THIS SUNDAY: Today we contemplate a great truth about our life: you can’t take it with you. The old phrase “There are no pockets in a shroud” is what we confront today, in the preaching of both Ecclesiastes and the Lord Jesus. What Jesus makes us think about, however, is not just this truth, but the consequences of it: if we are not to build up treasure here on earth, what are we to do? The answer is simple: by our way of living we “make ourselves rich in the sight of God”!

PARISH BAZAAR: Our Bazaar takes place, this year, on Saturday 9th October. You might like to think about what you might be able to let one of the stalls have. Gordon needs empty jars and sugar for his jams and preserves; Dave & Dolly need anything in a bottle for their bottle stall; Kim and the Children’s Liturgy Group ask all our bakers and cake makers to think about the cake stall; Carmel, Delphine and FrC’s mum are looking for those unwanted gifts or new items you can give to the Gift Stall, Caroline and Sue are looking for your bric-a-brac; and Emma and Judy are looking for toys galore. We also need plants and cuttings as well as anything else you might think is useful for the bazaar. Do think about what you can give and start bring your contributions in. The box is already in the narthex for your gifts. Draw Tickets are still available from the basket in the Narthex – the more you can take and sell, the better. £2000 worth of tickets are to be sold. £1 per book – £5’s worth in an envelope. Please pop money and counterfoils (placed in a sealed envelope) through presbytery door or in collection basket as it goes round.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION: Confirmation prep begins soon after the summer break. There are five sessions in the autumn: September 8, October 6, November 10, December 8, and January 12. The Bishop will be with us on Thursday 27 January. Each of the sessions will begin at 6.00pm. Information will be sent out to those who registered over the next week or so.

PAPAL VISIT – SEPTEMBER 2010: All the names of those who wanted to make use of the allocated Pilgrim Passes available to our parish have now been sent into the papal visit coordinator. Those of you who have put your names down will be hearing from the Papal Visit coordinators directly. Details of each event can be found on the notice board in the narthex for you to have a look at. Rhiannon Lampard, Sarah Craig and Paige Wise are representing us at the gathering of young people with the Holy Father at the Prayer Vigil in Hyde Park. Our two schools have also been invited to send some students to take part in a schools’ event with the Holy Father – our primary school is sending three of its pupils along with Mrs Bennett to take part in the Papal Big Assembly St Mary’s University, Twickenham. Do look at the website set up for the papal visit: www.thepapalvisit.org.uk as well as cliftondiocese.com

OUR LADY OF THE TAPER: The Holy Father, as you know, is not visiting Wales on this trip and has invited the Welsh contingent to be present at the Mass in Westminster Cathedral. The statue of our Lady of Cardigan is being taken to the Cathedral in London for the Papal Mass. As she leaves Wales she crosses into our own diocese and Bishop Burns of Menevia has given permission for us to welcome her into our own cathedral the eve of the Pope’s arrival. This is a great honour for our diocese and a significant gesture as the last time the statue was taken on its journey to London was in the 1530’s during the Reformation and the statue taken by Thomas Cromwell to Chelsea to be burned. This statue, crafted in the late twentieth century, is allowing the Holy Father to keep in touch with the people of Wales. The Prayer Vigil begins on Wednesday 15 September at 7.00pm and it would be good if as many of you as can took part in that evening. It is a real opportunity for us to take part in the papal visit, uniting ourselves in prayer with the Holy father the night before he arrives on this island. Please make a note in your diaries. Full details will be given out over the next week or so. The Taper (candle) Our Lady holds in her right hand reminds us of the light of Christ coming to set us free from our darkness. We ask our blessed Lady to journey with us towards her Son.

THE DIARY OF GOD: John Huntriss is leading a course spread over eight weeks during the autumn on the scriptures taking us gently through the story of God and his love for his people and enabling us to deepen our understanding of the Word of God. Full details and application forms for the course (which is taking place here at St Bernadette’s) can be found in the narthex. The eight week’s course (beginning 29 September) costs £24. It is a most valuable course and well worthwhile signing up for. Do pick up one of the forms and if you want to know more, have a word with FrC. You can hand your form into FrC or send it onto the Adult Education Office. Poster on the notice board.

ROOTED IN CHRIST: The Diocesan Department for Adult Education and Evangelisation is hosting a course which begins 12th October enabling us to deepen our understanding of faith. The course runs through until July of 2011 and flows gently through our creed and what it is we hold dear as a Christian people. The course is aimed at those who simply want to know more and to grow in confidence in the faith they possess whilst having the opportunity to ask questions. The sessions are not deeply academic nor overwhelmingly theological but they allow those who take part to familiarise themselves with what we believe and so root ourselves more firmly in Christ who calls us to follow him. The talks take place at Holy Family, Patchway, (7.30pm – 9.00pm) and the full details of the course as well as application form are available from the narthex. You don’t have to attend each session – you can dip in and out as suits you. It’s well worth going along to so pick up a form and sign up!

