Pope’s Prayer Intention for January
Throughout the month of January, the Holy Father Pope Francis asks us to join with him in praying for the gift of diversity in the Church: “Let us pray that the Spirit may help us recognise the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.” To see the Pope introduce this intention, go to www.thepopevideo.org.

Putting Children First – Crib Offerings
Please take some time to visit the crib in our churches over the Christmas period. There is a basket in which to leave an offering and these offerings will be donated to the Catholic Children’s Society (Plymouth) as it works across the Diocese spreading God’s love and giving families hope in times of crisis.

“Book”/Lunch Group
This Thursday, 4 January, the “Book”/Lunch Group will be meeting at Wetherspoons in Tiverton for lunch. Please be there by 12.30 if you are
coming. Any queries, contact Sheelagh on 07791 802009.

Parish Pastoral Council
The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place on Thursday 11 January at 7.00pm in the Hall.

Homelessness – How are we called to respond?
Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that housing is not a valueless system, but a core part of what it means to live a dignified human life. Yet, on any given night, tens of thousands of families and individuals are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness across the UK. This includes more than 200,000 households in England alone. This online event of prayer and reflection on Wednesday 17 January 2024, 6.00-7.00pm, will include presentations from organisations working on the frontline of homelessness. All are welcome to take part. Please register to
receive the Zoom invitation at https://forms.office.com/e/VVp5t5qU7F.

“Name the Bear”
A Harrods Millenium Teddy Bear, which has been generously donated to the parish, needs a new home! For just 50p a go, you can try to guess the bear’s name from a list of possible names. The name has been chosen by Canon Kristian and the winner of
the bear will be announced on 2 February.

Unwanted Gifts Stall
On the weekend of 27/28 January there will be an Unwanted Gifts Stall after both Masses in Tiverton. Any donations would be very welcome. Please leave them in the Hall.

Modern Slavery – It’s happening near you.
Modern slavery is a serious crime being committed across the UK in which victims are exploited for someone else’s gain. It can take many forms,
including trafficking of people, forced labour and servitude. Victims are often hidden away, may be unable to leave their situation or may not come forward because of fear or shame. This two-hour event will hear from a range of speakers about modern slavery in our Diocese and what response we can give. There will be practical advice about what to look out for and what we can do if we have concerns. The event will take place on the Feast of St Bakhita, Patron of victims of modern slavery, on Thursday 6 February, 10.30am-12.30pm at the Church of the Assumption Parish Rooms, Abbey Road, Torquay TQ2 5NJ and will be followed by a free light lunch. Please register here email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk.

A Programme for Couples Struggling in their Marriages
Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue … or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage. Tens of thousands of couples headed for divorce have successfully saved their marriages by attending and using the tools provided. The programme helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. It helps them through difficult times whether they are disillusioned or in deep misery. There is no group therapy or group work. For
confidential information about Retrouvaille or to register for the next programme commencing with a virtual weekend on 8 – 11 February 2024 or a
face-to-face weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 14-16 June 2024, call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443 or email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk.

Inspire Music Festival
The Inspire Music Festival will take place on Saturday 2 March at the Schiller Hall, Buckfast Abbey, 11.30am – 6.00pm. Open to those aged 13-25, join fellow Christians from across the diocese to enjoy inspiring talks by speakers, including Daniella Stephens, and listen to the sounds of One Hope Project, Jozzy, Falmouth Vineyard and Crossbeam. Tickets cost £25. The booking form can be found at https://forms.office.com/e/SLhtRkyqDZ. For further information, contact Saskia at youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

The Universe Catholic Weekly
The Universe Catholic Weekly Online and Print Edition Newspaper seeks to be true to its mission of being “a light to guide the world, and a mirror to reflect it”, keeping Catholics informed about their faith and bringing them ever closer to God. In order to maintain a strong weekly Catholic voice at a time when it is much needed in the world, please consider taking out a subscription. If you are interested in the Digital Subscription Offer or the Print Newspaper, please call on Michelle (0743 6617650) or email her at michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk. The 3 months Digital
Subscription is £20.00, 6 months Digital Subscription is £40.00 and 12 months Digital Subscription £80.00. The 3 months Print Subscription is £42.00 and the 12-months Print Subscription is £140.00.