Parishes of St Michael and Our Lady St Mary of Glastonbury
CLIFTON DIOCESE (a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 10462076.
A registered charity number 1170168. Registered Office: St Ambrose North Road Leigh Woods Bristol BS8 3PW)
5th April 2026 – EASTER, WEEK 1, Year A
Readings: Sunday: Cycle A • Weekday: Year 2 • Psalter 2, Proper of Season; dismissal with double alleluia
DIOCESAN PRAYER LINK : This week we pray for the priests and people of the parish of St Thomas More, Marlborough, with Pewsey.
Catholic Church of St Michael
The Shrine of Our Lady St Mary of Glastonbury
St Mary’s Presbytery,
Magdalene Street,
Glastonbury.
BA6 9EJ
Email Parish Office: Parish Priest: Fr Mark Moran Telephone: 01458 835931
PARISH OFFICE HOURS [THIS WEEK]: Tuesday and Thursday between 9:00am and 1:00pm.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (This Week): Wednesday to Saturday from 7:00am until 9:00am [OLG]
NO ADORATION ON MONDAY 6TH OR TUESDAY 7TH
No Confessions until Wednesday 8th April
Act of Hope: My God, I hope in you, for grace and for glory, because of your promises, your mercy, and your power.
[SM] Palm Sunday—this Sunday is Palm Sunday when we gather outside for the procession of Palms.
Please collect your palm from inside the church and then gather in the presbytery back garden for the blessing and start of the procession.
[OLG] Palm Sunday—this Sunday is Palm Sunday when we gather outside for the procession of Palms.
Our procession will be from the car park and along St Mary’s Walk to the front of the church. Parishioners, please collect your palms from the hall at 10:45am, and gather in the presbytery back garden for the blessing and start of the procession at 11am.
Sunday Mass
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Sunday Mass 〰️
LITURGY OF THE WORD PARISH MASS BOOKS [SM] Lent, Readings for Sunday of the Resurrection (Year A) Page 251.
Entrance Antiphon: I have risen, and I am with you still, alleluia. You have laid your hand upon me, alleluia. Too wonderful for me, this knowledge, alleluia, alleluia.
Responsorial Psalm: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia. Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed; let us therefore celebrate the festival in the Lord. Alleluia
Communion Antiphon: Christ our Passover has been sacrificed, alleluia; therefore, let us keep the feast with the unleavened bread of purity and truth, alleluia, alleluia.
RESOURCES FOR YOUR CHILDREN: ‘The Kids’ Bulletin’ (OLG) can also be found at the back of the church along with colouring pages, pencils & crayons.
COLLECTIONS
St Michael’s: Plate: £274.51. Thank you
St Mary’s: Plate: £473.02. Thank you
EASTER OFFERING
Envelopes into which offerings may be place are on the tables at the back of the Church.
PLEASE NOTE these offerings are now paid into the parish, to offset the monthly stipend that is paid to the priest.
OFFERTORY COLLECTION AT MASS:
Will take place at ALL WEEKEND MASSES FOR SUNDAY and brought up with or as the OFFERTORY PROCESSION.
Please remember you can still donate using the Dona machine which are located at the Church door or by scanning the QR Code or visiting the website.
Please note that donations on each machine are now linked to the specific parish that they are sited.
VOTIVE CANDLES IN THE CHURCH
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VOTIVE CANDLES IN THE CHURCH 〰️〰️〰️
In compliance with the current guidance from the diocesan insurers PLEASE DO NOT Light candles and place them on the windows or by the statues. Votive Candles should be lit and placed on the votive candle stands ONLY. Thank You
NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL. Please contact the parish office at St Mary’s to be added to our mailing list.
Clifton Diocese Safeguarding Officer: Part-time – 21 hours per week (Wednesday to Friday)
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton is committed to safeguarding, and this vacancy provides an opportunity for a skilled and experienced professional to join the Safeguarding team at Alexander House, Pennywell Road, Bristol.
