teaching and guidance.
2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Peter 3: 18-22.
This letter clearly claims to be written by St. Peter, leader of that first group of Jesus’ companions, but the high standard of Greek used in the letter would suggest that it is written in his name. The letter is a circular addressed to five Churches in modern Turkey. It is a letter to help those who are undergoing some form of persecution. The author suggests we relate our sufferings with Christ’s, who innocent though he was, underwent terrible sufferings for us. Some scholars suggest this letter might be a homily for those about to receive baptism, which would account for the reference to the curative power of water to wash away sin, and fit us for heaven.
The Holy Gospel according to Mark 1: 12-15.
God give us the grace to “Repent and believe the Good News." Deacon Vincent.
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