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.

As we are still sharing St Andrew’s Church in Tiverton, we will be sharing some parts of the Good Friday and Easter Vigil Services together in recognition of our common Christian baptism and our shared belief in the central importance of the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection.

Confessions

There will be an additional time to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance this week on Wednesday, 6.30-7.30pm, in St Andrew’s.

Cleaning Products for Dignity and the Aviva Community Fundraiser

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 washing up liquid and scourers, kitchen/bathroom/toilet cleaner, cleaning cloths and dusters, washing powder or capsules and laundry softener.  Please leave your donations in the appropriate place at the entrance to church.

CHAT is currently also raising funds through the Aviva Community Fund to provide money and debt advice to people across Mid Devon. This funding allows CHAT to offer practical, one-to-one support to people who come every day to CHAT with overwhelming financial pressure. With early advice, families can avoid court action, eviction and mounting debt. Until Saturday 18 April donations are being matched through the Aviva Community Fund. Every £1 that is donated is doubled. Any donation, however small, makes a difference! Please go to https://communitiesfund.avivafoundation.org.uk/p/early-help-money-advice-before-crisis to make a donation.

Eggcelent Easter Raffle

Friends of St James and St Boniface are running an Easter raffle. Tickets are now on sale. All proceeds to the refurbishment of the new church.

Holy Thursday Collection of Food and Money Donations for CHAT

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 for CHAT for those who would prefer to show their support in that way. 

Good Friday Collection for the Holy Places

There will be the traditional retiring collection for the Holy Places on Good Friday. Given the continuing devastation in Gaza and the West Bank, both places where there is a significant presence of Palestinian Christians, this collection has an even greater importance this year. Please be generous.

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.

Tough Times Support Group

The Tough Times Support Group will be meeting in St Andrew’s Hall, Tiverton on Tuesday, 7 April, at 7.00pm. 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. Those who take part greatly value it, not only the meetings themselves, but also the ongoing support and care through the connected WhatsApp group. 

Ladies’ Clothes Swish

Friends of St James and St Boniface are holding a Ladies’ Clothes Swish on Saturday 11 April, 10.00am-12noon in St Andrews Hall. Pay £10 and fill a shopping bag from the ladies’ clothes and accessories on display. Additional bags will cost £10 each. Tea, coffee and cake will be available. We are now collecting donations of ladies’ clothes and accessories. These can be left in St Andrew’s Hall. All clothes must be clean and in a saleable condition. Proceeds to the refurbishment of the new church.

Young People’s Weekend

A Residential Weekend, “Go make disciples of all nations”, at Heatree Outdoor Activity Centre on Dartmoor will take place from 15-17 May. The weekend is open to those aged 9-12 (school years 5-7). Whilst enjoying high ropes and raft building (amongst other activities), young people will have the chance to explore the Sunday readings through discussion, crafts and games. Cost £90. To book, follow the link:  Heatree 2026 15th-17th May – Fill in form. For further information, email Saskia or Ruby at youth@prcdtr.org.uk.