SUNDAY: Ascension in not just a feast that happens to fall in Eastertide: it is an integral part of the Easter mystery. Remember the Lord’s words at the Last Supper: “I am going to prepare a place for, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me.” The resurrection presumes the Lord’s return to the Father. This is therefore a feast of hope: our hope in the Lord’s return, as he went. Our hope that he will take us with him, when our bodies are raised as his was. Our hope that we will take our place in heaven, where he sits on the Father’s right.

WELCOME THIS WEEK to Fr Michael English who will celebrate Mass on Friday and to Canon Gerry Rodgers who will be here Saturday morning. Some of the children from school will also be with us on Friday for Mass.

WORLD COMMUNICATIONS SUNDAY: This Sunday, we pray for those who work to promote the Gospel message through the varying forms of the mass media. The Catholic Communications Network of the Bishops’ Conference provides support for the bishops of England and Wales and the Church more widely in promoting the Gospel through the media on current issues. The office is the central point for media enquiries. It plays a key role in developing the public profile of the Church. This Sunday’s retiring collection supports this most important branch of the Bishops’ Conference and the Church’s work engaging with the media. Resources and details in the narthex.

FIRST COMMUNION 2012: First Communion, this year, is being celebrated next Sunday – 27 May – at 10.30am – Pentecost Sunday. Do keep them our children in your prayers: Kieran Parsons, Evie Nathasingh, Divya Rajesh, Maisie Sanders, William Bennett, Georgina Cox, Shane Parry, Calum Chilcott, Archie Daniels, Joshua Sims, Billy Jackson, Megan Sanders, Tommy Holland, Joseph Bennett, Isabelle O’Toole, Tore Popek, Callum Witts, Lila Ibrahim, and Dario Vecchia. The final preparation session takes place this Wednesday and the run-through for the weekend takes place on Friday at 5.00pm.

TUESDAY CAFÉ: Beginning this Tuesday – 22 May – our parish will start a short series of catechesis, deepening our understanding of the person of Jesus. Titled ‘Who are you looking for? I am he.’ this course – spread out over nine weeks – will explore the person of Jesus we find in the Gospel. We meet after Mass at about 10.15am for a short little input and then leaving time for conversation around the table to explore the theme a little further. The sessions are open to everyone and you are warmly encouraged to come along and to bring friends with you. There will be some good coffee or tea and some delicious cakes, too. Dates: 22 May, 29 May, 12 June, 19 June, 26 June, 3 July, 10 July, and 17 July. We will meet for an hour… simple, informative, engaging, and uncomplicated. Posters and details are available for you to take away with you from the narthex. Do make a note of the dates… and feel free to come along bringing others with you.

DIOCESAN FAMILY DAY: Taking place at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College on Saturday 30 June, this fantastic opportunity to gather together as a diocesan family comes at the invitation of Bishop Declan. There is plenty for all the family from the young to the very young at heart. There are some superb speakers and workshop facilitators to nurture your faith, deepen your prayer, or allow you to explore particular things of interest. All you need do is sign up for the day giving details of the workshops you want to take part in. The day starts with registration from 9.15am. Poster and handouts in the narthex. IT’S FREE… so do go along and support them day if you can. Pick up a leaflet and have a browse.

DIAMOND JUBILEE ‘RED, WHITE AND BLUE’ SOCIAL: If you are not tootling off for half term over the diamond jubilee weekend, then come along to our parish social on Saturday 2 June at 7.15pm. There will be a tasty jubilee supper and chance to raise a glass, too. There will also be a couple of games of bingo with our fantastic bingo caller making a return visit. Great fun for all the family. The dress code is, of course, red, white and blue! You can pop your name on the list in the narthex from this weekend. We’ll also draw the big prizes of the 200 Club that evening, too. Details on the notice board.

GIFT AID AND TAX RECLAIM: Following changes to the tax thresholds in April 2012 please would you check to make sure that you will pay enough tax in 2012/2013 to cover your gift aid declaration. If you have any queries or would like further details please contact David Lavelle (01275 836779) the parish gift aid secretary.

