Saturday 21st November Altar Server training session, St Mary’s Church. Starts with Mass at 10.00am, finishing at 11.15am.

261011 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Bulletin for 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time260927 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

260830 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

260906 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Au revoir and Thank You Fr Jeremy!

Fr Jeremy’s leaving Mass with Bishop Bosco will be at noon on Saturday 7th  November, at St Mary’s. It will be followed by an afternoon tea celebration in the Parish Centre. Everyone is invited.  RSVP to the Parish Office.

St Mary’s welcomes Fr James Finan, our new Parish Priest! Everyone is invited to “A Sparkling Afternoon Tea” in the Parish Centre, 2.00-4.00pm, Saturday 26th September. Come and welcome Fr James! Please RSVP to the Parish Office.

Volunteer sign-up sheets and an RSVP sheet for Fr James’ party are at the back of the church. Please sign up to help in whatever way you can: baking, setting up, washing up…

A MESSAGE FROM FR JEREMY

Dear friends,

This month I celebrate my 75th birthday and am therefore standing down as parish priest of         St Mary’s. I have enjoyed fourteen very happy years in this parish and am so grateful to you for your great kindness, friendship and generosity to me in that time. I am very pleased that Bishop Bosco has appointed Fr James Finan as the new parish priest. His first week-end in the parish will be August 29th - 30th. I know that you will give him a warm welcome and that he will settle in well. Please keep Fr James (and me) in your prayers.

Shhhh…Retirement Gift Collection

To show our appreciation of Fr Jeremy and all he has done for our parish since 2012, we would like to hold a collection for him over the next few weeks. You can donate to the collection via the DONA machines or by cash or cheques in the printed envelopes. He does not know about this so shhh! In addition, Fr Jeremy celebrates his 48th anniversary of his ordination this Wednesday, which is remarkable to say the least.

FREE! Have you got A4 papers to organise?

A teenager beginning GCSEs or A-Levels?

We have inherited many, many unopened packs of card lever arch file dividers, plus six black file organisers. If you are interested in any of these things, email Charlotte or visit the Parish Office and you can take them away.

Parish Archives project Next meet up: Wed 17th June 10.00am - noon, Parish Centre

In the Parish Office, we have nine boxes of photos, photo albums, St Mary's school records, parish magazines, letters…all types of documents. Without names, dates or context they become just boxes of unidentifiable history, so we need the assistance of parishioners to put names to faces, dates to events. We would like to meet once a month at times to suit to the availability of the people with the knowledge. If you are interested in being part of this project, call Charlotte in the Parish Office 01225314114 or email bath.stmary@cliftondiocese.com

ST Mary’s POPPY Marathon

Thanks to all our Poppy Knitters we now have 1309 Poppies! That is almost 300 more since the last count. Can you help us to at least DOUBLE this or hopefully more to enable us to make a fantastic display in our church for this coming Remembrance Sunday.

Patterns and Yarn are available in the box at the back of the church or come and join us at Open Church the last Thursday of the month.

Contact Pat & Joy patjoy.kelly@gmail.com

Two events with Bath InterFaith Group

Friday 15 May, 5.30 for 6pm at the Museum of Bath Architecture.
Bath InterFaithGroup invites you to a live streaming of the 7th Joint Nakba Remembrance Ceremony, organised by Combatants for Peace. (See: https://www.cfpeace.org/nakba-ceremony

Resilience, dignity, and the courage to remain human in the face of conflict. Organised by Combatants for Peace, this ceremony brings together Israeli and Palestinian voices to foster understanding and shared humanity. Bath IFG is mindful of suffering in Israel and Palestine and rising hatred including antisemitism and Islamophobia in the UK. We reject violence, listen with care, and affirm our shared humanity. A suggested voluntary donation of £5 will help to defray the cost of this event: either on booking, or in cash at the venue.

