Catholic Church of St Mary-on-the-Quay Clifton Diocese, Bristol

Ready for Easter

2012-04-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

Holy Thursday 2012

2012-04-05T17:49:00.003-07:00

Thank You

2012-02-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

When I arrived in Bristol, one of the first things I wanted to do was to find a catholic community where I could meet some people sharing my faith. The welcome in the Young Adult Prayer Group was both very simple and warm: no need to pretend to be anyone, just come as you are.

I thought the people there would mainly be English, but actually there are nearly as many nationalities as there are people. It is very nice to discover other ways of living one’s faith, which reminded me (on a smaller scale, of course) of the atmosphere I could feel in the World Youth Days.

The meetings on Saturday evenings begin by a little prayer, and I felt it always interesting to pray in English with young people from all over the world. After praying, we usually had a drink, sometimes with some food cooked by one of us. There were also some organised activities: we could learn some Indonesian dances thanks to Sister Ernestin, we played ping-pong or badminton once or twice, and we even took advantage of a Bank Holiday to go on a picnic to Wells & Bath. Let us not forget the barbecues in Sister Ernestin’s convent, which was a very good time too. Each time it was nice to enjoy this atmosphere of brotherhood and peace.

This was particularly nice as my accommodation in Bristol was not so cool: although I could get on well with my flatmates, they did not share the Christian principles and this could be a little bit difficult to stand as being the only one with landmarks and principles. I then became aware of the importance for Catholic people not to stay alone. Praying with other young people on Saturdays evenings taught me to be “firme en la fe”, strong in my faith, and I hope I could be ‘beaming’ this faith and joy to my flatmates and colleagues.

I would like to thank Father Nico and Sister Ernestin for their welcome, and all the people in the Young Adult Prayer Group, who I was very happy to meet.

“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace, and may the heart of Jesus live in the heart of all people. Amen.”

Antoine Deshors

Our Multicultural Church

2012-02-25T16:39:00.001-08:00

Our Church, St. Mary-on-the-Quay, Bristol, has proved to be multicultural indeed and can boast of having as her parishioners, people from diverse cultures, countries and ethnic groups. Apart from the host parishioners, made up again of different British men and women – English, Irish,Welsh, and Scottish – other parishioners originally have come from the Phillipines, Indonesia, the Indian sub-continent, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone and the Gambia (in West Africa), Uganda and the Congo basin in the Central and South-west Africa, as well as many European countries.

My family has come to Bristol originally from Nigeria, a country with a large population and that comprises many different ethnic groups who speak different languages, the major ones being Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. Thanks to the British Colonial administration and the early Christian missionaries, the Bible and catechetical literature had been translated into vernacular languages by their early, indigenous Christian converts and have proved very useful in teaching and inculcating Scripture and Christian religion into our people. But English remains the lingua franca in Nigeria. Thanks too to Vatican II, Mass is frequently celebrated in the vernacular (especially in the rural areas), and in English in the big cities, such as Abuja and Lagos, where there is a great flux of the population made up of people from different parts of Nigeria.

Nigerians love and treasure the Christian hymns, many of which come from the Methodist and Anglican traditions. In the Catholic Hymn Books used in Nigeria are a good collection of these hymns. They also have been translated into the different indigenous Nigerian languages and are often used in the more rural settings. Indeed, Nigerians love praise worship and choruses. They sing these Christian choruses (in English, Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa) often in the Roman Catholic Church during the offertory and thanksgiving processions, to the accompaniment of drums, gongs, cymbals and other musical instruments. The Catholic Church, as well as the other major Christian denominations in Nigeria, had to allow the introduction of the singing of the choruses in order to halt the loss of their members to the Pentecostal movements whose innovation it was that popularized this liturgical form of worship.

In as much as here in the UK we miss the above prevailing aspects and forms of worship (in Nigeria), we do respect the host’s cultural traits and understand that we do not have the number to justify their introduction in our Church, and thereby, perhaps, upsetting the prevailing trend. We do fit in well with the modes of worship in St. Mary-on-the-Quay and also welcome the diversity of the Indian/Indonesian/Filipino modes of worship at the 5.15pm Sunday Masses. We acknowledge too, that St. Mary-on-the- Quay also presents Masses on regular basis for the Hungarian community. There is much, however, one could say about the quiet, dignified and rather more spiritual modes of worship at the 6.15pm, 9.30am, and 11.00am Masses in our Church.