CATECHISTS CERTIFICATE COURSE: The New Year may seem so far away at the moment but forward planning is not such a bad thing. The second catechists’ course begins in January 2011 (taking place at Alexander House, Pennywell Road) and seeks to form and equip those who hand on faith to others with the skills and resources they need in their ministry. Our parishes rely on catechists in so many ways. If you think this course may be something that might appeal to you, have a word with FrC. There are forms on the notice board next to the poster. You will need a supporting signature on your application. Do consider taking this ministry on. It is a most important ministry in parish life seeking to hand on and build up faith in others.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME to Lily Olivia Vince and Dawson Shepperd who were baptised here last weekend. We keep them in our prayers.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION meet with FrC on September 2 at 7.00pm in the Church.

WE WELCOME Father Laszlo Kasza from Romania who is studying in Rome and is here in the Diocese on supply for the month of August.  If you see him, do make him welcome. he will be with us until the 14 August.

THIS SUNDAY: Sacred Hospitality is our theme: as the letter to the Hebrews says: “remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” True hospitality lies in two things: first the welcome, encouraging the stranger to enter the house and be at home there: secondly, the gift – not just of food or drink, but of time: listening to the stranger, and giving of ourselves to them. This is what makes hospitality costly, but holy, and a true service of Jesus Christ.

PARISH BAZAAR: Our Bazaar takes place, this year, on Saturday 9^th October. You might like to think about what you might be able to let one of the stalls have. Gordon needs empty jars and sugar for his jams and preserves; Dave & Dolly need anything in a bottle for their bottle stall; Kim and the Children’s Liturgy Group ask all our bakers and cake makers to think about the cake stall; Carmel, Delphine and FrC’s mum are looking for those unwanted gifts or new items you can give to the Gift Stall, Caroline and Sue are looking for your bric-a-brac; and Emma and Judy are looking for toys galore. We also need plants and cuttings as well as anything else you might think is useful for the bazaar. Do think about what you can give and start bring your contributions in. The box will be in the narthex next weekend. Draw Tickets will are available from the Narthex – the more you can take and sell, the better. £2000 worth of tickets are to be sold. £1 per book – £5’s worth in an envelope.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION: Fr Christopher invites all those who would like to take part in this year’s confirmation preparation course to meet with him in the parish hall on Tuesday 20^th July at 7.00pm. This will be a very short get together just outlining the course that will begin in September. The Bishop will be here with us at St Bernadette’s on Thursday, 27^th January 2011, to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with our young people.

PAPAL VISIT – SEPTEMBER 2010: St bernadette’s, with the other parishes in our diocese, has been invited to send representatives to two of the Papal celebrations whilst the Pope is in the country. Fifteen people have asked to go to the beatification Mass of Cardinal Newman at Cofton Park, Birmingham on Sunday 19^th September (so there is one place spare if anyone would like it), and we are fortunate to have been allocated 30 passes for the Prayer Vigil in Hyde Park on Saturday 18^th September. This Prayer Vigil will also involve the great gathering of young people from across our country and the Holy Father will speak to those gathered with him, preaching on the Beatitudes, as well as celebrating time before the Blessed Sacrament with all those around him. The Hyde Park event is a whole day event and set to be a superb day…whispers are that there will also be some very attractive entertainment as part of the day! If you feel you would like one of the remaining passes you will need to put your name on the list in the narthex this weekend. There will be coach laid on for us to take us to the Birmingham mass and the contribution per person will be £30 for return coach and will include the Pilgrim Packs being distributed for the day. If there is a good group wanting to go to London for the Saturday (and for security reasons we have to travel in our parish groups), the £10 contribution towards the event will mean you get a London Underground Pass as well as your Pilgrim Pack. Fr Christopher will sort out transport if there is a group wanting to go. This is a fantastic opportunity – and in some ways, a once in a lifetime opportunity to be at a Papal event in this country, with this Pope. Some of our young people have been invited to the gathering in central London. Rhiannon Lampard, Sarah Craig and Paige Wise are representing us at the gathering of young people with the Holy Father. Our two schools have also been invited to send some students to take part in a schools’ event with the Holy Father. Do look at the website set up for the papal visit: www.thepapalvisit.org.uk as well as cliftondiocese.com

THE DIARY OF GOD: John Huntriss is leading a course spread over eight weeks during the autumn on the scriptures taking us gently through the story of God and his love for his people and enabling us to deepen our understanding of the Word of God. Full details and application forms for the course (which is taking place here at St Bernadette’s) can be found in the narthex. The eight week’s course (beginning 29 September) costs £24. It is a most valuable course and well worthwhile signing up for. Do pick up one of the forms and if you want to know more, have a word with FrC. You can hand your form into FrC or send it onto the Adult Education Office. Poster on the notice board.

