As from the Vigil Mass of the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the church will be open for the celebration of public Mass, which, at the time of writing, will be subject to the following Government restrictions and guidance for the safe use of places of worship during the pandemic, and as interpreted and expanded on by the Bishops of England and Wales. I will be writing to you all this coming week to further explain what returning to Mass might look like in the near future, but in the meantime I wish to share with the most salient points detailing our return on Saturday evening…

Each day of the Novena has its own theme for prayer, and the Catholic Bishops conference has also asked that we join with the ecumenical initiative 'Thy Kingdom Come', praying in particular during this time for people we know personally, to come to a deeper faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. (Sincere thanks to Keith and Mary Taylor who provided the text for this year's novena, and their tireless contribution to ecumenical work.)

It is with a sense of joy that today, Sunday 29th March 2020, is being celebrated throughout the land as a day of thanksgiving for the protection of England to Mary, Mother of the Christ child and ‘Mother of God’. Surely it must always be with a sense of the need for protection that we turn to Mary in our prayers, asking her to intercede for us with her Divine Son for protection. And what better time to seek her protection than now, as we face a worldwide pandemic of major proportions that threatens both our local community and nation. How often history tells us that during times of trial and danger that God alone is ‘our shelter and our strength... in whom we take refuge’. And when we need God’s help, who better to ask than Mary, the Mother of his Son.

Given the situation which the Church finds herself in, this week has presented a time of unprecedented change in the history of our Parish, but through the pooling of resources and supporting each other we will come to realise that our Lord is with us always, continuing to guide and strengthen our faith...

Bishop Mark sends Message to the Diocese urging “Spiritual Communion” during the time of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, I regrettably have to inform you that all masses with a public congregation are no longer permitted to be celebrated in accordance with the Decree of the Bishops of England and Wales. This will begin from Friday evening, 20th March 2020, until further notice.

What makes one’s life successful? Money? Power? Honor? Pleasure? Most philosophies of the well-lived life are based on having something. But the Christian perspective is that it is better to be something. The goal of the Christian life is to grow in loving relationship to Christ, becoming more like him through the immersion of our entire selves into his Church, Christ’s Body. But our transformation in Christ will not occur until we recognize him as our ultimate concern. In Conversion: Following the Call of Christ, explore the stories of six great biblical figures with Bishop Barron, using their examples to grow closer to Christ.

The Enrolment Mass for First Holy Communion will be at the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday 17th November 2019 at 10.00am.  This will be followed by a Course Presentation at the Sacred Heart Primary School on Thursday 21st November 2019 at 3.30-4.30pm, which is open to both parents and their children. We look forward to meeting you!

Our RCIA classes have started on Wednesday evenings and will continue throughout the year with great discussion and great reflection. Do please pray for Rebecca, Philomena and Stephen as they embark on their journey in faith and, God willing, their reception into the Catholic Church next Easter.

Our parish is now a collection point for the local food bank called the "Paignton Community Larder". There is a labelled collection box located in the church porch. Volunteers from our own parish will take the donations to the food bank as they accumulate. There is a list in the church porch of non-perishable goods that are most needed. Any donations will be gratefully received. Thank you for your generosity.

Come and join us as we celebrate the harvest season, and focus on sharing our food with people who do not have enough access to basic provisions. The celebration will include music, poems, praying and singing hymns giving thanks.

At the end of the 19th Century, Pope Leo XXIII asked the Church to celebrate a novena (nine days of prayer) every year between Ascension and Pentecost, for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who brings us a new encounter with the Risen Christ. This year, the Pentecost Novena will be prayed in our church before each daily Mass, beginning on Friday, 31st May. Do come and join us!

Earlier this year we embarked on a new programme for First Holy Communion, called "You are Blessed!" A dynamic learning resource with animations, beautifully illustrated books and a safe forum where children (and parents!) can ask the big and meaningful questions of life - only Jesus has the answer!

'The Church exists to evangelise' - How do we go about this task given to us all by our Lord Jesus Christ himself? (Matthew 28:19). Come along to six consecutive meetings starting 28 February 2019 at 7pm in the Church Hall (large meeting room).

A new children's Bible Club starting on Wednesdays from 6 February 2019, 3.30 - 4.30pm in school. Run by Mrs Diana Smith and Mr Andrew Marlborough. Available to Year 3 children upwards. This fun group will learn and enjoy more about our Bible stories.

"It takes a big heart to shape young minds" - volunteers required to help form our new "kids' club" for 8-13 year olds.