Tuesday 26 May, 6.30pm, Little Theatre Picturehouse, Bath To mark the very first Jewish Culture Month, UK Jewish Film is bringing a remarkable collection of British-Jewish short films to Bath. This specially curated programme gathers some of the finest British-Jewish short films commissioned by UK Jewish Film over the past 25 years. Seven films, one unforgettable evening. The Bath programme includes:

• Sidney Turtlebaum
• The 10th Man
• The Peacock That Passed Over
• Growing Up Mizrahi
• Hannah Cohen's Holy Communion
• The Chop
• Orphaned Burial Grounds – which features our very own Bath Jewish Burial Ground

Parish Archives project Next meet up: Wed 27th May 10.30am - noon, Parish Centre

In the Parish Office, we have nine boxes of photos, photo albums, St Mary's school records, parish magazines, letters…all types of documents. Without names, dates or context they become just boxes of unidentifiable history, so we need the assistance of parishioners to put names to faces, dates to events. We would like to meet once a month at times to suit to the availability of the people with the knowledge. If you are interested in being part of this project, call Charlotte in the Parish Office 01225314114 or email bath.stmary@cliftondiocese.com

PARISH EVENING FOR ALL Tues 11th Nov 6.45pm refreshments for 7.00-8.30pm in the Parish Centre

The diocese is offering a live webinar which we will watch together, on how to build our future church. Much is changing in a good way…most importantly,  everyone is called to participate. This is is the beginning of six months of training for us all to move forward together. The focus for this webinar is:
“The Importance of Relationships and Keeping Meetings Spiritual”

If you are unable to attend, you can take part online: Reimagining Pastoral Councils - a series of webinars over the next year to explore everything to do with pastoral councils from purpose to membership, and from resolving conflict to letting the Spirit lead. With guest speakers, David Wells, Fr Shaun O’Neill, Sarah Adams, Austen Ivereigh, Jordan Kelly, Fr Matthew Nunes and Avril Baigent among others. Register once for the series; a link will be sent out each time on the day of the event. Webinars 7-8pm from 14th Oct. Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/northamptondiocese/1861328 
Watch the first webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCNs8UWxZz8 

Starting School? If you have a child born between 1st Sept 2021 & 31st Aug 2022, now is the time to apply for a place at a primary school for admission from Sept 2026 onwards. You must complete an application form available from the school admissions team of the BathNES Council. If your child has been baptised and you are applying for a Catholic school, you must also provide a copy of the child’s baptism certificate to the school. Please ensure you apply by the closing date of 15th Jan 2026.

Marriage support - Does your relationship need some TLC? Need help with deeper issues?

Next programme starts 17th October www.retrouvaille.org.uk     Tel: +44 7887 296 983

Retrouvaille is a program dedicated to healing and renewing marriages. The word “Retrouvaille” means “rediscovery.” The programme offers the chance to rediscover yourself, your spouse, and a loving relationship in your marriage.

If your marriage needs a fresh start, please reach out to us. Help is available. If you and your spouse are committed to making your marriage work and are prepared to give it your best effort, we invite you to give this programme a try.

Even if you’re considering separation, divorce, or are already separated if you are  open to new options – Retrouvaille could be the solution you’re looking for.

If you know a couple in need of help, please share Retrouvaille with them. They may be searching for support and unsure of where to turn.

Thank you in advance for supporting our CAFOD Family Fast Day Appeal this Harvest in your parish. We are so grateful. In giving and fundraising, we are responding to Jesus’ call to love our neighbours.

·         We pray for the work of CAFOD in supporting our neighbours who are experiencing poverty and injustice. May the grace of God inspire us all to come together to build a better world. Lord, in your mercy…

·         We pray for all parts of the world suffering from conflict and violence, remembering especially the people of Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. May God turn hearts towards peace and guide world leaders to work for justice and reconciliation. Lord, in your mercy...

Through CAFOD, your congregation is expressing hope and goodness in the most challenging times.

Every Family Fast Day, we highlight a particular story, that illustrates the depth of our long-term work. This Harvest we talk about Waré, a young mum in Borana, southern Ethiopia, who walked over six hours daily to fetch water for her family as droughts became more severe through climate change.

Funds raised at Fast Day enabled the building of water tanks that collect precious water closer to home; bringing relief and opportunities for earning a living.  Waré and her community’s resilience, the expertise of our local partner and the donations from your parish all combine to be signs of hope in this Jubilee Year.

