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/

This week's news

COMMUNITY CATCH UP!

Only 6 weeks to go until our annual Summer Social (hopefully on the field this year! 🌞) to celebrate our community and have a great day together.

Get Saturday 14th June in your diary and come along for a fun day with plenty to eat, drink, see, buy and do!

This year, we thank our school's PTFA who have arranged for fun inflatables! Plus we'll have Richard with his steam traction engine offering rides! With our local traders in the tent, the much loved pig racing, teachers in the stocks and plenty of games to play there really will be something for everyone!
All in aid of our School, Pre-school, Parish and Guiding units.

See you there!

Encounter 2025

Encounter 2025 is a diocesan wide programme to equip and empower people to share their faith and be renewed in heart and mind. The first step is to deepen our understanding of the Holy Spirit and cultivate a closer, more intimate relationship with God—this is at the heart of what we hope to achieve between Easter and Pentecost.

The programme will officially begin on Saturday, 3rd May, with a launch event at the Cathedral, open to all ages.
We are delighted to offer children’s streams, ensuring families can fully participate in this exciting journey together.
Weekly sessions will follow on Wednesday evenings, live-streamed from the Cathedral, enabling everyone across the Diocese to join in, wherever they are. These will be recorded and available to view at a later date.
To find out more, please email the team at: pentecost@cliftondiocese.com

LAUDATO SI‘ CLIFTON ‘Care for our common home’.

On Sat 31st May all are invited to a special day from 10:30–16:00 at St Bonaventure’s Church, Bishopston.

With Mass celebrated by Bishop Bosco, followed by refreshments, conversations & prayers.

See poster for details.

Book via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/laudato-si-clifton-diocese-encounter-tickets-1315421333619?aff=oddtdtcreator

Reminder: NEW PASTORAL AREA MEETING.

Join us in the hall on Friday (2nd May) at 7pm. This meeting is for clergy & laity from the parishes of North Bristol to join together.

The Bishop would like us to look to the future & share ideas. Everyone from the pastoral area is invited to join the conversation.

WeBelieve

St Mary’s College, Oscott is hosting 'WeBelieve', a festival of Catholic Life celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope.

WeBelieve is a project created and funded by The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom in collaboration with St Mary’s College, Oscott.

This summer, St Mary’s College, Oscott is hosting WeBelieve, a festival of Catholic Life celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope. You are warmly invited to join us from 25-28 July for what promises to be a wonderful experience. WeBelieve has been designed with parishes and families in mind, as an opportunity to receive inspiring faith formation together, to bond as a community and to celebrate the Jubilee in a tangible way.

The festival programme brings together the Catholic communion in a broad and beautiful way with a great line-up of contributors so far, including Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray OP Mgr Michael Nazir-Ali, The Southwell Consort, Fr Toby Lees OP & many more.

Pilgrim-attendees can choose to join us for the whole weekend (camping, staying locally or coming from home) at an adult Early Bird rate of £70, or come for a day at £40. You can find all ticket options, the festival programme, print and online promotional material or register your parish at www.webelievefestival.com

Thank you Deacon Vincent for your Reflections for the Third Sunday of Easter Year C

1st Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 5: 27b-32, 40b-41.

The trouble with brief selections is that we need to read them in the context that they are written. This is written almost as a recall of Pharaoh’s fight with God over freeing the Israeites. The Apostles are arrested by the authorities, and it enables us to remove any sympathy from their cause, as the angel of the Lord releases them. The authorities then rearrest them and this is where our reading commences. The Apostles cannot be prevented from their task of being “witnesses”, whatever the authorities do. There is an important piece missing from this extract where Gamaliel, a Pharisee and teacher of the law, and much respected by the people advises the Sanhedrin to be careful that they do not become “God-fighters”. So the authorities give them a beating and set them free. If it is of God it will prosper; if it is of man it will fail. This is something we should pay attention to. God is in charge; we need to have more faith in the way God handles matters.

Psalm 30(29): 2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12a, 13b.