ROOTED IN CHRIST: The Diocesan Department for Adult Education and Evangelisation is hosting a course which begins 12^th October enabling us to deepen our understanding of faith. The course runs through until July of 2011 and flows gently through our creed and what it is we hold dear as a Christian people. The course is aimed at those who simply want to know more and to grow in confidence in the faith they possess whilst having the opportunity to ask questions. The sessions are not deeply academic nor overwhelmingly theological but they allow those who take part to familiarise themselves with what we believe and so root ourselves more firmly in Christ who calls us to follow him. The talks take place at Holy Family, Patchway, (7.30pm – 9.00pm) and the full details of the course as well as application form are available from the narthex. You don’t have to attend each session – you can dip in and out as suits you. It’s well worth going along to so pick up a form and sign up!

CATECHISTS CERTIFICATE COURSE: The New Year may seem so far away at the moment but forward planning is not such a bad thing. The second catechists’ course begins in January 2011 (taking place at Alexander House, Pennywell Road) and seeks to form and equip those who hand on faith to others with the skills and resources they need in their ministry. Our parishes rely on catechists in so many ways. If you think this course may be something that might appeal to you, have a word with FrC. There are forms on the notice board next to the poster. You will need a supporting signature on your application. Do consider taking this ministry on. It is a most important ministry in parish life seeking to hand on and build up faith in others.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME to Sam Denny and Lucy Kent who were baptised here last weekend. Sam was also confirmed and received his First Communion. We keep them in our prayers.

ITALIAN NIGHT: Thanks to all who supported last week’s fundraising social. We raised £645 for our outreach projects.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION meet with FrC on September 2 at 7.00pm. This gathering is for our exisiting Ministers of Holy Communion and those invited to come along to the evening.

THIS SUNDAY: The link between the First Reading and Gospel is not immediately apparent today, until you look at the “headings” which are always chosen “to make the connection between readings of the same Mass clear.” (Introduction to the Lectionary n.123.) The “headings” present us with a simple picture today: a river of peace flowing out from the Lord, which we see in the Gospel as the flowing of the disciples as they are sent out on their first mission. From the Lord of Peace, others, like ripples in a pool, flow out carrying his simple message: “Peace to this house!” We are reminded every time we celebrate the Eucharist that what flows to us in what we receive – the love, the joy, the peace of the risen Christ – is going so that we might allow it to flow from us into the lives of others. We are simple vehicles allowing ourselves to be used so that Christ can touch the lives of others through us. This will happen unless we put a dam across the flow holding what we have received back. Let’s pray that this week will find us generous in the love and peace we bring to others… as generous as Christ in his giving to us.

PARISH BAZAAR: Our Bazaar takes place, this year, on Saturday 9th October. You might like to think about what you might be able to let one of the stalls have. Bottles, cakes, jams and chutneys, fancy goods and gifts, bric-a-brac and toys… now’s the time to start thinking. There are full details on the notice board and if you want to start bringing things in, then pop them in the narthex and they will be taken care of. There are also details of who’s who just in case you want to get in touch with them. Draw Tickets will be available NEXT SUNDAY and stall holders and helpers meet before the summer break on Thursday 8 July at 7.00pm in the narthex.

GLASTONBURY PILGRIMAGE: The annual diocesan pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady at Glastonbury is taking place NEXT Sunday – 11 July. This is a great gathering of the people of our diocese in honour of the Mother of God… and it is always a good day out, too. Fr Healy is arranging a coach from St Pius X and from Chew Magna at a cost of £7 return. If you want to make use of the coach, contact Debbie direct on 0117 964 6922. A great family day out. You also get free access to the abbey grounds where you can lunch away and then stay for the procession and mass.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION: Fr Christopher invites all those who would like to take part in this year’s confirmation preparation course to meet with him in the parish hall on Tuesday 20th July at 7.00pm. This will be a very short get together just outlining the course that will begin in September.

PARISHES IN COMMUNION FOR MISSION: There are one or two copies left in the narthex if you didn’t manage to pick one up last weekend.  This is the Bishop’s (and our diocese’s) vision for our parishes over the next couple of years. From the autumn we will, as a parish, need to take serious consideration of this document and begin to think about how we work together – not just in our parish – but with the parishes around us, too. This will affect us as a parish and it would be good if we were prepared for what may lie ahead.

PARISH SOCIAL: Before we venture into the great holiday season, there is a social evening with delicious food to eat and drinks to quench your thirst in our Hall on this coming Saturday  – 10 July  – from 7.30pm onwards. You can sign up to reserve a seat next weekend. The evening will cost you £10 for a tasty three course dinner and drinks will be available. Do come along if you can – the evening hopes to raise a little money for our outreach projects.

PAPAL VISIT – SEPTEMBER 2010: Don’t forget to keep the intention of the Papal visit in your prayers. There are still some of the little pamphlets in the narthex issued and produced by the Bishops’ Conference… they may be aimed at those who know very little about Catholicism, but they are of interest. They are free so please do take one. We should hear a little more news this week about how we can take part in this historic visit of the Holy Father… so watch this space. Some of our young people have been invited to the gathering in central London. Rhiannon Lampard, Sarah Craig and Paige Wise are representing us at the great gathering of young people with the Holy Father. Our two schools have also been invited to send some students to take part in a schools’ event with the Holy Father. Do look at the website set up for the papal visit: www.thepapalvisit.org.uk as well as cliftondiocese.com

THE DIARY OF GOD: John Huntriss is leading a course spread over eight weeks during the autumn on the scriptures taking us gently through the story of God and his love for his people and enabling us to deepen our understanding of the Word of God. Full details and application forms for the course (which is taking place here at St Bernadette’s) can be found in the narthex. The eight week’s course (beginning 29 September) costs £24. It is a most valuable course and well worthwhile signing up for. Do pick up one of the forms and if you want to know more, have a word with FrC. You can hand your form into FrC or send it onto the Adult Education Office. Poster on the notice board.