In the Holy Land, our partner Caritas Jerusalem runs medical points across Gaza. Working conditions are near unimaginable - with clinics moving constantly so that care can be provided safely. Other local partners provide food, shelter and emergency cash for displaced families despite the real and growing challenges to find adequate food and places of safety.

In Sudan, our Church partners are helping community kitchen teams where displaced people are organising themselves to share what little they have, so that no one goes without.

In Ukraine, the rise in attacks is of deep concern but our partners, Caritas and DePaul Ukraine continue to distribute food, water, fuel, hot meals, medical support and hygiene kits to women, children, older people and those with special needs.

You may have seen the news of the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. Our local partners are one of the few organisations based where the earthquake hit. They have been able to respond quickly.  We have released £50,000 to partners to provide food, shelter and other vital supplies.

This is only possible because of donations through Fast Days collections, from people making monthly gifts and from gifts in wills, enabled by your parish’s support.  Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection to share God’s abundant gifts with our global neighbours as they find lasting solutions to poverty and climate challenges. Your generosity offers “signs of hope” in this Jubilee Year, helping build more water tanks in communities like Waré’s in Ethiopia where women have to walk for hours to get water. Use the CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at www.cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030. You can also text CAFOD to 70560 to donate £10. 

Wed 22nd Oct Illuminating Saint Alphege: Stories in History and Glass at Bath Abbey. Join for a free and illuminating evening shining a new light on Saint Alphege, born in Bath in 953, Abbot of Bath Abbey in the early 980s and Archbishop of Canterbury in 1006, before his death in 1012 at the hands of Danish Vikings. Opportunities for Q&A with the speakers: Neil Ireson, Dr Cathryn Spence and Dr Giles Mercer. 6.30-9.00pm Complimentary prosecco/ non-alcoholic fizz & canapés. Free, but requires a ticket so please book.
https://bathabbey.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/69805?catID=62022
https://www.bathabbey.org/alphege-appeal/

The Clifton Diocesan Annual Formation Day will take place on Saturday 11th October at St. Brendan’s College, Brislington, with Mgr John Armitage (Parish Priest, Former Rector of the National Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham and Master of the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom) as our keynote speaker. He will be reflecting on the theme of ‘Being an Evangelist Today: the tools required to be a joyful witness of Jesus’. 

The Timetable for the day is:

9.30am            Arrivals and Refreshments

10.00am           Welcome and Opening Prayer (Theatre)

10.20am           Opening Talk – Mgr. John Armitage (Theatre)

11.00am           Refreshments

11.25am           Workshop 1

12.10pm          Move to Mass 

12.15pm          Mass (Theatre)

1.00pm             Lunch (Café) – please bring a packed lunch for the day

1.45pm            Workshop 2

3.00pm             Plenary and Closing Prayer (Theatre)

3.30pm            Departures

In addition, there will be several workshop options for parishioners to attend. They can choose a session for the morning workshop and a session for the afternoon workshop when booking a ticket. The Workshop options are:

• Make Level Paths: Catechesis for People with Additional Needs - Sr Carino Hodder OP

• Act Justly: Formation for Mission - Raymond Friel

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Melinda Whitehead

• Youth Ministry: engaging young people in catechesis - Nohil D’Souza

• Diaconate: Formation for service - Deacon Steve Boughton

• Helping Parents to help their children grow in faith - Sr Lucy Cahil OP

• Accompanying Couples to live their Vocation to Marriage when Life is a Struggle - James & Sharon Westby, Retrouvaille Co-ordinators England and Wales

• Engaging Parents in Catechesis for Baptism - Debbie Hartstone

Trust Finance Manager at The Cardinal Newman Catholic Educational Trust, Bristol, Bristol | MyNewTerm

On behalf of Dr Daniel Doyle, the Newman Catholic Trust is recruiting a Finance Manager (4 days per week). This is more than a finance role – it is a chance to bring professional expertise into a mission-driven environment where every decision supports children’s flourishing.

You will be part of a growing Trust with a strong proven track record, working flexibly and dynamically alongside committed colleagues. As Finance Manager, you will help shape clear systems, support Principals with confident decision-making, and steward resources so that our schools can focus on what matters most: forming lives and building communities of hope.

