NEWSLETTER
Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A)
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Sunday 26th April, 2026
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Message from Canon Kristian
Dear brothers and sisters
We had the joy this morning of celebrating the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation with our children who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion in June. It is always a privilege for me and Fr Paul, as priests, to be able to share this profound sacramental encounter of the Lord of love and mercy with each of these youngsters, whom the Lord calls personally by name, and to be the instruments to them of the consolation and forgiveness of God. It is important that we continue to hold them and their families in prayer as they deepen their faith in and understanding of the amazing gift of the Lord’s Body and Blood, which they will receive in Holy Communion for the first of many times in their lives in a couple of months.
The call by the Lord of each of these children by name reminds us that, at the foundation of our own lives, is the call to follow Christ along that unique path that He has planned for us. This is what we often refer to as our “vocation” or “calling”. Our whole lives as Christians are lived as a response to the call of the Lord, which we strive to live out with ever greater fidelity day by day. Some of us perceive the voice of the Lord calling us along a particular path with clarity at an early age, whilst for some of us it may take a longer time, even a lifetime, of listening for that voice. What is needed on our part is an openness to hear the voice of God speaking through the Sacraments, the Scriptures, our prayer, the people, the places and the circumstances of our lives and a willingness to respond to it freely and courageously.
This Sunday is also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday”, due to the fact that the Gospel reading at Mass focusses of the image of Jesus as the Shepherd of the flock or as the Door to the sheepfold. It is traditionally also the Sunday on which we remind ourselves that each one of us is called to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, on the unique path that every Christian has, but especially we pray for those who are called to serve God’s people as priests and those who are called to witness to a life of total dedication to God as consecrated women and men in the religious life. Wouldn’t it be amazing if vocations to the priesthood and the religious life arose from our own community, from among those young women and men who are such precious members of our parish?! Let us pray for them this weekend that they might be open to the Lord call’s to serve him in one of these vocations, which are so important and necessary for the spiritual well-being of the Catholic Christian community. Neither should we forget the contribution made to parish life by the presence and ministry of permanent deacons, those men, usually married, who offer themselves for service of the Word and Charity through ordination to the diaconate. Maybe there are individuals in our community whom the Lord is calling to this important ministry too. So, this Sunday gives us all much to reflect on and pray about, as each of us seeks to follow Christ, the Good Shepherd. The Bishops’ Conference website this week includes some videos of “A Day in the life of…”, which are well worth a watch (https://www.cbcew.org.uk/a-day-in-the-life-of/).
As always, the weekly guide to a comtemplative reading of the Sunday Gospel from Monica Manser is attached to this weekend’s Newsletter. We thank her for her commitment to offering this each week to those who find it a help to praying with the Scriptures, not just in our own parish community but also in communities across the country and even overseas.
May God bless you all, especially those who are sick, vulnerable or in special need at this time.
Canon Kristian
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
This Sunday, 26 April, is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. It is an opportunity to pray for vocations and to encourage those who may be considering ordained or religious life. The Diocese of Plymouth also asks for your assistance in supporting our seminarians through their training and formation, both through your prayer and financial support. If you are able to contribute to our Seminarians’ Fund, we would be grateful for your donations at the retiring collection at the end of Mass this weekend, or you can donate online by going to https://priesthoodplymouth.co.uk/donate. Bishop Nicholas has recorded a short video about vocations to the priesthood and religious life for this Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_uH7mi3Rhk.
Relationship and Marriage Counsellor
Interested in training and volunteering as a Relationship Counsellor? Marriage Care is a Catholic organisation specialising in relationship support and we are currently looking for those who are empathetic, understanding and have an enthusiasm for supporting adult relationships, to train on our Certificate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) and volunteer with us. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference to couples and families. Please note that there are costs associated with training on our CRC. These costs are far lower than with alternative training providers. In line with our ethos as a charity, no one is excluded on the basis of their ability to pay. Go to www.marriagecare.org.uk or email: volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk to find out more.
CHAT Newsletter
The latest Newsletter from CHAT can be found at https://us10.campaign-archive.com/?u=b63efe7e8efa0b2462f8cd187&id=5b17d8c5a9 .
Parish Monthly Lunch
The Parish Monthly Lunch will take place this Tuesday, 28 April, 12noon- 2.00pm, in St Andrew’s Parish Hall. Come along and enjoy some delicious homemade soups and desserts in an atmosphere of warm and friendly hospitality. All welcome.