DO YOU HAVE EXPERTISE IN PERSONNEL AND RECRUITMENT? Can you help our primary school? You may be aware that, our excellent school leadership teams are supported by individuals who volunteer their time to act as Governors, ensuring the good Governance of the schools. At present, due to the retirement of a Foundation Governor, we are seeking an individual from our parish community with Personnel and Recruitment expertise to join the board of Governors at our Primary School. It only involves a few hours per term and, although it is unpaid it can be very rewarding. If you can help, please call Father Christopher on 01275 833699 or Paul Harper, Vice Chair of Governors on 07768 952212 for a confidential discussion.

GLASTONBURY PILGRIMAGE: This year’s pilgrimage is on Sunday 8 July. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Declan at 3.30 pm in the Abbey grounds. Poster and full programme for the day on the notice board.

CHRISTIAN UNITY SERVICE: The service will be held at Counterslip Baptist Church on Thursday 24th May at 7.30 pm.  The service will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity to meet with our friends from the other local Christian churches.  Do go and represent our parish community if you can.

DO YOU ENJOY SINGING? It would be great if we could for some sort of music group or choir at St. Bernadette’s to help lead and enhance the singing. The first practice will be Friday 15th June, at 7.45pm. The main aim of the choir will be to support the liturgy at some of our Sunday morning Masses. Please come and share your talents and time, especially if you have previous experience of choral singing or  can read music.

THIS SUNDAY: Last week it was sheep: this week, the vine. Jesus offers us another (agricultural) image to explain the mystery of his offering of himself, and our belonging to him, our being part of him, which comes about through the sacrament of Baptism. This is, as was stated earlier, the period of Mystagogy, when the newly baptised are helped to see what life in Jesus Christ really means. Today this comes out strongly for all of us, with two of the three readings emphasising the moral aspects of life in Christ: it is not simply enough to “belong” to him: our belonging must be shown by the works we do, by the fruits we bear – while remembering of course that we cannot bear fruit except in him.

MISSIONARY APPEAL: You made Sister Irene of the Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver so welcome last Sunday. She was touched by your kindness and your care. You sent her away with £348.45 as our gift of support to the missions this year. Thank you for your generosity. That money goes to support the work of the congregations of Missionary Sisters based in this country with their foundations on the missions.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION: The children continue their preparation for First Communion this coming Wednesday. First Communion, this year, is being celebrated on Sunday 27 May at 10.30am – Pentecost Sunday. Do keep them in your prayers.

TUESDAY CAFÉ: Beginning on Tuesday 22 May, our parish will start a short series of catechesis, deepening our understanding of the person of Jesus. Titled ‘Who are you looking for? I am he.’ this course – spread out over nine weeks – will explore the person of Jesus we find in the Gospel. The format will be simple and uncomplicated. We meet after Mass at about 10.15am for a short little input and then leaving time for conversation around the table to explore the theme a little further. We have a wonderful, simple chance to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to be a Catholic… and the beauty of the friendship Christ draws us into. The sessions are open to everyone and you are warmly encouraged to come along and to bring friends with you. There will be some good coffee or tea and some delicious cakes, too. Dates: 22 May, 29 May, 12 June, 19 June, 26 June, 3 July, 10 July, and 17 July. We start at 10.15am and will meet for an hour… simple, informative, engaging, and uncomplicated. Posters and details are available for you to take away with you from the narthex. Do make a note of the dates… and feel free to come along.

PARISH LITURGY GROUP: The group meets next on Wednesday 16 May at 7.30pm (after Mass) in the presbytery.

OPENING THE WINDOWS – IN CELEBRATION OF VATICAN II: The fifth lecture in our diocesan series takes place at the Cathedral on Tuesday 15 May, beginning at 7.30pm. Professor Gavin D’Costa from Bristol University leads the reflection upon the Church reaching out to those of other faiths. He will explore the Declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions – Nostra Aetate, and the Declaration on Religious Freedom – Dignitatis Humanae. They have been fantastic lectures so far. Do go along. There’s plenty of parking and it is free to get in, too.

DIOCESAN FAMILY DAY: Taking place at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College on Saturday 30 June, this fantastic opportunity to gather together as a diocesan family comes at the invitation of Bishop Declan. There is plenty for all the family from the young to the very young at heart. There are some superb speakers and workshop facilitators to nurture your faith, deepen your prayer, or allow you to explore particular things of interest. All you need do is sign up for the day giving details of the workshops you want to take part in. The day starts with registration from 9.15am. Poster and handouts in the narthex. IT’S FREE… so do go along and support them day if you can. Pick up a leaflet and have a browse.

