Divine Mercy Sunday

Pope St John Paul II established that the Second Sunday of Easter also be dedicated to recalling with special devotion God’s great patience with the human race in general and with each individual person when sins and moral failures are forgiven and they are readmitted in a father-like way to his friendship.

He chose this Sunday because the Gospel reading narrates the wonderful things the Risen Lord accomplished on the Day of the Resurrection during his first public appearance: “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you’. When he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad to see the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you’. And then he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained‘” (Jn 20,19-23).

Pope St John Paul II also attached a plenary indulgence to this Sunday so that the faithful might receive in great abundance the gift of the consolation of the Holy Spirit, grow in love for God and for their neighbour and, after they themselves have received God’s pardon, they in turn might be swift in showing pardon to their brothers and sisters. This plenary indulgence, given under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father on or around the time of the designated Sunday) can be obtained by those who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (eg Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!“).

Ladies’ Clothes Swish

The Friends of St James and St Boniface are holding a Ladies’ Clothes Swish this Saturday 11 April, 10.00am-12noon, n St Andrew’s Hall. Pay £10 and fill a shopping bag from the ladies’ clothes and accessories on display. Additional bags are £10 each. Bags provided on entry. Tea, coffee and cake will be available. The last date for clothing and accessory donations is Friday 10 April. All clothes must be clean and in a saleable condition.  ALL WELCOME and all proceeds to the refurbishment of the new church.

April Diocesan Newsletter

The April edition of the Diocesan Newsletter, including a video message from Bishop Nicholas which he recorded in Lourdes earlier this week and a list of upcoming events, can be found at: https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/t/t-EB016AF080443C792540EF23F30FEDED.

A Deeper Dive into the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Spend just one hour a week with others online, going gently but deeply and prayerfully into the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These sessions are for catechists, those who hope to be catechists, those seeking to know more about their faith, anyone interested in discovering more about the teaching of the Church – in fact for anyone who is interested! The sessions take place on Monday evenings at 7.00pm, starting this Monday 13 April. To find out more, or receive a link, please contact deborah.vankroonenburg@prcdtr.org.uk.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the draw for April after the 6.00pm Mass this Saturday.  If you would like one or more numbers in this parish fund raiser for as little as £1 a month, please let Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon know at St Andrew’s or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface.

“Rise to Our Cause”

This year’s Catholic Children’s Society ‘Rise to Our Cause’ event will be held at the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Torquay on Thursday 14 May. The event will start with Holy Mass at 12.00 noon, followed by a two-course hot lunch. After lunch, the Guest Speakers will be John and Myfanwy Quine who live in the beautiful Peak District not far from Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Over the last two decades, John and Myfanwy have witnessed incredible movements of God in their lives and in the lives of many others. They are eager to share how God has responded to their prayers, revealing some truly amazing miracles. Tickets cost £15 and can be ordered by emailing vicki.dunstone@ccsplymouth.org.uk or by calling the CCSP office on 01364 645420. 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 them to continue helping families of all faiths and none living throughout Devon, Cornwall and parts of Dorset.

Young People’s Weekend

A Residential Weekend, “Go make disciples of all nations”, at Heatree Outdoor Activity Centre on Dartmoor will take place from 15-17 May. The weekend is open to those aged 9-12 (school years 5-7). Whilst enjoying high ropes and raft building (amongst other activities), young people will have the chance to explore the Sunday readings through discussion, crafts and games. Cost £90. To book, follow the link:  Heatree 2026 15th-17th May – Fill in form. For further information, email Saskia or Ruby at youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

Fundraiser for Cancer Research UK

On Saturday 16 May, Ewelina Zychlinska will be taking part in the Ultra Jurassic Coast Challenge. Alongside three friends, she will be walking 36 miles, which they hope to complete within 16 hours. Each mile will be dedicated to someone who has lost their life to cancer, is currently fighting the disease or who has survived it. If anyone would like to have a name included for dedication, they are very welcome to get in touch with Ewelina. You can also sponsor her by going to her JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ewelina-ych-5?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL.

CHAT Aviva Community Fundraiser

CHAT is currently raising funds through the Aviva Community Fund to provide money and debt advice to people across Mid Devon. With early advice, families can avoid court action, eviction and mounting debt. Until next Saturday 18 April donations are being matched through the Aviva Community Fund. Please go to https://communitiesfund.avivafoundation.org.uk/p/early-help-money-advice-before-crisis to make a donation.