Pope’s Prayer Intention for March

During the month of March, our Holy Father Pope Francis invites us to join with him in praying for families in crisis: “Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure of their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences”. To watch a video of Pope Francis introducing this prayer intention and to find more information about it, please go to https://thepopevideo.org/march-for-families-in-crisis/.

24 Hours for the Lord- “You are my hope” (Psalm 71:5)

As part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis has asked that a special time of vigil take place over the period of 28/29 March, leading up to the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday. As a celebration of the Mercy of God – the core of then Gospel message, this vigil will start with a Penitential Liturgy followed by Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, with the opportunity to celebrate individual Sacramental Confession and Reconciliation for those who wish. Whilst it is the expectation that, in large urban parishes, this vigil should last 24 hours, in parishes such as ours the period of time will naturally be shorter. Therefore, our Vigil will take place this coming Friday 28 March, 6.00-9.00pm.

Cleaning Products for Dignity and CHAT Lent Reflections

Our special 40-day collection of household cleaning products for CHAT has gotten off to a fantastic start! Our Lenten support for CHAT will be focussed on donations of household cleaning products, such as polish, washing powder/pods, softener, cleaning sprays, sponges, tea clothes, dusters, toilet cleaner, bleach, bin bags etc.  You are invited to leave your donations in the box in the entrance to church. This year, CHAT has also produced Lenten Reflections based on the main Sunday Gospel readings for the Season of Lent.

Third Jubilee Lenten Offering

Here is the link to the Lenten Offering for the Third Week of Lent: https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/t/t-FA8EEEA95CE2B0B02540EF23F30FEDED. It features a reflection on the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent by Monsignor Draper and an intercession from CAFOD. You are warmly invited to sign up to receive our monthly diocesan newsletter and weekly Lenten reflections at  https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/h/t/A561A3216C433494.

Draw for the Simnel Cake & Guess the Name of the Easter Bunny

Tickets for the Draw for the Easter Simnel Cake, which will be made by Monika Manser, are on sale now, £2.00 each. The draw will be made on Sunday 13 April after the 11.30am Mass.

Guess the name of this year’s 1kg Lindt Easter Bunny from this weekend, £2 a name. Canon Kristian has chosen a name from the list and it is sealed in an envelope until Sunday 13 April when the winner will be revealed!

200 Club

Congratulations to Tony Reynolds who won the £30 prize and to Tulita Cross who won the £20 prize in the March draw. If you would like to join this on-going fund raiser for as little as £1 a month, please speak to Simon Coombs (07761420703) or Sheelagh Bourdon at St Andrew’s or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface’s. 

Monthly Lunch

The parish Monthly Lunch takes place this coming Tuesday, 25 March, 12noon-2.00pm, in St Andrew’s Hall, Tiverton. Come along and enjoy delicious homemade soups and desserts, in a warm and friendly environment.

Tough Times Support Group

Going through a particularly tough time at the moment? Or perhaps you’re still dealing with the consequences of something in the past? Need to chat? The Tough Times Support Group meets this Tuesday at 7.00pm in St Boniface’s Hall, Cullompton, a welcoming space, supported by our faith in Christ who walks with us in a special way in these times.

Parish Social and Fundraising Events

An updated list of upcoming parish social and fundraising events is attached to the Newsletter. A date for your diaries: Parish Spring Bingo, a fun family event, is planned for Friday 11 April, 7.00-9-00pm. In St Andrew’s Hall. The Friends of St James and St Boniface are requesting donations for this event: luxury Easter Eggs for Bingo prizes; wine, chocolate or new items for the Raffle. Please leave them in the basket in the narthex at St Andrew’s.

Lent Series of Talks on Zoom

The Lent Series of Talks on Zoom offered by Fr Mark Skelton start this coming Thursday evening, 13 March, at 7.00pm, with a talk entitled “Commitment to Others”, but the Zoom call will be open from 6.45pm. Each talk is free-standing talk. The link between them is that they seek to reflect on some of the Holy Father’s signs of hope in this Jubilee Year. Remaining talks: 3 April – Peace; and 10 April – Jesus’s Last Pilgrimage. The Zoom link is as follows: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84052447850?pwd=MmPzcp911dTsGJWDxR0vH5H9zYS4e6.1 Meeting ID: 840 5244 7850 Passcode: 043004.

Diocesan Vacancy – Head of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth

The Head of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth plays a pivotal role in advancing the Church’s “Ministry of Charity” by leading social action initiatives that align with the Bishop’s vision. The role involves implementing strategic priorities in response to the evolving needs of the community, especially for people in vulnerable situations in our local communities including children, those who are older, people who are homeless or those seeking asylum or refuge. This is a hands-on role and the person must have a delivery-focussed attitude. The post is located at St Boniface House, Ashburton, Devon, but involves travel throughout the Diocese. The post is a permanent, full-time position, 35 hours per week with a salary of £45,000-£50,000 p.a. depending on experience. The closing date for applications is Sunday 27 April 2025. See attached advert for more details.