DIAMOND JUBILEE ‘RED, WHITE AND BLUE’ SOCIAL: If you are not tootling off for half term over the diamond jubilee weekend, then come along to our parish social on Saturday 2 June at 7.00pm. There will be a tasty jubilee supper and chance to raise a glass, too. There will also be a couple of games of bingo with our fantastic bingo caller making a return visit. Great fun for all the family. The dress code is, of course, red, white and blue! You’ll be able to pop your name on the list in the narthex next weekend. We’ll also draw the big prizes of the 200 Club that evening, too.

COALITION FOR MARRIAGE: From the news you will know that the Government is consulting as it wants to extend the definition of marriage to same-sex relationships. The Bishops are inviting you to add your voice to the petition against redefining marriage. You are also invited to contact your MP. You will find the petition and the points which you may like to include in your MP’s letter on the board in the narthex.  Marriage is so readily under threat in our society and this gives us chance to uphold its dignity and its place within society.

CLASS MASSES: Beginning this coming Friday, one of the Class groups from our primary school will be joining us again for Mass each Friday at 9.30am. This coming Friday we are joined by Year 6 (ahead of their SATS). Do make them welcome and encourage them as they come to join us in our prayer.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS: Pauline Long, who was received into the Church along with her husband, Michael, at last year’s Easter Vigil and has been a real part of our parish family over the last fourteen months, died peacefully in hospital on Friday morning. We keep her in our prayers and remember Michael and their family at this sad time. May she rest in peace.

THIS SUNDAY: This is traditionally called “Good Shepherd Sunday” because of the Gospel narratives (from John 10) read each year, in which Jesus talks of himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his flock. A general “theme” to the Scriptures is the person of Jesus and what he has achieved by the Paschal Mystery (his dying and rising): the first reading talks of his name, and the power of the name of Jesus to save: one of the results of the “power of this name” is that in him we are all God’s children, and are promised an eternal reward. All this is summed up in the Gospel, in which Jesus talks of himself as the real shepherd, who is prepared to do anything for his flock, even to the point of giving his life. This he said before his passion, but in Eastertide we read it with the benefit of hindsight. His words are true, and by his dying and rising he has truly saved his flock.

MISSIONARY WELCOME: We welcome to Mass this weekend the Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver who are appealing in our diocese this year and in parishes in our deanery this weekend. They will tell us something of their missionary work, the work of their congregation, and seek our support and our help for the work of all the missionary Sisters. Please do respond as generously as you can to this appeal.

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY – DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS: This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, is a Sunday where we focus our prayer each year upon praying for Vocations to the Priesthood, the Diaconate, and to the Religious Life. We keep this intention in our prayers – not just today – asking God to touch the hearts of those he calls to respond generously and in love to his call.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION: The children preparing for First Communion come to celebrate the gift of the Cross this Sunday, 29 April, at the 10.30am Mass. They continue their preparation for First Communion this coming Wednesday. First Communion, this year, is being celebrated on Sunday 27 May at 10.30am.

WEDNESDAY CAFÉ: Beginning on Tuesday 22 May, our parish will start a short series of catechesis, deepening our understanding of the person of Jesus. Titled ‘Who are you looking for? I am he.’ this course spread out over nine weeks will explore the person of Jesus we find in the Gospel. The format will be simple and uncomplicated. We meet after Mass at about 10.15am for a short little input and then leaving time for conversation around the table to explore the theme a little further. We have a wonderful, simple chance to deepen our understanding of  who Jesus is and what it means to be a Catholic… and all over a cuppa, beginning to explore what lies at the heart of what we believe. The sessions are open to everyone and you are warmly encouraged to come along and to bring friends with you. There will be a good cup of coffee or tea and some cakes, too. Dates: 22 May, 29 May, 12 June, 19 June, 26 June, 3 July, 10 July, and 17 July. We start at 10.15am and will meet for an hour… simple, informative, engaging, and uncomplicated. Posters and details will be available for you to take away next weekend. Do make a note of the dates… and feel free to come along.

PARISH LITURGY GROUP: The group meets next on Wednesday 16 May at 7.30pm (after Mass) in the presbytery.

