St. Augustine of Canterbury, Matson

Introduction

The Foundation Stone was laid on 22nd February 1962 on land purchased from the City Council on 19th January 1962.

History

In 2022 the parish celebrated its 60th anniversary. A publication commemorates the dedication of the church in 1988. Saint Augustine's has a small single manual pipe organ. The church is a large modern building with a hall attached. In 1959 masses were moved to the skittle alley at the Musket Inn.

Parish life

Saint Augustine's is the place of worship for the Syro-Malabar community in Gloucester. Since 2013 the Syro-Malabar community has been celebrating Mass at Saint Augustine's.

The Saint Augustine's Cubs, Beavers and Scout groups meet at the parish hall on Friday evenings during school term times. The parish hall is used regularly for church activities, parish events and by the Syro-Malabar and Scouts groups.

A team of flower arrangers decorates the church for Sundays, major festivals and weddings. Sacristans at Saint Augustine's prepare the altar and sanctuary for Mass, assisted by volunteers who clean church cloths and vestments. A Summer Alpha course was held at Saint Augustine's, and a further course was planned at English Martyrs.

Regular events

Many social events are organised during the year, including quiz nights, beetle drives, summer barbecues, musical evenings and recitals, visiting choirs, summer fetes, barn dances, and walking pilgrimages. On the afternoons of the first and fourth Sundays of each month social and spiritual activities are held in the parish hall.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parishes prepare young people in school year 9 or above and under 18 for Confirmation every other year. The parish offers the Sacrament of the Sick on request by contacting the parish priest. Children's Liturgy at Saint Augustines is led by Moira.

Visiting

Coffee is served in the hall after the Sunday morning Mass, prepared by a rota of volunteers. The hall is available for general booking by parishioners, businesses, clubs and organisations.