This is a role for a finance professional who combines technical skill with service, able to give leaders clarity and confidence as our family of schools grows.

• 4 days per week (29 hours)

• Salary: £30,652-33,014 

• Location: Bristol (hybrid working across schools)

• Closing date: 20th October 20205

• Apply here: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/17561/EDV-2025-CNCET-13863

Funeral Mass: Ann Cusack RIP

11.00am Wed 1st Oct St Catharine’s RC Church, Frome
Her hearse will arrive at St Gregory’s Catholic College, Odd Down Bath at 12.30pm. You are welcome to join the school as they pay their respects to their former headteacher.

NB No 10.00am Mass at St Mary’s on that day as Fr Jeremy will go to the funeral.

Dr. George Scott and the “Gratias Agit” Award
Parishioner George Scott has been given a Gratias Agit Award, given to Czech expats and foreigners for promoting the good name of the Czech Republic abroad. It was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Lipavsky at the Czech Embassy London. George writes:
“It has been most generous of the Czech Republic to honour my life long work that has promoted the bravery of the Czechoslovak forces first during World War II when they came to Britain to fight alongside the allies. Secondly, to remember those who chose leaving their homeland after the war when the communist regime took over and ruled under the watchful eye of the Russians.”
*George has written a wonderful piece on his father’s life and on his own role as honorary legionnaire. You can read it here 250904 Gratias Agit George Scott 2nd version or pick up a paper copy at the back of the church.

For more info on the heroism of SSgt. Jiří Šnábl watch George’s interview on “Children of Heroes E24: Dr. George Scott, son of SSgt. Jiří Šnábl” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMQdp-dU9iA

More info here: https://english.radio.cz/foreign-ministry-honours-ten-personalities-and-two-associations-prestigious-8831875

1st Sept - 4th Oct The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration to pray & respond together to the cry of Creation. It begins on the Feast of Creation, & ends on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Read Pope Leo’s message about the Season of Creation:
“For believers [environmental justice] is also a duty born of faith, since the universe reflects the face of Jesus Christ, in whom all things were created and redeemed. In a world where the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters are the first to suffer the devastating effects of climate change, deforestation and pollution, care for creation becomes an expression of our faith and humanity.” https://www.cbcew.org.uk/care-of-creation-2025-papal-message/

Wed 3rd Sept Lots of Season of Creation events!
10.00am A celebration of the new Mass for the Care of Creation, St Mary’s church, followed by:
10.30am Coffee and conversation with the SVP in the Parish Centre
10.30am Harvest the Crab Apples in the church garden. Bring a bag and either take them away to make jelly or bag them up for people to collect at Sunday Mass
7.15 for 7.30pm St Mary’s Synod Group meeting, planning a Season of Creation social event on Sat 4th Oct

Sat 6th Sept (1st Saturdays of each month) Weston Litter group 9:30am for 1 hour. Meet at the Moravian Church car park (High Street roundabout). We cover all areas of Weston (roads, parks, footpaths) & are keen for more people to help out. All equipment provided and bags are collected by BANES Council.

Wed 17th Sept 7.15 for 7.30pm St Mary’s Synod Group meeting, planning a Season of Creation social event on Sat 4th Oct

Thurs 25th Sept Share and Repair Open House 4–7pm. Explore their new space and celebrate with drinks and nibbles. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/474lPYq Redbridge House, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3EW

Sat 4th Oct Celebrating Creation Feast - evening social event organised by St Mary’s Synod Group

Sun 5th Oct 9.00am A celebration of the new Mass for the Care of Creation, St Mary’s church, with a collection for CAFOD’S Harvest Fast Day https://cafod.org.uk/fundraise/parishes/support-harvest-family-fast-day-in-your-parish 

Saint Joseph’s Catholic College, Lay Chaplain Vacancy – Could you or someone you know have a calling to support the Catholic life and mission of our local secondary school? Saint Joseph’s Catholic College, Swindon have an exciting vacancy for a Lay Chaplain effective to start from September 2025. The role is full-time and during term times only, but we’ll also consider candidates interested in part-time and flexible working options. Please see the Eteach link here for the full recruitment pack or contact our HR team for further information at HR@stjosephscollege.net or by phone 01793 236053. We are happy to arrange an informal visit in advance of applications too. Deadline for applications is Monday 22^nd September.

