This week's news

Haven Home Support

Last week at our Friday Community Café, St Patrick's Women's Group from Redfield together with Father Antonio who hails from Brazil, came to visit us with a special gift for Haven Home, the orphanage and school in India.... a massive cheque for £1,000!
We cannot thank them enough for their generosity.

Martyn Poole, who organises the café as well as aiding our links to Haven Home in India said: "The cheque from St Patricks for £1,000 was so very generous. I was blown over by the sum they raised by having a cake sale.
The sum of £1,000 here in UK is the equivalent of £10,000 in India! The cost of living is a lot less compared with the UK.
I was so pleased to hear that all our children at Haven Home passed their final exams and will be so surprised when they are told that, thanks to St Patrick's funding, they can go to college to study Nursing, Teaching and Engineering for the full time of their courses and accommodation at their chosen colleges. Their education, if they stay and practice in India, will never make them rich but will take them out of poverty.
Years ago St Augustine's chose Haven Home as their charity with the objective of building a 7 classroom school - this was achieved and we see the results every year of children being educated. A thing we take for granted in the UK.
If any of our Church Family would like to know more, I have DVDs showing what Haven Home is today all thanks to people's generosity."

Thanks, once again, to everyone at St Patrick's Church community who supported the Women's Group.

School day!

Can you help out out on Saturday 8th June (9-3) in our school grounds, to help tidy up and repaint some of the outdoor areas?
They would love to see you if you can spare some time...
Only 2 week's to go until our annual Summer event - St Augustine's Community Catch up!

Join us on Saturday 15th June from 11-3 in the school grounds.

WONDERFUL NEWS! We are delighted to announce that Kelly's Donkeys will be joining us at our Summer Community Catch-Up!
Come along and meet the team and the beautiful donkeys from Kelly Donkey Sanctuary to find out about their work with rescuing and caring for the donkeys. Their lovely animals are involved with many things, such as educational workshops, visits for children, attending local events, and providing therapy sessions for care homes & schools for special educational needs.
We are so pleased that they will be at our event - and the younger children will even be able to have a ride!

You'll be delighted to know that "Sav's Super Whippy - Bristol’s Best" will, once again, be there to sell us all ice creams, ice lollies and their famous Super Whippy trays! (He is also donating a prize to our Tombola stall so look out for that!)
Great to have you on board again Sav!

See you all there - pray for hot, sunny, ice cream weather please!




Many many thanks to all who joined in our cream tea and planting session on Sunday, with a blessing for our parish on the Feast of St Augustine.
It was a great occasion and many plants have been nestled in among the buttercups by the garage.



Diocesan Day

This year’s Diocesan Day will take place on Saturday 6 July at St Bernadette’s Secondary School, Whitchurch, Bristol.
The focus of our day will be on Hope – especially in relation to the Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

All are invited to join Bishop Bosco as we explore the theme of Hope together. We will look at where our hope lies, as well as our experiences of pilgrimage and where we might journey as a Diocese in 2025.
The day will start at 9.30am with refreshments and will include Mass as a central part of our day. Please bring a packed lunch. We will finish by 4pm.

Everyone is welcome but places are limited, so please book early. To register for the day please click the Eventbrite link: https://cliftondiocesanday.eventbrite.co.uk
You will be most welcome.


Mary's Meals
Mary's Meals are asking for help with their campaign in Tigray, where right now, there are children working all day in the hope they’ll earn a piece of bread, but it’s not guaranteed because the person they’re begging from is starving too.

The horrors of the aftermath of war are still present. Services to help people deal with the trauma they have lived through are few and far between in a society where everything from homes to hospitals has been looted by soldiers.
But now, in this third year of catastrophic drought, the horror of starvation has the potential to be even worse.
Hunger doesn’t kill you quickly. It saps you of everything you have first, slowly. And communities are enduring this right now.
If you are in a position to help Mary’s Meals to reach more children in Tigray, please visit them online today: https://bit.ly/3wNL0yB

Thank you for your Reflections for Feast of Corpus Christi Year B Deacon Vincent.

1st Reading from book of Exodus 24: 3-8
Moses reads the Law (Torah) to the people who agree to observe all God’s words and decrees, and Moses seals the Covenant they make by sprinkling the people with the blood of the Sacrifices taken from the altar supported by twelve pillars (representing the twelve tribes of Israel). The First Covenant is sealed with the blood of animals at the foot of Mount Sinai. It is a precursor of the Covenant God’s son will make with the twelve Apostles in attendance, but the blood spilt will be Jesus’ own blood.

