Pope Leo XIV

A Message from Bishop Bosco on the Election of Pope Leo XIV

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

With great joy and renewed hope, we welcome the election of Pope Leo XIV, the new Bishop of Rome and successor of St Peter. His election is a gift to the whole Church, and I invite everyone in the Diocese of Clifton to keep him in our hearts and prayers in these first days of his ministry.

In his first words to the world, Pope Leo XIV greeted us with the timeless blessing: “Peace be with you all.” He reminded us that this was the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. He expressed his desire for this peace to enter our hearts, reach our families, and extend to all people, everywhere on earth.

By choosing the name Leo, our new Holy Father aligns himself with a towering figure in our tradition: Pope St Leo the Great, the first pope in history to be honoured with the title “the Great.” He earned it not through power or prestige, but through his holiness, wisdom, and tireless defence of the faith during times of crisis. He reminded Christians not just who we are, but whose we are: “No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ.”

That same call echoes in our own time. Pope Leo XIV takes up his role as shepherd of the universal Church at a moment when the world is yearning for unity, meaning, and mercy. We pray that, like his namesake, he will lead with courage, clarity, and deep pastoral love.

Here in the Diocese of Clifton, as we continue to listen, renew, and go out in mission, we offer Pope Leo our loyalty and affection. May he know that the people of this diocese are with him, walking together in faith and in friendship with Christ.

O Holy Spirit, strengthen our new Pope, guide him in wisdom and peace, and bless the Church he now leads.

Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Leone – let us pray for Pope Leo.

Rt Rev Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton

Rest in Peace

This week's news

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT! The St Augustine's 'Community Catch Up' committee are DELIGHTED to announce that our event has been sponsored by April's Flower Patch of Downend!

We are so pleased for your support April and wish you well with your wonderful local business delivering unique, eco-friendly flowers for the home, business, or event.
"I deliver stunning, hand-grown blooms straight from my garden in Bristol. I specialise in growing a diverse array of unique, chemical-free flowers, all nurtured with natural feeds and sustainable practices. My commitment to the environment is unwavering, and I take pride in offering blooms with a low carbon footprint. Each flower is hand-reared with love and care, ensuring they truly shine."

Visit April's Website or Intsa page to see her beautiful work! www.aprilsflowerpatch.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/april.hulin/#

    

LGBTQ+ Mass

See poster for details of the monthly Mass for LGBTQ+ Catholics, their family, friends and allies at St. Nicholas of Tolentino RC Church, Bristol.

Congratulations!

St Augustine's Parish Community sends their heartfelt Congratulations to Christine and Peter who were married last week.
The sun shone on the wedding (after some morning showers) and we hear that it was a lovely, fun day for the family and friends who attended.
With Best Wishes to the Happy Couple!

Thanks and credit to Stewart Clarke Photography for allowing us to share their photos.

Memorial Garden Bench.
We have been approached by 3 families to help fund a bench so there is somewhere for people to sit when visiting the memorial garden.
The costs for installation, groundwork & a composite bench (for longevity) will be approx. £700.
Should anyone else wish to donate towards this, please contact the office or hand in a donation to the presbytery or make a donation online, making it clear it is for the 'bench', by 22nd June.
If there happens to be any surplus donated it will be used for the memorial garden’s upkeep.

"Eyes down for a full house" Come along for a Night at the Bingo!
A few of our parishioners are raising money in support of Jesuit Refugee Service UK and are running a BINGO night in our parish hall on Saturday 7th June at 8pm.
They warmly invite everyone to come along for a fun evening of Bingo at only £5 per person (BYO drinks and nibbles).
See poster for details of how to buy your ticket.
"The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation, at work in over 50 countries around the world with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.
JRS UK has a special ministry to those who find themselves destitute as a consequence of government policies and those detained for the administration of immigration procedures.
Our work is carried out in the spirit of mutual respect, dignity and solidarity with the refugees and forced migrants, and in collaboration with other organisations. Our work expresses the commitment of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) to stand with refugees around the world."
https://www.jrsuk.net/

Community Catch up

With just over 2 weeks to go until we have our Annual Summer 'Community Catch Up' in the grounds of our school, we'd love to tell you about some of the amazing local traders who'll be at the event for you to enjoy!
There will be delicious ice creams from Sav's Super Whippy,

and in our Trader's Tent you can enjoy Roger's Pickles and Fresh Fruit,

MJG Customs with their personalised gifts,

pick up a hand crafted gift or card from Mustard Cuts,

see the beautiful hand made glass ornaments from Daisydebs Glass Gifts,

get some amazing makeup deals from Sandie,

choose a laser cut wooden item from Adele's Crafts

and, of course, visit our AMAZING EVENT SPONSOR, April's Flower Patch! 🩷
Looking forward to seeing you all there!