OPENING THE WINDOWS – IN CELEBRATION OF VATICAN II: The fifth lecture in our diocesan series takes place at the Cathedral on Tuesday 15 May, beginning at 7.30pm. Professor Gavin D’Costa from Bristol University leads the reflection upon the Church reaching out to those of other faiths. He will explore the Declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions – Nostra Aetate, and the Declaration on Religious Freedom – Dignitatis Humanae. They have been fantastic lectures so far. Do go along. There’s plenty of parking and it is free to get in, too.

PARISH MAGAZINE: The Easter/Spring edition of the parish Magazine is still available from the Narthex. Do pick your copy as there are some interesting articles in it. They are free and if you want to pop a little something towards production costs in with the newspaper money, then please feel free to do so.

SALVATORE COSTA RIP: We keep the Costa family very much in our prayers at this time. Salvatore’s funeral takes place at St Gerard’s this coming Wednesday at 11.00am followed by burial in Whitchurch cemetery. May he rest in peace.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME to Ayla Baker who was baptised here last Sunday.

DIAMOND JUBILEE ‘RED, WHITE AND BLUE’ SOCIAL: If you are not tootling off for half term over the diamond jubilee weekend, then come along to our parish social on Saturday 2 June at 7.00pm. There will be a tasty jubilee supper and chance to raise a glass, too. Great fun for all the family. The dress code is, of course, red, white and blue! Tickets available soon! We’ll also draw the big prizes of the 200 Club that evening, too.

TABLE TOP SALE – THANKS! There was a terrific buzz in the hall last Saturday that contributed £989.48 towards CLIC and SANDS. The total raised for those two charities over two events comes to £2000. Barbara thanks all those who supported and contributed to that wonderful total. Keep an eye on the notice board for the letters coming from those two charities.

COALITION FOR MARRIAGE: From the news you will know that the Government is consulting as it wants to extend the definition of marriage to same-sex relationships. The Bishops are inviting you to add your voice to the petition against redefining marriage. You are also invited to contact your MP. You will find the petition and the points which you may like to include in your MP’s letter on the board in the narthex.  Marriage is so readily under threat in our society and this gives us chance to uphold its dignity and its place within society.

THIS SUNDAY: We continue to think about the Resurrection this week, from three different perspectives: the Gospel gives us another story of Jesus appearing to his disciples – this time the beautiful story of the meeting in Jerusalem, when Jesus proves he is alive and no ghost by eating some grilled fish: he reminds the disciples that all he suffered and rise so the “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” could be preached to the whole world. The first reading shows us Saint Peter’s doing just that, as he addresses the crowd in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost: he takes them through recent events (fifty days earlier), highlighting the important point, that he and the disciples can witness to the raising of Jesus from the dead, and calling them to “repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” The second reading brings this into our lives: the resurrection is not just a historical event, which we remember. By baptism (which we renewed at Easter) we become part of Jesus in his dying and his rising, as he ‘becomes the sacrifice that takes our sins away’. So all that Saint John tells us about the commandments and avoiding sin is our way of living the Resurrection.

EASTER REFLECTION BOOKLETS: These simple reflections taking you through each of the fifty days of Easter are still available from the Narthex, priced £1. Pick up your copy from the table.

TAIZE MUSIC AND PRAYER: In the midst of the Easter Season, we gather to celebrate the living presence of the Risen Christ – our hope and our life. This beautiful and simple evening of reflection will draw our attention towards the Resurrection. Monday 23 April at 7.30pm (that’s this coming Monday). Do come along; we deepen our relationship with the Lord through prayer, through the scriptures, and through beautiful, simple, chant. All are most welcome, and chance to invite our ecumenical friends, too.

TUESDAY CAFÉ: Beginning on Tuesday 22 May, our parish will start a short series of catechesis, deepening our understanding of the person of Jesus. Titled ‘Who are you looking for? I am he.’ this course spread out over nine weeks will explore the titles of Jesus we find in the Gospel. The format will be simple and uncomplicated. We meet after Mass at about 10.15am for a short little input and then leaving time for conversation around the table to explore the theme a little further. We have a wonderful, simple chance to deepen our understanding of  who Jesus is and what it means to be a Catholic… and all over a cuppa, beginning to explore what lies at the heart of what we believe. The sessions are open to everyone and you are warmly encouraged to come along and to bring friends with you. There will be a good cup of coffee or tea and some cakes, too. Dates: 22 May, 29 May, 12 June, 19 June, 26 June, 3 July, 10 July, and 17 July. We start at 10.15am and will meet for an hour… simple, informative, engaging, and uncomplicated. The full programme of titles will appear next week.