Psalm 115: 12-13, 15-18.
We continue the theme of the Cup of Salvation, the spilt blood, which has now been named as the Cup of Salvation. The Covenant with God is our means of Salvation, it is combined with the Lord’s name and the fulfilment of our vows, our covenant promises. This song rings out the wonder of the Covenant drawn up on Sinai, but again prefigures Christ’s covenant of his blood poured out for many.

2nd Reading from the letter to the Hebrews 9: 11-15.

This letter here is expressing how the blood of goats or bulls and a heifer were sprinkled on those who had incurred defilement to restore them to holiness. The author of Hebrews is saying that the blood of Christ is far more effective because he offered his very self as the perfect sacrifice for our redemption. We are continuing the interconnection with that first Covenant on Sinai and Christ’s sacrifice of himself for us. It was only required the once for our eternal redemption because we stand at the foot of the cross every time we celebrate the Last Supper with Christ in the Eucharist.

The Holy Gospel according to Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26.
Jesus here presents himself as the Passover Sacrifice, he is, in fact, the Lamb of God, who presents himself as our food and drink for the journey, by replacing the lamb of sacrifice with himself. The gift of the Eucharist is for our redemption and purification from defilement. It is a re-enactment of the sacrifice of Calvary, whereby he offers us himself, body, blood, soul, and divinity in this celebration of the Last Supper. We have the opportunity for an intimate encounter with the living Lord. This is a gift beyond all others, it is the source and object of the sacramental life of the Church. It is freely given to each and every one of us to make us a holy people for Jesus to present to the Father.

May God’s Spirit set us on fire with Love of Our Blessed Saviour. Deacon Vincent.


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St Augustine's Feast Day

Join us this Sunday (26th May) as we celebrate our Patronal Feast together!

Come along at 2pm to the Parish hall as our gardening group will be hosting a Cream Tea afternoon for us all, and get as involved with the planting afternoon as you wish.

O God, who by the preaching
of the Bishop Saint Augustine of Canterbury
led the English peoples to the Gospel,
grant, we pray, that the fruits of his labours
may remain ever abundant in your Church.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen


Bishop Declan

James Abbott from the Bishops' Conference has been lucky enough to be able to record a video with Bishop Declan Lang.

It was the evening before his successor’s episcopal ordination, and we were fortunate to side-step all the intense planning and preparation for the day to come, in order to sit down in the garden of the retiring Bishop of Clifton as the Spring sun gave out its last.

Metaphorically, the sun was setting too on Bishop Declan’s years of ministry as the ninth Bishop of Clifton – it was just a matter of hours before his handover to the incoming Bishop Bosco MacDonald. So, for this video, it seemed apposite to take a stroll with Bishop Declan to look back over almost a quarter of a century shepherding the diocese.

https://cliftondiocese.com/news/in-conversation-with-bishop-declan/


Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for Trinity Sunday Year B


1st Reading from the book of Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40.
The book of Deuteronomy is one of the most influential books of the entire Old Testament. The set up is a second reading of the Law, given by Moses, and happens just before the People of God enter the Promised Land. It could be argued that the text constitutes Israel as People of God. The format is that of a treaty drawn up in the Ancient Near East between a potentate and their vassals. The text we have before us is describing how God has made a special choice of Israel as his own people. We hear the proclamation that the “Lord your God is God, there is no other beside him.” “He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath, and there is no other.” Moses encourages the people to keep God’s laws and commandments, as Moses delivers them to the people, so that the people and their children may prosper and live long in the land that the Lord your God gives you for ever. This is the preamble to the setting out of the treaty or Covenant, as we best recognise it. It really is an amazing document, forming the foundation of the relationship of mutual respect between the Lord God, his people and each other.