A song of “Thanksgiving”, Christians would have used it to extol the Resurrection of the Lord, but it was for the dedication of the House of David. It does continue with the wonderful deliverance of the Apostles and sings of Christ’s resurrection.

2nd Reading from the Book of Revelation 5: 11-14.

The Lamb is obviously Jesus and the Elders, and the animals sing to him. The Lamb (Jesus) is to receive Glory, Power and Honour, Wisdom and Blessings, then every creature in heaven upon the earth and under the earth and in the sea proclaim to God and Jesus, “Blessing and honour and power for ever and ever, the animals say “Amen”, the Elders fall down and adopt the position of silent worship. This is a scene to stay with us. We should be filled with confidence that everything is in God’s hands.

The Holy Gospel according to John 21: 1-19.

This episode starts with Peter taking leadership in deciding to go fishing, the others decide to go along with him. They catch nothing but the stranger on the shore tells them to cast the net to starboard. Then the catch is too much for them. John says, “It is the Lord”. Peter puts on his topcoat and dives into the sea and reaches the shore first. We have a beautiful picture of Jesus cooking the fish for their breakfast. Now we hear about the unfinished business between Jesus and Peter. Three times Jesus will ask, “Do you love me?”, obviously in counter of the three denials. Peter is tasked as a sinner with feeding Jesus’s lambs and sheep. Then Peter is forewarned about his eventual martyrdom. Jesus invites Peter to, “Follow me.” Indeed, this is an invitation to all of us to follow Jesus.

God grace us to follow Jesus, wherever that may lead us. Deacon Vincent.

This Week's News

 

What will Easter bring this year?

Traditionally at Christmas, we pray for peace. But in this time of uncertainty perhaps this Easter we should pray for trust in God. I have never visited the third world but visitors often speak about the people’s faith even in the face of great difficulty. But how to be encouraged and encourage one another when we are living through this age of anxiety?

For me, three things help my faith. Firstly, at this time of year, Spring. Secondly, history; knowing that nothing has stopped the church for two thousand years. And thirdly, the example of people who are coping with all manner of problems, yet still live a life of friendly service to others.

Resurrection can be; the support of a friend: being able to laugh at yourself: seeing my first swallow (7th April), and managing to get a parking place at Southmead Hospital!

Fr Barnabas

Final Synod Document - online book club, Wednesday evenings from 21st May

On 26th October Pope Francis received the recommendations of the Rome Synod Assembly and declared them part of the Magisterium of the Church.  The Final Synod Document is a beautiful, if densely written, expression of the three-year global process in becoming a missionary, synodal Church.  The School for Synodality is offering a series of webinars to explore the FSD section by section with expert guests from around the world, including Archbishop Jason Gordon, Trinidad and Tobego. Watch live on Wednesday nights 7.30-8.30pm from 21st May - 25th June or at any time afterwards via YouTube.  Suitable for small groups or individual reflection.    To register follow this link here: https://www.schoolforsynodality.org.uk/our-resources/final-document-book-club-2025

Chrism Oils support Palestinian Farmers

At the Chrism Mass in Clifton Cathedral on Wednesday 16th April, oils will be presented by representatives from our Diocesan Community. Bishop Bosco will consecrate the Holy Chrism oil and bless the Oil of Catechumens and Oil of the Sick. After Mass the Oils will then be distributed to Parishes within the Diocese.

In recent years, the Diocese has used naturally organic and ethically sourced olive oil from the very lands where Our Lord walked and preached. It is supplied by Zaytoun, the world’s first olive oil to be awarded Fairtrade certification in 2009.

Zaytoun is a social enterprise which supports small-scale Palestinian farmers in the Occupied West Bank. The farmers cultivate their lands and continue farming practices undertaken by Palestinian families for thousands of years.

A few years ago, Phil Gibbons (Communications Officer, Clifton Diocese) and Canon Christopher Whitehead visited some olive farmers in the Cremison Valley, Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, witnessing at first hand the increasing difficulties they faced due to the separation wall dividing their land.