The Safeguarding Officer role supports the ongoing development of safeguarding across the Diocese and the management of cases. The successful applicant will need to have comprehensive knowledge and experience of safeguarding legislation, policy procedure and best practice guidance and come from a background of either Policing , Social Work, Health or Probation.
For further information about this role please click here or contact Janice Pearson or Tracey Holford, Clifton Diocese Telephone. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 10th April 2026 with the intention of interviewing on Thursday 16th April 2026.
Weekly News
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Weekly News 〰️
WELCOME TO OUR PARISH
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our parishioners and visitors attending Mass. Whether you are just passing through or looking for a spiritual home, we pray you find our church inviting and spiritually uplifting. If you are attending Mass on a regular basis, we encourage you to register with the parish. Please call our parish office and start the conversation! Both our church is always open to you, your family, and friends.
Pax et Bonum [Peace and All Good]
Please continue to pray for all those who were received into the church at the Easter Vigil.
[SM] Prolife Rosary
We will then break for Easter. Meetings will resume on our usual Tuesdays starting on: Tuesday 14th April at 7:30pm. All are welcome.
(SM) 100 Club
The winners of the draw for March were: 1st prize Alison, 2nd prize Mary Rymes
(SM) Missio
Thank you to all who have brought in their red box for emptying. Please collect your emptied box from the porch. I shall next be emptying boxes in September. On 24th May we shall welcome Br Eddie Slawinski MHM from Mill Hill Missionaries to give an Appeal on behalf of Missio. Jacky Tucker
[OLG] Easter Evening Social
A relaxed social for us to gather as a parish in celebration of Easter. Wednesday 8th April at 7:00pm in St Mary's Upper Parish Hall. All are welcome. Contact benjamin.morris267@gmail.com for further details.
THE JOHN BRADBURNE MEMORIAL SOCIETY – Gift a Chicken
This Easter, you can give a gift that keeps on giving. For just £25, you can help JBMS provide a chicken to the community at Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre in Zimbabwe, a simple gift with a powerful impact.
Why chickens?
A single chicken provides nutritious eggs, helping to improve health and wellbeing for residents at Mutemwa. Beyond food, chickens also create a sustainable source of income, empowering the community towards self sufficiency and dignity. Donate through this link
Sacramental Preparation
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Sacramental Preparation 〰️
BAPTISM
In asking to have your child baptised, parents are making a commitment to bring up their child to know and to practice their faith and the faith of the Church.
If you are ready to make that commitment, please contact Fr Mark. Please note at least two months’ notice is required.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME
[SM] The First Holy Communion preparation group will meet at St Michael’s, Shepton Mallet.
Next Session Wednesday 22nd April at 5:30pm.
CONFIRMATION COURSE
[OLG] Confirmation lessons will be on Wednesday 22nd April, in St Mary's Lower Hall.
Lessons will run every Wednesday evening in term-time, at 7:00pm until 8:30pm.
Contact at stmarysglastonburyconfirmation@gmail.com, or Anthony Morris to sign up or for further details.
MARRIAGE
If you are thinking of getting married, in England or Abroad, you need to be in contact with your parish priest at least 6 months prior to the wedding. This is to allow time for the paperwork, enquiries and necessary permissions from the Marriage Tribunal to have been obtained and paperwork to be sent to the parish where the marriage ceremony is taking place.
Thinking about getting married ... Need some formal preparation?
Check out https://engaged-encounter.org.uk for more information.
Couples welcome whether married or in long term relationships, with faith or no faith.
“Embrace your life together in Love”
To find out more or book : Visit Marriage Encounter website.
Invitation to Couples to get away together and join us for a weekend to discover ways to grow deeper in love for a happier marriage and a happier life! The weekend draws on Marriage Encounters’ 50 years of wisdom and experience, based on scriptural truths, and might just be the gear change you didn't know you needed or thought possible.