www.eteach.com/job/lay-chaplain-1498725

CATHOLIC SCHOOL GOVERNORS
New Governors Needed! Bishop Bosco has launched a campaign to recruit new Foundation Governors & Directors. The Bishop is so concerned about the number of vacancies for governors at our schools and for Directors at our Catholic Educational Trusts, and the risk this poses to the future of Catholic education in the Diocese.
LETTER: He has sent a pastoral letter to all parishes, appealing for more people to volunteer to become governors and directors. On Sunday 1st June, three governors from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School will read Bishop Bosco’s letter at each of the Masses. We are fortunate to have the full complement of governors at St Mary’s.
VIDEO: Bishop Bosco also appears in a new video, promoting the important role of Foundation Governors & Directors and encouraging people to come forward to support our schools and trusts, by offering to serve as a Governor or Director. Please view the video here: https://cliftondiocese.com/news/new-governors-needed
If you would like to respond to the Bishop’s call and apply to be a Foundation Governor, please complete our nomination form https://schools.cliftondiocese.com/form-2
If you would like more information, or would prefer to serve as a Director at one of three Catholic Educational Trusts, please contact Bill McEntee, Governance Officer, via bill.mcentee@cliftondiocese.com or call him on 0117 902 5599.

SYNOD GROUP: Book Club
Starts Wed 21st May 7.15 for 7.30pm
6 weekly sessions, St Mary’s Parish Centre
An invitation from the School for Synodality to participate in a Synod Book Club to help us to get to grips with the Final Synod Document. A very fitting way to remember Pope Francis for his inspirational vision to seek a Church that grows together and walks together sharing the Gospel and living it in every way that we can for the good of the world.
Webinars will be accessible via YouTube and available anytime. Each of the six webinars will focus on a section of the Final Synod Document. It would help to read the section ahead of the webinar, but we know people are very busy, and so will not assume that people are familiar with the text. The webinars will be in English, but you can download the Document in a variety of languages here: https://www.synod.va/en/news/final-document-of-the-xvi-assembly.html 
RSVP Stephen Ashton 07816847386 stephen-paradox@outlook.com 

Assisted dying: Faith perspectives

With a potential new law going through Parliament, the Bath inter faith group invites you to join our MP Wera Hobhouse to hear faith perspectives on assisted dying. Hear from

Isabel Russo, founder, Liminal Time workshops; humanist perspective

John Bunni RUH Consultant Surgeon and Senior Lecturer; RC Christian

Dr Jan Gentaku Mojsa Buddhist chaplain, Bath Spa University and novice priest

Satyan Gadher - Hindu Sai Baba

and Dr Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour, Imam of Bath Mosque: Muslim perspective

..and share your own views in a moderated discussion afterwards. Open to all.

Catholic Union Summer Gathering

We are delighted to invite you to the Catholic Union’s annual Summer Gathering which will be held at Worth Abbey on Saturday 12 July. The day will include an address from our President, Baroness Hollins, and a chance to meet fellow members of the Catholic Union in congenial surroundings.  Fortuitously the day coincides with the 50^th Anniversary of the Consecration of Worth Abbey Church and we are lucky enough to be able to join in their celebrations. It also falls within the Jubilee Year which is a special time for grace and forgiveness. Arundel & Brighton Diocese has designated Worth Abbey as one of its three “special places of pilgrimage, where Holy Year Indulgences may be gained”.

In the afternoon we will go to Worth Abbey to hear from Rt Rev. Jeremias Schröder OSB, Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation.  The Abbot Primate’s talk, titled “St Benedict’s Message for Europe in 2025,” comes as the Church marks 60 years since Pope St Paul VI declared St Benedict Patron of Europe. Drawing on his background as a historian, Abbot Jeremias will explore how Benedictine values remain vital in today’s religious and secular landscape.