 

 

  

 

This week's news

VE Day Celebrations at St Augustine's

Many who attend our Church Community Cafe on a Friday will remember the street parties that were held in Cities, Towns and Villages for many years after the 2nd World War, to celebrate the end of war in Europe.

So, it seemed only right that we joined in the celebrations!
The Church Hall was transformed, tables in a long line with so many Union Jack Flags hung from above and on every table.
Vera Lynn, Glen Miller and all the songs from that era were played.

With over 50 attending we catered as they would have done in the 40s and 50s.
Jelly and Blancmange, Trifle, Cream Scones and cakes that Mum could make at home like Rock Cakes.
Sandwiches were available with the fillings of the day like Spam, Corned Beef, and Shiphams Fish Paste.
Everyone joined in the Singing and some even joined in the Conga (a popular dance of that time), going round and round the hall.

It was a great afternoon and recalled for many the good times after the War.
The free Community Cafe is held every Friday from 1.30pm until 3.30pm - everyone is welcome - why not join us!
St Augustine's Parish Hall, Boscombe Crescent, BS16 6QR.

"Eyes down for a full house!"

A few of our parishioners are raising money in support of Jesuit Refugee Service UK by running a BINGO night in our parish hall on Saturday 7th June at 8pm.

They warmly invite everyone to come along for a fun evening of Bingo at only £5 per person (BYO drinks and nibbles).
See poster for ticket details.

"The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation, at work in over 50 countries around the world with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.
JRS UK has a special ministry to those who find themselves destitute as a consequence of government policies and those detained for the administration of immigration procedures.
Our work is carried out in the spirit of mutual respect, dignity and solidarity with the refugees and forced migrants, and in collaboration with other organisations. Our work expresses the commitment of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) to stand with refugees around the world."

A Message from Encounter 2025:
Pentecost 2025 Saturday 7th June – Join us in person at the Cathedral or via the Cathedral livestream for an all night Pentecost Vigil on 7th June. Let us come together as a Diocese to pray for the Holy Spirit to reinvigorate our faith, our parishes and our communities.
See details of the whole Encounter programme at https://cliftondiocese.com/encounter/

What was that? "You'd love to win some amazing cash prizes" do I hear you say?

Well, You are in luck!

The Annual Summer Prize Draw is here and ready for you to win £200, £100, £50 or one of our many brilliant prizes!
Grab a book of tickets from the office or after Masses at the weekend and fill in your ticket stubs - Just 50p a ticket or the whole book for £5 - Why not take an extra book for your family and friends?
Closing date for entry is Friday 20th June and the draw itself will be after Mass at coffee time on Sunday 22nd June.
"You've gotta be in it to win it!" Good luck.

A message from Clifton Diocese:
We are delighted to announce that RISE Theatre who are running our young person’s stream on the Jubilee Day, will be presenting an inspiring evening sharing two of their original Christian films 'THE ROOM' & 'THE MASTERPIECE' plus some LIVE SKETCH performances on Friday 20th June.

Rise Theatre is a Christian Company which has been bringing the Christian message to schools and Parishes since 2007. Charley, a Catholic who grew up in Torquay, from a young age had a vision for the work that they now do. This event is to support their ministry and to raise much needed funds to contribute to the work in the community and across the UK. They are now based in Bristol but whilst known across the country are not as well known in Bristol. This is a great opportunity to discover how good they are, whilst also supporting them to be able to continue.
The film night is for adults and young people (12+) @ St Christopher's Church, Hampstead Rd, Bristol BS4 3HN. Starts 7.30pm (Doors 7pm)
Tickets £5 Adults & young people 12+
Buy tickets online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/risetheatre
They are also offering some 'pay what you can' tickets for those on low to no income. So, if you know of anyone that would really like to come but cannot afford the ticket price, please do invite them, as we want this event to be open to all.
Event is under 2 hours & includes an interval with light refreshments available. Films suitable for ages 12 and over.

For more info visit www.risetheatre.co.uk

SEND Together Parent Group - Everyone is welcome, whether part of the school or not. This event is open to all.

Please see the details for St. Augustine's Primary School SEND Together Parent Group Fundraiser.
"We are thrilled to welcome Pete Wharmby—autistic/ADHD bestselling author, trainer, and consultant—for an inspiring talk followed by a Q&A session. Pete will also be selling and signing his books.
This special event is kindly hosted by Claire Philips, SEND Adviser (Autism & Neurodiversity) for South Glos.
Join us for an evening of connection and community, bringing together SEND parents, carers, and anyone eager to learn more about SEND, all while raising funds for the school's SEND provision.
We are proud to have SGPC and Bristol Autism Support joining us for the evening, offering guidance, information, and signposting. Additionally, the school SENCO, Parent Link, and members of St. Augustine’s SEND Together Parent Group will be in attendance.
Your support makes a difference! Come along, enjoy a fantastic evening, and contribute to a great cause. We can’t wait to see you there!"

