Holy Week and the Sacred Paschal Triduum

T his Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week or Great Week, the most important period of the whole liturgical year. We celebrate and are drawn into the final saving events of the Lord’s life here on earth, from his entrance into Jerusalem, through the celebration of the Last Supper with his disciples and his suffering and death on the Cross, to his glorious resurrection. The celebrations of the Sacred Triduum – the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the Celebration of the Passion on Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil – are not technically holy days of obligation but they are such important days for Christ’s followers that we should naturally be drawn together at church to celebrate these world-changing and life-changing events. In fact, though these Services take place on three separate days, they are in fact one celebration spread over a number of days. Thus, it would be a great blessing for our parish to see as many parishioners as possible taking part in the Sacred Triduum. In addition, we have the great joy of celebrating the baptism of Levi Roach at the Easter Vigil and of Isobel Doble at the Easter Sunday Mass in St Boniface.

The Bishops’ Conference provides a number of different ways of participating in this most holy of weeks, including through great works of art.

Communion under Both Kinds

The Bishops of England and Wales have decided that the re-introduction of Holy Communion under both kinds will take place from the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper this Thursday. The reception of Holy Communion under both kinds is not obligatory, since our Catholic faith teaches that the totality of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord is received in either or both kinds. Thus, it will be for each person to choose whether she or he wishes to receive Holy Communion from the chalice. Please note that it is NEVER permitted for anyone in the congregation to dip the Host into the chalice when they come to receive Holy Communion. The Precious Blood must be drunk directly from the chalice or Communion received in one kind only.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for April

During the month of April, Pope Francis invites us to pray for a culture of peace and non-violence. Together with him we pray for the spread of peace and non-violence by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens. Go to www.thepopevideo.org to see this month’s intention being introduced by the Holy Father himself.

Flowers for Easter

Donations of Spring flowers, both garden grown and shop bought, would be very gratefully received to help decorate St James at Easter. They can be left in church either on Holy Thursday or on Good Friday.

Walk of Witness in Cullompton

There will be an ecumenical Walk of Witness in Cullompton on Good Friday. People are asked to assemble at Tesco from 10.00am and the Walk will begin at 10.15am, pausing in front of the Baptist Church and in Church Street, before ending at 11am at St Andrew’s Anglican Church.

Mary’s Meals

A few months ago, a representative from the charity Mary’s Meals came to talk at all our Masses and many of us were greatly moved by what we heard. Mary’s Meals has now contacted us to ask whether there might be a parishioner who would be willing to become a Mary’s Meals Church Representative in our parish. A description of the role is attached to the Newsletter and do let Canon Kristian or Rosie in the Parish Office know if you are interested in taking on this role.

Youth Residential Event at Heatree

Young people aged 11- 16 are invited to join together at Heatree Activity Centre from 26-28 May to explore John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you”. The weekend will comprise of activities that encourage our young people to explore their faith. There will be the opportunity to join in outdoor activities on site such as high ropes and raft building (activities may vary).  Cost: £120, which can be paid in instalments. To book, please follow the link: https://forms.office.com/e/Bhd7xDUksE For further information, please contact Saskia: youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

Great Big Diocesan Quiz

Our parish will be taking part in the Great Big Diocesan Quiz on Friday 28 April at 7.30pm. You are invited to form teams of four people to take part in the Quiz which we will hold in the hall at St James. Please give your team a name and let Rosie know the details of your team at the Parish Office. This event really does help raise much needed funds for the Catholic Children’s Society.

Easter Draw and “Name the Bunny”

This is the last weekend to buy tickets for the Easter Draw and to pick a name for the 1kg Lindt Chocolate Easter Bunny, both of which are £1 a turn. Winners for the draw and the bunny will be announced on Thursday 6 April.

February Parish Giving

Loose: £1159.31 Sumup: £320.00 Standing Orders: £2032.00

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the draw for April after the 6.00pm Mass on Saturday. New members are always welcome. Please speak to Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St James or Teresa Cummings at St Boniface.