Assisted Suicide

The important vote for all MPs on the assisted suicide legislation, known as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, is likely to take place on 25 April. The charity Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to allow people to contact their Member of Parliament and it only takes a few moments to submit a message to ask an MP to stop assisted suicide being rushed into law. It can be accessed here: https://righttolife.org.uk/asvote. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has issued a Pastoral Letter to all Catholics in our country to be read at Masses this weekend.

Pope’s Prayer Intention for April

During the month of April, our Holy Father Pope Francis invites us to join with him in praying for the use of the new technologies: “Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times”. To watch a video of Pope Francis introducing this prayer intention and to find more information about it, please go to https://thepopevideo.org/april-for-the-use-of-the-new-technologies/.

Fifth Jubilee Lenten Offering

Here is the link to the Lenten Offering for this weekend, including a reflection on the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent by Mgr Robert Draper: https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/t/t-CC3E8AD71C81CF722540EF23F30FEDED . You are warmly invited to sign up to receive the monthly diocesan newsletter at  https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/h/t/A561A3216C433494.

Cleaning Products for Dignity and CHAT Lent Reflections

There has been fantastic support for our special 40-day collection of household cleaning products for CHAT, focussing on donations of household cleaning products, such as polish, washing powder/pods, softener, cleaning sprays, sponges, tea clothes, dusters, toilet cleaner, bleach, bin bags etc.  Let’s make the most of the remaining week and a half to add to the donations so far. You are invited to leave your donations in the box at church. This year, CHAT has also produced Lenten Reflections based on the main Sunday Gospel readings for the Season of Lent.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the draw for April after the 6.00pm Mass this Saturday.  If you would like to join the 200 Club for as little as £1 a month, please let Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon know at St Andrews or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface.

Parish Family Fun Bingo Night

The Parish Family Fun Bingo Night takes place this Friday, 11 April, in St Andrew’s Hall. Doors open at 6.30pm, eyes down at 7.00pm. Bingo books are £5 each and we will play 8 games of Bingo. There are 6 Bingo boxes on each of the 8 pages. Books can be split for younger players. There will be prizes for the first complete line and full house. Tea/coffee and cake will be on offer, together with an Easter themed raffle, £2 a strip, to be drawn on the night. All welcome.

Lent Series of Talks on Zoom

The Lent Series of Talks on Zoom offered by Fr Mark Skelton comes to an end this coming Thursday at 7.00pm with a talk entitled “Jesus’ Last Pilgrimage”. The Zoom call will be open from 6.45pm as usual and the Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84052447850?pwd=MmPzcp911dTsGJWDxR0vH5H9zYS4e6.1 Meeting ID: 840 5244 7850 Passcode: 043004.

Draw for the Simnel Cake & Guess the Name of the Easter Bunny

Tickets for the Draw for the Easter Simnel Cake, which will be made by Monika Manser, are on sale now, £2.00 each. The draw will be made next Sunday, 13 April, after the 11.30am Mass. Guess the name of this year’s 1kg Lindt Easter Bunny from this weekend, £2 a name. Canon Kristian has chosen a name from the list and it is sealed in an envelope next Sunday, 13 April, when the winner will be revealed!

Diocesan Vacancy – Head of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth

The Head of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth plays a pivotal role in advancing the Church’s “Ministry of Charity” by leading social action initiatives that align with the Bishop’s vision. The role involves implementing strategic priorities in response to the evolving needs of the community, especially for people in vulnerable situations in our local communities including children, those who are older, people who are homeless or those seeking asylum or refuge. This is a hands-on role and the person must have a delivery-focussed attitude. The post is located at St Boniface House, Ashburton, Devon, but involves travel throughout the Diocese. The post is a permanent, full-time position, 35 hours per week with a salary of £45,000-£50,000 p.a. depending on experience. The closing date for applications is Sunday 27 April 2025. See attached advert for more details.