Click here - Eventbright link for tickets:

For more information about Pete Wharmby – Neurodiversity Speaker and Writer, visit his website
https://petewharmby.com/

PLEASE NOTE: SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has warned drivers that scammers are using its new car park payment scheme to target them for fraud – just a day after it was introduced.

The council says there are four authentic ways to pay for parking at the sites where charges have been introduced: by card or contactless payment at the new parking machines, via the the MiPermit app, the MiPermit website or via the MiPermit automated payment line on 0345 520 7007.

Council cabinet member for local place Sean Rhodes said: “South Gloucestershire Council DO NOT USE QR CODES as part of the car parking system.

“We know it is all too easy to fall victim of scams, and fraudsters are increasingly sophisticated in their approach to tricking people into parting with money or their personal information.

“By being vigilant, residents can protect themselves and others.
Our staff will continue to be vigilant in looking for any evidence of tampering with our parking payment machines, including removing any stickers added near to payment instructions.”

See Thornbury Voice article here

Thank you to Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for Sixth Sunday of Easter Year C

1st Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 15: 1-2, 22-29.
The dispute concerning circumcision was a long one in the early church. We see here that missionaries had come from Jerusalem without permission to disrupt Paul and Barnabas’ mission, which had been sanctioned, so they go back to Jerusalem to establish exactly what the Church was happy to proclaim. Notice how the Elders and the Apostles are consulted and agree with Paul and Barnabas’s stance that Circumcision was not required of the Gentiles. We should observe Luke’s emphasis on Church infrastructures; the “apostles and elders” must validate the policy decisions taken by missionaries, “in the field”. Otherwise, we are not Church. A sound lesson for us today with so many various opinions on every aspect of the faith. It is important to establish exactly what the Church is teaching and stay with that, as it is only the Church that has the authority to authenticate teaching.

Psalm 67(66): 2-3, 5-6, 8.
This is a little song praising God for the harvest and is mainly accompanied by stringed instruments. It has some lovely phrases, such as, “let his face shed its light upon us.” “May God still give us his blessing”, “Let the peoples praise you, O God;” they really are beautiful, neat phrases to remember and use ourselves from time to time.

2nd Reading from the Book of Revelation 21: 10-14, 22-23.
This concluding vision is majestic. Just simply let it work on our imaginations and not worry tto much about precise details. Simply let us bask in the radiance of God’s light and his victory over the Beast. It is worth noticing that there is not a temple, but it is the Lamb of God at the centre exuding light for us to bask in and share the victory.

The Holy Gospel according to John 14: 23-29.

This asserts the centrality of love in Jesus’ final speech to his disciples before suffering. The Helper, the Holy Spirit functions so that the disciples are not abandoned by Jesus, but alive and beloved. Secondly the Holy Spirit will teach us everything and remind us of all the things Jesus said to us. If we pay attention to what Jesus asks of us and keep his Word, we have the knowledge that the Father and Jesus will make their home within us, and we will be endowed with the gift of “Peace”, a “Peace” that the world is incapable of giving. Then that magnificent phrase “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Jesus really wants us to find his “Peace”. This last speech by Christ is only found in John’s Gospel. We learn that the Holy Spirit is our advocate and comforter. The Spirit will be working on our behalf and so we should not be afraid or troubled. We are the most “Blessed” of people who have the Spirit of God assisting us and loving us, so, “Do not let our hearts be troubled.”
God grant us Peace.
Deacon Vincent.

*I fully acknowledge the assistance given by Rev. Nicholas King’s Study Bible, introductions to the Books of the Bible and his reflections throughout the whole of the Scripture. His insight is amazingly educational. Deacon Vincent Calder. *

This Week's News

School Governors

You may be aware that there is a considerable shortage of Foundation Governors across the Diocese, to help lead our schools. Bishop Bosco is so concerned about this situation, that he has written a special letter and produced a promotional video, both making an urgent appeal for volunteers to become new Foundation Governors.

Please take a moment to watch Bishop Bosco's message and see his letter to all churches.

Mental Health Awareness Week is underway and we are pleased to share this post from Mind who offer support to those who may need it.

Plus, this prayer was shared by Redemptorist Publications who rightly stated that we are all "worthy of happiness and peace of mind".

Loving God, we pray for those struggling with mental health, seeking your healing touch and guidance. Grant them strength, clarity, and peace. Surround them with compassion and understanding, and help us to be a source of support and hope.

Amen

This week's news

 *CORRECTION*

Due to an error by the usually PERFECT secretary (!) the Newsletter was published with incorrect information.

