St Paul’s Church, Yate

Introduction

St Paul's Church in Yate, within the Diocese of Clifton, is the larger building that became necessary as the population grew around Bristol.

Parish life

The SVP conference gives financial support through twinnage to conferences in South Sudan and Kerala, India. The parish community is a 'mini United Nations' with members from almost every continent, including families from Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Korea. A parishioner serves as an NHS Team Chaplain at Southmead Hospital, supporting patients, families, and staff. The parish has a well-established team of altar servers who support the priest at Mass and are celebrated annually on the Feast of St Stephen, 26th December.

The parish deacon and his wife take Holy Communion to the sick and conduct marriage preparation for couples. The SVP packed and delivered Christmas Hampers in 2023 to help families in the School and Parish, and gave small gifts and cards to people the SVP visits. Stewards welcome visitors, organise the offertory procession and collectors, and count attendees at Mass. The SVP has been a group in the parish for many years, visiting people in their homes and care homes, providing Christmas food parcels, lifts to Mass, organising Healing Masses in Advent and Lent, and providing grants for St Paul's Year 6.

Regular events

The parish holds International Food evenings and sales of home-made national cakes for charity. At Easter, Polish and Czech families bring decorated food baskets to Mass to be blessed by the celebrant.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The SVP offers help such as giving lifts to Mass or taking people to hospital appointments. The SVP will hold its annual appeal on the weekend 10th/11th October.

Visiting

St Paul's Church is located in St Paul's RC Primary School, Sundridge Park, Yate. Car parking is available in the school playground at weekends, otherwise parking is in Sundridge Park.