Douglas N. Egbuonu

RCIA

2011-11-27T07:20:00.001-08:00

There will be a study group (RCIA) for adults seeking to join the Catholic church in the middle hall once a week on Friday evenings at 6.30pm. This is an ongoing Programme and it opens to all who seek to deepen their faith. For more information, please contact Mr Bill Flint at billflint@tiscali.co.uk or Fr Nico at parish@stmary-on-the-quay.com

Lectio Divina Prayer Group

2011-11-27T07:16:00.000-08:00

A Lectio Divina prayer group drawing on the spirituality of St Benedict of Nursia meets on alternate Wednesdays from 6.15pm - 7.45pm in the middle hall. All are welcome. For more info please email:jamesebruce@btinternet.com.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

2011-11-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Our first Children’s Liturgy of the Word will start next Sunday, 4th December. It will take place during the first part of the 5.15pm Sunday Masses. The children's Liturgy is aimed at children up to the time when they make their First Holy Communion at the age of 8. Once they begin the programme towards this they are expected to remain in church for the whole of the Mass. Children under the age of 4 have to be accompanied by an adult.

The purpose of the Children's Liturgy is to enable them to understand the theme of the readings, especially the gospel, for that Sunday in a way appropriate to their age. The children rejoin the rest of the people in the Mass at the Offertory when they join the procession and present what they have done to the priest. For more information please contact Lily Rodrigues at lilyjjames@yahoo.com

Music Ministry Wanted

2011-07-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

The 5.15 Music Ministry will shortly be losing a lot of its membership and we are in need of new singers to help out. We are also in need of a new organist. The group ministers on the second and fourth, and occasional fifth, Sundays of the month. If you can help please contact Helen - hlcj@hotmail.com or Fr Nico - parish@stmary-on-the-quay.com or come to speak to a member of the group.

International Meal

2011-04-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

We had an International Meal in the Church Hall after the Easter Vigil, 23rd April. It was a wonderful night. Thank you all.

Holy Week & Easter Services 2012

2011-04-16T13:59:00.097-07:00

Sunday 1st April: Palm Sunday of the passion of the Lord

Mass:

8.00am (at St James’ Priory)

9.30am

11am

5.15pm

* The blessing of Palms will be held in the church before each Mass except the 11.00am Mass when it will be held in the parish hall and followed by the procession into the church.

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Wednesday 4th April:

No Mass at St Mary’s.

Chrism Mass at the Cathedral at 11am.

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Holy (Maundy) Thursday 5th April:

11.30 to 1pm: The Sacrament of Reconciliation (“Confessions”)

8pm: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by Adoration at the Altar of repose until Midnight.

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Good Friday (Day of Fast & Abstinence) 6th April:

11am: Stations of the Cross.

3pm: Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion with Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion

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Holy Saturday 7th April:

10am: Office of Readings (“Matins”) with Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.

8pm: The EASTER VIGIL WITH THE FIRST MASS OF EASTER, followed by an International Meal in the Parish Hall.

International Meal: Our parish is a unique parish. Members of our congregation come from all over the world. As we celebrate Easter together and as a sign of togetherness (”one heart many nations”), there will be an International Meal in the Church Hall after the Easter Vigil, 7th April. All are welcome to share and to take part in this wonderful celebration. If you are interested in helping out, please have a word with Fr Nico on 0117 9264702 or E-mail: parish@stmary-on-the-quay.com. Thank you.

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EASTER SUNDAY 8th April:

Mass:

8am at St. James’ Priory

Parish Mass at 9:30am.

Solemn Mass at 11am.

Emmaus Mass at 5:15pm.

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Sunday 15th April: Divine Mercy Sunday.

Mass:

8am at St James’ Priory

9.30am

11am

5.15pm

* The Divine Mercy Devotion will be held here at 3.00pm with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Indonesian Mass

2011-03-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

We were very pleased to welcome the Indonesian Community for their first Indonesian Mass in Bristol on Saturday 5^th March at 1.30pm. It was a great day for the community who came to say their farewell to Fr Gaby as well as being a historic a historic occasion for St Mary-on-the-Quay.