Please note that this week's Morning prayer on Thursday and Friday evening Mass are both at their usual times of 10am and 7.30pm.
Apologies for the confusion.
(I'll say 10 Hail Mary's for my sins - although as dear Deacon Peter used to always reply... "..but I only know one!")

Easter Vigil Celebrations

Here we are at this year's Easter vigil which took place at St Paul's in Yate. 7 adults and 1 teenager were baptised and confirmed.
With the photos you can see the Mass beginning with the lighting of the Easter Fire. It was a great occasion with people from all 4 of our churches, the furthest having come from Kingswood.
St Paul's community served us so well with refreshments following the lovely service.
Then in the morning, 4 children, belonging to those families who were received the night before, were then baptised on Easter Sunday. With much thanks to all who assisted in any way with the celebrations.
Fr Barnabas.

 

'No Mow May'

has begun and the daisies are out in force in our church grounds already.

We'll keep an eye on what else comes up over the next few week
s and try to spot any visiting bugs who are enjoying the long grass and plants in our grounds.

Visit Plantlife: saving wild plants for information behind why 'No Mow May' can be an brilliant thing to do to help our local climate.

SEND Together evening

*** See poster for an event taking place in our primary school, which all local families are invited to attend. *** This is the new date following a postponement from last time. New date - Monday 2nd June from 6-8pm in the school.
Tickets from Eventbright:

Thank you to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections for the Fourth Sunday of Easter Year C.

1st Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 13: 14, 43b-52.

This is the first example of the pattern of Paul’s Ministry in the Acts. The Gospel is preached firstly to the Synagogue, and meets initially with success, but later is rejected, and they then turn towards the Gentiles who are thirsting for the Gospel. Paul and his helpers expect persecution and rejoice in it. “Joy” and “the Holy Spirit” belong very close together in Luke’s writings. The reference to “a light for the Gentiles” is a quote from the Prophet Isaiah 49: 6. But we might also recall Simeon using the same phrase as he held the child Jesus in the Temple. We hope one day for reconciliation with our elder brothers in the Faith.

Psalm 100(99): 1-3, 5.

A beautiful song of “Thanksgiving”. It contains seven reasons to praise God, but the one of main interest to us today is that “We are his people, the sheep of his flock.” God is our Good Shepherd, and we truly blessed to be part of his flock.

2nd Reading from the Book of Revelation 7: 9, 13a, 14b-17.

We are looking at the Christian Community of every tribe and nation, and we are shocked to realise that they have had their robes washed in the blood of the Lamb (Christ), but we know that blood is not a good bleacher, so Christ has turned the world upside down. Then see how “the Lamb shepherds them and guides them to running streams of living water.” In the hot and arid area of the Middle East running streams really are living waters, but we are realising that this is a spiritual vision of the power of the Lamb who was sacrificed for us. Christ really is our life in the Spirit. His sacrifice has set us free to follow him to safe pastures. The Lamb is now the beloved Shepherd.

The Holy Gospel according to John 10: 27-30.

There is a desperation in the religious leaders to have Jesus declare that he is the Messiah and to then prove it. Jesus says, “if I tell you, you will not believe me.” Then Jesus moves into this selection we have before us today. “My sheep listen to my voice.” In the Middle East the sheep listen for the voice of their own shepherd. When he calls his own sheep respond and follow him because they know and trust he will lead them to good pasture with plenty of water. They will know that Jesus is at one with the Father. Because the leaders do not recognise Jesus as their shepherd they do not listen to his voice and therefore want to stone him for blasphemy. Jesus clearly states, “I and the Father are one.” Jesus also affirms that we belong to him and that no one can snatch us away. Jesus gives us eternal life, and we will never perish. This is a wonderful affirming section of the Gospel. We continually refuse to believe that Jesus has already “Saved Us”; all that is required is our effort to follow the Gospel life as illustrated by Jesus himself. How wonderful to be one of his sheep.

May we always be graced to listen for his voice and respond accordingly.

Deacon Vincent.

We have been offered the details of the 'Affordable Counselling' team who are based in the Yate and Bristol area and offer supportive service online (and in person, on request), locally and across the UK.

"Life’s path can sometimes be bumpy. If you’re feeling anxious, low, struggling with relationships, or facing life changes, we’re here to work alongside you. Our Counsellors offer a gentle, accepting space for you to share your story.
As you'll probably be aware, skilled, qualified and supervised counsellors are in short supply and the cost of living is making it harder for people to access therapy.
Affordable Counselling was established locally years ago to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from quality, reasonably-priced counselling.
Our Qualified Counsellors hope to offer you a comforting space, and sessions that you can afford."

https://affordablecounselling.uk/