Solidarity and Support for Palestinian Christians in the Middle East

The lands of Palestine are the cradle of Christianity, sometimes referred to as the “Fifth Gospel” and the Christian Palestinians as the “living stones”, their persistent existence going back to the days of Jesus walking that very ground. In 1949 some 10% of the population was Christian, today it is less than 2% and declining.

A number of parishioners wish to start a project (along with other local Christians) to demonstrate solidarity and support for Palestinian Christians in the Middle East. This has become increasingly important these past two years with War and Famine in Gaza and increasing violence in the occupied territories. 

To this end and as part of a wider support to all the victims of violence in the area, these parishioners are calling a meeting on 12 August at 7.45pm (for 8.00pm) in St Andrew’s Hall to pilot a Tiverton and district wide project aiming to respond both practically and politically to the famine, war and violence across the Palestinian territories as a small local endeavour contributing towards the eventual establishment of Peace with Justice for all Israelis and Palestinians.

Do please come along if you can. If you are interested in becoming more involved and helping with the meeting, please speak to Sally Chapman, Bridget Tosh, Carol or Terence McCarthaigh (t.mccarthaigh@btinternet.com).

Updating the Parish Database

Under the General Data Protection Regulation, it is necessary for us to ensure that the data the parish holds on our parishioners is up to date. We therefore need to ask each person/family to fill out a new census form at regular intervals. It has been some years since the parish database was last updated, so new census forms are available over the next few weekends. Many of you have already returned your forms. Could those who have yet to return theirs please do so as soon as possible. There are additional forms available for those who still need to take one. If you know of anyone who does not attend church regularly, but who would still like to be included on the database, please take a form for them to complete and return.

CAFOD’s Summer “Cancel the Debt” Campaign

This Jubilee year, CAFOD is asking us to consider the plight of countries saddled with unbearable debt by banks and their wealthy neighbours. Whilst there are so many problems in the world at the moment, we can feel powerless to help those in need, but this is your chance to make a difference. Jane Trott has produced a useful flyer, attached to the Newsletter, which gives directions about how you can participate in this campaign.

Mad Hatters’ Tea Party

A Coffee Morning and Mad Hatters’ Tea Party in aid of the St James’ Building Fund will take place at Stylehurst, Ashley, Tiverton, EX16 5PA, this Saturday 2 August, 10.00am-12noon. Children are welcome. So, it’s time to be making your Mad Hatters’ Hat! Prizes for the best Lady’s Hat, Gent’s Hat and Child’s Hat!

SVP Skittles Evening

The annual SVP Skittles Evening will be held at the Racehorse Pub in Wellbrook Street, Tiverton, on Friday 22 August from 7.00pm. The cost will be £10 a person, inclusive of a buffet supper. Please let Simon Coombs (07761 420703), Shelagh Eastwood, Sheelagh Bourdon, Margaret Found or Maggie Pulford know by 15 August if you will be taking part, as numbers for food need to be given by that date.

New Directors for Plymouth CAST

Plymouth CAST is a Catholic multi-academy trust of 34 schools and 1 nursery, spanning the Diocese of Plymouth. Its mission is to be a community of outstanding schools in which our pupils flourish in safe, happy, and stimulating environments and leave with the knowledge and skills, personal qualities, and aspirations, to make the world a better place, inspired by the Gospel. Plymouth CAST is looking to expand its Board of Directors. It is particularly interested in hearing from you if you have skills and current or recent experience of education at primary or secondary level, particularly within a multi-academy trust. Please contact the Clerk to the Trust Board for further information, Mrs Leah Paiano: lpaiano@plymouthcast.org.uk

Unbound: Freedom in Christ Prayer Conference

Negative thoughts, repetitive sins and unhealthy relationships? Destructive habits, idols, and false identities? Resentments and bitter wounds that never seem to heal? What if you could reach out and touch God’s love and never be the same? The Unbound: Freedom in Christ Conference will take place on 20/21 September in St Boniface RC College, Plymouth. Unbound is a non-confrontational freedom and inner healing ministry which helps people worldwide reclaim their true identity in Christ. Author and co-founder Matt Lozano will be speaking live from the USA. There will be Mass, Confessions, Adoration, trained ministry teams and praise and worship. Tickets £40 via the link: https://givealittle.co/c/5dBfepB2Akl3YpEkxi3Qr1. Booking is essential as tickets will not be available on the door. Over 18’s only. For more details 01752 701660 or 07940 453607.

Jubilee Day for Catechists

In this Jubilee year, this day is for all catechists and those interested in becoming catechists. Speakers include Dr Pat McGovern and the LIFT Team from our parish in Truro and Deacon Tim van Kroonenburg. It will take place at the Buckfast Abey Conference Centre on Saturday 27 September, 10.00am – 4.00pm. To register, please email plymouth-crownhill@prcdtr.org.uk.

Marriage Help

Retrouvaille helps couples find hope and healing for their marriage. The next sessions are from 17-19 October. Go to www.retrouvaille.org.uk for more information or ring 07887 296983.

SVP National Raffle

Members of the SVP will be selling the Society’s summer raffle tickets over the coming weeks. They cost £1 a ticket in books of 5. 1^st prize is £5000, 2^nd of £1000 and 15 additional prizes of £100. The Parish SVP group will receive 50% of the ticket sales to support its work, so please be generous.