Education Sunday

Established by the Bishops in 1848, Education Sunday is one of the oldest Days of Special Prayer in the liturgical calendar of England and Wales. Our forebears rightly saw education as the principal means of handing on the faith and improving the spiritual, moral, social and cultural lives of children and young people.

Since then, the Catholic Church has become the country’s largest provider of secondary schools and second-largest provider of primary schools, along with four universities. This success, however, continues to be dependent on the support of the Catholic community. There are many ways to do this, for instance in prayer for vocations to Catholic education; becoming a school foundation governor; or encouraging a young person to become a teacher in a Catholic school. We also give thanks for the many thousands of teachers, lecturers, support staff, leaders, governors, advisers and others who have found their vocation in Catholic education.

I n our parish, we are blessed to have our own parish Catholic Primary School, St John’s, in Tiverton – https://www.stjohnstiverton.uk/web/. This Sunday we give thanks and pray for all those involved in our school community. It is also an opportunity for all parents whose children are not attending St John’s, to consider moving them to our parish school, where they will not only receive a good general education, but they will also receive Catholic religious education within a school ethos of Catholic prayer and practice. This Catholic education is free to all. Please contact the Head of School, Mrs Claire Webber (cwebber@stjohnstiverton.co.uk), to arrange a time to visit the school and ask any questions you may have.

Coffee Mornings for St James’ Church Project

There will be a Coffee Morning, hosted by Alan and Nina Newsome, in the Hall on Wednesday 11 September, 10.00am-12noon. If you would like to host a Coffee Morning in October or November, please have a word with Maggie Pulford or Margaret Found.

SVP Skittles Evening

Thank you to those parishioners who attended last week’s enjoyable skittles evening. Thanks also to those who gave donations. A sum of £111 was raised for SVP funds.

Evangelii Gaudium Sunday

Next Sunday is Evangelii Gaudium Sunday. There will be a retiring collection to support the evangelisation initiatives of the Bishops’ Conference.

Our “Last Supper” Gathering at St James

On Friday 20 September, 7.00-9.00pm, we will be holding our “Last Supper” Gathering at St James. This will be an opportunity for us to gather socially for the last time in the building as it has been known and loved over the last few decades as the focal point of the life and worship of those who have gathered there week by week. Over 100 pictures of past years have been collected and will be on display. These will surely become the catalyst of much conversation, reflection and nostalgia! It is hoped that those who usually gather at St Boniface will also want to take part, and an invitation has been sent to our Christian brothers and sisters at St Andrew’s. For catering purposes, please put your name on the list at the entrance to church.

Parish Craft Fair

Calling all crafters and creators! We will be holding a Parish Craft Fair on Saturday 23 November in St Andrew’s Church Hall. Would you like to contribute to, or help out at, this event? Do you make goods we could sell? Would you like a stall? All profits and proceeds will go to the new St James Church building fund. Get in touch with Siobhan on 07522 338897 or at siobhanewarne@yahoo.co.uk.

Confirmation 2025

Next year is a Confirmation year for the parish, so if there are any young people, aged 14 or over, who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, please complete the attached form and return it to the Parish Office as soon as possible,

First Holy Communion 2025

Parents with children 7 years and older who are due to prepare for the reception of First Holy Communion next June are asked to complete the attached form and return it to the parish office as soon as possible.

World Day of Migrants and Refugees Event

‘ ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’ Matthew 25:35. To celebrate the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Caritas Diocese of Plymouth is hosting an event entitled “A Culture of Welcome” at the Sacred Heart Church Rooms, Exeter, on Thursday 26 September 2024, 6.00-8.00pm to discuss how we can be a welcoming and supportive community. There will be speakers from the Catholic Association for Racial Justice and a local welcome group. Light refreshments will be available on arrival. To register, go to https://forms.office.com/e/Vy5S5ZvZ0g, or email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk, or ring 01364 645425.

Youth Rally

The Youth Rally will take place at St Rita’s, Honiton, on Saturday 28 September 2024. Cost £10 per participant which includes pizza. As usual there are many activities for all to join in, including the obstacle course, penalty shootout and various inflatable activities. Young people from 6 – 16 are welcome to form parish teams of 6 to compete against others. A parish group of less than 6 can be combined with another parish. For booking, please contact Saskia: youth@prcdtr.org.uk.