Pope’s Prayer Intention for February

During the month of February, the Pope asks us all to pray for parishes: that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need. A video in which the Holy Father himself introduces this prayer intention can be viewed at www.thepopevideo.org.

Racial Justice Sunday Retiring Collection

Next Sunday is Racial Justice Sunday and there will be a retiring collection to support the work of the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) at the end of the weekend Masses.

Palms for Ashes

Ash Wednesday falls on 22 February this year. Parishioners are asked to bring back to church their palm crosses from last year so that they can be burnt to make the ashes that will be used on Ash Wednesday. Please leave them at the entrance to church.

Craft Club

W e pray that this year will see an improvement to the lives of our brothers and sisters from across all parts of the world, who find themselves in positions less fortunate than ourselves. 

You are invited to take part in the first CAFOD Exeter Deanery meeting of the year which will take place in our Hall at St James on Saturday 11 February, 11.00am-1.00pm, followed by a shared lunch. The meeting will be focussing on Lent and the CAFOD Fast Day (on Friday 3 March). Come along and find out more about this year’s Fast Day plans and challenges and other CAFOD initiatives, including news about the “Fix the Food System” Campaign which this year will be focusing on the vital issue of seeds. Hear from others how CAFOD is working across the Deanery to fundraise, campaign for aid and raise awareness of social injustices across our beautiful planet. For more information, please contact Jane Trott on 07530 279240.

Caritas Plymouth Newsletter and Cost of Living Crisis Online Event

The January Newsletter giving all the latest news and updates of the work of Caritas Plymouth can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/2jd785ws.

We are all aware of the pressures on people at the moment as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. However, it can be difficult to know what to do to help. So, Caritas is running an online lunchtime event – Cost of Living Crisis: How can we help? – on Thursday 9 February from 12.00-12.40pm to share resources that parishes and groups can use to support people who may be struggling. The event will offer participants useful links and ideas to signpost those who may be looking for help and advice about crisis grants. There will also be an opportunity to share your local insights and offer suggestions and where you think people might welcome further guidance. To register to join the event, go to https://forms.office.com/e/ScddxBXVMu, and you will sent a Zoom link.

LOUDfence in the Diocese of Plymouth

T he Diocese of Plymouth is holding a LOUDfence at Christ the King Church, Armada Way, Plymouth, between 2.00pm on Wednesday 15 and 4.30pm on Friday 17 February.  A LOUDfence is a visible display of support and solidarity with those who have been affected by abuse, to show survivors of abuse that the Church hears them, believes them and is here to support them.  The event is open to everyone and attendees will be encouraged to tie a ribbon to a fence which could also include a message of support. Members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team will be present during working hours.

The full schedule of events is as follows: Wednesday 15 February at 2pm: Opening of the Loud fence. Speakers will be Fr Mark Skelton (Diocesan Clergy Lead for Safeguarding) and Antonia Sobocki (LOUDfence). Thursday 16 February – LOUDfence open all day. Friday 17 February – LOUDfence open until 4.30pm and there will be a Mass to pray with and for survivors at 12noon, celebrated by Fr Mark Skelton.

If you are unable to attend the LOUDfence but would like to send a message of support, please visit: https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/the-diocese/how-we-work/vicariate-for-safeguarding-and-pastoral-care/loudfence/ and complete the form, or send an e-mail to sophie.scagell@prcdtr.org.uk.

Flame 2023 – Special Invitation to our Young People

Anyone 14-21 years of age is invited to join our parish trip to Flame (https://cymfed.org.uk/flame/) at Wembley Stadium, London, on Saturday 4 March 2023. Flame is the largest Catholic gathering in England and Wales. 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.

Monthly Lunch Club

The Monthly Lunch Club will be taking place this Tuesday, 31 January, in the Hall at St James between 12noon-2.00pm. A bowl of delicious hot soup and some enticing puddings will be on offer. Do come along and enjoy a good time together with others. It would be great to see this initiative supported by a few more parishioners in particular!