ROOTED IN CHRIST: The Diocesan Department for Adult Education and Evangelisation is hosting a course which begins 12th October enabling us to deepen our understanding of faith. The course runs through until July of 2011 and flows gently through our creed and what it is we hold dear as a Christian people. The course is aimed at those who simply want to know more and to grow in confidence in the faith they possess whilst having the opportunity to ask questions. The sessions are not deeply academic nor overwhelmingly theological but they allow those who take part to familiarise themselves with what we believe and so root ourselves more firmly in Christ who calls us to follow him. The talks take place at Holy Family, Patchway, (7.30 – 9.00)and the full details of the course as well as application form are available from the narthex. You don’t have to attend each session – you can dip in and out as suits you. It’s well worth going along to so pick up a form and sign up!

CATECHISTS CERTIFICATE COURSE: The New Year may seem so far away at the moment but forward planning is not such a bad thing. The second catechists’ course begins in January 2011 (taking place at Alexander House, Pennywell Road) and seeks to form and equip those who hand on faith to others with the skills and resources they need in their ministry. Our parishes rely on catechists in so many ways. If you think this course may be something that might appeal to you, have a word with FrC. There are forms on the notice board next to the poster. You will need a supporting signature on your application. Do consider taking this ministry on. It is a most important ministry in parish life seeking to hand on and build up faith in others.

THIS SUNDAY: The Church asks that we see some continuity in the Gospel readings from Sunday to Sunday. This is especially true today, when we enter into a new, decisive stage of Saint Luke’s Gospel, having reached the great turning point in the middle of Chapter 9 (which is read on the twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time.) Jesus has been acknowledged as the Messiah, and has spoken of his death and resurrection – as he does this, he announces that the path of discipleship will be to “take up your cross”. Today we hear him taking the road to Jerusalem – to his Passion, Death and Resurrection – and on the way teaching the meaning of discipleship. There is immediacy, a determination, an unswerving purpose, which is echoed by the first reading: there is nothing that can stand between the Lord and his act of redemption. All his disciples must have the same determination and dedication, guided by the Spirit and never giving in to self-indulgence.

PARISH BAZAAR: Our Bazaar takes place, this year, on Saturday 9th October. You might like to think about what you might be able to let one of the stalls have. Bottles, cakes, jams and chutneys, fancy goods and gifts, bric-a-brac and toys… now’s the time to start thinking. There are full details on the notice board and if you want to start bringing things in, then pop them in the narthex and they will be taken care of. There are also details of who’s who just in case you want to get in touch with them. Draw Tickets will be available by the start of July and stall holders and helpers meet before the summer break on Thursday 8 July at 7.00pm in the narthex.

GLASTONBURY PILGRIMAGE: The annual diocesan pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady at Glastonbury is taking place on Sunday 11 July. This is a great gathering of the people of our diocese in honour of the Mother of God… and it is always a good day out, too. Fr Healy is arranging a coach from St Pius X and from Chew Magna at a cost of £7 return. If you want to make use of the coach, contact Debbie direct on 0117 964 6922.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION: Fr Christopher invites all those who would like to take part in this year’s confirmation preparation course to meet with him in the parish hall on Tuesday 20th July at 7.00pm. This will be a very short get together just outlining the course that will begin in September. If you have already let FrC know you’re interested, then he will be in touch with you this coming week. If you have yet to ‘sign up’, get in touch with his soon.

THE DIARY OF GOD: John Huntriss is leading a course spread over eight weeks during the autumn on the scriptures taking us gently through the story of God and his love for his people and enabling us to deepen our understanding of the Word of God. Full details and application forms for the course (which is taking place here at St Bernadette’s) can be found in the narthex. The eight week’s course costs £24. It is a most valuable course and well worthwhile signing up for. Do pick up one of the forms and if you want to know more, have a word with FrC. You can hand your form into FrC or send it onto the Adult Education Office. Poster on the notice board.

PARISHES IN COMMUNION FOR MISSION: Copies of the Bishop’s document outlining the vision for our parishes over the next couple of years is available for you to take away from the narthex. From the autumn we will, as a parish, need to take serious consideration of this document and begin to think about how we work together – not just in our parish – but with the parishes around us, too. This will affect us as a parish and it would be good if we were prepared for what may lie ahead.