May they look forward to a future when they can farm their lands in peace.

https://cliftondiocese.com/news/chrism-oils-support-palestinian-farmers/

Clifton Diocese Vacancy

RE Adviser - Schools & Colleges Department
The department are seeking to expand the team by appointing a part time, term-time colleague, to support the RE Led in securing high-quality Catholic education across the Diocese that ensures and supports the preservation of Catholic Schools. Experience in secondary and/or post 16 schools would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will have recent and relevant experience of teaching and/or advising in RE in Catholic schools, with a willingness to contribute to both Primary and Secondary/post-16 work of the Diocesan team.

The applicant will be knowledgeable about the new Religious Education Directory, the Prayer & Liturgy Directory, and experience as a CSI inspector would be an advantage. You should be confident in designing and delivering training, as well as conducting accurate reviews of schools.

The role will be 2 days per week, 39 weeks per year, based at Alexander House, Bristol, but will require extensive travel around the Diocese, as well as some evening work.

For further information and application form, visit the Clifton Diocese website. Closing date for applications: 9th May 2025

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Mary Cox, Director of Schools and Colleges or Louise White, RE Lead, on 0117 902 5590.
https://cliftondiocese.com/diocese/working-for-us/

Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections on the Sacred Triduum.

Holy (Maundy)Thursday Evening
We commence with the origins in Exodus of the Passover meal that heralded the people of God’s freedom from slavery in Egypt and the beginnings of the people of Israel. We have a brief reflection upon the full meaning of the Lord’s Passover Supper from St. Paul to the Corinthians. Then we have John’s first-hand account of very sombre moment in the Church’s year, as the priest washes the feet of his parishioners in remembrance of Christ washing the feet of his Apostles. It is an ongoing lesson in how we should serve one another, not Lord it over each other. We recall Jesus’ arrest and taking prisoner as we remove the Sacred Hosts after Communion from the main altar and place them in the Altar of Repose in another room. The Altar is now stripped to symbolise that the Lord has been taken away from us. We watch with the Lord for an hour at the altar of repose and leave quietly. There is no dismissal.

Friday the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday)
We commence with a reading from the Third Isaiah of the “Suffering Servant”, God’s perfect servant. We are told how he will be treated, suffer and take our sins upon himself to conquer evil and set us free. St. Paul tells us how his suffering sets us an example to follow. We now have John’s very moving account of Jesus imprisonment, torture and crucifixion. The similarity to Isaiah’s vision of the suffering servant is remarkable. We now venerate the Cross, again a very moving acclamation by the people of “Thanksgiving” to the Lord for his great sacrifice. Communion is distributed and we all leave silently and sorrowfully. We are now without any Sacraments (The Lord’s Presence), imitating those terrible days after the Crucifixion when the Church was bereft of the Lord. There is no dismissal.

Holy Saturday
We light the Easter Fire and the Pascal Candle for the coming year, which symbolises the presence of the Risen Lord. It is carried into the Church in solemn procession and the Deacon Intones “Lumen Christi”, (Light of Christ) and the people respond with “Deo Gracias”, then in the gloom of the darkened church the Deacon intones the “Exultet”, a beautiful song of Christ’s resurrection. The lights go on the Gloria with all its solemnity and bells is sung. Now we sit through the reading of our redemption from creation to Exodus, Isaiah, Baruch, Ezekial there are nine readings six or seven are usually read, then Baptisms occur if there are any people prepared, after which Mass of the Resurrection is celebrated with due pomp and solemnity. We hear St. Paul describe to us the full import of Baptism. We now hear how the astonishing event of the Resurrection is discovered in Luke’s Gospel by Mary Magdelene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James. They dash to inform the Apostles and Disciples the amazing news, but they are not believed, but Peter dashes to the tomb and discovers everything as the women had told them, and he went home wondering what had happened. Mass continues and we have a very beautiful joyous dismissal by the Deacon after a Solemn Blessing. The one celebration from Thursday to Sunday morning is now concluded. We have witnessed our Salvation in ancient style and give glory to God for his great Mercy.

Let us never forget Christ’s great Sacrifice to set us free from sin. Deacon Vincent.

