Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Boniface

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Boniface, the Principal Patron of our Diocese, in his birthplace of Crediton, will take place this Sunday, presided over by Canon Paul Cummins. Everyone from around the Diocese is warmly invited to gather from 4.00pm at the church in Park Road, Crediton, for Vespers and Benediction. Light refreshments will be provided.

First Holy Communions 2024

Next Sunday at the 10.00am Mass, 16 children will be making their First Holy Communion. Do please keep them and their families in your prayers in a special way. Since this Mass will be longer than usual, the Mass at St Boniface will start at 12noon next weekend.

Day for Life

In England and Wales, the annual Day for Life is celebrated next Sunday, 16 June. The theme this year is The Lord is my Shepherd – Compassion and Hope at the End of Life. A debate on end-of-life issues has been in the headlines in recent months with calls for assisted suicide being expressed, especially by celebrities, a view that opposes the Catholic view that life is a gift and that we are called to care for others at the end of their lives. There will be a retiring collection to support the Church’s work in promoting the culture of life.

Coffee Mornings and a Musical Afternoon Tea

Please put the dates for these regular events to raise funds for the internal fixtures of the rebuilt St James into your diaries:

• Thursday 27 June, 10.00am-12noon, Christine and Babs, 51 Rackenford Road, Tiverton, EX16 5AF.

• Wednesday 24 July, 10.00am-12noon, Monika and David, Holmelea, 7 Blundells Avenue, Tiverton, EX16 4DL.

• Saturday 10 August, 10.00am-12noon, Margaret and Sarah, Stylehurst, Ashley, Tiverton, EX16 5PA.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35)

Caritas Diocese of Plymouth invites you to a Zoom event this Thursday 13 June, 6.00-7.00pm, to reflect on Refugee Week which, this year, has as its theme “Our Home”. You will hear from someone who has been through the asylum system, sustained and supported by her Catholic faith, and from people who have answered the call to help and support in different ways. Please come and join in this event to reflect upon how we can make our churches and parishes places of welcome and support for those forced to leave their homes in search of peace and freedom. Please click to register https://forms.office.com/e/18ddAqE40F or email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk.

A Journey into Faith – Levi Roach

Following an invitation from the Parish Pastoral Council, Levi Roach, who was baptised here at St. James at the Easter Vigil, will be talking to the parish about his journey to conversion on Wednesday 26 June from 7.00-9.00 pm in the parish hall.  Please come and join us to learn all about his remarkable and touching story.

Diocese of Plymouth Summer Camps 2024

Applications are now being taken for places at the Plymouth Diocese Catechetical Summer Camps at Grangehurst, Buckfast Abbey. Three: Junior Camp (Years 3-6, 4-8 August), Senior Camp (Years 7-10, 28 July-2 August) and St Petroc’s Camp (Years 11-12, 31 July-2 August). Summer Camps are a great opportunity to meet other young people in the Diocese and to get to know each other through games, quiz nights, treasure hunts, days out and much more! For further information, see the leaflet in church, contact summercamps@prcdtr.org.uk, or speak to Siobhan Gilroy or Canon Kristian.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

W orld Elder Abuse Awareness Day this Saturday, 15 June, with the theme “Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies,” emphasizes the need to protect and support older individuals during crises. It calls on governments, organizations, and communities to prioritise the safety and well-being of older people in their emergency preparedness and response strategies. This Day of Awareness also highlights the importance of education and training for emergency responders, caregivers and the public. By raising awareness about the specific challenges faced by older people in emergencies, we can foster a more inclusive and protective environment, and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially in times of crisis. Go to https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day for more information.

Diocesan Youth Event – Segway Olympics and Obstacle Course

The Segway Olympics and Obstacle Course, for young people aged 10 – 16, will take place on 29 June at Devon Activity Centre. Many of our young people have enjoyed building friendships with others across the diocese at events like these.  During the day, they will have the chance to explore the Scripture verse 2 Tim 1:7, whilst facing the challenges of the Segway Olympics and the wet obstacle course. A recommended contribution is £20 per person or £15 for multiple siblings and those on low income. For more detailed information and to book follow: https://forms.office.com/e/C7E07CArSj or contact Saskia at youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

General Election 2024

Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) is encouraging all Catholics to #RegisterToVote before 23.59pm on 18 June 2024 in preparation for the General Election. CSAN have launched a number of resources to help Catholics inform their conscience and navigate the political landscape at this time. Go to www.csan.org.uk/general-election-2024 for more details.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the draw for June after the 6.00pm Mass this Saturday. If you are not a member of this parish fund raising initiative, please consider joining.  Please speak to Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St James or Teresa Cummings at St Boniface.