Psalm 32: 4-6, 9, 18-20.
It is almost a hymn in praise of the Lord for establishing the people of God. It emphasises the greatness of God and his Divine Mercy and love for us. Then that beautiful exclamation, “May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.” Bishop Declan was always emphasising how we need to be a people of hope. Bishop Bosco calls us not to be afraid, and this psalm tells us exactly why we need not be afraid.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans 8: 14-17.
St. Paul tells us exactly what the Spirit gives. It is a move out of slavery, fear and death, into freedom and adoption as sons and daughters of the Lord God. It stems from the Roman and Greek household whereby the eldest son usually inherited, but where there was no heir, the master could adopt a slave or a member of another family. Here we see Paul adapting that image to the Father, whose Spirit not only ransoms us but adopts us as heirs also. The Romans would have understood fully what Paul was trying to explain to them the function of this Holy Spirit moving through the Church.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 28: 16-20.
This is a very powerful scene with which to conclude this remarkable Gospel. It is noteworthy that there are only eleven disciples, a reminder that one of the intimate friends had betrayed the Lord. They follow the instructions and go to the mountain in Galilee, which has figured prominently throughout this Gospel. They show the proper response to the Lord and worship though like all disciples there is uncertainty. Jesus reveals a further clue as to his true identity, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Then we have the instruction to, “go out into the world and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” And teach them to keep everything that I have commanded you. Then we have this wonderful promise, “And look! I am with you always, yes, to the end of time.” What a wonderful way to conclude the Gospel of Life, with such an intimate presence of the Lord amongst us now and always.
May we never cease to thank the Lord for his Goodness to Us All. 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. *


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Just over 4 weeks to go until... St Augustine's COMMUNITY CATCH UP ~ 2024.
Last year's event was so fantastic that we are doing it all again!

*Please get the dates in your diaries and look out for ways you can help out before the event and also for what to expect on the day.* This week, we'd love donations of prizes for the Tombola - bottles, boxes of chocs, unwanted new gifts (all unopened and new items please)

The organising committee are working hard to bring you another lovely community day and we look forward to seeing you all there!


Don’t Forget the Holy Spirit (DFTHS) Ministries present:
Encounter (Worship. Teaching, Testimony and Prayer) on Saturday 25th May, 10am - 4pm, St Bonaventure's Catholic Church, Egerton Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8HP
Join us on the 25th of May at St Bonaventure's Church Bristol for a day of Encounter. Through worship, teaching and testimony, Fr Matt and Caroline Sadd will unpack the themes of Fr Matt's book 'Don't Forget the Holy Spirit'. The day will start with Mass at 10am and there will be an opportunity to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation and experience prayer for Baptism in the Holy Spirit. There will also be separate groups for children during the day, so families are very welcome to attend. Refreshments provided, but please bring a packed lunch. To book a free place please go to:

The Not So Young Club took a very sunny trip to Sidmouth last week.
How lucky were they with the weather!
Chairman Mike Ryan said "It was a jolly day out for an equally jolly lot of not so youngsters!"
(Please note, ambulance in the background of the photo was NOT for one of the group! 🤣)


St. Nicholas of Tolentino RC Church are hosting their monthly celebration of Mass for the LGBTQI+ community, family & friends on 19th May - See poster for details.

THE SUMMER PRIZE DRAW IS HERE!
You could win cash prizes & more - all in aid of the church, guides, school & pre-school.
*** Please note *** This year, the books have arrived with 5 tickets in them (for £2.50) not the usual 10 tickets for £5 - so please feel free to take 2 books!
Please return stubs & money or unsold books to the office by 13th June. The draw will be during coffees on Sun 16th June. Thanks for your support for our annual summer fundraiser!

No Mow May

Our churches are, once again, both taking part in 'No Mow May'. We are half way through and the amount of daisies and other little flowers and tall grasses coming up in the church grounds is really lovely to see.
Even on a grey day the colours looks so lovely. We hope the insects are enjoying it!
Anyone else doing No Mow May?

If you have a spare 3 minutes, please take a look at this lovely video about the benefits of being involved with this annual scheme, to help increase the wildlife, the plants, insects and.. grasses!

Have a watch and let us know if you think we've got Yorkshire Fog, Sweet Vernal or Cox's Foot!
🐞🦋🦟🌱🌿☘️🌼


We are a 'LIVE SIMPLY' parish ~ as part of that, did you know there is a gardening group who help to rewild and plant up areas around the church grounds? They are holding a CREAM TEA & PLANT SHARING afternoon on Sun 26th May from 2pm, and invite you all to come along with any the spare plants from your garden, to make more wildflower areas, to plant in areas of the church garden by the garages, and enjoy a lovely cream tea after.
ALL WELCOME. Lets CELEBRATE LAUDATO SI week together,
Here is how beautiful some of the areas already are...