PARISH FORUM: The Forum group meets again on Wednesday 25 April at 7.30pm in the presbytery.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION: The children preparing for First Communion this summer pick up their preparation again after the Easter break, they meet on Wednesday 25 April in school. They come to celebrate the gift of the Cross NEXT Sunday, 29 April, at 10.30am Mass.

PARISH LITURGY GROUP: The group meets next on Wednesday 16 May at 7.30pm (after Mass) in the presbytery.

OPENING THE WINDOWS – IN CELEBRATION OF VATICAN II: The fifth lecture in our diocesan series takes place at the Cathedral on Tuesday 15 May, beginning at 7.30pm. Professor Gavin D’Costa from Bristol University leads the reflection upon the Church reaching out to those of other faiths. He will explore the Declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions – Nostra Aetate, and the Declaration on Religious Freedom – Dignitatis Humanae. They have been fantastic lectures so far. Do go along. There’s plenty of parking and it is free to get in, too.

GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY – DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS: Next Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter is a Sunday where we focus our prayer each year upon praying for Vocations to the Priesthood, the Diaconate, and to the Religious Life. The second collection is taken next Sunday for the Diocesan Priests’ Training Fund. This fund supports the students for the priesthood and permanent diaconate of our diocese in their years of formation, and also supports the ongoing formation of our priests. Do please give as generously as you can and keep this intention in your prayers.

PARISH MAGAZINE: The Easter/Spring edition of the parish Magazine is available from the Narthex. Do pick your copy as there are some interesting articles in it. They are free and if you want to pop a little something towards production costs in with the newspaper money, then please feel free to do so. You will notice that many of the groups within the parish are seeking to recruit some new faces. If you can respond in any way to their requests or you want to find out a little more and how much commitment is needed, do get in touch with the particular individuals who are inviting you to use your wonderful talents and skills for the good of our parish community.

RONALD COUTTS RIP: Our prayers are offered for Ronald Coutts who died this last week, and we keep his family in our prayers at this time. We also keep in our prayers those who are sick, and for those who are suffering and close to death at this time. May God’s Holy Spirit give them comfort, solace and peace.

EASTER FLOWERS: Thank you for the most generous way you supported the flower ladies last weekend. You helped them raise some £205 which enables them to ensure that our Church looks as beautiful as it usually does for the Easter ceremonies… and well into the Easter season, too.

EASTER REFLECTION BOOKLETS: These simply reflection taking you through each of the fifty days of Easter are available from the Narthex, priced £1. Pick up your copy from the table.

TAIZE MUSIC AND PRAYER: In the midst of the Easter Season, we gather to celebrate the living presence of the Risen Christ – our hope and our life. This beautiful and simple evening of reflection will draw our attention towards the Resurrection. Monday 23 April at 7.30pm. Do come along; we deepen our relationship with the Lord through prayer, through the scriptures, and through beautiful, simple, chant.

TABLE TOP SALE: To raise some much needed funds for CLIC (Cancer and leukaemia in Children) and SANDS (Stillborn and neonatal death), Barbara Coles is hosting a table top sale in the Hall on Saturday 21 April from 12 – 200pm.  If you can help out by making baked goods, jams and preserves, or you have something for the gift table or some unused, unwanted toiletries, you can hand them into at the presbytery or contact Barbara on (01275) 837754 as soon as possible. Do come along on the day, though, and support these charities, please.

WEDNESDAY CAFÉ: Beginning late May we will begin a very simple, uncomplicated parish series where, on each of the Wednesdays mornings, there will be opportunity to deepen your understanding of what it means to be a Catholic over a cuppa and begin to explore what lies at the heart of what we believe. Watch this space!

WELCOME: Next weekend we welcome Fr Michael English back to our parish. Fr Michael comes to celebrate Mass for us on Saturday and Sunday. Do make him welcome.

MARY COOPER RIP: We remember Mary in our prayers and also her family and friends. Mary’s funeral takes place here on Tuesday at 2.30pm and her burial takes place at Whitchurch cemetery. May she rest in peace.

PARISH FORUM: The Forum group meets again on Wednesday 25 April at 7.30pm in the presbytery.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION: The children preparing for First Communion this summer pick up their preparation again after the Easter break, They meet on Wednesday 18 April in school. They come to celebrate the gift of the Cross on Sunday 29 April at 10.30am Mass.

