Statement from Bishop-elect Philip

On Thursday, Bishop-elect Philip issued the following statement;

“In the very last few days, concerns have been raised of a personal nature to which I must attend immediately. This will take a little time. I have therefore agreed with all directly concerned to delay my installation as the new Bishop of Plymouth until these processes have been completed. I sincerely regret this delay and offer my apologies to all who are disappointed and inconvenienced. However, it is important that everything is properly in place and due process observed. While this process takes place no further comment will be made.”

Canon Paul Cummins will continue in his role as Diocesan Administrator. The mission of the Diocese to proclaim the Good News will still go on as before, with your support. Please keep Bishop-elect Philip, our Diocesan Administrator and our Diocese in your prayers.

November Prayers for the Dead

During the month of November, we traditionally pray more intensely for those who have died. As is our custom, a receptacle will be placed in front of the altar in both our churches for the names of your family, friends and others who have died. These will be remembered by name during the Mass on Friday 29 November at 12noon at St Andrew’s.

World Day of the Poor

The 8^th World Day of the Poor takes place next Sunday 17 November.  In his message for this World Day of the Poor, the Holy Father reiterates that “the poor hold a privileged place in God’s heart” and invites everyone to learn to pray for the poor and to pray together with the poor, with humility and trust.

We know that poverty is a significant issue both in the UK and globally. In the week running up to World Day of the Poor, we are all encouraged to pray, reflect and engage in concrete actions against poverty by deepening our encounter with the poor in our communities and considering how we can respond to their needs. We can all take small actions that together make a big difference. Ally Padfield, the CEO of CHAT, will be speaking at the end of our Masses.

Cards for Residential Homes

Tony and Anne Doble will be making Christmas cards with our children after the Morning Masses at St Boniface and St Andrews on Sunday 24 November for the elderly people in nursing homes. This is a simple and effective way to bring joy into people’s lives and to forge links across the generations and between our parish and the wider community.

Toasters and Kettles for CHAT

Please continue to bring in toasters and kettles so that CHAT can replenish their stock which they use to assist those who are given accommodation and who have little by way of possessions or resources to set up a home. These basic items, though seemingly insignificant, really help to make a place a home. These contributions are taking the place of our usual Harvest donations.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the draw for November 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 Andrew’s or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface.

CAFOD World Gifts

This year’s CAFOD World Gifts Catalogue is now available at church. The giving of a “World Gift” is a wonderful way for our parish community to share the hope and joy of Christmas with our global family. Gifts range from a watering can for £7 to a “marvellous cow” for £150 to a community water supply for £750! Change someone’s life this Christmas.

“Lament and Light” Ecumenical Service

An ecumenical service will be held on Monday 25 November at 2.00pm, at St Mary’s Church, Market Road, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1QW.  The service is being held to mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (25 November – 10 December), which is a campaign for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.  Fr Mark Skelton and Rev Lizzi Green will lead the service.  Refreshments will be available afterwards.

Parish Christmas Craft Fair

The Parish Christmas Craft Fair will take place on Saturday 23 November, 2.00-4.00pm, at St Andrew’s Hall. Spread the word and get the date in your diary. Contact Siobhan for details on 07522338897 or email siobhanewarne@yahoo.co.uk. If you can display a poster, please take one from the back of church. There will be a preparation afternoon this Thursday 14 November, 2.00-4.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall. These preparation times are always good fun, so do drop by and give a hand.

Stand Against Domestic Abuse

Monday 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), an agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, together with Safe in Faith, hosts the Domestic Abuse Alliance, and you are invited to join them online on 18 November, 11.00am-1.00pm, to discuss the high level of domestic abuse across our country and launch a call-to-action across the Catholic community in response to the Pope’s call to ‘act immediately, at all levels’. For the agenda and to register, please go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdeqtrjguGtQo6idxRsMow3EuDE4jI72m#/registration.