Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse

The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has chosen Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter (9 May) as the Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse. This is a day of prayer for those who have been abused, which takes places in a Season of hope and new life. 

The Isaiah Journey (a working group of the Bishops’ Conference that has grown out of the need for a pastoral-spiritual response to the suffering of victims and survivors of abuse in the Church) has produced a range of resources for use, including many prayers to be used at this time, at https://www.cbcew.org.uk/prayer-for-survivors-of-abuse/. The following prayer for healing and reconciliation has been prepared by the Diocese of Northampton for this year’s Day of Prayer:

Praise to you Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the source of all consolation and hope.

Be the refuge and guardian

of all who suffer from abuse and violence.

Comfort them and send healing

for their wounds of the body, soul and spirit.

Help us all and make us one with you

in your love for justice

as we deepen our respect for the dignity

of every human life.

Giver of peace,

make us one in celebrating your praise,

both now and forever.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

CHAT Urgent Appeal

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect us all, CHAT’s foodbank is seeing more people each month who need urgent help for necessary items. Stocks are running low and your help is needed. Please consider whether you can help by donating.

• You can drop food at church, at the CHAT Office, or any of the supermarket drop off points. 

• You can order a supermarket delivery directly to the CHAT Office or shop from the CHAT Amazon “wish list” if this is more convenient for you.

• You can send a financial donation and then CHAT can purchase the things they most need.

• You can download the Foodbank App which will alert you to the most needed items.

• You can follow the CHAT Facebook page (CHATMidDevon) and spread the news with others.

In April 2023 CHAT gave out nearly 300 crisis packs. Everyone who visits the foodbank receives a warm welcome and an offer of support and advice to help with any underlying issues that mean they are needing to visit the foodbank. More people are also needing help with basic household items when setting up home and there is more information on the CHAT website about the sort of things that are needed. Please see https://www.chatmid.org/donate  in particular for more information about the various ways you can donate.  

CHAT is also currently recruiting more trustees, so if this is something that is of interest to you, please visit https://www.chatmid.org/volunteering for more information or contact the Team for an informal chat.

Plymouth Diocesan Catechetical Camps 2023

The Summer Camps are a long-standing part of the youth activities of the Diocese of Plymouth and are open to all. This year the theme is “Leap of Faith: Having the Courage to Journey like Mary”. The Junior Camp (Years 3-6) will take place from 30 July-4 August and the Senior Camp (Years 7-10) from 6-11 August at Grangehurst, Buckfast Abbey. The St Petroc’s Camp (Years 11-12) will be held at St Rita’s, Honiton, from 14-18 August. The cost per participant is £230 and bookings can be made at https://forms.office.com/e/pJQuB8Rhk5. Financial assistance may be available for those who would struggle to pay this amount. In addition, if you are a young adult who could offer a week of their time to help at one of the Camps, please speak to Canon Kristian.

Laudato Si’ Week

Mark your calendars for Laudato Si’ Week 2023, 21-28 May, a global celebration rejoicing in the progress that has been made in bringing the Pope’s environmental teaching contained in Laudato Si’ to life. Register now to receive the latest information, news, and events about Laudato Si’ Week.

Memorial Mass for Bishop Christopher Budd RIP

The Canons of the Chapter of the Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface, Plymouth, invite you to the Memorial Mass for Bishop Christopher Budd. This Mass will be an opportunity for us as a Diocese to celebrate his life and his considerable contribution to the Plymouth Diocese during his time as our Bishop from 1986 until 2014, as well as a chance to offer up prayers for the repose of his soul. The Mass will take place at 12noon on Tuesday 23 May at Plymouth Cathedral and will be followed by a barbecue in the Cathedral grounds.

Caritas Diocese of Plymouth Newsletter

The May edition of the Caritas Diocese of Plymouth Newsletter, which highlights Refugee Week and Laudato Si’ Week as well as other latest events and information, can be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/mu5semx2.

200 Club Winners

Congratulations to Simon West who won the £30 prize and to Jenny Ford who won the £20 prize in the April draw. New members can join for as little as £1 a month. Please speak to either Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St James or Teresa Cummings at St Boniface.