Holy Week and the Sacred Paschal Triduum

This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week or Great Week, the most important period of the whole liturgical year. We celebrate and are drawn into the final saving events of the Lord’s life here on earth, from his entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, through the celebration of the Last Supper with his disciples and his suffering and death on the Cross, to his glorious resurrection. The celebrations of Sacred Triduum – the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the Celebration of the Passion on Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil – are not technically holy days of obligation but they are such important days for Christ’s followers that we should naturally be drawn together at church to celebrate these world-changing and life-changing events. In fact, though these Services take place on three separate days, they are in fact one celebration spread over a number of days. Thus, it would be a great blessing for our parish to see as many parishioners as possible taking part in the Sacred Triduum.

Shared Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

In recognition of our common baptism and in thanksgiving for the generosity of welcome they have shown us, we will be sharing the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion together with the community of St Andrew’s as much as is possible. Members of both parish communities will take part in the Liturgy. Please note that the Liturgy will start at 2.00pm rather than our usual 3.00pm.

Cleaning Products for Dignity

This is the last weekend 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.  You are invited to leave your donations in the box in the entrance to church.

Holy Thursday Collection of Food for CHAT & Collection for SVP

One of the main themes of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday is the giving of the new commandment of love. As a practical expression of the love of neighbour, you are invited to bring donations of food for the CHAT Foodbank with you to that Mass, to be brought up to the altar at the Offertory. In addition, there will be a retiring collection to support the work of our Parish SVP as increasing demands are made of them to support those in need in our local community. 

Good Friday Collection for the Holy Places

There will be the traditional retiring collection for the Holy Places on Good Friday. A letter to all the Bishops of the world from Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, the Prefect of the Dicastery in Rome for Eastern Churches, is attached to this Newsletter which sets out the situation of Christians in the Holy Land and the importance of this collection as a support to them.

Blessing of Easter Food

The Central and Eastern European traditional blessing of Easter Food and Easter Baskets will take place in both St Andrew’s and St Boniface’s at 12noon on Holy Saturday.

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

This is the last weekend to buy tickets, £2.00 each, for the Draw for the Easter Simnel Cake made by Monika Manser, and to guess the name of this year’s 1kg Lindt Easter Bunny, £2 a name. The draw for the cake and the revelation of the Bunny’s name take place after the 11.30am Mass this Sunday.

Tough Times Support Group

Rather than on the last Tuesday of this month, the Tough Times Support Group will meet this coming Tuesday, 15 April, at 6.00pm in St Boniface’s Hall, Cullompton. If you are going through a challenging time at the moment or still struggling with something from the past, please come along, experience a warm welcome and find some support.

Parish Pilgrimage of Hope

The parish Laudato Si’ Group are organising a pilgrimage to the birthplace of St Boniface in Crediton, which is one of the designated Places of Pilgrimage in our diocese for the Holy Year of Jubilee. This Pilgrimage of Hope, which will consist of four stages, will take place on Tuesday 24 June. Please see the attached poster and more information will follow.

200 Club

Sheelagh Bourdon won the £30 prize and David Alderman won the £20 prize in the April Draw.  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.

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.