Once again, we have managed to keep the price low at £32 per person. This includes lunch and refreshments.  St Thomas More Circle Associates, Supporters and Benefactors are entitled to one complimentary ticket, but are still required to register. For more information about how to join the St Thomas More Circle, please click here.  
To book please make a bank transfer to:

The Catholic Union
HSBC
Account No: 40217492
Sort: 40 05 20
Essential Reference: SG25/surname.

For any queries or problems please contact info@catholicunion.org.uk or telephone 020 87491321.

We look forward to the Summer Gathering and very much hope that you can make it.

Richard Collyer-Hamlin
Chairman
Catholic Union

As you will know, Pope Francis died yesterday. Lots of people will want to come to pray at St Mary's. We do not have our normal weekday 10.00am Masses this week as Fr Jeremy is away, so instead the church will be open:

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

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

1. The launch event is at the Cathedral on Saturday 3^rd May from 9.30 to 4pm. Bookings (free) can be made here - https://buytickets.at/cliftondiocese/1617280. There is also more information here - https://cliftondiocese.com/encounter/
2. Parents and children need to sign up on the same link.
3. There will be specific groups for under 18’s and they must book. The age groups are reception to yr 6 and then year 7 and above. There will be age range appropriate activities on the day. Full safeguarding procedures will be followed.
4. The Wednesday evening events are at the Cathedral and will be live streamed on the Cathedral feed. Recordings will be uploaded to YouTube so it can be watched live or later. The link to the livestream is here - https://cliftoncathedral.org/stream
5. For the weekly events we hope that groups of parishioners and families can gather in their parishes and homes and participate together. It is ideal for those who are housebound for any reason.
6. There will be a Pentecost vigil mass at the Cathedral and all night adoration, more to follow

Come-and-See-Weekends-2025-at-Holy-Cross-Abbey

In this Jubilee Year 2025, we will be hosting two Come and See Weekends, to continue this ‘Pilgrims of Hope’:

1) Friday 30th May to Monday 2nd June
2) Friday 8th August to Monday 11th August

We are CISTERCIAN NUNS at HOLY CROSS ABBEY, Whitland, Pembrokeshire, SA34 0QX,
inviting single Catholic Women ages 25 — 45 who are discerning a vocation, to experience our monastic life
during one of the above Weekends.
www.hcawhitland.co.uk
Any enquiries and registration, please email us at comeandseehca@gmail.com

We are very pleased that altogether 3 women joined our ‘Come and See Weekends’ in 2024, they had an opportunity to discern a Cistercian vocation.

thankyou for donations

St Mary’s Open Church/ Coffee Morning

We would like to thank everyone who has kindly donated Yarn, also beautiful handmade items.

Our ladies have been busy and we have also making items to go with those donated, and using the much appreciated yarn donations.

This year since our meetings started in May we have supported the following with donations:-

RUH Palliative Care  with knitted Hearts.

RUH  ST. Mary’s ward with baby blankets, hats, cardigans and Trauma Teddies.

Care4U Refugees with Blankets, Jumpers and cardigans

Tiny Hands Baby Bank with blankets and cardigans

Ukraine appeal with squares for blankets

The Homeless with Beanie Hats

If anyone would like to get involved, you are very welcome to join us or any items made can be placed into the box at the back of the church where all will go to those in need.

We will be meeting again on  January 30^th in OUR Church. Everyone is welcome to join us, we meet for a chat, socialise and have a hot drink.

YOU are welcome to join us!

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome
This will take place from Sat 27th September - Thurs 2nd October 2025 in 2025 with the Bishop. It is limited to 55 places. The cost is between £965 – £1,050. Further details are at this link . https://www.jcjourneys.com/clifton-diocese-rome 

Pilgrim Cross is an Easter pilgrimage for all ages that walks every year to Walsingham - an ancient site of pilgrimage in Norfolk. We live and walk in community seven days before spending an amazing weekend celebrating Easter in the ruins of Walsingham Abbey. The pilgrimage is a way of celebrating Easter like no other and the friendships you make during the week last a lifetime, but what we appreciate most is the opportunity to step out of the busyness of everyday life for a week and just be. Whether you are looking to deepen your faith, find fellowship with friends or just to take some time to think, we look forward to meeting you on Pilgrim Cross. Please click here for an expression of interest form and some FAQ's for the Oxford leg. 