MARRIAGE SUPPORT
From relationships that are 'Just in a Rut', needing some refreshment or more serious issues - If you are open to try again – Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get their relationship back on track as they rediscovered hope and trust in the marriage. To find out more: Website or Telephone.
[SM] Teas & coffees after Mass on Sunday, in the Parish room.
[OLG] Teas & coffees after Mass on Sunday in the Hall.
Prayer
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Prayer 〰️
PRAYERS PLEASE
For those who have made petitions requests and all who are ill at home or in hospital, and for the repose of the soul of those whose anniversary occurs at this time, including, Adelina Guidi, Brian Sherlock, Ann Mooney, Helga Bessner.
[OLG] CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER AND LECTIO DIVINA
Both groups meet fortnightly at 2:30pm on Thursdays at the United Reformed Church, High Street, Glastonbury (main front door). For more information visit and check the schedule on the Prayer Groups page on the Shrine’s website. All welcome.
Lectio Divina: Practises slow Scripture reading, reflection, discussion, and stillness.
Contemplative Prayer: Brief introduction, 30 minutes of silence, and optional sharing.
(OLG) PRAYER GROUP
Centred around the Catechism of the Catholic Church the group will meet weekly, every Wednesday at 7:00pm in the Lower Room. All are very welcome to attend. Next meeting 15th April.
Stay Awake 2026
Our 8th all-age, all-day Catholic Christian Conference with music and worship on 2nd May at the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, DT1 2ET from 10:00am to 6:00pm. The theme this year is: 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' (Ps 51:10).
Your place can be booked. We invite all parishioners – whatever age - to a fun faith-filled day with appropriate children’s streams (so that adults can engage) and David Wells is our main keynote speaker! We have a choice of workshops too and more! Refreshments supplied including home-made cakes and free pizza after Mass. Free for children and £12.50 for the rest of us!
See you there! More details click here.
For more details click above.
Assisted suicide Bill defeated in Scotland
On Tuesday 17 March, MSPs voted by 69 to 57 to defeat Liam McArthur’s Scottish assisted suicide Bill. If this Bill had passed and gone on to become law, it would have ushered in an irrevocable change that would have put the vulnerable at risk and seen the ending of thousands of lives through assisted suicide in Scotland. To mark this historic moment, Right To Life UK has released a beautiful short film titled “A Better Path”.
A Prayer for peace in Iran and the Middle East
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A Prayer for peace in Iran and the Middle East 〰️
God of peace, Father of all,
in this hour of fear and violence
draw near to every family living under threat.
Protect the innocent,
shelter the displaced,
comfort the grieving,
heal the wounded,
and strengthen all who bring relief and care.
Turn the hearts of leaders from pride and anger.
Give them wisdom, restraint, and courage,
that the weapons may fall silent
and honest negotiation may begin.
Save the peoples of the Middle East from a widening war.
Guard Christians and all religious minorities,
and keep hatred from hardening into lasting division.
Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ,
make us peacemakers in our homes, our schools, and our communities. Bless our Lenten prayers and sacrifices,
and let them bear fruit in mercy, justice, and reconciliation.
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, protector of families, pray for us.
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us.
Amen
Bishop on Iran war: Pray hard work of dialogue triumphs over terrible ease of escalation
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, HEALTH OF THE SICK:
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PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, HEALTH OF THE SICK: 〰️
Asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to assist all who suffer and are in need of compassion, consolation and a listening ear. Let us seek her intercession with this ancient prayer, that has been invoked in families for those living with illness and pain:
Sweet Mother, do not part from me.
Turn not your eyes away from me.
Walk with me at every moment
and never leave me alone.
You who always protect me
as a true Mother,
obtain for me the blessing of the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit.
