November Prayers for the Dead

During the month of November, we are encouraged to focus our prayers more earnestly on those who have died and especially for those who are in purgatory, that time of purification leading to their entry into the communion of the saints in heaven. There are receptacles in front of the altar is both of our churches for the names of those who have died and for whom we will pray throughout the month. A sheet for these names is attached to the Newsletter, and hard copies can be found at the entrance to church. The names will be commemorated at the Mass on Friday 27 November at 12noon.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for November

This month, the Holy Father invites us to join him in prayer for the proper use of wealth: Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service the common good and solidarity of those who have less. To pray along with him, go to https://www.popesprayer.va/praywiththepope/.

World Day of the Poor Event – The Lord is the Refuge of the Poor

Join Caritas Diocese of Plymouth to celebrate the 10^th World Day of the Poor next Saturday, 14 November, 11.00am-4.30pm, in the hall at St John and St James. Bishop Nicholas will open the day and then close it with the celebration of Mass. The keynote speaker, David Wells, will reflect on Pope Leo’s Message and Canon Kristian will give a brief introduction to the new church. A simple lunch will be provided. Registration is essential for this free event and early booking is advised. To register, click 10th World Day of the Poor Event: Tiverton – Fill in form, email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk or tel: 01364 645440.

Inter Faith Week

Inter Faith Week 2026 take places from 8-15 November and provides a national focal point for strengthening interfaith relations. Deacon Mark Brown, our Diocesan Interfaith Coordinator writes: The 2026 theme ‘Lighting the Way for a Shared Future,’ is a celebration of hope and a shared belief that, even in challenging times, communities can come together to build understanding, trust and friendship. At a time when division, disinformation, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and other forms of prejudice are causing many people to feel isolated, interfaith week offers an opportunity to work further towards peace.

CAFOD November Newsletter

To read CAFOD’s Newsletter, Finding Hope in November, click here.

Young Adults’ Advent Retreat

An Advent retreat for young adults’ retreat (18-30) will be held at Buckfast Abbey, 20-22 November. The weekend will explore Isaiah 40:3, with talks led by Br Augustine OP and Br Reginald OP, with a chance to pray and reflect whilst meeting other young adults from across the Diocese. £40 contribution per person. For more information contact Saskia at youth@prcdtr.org.uk. Booking is essential: Buckfast Abbey Retreat for young adults 20th – 22nd November 2026 – Fill in form.

Puddings for Palestine

On Thursday 26 November, 6.00-8.00pm, there will be “Puddings for Palestine” in the Hall. Tickets are £5.00 each, children go free. Do come along and give your support.

Readers at Mass

Do you think you could offer to read at Mass? Although we have a good number of parishioners committed to this role, we are always trying to encourage more parishioners to become readers at Mass, whether at weekday Masses or at the three Masses over Saturday and Sunday. If you would like to become a reader, please have a word with Canon Kristian. Training for all readers will be taking place in the near future.

Repository

The Repository in the narthex at St John & St James has been restocked, including with Cafod Christmas cards and Advent candles. There are new ranges of Mass cards, Sympathy cards and prayer cards. The repository is open, so please take a look, pay by cash in the box or by card reader. If there is anything you would like to see added, please let Canon Kristian or Siobhan Warne know.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the draw for November after 6.00pm Mass this Saturday.  If you would like one or more numbers in this parish fundraiser for as little as £1 a month, please let Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon know at St John and St James or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface.

Big Christmas Raffle

This year we will return to the Big Christmas raffle with a multitude of prize hampers. However, there will still be a main hamper prize! If you would like to donate any items, there is a list up in the narthex and a place to leave the donations in both churches. Tickets will go on sale soon.

CAFOD World Gifts

Bring joy to the world this year by buying CAFOD World Gifts for family members and friends this Christmas. When you buy World Gifts, you make a real impact in communities all around the world. Please take a catalogue from the back of church.

Advent Retreat Day

An Advent Retreat Day, “Exploring Prayer and Conversion”, will take place on Saturday 5 December at St Rita’s led by Fr. Gerald Wilson OAR. The charge for the day, including lunch, is just £27.00. To register, please complete the application form attached to the Newsletter or, alternatively, register online here. For more information, you can contact St Rita’s Centre on 01404 42635 or at admin@stritascentre.org. Payment can be made in advance or on the day.