Pope’s Prayer Intention for October

During the month of October, Pope Leo invites us to pray for collaboration between different religious traditions: “Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity.” A video of the Holy Father introducing this prayer intention can be found here and is proposed at a time marked by conflicts and polarization in which religions sometimes bow to the logic of opposition. The Pope invites us instead to rediscover in religion a bridge of fraternity and a reconciling force.

CAFOD Harvest Fast Day

The CAFOD Harvest Fast Day took place last Friday, 3 October. Your donations are a way of sharing God’s abundant gifts with our global neighbours as they find lasting solutions to poverty and climate challenges. Your generosity offers “signs of hope” in this Jubilee Year, helping build more water tanks in communities in Ethiopia where women have to walk for hours to get water. A short video introducing the Fast Day can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/1115554004/a2a29b6d82. Use the CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at www.cafod.org.uk/envelope, call 0303 303 3030, text CAFOD to 70560 to donate £10, or use the attached QR code.

World Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees

The annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees falls this Sunday. This day draws attention to one of the greatest challenges of our time. The late Pope Francis chose as this Jubilee Year’s theme for the 111^th World Day of Migrants and Refugees: “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope.”  For millions of people, migration is not a choice, but a necessity. War, persecution, political instability and, increasingly, the effects of climate change force people to leave their homes in search of safety and stability. On their journeys they often face uncertainty, marginalisation and hostility. And yet, both Pope Francis and Pope Leo remind us, the very act of moving forward in hope is itself a witness of courage and faith. Migrants bring not only their struggles, but also their gifts – enriching host communities and calling all of us to deeper solidarity. Migrants truly are missionaries of hope and, through them, we are also called to be missionaries of hope. Caritas Plymouth held an online event last week for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, to reflect on how we, as the Catholic community, can respond to issues facing migrants and refugees and how small changes can have a positive impact on the environment, which often most affects those already living on the margins. There is an article with a link to a recording of the event on the Diocesan Website and a short video message from Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees.

Statement from the Parish Palestinian Support Group

We are grieved and horrified by the killings that took place earlier this week at the Manchester Synagogue. Murder is never justified, whether committed by individuals or groups or States. The consequences of murder have repercussions far beyond the perpetrators and victims, dividing communities, causing trauma and sowing anger and the desire for revenge. Our hearts and prayers go out to the relatives and friends of all who died or who are injured.

CHAT Harvest Food Collection

Harvest has always been a time of giving thanks for what we have and sharing with those in need. This year, CHAT would love your support in helping them replenish their stocks. With many households facing food insecurity, your donations can make a real difference. CHAT has created a Wishlist which is attached to the Newsletter. Your donations can either be left at church, placed in the receptacles in some supermarkets or taken to CHAT directly. Visit https://www.chatmid.org/harvest-2025 for more information.

First Holy Communion 2026

Parents who have children who are in Year 2 or older and who wish them to start preparing to receive First Holy Communion next year are asked to complete the attached application form and to return it to Canon Kristian or the parish office as soon as possible.

Parish Harvest Supper

Our annual parish Harvest Supper will be taking place on Friday 24 October at 7.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall, Tiverton. During the Supper will be also take some time to reflect on our parish vision going forwards when we return to St James in April 2026 (hopefully!). In order for us to know how many to cater for, please put your name on the lists at the entrance to church.

Youth Volunteers Training Day

A training day for volunteers over 18 years old who currently work with young people or would like to do so will take place on 18 October, 10.00am-2.30pm, at the Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Exeter. The training will explore how to be inclusive whilst keeping everyone safe at events. It is a great day to meet others from other parishes and hear about their experiences. Lunch will be provided, so it is important to book your place: https://forms.office.com/e/hi2DfPW0Kv. For further information contact: Saskia at youth@prcdtr.org.uk

Interested in training to be a Marriage Counsellor?

Are you interested in training and volunteering as a Relationship Counsellor with Marriage Care? Marriage Care is a Catholic organisation specialising in relationship support and is currently looking for those who would be interested in training via its Certificate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) course. Marriage Care is reaching out early to give you the opportunity to benefit from a new and additional pathway that is being offered – the option to volunteer with its marriage preparation service prior to the CRC selection. To find out more and to register your interest either for entry at this stage or prior to our CRC selection process in Autumn 2026, please go to  www.marriagecare.org.uk or email: volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk.

Young Adults Advent Retreat

Young adults, aged 18-30, from across the Diocese of Plymouth are invited to join a retreat at Sclerder Abbey, Cornwall, 21-23 November, to prepare for Advent. During the weekend they will reflect upon the passage from St John’s Gospel: ‘The word became flesh and dwelt amongst us’ (Jn 1:14), whilst experiencing elements of the Chemin Neuf Community, listening to talks by Fr Robbie Lowe and exploring the local area. There is a recommended donation of £30 to help with the accommodation and food costs. For further information contact Saskia; youth@prcdtr.org.uk or follow this link to book: https://forms.office.com/e/se4zasSM7B