Second Sunday of Advent
Advent has a twofold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas, when Christ’s coming to us in the Incarnation, the birth of Jesus, is remembered, and as a season when our minds and hearts are focussed on awaiting the final Coming of Christ at the end of time. To help us to use this short season well as a time of spiritual preparation, there are still a few copies left of “Walk with Me” and “Day by Day”, which contain the daily readings from scripture and a   prayer.

Parish Children’s Christmas Party
The Parish Children’s Christmas Party will take place this Sunday, 3.00-5.00pm, in the Parish Hall. Please remember that, for children aged 11 and
under, parents must remain on the premises throughout.

Christmas Lunch at St Boniface
After the 11.30am Mass this Sunday, there will be a Christmas Lunch in the Hall at St Boniface.

Advent Faith Formation
Canon Kristian will be leading a weekly session of adult faith formation based on the Advent Sunday readings on the remaining Wednesdays of Advent – 13 and 20 December, starting at 7.00pm in the Hall. All are welcome to come along and take part.

St John’s School Carol Service
The Carol Service led by our children from St John’s School will be held in St Paul’s Church, Tiverton, this Thursday, 14 December, at 6.00pm. This is always a beautiful and uplifting occasion, so please do come along and both show your support for our children and celebrate the coming of Christ.

Diocesan Advent Reflection and the Diocesan Newsletter
Click here for the second of four diocesan Advent reflections, this week focussing on the theme of peace. The diocesan newsletter for December, full
of important information and lots of inspiring content, can be found here.

Laudato Si’ Group December Newsletter
Attached to the Newsletter is the monthly newsletter from our parish Laudato Si’ Group with some practical suggestions about how we might take some small, simple but important steps to care for our environment as we prepare for Christmas. Some paper copies will also be available at
church for those who would like a copy.

Switch On Support
This year’s parish winter project for CHAT – Switch On Support – is to purchase kettles, toasters and slow cookers to give to people moving into
temporary or new accommodation, who are setting up home with a minimum of cooking appliances. Though these appliances are ordinary, they are vital in the process of creating a home. Items can be left at the entrance to church. As of last Sunday, 3 December, the parish has donated 11 toasters, 10 kettles, 16 slow cookers, 4 air fryers, 1 twin hob and 1 micro grill! The Parish SVP Group has also donated 4 air fryers and 2 microwaves.

Message from Holly Sutton of CHAT about SOS
Dear Father Kristian and all parishioners, on behalf of everyone at CHAT, I am sending our heartfelt thanks for the fantastic donations we have received so far of Microwaves, Slow Cookers and Air Fryers. These will make a massive difference to clients who are struggling with the cost of
energy and cooking hot meals, so thank you. Sending best wishes for the festive period.

Flowers for Christmas at St James
As it was such a success last year as well as a lovely opportunity for a wider group of parishioners to help with the decoration of St James, some containers will be left in the hall for Parishioners to take home and create flower arrangements for Christmas. The colour scheme this year is red, gold and white with greenery. Please return arrangements on Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 December.

Catholic Children’s Society Christmas Cards and Newsletter
Packs of Christmas Cards with designs drawn by pupils in our Diocesan Primary Schools are available for sale at church, £3 a pack. Funds raised go to support families of all faiths and none in these very challenging times. Thelatest edition of “Children First” is attached to the Newsletter and copies are also available in church.

Parish Christmas Draw
Tickets for the Christmas Draw are on sale at the entrance to church, £1 each. There are many great prizes to be won!

200 Club
Congratulations to Bridget Tosh who won the £30 prize and to Mary Cousins who won the £20 prize in the December draw. The 200 Club is an ongoing fundraiser for the Parish and new members can join for as little as £1 a month. Please speak to either Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St James or Teresa Cummings at St Boniface.