PARISH LITURGY GROUP: The group meets next on Wednesday 16 May at 7.30pm in the presbytery.

OPENING THE WINDOWS – IN CELEBRATION OF VATICAN II: The fifth lecture in our diocesan series takes place at the Cathedral on Tuesday 15 May, beginning at 7.30pm. Professor Gavin D’Costa from Bristol University leads the reflection upon the Church reaching out to those of other faiths. He will explore the Declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions – Nostra Aetate. They have been fantastic lectures so far. Do go along. There’s plenty of parking and its free to get in, too.

CONGRATULATIONS to Noah Peacey who was baptised here on Sunday 25 March. As we welcome him into our parish family, so we congratulate, also, Noah’s family.

PLENTY OF THANKS: The beauty of the celebrations of Easter is such that you know that you are at the end of Lent. There is a wonderful transformation in our Church and it’s good to notice that our church reflects the vibrancy of Easter joy. Lent has been a most prayerful season for us here at St Bernadette’s and whilst there is never chance to sit back, it is good to appreciate the tremendous hard work of those who have brought us to the start of this Easter Season.  We have been so blessed this Holy Week; people have used their gifts and their skills in so many generous ways. Our music has graced the liturgy and that’s thanks to Mervyn and the many cantors that are supporting him; the flower ladies and those who look after plants and pots have done us proud once again, making our Church alive with the beauty of the resurrection. We have been fortunate to have had readers and Eucharistic Ministers working hard this last week and, of course, our servers continue to support Fr Christopher in so generous and skilful a way. Welcomers have featured greatly this week and it’s always good to have them as the first contact with folk who come to share in our celebrations. But there are so many people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything is where it should be and as it should be ~ people looking after the linens and ensuring things are washed and pressed, kind people have cleaned the church and dusted everything that didn’t move, people have been up ladders yet again, got things ready and prepared, lit candles, put them out again afterwards… all in the name of being of complete service to our parish community. We couldn’t do what we do so well without the generous contribution of so many… and so Fr Christopher wants to acknowledge the great giftedness of the people of St Bernadette’s and to thank you all for the generous way you employ your talents for the good of the ‘family’. THANK YOU.

THIS SUNDAY: And so we arrive at the start of Holy Week. We will be invited to make Jesus’ journey our own and enter more deeply into the story of God’s tremendous love for each one of us. This Sunday’s celebration is, of course, dominated by the reading of St Mark’s account of the Passion. What Mark seeks to offer us is the story of God reaching out to us with the gift of salvation; a free gift that comes through the sacrifice and the brokenness of Jesus, his beloved Son. There is plenty this week to deepen our prayer, whether that be through the great Liturgies of the Triduum, or through the celebration of the Office, through Confessions, or simply reflecting upon the journey of Holy Week in the stillness of God’s presence. Holy Week is a most beautiful ‘event’ in our Christian calendar. If you have yet to discover the beauty of the Triduum Liturgies, then maybe this year is for you.

EASTER FLOWERS: The flower ladies will be asking for your help and support through this weekend’s retiring collection for the flowers at Easter. Do, please, give them what support you can next weekend.

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: Morning Prayer in the Church this Palm Sunday beginning at 9.45am.

PALM SUNDAY SOUP LUNCH: The second of our parish soup lunches takes place this Sunday – 1 April – from 12 noon onwards. Just sign up on the list in the Narthex to ensure you are well catered for.  What is raised goes to support our charitable, outreach projects.

MASS IN ITALIAN: For the celebration of Palm Sunday, Fr Gerardo Fabrizio who will be with us once again to celebrate Mass at 5.00pm in Italian this Sunday afternoon (1 April). Do come along if you can. There will be refreshments in the Hall afterwards.

TAIZE MUSIC AND PRAYER: At the start of our journey of Holy Week this year, there will be an evening of Taizé prayer in the Church. This beautiful and simple evening of reflection will draw our attention towards the cross. Monday 2 April at 7.30pm. Do come along; we deepen our relationship with the Lord through prayer, through the scriptures, and through beautiful, simple, chant.

