Prayer Intention for May

D uring the month of May Pope Francis invites us to join with him in praying for the formation of men and women religious and seminarians: “Let us pray that men and women religious and seminarians grow in their won vocational journey through human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, that leads them to be credible witnesses of the Gospel.” Go to www.popevideo.org to hear the Holy Father introduce this intention personally.

“Book”/Lunch Club

The ”Book”/Lunch Club will be meeting for lunch this week on Thursday, 2 May, at 12.30pm at Waterloo Cross, Cullompton.

Parish Rosary Group

The Parish Rosary Group will be praying the Rosary each Friday during the month of May at 12.30pm, after the 12noon Mass, starting this Friday 3 May. Everyone welcome. Contact details for more information: Marian on 07596317759.

Prints for Sale

One of our parishioners, Pauline Pym, has had prints of three pieces of her beautiful artwork made to raise fund for the St James Building Fund. The prints come two sizes and are available for a minimum donation of £5 a print. The red print is called “Eucharist”, the yellow sky is called “Outward Bound” and the red sky “Homecoming”. These last two pieces of art were created following the loss of a close friend. They go on a new journey and sail away from us, but the other side of that journey is their homecoming. A boat sails out of our view but appears on another horizon and comes home to God.

Parish Summer Fête

We will be holding our Summer Fête at St James on Saturday 11 May, 11.30am-1.30pm. Please put the date in your calendar and bring your family and friends. This week we are asking parishioners to bring a bottle for the Bottle Tombola. It can be a bottle of your choosing – from Champagne to vinegar, preferably in glass bottles. Volunteers are still needed to take care of the stalls. All stalls are set up and ready to run. We, of course, always need help to set up and tidy away, so the more volunteers the merrier! There is a list at the entrance to church. Please do take a poster (attached to the Newsletter) with you today to take into your workplace or put in your window.

Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse

The Bishops of England and Wales have set aside Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter as a Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse. This is a day of prayer for those who have been abused, during a season of hope and new life.  This year’s focus is on communities who have been directly affected by allegations or convictions related to abuse especially, but not exclusively, within the Church.

Prayer for a culture of openness and loving support

for survivors of abuse

We pray for those who have come forward

to speak of the abuse they have suffered,
and for those who are not yet able to.

May the Spirit help us to offer a response

that is rooted in the love of Christ
and to be a community in which they can continue

to feel believed and safe as the search for truth and justice unfolds.

God of justice and healing;
Hear our prayer.

If you have experienced abuse, whether recently or non-recently, and would like to speak to someone about this, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Office on 01364 645430 between Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 4.30pm, for a confidential conversation.

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales: call 0300 303 1056 (Monday-Friday 9.00am-9.00pm, Saturday 9.00am-1.00pm and Sunday 1.00pm-5.00pm) or email: safespaces@firstlight.org.uk. You can also make a referral at https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/referral/ . You can also visit the safeguarding pages on the Diocesan Website to find contact details for local and national services that can support you.

Diocesan Newsletter for April

The Diocesan Newsletter for this month can be found at: https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/t/t-262C14F92A9AF4E02540EF23F30FEDED.

Tough Times Group

The Tough Times Support Group, which meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 7.00pm in the hall at St Boniface in Cullompton, aims to provide a safe space to share, vent and find solace in navigating life’s storms. It aims to provide a friendly space to find strength in shared experiences and in the comforting embrace of our faith. We are not alone; we can walk this journey together, leaning on the hope found in Christ. The Group meets this coming Tuesday, 30 April. You are most welcome.

Guided Walk of Tiverton Churches and Chapels

On Friday 10 May, 1.30-3.00pm, and on Saturday 18 May, 1.30-3.00pm, Tiverton Museum has arranged a guided walk, starting at the Museum, looking into the history of the churches still very much in use today, as well as those that are no longer here, illustrated with photos from the Museum Collection. Tickets cost £10 (£8.50 for Museum Members), available through www.tivertonmuseum.org.uk or from the Museum. Advance booking essential.

Missio Red Box Collection 2023

Our Diocese raised over £63.000 for Missio by means of the Red Mission Boxes and direct giving to support the missions. Of that sum, our parish raised £413.68. It would be great if more parishioners took a Red Box home and took part in this easy way to raise necessary funds for the foreign missions. Please speak to Maggie Pulford or to Canon Kristian.