DIOCESAN SYMPOSIUM: Tina Beattie – professor of Theology of Roehampton University – is coming to lead a day for catechists and all those interested in handing on faith, entitled Art in catechesis ~ Catechesis in art. The day – this coming Saturday, 3 July – is being held at St Bede’s Catholic College in Lawrence Weston and is open to everyone. There are full details on the notice board in the narthex as well as little application forms for the day. Take one and fill it in.

FEAST OF ST PETER & ST PAUL falls on Tuesday 29th June. The Feast is a Holyday of Obligation and so there will be two Masses that day – 10.00am (where we will be joined by our Primary School children) and then 7.30pm.

PETER’S PENCE: The Sunday nearest to the Feast of Ss Peter & Paul each year (this Sunday) offers us chance to make our offering to the Holy Father’s charitable fund. Peter’s Pence enables him on our behalf to reach out in concern to those parishes and dioceses in our would who do suffer real hardship. It also allows him to reach out for us towards those who suffer from natural disaster and those suffering amidst difficulty. Do give as generously as you can… it is him being charitable on behalf of the whole church.

PARISH SOCIAL: Before we venture into the great holiday season, there is an social evening with delicious food to eat and drinks to quench your thirst in our Hall on Saturday 10 July from 7.30pm onwards. You can sign up to reserve a seat next weekend. Keep that date free.

PAPAL VISIT – SEPTEMBER 2010: As you know, Pope Benedict comes to us on Apostolic Visitation this September – a State Visit and a short visit – but an important one, nevertheless. There are some little pamphlets in the narthex issued and produced by the Bishops’ Conference… they may be aimed at those who know very little about Catholicism, but they are of interest. They are free so please do take one. There are also some CTS brochures should you wish to start your preparation for the visit. At this stage, we are not sure how parishes are being invited to take part in the visit – probably close to Birmingham for the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman – but our parish has been asked to send some of our young people to the gathering in central London. Rhiannon Lampard, Sarah Craig and Paige Wise are representing us at the great gathering of young people with the Holy Father. Our two schools have also been invited to send some students to take part in a schools’ event with the Holy Father. Do look at the website set up for the papal visit: www.thepapalvisit.org.uk

OUR PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY are extended to the family of Georgina Jones who died during this last week. Her funeral takes place at St Bernadette’s this coming Thursday at 10.00am. May she rest in peace.

CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME to Lenny George Wilson and Daisy Lee Jeffries who were both baptised here last weekend. Congratulations to their family, also.

THIS SUNDAY: The “theme” of the First Reading, Psalm and Gospel today is “forgiveness of sins”. We hear the touching Gospel story, of the “woman with a bad name in the town” coming to anoint Jesus’s feet. Living inspired by the love of Jesus is the key to our discipleship – his crucifixion is the sign of his love, which is in itself the forgiveness of sins. After the Season of Eastertime and then the cycle of feast days that have touched our Sunday celebrations, we return now to Ordinary Time – a very green season giving us hope and life. Far from being ‘ordinary’ we simply rejoin the pilgrimage through the encounter with Jesus in the thick of his ministry of teaching, preaching and healing. We pick up Luke’s gospel and once again walk with a most compassionate and understanding Lord who invites us to his table to enjoy from his goodness and his love.

FIRST COMMUNION: Last Saturday’s First Communion was a most joyous event in our parish’s year and we need to keep the twenty six children in our prayers as they are welcomed to the table of God’s family: Ellena Trickey, Ellis Gould, Taylor Kabuye, Bonitta Nakitto, Kelvin Kalungi, Alfie Condon, Ciaran Jones, Niall McGirr, Yasmin McDonald, Jade Osborne, Charley O’Toole, Oskar Kleszcz, Jacob Hynes. Michal Komada, Finlay O’Regan, Leah Holland, Rico Russo, Luca Mercato, Carlo Mercato, Jessica James, Jack Phillips, Lauren Sanders, Isobel Heard, Oliver Murphy, Ben McGovern, and Paddy Browne. let’s hope that we can encourage them and their parents to feel that they have a place here and this is also a place where there is room for them.

PARISH BAZAAR: Our Bazaar takes place, this year, on Saturday 9th October… and now is the time to start thinking about what you might be able to do for the bazaar. You might like to think about what you might be able to let one of the stalls have. Bottles, cakes, jams and chutneys, fancy goods and gifts, bric-a-brac and toys… now’s the time to start thinking. There are full details on the notice board and if you want to start bringing things in, then pop them in the narthex and they will be taken care of. There are also details of who’s who just in case you ant to get in touch with them. Draw Tickets will be available by the start of July so that you can get on selling them. Do lend a hand if you can. This is a major fundraising event for parish funds in the year!

GLASTONBURY PILGRIMAGE: The annual diocesan pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady at Glastonbury is taking place on Sunday 11 July. This is a great gathering of the people of our diocese in honour of the Mother of God… and it is always a good day out, too. Fr Healy is arranging a coach from St Pius X and is prepared to call in at St Bernadette’s to pick up those who would like to join with them. The coach will leave St B’s and take you to Glastonbury. If you would like to go along, please sign up on the notice board.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION: Fr Christopher paid a visit to the secondary school recently inviting those in year 8 and above who would like to embark upon the preparation for Confirmation to sign up. The Bishop will be with us after Christmas and preparation will begin after the summer holidays. If you would like to take part in this year’s programme (or know of someone who is due for Confirmation) have a look at the homepage of our website or get in touch with FrC asap. The group will initially get together in July before the summer break. Watch this space.