Women's World Day of Prayer 2011

2011-03-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Women’s World Day of Prayer service was held at St- Mary- on-the-Quay on Friday 4th of March. Women from Broadmead Baptist, St Stephen’s and Bristol Cathedral joined us at St Mary’s for this interdenominational service, which this year was prepared by the Christian women of Chile, its theme being “How many loaves have you”?

The service was indeed a blessing and due to the able playing of the organist, Andrew, our singing of the hymns was rousing.

Afterwards there was an opportunity for fellowship with each other over a cup of coffee/tea and some lovely “eats” kindly provided by the women of the various churches, some with a Chilean flavour.

A big “Thank you” goes to all who helped in any way. – Special thanks to Cherry, Mary, Rosalind and Father Nico. A.O

SMQ Youth Prayer Group

2011-01-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

We meet on the third Sunday of each month. If you are 12 to 16 years old, you are welcome to join us. For more information, please contact Fr Nico or email him at parish@stmary-on-the-quay.com

Christmas at St Mary's 2010

2010-12-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

Please click the slideshow for larger image.

Confirmation at St Mary's

2010-10-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

"We thank Bishop Declan for being with us this evening

and we congratulate all those whom he confirmed.

Thanks also to all those who have been involved

in the preparations for this celebration."

Confirmation at St Mary on the quay Bristol, 28th October 2010 at 7.00pm, followed by refreshments in the parish hall.

Please click the slideshow for larger image.

Confirmation preparations

2010-10-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday, 28th October at 7.00pm, there were training sessions for those to be confirmed on Sundays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th October at 2.00pm in the Parish Hall. These are some of the photos during the confirmation preparations:

Please click the slideshow for larger image.

GLORIAM DEI

2010-10-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Westfield Productions in association with the Royal British legion (Somerset County) present "GLORIAM DEI" (live at the Clifton Cathedral) to raising money for St Joseph's Home Cotham and the Little Sisters of the Poor on the 22nd of October at 7.30pm. Two of the brightest up and coming stars in classical music, Tim Pitman and Rebecca Robinson performed in the night. Tim has worked on some of the biggest stages in the country including the "Birmingham Tatoo" in front of 24,000 people. Rebecca has toured the country and has a worked with some of the top orchestras around. These are the photos during the concert:

Please click the slideshow for larger image.

Afternoon Tea on the Quay

2010-10-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely concert of classical and light jazz music at 4.00pm on Saturday 16 October in our Parish Hall. The concert was held to raise money for the parish’s maintenance and music funds. Grateful thanks to all who organized and took part in this concert. Thank you also to all those who supported this event.

Please click the slideshow for larger image.

BILL FRY RIP

2010-10-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

It was a great sadness to hear of the death of Bill Fry at the BRI on the 5^th of October 2010 at the age of 95. Bill was a well known and distinguished musician and organist and played for some years at the 11.00 Mass, eventually retiring in 2008. To his family we send our sympathy and the assurance of our prayers. May he rest in peace.

The Funeral service would be held at St. Monica's Chapel, Cote Lane, BS9 3UN on Thursday, October 21st, at 2.30 p.m. All welcome. No flowers please. Donations if desired for St. Monica's Trust Amenity Fund may be sent to R. Davies and Son, 63 Westbury Hill, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 SAD. Telephone 0117 9628954.Telephone 0117 9628954.

Papal Mass - Cofton Park, Birmingham

2010-09-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

At 4.45 am on September 19th, little groups of sleepy people, laden with folding chairs, blankets and thermos flasks, might have been seen gathering outside St Nicholas church in Lawford’s Gate. Pilgrims from St Mary’s, St Nick’s and Christ the King, we were about to set off to the Papal Mass in Birmingham. Soon the coach arrived, and we joined those from Holy Cross who were already on board. A short prayer from Father Richard, and we were off.

No doubt each pilgrim had their own reasons for making the journey. I wanted to be present for the beatification of Cardinal Newman, having admired him for many years – ever since, as a student at Oxford, I attended Mass in the Newman Rooms. But I also wanted to help demonstrate that, despite the media’s hostile attitude to the Church in general and the Pope in particular, ordinary Catholics are still prepared to stand up and be counted. We reached Cofton Park in the dawn and the drizzle, and joined the enormous throng filing through the security checks, pitching chairs and rugs on the wide grassy slopes, and waiting patiently, huddled into anoraks and under umbrellas.

