Pope Francis RIP

An obituary for Pope Francis, together with a biography and many other items, can be found on the website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Following the Pope Francis’ funeral this Saturday, there will be nine days of official mourning before the final preparations are made for the Conclave of the Cardinals who will elect his successor. It will be important during this time, not only to pray for the soul of Pope Francis, but also to pray that the Cardinals will be open to, and guided by, the Holy Spirit so that the right man might be chosen to take forward the initiatives started by Pope Francis.

Diocesan Newsletter on the Death of Pope Francis

This is the link to the special newsletter created by Fr Jonathan Stewart on the death of Pope Francis: https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/t/t-2886116AFE83420F2540EF23F30FEDED.

Parish Monthly Lunch

This coming Tuesday, 29 April, the parish Monthly Lunch will take place in St Andrew’s Hall, 12noon-2.00pm. All are invited to come along to enjoy some delicious homemade soups and desserts. We look forward to welcoming you.

Diocesan Synodal Newsletter

Attached to the Newsletter is the latest Newsletter from Fr Paul Keys, the diocesan coordinator for the continuing process of responding to the call of Pope Francis for the Church to live and act in a synodal way.

Day on Evangelisation

In the light of the death of Pope Francis, we recall that his first major Encyclical to the Church was on the necessity to proclaim the Gospel and the mission to evangelise. The aim of this day is to explore the nature of this mission and how we can put it into practice in our daily lives. This day will be of particular interest to all who are already endeavouring to share their faith or who would like to know how to get started.  This event will be held at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre on Saturday 17 May 10.00am-3.00pm (Dart View Room 4). There will be an opportunity to go to the Abbey Mass at 12noon. Booking is essential and needs to be done through plymouth-crownhill@prcdtr.org.uk. Enquiries: 01752 701660.

Parish Pilgrimage of Hope

The parish Laudato Si’ Group is organising a pilgrimage to the birthplace of St Boniface in Crediton, which is one of the designated Places of Pilgrimage in our diocese for the Holy Year of Jubilee. This Pilgrimage of Hope, which will consist of four stages, will take place on Tuesday 24 June. Please see the attached poster and more information will follow.

Feast Day of St Rita of Cascia

The feast day of Rita of Cascia falls on Thursday 22 May. There will be a celebration at St Rita’s Centre in Honiton, starting with Mass at 12noon, followed by the blessing and distribution of roses for the sick. The Principal Celebrant will be Father Douglas Beard OAR. Hot drinks will be available all day, but visitors should bring a packed lunch. The day will conclude with Benediction at 3.00 pm. Early arrival is advised as car parking can be difficult if you arrive after 11.30 am.  Car parking stewards will be on duty to help you, and there will be a small army of volunteers working in various places helping to ensure a smooth running of the day and a happy feast day for everyone. If you have any questions, please contact Krista Radzina on 01404 42635

“Rise to Our Cause” Catholic Children’s Society Event

This year’s ‘Rise to Our Cause’ event is being held at St Cuthbert Mayne in Launceston on Thursday 29 May 2025.  St Cuthbert Mayne Church is a sacred site of pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year, and pilgrims can get their pilgrim passport stamped, and venerate the relic of Cuthbert Mayne. The event will start with Mass in the church at 12.30pm, followed by a two-course hot lunch kindly prepared by the parish.  Following lunch, the Guest Speaker this year will be Phil McCarthy, the Hearts in Search of God project lead, who will describe his own walking pilgrimages to Rome and Istanbul and reflect on what it means to be a pilgrim of hope in this Jubilee year.  To read more about Phil and the work he does promoting the Cornish pilgrimage, visit www.pilgrimways.org.uk.

Tickets cost £15 and can be ordered by emailing vicki.dunstone@ccsplymouth.org.uk, calling the CCSP office on 01364 645420 and by visiting the parish office at St Cuthbert Mayne. All proceeds will go towards helping vulnerable children and families living in our Diocese.  There will also be a raffle on the day to help raise money for CCSP to enable it to continue helping families of all faiths and none living throughout Devon, Cornwall and parts of Dorset. 

Heatree Residential Youth Event

The Heatree residential is open to young people aged 10-12. It is a great chance for young people to meet others from parishes across the Diocese. During the weekend there will be an exploration of John 14:23, together with trying things like high ropes and raft making, games around the campfire and other activities. Cost is £90 per person. To book or for further information please contact Saskia at youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

Jubilee Year Mass for Marriage

The Mass to celebrate marriage in the Jubilee Year will take place at 12noon on Saturday 31 May 2025 at our Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth. Marriage enriches us all, so all are welcome. For further information or to let Deborah van Kroonenburg know your anniversaries or intentions, or when your wedding will take place, email deborah.vankroonenburg@prcdtr.org.uk.