PRAYER FOR THE HOLY SOULS.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
WHAT’S GOING ON WITHIN THE DIOCESE
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WHAT’S GOING ON WITHIN THE DIOCESE 〰️
Featured events below or view DIOCESAN LATEST NEWS and VACANCIES & OPPORTUNITIES that might interest you
Clifton Diocese Safeguarding Officer: Part-time – 21 hours per week (Wednesday to Friday)
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton is committed to safeguarding, and this vacancy provides an opportunity for a skilled and experienced professional to join the Safeguarding team at Alexander House, Pennywell Road, Bristol.
The Safeguarding Officer role supports the ongoing development of safeguarding across the Diocese and the management of cases. The successful applicant will need to have comprehensive knowledge and experience of safeguarding legislation, policy procedure and best practice guidance and come from a background of either Policing , Social Work, Health or Probation.
For further information about this role please click here or contact Janice Pearson or Tracey Holford, Clifton Diocese Telephone. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 10th April 2026 with the intention of interviewing on Thursday 16th April 2026.
DIOCESAN DAY AT DOWNSIDE SCHOOL & ABBEY
Bishop Bosco warmly invites you to join him on 4th July for our Diocesan Day celebration entitled: 'The Joy of Love' at Downside School & Abbey.
We will have Patti Boulaye OBE as our keynote speaker, as well as a children’s & young people’s programme.
Arrivals/refreshments from 10:00am. A hot lunch will be provided (a lunch box for the children).
Our Diocesan Day Mass will take place in the Abbey Church at 3:30pm, with the day ending around 4:30pm.
If you would like to join us for the day, please register for your ticket. For the catering/safeguarding requirements, booking through Eventbrite is essential. The closing date for tickets is 24 June unless fully booked beforehand. There will be a maximum of 400 tickets.
Save the date! Clifton Diocesan Curia Conference
Clifton Diocesan Curia Conference is being held on Saturday 25th April at St Brendan’s Sixth Form Catholic College.
Topics are:
· Communications – Parish website
· Property Services – Estate management of the Church site
· Safeguarding – Safer Recruitment processes
· Finance – Curia Budget and Parish Share
· Schools & Colleges – Catholic Social teaching
· Human Resources – Recruitment of parish colleagues and 2026 HR Law updates
· Cyber Security – Update on Cyber security and protecting systems
· Evangelisation and Discipleship – Reimagining Pastoral Councils
Diocesan Annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2026
This Pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Bosco MacDonald with the Catholic Association of Lourdes UK.
Friday 21st ~ Friday 28th August 2026.
Including Airport transfers from Bristol to Birmingham Airport, Flights to Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées Airport, hotel transfers.
Full pilgrimage programme, including visits to the Grotto of the Apparitions, Mass each day, Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, Sacrament of Reconciliation, visits to sites related to St Bernadette, Open air Mass in the Cite-San– Pierre, Water Gesture, Station of the Cross. Diocesan Day Trip to Bartres (extra charge).
Please email Clifton Diocese Lourdes Pilgrimage to declare an interest.
NOW IS THE TIME
A Symposium to explore the teachings of Pope Leo in his Apostolic Exhortation ‘Dilexi Te' (Love for the Poor) at St Brendan’s College, Brislington, on Saturday 30 May. Keynote speakers - Bishop Bosco MacDonald, Sir John Battle KC*SG & Raymond Friel (CSAN).
The day starts at 10am (refreshments from 9.30am) and finishes at 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch. Click this link to register on Eventbrite.
OUR COMMON HOME: ENGAGING POLITICIANS
April 13th @ 6:30pm. ONLINE with Bishop John Arnold, The Diocesan Environmental Leads Network & Friends. With the May local elections fast approaching, now is an important time to let politicians know your views on climate and justice. Following a meeting with the Catholic Diocesan Environment Leads of England and Wales, an alliance of organisations has come together to offer parishioners guidance on key environmental issues and to help them engage local politicians in dialogue about defending our common home and safeguarding the dignity of all our brothers and sisters. Register here.
Encounter programme from Clifton Cathedral.
