NEWSLETTER

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

World Mission Sunday

Sunday 18th October 2020

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear Parishioners

This Sunday is World Mission Day, which has taken as its theme this year “Here I am, send me!”, reminding us that, at the root of our lives as people of faith, is the willingness to remain constantly open to the Divine Voice which speaks in the depths of each one of us, coupled with a courageous freedom to put ourselves at the service of Gospel, in whatever way and in whatever situation each of us receives as our unique calling from God. Not all of us are called to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and to give witness to the challenging but always compassionate teaching of Jesus, in those areas of the world that have yet to hear or experience it.  It is for those men and women engaged in this missionary work in often dangerous places, far distant from their places of birth, that we pray this weekend, expressing our real communion with them in the Body of Christ, which transcends both time and space.  In addition, if we are able, we are asked to contribute financially to their work by donating to Missio, which forms part of the Holy Father’s special charity set up to provide aid to those missionary territories around the world that most need it.  However, without exception, we are all called to be what St Paul calls “ambassadors for Christ” amongst our families, friends, work colleagues and in our own society, particularly among the most vulnerable and marginalised. Being a missionary of the Gospel  is not something which is an “optional extra” for just a chosen few individuals in the Church, but an inevitable consequence of being a disciple of Christ.  Against the backdrop of the challenges we are being called to live with due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the increasing fragmented and conflictual nature of political and social reality around the world and in our own country, we are called to be authentic witnesses to our faith in Christ and to the values taught by Jesus in the Beatitudes – to become channels offering God’s gifts of peace and unity to every human heart and to the whole of God’s creation with the message: “Be reconciled to Christ”.  Do take some time to reflect on the Holy Father’s message for this day and to pray for all missionaries in the Church both at home and abroad.

We continue to have to adapt to life as a parish community under the restrictions placed on us by Covid-19 and I am really grateful to those who are remembering to book a place at the weekend Masses through the Parish Office early in each week.  The Vicar General, Canon John Deeny, has written to all parish priests this week with a timely reminder of what these restrictions mean for us, and he has asked that his letter be made available to as many of you as possible.  So I have made it available to download here.  As time goes on, it is increasingly likely that priests and others within our communities will be contacted by the NHS through the NHS app to tell them that they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.  As some of us might be unclear what that alert will mean, the latest guidance from the Government can be read online here.

I am delighted to say that the preparation for First Communion which was interrupted by the “lockdown” has now restarted.  Our catechists have spent a lot of time planning and organising the sessions so as to keep everyone as safe as possible.  It will be more important than ever that parents and families are fully involved with this preparation, as much of it will have to take place at home.  I would ask that the parents of the First Communion children attend the sessions that will be provided to help them to do this.  As we also have to be making plans for those who are due to prepare for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion and for the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2021, application forms for these are available to download from the parish website – see the Sacraments section of the website –  and I hope parents will return them to the Parish Office as soon as possible.  Some application forms will also be available at church.

The weekly handout from Monika Manser to assist with a contemplative reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel using our imagination. This is available to download under the Resources>Reflections part of the website or from the link on the home page.

May God keep you always in his love.

With every blessing

Fr Kristian

Coming to Mass

Now that the 11.30am Mass on Sunday has been moved to St Boniface, Cullompton, and spaces are therefore limited for Mass in St James, Tiverton, it is really important that you contact Rosie in the Parish Office as early in the week as possible – either by phone during parish office hours or by email at any time – to ensure that there are places available. Unfortunately, once we have reached the maximum number permitted due to COVID distancing regulations, we are not allowed by law to admit others into the building.

  • Monday – Thursday: 10.00am-1.00pm
  • Friday: 10.00am-2.00pm

Covid Reminder and NHS Test and Trace

A letter from Canon John Deeny, the Vicar General, which was sent to the clergy this week reminding us of our main responsibilities with regards to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our churches, is available to read here.  He has asked that it be made available to as many of you as possible.  Please do give it your full attention.

Both St James and St Boniface have been issued with their specific QR code by the Government and these are posted at the entrance and exit of each church.  If you have downloaded the NHS Test and Trace App, please use the “check in” option each time you come to church.  We have been asked to continue to take people’s details manually as well, as there are some who are not able to download the App.