THE DIARY OF GOD: John Huntriss is leading a course spread over eight weeks during the autumn on the scriptures taking us gently through the story of God and his love for his people and enabling us to deepen our understanding of the Word of God. Full details and application forms for the course (which is taking place here at St Bernadette’s) can be found in the narthex. The eight week’s course costs £24. It is a most valuable course and well worthwhile signing up for, Do pick up one of the forms and if you want to know more, have a word with FrC. You can hand your form into FrC or send it onto the Adult education office. Poster on the notice board.

PARISH FORUM GROUP meets this coming Tuesday at 7.00pm in the presbytery.

PARISHES IN COMMUNION FOR MISSION: Bishop Declan is inviting us to join him with representatives from the other parish of our diocese at a liturgy at the Cathedral during which each of us will receive a copy of the document outlining the vision of future organisation of the parishes of our diocese.  The document comes as a result of the wide consultation that took place last year, and it is important that our parish is represented. If you can go along the gathering is on Wednesday 23 June at 7.30pm. We need to be involved and committed as a parish to what is happening around us. This is an important time for us as a diocese, and St Bernadette’s has a part to play in this process of growth and change. Fr Christopher needs to inform the Cathedral of who is going to represent the parish. If you can go, please let FrC know asap. You can always email him at christopherwhitehead@hotmail.com

DIOCESAN SYMPOSIUM: Tina Beattie – professor of Theology of Roehampton University – is coming to lead a day for catechists and all those interested in handing on faith, entitled Art in catechesis ~ Catechesis in art. The day  – Saturday 3 July – is being held at St Bede’s Catholic College in Lawrence Weston and open to everyone. There are full details on the notice board in the narthex as well as little application forms for the day. Take one and fill it in.

CLASS AT MASS: Year Four will be coming to mass this coming Friday at 9.30am. We welcome them to the Church. Do come along to help make them welcome and feel that our church is also theirs.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME to Harry Sadd who was baptised here at St Bernadette’s last weekend. We congratulate Harry’s family, too.

FEAST OF ST PETER & ST PAUL falls on Tuesday 29th June. The Feast is a Holyday of Obligation and so there will be two Masses that day – 10.00am (where we will be joined by our Primary School children) and then 7.30pm.

PETER’S PENCE: The Sunday nearest to the Feast of Ss Peter & Paul each year ( 27 June) offers us chance to make our offering to the Holy Father’s charitable fund. Peter’s Pence enables him on our behalf to reach out in concern to those parishes and dioceses in our would who do suffer real hardship. It also allows him to reach out for us towards those who suffer from natural disaster and those suffering amidst difficulty. More next week.

PARISH SOCIAL: Before we venture into the great holiday season, there is an Italian evening in our Hall on Saturday 10 July from 7.30pm onwards. There will be full details next weekend about how you can get hold of a ticket for this sumptuous feast, so watch this space. Just keep the date free.

200 CLUB GRAND DRAW WINNERS: Congratulations to Cathy Craig (£200 winner); to Peter Osborne (£100 winner; and to  Claire Tayler   (£50 winner).

THIS SUNDAY: The Eucharist is not an invention of the Church: it is a part of God’s plan of salvation from the very beginning: it is prefigured in the Old Testament, seen today in the food offerings of Melchizedek, priest king of Jerusalem associated with Abraham, choose bread and wine as the offerings. It is also revealed by the prophetic action of Jesus, in feeding the multitude, before he feeds the Church with the gift that is transmitted through the centuries. The Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ, is our communication with the Father, in the Spirit: it is the real presence in the Church’s here and now of the eternal God; it is Covenant, Memorial and Promise, Meal and Sacrifice, the heartbeat of the Family of Believers.

FIRST COMMUNION: We congratulate the twenty six children from our parish who have come this weekend in celebration of their First Communion. They join us for Mass at 10.30am this Sunday by way of celebrating with us as a parish family and continuing their weekend of celebrations as they receive the gift of the Eucharist. We keep them in our prayers and welcome them to the table of God’s family: Ellena Trickey, Ellis Gould, Taylor Kabuye, Bonitta Nakitto, Kelvin Kalungi, Alfie Condon, Ciaran Jones, Niall McGirr, Yasmin McDonald, Jade Osborne, Charley O’Toole, Oskar Kleszcz, Jacob Hynes. Michal Komada, Finlay O’Regan, Leah Holland, Rico Russo, Luca Mercato, Carlo Mercato, Jessica James, Jack Phillips, Lauren Sanders, Isobel Heard, Oliver Murphy, Ben McGovern, and Paddy Browne.

