The Pope’s Prayer Intentions for December

The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network invites us to join in praying with the Holy Father this month for volunteer not-for-profit organisations. To bring the year to a close, the Holy Father brings to the fore volunteer organizations (and all the people who participate in them), which are key agents in society thanks to their commitment to human promotion and to the common good. In his intention, Pope Francis encourages them to continue their labour, working “not just for the people, but with the people,” being close to them, being “artisans of mercy” and always listening to other people’s needs. Aware of the need to “multiply hope” in communities, he asks us to pray “that volunteer non-profit and human development organizations may find people willing to commit themselves to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths of international cooperation”. To watch a video of the Pope giving the reason behind the prayer intention and find information about the importance and numbers of volunteers across the world, please go to www.thepopevideo.org.

Operation Warm New Clothes

Many thanks to everyone who are so generously donating new warm clothes for children. A number of families have already been helped, including one from Ukraine. Coats, girls’ pyjamas and warm jumpers are especially needed.

Children’s Christmas Party

A Christmas Party for all the children of our parish will take place on Sunday 18 December at 3.00pm in the Hall at St James. If there are any parents who would like to help organise it, please let Canon Kristian or Margaret Found know as soon as possible. A meeting to make preparations for the Party will take place this Tuesday, 6 December, in the Hall.

Day Retreats in Advent in Lynton Convent

The Sisters of Mary Morning Star in Lynton are offering free Day Retreats on the Tuesdays during Advent (6, 13 and 20 December), 11.30am-6.30pm. Following Mass there will be a time for adoration, rosary, walk in the Valley of the Rocks, teaching on lectio divina, ending with Vespers. There is no need to book, just bring a packed lunch and a bible! For more information, email srsmarymorningstar@gmail.com or call 01598 753373.

Church Key Survey

We need to undertake a key survey for insurance purposes. So, if you hold any keys for either of our churches, please would you put your name and which keys you hold on the paper at the entrance to church as soon as possible.

Canon Kristian’s Christmas Cake and the Main Christmas Draws

Draw tickets are on sale for this year’s draw for Canon Kristian’s Christmas Cake and for the main Christian Draw. The draw for the cake will take place next Sunday, 11 December, and the draw for the main Christmas Draw will happen on Saturday 17 December. So, now is the time to purchase your tickets if you haven’t done so already!

The Hour of Grace Devotion

The Hour of Grace is a devotion based on the writings of an Italian mystic, the Servant of God Luisa Piccaretta https://luisapiccarreta.co/. Our Lady asked her to promote an hour of prayer at noon on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. A few of our Polish parishioners will be observing this period of prayer at St James this Thursday, 8 December, and invite anyone who would like to join them.

Epiphany Concert

We will be holding an Epiphany Concert on Sunday 8 January 2023 at 3.00pm in the Hall at St James and want to involve St John’s School, our young people, singers and musicians. It would be great if different groups could prepare something for the concert and make it a really good parish event. Please let Bridget Tosh know if you are able to contribute a song and/or a piece of music to the concert.

Flame 2023 – Special Invitation to our Young People

Funerals

The Requiem Mass for Paula Hubbard RIP will take place at St Boniface this Friday, 9 December, at 10.00am. The Requiem Mass for Rosaleen Stephenson RIP will be held at St James on Friday 16 December at 11.30am. Her body will be received into church on Thursday 15 December at 4.30pm. Pleas keep them and their families in your prayers at the difficult time.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the draw for December after the 6.00pm Mass on Saturday. New members are always welcome. Please speak to Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St James or Teresa Cummings at St Boniface.