The Government guidance for contacts of people with confirmed Covid-19 infection who do not live with the person is also available to read here, just in case you receive a contact alert from the NHS.

World Mission Sunday “Here I am, send me!”

World Mission Sunday supports missionaries who work alongside communities that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief.  By supporting Missio, the Pope’s charity for world mission, you will help missionaries share the love of Christ with those most in need. Please pray for the mission of the Church throughout the world and give what you can to this very important collection which will sustain the future of our Church.

As well as in the collection basket and by Contactless Giving at church, donations can be made by post, phone or online.  For more details, visit https://missio.org.uk/donate/.

The Message of Pope Francis for World Mission Sunday is available to download here.

Caritas Plymouth and Preparation for the World Day of the Poor

Caritas Plymouth warmly invites you to join Bishop Mark for an on-line event on Saturday 24 October, 10.30am–12.30pm to reflect on the Pope’s Message for World Day of the Poor and on Catholic Social Teaching. Register HERE or email us at caritas@prcdtr.org.uk.

Caritas Plymouth focuses on supporting and enabling parishes and communities to take action to reach out to the poor and marginalised, building on the great work that is already happening, and sharing good ideas. Over recent months it has worked with partners to distribute funding for food and essential items to those struggling as a result of Covid-19; it has organised events to raise awareness of modern slavery and offered training on how to support people struggling financially. It has celebrated the Season of Creation in partnership with CAFOD and our schools. It is also linking in with groups interested in Justice and Peace to share Catholic Social Teaching, including the Covid-19 Catechesis and the new Encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti’ of Pope Francis.  To find out more about the work of Plymouth Caritas, the latest Caritas Newsletter is also available to download.

First Holy Communion Preparation

The preparation sessions for the present cohort of our children preparing for First Holy Communion have restarted. It is foreseen that the celebrations of First Communion will take place throughout January 2020.

Parents who would like their children, aged 7 and over, to make their First Holy Communion in 2021, are asked to fill out the Application Form, available under the Sacraments>First Holy Communion section of the website, and to return it to the Parish Office as soon as possible.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation

If you are 13yrs or older – or have a young person of this age – and would like to be confirmed, please download and complete the Application Form, available under the Sacraments>Confirmation section of the website and return it to the Parish Office as soon as possible.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the October draw after the 6.00pm Mass this Saturday.

Beatification of Blessed Carlo Acutis

The Beatification of Blessed Carlo Acutis took place in Assisi on 8 October.  He was born in East London to parents of Italian origin, who returned to Italy soon after his birth.  He is an aspiring model of holiness, especially so for our young people, as he died in 2006 at the age of 15, a few months after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia.  As with most young people of today, the virtual world of computers, computer games and the internet played a big part of his life and so he has become the unofficial Patron of the Internet.  More information about his life and his spirituality can be found on the Official Website.

Masses and Events this week

 Saturday 17 October – St Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

  • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm

Sunday 18 October – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

  • Holy Mass at 10.00 am Pro Populo
  • Holy Mass at 11.30 am (St Boniface)

Tuesday 20 October – Weekday

  • Holy Mass at 10.00am Robert Amil Intentions

Wednesday 21 October – Weekday

  • Service of the Word at 12noon (St Boniface)

Thursday 22 October – St John Paul II, Pope

  • Holy Mass at 6.30pm Walter Allen, Sydney Richards and Relatives RIP

Friday 23 October – Weekday

  • Holy Mass at 12noon Mary Margaret Butler and Tim Butler RIP

Saturday 24 October – Weekday

  • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm

****Clocks go back one hour on Saturday Night****

 

Second Collection for Peter’s Pence: £136.61.

Safe Spaces

The Safe Spaces team is there for those who have experienced church-related abuse of any kind through its helpline and live chat service between Monday–Saturday 10am-6pm, apart from Thursdays when the service is open 12-8pm.

Tel:         0300 303 1056

Email:      safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk

LiveChat:  www.SafeSpacesEnglandandWales.org.uk

Website:   www.SafeSpacesEnglandandWales.org.uk