Day of Prayer for Victim-Survivors of Abuse

This Tuesday, 5 May, the Church marks the Day of Prayer for Victim – Survivors of abuse. This day is an opportunity to remember and pray for all those who have experienced abuse, to reflect on the lasting impact of harm, and to show that the Church stands alongside victim-survivors with compassion, support, and hope. An article from the Safeguarding Office together with a prayer from Fr Mark Skelton, the Clergy Lead for Safeguarding, is attached to the Newsletter.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for May

The Holy Father’s intention for the month of May is that everyone might have food: Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food. You can pray together with Pope Leo by going to: https://www.popesprayer.va/praywiththepope/.

World Communications Day Retiring Collection

Sunday 17 May, the Seventh Sunday of Easter, is World Communications Day. There will be a retiring collection at the Masses that weekend to support the communications ministry for the Bishops of England and Wales in spreading the Gospel at the national level.

God’s Wild Acre Project

Diocesan Caritas invites you to take part in a new project – God’s Wild Acre. Do you have a little space in your garden, a window box, or any area you can give to encourage nature to do what it does best? They would like to reach an acre of land that has been set aside to celebrate creation’s wild growing. Please send them your stories, images and size of your plot so that they can share them on the diocesan media streams: caritas@prcdtr.org.uk. 

Parish Coffee Morning

Our next Coffee Morning will take place in St Andrew’s Hall, Tiverton, next Saturday, 9 May, 10.00am-12noon. We look forward to seeing you there for tea or coffee and some delicious cake!

Parish Bingo Evening

On Friday 15 May, from 7.00-9.00pm, we will be holding a parish bingo evening. Come along, have some fun and raise funds at the same time for our new church in Tiverton. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. There will also be a raffle. Any donations for the raffle prices, especially bottles of wine and other alcoholic drinks would be much appreciated and can be left at church.

Parish Palestinian Support Group

An open meeting of the Parish Palestinian Support Group to reflect on what is now needed and could be done by the group will take place on either 19 May or, more likely, 2 June.

Statement of Archbishop Bernard Longley

Following the stabbing of two Jewish men in London this week, Archbishop Bernard Longley, the Chair of the Bishops’ Conference Department for Dialogue and Unity, issued a Statement condemning antisemitism. The Statement is attached to the Newsletter.

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.