Crib Offerings
This weekend is the last chance to leave an offering at the crib. These donations will go to the Catholic Children’s Society (Plymouth) as it works across the Diocese spreading God’s love and giving families hope in times of crisis.

Parish Pastoral Council
The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place this Thursday 11 January at 7.00pm in the Hall.

Homelessness – How are we called to respond?
Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that housing is a core part of what it means to live a dignified human life. Yet, every night, tens of thousands of families and individuals are experiencing homelessness across the UK.

This online event of prayer and reflection on Wednesday 17 January 2024, 6.00-7.00pm, will include presentations from organisations working on the frontline of homelessness. All are welcome to take part. Please register to receive the Zoom invitation at https://forms.office.com/e/VVp5t5qU7F.

Burns’ Night Celebration
O n Friday 26 January, starting at 7.00pm, we will be holding our Burns’ Night Celebration in the Hall at St James. Last year it was a tremendous success. So, come and enjoy Cullen Skink, a Piper to greet guests and to pipe in the Haggis for the main course of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, followed by Cranachan, with the odd whiskey to taste. Due to limited numbers, this will be a ticketed event and for adults only. Tickets cost £20 and are on sale from this weekend. If you would like to take part, it is important to get your ticket as soon as you can, as they will soon run out! Please advise of any special dietary needs at the time of purchase of ticket.

“Name the Bear”
A Harrods Millenium Teddy Bear, which has been generously donated to the parish, needs a new home! For just 50p a go, you can try to guess the bear’s name from a list of possible names. There are only 10 names left to choose and we hope that these names will be chosen this weekend, so that the draw can take place next weekend.

Unwanted Gifts Stall
On the weekend of 27/28 January there will be an Unwanted Gifts Stall after both Masses in Tiverton. Any donations would be very welcome. Please leave them in the Hall.

Modern Slavery – It’s happening near you.
Modern slavery is a serious crime being committed across the UK in which victims are exploited for someone else’s gain. Victims are often hidden away, may be unable to leave their situation or may not come forward because of fear or shame. Caritas Diocese of Plymouth has organised an event will include speakers on modern slavery in our Diocese and what practical response we can give. The event will take place on Thursday 6 February, 10.30am-12.30pm at the Church of the Assumption Parish Rooms, Abbey Road, Torquay TQ2 5NJ, followed by a free light lunch. Please register here or email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk.

Coffee Mornings for the New Church
As the work on the rebuilding of the church in Tiverton edges closer, in order to raise funds for various items that will be needed in the new building – eg altar linen, processional cross and candles – we are asking parishioners to start holding Coffee Mornings in the different areas of the parish. If you would like to offer to host a Coffee Morning, please let Canon Kristian, Maggie Pulford or Margaret Found know.

Inspire Music Festival
The Inspire Music Festival will take place on Saturday 2 March at the Schiller Hall, Buckfast Abbey, 11.30am – 6.00pm. Open to those aged 13-25, join fellow Christians from across the diocese to enjoy inspiring talks by speakers, including Daniella Stephens, and listen to the sounds of One Hope Project, Jozzy, Falmouth Vineyard and Crossbeam. Tickets cost £25. The booking form can be found at https://forms.office.com/e/SLhtRkyqDZ. For further information, contact Saskia at youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

Easyfunding
A simple and pain-free way to help raise funds for the rebuilding of our church in Tiverton is via the Easyfunding app which can be downloaded from your usual app store. Once you have created an account, the app will guide you to online shops and vendors which donate a percentage of the cost of an item to good causes. The name of our cause is “St James Church Development Fund – Tiverton”.

200 Club
Canon Kristian will make the draw for January after the 6.00pm Mass this weekend. Those parishioners who pay their annual subscription at this time of year can do so either by card using the contactless machine at church (please let either Simon Coombs or Margaret Found know if you use this method) or by cheque – made payable to “PRCDTR Parish of St James and St Boniface” – and left in an envelope addressed to either Simon Coombs or Margaret Found.

GATHER 2024
The annual GATHER Conference unites people from across the Diocese of Plymouth for a weekend of faith, formation and friendship. This year, once again, GATHER will be held at the Livermead Cliff Hotel, Torquay, 23-25 February. Speakers include Avril Baigent from the Diocese of Northampton, artist Colin Bentley, Sr Mary Magdalen from Lynton and David Wells. Jo Boyce from CJM Music will be leading the liturgies. Go for the whole weekend or as a day delegate. To book use the QR code on the poster or this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FvkAtifpACGwz3CvLBQG0VR59brlyHxY08DvB6YViwM/edit.

Ministry Rotas at St James
New rotas for the ministries of Welcomer, Reader and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at St James are on the noticeboard in the hall. Please put your names down on the dates when you are able to carry out your ministry.