Holy Communion 2017

22 Candidates received their First Holy Communion during the Feast of Corpus Christi on 18th of June here at Our Lady of Lourdes & St Bernadette.  We think the photo below sums up the feelings about the day, all the classes this year and our wonderful parish community.  We are Blessed.

International Day - 2nd June 2017

Our parish “International Day” event was held on Saturday 3^rd June. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first time an event of this kind has been held. The objective of the event was to celebrate the wonderful diversity of nationalities, backgrounds and cultures we have in our parish and the enrichment this brings.

We specifically chose the Saturday prior to Pentecost when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, as this feast represents everything we were trying to achieve. “O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into our hearts. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling”. Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

It was with some trepidation that we planned this event, but we need not have been concerned as the support we received was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Over seventy people attended with representation from eight different countries. The variety of the food for the main course was remarkable, with dishes from Sri-Lanka, Poland, India, The Philippines, Nigeria, Ireland and England. And it didn’t stop there, the selection of the various desserts was just as impressive! It was a truly extraordinary and memorable spread, and sincere thanks to everyone who attended, and helped to make such a feast possible.

In reality, though, whilst the meal was simply delicious, the real magic of the evening was without doubt the atmosphere that was created. It brought such joy to see parishioners sat side by side chatting away and to experience the sound of laughter echoing around the hall was simply amazing.

The challenge now is how to embrace this atmosphere and togetherness for the benefit of all and our parish. Well, planning for another event next year is underway and we have already received comments on how we can improve on what was achieved. Feedback is key and we would like to receive your comments on how we can improve the social interaction within our parish. One simple step would of course be to ensure you greet someone you don’t know at Mass. Break the ice and step out of your comfort zone, with a smile on your face. Be sure you will have the power of the Holy Spirit on your side!

We would warmly welcome your thoughts and these can be given to any committee member, passed on to the Parish Office.

The Social Committee

International Day

International Day

7.00pm  Saturday, 3rd June 2017 

at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School Hall

  Bring traditional food of your culture to share with everyone present.

All are welcome (children too!)

Contact the Parish office to confirm numbers or for more information

24 Hours for Vocations

This Sunday is ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’, World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life. Fr Matt Anscombe, Vocations Director for Clifton Diocese, is asking, ‘what will you do to engage with the new 24H4V prayer campaign that all within the diocese are encouraged to participate in?’
Click on the link below for the full article
http://www.cliftondiocese.com/24-hours-vocations-do/

Holy Week Services and Easter Mass Times

13th April - Holy (Maundy) Thursday

7.00pm  Mass of the Lord's Supper

14th April - Good Friday

11.00am Children's Stations of the Cross

3.00pm  The Passion of the Lord

15th April - Holy Saturday

6.00pm  Easter Vigil

16th April - Easter Sunday

9.00am  Mass

6.00pm  Mass

Ash Wednesday 2017

Ash Wednesday Mass/Service Times1st March 2017 

9.30am Mass at St John Fisher, Frenchay

9.30am Mass at St Paul's, Yate

7.30pm Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes & St Bernadette, Kingswood

7.30pm Mass at St Lawrence, Chipping Sodbury

7.30pm Liturgy of the Word & Distribution of Ashes 

at St Augustine of Canterbury, Downend

Bishop Declan's Pastoral Letter

Download or listen to Bishop Declan’s Pastoral Letter for the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God at www.cliftondiocese.com/bishop/pastoral-letters/
Responses to Bishop Declan's questions should reach the Bishop's office by 5th March 2017.