Miraculously, as the Pope arrived and the Mass began, the rain stopped and the sun appeared. It was a lovely Mass – it felt, not like a grand ceremonial occasion, but like an ordinary Sunday Mass which just happened to be attended by thousands of people and celebrated by the leader of our Church on earth. The beatification was solemn yet surprisingly simple; we sang familiar hymns, heard bidding prayers in a variety of the languages spoken by British Catholics, and heard the Holy Father speak of his pleasure at being among us. The Mass ended, the Pope left us to go and make a private visit to Newman’s Oratory, and in true British fashion everyone got out their picnic lunch – spread out over the grass in the sunshine, we resembled a modern version of the feeding of the 5000!

So what will I remember from the day? The amazing variety of my fellow British Catholics – men, women and children, originating from many different countries and speaking with many different accents, yet all united in faith and in love for their Church. The spirit of happiness which seemed to possess everyone – even the policemen lining the route to the park were relaxed and cheerful, despite the rain. The way huge yellow-and-white striped umbrellas sprang up among the crowd when it was time for Communion, marking the place where a priest stood with the Blessed Sacrament. And the moving sight, after it was all over, of the coaches leaving to carry pilgrims back on their long journeys to their homes in every corner of the country. Let us pray that we all bring the grace of this wonderful occasion back into our parishes and our everyday lives.

Blessed John Henry Newman, pray for us.

Clare Griffel

Please click the slideshow for larger image.

SVP Outing - Montacute House

2010-09-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day out to the magnificent Montacute House on Saturday 11th September. The weather, the house, the garden, and the view were splendid and memorable. Thank you to Adrian Brown for organizing this SVP- Parish Outing. We are very grateful and appreciative for his hard work and great commitment. Thank you also to all who took part in this journey.

please click the slideshow for larger image.

New Plaques of St Arnold Janssen & St Joseph Freinademetz

2010-09-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

Music on the Quay: A Spring Musical Gala 2010

2010-04-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

please click the slideshow for larger image.

Place: St Mary on the Quay
Date: 17 April 2010
Photos: Nilora

Vanessa Webb - Clifton Diocese Podcast & BBC Bristol Website

2010-03-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

We thank Vanessa for her beautiful works of restoring the three altars in our Church. Recently Tom Bigwood, the communication officer of our diocese, had an interview with her. You can listen to the pod-cast on the Clifton Diocese website.

The news of the restoration also can be found on the BBC Bristol website - "Artist restores stunning altar in Bristol church".

Farewell to Mauro Siragusa

2010-03-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

We in the 5.15 music ministry are very sorry to lose one of our very loyal and talented members, Mauro Siragusa, who is moving to the US to embark upon postdoctoral research at the highly prestigious Yale University.

My first recollection of Mauro is from two years ago: I recall becoming aware of a good-looking young man with a fine baritone voice, singing enthusiastically from the pews. He was keen to join the music ministry and though his sight-reading was initially basic, he proved to be a very quick learner – an indispensable attribute for ministers, who have to assimilate often unfamiliar music in the rehearsal before Mass thoroughly enough to be able to lead the congregation with confidence.

Later, Mauro asked me to teach him to read music and he progressed extremely rapidly. He also became a cantor, leading psalms and Gospel acclamations from the front with great aplomb, though he was always emphatic about putting in as much preparation as was feasible in order to do justice to the role of the music ministry as well as to himself.

As the number of leaving parties he attended before his departure testifies, Mauro lived by the ‘work hard: play hard’ maxim. SMQ benefited considerably from the fact that singing was a pastime he used to help him relax away from his studies, though this in no way detracted from the level of commitment he brought to the ministry.

We in the music group are very privileged to have known Mauro as a colleague and a dear friend and will miss him greatly; regulars in the 5.15 congregation will be aware of how much he has contributed to leading the worship in this Mass. We are, however, delighted that he has gained a placement at one of America’s leading universities and wish him every success, with both his continued research and future musical endeavours.

Helen Jacobs

Photos: Mauro's Collection.