Bishop Declan's Pastoral Letter for the First Sunday of Advent

Download and read Bishop Declan's Pastoral letter here or 

View the video at https://vimeo.com/483625647

Or listen to the audio here https://soundcloud.com/clifton-diocese/pastoral-letter-for-the-first-sunday-of-advent-2020

Public Celebration of Mass Resumes

We look forward the the public celebration of mass which will resume from Thursday 3rd December at 9.30am.  Thereafter, mass will be celebrated as usual on Sunday at 9am and on Tuesday and Thursday at 9.30am unless otherwise noted in the weekly newsletter.  Please be mindful of all the safety measures that are still in place.  A reminder has been published in the latest newsletter.  Remember that during this time there is still no Sunday obligation so you can attend Mass at any of the time in the week. Please only attend mass if you are well and free of Covid-19 symptoms.

SVP Information Meetings (Zoom)

The St Vincent de Paul Society who provide practical assistance to all those in need -  visiting people in their homes, in hospital and in care homes on a regular basis and offering additional practical support such as food, furniture or financial help where needed and also organising trips and events for older and isolated people are having information meetings for those who are interested in the work that they do.  The meetings are open for all to attend, hosted on Zoom and will give all an opportunity to hear about some of their current partnership successes and ask questions.  

The meetings are as follows. 

To attend email memberships@svp.org.uk to register and receive a Zoom meeting link.

Partnering with the SVP  
Looking at the different ways that you may support one another
Tuesday 24th November 6pm   
Wednesday 25th November 6pm

Forming New Conferences and Services

Exploring New Conferences and Services

Friday 27th November 4pm

Saturday 28th November 4pm

Joining Efforts within the SVP

How some parish outreach groups have found a home in the SVP

Monday 30th November 4pm

Tuesday 1st December 4pm

Supporting Your Existing Conferences

Some ideas and approaches to consider

Wednesday 2nd December 4pm

Joining the SVP

How and why I should get involved in my local Conference

Friday 4th December 4pm

For more information on the SVP and all the work they do visit their website https://www.svp.org.uk/

or keep in touch with them through 

Twitter:  SVPEnglandWales  or their Facebook page :  SVPenglandandwales          

Email:  info@svp.org.uk or Telephone: 020 7703 3030

Kingswood Park Update & Short Survey

Throughout 2019 South Gloucestershire Council worked with the Friends of Kingswood Park volunteer group to develop an application for National Lottery funding to restore and regenerate Kingswood Park. The application was submitted in February 2020.  However, because of Coronavirus all new applications for National Lottery funding were closed for this year whilst help was directed to heritage organisations.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund will re-open for funding applications from February 2021 and Friends of Kingswood Park are now preparing to re-submit their bid for Kingswood Park.

To ensure their application is up to date they would like to record how people have used and valued Kingswood Park during the Coronavirus lockdown and social distancing requirements. Tell them what does Kingswood Park mean to you now? 

Please can you take a few minutes to complete their very short survey using this link - https://southglos.researchfeedback.net/wad2wm

Please share this with anyone you may know, the more responses received the better!  Your feedback will inform Friends of Kingswood Park’s bid to restore Kingswood Park, ensuring they focus on the issues that matter most to you.

The survey is open until 31^st December 2020.

Update from the South Gloucestershire Director of Public Health

Please watch an update (11 November) from Sara Blackmore, Director of Public Health for South Gloucestershire on the local situation and how we must all follow the national guidance do the right thing. 

Free Counselling for Individuals Shielding due to Covid-19

Bristol Mind is offering a specific free counselling for individuals shielding due to the pandemic.  See more information below:

Praying Our Goodbyes - An Invitation to Remember those Who have Died

The month of November is the traditional month in the Catholic Church for praying for those who have died.  We remember each and every one and in particular this year, we remember those who have died as a consequence of COVID-19.

Throughout November, the Diocese is inviting anyone who wishes to post a prayer on their prayer wall to do so.

In this way we can all join in one prayer, not only for those who have died, but also for those who mourn their loss.

You can add your prayer by visiting the Clifton Diocese homepage here.

Future Bright - Support for those whose Work & Income have been affected by the coronavirus

To help people whose income or employment have been affected by the Coronavirus crisis, the eligibility criteria for Future Bright have been temporarily expanded.

Visit: http://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/future-bright/

Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to take your next step in your career.

All conversations are confidential, and focus on what you want to achieve – your coach will help you take your next step. Participation is always free, and fits around your current commitments. To learn more, read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

South Gloucestershire: 

Email future.bright@southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 866008

Covid-19 Update - Statement from the Catholic Bishops Conference

Due to Government's announcement on Friday of further widespread restrictions in England that will come into place on Thursday, 5th November due to the coronavirus, we have to stop all acts of public worship except for funerals.  

From Thursday 5th November, all Sunday and weekday masses will be suspended.  Live streaming of masses and other liturgies can be found on churchservices.tv

Please see the statement from Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Archbishop Malcolm McMahon on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference here.

The Government guidelines can be found here.