CHURCH CLEANING FOR EASTER: If you can spare a little time on Thursday morning at around 10.00am, then all willing hands would be most welcome to help get the Church ready for the great Three Days of the Triduum. If you bring a mop, a brush, or some polish, then everything else (including the tea) will be provided for you.

HOLY WEEK CONFESSIONS: There will opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation as we journey through Holy Week. There is an opportunity as part of Taizé evening or prayer on 2 April (7.30pm); also on the Tuesday of Holy Week (3 April) from 6.00pm until 7.30pm, and Spy Wednesday (4 April) from 7.30pm until 8.15pm, as well as on Good Friday afternoon after the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion from 4.30pm _ 5.15pm.

HOLY THURSDAY COLLECTION: During the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the collection taken just before the Offertory will be our Lenten gifts to the poor. Your CAFOD boxes can be placed in this collection and what is raised (outside of the CAFOD boxes) will be used to support the poor in our own city of Bristol.

GOOD FRIDAY WITNESS: This year, the customary walk of witness is not taking place. Instead there is an ecumenical witness of faith outside of Asda at 10.00am on Good Friday. Do go along for the reflection upon the Passion story – a wonderful, simple way to remind people of the importance of this day.

ŚWIĘCONKA: This Polish Blessing of Easter food and baskets, which has become a regular feature in our Holy Week timetable, is taking place on Holy Saturday at 11.00am. All are most welcome!

TABLE TOP SALE: To raise some much needed funds for CLIC (Cancer and leukaemia in Children) and SANDS (Stillborn and neonatal death), Barbara Coles is hosting a table top sale in the Hall on Saturday 21 April from 12 – 200pm.  If you can help out by making baked goods, jams and preserves, or you have something for the gift table or some unused, unwanted toiletries, you can hand them into at the presbytery or contact Barbara on (01275) 837754 as soon as possible. Do come along on the day, though, and support these charities, please.

WEDNESDAY CAFÉ: Beginning late May we will begin a very simple, uncomplicated parish series where, on each of the Wednesdays mornings, there will be opportunity to deepen your understanding of what it means to be a Catholic over a cuppa and begin to explore what lies at the heart of what we believe. Watch this space!

Morning Prayer: 9.45am
Mass: 10.30am    George Parker’s Intentions
Vespers: 4.00pm
Italian Mass: 5.00pm

Monday of Holy Week ~ 2 April    
Morning Prayer: 8.40am
Mass: 9.00am
Taizé Prayer around the Cross: 7.30pm

Tuesday of Holy Week ~ 3 April    
Morning Prayer: 8.40am
Mass: 9.00am
Confessions: 6.00pm ~ 7.30pm

Spy Wednesday ~ 4 April    
Mass of Chrism at Clifton Cathedral: 11.00am
Evening Prayer: 6.30pm
Mass: 7.00pm   Chandra de Fonseka RIP
Confessions: 7.30pm ~ 8.15pm

HOLY THURSDAY ~ 5 April   
Office of Readings & Morning Prayer: 9.15am
Big Clean for Easter: 10.00am onwards

Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 8.00pm
Watching at the Altar of Repose until midnight
Night Prayer: 11.50pm

GOOD FRIDAY ~ 6 April      
Office of Readings & Morning Prayer: 9.15am
Family Stations of the Cross: 11.00am

Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion: 3.00pm
Confessions: 4.30pm ~ 5.15pm
Prayer around the Cross: 7.00pm

HOLY SATURDAY ~ 7 April      
Office of Readings & Morning Prayer: 9.15am
Święconka Blessing of Easter Food and Baskets: 11.00am

Easter Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection:  8.00pm

EASTER SUNDAY ~ 8 April   
Mass of Easter Morning:    8.30am
10.30am       Pro Populo
Solemn Vespers of Easter:    4.00pm

THIS SUNDAY: In the weeks of Lent so far we have followed God’s work of salvation: we have seen the Covenants he established with Noah, Abraham, Moses and the people of Israel after the return from Babylon. Now we come to one of the most significant parts of the Old Testament: the promise of a brand new Covenant, which will be different from all those that went before. This Covenant will see God and Man living more closely together. For the ratification of a Covenant, something was always sacrificed as a sign of the new relationship – normally man would offer some animal offering to God. But the New Covenant will be ratified not with the death of sheep or bull, but by the death of Jesus Christ, God and Man. In this perfect sacrifice is the source of our eternal salvation.