A BIG THANK YOU must go to those who have helped the children prepare for this weekend’s celebration of First Communion. We must thank Teresa Pattison, Deb Stapleton, Ann Kerrigan and Therese Plummer for working with the children over the lat six months to bring them to this day.

CORPUS CHRISTI: This weekend gives us a wonderful chance to reflect upon Christ’s presence among us and a reminder of what we are called to be. There will be, as we have done in previous years, sung Vespers at 4.00pm followed by a short procession of the Blessed Sacrament with benediction ‘over’ Whitchurch, praying for the people of our city and our area. Please do come along if you can. This is a beautiful feast and chance for us to renew our faith in Christ’s living presence among us.

PRIESTS’ RETIREMENT FUND: By the end of this year there will be 39 priests living in retirement. The annual collection seeks our support in offering them a little security after many years of active service to the people of Clifton, many of whom continue (like Fr Michael and Fr Harding) to support our parishes in so many ways. The report for 2009 is available in the narthex if you;ve yet to pick one up and there are Gift Aid envelopes for those of you who pay tax and have forgotten the one from last weekend.  The collection will be taken after all Masses today.

YEAR FOR PRIESTS: Bishop Declan invites you to join him at the close of this Year for Priests at the Cathedral on Friday 11 June (Feast of the Sacred Heart) – that’s this coming Friday – at 11.00am. He will be joined by many of the priests of our diocese to bring this spiritual year to a prayerful close. There’s plenty of room in the Cathedral so please do go along and join our Bishop and our priests. It would a good thing if St Bernadette’s were represented among the parishes gathering together with our Bishop at the Cathedral.

PARISH BAZAAR: Our Bazaar takes place, this year, on Saturday 9th October… and now is the time to start thinking about what you might be able to do for the bazaar. You might like to think about what you might be able to let one of the stalls have. Bottles, cakes, jams and chutneys, fancy goods and gifts, bric-a-brac and toys… now’s the time to start thinking. There are full details on the notice board and if you want to start bringing things in, then pop them in the narthex and they will be taken care of. There are also details of who’s who just in case you ant to get in touch with them. Draw Tickets will be available by the start of July so that you can get on selling them. Do lend a hand if you can. This is a major fundraising event for parish funds in the year!

GLASTONBURY PILGRIMAGE: The annual diocesan pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady at Glastonbury is taking place on Sunday 11 July. This is a great gathering of the people of our diocese in honour of the Mother of God… and it is always a good day out, too. Fr Healy is arranging a coach from St Pius X and is prepared to call in at St Bernadette’s to pick up those who would like to join with them. The coach will leave St B’s and take you to Glastonbury. If you would like to go along, please sign up on the notice board.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION: Fr Christopher paid a visit to the secondary school recently inviting those in year 8 and above who would like to embark upon the preparation for Confirmation to sign up. The Bishop will be with us after Christmas and preparation will begin after the summer holidays. If you would like to take part in this year’s programme (or know of someone who is due for Confirmation) have a look at the homepage of our website or get in touch with FrC asap. The group will initially get together in July before the summer break. Watch this space.

THE DIARY OF GOD: John Huntriss is leading a course spread over eight weeks during the autumn on the scriptures taking us gently through the story of God and his love for his people and enabling us to deepen our understanding of the Word of God. Full details and application forms for the course (which is taking place here at St Bernadette’s) can be found in the narthex. The eight week’s course costs £24. It is a most valuable course and well worthwhile signing up for, Do pick up one of the forms and if you want to know more, have a word with FrC. You can hand your form into FrC or send it onto the Adult education office. Poster on the notice board.

PARISH FORUM GROUP meets this coming Tuesday at 7.00pm in the presbytery.

PARISHES IN COMMUNION FOR MISSION: Bishop Declan is inviting us to join him with representatives from the other parish of our diocese at a liturgy at the Cathedral during which each of us will receive a copy of the document outlining the vision of future organisation of the parishes of our diocese.  The document comes as a result of the wide consultation that took place last year, and it is important that our parish is represented. If you can go along the gathering is on Wednesday 23 June at 7.30pm. We need to be involved and committed as a parish to what is happening around us. This is an important time for us as a diocese, and St Bernadette’s has a part to play in this process of growth and change.

THIS SUNDAY: We arrive at the fiftieth day   the completion of the Easter Season, and the completion of the Paschal Mystery: the Lord has died, is risen, has ascended to heaven and now gives birth to his Church, by sending the Spirit upon the apostles. This feast of the gift of the Spirit is so significant for us, because it marks the handing on of Jesus’ ministry to the Church   in the Church we are guaranteed the presence of the Lord, in his sacra¬ments, in his ministers, in the Blessed Sacrament and in his Celebrated Word. It also marks the fulfilment of our thoughts about baptism throughout this season: the gift of the Spirit which we receive in Confirmation is the `seal’ of our baptism, guaranteeing and confirm¬ing all that baptism achieves.

VESPERS & BENEDICTION for the feast of the Pentecost and the close of the Easter Season will be celebrated at 4.00pm. Do come along if you can.

