Thy Kingdom Come 2024

As part of the Thy Kingdom Come initiative, the Christian family is invited to gather and pray together at “Bow Down” in West Exe Park, Tiverton this Sunday, 19 May, 9.00-9.30pm (sunset).

Laudato Si’ Week 2024 – Seeds of Hope

L audato Si’ Week begins this Sunday and ends on Sunday 26 May. This year’s theme is inspired by the symbol for Season of Creation 2024, “first fruits.” You can find resources to reflect and respond to Laudato Si’ in the light of your faith, including prayers and ideas for practical action relating to climate change, the environment and sustainable development at here. This year Caritas Diocese of Plymouth is offering a series of events at Plymouth Cathedral to mark its fifth anniversary and Laudato Si’ Week: https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/seedsofhope-3/.

Coffee Mornings and a Musical Afternoon Tea

Please put the dates for these regular events to raise funds for the internal fixtures of the rebuilt St James into your diaries:

• Thursday 23 May, 10.00am-12noon, Maggie and Val, 25 Blundells Avenue, Tiverton, EX16 4DL.

• Wednesday 5 June, 3.00-5.00pm, April and John, Musical Afternoon Tea, Greenbank, Old Tiverton Road, Bampton, EX16 9DP.

• Thursday 27 June, 10.00am-12noon, Christine and Babs, 51 Rackenford Road, Tiverton, EX16 5AF.

• Wednesday 17 July, 10.00am-12noon, Monika and David, Holmelea, 7 Blundells Avenue, Tiverton, EX16 4DL.

• Saturday 10 August, 10.00am-12noon, Margaret and Sarah, Stylehurst, Ashley, Tiverton, EX16 5PA.

Stella Maris Update and Thank You Webinar

Catholic maritime charity Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea) is very grateful for our parish’s prayer and financial support of its work on Sea Sunday last year.  To report back on the use of those funds, it invites parishioners to join an online update and thank you webinar on Tuesday 28 May, 7.30pm-9.00pm. You will hear about the impact of your generosity on the lives of seafarers, fishers and their families over the last year. Its CEO and chaplains will share inspiring stories of how they have helped seafarers and fishers through your support. To register for this virtual event, please visit www.stellamaris.org.uk/thankyou2024.

Feast Day of St Rita of Cascia

The Feast Day of St Rita of Cascia takes place this Wednesday, 22 May. As usual, there will be a day of celebration at St Rita’s Centre, Honiton, beginning with Mass celebrated by Fr John Dockerty at 12noon, followed by the blessing and distribution of roses for the sick. The celebrations will conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 3.00pm. Contact Krista Rodzina for further information (01404 42635).

Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Boniface

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Boniface in Crediton – the place of his birth – will take place on Sunday 9 June, presided over by Canon Paul Cummins. Everyone from around the Diocese is warmly invited to the celebration of the Feast of Saint Boniface, who is the Principal Patron of our Diocese. Pilgrims are invited to gather from 4.00pm at the church in Park Road, Crediton, for Vespers and Benediction. Light refreshments will be provided. Additionally, there is an exciting Crediton and Community Celebration at Newcombes Meadows from 12noon-4.00pm, featuring bands, a bar, games, street food, and a Saxon Fayre. For further information, please see poster or e-mail crediton@prcdtr.org.uk.

Call for Foundation Directors for Plymouth CAST

Plymouth CAST is a Catholic multi-academy trust of 34 schools and one nursery, spanning the Diocese of Plymouth. Its mission is to be a community of outstanding schools in which its pupils flourish in safe, happy, and stimulating environments and leave school with the knowledge and skills, personal qualities, and aspirations, to make the world a better place, inspired by the Gospel. 

Plymouth CAST is currently recruiting to expand its Board of Directors. We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have skills and experience in Finance, HR and/or Education. Please contact the Clerk to the Trust Board for further information, Mrs Leah Paiano lpaiano@plymouthcast.org.uk.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 26 July to 1 August 2024. Details of the Main Pilgrimage and those for the Youth Pilgrimage are attached to the Newsletter. Contact Fr Chris Findlay-Wilson, the Pilgrimage Director for further information (01202 746539).

Diocese of Plymouth Summer Camps 2024

Applications are now being taken for places at the Plymouth Diocese Catechetical Summer Camps to be held at Grangehurst, Buckfast Abbey. Three Camps are being run: Junior Camp (Years 3-6, 4-8 August), Senior Camp (Years 7-10, 28 July-2 August) and St Petroc’s Camp (Years 11-12, 31 July-2 August). Summer Camps are a great opportunity to meet other young people in the Diocese and to get to know each other through games, quiz nights, treasure hunts, days out and much more! For further information, see leaflet in church, contact summercamps@prcdtr.org.uk, or speak to Siobhan Gilroy or Canon Kristian.