The Friends of St James and St Boniface
The Friends of St James and St Boniface, the parish group that plans both the social and fund-raising events which support and enhance our parish community, will next meet this coming Saturday, 2 May, at 9.00am in St Andrew’s Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along to this meeting.
Tough Times Group Social Get Together and Meal
The Tough Times Support Group is celebrating its second anniversary this month. Therefore, the meeting this Tuesday, 28 April, will be held at the New Inn in Broadclyst at the earlier time of 6.00pm for a social get together and meal. Individuals are welcome to contact Jane Wardle privately help is needed with meal cost. Everyone is welcome, even if you have not been before.
St Rita of Cascia’s Feast Day
The celebration for the Feast Day of St Rita of Cascia will take place on Friday 22 May 2026 at St Rita’s Centre, Honiton. The day will begin with Mass at 12 noon, presided by Fr José Romero OAR, followed by the blessing and distribution of roses for the sick. Hot drinks will be available all day, but visitors should bring a packed lunch. The day will conclude with Benediction at 3 pm. Early arrival is advised as car parking can be difficult if you arrive after 11.30 am.
Diocesan Vacancy: Communications Officer
The Diocese is looking for a creative, hands-on Communications Officer to lead and deliver engaging communications across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. This role will support the Diocese in telling the Church’s story, demonstrating Catholic witness and highlighting the Church’s contribution to society across our three counties.
This varied role combines strategy and delivery, taking ownership of digital content, social media, newsletters and website communications, and working closely with the Bishop, clergy, staff and parish communities to ensure messaging is clear, timely and aligned with the Diocese’s mission.
This role requires a self-motivated and experienced communications professional, ideally with not-for-profit experience, who understands and supports the values of the Catholic Church and can engage a wide and diverse audience. Please note that this role also requires travel across the Diocese and so a driving licence and access to a personal vehicle is essential.
35 hours a week (a request for slightly reduced hours is welcome), based at St Boniface House, Ashburton, Newton Abbot, TQ13 7JL, with regular attendance at Cathedral House, 45 Cecil Street, Plymouth, PL1 5HW, plus some out of hours work. Salary: £45,000-£49,000 per annum, depending on experience. The closing date for applications is Monday 11 May 2026 at 12noon. For more information and/or an application form, please contact Avocet Commercial Careers at sophia@avocetlegal.co.uk or phone 01392 642518.
Diocesan Vacancy: Executive Assistant to the Bishop
The Diocese is recruiting an Executive Assistant, working 35 hours a week, based at Bishop’s House, Plymouth, to provide high-level organisational and administrative support to the Bishop, enabling him to fulfil his mission and ministry across the Diocese. This will entail proactively dealing with all administrative matters pertaining to the Bishop’s Office and will include duties such as complex diary management. You will work closely with the Bishop, the Vicar General, the Chief Operating Officer and the wider Diocesan Team. A strong understanding of the Diocese’s mission and an empathy with the Catholic Church’s values and ethos are essential. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 13 May 2026 at 12noon. For more information and/or an application form, please contact Avocet Commercial Careers at sophia@avocetlegal.co.uk or phone: 01392 642518.
March Parish Giving
Loose: £1406.27 Contactless: £566.00 Standing Orders: £3197.50
Masses and Events this week
Sunday 26th April –Fourth Sunday of Easter
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Saturday 25 April – St Mark, Evangelist
- Celebration of First Reconciliation at 10.00am
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm
Sunday 26 April – Fourth Sunday of Easter
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface) Pro Populo
- Holy Mass at 11.30am Peter Moy RIP (anniv)
Monday 27 April – Easter Weekday
- Singing to Remember at 2.00pm
Tuesday 28 April – Easter Weekday
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
- Parish Monthly Lunch, 12noon-2.00pm, in St Andrew’s Hall
- Tough Times Support Group at 6.00pm at the New Inn, Broadclyst
Wednesday 29 April – St Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor, Patron of Europe
- NO Mass at St Boniface
Thursday 30 April – Easter Weekday
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
Friday 1 May – St Joseph the Worker
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11.30am
- Holy Mass with Prayers at 12noon
- Prayer of the Holy Rosary at 12.30pm
Saturday 2 May – St Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor
- Friends of St James and St Boniface at 9.00am in St Andrew’s Hall
- Laudato Si’ Group at 4.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm
Sunday 3 May – Fifth Sunday of Easter
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface) Pro Populo
- Holy Mass at 11.30am

