Pope’s Prayer Intention for September

D uring the month of September Pope Francis invites everyone to pray and assist people who live on the margins of society: “Let us pray for those people on the margins of society in subhuman living conditions, that they may not be neglected by institutions and never be cast out.”

In The Pope Video for September, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, Pope Francis reflects on the indifference endured by many people who are marginalised: “A homeless person who dies on the street will never appear among the top stories of search engines or newscasts,” he lamented, wondering how our societies could have reached such a level of indifference. Pope Francis attributes this indifference to a “throwaway culture in which millions of men and women are worth nothing compared to economic goods”. He says our “necks are going to get stiff from looking the other way so we don’t have to see this situation.”

The Pope then urges everyone to pay attention to people who face marginalisation, whether it results from “poverty, addictions, mental illness, or disability…Let’s focus on accepting them, on welcoming all the people who need it,” he says. In response to such indifference, he holds up a “culture of welcoming, of providing shelter, of giving a home, of offering love, of giving human warmth”, and concludes by inviting every Christian to pray for those people “on the margins of society living in subhuman living conditions.”

Season of Creation 2023

“ Let Justice and Peace Flow” is the theme of this year’s ecumenical Season of Creation, inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (5:24). The Season of Creation runs from 1 September to 4 October. During the Season of Creation, we are invited to pray, act and focus on the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor – to listen to those whose voices are less heard; to pray for those individuals, communities, species, and ecosystems which are lost and those whose livelihoods are threatened by climate change. Pope Francis has shared a message for the start of the Season https://seasonofcreation.org/2023/05/25/message-of-pope-francis-for-creation-day-2023/ encouraging us all to take action to care for God’s creation.

You can find ideas and resources for celebrating Season of Creation on the diocesan website https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/the-diocese/how-we-work/environment/season-of-creation/.

First Holy Communion 2024

Plans will soon be being put in place for the celebration of First Confession and First Holy Communion next year. If you have a child, aged 7 or over, who you would like to start preparation for the reception of these Sacraments next year, please either fill in the application form attached to the Newsletter or pick up a copy at the entrance to church.

Parish Showing of “The Letter”

The Parish CAFOD Group will be hosting a showing of the film “The Letter” in the Parish Hall on Saturday 16 September, 1.30-4.00pm. The Letter tells the story of a journey to Rome of frontline leaders where the climate change or the destruction of the environment is having a major impact of their lives to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis. This is an important film to watch and discuss, so please make this a date in your diaries.

Diocesan Youth Rally 2023

Join young people from across the diocese in fun, games and challenges at the Youth Rally on Saturday 23 September, 12noon-6.00pm, at St Rita’s Honiton. The event is open to anyone between the ages of 7- 16. You are encouraged to come as part of a parish/ school team or simply sign up and be placed in a team. The £8 contribution includes a BBQ and drinks. To book: https://forms.office.com/e/L2jn7EwXfH or contact Saskia for further information: youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

Children’s Liturgy Group

The Children’s Liturgy Group will be meeting in the Hall at 10.00am next Saturday, 9 September to review the work done in the past year. All parents are welcome to come and give their feedback and suggestions. We particularly need more members to ensure that the important ministry of the Group continues.

200 Club

Congratulations to Janice Cuddy who won the £30 prize and to Marion Phelan who won the £20 prize in the August draw. The 200 Club is an on-going fundraiser for the parish and subscriptions start at £1 a month for one number. If you would like to join, please speak to either Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St James or Teresa Cummings at St Boniface.

Rotas for Liturgical Ministries at St James

Rotas with dates for all readers, extraordinary ministers of holy communion and welcomers are on the board in the hall. Please sign up for the dates when you are available to undertake your ministry.

CHAT Food Bank Needs Stocks Urgently!

Due to increased demand, the stocks at the CHAT Food Bank are greatly reduced. Please remember to use the receptacles for your donations at the checkouts in the major supermarkets in our area or deposit your donations in the CHAT box at church. Remember you can download the BankTheFood App onto your phone, choose the CHAT Foodbank, and find out in real time what our local foodbank urgently needs.

“Book” Club Lunch

Please note that the lunch planned for this coming Thursday has been cancelled. The next meeting will take place at Wetherspoons in Tiverton on Thursday 5 October at 12.30pm. Any queries, contact Sheelagh on 01884 256312.