MASS FOR PENTECOST: Our parish is growingly multi lingual – rich and diverse in culture and tradition. To celebrate this richness in diversity, during this Sunday’s Mass our Liturgy of the Word will reflect some of the different languages spoken in our Parish family. The readings and the bidding prayers will be read in a particular ‘mother’ tongue and also in English. On the feast which unites through the gift of faith, we thank God for the faith that draws us together from across our continent and from across our world. We are a family made of  people from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as Hungarians, Italians, Spaniards, the French, Portuguese, German, Malaysian, Kerelan, Polish, Filipino, people from Mauritius, as well as from some of the African nations. We may be diverse in culture and language, but one in faith and in belief because of the one Spirit binding us together.

PENTECOST SUNDAY – Special collection: Though the visit of Pope Benedict XVI is a State visit, the Dioceses of England, Wales and Scotland have to make a financial contribution. To help with this there is a collection this Sunday in all parishes throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The target for this part of the fundraising is £1 million (the overall total to raised is about £7million). Each diocese has been allocated a target – our diocesan ‘target’ is £34,000 – that equates to £1 per Mass going head in our diocese. There are some Gift Aid envelopes available from the Narthex for those of you who are tax payers. Please do take the time as you leave today to Gift Aid your offering so as to enhance it from reclaimed tax you have already paid.  Please be as generous as you can towards the Holy Father’s visit… not just with your finances but also with your prayers. Pray that God’s Spirit will open the hearts of our people to the message the Holy Father brings.  May he rekindle the flame of faith in us so that we might learn to love to the Lord by walking in his ways. There are prayer cards in the Narthex, too. You can find out more or even donate online by going to www.thepapalvisit.org

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION: First Communion will be celebrated in two of week’s time – Saturday 5th June at 12noon. The children will also be joining the parish for Mass on Sunday 6th June to celebrate Mass and receive their certificates. Do keep them in your prayers. They will meet for the last time this Wednesday, 26th May. and not 2nd June as listed. Rehearsal for FHC is on Friday 4th June at 5.00pm in the Church.

CORPUS CHRISTI: 6 June this year is the celebration of Corpus Christi. There will be, as we have done in previous years, sung Vespers at 4.00pm followed by a procession of the Blessed Sacrament with benediction ‘over’ Whitchurch, praying for the people of our city and our area. Please do come along if you can. This is a beautiful feast and chance for us to renew our faith in Christ’s living presence among us.

PRIESTS’ RETIREMENT FUND: By the end of this year there will be 39 priests living in retirement. The annual collection seeks our support in offering them a little security after many years of active service to the people of Clifton, many of whom continue (like Fr Michael) to support us in so many ways. The report for 2009 will be given out next weekend along with Gift Aid envelopes for those of you who pay tax. The collection should be taken next weekend but with the papal visit appeal this weekend it seems to be more prudent to leave it a week. Saturday 5/Sunday 6 June. Please be as generous as you can towards our retired priests.

YEAR FOR PRIESTS: Bishop Declan invites you to join him at the close of this Year for Priests at the Cathedral on Friday 11 June (Feast of the Sacred Heart) at 11.00am. He will be joined by many of the priests of our diocese to bring this spiritual year to a prayerful close. There’s plenty of room in the Cathedral so please do go along and join our Bishop and our priests. Tune into cliftondiocese.com in this last week’s of the Year for Priests and hear the reflections from 13 priests across our dicoese on how their deanery has taken part in this Special Year and what it has allowed them to reflect upon.

PARISH BAZAAR: Our Bazaar takes place, this year, on Saturday 9th October. Details of how you can help in the weeks and months leading up to it will be given out next weekend… so watch this space. You might like to think about what you might be able to let one of the stalls have. Bottles, cakes, jams and chutneys, fancy goods and gifts, bric-a-brac and toys… now’s the time to start thinking. Details of stalls and stall holders will also be on the notice board next week so you can contact the appropriate person.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: At the invitation of the Bishops of our country this last of the Fridays of May (28th) the Church will be open from 8.30am and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for a time of prayer and reflection. Please make use of this time and this opportunity. It is important that we come before the Lord, present in the Eucharist, to praying for those abused within the family of the Church and praying for healing and forgiveness, too.

200 CLUB SOCIAL: Cream Tea will be served on Sunday 30th May from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. Sandwiches, scones with cream and jam as well as cakes will be served along with lashings of hot, fresh tea. Tea will cost £3 and you can sign up in the narthex and simply come along any time during that couple of hours. The three May ‘big’ prizes (first prize £200) will be drawn during the afternoon at 4.30pm… and it could be your number! Do come along if you can.

ZAMBIAN VISITOR: Fr Oswald Mallya is studying in Kent on a sabbatical. Fr Oswald was the priest of the St Lawrence Community Project that we, as a parish, have been supporting in simple ways over the last two years. He is coming to visit us next weekend – Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th  – and he will be with us at both Masses that weekend and so tell us how what we have sent out has been used for the community on the outskirts of Lusaka.