Volunteers: We need more stewards at the Sunday Masses. The more we have, the fewer times people will be called on. Our current volunteers are doing a great job, but need back up. If you are aged 18-70, please email bath.stmary@cliftondiocese.com for information about stewarding.

2022.05.06 - Migration issues in the UK - FINAL (1)

FILM: Fr Jeremy has been involved in a making a short film about prayer, with other churches in Bath.
28 churches in Bath have come together online and made a short film called “A Prayer for Bath”. The different members of the clergy pray the prayer of St Francis “Make me an instrument of your peace”.
You can find the film on YouTube, the parish Facebook page and the parish website. Mindful of the demonstrations happening across the world following the death of George Floyd, the call to prayer is very timely. PLEASE SHARE IT!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsGNo2CvJ7I 

PARISH PANDEMIC PHOTO PROJECT
We would like to take some photographs as a record of the Pandemic at St Mary’s. Tony McAteer (who has taken many photographs for our parish events, Facebook page, website) will take photographs of parishioners who wish to participate in this after 10.30am Masses for a period, starting 22nd August.
The photographs will be of individuals, or friends, or families wearing their masks in St Mary’s Church. We are keen for as many people as possible to participate as it would be a record and celebration of the continuation of Parish life & community during the Pandemic. Each photograph will only take around 5 minutes.
To meet national safeguarding requirements, you will need to fill in a Consent Form to give permission for you/your family’s photo to be taken, and also for how it may be used. PHOTO-1-Consent-to-the-Safe-Use-of-Images-Form-24.10.18 (1) Please print a form for each person taking part, complete it and bring it with you to church. For those who do not have internet access (or a printer), copies will be available at the back of the church from Sunday 15th August onwards.

​In preparation for the international Synod of Bishops in 2023, Pope Francis wants your input on the topic of “For a Synodal Church, Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Please join Fr. Jeremy for a parish listening session. We want to hear from you on how our parish community can better support you. Invite family, friends, neighbours - we want everyone to participate in these listening sessions.

Please read this statement that was issued today (Friday 20th November) by the Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales in response to the IICSA report that was published earlier this week.

2020.11.20 - Statement on Safeguarding - FINAL [16475]

SYNOD 2021-2023: Pope Francis invites us all to participate in a world-wide Synod where all are listened to & their thoughts sent to Rome. We invite everyone to speak & to listen in a respectful atmosphere. Participant ground rules are laid out be the Diocese:
“The Synod is a participative and inclusive process of listening and discerning that offers everyone the opportunity to contribute to how the People of God can better “journey together”. Our synodal conversation depends on courage both in speaking and listening. It is not about debate, but about discerning what the Spirit of God may be saying. We believe that God is always present and active in the details of our lives and and that he will reveal his plans and purposes to us if we make the effort to be attentive. It begins with listening.”
Our listening session facilitators will guide our conversations:
*While each person is speaking, the others listen.
*No one may interrupt the speaker or jump in to speak until invited by the facilitator.

Some one will take notes, and these will be anonymous. The notes from all the listening sessions will be summarised into one feedback report. This is to be sent to the Diocesan Synod Team by 28th Feb, who will summarise all the notes and then send them to Rome. Could you volunteer to be a note taker at one of the sessions? Please talk to Fr Jeremy.

If you would like to be part of this and want to know more, look at the resources available on the Diocesan webpage www.clifttondiocese.com  

Report: Dementia Friend Information afternoon and Audit
We had a very informative session with Dementia Friends Champion Fiona Bell. We intend to run these sessions every 6 months to help parishioners understand life with dementia, and to support carers. Thank you to Roberta for providing the great cake.

Two groups took on the audit of our buildings and of our church services. This was to assess what we are doing and what we could do to make the buildings and services more welcoming to parishioners with dementia and their carers. Look out for suggestions in the bulletin of how we can help, and for facts about what dementia is and is not.
*Look out for parishioners wearing Dementia Friend forget-me-not badges at Mass.

