Pre-Christmas Octave: 17-24 December

The weekend marks the start of the second part of the Season of Advent when the Church’s Liturgy is more directly focussed on the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago. Over these days, the ancient “O” Antiphons are sung as part of the service of Vespers or Evening Prayer of the Church and also used as Gospel Acclamations during Mass. No one knows their exact origin, but they have been sung since at least the 5th Century. Each antiphon begins with a title of Christ taken from the Old Testament. The “O” which starts each Antiphon expresses symbolically both our heartfelt yearning for the return of the Lord and also the emptiness in our lives and in our world that can only be filled by the presence and action of the living God made manifest in Christ and at work within us and within the whole of creation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Do make the most of these last days of Advent to prepare yourself spiritually for the celebration of the Incarnation of the Lord. An additional hour for Confessions has been scheduled at St James next Saturday, 24 December, 10.30am-11.30am.

Flame 2023 – Special Invitation to our Young People

Anyone between the ages of 14 and 21 please join our parish trip to Flame at Wembley Stadium, London, on Saturday 4 March 2023. Flame is the largest Catholic gathering in England and Wales and, next year, it is a great chance to hear from speakers like Robert Bilott, singer/songwriter Adenike and award winner Guvna B. Transport is from Cullompton on a coach so almost door to door!  If parents want to know a bit more, please talk to Elaine Kelly, Siobhan Gilroy or Eduarda Santos as they have all been before.  It’s such a great day out that the parish would like to treat our youngsters to this experience, so there is no cost to the individual.  To get on the coach we need to book tickets now with the diocesan coordinator as there is a limited number on the group transport, so please give your name to the Parish Office as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Siobhan Gilroy will be leading our parish group.

Operation Warm New Clothes Update

We have been able to provide a number of Ukrainian and Mid Devon families with sets of clothes, nightwear and coats so far and CHAT are very grateful for the generosity of the parishioners. We would like to be able to continue to provide warm clothes throughout the next few months, so please keep your donations coming. Thank you! 

Synodal Journey – An Online Conversation about Safeguarding

Many across the Diocese and within our own parish have been involved in the synodal process. From the feedback both locally and nationally it has become apparent that some significant questions and issues were raised around safeguarding, ranging from disappointment and concern over the handling of past abuse, its impact on both individuals and the reputation of the Church, as well as concern over what still needs to be done moving forward. 

More recently, we have seen the release of the final report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which itself highlighted the terrible and damaging impact on children and families caused by abusers, including within the Church.  Whilst looking back, this paints a grim picture of society as a whole.  Looking forward, both nationally and locally, there is a great deal of work being undertaken both in the voluntary and statutory sector to prevent abuse from occurring, and to work with and support those who have been hurt in the past.  We as a Diocese are playing our part in that not only within the Church, but in wider society.

Being aware that many of you may have questions around how safe our Church is, the implications arising from the IICSA report for us, and about safeguarding and the synodal journey, the Diocesan Safeguarding Office will be hosting an online event which will be led by Robert Brown, the Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator.  The event will take place on Monday 9 January between 6.00pm-7.30pm. 

If you would like to take part, please sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/synodal-journey-a-conversation-about-safeguarding-tickets-471079791337 so that the Zoom meeting details can be sent to you. This will also provide you the opportunity to highlight any questions you might like answered at the meeting. Should you have any questions or concerns in the interim, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Office on 01364 645430 or e-mail safeguarding@prcdtr.org.uk.

Plymouth Diocesan Yearbook 2023

A few copies of the Diocesan Yearbook 2023, containing the up-to-date information about the Diocese, the Diocesan Offices, our parishes, the clergy and religious and our schools, are available for purchase at the entrance to church, priced £4.00.

Christmas Draw

The main Christmas Draw took place yesterday. A list of winners is at the back of church and you will also be contacted if necessary.

Christmas Flower Arranging Opportunities!

If you would like to provide a small flower arrangement for the church window shelves in St James this Christmas, there are containers and oasis ready for you on a table in the entrance to the hall. The colour scheme is red, gold and greenery. Please could they be returned to the church by Friday 23 December or the morning of 24 December. 

Epiphany Concert

We will be holding an Epiphany Concert on Sunday 8 January 2023 at 6.00pm in the Hall at St James and want to involve St John’s School, our young people, singers and musicians. It would be great if different groups could prepare something for the concert and make it a really good parish event. Please let Bridget Tosh know if you are able to contribute a song and/or a piece of music to the concert.