PALM SUNDAY SOUP LUNCH: The second of our parish soup lunches takes place on Palm Sunday – 1 April – from 12 noon onwards. Just sign up on the list in the Narthex to ensure you are well catered for.  What is raised goes to support our charitable, outreach projects.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: There will be the celebration of the Stations of the Cross followed by Benediction this afternoon in the Church at 4.00pm

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: Morning Prayer in the Church each Sunday beginning at 9.45am.

FRIDAY HOLY HOUR: This Friday the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for an hour of prayer after the morning Mass (so from 10.00am until 11.00am). This is the last of our Lenten Holy Hours.

MASS IN ITALIAN: For the beginning of Holy Week and the celebration of Palm Sunday, Fr Gerardo Fabrizio will be with us once again to celebrate Mass at 5.00pm on Palm Sunday in Italian (1 April). Do come along if you can. There will be refreshments in the Hall afterwards.

TAIZE MUSIC AND PRAYER: At the start of our journey of Holy Week this year, there will be an evening of Taize prayer in the Church. This beautiful and simple evening of reflection will draw our attention towards the cross. In song and prayer, reflecting upon the scriptures and drawing upon the spirituality of Taize, we come to the Lord. Monday 2 April at 7.30pm. Do come along – there will also be opportunities for confession that evening, too. The Community of Taize, based near Cluny in France, is an ecumenical community drawing pilgrims into deeper relationship with the Lord through prayer, through the scriptures, and through beautiful, simple, chant.

LENTEN CONFESSIONS: There will opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation as we journey through Lent. The two Saturday opportunities are there as well as an opportunity as part of Taize evening or prayer on 2 April (7.30pm); also on the Tuesday of Holy Week (3 April) from 6.00pm until 7.30pm (altered), and Spy Wednesday (4 April) from 7.30pm until 8.15pm, as well as on Good Friday afternoon after the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion.

THE ROAD TO CALVARY – A Passion Play: This reflection as we head towards Holy Week takes place at St Gerard’s, Knowle, on Friday 30 March at 7.00pm. Tickets cost £5. All are welcome.

TABLE TOP SALE: To raise some much needed funds for CLIC (Cancer and leukaemia in Children) and SANDS (Stillborn and neonatal death), Barbara Coles is hosting a table top sale in the Hall on Saturday 21 April from 12 – 200pm.  If you can help out by making baked goods, jams and preserves, or you have something for the gift table or some unused, unwanted toiletries, you can hand them into at the presbytery or contact Barbara on (01275) 837754 as soon as possible. Do come along on the day, though, and support these charities, please.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER: The schedule for Holy Week this year is available for you to take away. Do make sure you pick up an extra one or two copies to pass around to folk who might just need a little encouragement to come and celebrate Easter with us.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS: Kathleen Joyce’s funeral takes place here at St Bernadette’s on Monday 26 March at 10.00am. May she rest in peace.

OUR PRIMARY SCHOOL: Our primary school survived their full-on inspection this last week. They must await, now, the final report.

PRIMARY SCHOOL STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Our Year 5 pupils will be leading their beautiful Stations of the Cross as they approach the end of this term, here in the Church on Thursday at 10.00am. Do come and support them, encourage them, but also join them in prayer as we prepare to enter into Holy Week.

APF NEWS: The total collected in 2011 through your Red Boxes was £2424.00 – that’s a terrific amount for the Missions. Many thanks to all our red box holders, our annual members, and all who contributed in any way.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: New boxed sets are available from the Narthex. If you are a tax payer and would like a Gift Aid set of envelopes, have a word with Dave Lavelle.

EASTER FLOWERS: The flower ladies will be asking for your help and support through next weekend’s retiring collection for the flowers at Easter. Do, please, give them what support you can next weekend.

Mass will be celebrated here at St Bernadette’s. All are most welcome! There is plenty of parking. All you need do is pass the word around and bring your friends with you – Italian and non-Italian, alike.

The evening of prayer, gathered around the Cross, take place on Monday 2 April 2012, beginning at 7.30pm. St Bernadette’s is easy to locate on the Wells Road (A37), and has plenty of parking facilities.

All are welcome!

This is a new thing for our parish, but our hope is that drawing on the simple, beautiful, and meditative chant and prayer of the Community of Taize, we will deepen our sense of the presence of the Lord as we seek to accompany him through the pilgrimage of Holy Week.