This event is a replication from last year. People watched either at the Cathedral in person, in small groups at home or in the parishes, or simply on their own. Many came to the live event and then watched the talk again later. It helped deepen faith and has led to new initiatives in some parishes.In this year’s programme there are six speakers, four from within our diocese and they cover a range of vocations from priesthood to school chaplain to full time evangelists. The programme of talks is below.
“Mission – How the Holy Spirit Guides me in My Vocation”. The weekday talks are on a Tuesday from 7 to 9pm. The speakers and themes are.
21st April – Called to New Life: How the Holy Spirit Began to Guide My Life
Harry Sadd – 16, College Student
A young person’s witness to discovering faith in Jesus and experiencing the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This evening explores how every vocation begins with a personal encounter with Christ and the new life we receive through Him.
28th April – Listening to the Promise: Recognising the Voice of the Holy Spirit
Kevin Loud – Lay Chaplain, St Bedes Catholic College
How the Holy Spirit guides, prompts and assures us, helping us discern God’s call in the circumstances of daily life.
5th May – Transformed for Mission: Allowing the Spirit to Shape My Calling
Fr Stephen Corrigan
How the Spirit forms our character, gifts and virtues so we can live our vocation more fully.
12th May – Building the Church Together: My Vocation in the Power of the Spirit
Gary Stephens – Head of New Dawn Conference and Evangeliser
Discovering how the Holy Spirit equips each of us with gifts and charisms to build up the Church and serve the mission of Christ.
19th May – Sent in the Spirit: Living My Mission in Everyday Life
Ann Tarr – Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre Manager, North Somerset.
Understanding how the Holy Spirit sends every baptised person on mission, not only in the Church but in family life, work and society.
Saturday 23rd May - Fire from Heaven
A Pentecost Encounter Day & All-Night Vigil – 11.00 am – 7.00am at Clifton Cathedral (more details to follow) Speaker – Ros Powell - Evangelist Music will be provided by Thomas Doyle and his friends from the Cathedral Music group and also by Tony Wadley for the Vigil day.
WHAT’S GOING ON WITHIN THE DIOCESE
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WHAT’S GOING ON WITHIN THE DIOCESE 〰️
PHISHING/SPAM EMAILS
PLEASE THINK BEFORE CLICKING ON ANY LINKS ON EMAILS or TEXTS
Please do not get caught out by responding to ANY emails OR texts pertaining to be from Fr Mark or from anybody asking for financial help or asking you to click on a link. Fr Mark would never contact parishioners asking for money, Google Play cards or help (personally) as he does not carry their email addresses with him or on his phone.
Advice remains the samE
Never to click on an email address you do not recognise, always have the cursor hover over the person’s name to check it is from the actual person’s real email address. Remember to report any suspicious email that you’re not quite sure about, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk.
SAFEGUARDING
Our parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance, and both National and Diocesan policies & procedures at all times. SAFEGUARDING WEBPAGE:
Contact: Email for St. Michael’s or Email for Our Lady St Mary of Glastonbury
CREATING A SAFER ENVIRONMENT - SAFEGUARDING
In line with the CSSA ‘Creating a Safer Environment’, entry to the Sacristy from the Church, when there are servers present, must be recorded.
[OLG] ANYBODY ENTERING DIOCESAN PROPERTY
In compliance with Creating a Safer Environment, nobody has permission to access any of the key boxes unless the parish office has been notified prior to your visit. This week the Key Codes have been changed, going forward you will need to request the code from the parish office so that your details and the reason that you have the code can be recorded. Please do not pass on the codes to anybody, without checking with the parish office. Thank you for your co-operation.
EMERGENCY EXITS
Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the nearest exit, in case of an emergency. In the unlikely event of having to vacate the church unexpectedly, during a service, please follow the instructions of the priest and our stewards. They will direct you to the nearest exit. Please vacate promptly and leave all belongings. Thank you for helping us keep you safe.
The Shrine of Our Lady St Mary of Glastonbury