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Safeguarding is an essential part in the life and ministry of the Church. It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure our parishes and institutions are safe places, especially for those who are vulnerable. Abuse and harm have no place in our diocese. There is zero tolerance to abuse, harm and any behaviour that falls short of appropriate safeguarding practices as expressed in National Policies.
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The first cohort of students for the Light of Truth Certificate in Catechesis receive their awards
Light of Truth Awards Ceremony: On Saturday July 25th the first cohort of students for the Light of Truth Certificate in Catechesis received their awards having successfully completed the course.
Students from all over the country and Ireland came together to celebrate this great achievement. Within this first cohort were fourteen students from Clifton Diocese.
The dedication, passion and faith of all the students have been demonstrated in abundance over the two years. It has been an honour to journey with this special group and to be led so powerfully by the Dominican Sisters, who bring light and joy to all that they do.
Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem, Director of Mission for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, joined us to present the certificates, and to bless the students as they go forth to transmit faith as witnesses, teachers, and accompaniers, in their mission as catechists.
The course takes place one evening a week online covering eight modules over two years.
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Working for Clifton Diocese:
Safeguarding Volunteer Role
The Diocesan Safeguarding Committee is seeking a dedicated and experienced volunteer with a background in social work to join the Risk Allegation Review Meeting panel. This is a vital role contributing to the safeguarding and wellbeing of individuals within our community.
The Risk Allegation Review Meeting plays a key part in ensuring that safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately, fairly, and in line with best practice. As a panel member, you will bring your professional insight and experience to support robust, balanced decision-making.
This role is subject to safer recruitment procedures, which may include references and a DBS check.
To express interest or request further information, please contact: Janice Pearson on 0117 954 0993
The closing date for your expression of interest in the volunteer role is 31st July 2026 and should be a short email detailing your evidence matching the skills requirement with a maximum of 200 words.
Adviser for Evangelisation and Mission
An exciting new opportunity to join the Diocese of Clifton on a full-time basis within the Department for Evangelisation and Discipleship.
- Are you passionate about your faith and have a desire to share it with others?
- Would you like to support our parishes in their mission to be communities of evangelisation and mission rooted in synodality?
Do you have an interest in developing resources and working with a variety of different groups to deliver effective and dynamic ongoing faith formation and sacramental preparation, alongside accompanying parishes in their outreach to those seeking faith or simply curious?
The person appointed to this role will be someone committed to the mission of the Church, a confident communicator, able to promote the Gospel and support parishes to grow in their capacity to be places of mission and outreach. They will work closely with the Director of the Department on a variety of projects to ensure that the Bishop’s three-fold vision for the Diocese is promoted and developed.
If you are interested in such a role and would like to work for Clifton Diocese, please send your application to
For more information and an informal conversation, prior to applying, please contact Sarah Adams, Director of the Department for Evangelisation and Discipleship, on 0117 902 5595.
Closing Date for Applications: 28th August 2026
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Golden Wedding Avviversary Celebrated in Warminster
On Friday 17th July two of Warminster’s parishioners, Andrew and Catherine McDermott, celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a Mass celebrated by Andrew’s brother Fr Gilmour McDermott of Brighton and Arundel Diocese.
During the Mass they wanted to renew their wedding vows, with the offer for other couples to renew their vows as well and at the end of Mass Andrew and Catherine were presented with a Papal blessing from Pope Leo.
Deacon Terry said that a golden wedding anniversary is a moment of deep thanksgiving, and the church is the natural place to honour and celebrate fifty years of shared faithfulness, grace, and love. The renewal of vows for all the married couples there reminded us all of God’s presence in a sacramental marriage and it was touching that so many of us were able to not only celebrate with them but also renew our own lifelong covenants together.
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A Call for Pilgrims: Adoremus 2026
A Call for Pilgrims: Adoremus 2026, the National Eucharistic Congress, takes place in London on Saturday 10 October 2026. Adoremus is a national celebration of the Eucharist, bringing together Catholics from across England and Wales for prayer, worship, catechesis, and public witness. Our Diocese has been allocated 45 places, and we are inviting parishioners from across our pastoral areas and parishes to participate in this important event.
Who can attend: in order to attend you must,
- be aged 18 or over
- be able to make your own way by car or train to St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, for 10:30am on Saturday 10 October
- be physically able to participate in the Eucharistic Procession (approximately 1.7 miles)
Preparation Meeting: to help prepare for the event, all pilgrims are invited to Clifton Cathedral on Saturday 12 September 2026 for Mass (12noon) and orientation preparation session. This will provide an opportunity to meet fellow participants, coordinate travel arrangements, and receive event tickets and information.
Register Your Interest: if you would like to represent your parish or pastoral area at Adoremus 2026, please register your interest through Eventbrite:
Places are limited and will be determined in order of registration. Thank you for considering this opportunity to be part of this significant national gathering of faith and devotion.
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Join the walking pilgrimage to celebrate the Year of St Francis of Assisi on 3rd October 2026!
2026 marks 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi and Pope Leo XIV has declared a special Year to commemorate this. Saturday 3rd October 2026 is exactly 800 years since St Francis died, and the day before his feast day. To mark this a walking pilgrimage is planned in the Diocese of Clifton with two legs:
- The Bristol leg will start at Clifton Cathedral at 10.30am (9 miles)
- The Clevedon leg will start at the Franciscan church of the Immaculate Conception in Clevedon at 1pm (6.4 miles)
The two legs will convene at around 4.30pm at the Church of St Francis of Assisi, Nailsea for refreshments and prayer. Those who wish can stay for the 6pm Saturday evening Vigil Mass for the Feast of St Francis.
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‘From seed to plant’ – the Theological Life Journey with Sr Hyacinthe Defos du Rau OP
‘From seed to plant’ - the Theological Life Journey with Sr Hyacinthe Defos du Rau OP. A day for all catechists and those interested in becoming catechists. Bishop Bosco will celebrate Mass for us and commission the successful students who have completed the two-year ‘Light of Truth’ formation in Catechesis course.
The day will take place on Saturday 17 October and our venue will be St John the Evangelist, Bath. The Church is close to Bath railway station but if coming by car please use the park & ride as parking at the Church is limited. We will have refreshments from 9.30am, for a 10am start. We will finish around 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch.
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Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Glastonbury: ‘Mary – Mother of the Faithful’
Sunday 6 September 2026
We look forward to welcoming pilgrims once again to Glastonbury for our annual Diocesan Pilgrimage, celebrated this year under the theme “Mary – Mother of the Faithful.” The day begins in the Shrine Church, where we will pray the Rosary before the Statue of Our Lady of Glastonbury. The Statue will then be carried in procession into the Abbey Grounds. Confessions will be available in the Shrine during Exposition, and the Chapel of Healing Prayer will be open in the Abbey Grounds throughout the morning.
Pilgrims can visit the Shrine Repository tent for devotional items and enjoy refreshments from the Abbey Café and St Mary’s cake stall. You are warmly welcome to bring a picnic. A youth procession to the Tor is planned for the morning.
In the early afternoon, we will gather for the Rosary Procession, making our way through the Abbey Grounds and down the High Street, returning for the Pilgrim Mass, celebrated by Bishop Bosco.
May this day be one of grace, fellowship, and deep peace for all who come.
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