Renew Refresh Re-engage 6 sessions A5 flyer

Refresh, Renew, Re-engage: Re-building our parishes after lockdown A collaborative project with the Department for Adult Education and Evangelisation of Clifton Diocese and the Pastoral Ministry Office of Northampton Diocese.

This is a new world we are moving into, full of uncertainties. We don’t know what resources we will have, who will come back to church, or how things will unfold over the next year. It’s looking as if a return to church will be a trickle-back rather than a flood, and we need to make the most of opportunities along the way.

We have two different needs facing us:

• to re-establish our existing communities and ministry groups;
• to reach out to those who have not yet returned and to new people

What we are going to do at St Mary’s: We have been provided with Renew Refresh, Re-engage resource sheets for a variety of different ministries, and webinars to support these  started on 6^th September.  Fr Jeremy is going to use the Renew, Refresh, Re-engage resource sheets as the structure for 6 sessions in the church, open to all parishioners for reflection and an exchange of hopes, concerns and offers of help for the future. This can then help guide the parish over the next year.

When? Thursday evenings, 7.30-8.30pm  Where? At the back of the church

**UPDATE:** Due to popular demand, we will be running five parallel meetings on Fridays at 10.45-11.45am at the back of the church, after morning Mass. These will start NEXT Friday 24th Sept for anyone who cannot get to the Thursday meetings.

You can find the resource sheets to accompany each session on the parish website https://www.stmarysbath.org.uk/parish-life  Everyone is welcome!

Dates for your diary:

• Thurs 16th Sept Parish ministry - What do we want to celebrate? Where are the gaps? Three main priorities moving forward? Parish Ministry overview resource sheet
• Thurs 23rd Sept Invitation - How can we inspire and encourage people to come to church? Invitation sheet
• Thurs 30th Sept Music Ministry - Review, renew, encourage participation by all Music Ministry Resource Sheet
• Thurs 7th October Children’s Liturgy of the Word - Purpose, preparation, catechists, resources and scripture Children's liturgy resource sheet
• Thurs 14th October Hospitality - Communication, information, welcome, encouraging people to return Hospitality resource sheet
• Thurs 21st October Ministry of the Word - Formation and preparation Readers' resource sheet

Repeat sessions:

• Friday 24th Sept Parish ministry  Parish Ministry overview resource sheet and Invitation  Invitation sheet
• Friday 1st Oct: Music Ministry  Music Ministry Resource Sheet
• Friday 8th October: Children’s Liturgy of the Word Children's liturgy resource sheet
• Fri 15th October: Hospitality -  Hospitality resource sheet
• Wednesday 20th October: Ministry of the Word  Readers' resource sheet

Please email the parish office Bath.stmary@cliftondiocese.com if you intend to come to any or all of the Renew Refresh, Re-engage sessions. You are still welcome if you just come along on the day.

School Governors: 62 maintained schools in Clifton Diocese educate 21,673 pupils, supported by a ‘volunteer army’ of school governors, including 350 Foundation Governors appointed by Bishop Declan. The Bishop wishes to recruit new candidates to join the governing bodies, to help grow & sustain Catholic education in the Diocese for current & future generations. He has produced a new promotional video where he & current governors & Headteachers, talk about the importance & value of school governors. https://schools.cliftondiocese.com/governance Click on the Recruitment tab to watch the video to discover some of what being a school governor is about. If you could support Catholic education by applying to be a governor, please complete the online application form https://schools.cliftondiocese.com/form-2 or contact Bill McEntee, Governance Officer via bill.mcentee@cliftondiocese.com or call him 07710094976 for more information.

Prayer for Vocations booklet April 2021

WHAT IS VOCATION?
Pope St John Paul II reminded us that ‘Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being.’ This innate vocation grows in the life of the Christian who ‘walks in the path of a living faith which arouses hope and works through charity.’ As they walk in this path, people hear God calling them into discipleship, a living relationship with the person of Christ, a call that has three dimensions:
The universal call to holiness: God the Father calls people to listen to his Son, to be baptised in the Holy Spirit and to live as disciples of Christ.

This booklet on Vocations contains information about Vocation direction in the Diocese of Clifton and prayers for Vocations.