Prayer Intention for April

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, invites us to join him in prayer this month for the following intention: “Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world”. To view a video of the Pope himself and for more information, go to https://www.cbcew.org.uk/popes-april-prayer-intention-for-the-role-of women/.

Divine Mercy Service

This Sunday, 7 April, a Divine Mercy Service will be held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Heavitree, Exeter. There will be confessions at 2.30pm and the Service will start at 3.00pm. This will be followed by refreshments in the St Richard Reynolds Centre. All are very welcome.

Hope & Healing for Christians in the Holy Land

I n Gaza, over 800 Christians are sheltering in churches. Every day involves fear, prayers and one piece of bread to eat. International aid cannot reach them. In Bethlehem, 80% of Christians have lost their income as tourism has collapsed. If you can, please give to the Hope & Healing Fund of the Friends of the Holy Land: www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/hope or call 01926 512980. A few leaflets with more information are available at church.

Youth Adventure Residential Weekend

This year’s Youth Adventure weekend will be at Grangehurst, Buckfast Abbey, 24–26 May. Changing the location has meant that different adventure activities, such as caving, can be offered. This year’s theme is ‘I am with you’ (Mt 18:20). In between the activities and games, young people will have the chance to explore the Scriptures and consider ways to communicate with God. This weekend of aimed at those between10-13 years of age. Cost £100. To book: https://forms.office.com/e/DkVzq6hTJB Further questions please contact Saskia: youth@prcdtr.org.uk

Visit the Bishop of Exeter’s Garden

The garden of the Bishop’s Palace is one of Exeter’s best kept secrets. It covers three acres and is one of the most ancient in Devon. Bounded by the old Roman bank and city wall to the East and by the cathedral to the West, it is a haven of peace in the middle of the city. The garden will be open to the public on Sunday 14 and 28 April, 2.00-4.30pm. Entrance fee is £5.00 and will be collected in aid of the Devon Historic Churches Trust.

Aging in the Southwest

C aritas Diocese of Plymouth in partnership with the Society of St Vincent de Paul are hosting an event in the St Cuthbert Mayne Parish Rooms in Launceston, Cornwall, on Saturday 20 April, 10.00am-3.30pm, entitled: “Aging in the Southwest: Challenges and Opportunities”. All are welcome to come along and join in the day of prayer, discussion and reflection to explore the theme of an aging society and how we can respond. A light lunch is included. Scan the QR code, phone 01364 645360 or email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk to register.

Parish St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Group

The Parish SVP group (called a “Conference”) is twinned with a Conference in Nellore, India, and sends them an annual financial contribution to help the poor and needy in their area. In recent correspondence, our twin has told us how the money has been used to provide scholarships to poor students, to make regular visits to adopted families and to visit the elderly. 

In addition to visiting the sick, elderly and needy, the Parish SVP Conference with the help of the national SVP organization has also recently been able to provide fridge freezers to two local people referred by CHAT, along with a microwave for one of the beneficiaries. We are always open to welcoming parishioners to be new members of the SVP group to share in its important work, so please speak to Simon Coombs for further information.

Recycling for the Catholic Children’s Society

At the entrance to St James and in the hall at St Boniface there is a large orange collection box for items for recycling to raise funds for the work of the Catholic Children’s Society. The following items are wanted: Jewellery – unwanted gold and silver, including damaged items, costume jewellery, watches; Coins & Currency – banknotes and coins, any currency UK or foreign of any age, unchangeable currency; Gadgets – mobile phones, video cameras, old film cameras, digital cameras, sat navs, game consoles, games and accessories, iPods, MP3 players, tablet computers; Stamps – loose or single stamps, First Day Covers, presentation packs. Used printer cartridges can be placed in a separate collection box.

February Parish Giving

Loose: £1161.12 Contactless: £490.00 Standing Orders: £2919.00

200 Club

The draw for April will take place after the 6.00pm Mass this Saturday. If you are not a member of this parish fund raising initiative, please consider joining.  Please speak to Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St James or Teresa Cummings at St Boniface.

Celebratory Banquet at the Mumbai Kitchen

A banquet will be held at the Mumbai Kitchen in Tiverton on Tuesday 16 April to celebrate the United Nations Award for Sustainable Development awarded to friends in the Sundarban region of Bangladesh at COP 28. Suggested cost per person is £10.00. If you would like to come along and take part, please email bridgetmtosh@gmail.com.