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Clifton Diocese
Clifton Diocese is the Catholic diocese covering the West of England and includes the City and County of Bristol, the counties of Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset.
Latest news from Clifton Diocese can be found here Latest News | Clifton Diocese
Father Obi's Christmas and New Year Message
Christ Comes to Us at Christmas
The journey of Advent gradually comes to an end. It gives way to what we are waiting for in joyful hope - the birth of Christ. Christmas is all about sharing the good news of Christ’s birth. Christ is the heart and soul of this Good News.
St Luke narrates how Mary does not wait for a moment, to visit her kinswoman, Elizabeth, with the Good News she has to share.
Who would you share the gift of Christmas with? Where would you spend it? How would you mark the birth of our saviour this year?
If, in your circumstance, you are not able to visit anyone needing to be visited, and you have no one visiting you, remember, Christ visits you wherever you are. Mary brings him to you. Lift up your spirit then in joyful acknowledgement of the coming of Christ.
Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!
Bishop Bosco's Christmas Message
Please see Bishop Bosco MacDonald's first Christmas message below:
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New Bishop Ordained at Clifton Cathedral
Bishop Bosco MacDonald was Ordained the Tenth Bishop of Clifton at Clifton Cathedral on Wednesday 8 May 2024.
A packed Cathedral welcomed the new Bishop, along with his family and almost all the Clifton diocesan priests and Deacons, and Bishops from England and Wales. We congratulate our new Bishop on his appointment and pass on our greatest gratitude to Bishop Declan for all his support over the years.
Holy Family 60th Anniversary Mass
On Wednesday 9th October, Bishop Bosco MacDonald led a Mass i our school to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Holy Family Catholic Primary and Nursery School. This was a wonderful occasion that brought the school community together in Prayer. We would like to give our thanks to all who attended and a special thank you to Bishop Bosco, Father Obi and Father Jeremy.
Holy Family Parish
The local parish church linked to Holy Family School and inspired by the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Holy Family Catholic Church was established in 1969 and is part of the Diocese of Clifton.
Latest newsletter is available here NEWS | Holy Family RC
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: The date for First Holy Communion 2025 is on Saturday 10th May 2025 at 11:00 am. There will be a meeting for the Catechists, parents and children for First Holy Communion on 14th December 2024 at 10:00 am. Application forms are available on our parish website and in the parish office.
Father Obi's Easter Message March 2024
Love Has Conquered All Things Through The Exalted Cross
Lift up your hearts. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God, for it is truly right to do so. Indeed, the Lord is risen. This day was made by the Lord, we rejoice and be glad!
Easter is the day of all days when Christ has lifted us from all that keeps us down. Just as the tomb cannot keep hold of him, death has no power over him. And we have risen with him.
As we celebrate this Easter, we celebrate victory of life over death; the victory of light over darkness; above all, love has conquered all things through the sacrifice of the exalted Cross.
Happy Easter!
Father Obi's Advent/Christmas Message - December 2023
Saying 'Yes' to God like Mary By Fr Nnam Di Obi
'It is a very short Advent we have this year. It means Christmas comes earlier than expected. As usual, parents may find this time a little bit stressful, but the children love the sight, the sound and the smell of Christmas season.
We have just had the end of term Mass today at Holy Family Church. The children were in their best liturgical participation, as always. The theme for the mass was "Saying 'Yes' to God like Mary". Indeed, that's what Christmas is all about. We say 'Yes' to God for the precious gift of his Son to us at Christmas, who remains with us every day of our lives. We have so much to thank God for. We also have so much to pray for this year, especially peace in our troubled world. May we continue to say 'yes' to whatever will bring joy, happiness and peace this Christmas and the New Year.
I wish everyone, a very Happy Christmas and a Blessed New Year.'
Father Obi's Lent/Easter Message - March 2023
We Rejoice in the Victory of Easter - By Fr Nnam Di Obi
We recently had a school mass in Holy Family Church. A class led us in such a beautiful and prayerful mass as other classes do. We reflected on the theme of forgiveness.
Indeed, forgiveness is the key to a good and healthy relationship in our homes, the school, and everywhere in society. Forgiveness stops little hurts from escalating to unnecessary conflicts and wars.
Everyone wants to be forgiven when we make mistakes and hurt others. It feels good to know we have been forgiven. This gives us the strength and courage to forgive others who also hurt us.
The story of the prodigal son is a moving story of genuine forgiveness and love for someone we may think doesn't deserve it. But we all deserve to be loved and forgiven.
We have been in Lent, making sacrifices to help those in need. It will soon be Easter when we will celebrate and rejoice in God, who liberates us from all that holds us down. At Easter, and indeed every day, Christ invites us to rise above everything that is not good for us and others; we rejoice in the Lord in victory over sin and death.
Happy Easter!
Father Obi's Christmas Message - December 2022
What Makes a Lovely Christmas?
It is less than a fortnight to Christmas. This year has gone so quickly. And Christmas this year seems to come early.
But children can't wait to celebrate another lovely season of Christmas.
What makes a lovely Christmas? Some say it is the beautiful winter snow. Others say it is the food and celebration. Some say it is about what we give and receive with love and affection. Others say it is about family and friends getting together. Oh, we won't forget the lovely Christmas carols and church services. Indeed, we have so much to look forward to at Christmas.
But we ought not forget the centre of this celebration. It is the little baby Jesus born to us. He reminds us of all the good things that Christmas offers. Let us celebrate this Christmas with joy as we keep in our thoughts and prayers, all who, for any reason, are not as happy as they should be this Christmas. Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Father Obi's Easter Message - April 2022
the beauty of life is in sharing father obis easter message 2022.pdf
A very special Christmas and New Year Message from Fr Obi - December 2021
christmas is joyful when it is meaningful fr obi message.pdf
A very special Easter message from Fr Obi - April 2021
Dear pupils, staff and parents of Holy Family,
We have been through the journey of Lent this year, which has, at least, reminded us about the suffering many families go through in life, especially this Pandemic. We may have asked a few questions: Where was God when children and their families were starving? Where was he when some families grieved their loved ones?
Others may still ask: Where was God when his only son Jesus suffered and died on the cross? There are no already made answers to these. But we know people suffer more when they have no one to help or comfort them. This shouldn't happen to anyone.
Jesus came to help us carry our little crosses, to teach us how to help others carry theirs. When we do so, we will win the victory of life together as people of hope. In Easter, we celebrate the victory of life over death; the victory of light over darkness; the victory of true love over all things.
Happy Easter!
Fr Nnam Di Obi
Parish Priest
Bishop Declan has recorded his Pastoral Letter for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary time (updated 18th Feb)
Clifton DioceseHoly Family Parish
Holy Family Church now has a Facebook page, which will be used for advertising parish events and news.
You can find it on facebook.com/holyfamilyparishswindon
October 2017 - Holy Family's Diocesan Inspection: OUTSTANDING
We are delighted to share with you Holy Family's Diocesan Inspection report, which has put down in words what we already know - that our school community is OUTSTANDING! The report recognises the excellent teaching and provision within the school and how our pupils embody Gospel values, supported in their mission by all staff and their families. Read the full Letter and Report here.