The Pope’s Intention for November

We are asked to join in the Holy Father’s prayer intention for November which is for him as Pope: “We pray for the Holy Father: as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit”. Visit www.thepopevideo.org to watch the Pope introduce this intention personally.

The Solemnity of All Saints

This coming Wednesday, 1 November, is the Solemnity of All Saints. This is a Holy Day of Obligation, which means that we are all expected to participate at Mass on that day. Therefore, there will be a Vigil Mass at St Boniface at 6.00pm on Tuesday 31 October, and Masses at 10.00am and 6.00pm at St James on 1 November itself.

All Souls and Praying for Dead in November

Thursday, 2 November, is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, commonly called All Souls Day. This day begins the traditional month of prayer for all those who have died. As has become the custom, a receptacle will be placed in front of the altar in both of our churches to receive the names of your loved ones, family, friends and acquaintances who have died and for whom you ask the prayers of the parish community. A sheet is attached to the Newsletter and also available in church for your names. At the 12noon Mass on Friday 1 December these names will be read out and prayed for publicly, so please write the names clearly so that they can be transcribed.

First Holy Communion 2024

If you have a child, aged 7 or over, who you would like to start preparation for First Confession and First Holy Communion next year, please pick up an application form at the entrance to church or download a copy from the parish website, and return it to the Parish Office by the end of this week at the latest.

Letter from the Synod to the People of God

The XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome has concluded and those taking part have issued a Letter to the People of God giving thanks for their experiences. They explain the work of the past weeks and express the hope that, in the coming months, everyone will be able to “concretely participate in the dynamism of missionary communion indicated by the word ‘synod’”. A copy of the Letter is attached to the Newsletter.

Laudato Si’ Group – Responding to the Cry of Creation

The Laudato Si’ Group, which looks at ways of highlighting action needed to be taken by individuals, the parish and the wider community with regards to the care for environment, our Common Home, will meet next Saturday, 4 November, at 4.30pm in the Hall. All welcome.

Hands Across the Generations

Tony and Anne Doble invite those from 5 years of age to older teenagers to stay behind after 10.30am Mass next Sunday, 5 November, for between 30-40 minutes to start making Greeting Cards to send from our Parish to the patients in Tiverton Hospital. Older teenagers may wish to take a card and design it at home and then return it back to Canon Kristian. This type of service project, supported by the Parish Pastoral Council, though simple, is an effective way for our parish community, through its young members, of engaging with people in the wider community.

Switch On Support

This year’s parish winter project for CHAT – Switch On Support – is to purchase kettles, toasters and slow cookers to give to people moving into temporary or new accommodation, who are setting up home with a minimum of cooking appliances. Though these appliances are ordinary, they are vital in the process of creating a home. Items can be left at the entrance to church.

“Book”/Lunch Group

The “Book”/Lunch Group meets for lunch at The Bluebell, Willand, this Thursday, 2 November, at 12.30pm. If you are unable to come, please let Sheelagh know on 07791 802009.

Music and Singing Afternoon

We will be holding one of our regular music and singing afternoons on Sunday 19 November at 2.30pm. It is the weekend of the World Day of the Poor, so there will be an attempt to focus on music with that theme in mind, as well as celebrating the end of the Church Year. Everyone is warmly welcomed to come along and play or sing. If you have any suggestions for hymns and music, please email bridgetmtosh@gmail.com.

Shoeboxes for Christmas

If you are filling a shoebox as a Christmas Gift for a child in places of poverty and war, these need to be in the Hall by Sunday 12 November.

“Dine for Dignity” at the Masquerade Ball

In order to raise funds for CHAT, a “Dine for Dignity” Masquerade Ball will take place at the Upton Barn and Walled Garden EX15 1RA on Friday 17 November, 7.30-11.30pm. Tickets, which can be purchased via the QR code, include a two-course meal and welcome drink, are £37.50. 18+ only. If you use the code “ZOFIA10” when ordering your ticket, you can get 10% off