Press Release from the Diocese of Plymouth

Canon Paul Cummins, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Plymouth, has called for everyone to turn away from violence and embrace peace and reconciliation:

“The Southwest of England has long been a place of welcome. Our beautiful countryside and wonderful coast have been havens of peace for generations. We have always welcomed the stranger and offered a place of sanctuary for those fleeing violence and discrimination.

In the past few days in our diocese, we have witnessed scenes of disorder which have disturbed that peace and brought fear and anxiety to the streets of Weymouth and Plymouth.

We appeal to everyone to turn away from violence and embrace peace and reconciliation. We reaffirm our solidarity with those of different faiths, races and cultures who have sought refuge in our diocese. This is your home.

We are grateful for the work of our emergency services in ensuring the safety of all and for all those involved in creating communities of hope, not hate.

Jesus tells us to ‘treat others as we would like them to treat us”.  “This is our hope. This is our prayer.”

Prayer for Peace

Lord, Prince of Peace,

we appeal to your boundless love and mercy.

In the face of violence and turmoil in our country, strengthen our resolve to work for reconciliation and peace within our communities.

Help us not to harden our hearts, to redouble our efforts

to welcome the stranger and to reach out to those in need.

Change the hearts and minds of those who seek to fuel unrest

and bring us all to live in your kingdom of justice, peace and love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

by Fr Jonathan Stewart

Coffee Morning

The next Coffee Morning to raise funds for the internal fixtures of the rebuilt St James will take place this Saturday 10 August, 10.00am-12noon, hosted by Margaret and Sarah, at Stylehurst, Ashley, Tiverton, EX16 5PA. If you would like to host a Coffee Morning or other similar event (or to host another one, if you have already hosted one!), please have a word with either Margaret Found or Maggie Pulford.

200 Club

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

Lifepath Reunion and Video Premiere!

This year’s Lifepath volunteers and supporters, and anyone who might be interested in getting involved next year, are invited to St Pauls Church, Tiverton, this Tuesday 13 August at 7.00pm. It will be a chance to see each other again, to watch the final video summary of the event before it is made public, to look at the photographs taken of the event and to share favourite memories with each other. Then looking ahead to 2025, dates will be set for next year and others will be encouraged to become part of the core team and individuals invited to fill roles to take plans forward.

Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady

The Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, which falls this Thursday, 15 August, is a Holy Day of Obligation, which means that we are all called to come together for Mass on that day. In order to enable as many people to get to Mass as possible there will be a Vigil Mass at St Boniface on Wednesday 14 August at 6.00pm and Mass at 10.00am and 6.00pm at St James on Thursday 15 August.

Laudato Si’ Newsletter

This month’s Laudato Si’ Group Newsletter is attached, which gives information about how to transition to cleaner renewable energy. Flyers with additional information will also be available at church.

Youth Club

The St James and St Boniface Youth Club meets every second Saturday between 11.00am-12.30pm at the hall at St Boniface. Young people from 9-14 years old are invited to come along and spend some time together, to play games, to talk and to eat cake! The next meeting of the Club will be next Saturday, 17 August.

Confirmation 2025

Next year is a Confirmation year for the parish, so if there are any young people, aged 14 or over, who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, please complete the attached form and return it to the Parish Office as soon as possible, so that we will be able to make plans to start the preparation programme in the Autumn.

SVP Parish Skittles Evening

The SVP will be holding a parish skittles evening on Friday 30 August at the Racehorse Pub in Wellbrook Street, Tiverton, from 7.00pm. Tickets cost £10 each, and include a buffet supper. Please let Simon Coombs know (07761 420703) by 23 August if you would like to come along and take part. 

Coffee Morning at St Andrew’s

As we contemplate our upcoming move to St Andrew’s whilst St James is being rebuilt, we would like to show support for St Andrew’s community events. They will be holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday 7 September in St Andrew’s Church Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, in support of the New Vine Education and Training Centre in Eastern Uganda, which now has over 100 pupils. Do go along and show your support if you can.