First of all, a big thank you to those of you who managed to turn up in person or to watch online my Induction as your parish priest last Friday evening. I certainly enjoyed the whole experience and there were a number of nice comments from people who seem to share my sentiments. Also, it was good to be able to go in to the parish hall and use the great facilities that we have for a reception, and the chance to meet and greet friends old and new.
This week I’ve been out and about quite a bit. On Tuesday, I had a funeral in St Augustine’s in Downend. On Thursday I spent most of the day in Birmingham. One of the many hats that I wear is that I am the chair of the trustees of the Oscotian Society. This is an organisation for past members of St. Mary’s College Oscot, (the seminary were I trained for the priesthood back in the 1980’s). We have spent the last couple of years looking at ways of re-engaging with our membership and so to help the society to flourish. Our meeting was to finalise some of our plans with the Rector and staff, as we seek to increase and invigorate our memberships. In some ways this has spin-offs for the parish in terms of looking at how we can reach out to, not only the active members of St Bonaventures, but to those who are lapsed or are on the margins.
Finally, on Friday and Saturday afternoons I was down in Taunton for a rehearsal and then the wedding of a couple I was marrying. Like a number of people they have had to change their wedding date three times in the last 18 months because of Covid, and I didn’t want to subject them to having to find a new priest just because I have moved. Hopefully next week will be a bit more St Bons centred!
Mgr Bernard