 

 


Growing Seeds of Hope - a message from The Clifton Evangelist.

We are delighted to let you know that the Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph will be returning once more to lead us in our exploration of how we form people in the Faith. Their knowledge and practical experience will help to guide and inspire us in our ministry as catechists. I hope it will also enable and inspire anyone who may not yet be a catechist but who cares about the formation of children, young people, and adults, not only for sacramental preparation but in all the in-between stages.
The day takes place on Saturday 13 July at St. John the Baptist parish centre, Trowbridge. Refreshments from 9.30am. Please bring a packed lunch. The day will end at 4pm. Registration is essential for this event - contact us by email at adult.education@cliftondiocese.com



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Examination Prayer


Please remember, in your prayers, all those who are about to start their exams.

For those about to begin these A level, degree year end, BTEC and GCSE and other exams and tests, here is a prayer that you can say yourself as you prepare:

Lord, I know you are with me and love me.
Give me peace of mind as I prepare for this time of study.
Help me to focus on my books and notes.
Keep me from all distractions so that I will make the best use of this time that is available to me.
Give me insight that I might understand what I am studying,
and help me to remember it when the time comes.
Above all, I thank you for the ability to be able to study
and for the many gifts and talents you have given me.
Help me always to use them in such a way
that they honour you and do justice to myself.
Amen


ORDINATION OF BISHOP-ELECT BOSCO MACDONALD

Participation in person with tickets only please.
You will be able to watch the Ordination of Bishop-elect Bosco live on the Diocesan website from midday, Wednesday 8th May 2024
We also give thanks for 23 years of devoted service to the diocese of Bishop Declan

Reflections for Seventh Sunday of Easter Year B from Deacon Vincent.

1st Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 1: 15-17, 20-26.
Peter is showing his leadership skills, which is not always apparent in the Acts. Here we have Peter initiating God’s choice of a successor to Judas. Notice the criteria for an Apostle, “Someone who has been with the Twelve the whole time that Jesus was travelling around with them, right from when John was baptising until Jesus was taken up from the Twelve – this person can act as a witness with the Twelve to Jesus’ resurrection.” The emphasis that they must choose a successor to Judas and his betrayal was foretold tells us that they believe they are being prompted by God in the Holy Spirit to select Judas’ replacement. To enhance the idea that this choice must not be influenced by their likes or choices they agree to let the Holy Spirit choose by the casting of lots over the two candidates found amongst the Disciples who met the required criteria, thus allowing God to select the desired replacement. As the lot falls to Matthias, he is selected to be numbered amongst the Twelve. Strange that Matthias is never heard of again. This whole episode illustrates that God is in charge and the Holy Spirit is irresistibly running the show by prompting Peter. We witness right from the beginning the influence of the Holy Spirit upon the Church’s appointed Vicar of Christ.

Psalm 102: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20.
This song is written in praise of God’s goodness. God is so good he removes our sins as far as the East is from the West. God’s forgiveness is totally abundant to those who choose to seek Him.

2nd Reading from the first letter of John 4: 11-16.
Once again, this letter echoes the language of the Fourth Gospel, as the writer links the God’s Spirit dwelling in us to showing our love to our neighbour, especially within our community, by accepting Jesus as Son, Saviour and Love. To live in love is to live in God, and God lives in them. Typical of John’s Gospel, we have this commandment; “the one who loves God should also love their brother and sister.” We have this assurance that, “God is \love.”

The Holy Gospel according to John 17: 11-19.
At this point it moves from being a discourse to almost a priestly prayer. In the selection we have today we concentrate on the people the Father gave Jesus from the world. “Keep them in your name.” Next Jesus warns us that the world will hate them. There follows a prayer for those whom they will reach out to, namely us. Jesus will pray that we will all be one. His followers will be consecrated in the truth just as Jesus consecrates himself in the truth. Jesus is praying that we will become like him. When we encounter Jesus in the Eucharist he continues to fashion us in his likeness. As stones in the Temple of the Lord must be chiselled and have their rough edges removed so we need shaping to fit into that spiritual temple with Jesus as the corner stone and ourselves honed into one, just as he requests the Father to make us one like Jesus is one with the Father.

Lord grant us faith and patience to become one with You.
Deacon Vincent
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