Reflections on Pope Leo from Canon Paul Cummins

Following his recent election, Pope Leo XIV will be formally installed as the 267^th Successor of St Peter at a Mass in St Peter’s Square in Rome this Sunday morning. We will be joining our prayers for Pope Leo to the prayers of those gathered in Rome for this unique occasion.

Canon Paul Cummins, our Diocesan Administrator, has offered some inspiring reflections on Pope Leo XIV and these are attached to this Newsletter.

Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Sexual Abuse

The annual Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse takes place this Tuesday, 20 May. The focus for this year’s day of prayer is the theme of “The Empty Chair”. Our thoughts are with those who are no longer present with us in our church gatherings because they have suffered abuse in a church setting and cannot face being here. They may also include the families or friends of survivors. They may perhaps be former members of a community affected by allegations or convictions for abuse. They may be people who are simply so disgusted or ashamed by what they have heard about abuse within the Church that they no longer want to be part of it. All these groups and others are represented by “The Empty Chair”.

If you have been impacted by abuse and would like to speak to someone, please contact the Safeguarding Office on 01364 645430 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 4.30pm).

Congratulations Honorary Citizen Sally!

Our parishioner, Sally Chapman, the President and Founder of CHAT, was honoured this week by Mayor Neal Davey and the Tiverton Town Council for her incredible contribution to the community. She was made an Honorary Citizen of the Town of Tiverton.

Back in 1995, Sally followed her calling to support people facing homelessness and poverty in Mid Devon, and that same passion continues to drive CHAT’s mission 30 years on. Many congratulations, Sally – what an inspiration you are!

Secular Clergy Fund Collection

This weekend the annual collection to support the Secular Clergy Fund takes place at all the Masses. This is the fund which provides financial assistance to our priests who have resigned from ecclesiastical office, after devoting their lives to serving our parishes communities. Please be as generous as you can.

CAFOD Jubilee Reflection Day

On Saturday 31 May, CAFOD will be holding a Jubilee Reflection Day, which will include the diocesan launch of the Worldwide Church Debt Campaign, 10.30am-3.00pm, in the Schiller Hall, Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre. There will be a live link to Kenya to hear the keynote speaker, Fr Charlie Chilufya SJ, an expert on the debt crisis and the human suffering this is causing in Kenya. All welcome and, though not necessary, booking would be appreciated. Email plymouth@cafod.org.uk or ring 01752 268768. A poster with further information is attached to the Newsletter.

St John’s School Jubilee Pilgrimage

St John’s School Jubilee Pilgrimage will take place on Friday 6 June, leaving school at around 11.30am for the short walk to The Rec, where there will be a short time of prayer together and lunch eaten before returning to school for the next stage. Whilst the younger children will remain in school, the KS2 children will walk to St Andrew’s Church, stopping at points along the way for prayers, aiming to reach St Andrew’s for a Service of the Word at 2.30pm. Parishioners are very welcome to join the children for any part of the day.

Coffee Morning and Tabletop Sale

On Saturday 7 June, 10am-12noon, in St Andrew’s Hall, the Friends of St James and St Boniface will be hosting a Coffee Morning and Tabletop Sale. Tea, coffee and delicious cakes will be served, and there will be
a parish table with goods for sale. Any good quality or new donations would be very welcome by Sunday 1 June. If you would like to book your own table to sell anything you choose, these are available for £10; small £5 tables are available for Under 16s. These must be pre-booked by Sunday 1 June with payment on the day. Ring 07522 338897. Please come and support us as we raise funds for the interior church refurbishment of the rebuilt St James.

Feast of St Boniface, Patron of our Diocese

To celebrate the Feast of St Boniface, the Patron of our Diocese, there will be Mass on Thursday 5 June at 4.00 pm in St Boniface’s Church and National Shrine in Crediton. All are welcome.

Family Picnic Day

In celebration of the Jubilee of Families, Children and Grandparents, there will be a Family Picnic Day at Grangehurst House, Buckfast Abbey, on Sunday 1 June, 12noon-3.00pm, organized by the diocesan Catholic Children’s Society. Bring a picnic and a blanket, and keep the children entertained with games, face painting and refreshments.

CHAT Quiz Night

You are invited to join CHAT for a fun evening of quizzing at St Paul’s Church, Tiverton, on Saturday 7 June. The doors will open at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £12.00, and this includes a Ploughman’s. A bar will also be available on the evening. Quiz Teams can consist of up to 8 people (but these can be allocated on the night if necessary). Tickets for the evening can be purchased at www.tickettailor.com/events/churcheshousingactionteamchat/1649562.

Retrouvaille – A Lifeline for Married Couples

Alone or bored in your marriage? Considering separation or are already divorced? If you are open to try again, Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get back on track. For more information visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk, or call 07973 380443 to find out more.