Message from Plymouth CAST for Education Sunday

At the heart of our Diocese is Plymouth CAST, a family of 34 Catholic schools and one nursery spanning Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. The Trust exists to ensure that our young people flourish in environments that are safe, happy, and intellectually stimulating. As state-funded academies, Plymouth CAST schools provide a high-quality Catholic education that is free and accessible to all families. When a family chooses a Plymouth CAST school, they are joining a community that is:

• Faith-led: Everything is rooted in the Gospel. We don’t just teach subjects; we inspire children to live with integrity, kindness, and a commitment to social justice.

• Ambitious for All: We hold the highest expectations for every child, empowering them to exceed their potential and discover their unique, God-given talents.

• One Team: As a Trust, our schools work as one. By sharing expertise and resources, we ensure that every child, regardless of their starting point, benefits from the collective strength of the whole family of schools.

The goal for every pupil in a CAST school is that they leave with the “knowledge, skills, personal qualities, and aspirations to make the world a better place.” We are not just educating students for exams; we are nurturing future leaders who are confident, compassionate, and ready to build a brighter tomorrow. If you are seeking an education for your child that prioritises both academic excellence and spiritual growth, we warmly encourage you to consider your local Plymouth CAST school, St John’s Primary School and Early Years Academy in Tiverton.

We are also welcoming of anyone who would like to explore what it means to be a governor within one of our Plymouth CAST schools. Please contact St John’s School in the first instance so that the teams can put you in touch with the Chair of the Local CAST Board for an informal conversation.

Job Vacancy – Parish Secretary

The Diocese is recruiting a Parish Secretary for this parish, based at the rebuilt church of St John & St James in Tiverton, and reporting to the Parish Priest. The purpose of the role is to manage the administrative and secretarial support alongside the office resources to ensure the smooth running of the Parish and to enable the Parish Priest to carry out his ministry and parish responsibilities. If you have good knowledge of and experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook and Teams, along with excellent organisational skills and the ability to act as a key representative for the Diocese of Plymouth, the Diocese would love to hear from you.

• Hours: 16 hours a week (Tuesday-Friday)

• Location: St John & St James Church, 40 Old Road, Tiverton, EX16 4HJ

• Salary: £14.50 an hour

• Closing date: Wednesday 16 September 2026

To apply, please contact recruitment@prcdtr.org.uk to obtain an application form and job description. Applications are by covering letter and application form to recruitment@prcdtr.org.uk.

First Holy Communion 2027

It is that time of year again for those parents with children in Year 3 or above to register them for preparation to receive the First Holy Communion in 2027. An application form is attached to the Newsletter, or a copy can be picked up at church.

Retrouvaille – Marriage Help

Communication failure is a major cause of marital breakdown. Thousands of couples have found Retrouvaille helped their relationship. Retrouvaille is not counselling but a programme to help married couples work through conflicts more effectively, with a focus on helping restore trust and hope. Bookings for the October programme close on 18 September. Please go to:  www.Retrouvaille.org.uk or call 07887 296983 for more information.

Online Safeguarding Training for Youth Volunteers

A series of online safeguarding training is being offered to those who would like to enhance their DBS training. There are three sessions being offered this autumn: child exploitation, the impact of domestic abuse on children, and young people and the online world. All sessions are free, but it is important you book to get the Zoom link. To book, go to Online Safeguarding Training aimed at those who work with Youth – Fill in form. For further information, contact Saskia at youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

Trauma-Informed Practice in Faith Settings – Free Training Day

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is hosting a new second training event on Saturday 31 October. This training day focuses on Trauma-Informed Practice within Faith Settings and is particularly aimed at anybody involved in working within ministry roles, but all are welcome if you have an interest in developing knowledge and understanding around this topic. The training is being held at St Boniface House on Saturday 31 October, 10.00am-4.30pm. Lunch is provided, and it is hoped to see as many of you there as possible! Click here to book a place.

200 Club

Congratulations to April Golding who won the £30 prize and to Pauline Perkins who won the £20 prize in the September draw. Any parishioners wishing to join this parish fund raiser are invited to speak to Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St Andrews or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface. 

CHAT Sleepout September

CHAT is organising a sponsored Sleepout this Friday 18 September, 7.00pm onwards, at Tiverton Town Football Club, Ian Moorcroft Stadium, in Tiverton, to raise much needed funds for the people of Mid Devon. As Alison Padfield, CEO of CHAT says: “For many people, a night on the streets is their ‘normal’. While taking part in a sleepout for one night can’t truly replicate that reality, it does help to gain a glimpse of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. The money raised really will change lives, so thank you, whether you are choosing to sleep out or supporting someone who is”. Taking part is free (under 18’s must attend with a responsible adult), but please get a ticket by going to https://www.chatmid.org/events/sleepout-september-2026, set up a JustGiving page or download a sponsorship form.