NEWSLETTER
Eighth Sunday of Easter (Year C)
Sunday 27 February 2022
Please contact the parish to receive the newsletter by email each week.
Message from Canon Kristian
Dear brothers and sisters
Due to the powerlines to the presbytery being brought down by Storm Eunice last Friday – and power not being restored until early Tuesday morning, I was not able to get a Newsletter out to you last weekend. As a result, there is a larger number of attachments than usual to this weekend’s Newsletter.
Uppermost in our minds and prayers at this time is the tragic situation brought about by the invasion of Ukraine and the possibility that the war there might escalate, threatening the peace of the whole European continent. Both Pope Francis and Bishop Mark have issued appeals to us to mark Ash Wednesday this coming week as a special Day of Prayer and Fasting for peace in Ukraine and for the world. Bishop Mark has also issued a Pastoral Letter to be read in all our churches this weekend, encouraging us to use the traditional Lenten spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as ways in which to invoke and work for peace. The appeal from the Major Archbishop of Kyiv, who is the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, is also attached to the Newsletter.
As we prepare to enter into Lent, the Newsletter contains information about our parish Lenten Course, as well as the Lenten challenges being proposed by CAFOD and Caritas Plymouth. The Stations of the Cross will be prayed at 3.00pm each Sunday afternoon, and we are also invited to take part in a Taizé Prayer Evening of Song and Light at St Mary’s, Uffculme at 6.30pm next Sunday.
Our Diocesan Synodal Journey, Walking Together, continues and the latest Update is attached, together with the February Newsletter from CHAT.
As usual, we are also fortunate to have the last Inspire by Deacon Peter and Monika Manser’s aid to prayerful contemplation on this Sunday’s Gospel.
Please keep all our parish community in your prayers, especially the elderly, the infirm and the housebound. I learnt this morning of the death of Sally Ward-Enticott’s sister, Pip, who died today following a very recent diagnosis of cancer. I know that Sally would be extremely grateful for your prayers for Pip and for her family at this very difficult time.
May the Lord bless Ukraine and us all with the gift of peace.
Be assured of my prayers for you all.
Canon Kristian
Ash Wednesday – Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
This week Pope Francis launched a personal appeal for peace in Ukraine:
“My hearts aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests. I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and sisters and not enemies. I pray that all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilising coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.
“And now I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s weapons, with prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to make next 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war”.
Lent Aids for Daily Reflection
Two booklets for each parishioner, Walk with Me and Day by Day are available free of charge from this weekend to help with our daily reflections during the Holy Season of Lent. There are also some booklets and calendars for our children.
Lent Course
Once a week during Lent, usually on a Wednesday evening at 7.00pm in the Hall, we will be holding a Lent Course, entitled “Belong and Believe”, produced by CaFE and based on the wisdom of our Celtic Christian past, to help refresh our communities and renew our mission as we exit from the pandemic restrictions. This is an ideal experience for Lent and everyone is welcome.
A flyer is attached to the Newsletter which gives more information, including the details of the book which you can purchase to accompany the Course if you would like, though it is not essential. Do let Canon Kristian now if you would like to have a copy.
School Foundation Governors
Our Catholic schools throughout the Diocese, including our own parish school of St John’s, are in need of committed Catholics to become foundation governors. These Governors help the school community develop their Catholic identity, keep our children and staff safe and help them in their commitment to provide a happy and stimulating environment which enables our children to leave with the knowledge and skills, personal qualities and aspiration, to make the world a better place, inspired by the Gospel. If you feel that this is something you could do, please have a word with Canon Kristian.
CAFOD and Caritas Lent Initiatives
CAFOD is challenging us to Walk against hunger and to join the Parish Team counting our steps and “walking around the world” in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who do not have enough to eat, as well as raise money for food for children who may otherwise not grow to adulthood. This challenge starts on Saturday 5 March. See the flyer for more details.
Caritas Plymouth, on the other hand, is challenging us to undertake a different small action each week that will make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. More details are attached to the Newsletter.
World Day of Prayer
The annual ecumenical World Day of Prayer, put together by the women of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, will take place this coming Friday 4 March, at the Kings Street Chapel, Kings Street, Tiverton, at 2.00pm. All welcome.
World Youth Day 2023
Plans are underway for a group of young people from our diocese to take part in World Youth Day which will be held in Lisbon in 2023. It is a fantastic opportunity for those who will be 16 and older by August 2023. If you would like to join them, then please email Saskia at youth@prcdtr.org.uk or have a word with Canon Kristian. Further information about WYD can be found at https://www.lisboa2023.org/en/.
Financial Contributions to Support the Parish
Many of you now give your regular contributions to the parish by means of a Standing Order, and some of you give by Card via our contactless facility. If you would like help in setting up a Standing Order, please speak to Canon Kristian or Margaret Found, or send an email to the parish office using the address on the front of the Newsletter. The parish is extremely grateful for each and every contribution.
Donations to Help Our Asylum Seekers
We are looking for donations of pens, pencils, notebooks, moisturising cream and Backgammom board game sets to give to those who are being hosted at the Tiverton Hotel. Please leave your donations at the entrance to the church and we will ensure they get to those who need them.
“Book”/Lunch Group
On Thursday 3 March the “Book”/Lunch Group will be having lunch at the Exe Café at the College at 12.30pm, returning afterwards to the Church Hall for a drink and a chat. If you are unable to go, please let Sheelagh Bourdon know – phone number available from the parish office.
Parish Diary
Saturday 26 February – Weekday
- Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm
Sunday 27 February – Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
- Holy Mass at 10.00am Pro Populo
- Holy Mass at 11.30am (at St Boniface)
Monday 28 February – Weekday
- Funeral Service for Brian West RIP at 12noon
- Singing to Remember at 2.00pm in the Hall
Tuesday 1 March – St David, Bishop, Patron of Wales
- Holy Mass at 9.00am Ronald and Margaret Bolton RIP (anniv)
Wednesday 2 March – Ash Wednesday – Day of Fast and Abstinence
- Holy Mass with Imposition of Ashes at 10.00am
- Holy Mass with Imposition of Ashes at 12noon (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass with Imposition of Ashes at 6.00pm
Thursday 3 March – Weekday after Ash Wednesday
- Reception of the Body at 4.30pm
- Holy Mass at 6.00pm
Friday 4 March – Weekday after Ash Wednesday
- Requiem Mass for Brian Roocroft RIP at 11.30am, with the Committal at 3.30pm at Taunton Deane Crematorium
- World Day of Prayer Service at Kings Street Chapel at 2.00pm
Saturday 5 March – Weekday after Ash Wednesday
- Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm
Sunday 6 March – First Sunday of Lent (C)
- Holy Mass at 10.00am followed by French Breakfast
- Holy Mass at 11.30am (at St Boniface)
- Stations of the Cross at 3.00pm
- Taizé Prayer Service at 6.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Uffculme
