New Bishop for Plymouth!

It was announced yesterday that Bishop Philip Moger has been appointed as the Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Plymouth. Bishop Philip was a priest of the Diocese of Leeds for over 40 years and, for the last 18 months, has served as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Southwark. Canon Paul invites us to join him in extending a warm welcome to Bishop Philip as he begins his new ministry as chief pastor in our Diocese. Bishop-elect Philip will be installed as the 10th Bishop of Plymouth on the 9 November at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface, Plymouth. For more information, go to https://www.cbcew.org.uk/pope-appoints-bishop-moger-new-bishop-of-plymouth/.

Evangelii Gaudium Sunday

This Sunday is Evangelii Gaudium Sunday. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the great mandate we have been given by the Risen Lord to evangelise the whole world. Inspired by the ongoing Synodal process, Scripture and Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, the Bishops of England and Wales have chosen the theme ‘Growing as missionary disciples’. We are encouraged to pray for our parish communities, that they would become intentionally missionary in their life and witness. A retiring collection will be taken to support the work of the Bishops’ Conference Mission Directorate, which promotes the spread of the Gospel at national level.

Our “Last Supper” at St James

As we prepare to say farewell to our present building at St James and to move to St Andrew’s in Blundell’s Avenue, we will be celebrating our “Last Supper” this Friday, 20 September, at 7.00pm at St James. This will be a time to remember, reminisce and rejoice as we look back on memories and forward to a new stage in our parish life in 18 months’ time. Over 100 pictures will be on display and some delicious food be on offer. Tea and coffee will be served, but please bring any other drinks with you. There is a list at the entrance to church for names to give an indication of the numbers to cater for. The invitation is open to all parishioners and to our friends at St Andrew’s.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the September draw after the 6.00pm Mass this Saturday.  If you would like to join this parish fund raiser for as little as £1 a month, please let Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon know at St James or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface. 

Music at St Boniface

Do you play an instrument? If so, we’d love to have you join us in the music group corner at St Boniface. Our little group has got smaller as people have moved away for their next stages in life, so a couple more people to play instruments would really help us out. You don’t have to commit to every week; we can work out how often is good for you! If you can help, please let Jane or Siobhan know and we can get together for a practice.

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? Interested? 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

To celebrate 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 annual Youth Rally will take place at St Rita’s, Honiton, on Saturday 28 September 2024. Cost £10 per participant which include 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 and information, please contact Saskia: youth@prcdtr.org.uk.