**** POSTPONED DATE **** New date being arranged by the organisers of the SEND event - we will share that when known.

Lent & Easter Calendar - 2025

 

UPDATE: Maundy Thursday Mass at St Paul's will be at 7.30pm and not 8pm

This week's news

Please see the times and places of Masses and Services over Holy Week and Easter. Everyone is invited along to join us - you would be very welcome at any of the events.

You can read, by clicking here, the Pastoral Letter on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster. President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales in conjunction with Bishop Bosco.
5/6 April 2025 ~ Fifth Sunday of Lent.

And Following on from last Sunday’s Pastoral Letter of Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Bishop Bosco has written his own message on the Gift of Human Life and linking it to a new framework for the Pastoral Care of human life. Please find below links to read the message.

Bishop Bosco: Place the gift of human life at the heart of the Church’s mission - 7 Apr 2025

Faces of the Gospels

In the run-up to Easter, Vatican News is releasing an 18-episode series on 'Faces of the Gospels', narrated by Pope Francis and now available with English subtitles.
Click here to go onto the Vatican News Podcast page and click the little wheel symbol for settings - from there you can turn on English 'CC' / Subtitles.

Reflections for Palm Sunday Year C - Thanks, as always to Deacon Vincent.

The Processional Gospel according to Luke 19: 28-40.

Luke gives us one of his beautifully crafted opening passages preparing the scene for us. Everything is as Jesus described the situation, he mounts the colt after the disciples had thrown their outer coats over the animal. Then with great Joy Jesus takes another journey into Jerusalem accompanied by the singing of the Psalm 118. It is a wonderfully exciting moment for Jesus and his followers. There is great expectancy from the crowd.

1st Reading from the prophet Isaiah 50:4-7.

This is taken from the Second Isaiah and is the third song of the perfect servant of God. It is easy to see how the early Christians saw in it the understanding of the appalling fate that befell Jesus. He is the Perfect Servant. The tone is set for today’s sad reflection.

Psalm 22(21): 8-9, 17-20, 23-24.

This psalm from the earliest stages was important for Christians as they recounted the story of Jesus’ death. We join with him in his great cry for deliverance. It is heart wrenching, as Jesus still proclaims the greatness of the Father, in the midst of his great agony. What a Man!!

2nd Reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 2: 6-11.

Paul quotes this hymn to promote solidarity in the Church, for Paul this is the Mark of the Christian Church. Whether he composed this song or took it from an existing liturgy, we cannot tell from this distance, but it has always held a special place in the hearts of the Christian Community. It is a remarkable piece to meditate upon.

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 22:14-23:56.

We follow Jesus through the Last Supper and come to the realisation of how the Eucharist is interwoven with the Passion of Christ. There is an interesting shift in the way Jesus addresses the denial of Peter. He starts by calling him “Simon, Simon”, but when he states that he will deny Jesus three times he calls him by his nickname, “Peter” (Rock). Luke emphasises how Pilate tries to release Jesus but describes how monstrous was flogging an innocent man. Then there is the “Barabbas” episode. We have Jesus the Son of God, and the terrorist Bar meaning, “son of”, and “ABBAS”, meaning “father”. So, we have two sons of the father. It is like the tradition of the “scape goat”. One goat survives, whilst the other is driven into the desert carrying all the sins of the community to die with their sins upon it. We have a vision here of the meaning of Christ’s death. Then Luke describes the struggle to Calvary, and Simon is forced to carry the cross behind Jesus, the soldiers knew Jesus was close to death after all the beatings. The crucifixion between two criminals. We have the crowd watching, the religious leaders and one thief cursing and poking fun of Jesus, but one person gets it triumphantly and dramatically right. His reward? “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus final moments are related, and the Roman Centurian acclaims Jesus’ innocence. The crowds all leave beating their breasts, whilst Jesus’ friends watch from afar. Joseph asks for Jesus’ body from Pilate and buries Jesus in a stone tomb in which nobody had ever laid. All come sorrowfully away, together with us. We might contemplate that this is what Jesus’ did for us. What are we doing for Him?

God grace us to proclaim our Saviour Jesus Christ now and always. Deacon Vincent