Holy Cross Parish Events:
Dear Parishioners,
By now you will be aware that Fr Cyriacus is leaving Holy Cross and Tavistock in September, in what is a significant reorganisation in the diocese. Whilst we are very sad to see him go we must appreciate this is due to the shortage of priests in Plymouth Diocese and it is a decision that has not been taken lightly. Fr Jon Bielawski will now take on Holy Cross from 16th September, as part of his already heavy remit. This does mean that we face changes to the Mass times in order that Fr Jon can accommodate all the demands of his parishes. The current proposal is to have one weekend Mass at Holy Cross on Sunday at 5pm commencing on 22nd Sept and one weekday Mass on Tuesday at 10am commencing on 24th Sept. Mass will remain at 9am on Sunday in Tavistock, which will now be covered by Okehampton.
We appreciate this will be unsettling news for many and with that in mind we have an opportunity for all Parishioners to meet with Fr Jon and Fr Cyriacus on Tuesday 27th Aug at 7pm in the church, to share our thoughts, concerns and questions. Unfortunately Fr Jon is away until that date, so if you have any questions you would like to ask the PPC prior to the meeting, please contact the secretary via email – yelverton@prcdtr.org.uk, and we will endeavour to answer them to the best of our ability.
We will of course find a fitting way to thank Fr Cyriacus for his enormous contribution to our parish and our community but meanwhile, we ask for your prayers and support during this challenging time of change.
Francine Brooks
For and on behalf of Holy Cross PPC
Youth –
A programme for the coming year has been produced and copies have been sent to our Yelverton and Tavistock Youth Group.
Please see notice board for the full annual programme.
Our Lady of the Assumption, Tavistock – Events
Coffee & Craft mornings – Our Lady of the Assumption Tavistock – Don’t forget our cuppa and craft mornings are running on a Tuesday morning 10.30 – 12.30.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) meet the first Tuesday of the month @ 6.30pm at Our Lady of Assumption in the meeting room. Through our Community Support Projects and our 8,500 member strong Conferences, motivated by faith we help support the vulnerable, visit the lonely and much more. At the heart of our work, we make it our mission to be there, in-person for those who need us most. All are welcome! For more information please contact Angela 07834829960.
Diocesan & other events:-
The Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will take place on Sunday 28th July and is themed “Do not cast me off in my old age”, (cf. Psalm 71:9).
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – 30th July The 30th July is the annual World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is an event to raise awareness and increase prevention of people trafficking and modern day slavery.
The theme this year is, ‘Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking’. One in three victims of trafficking are children, with girls being disproportionality affected. Children are also twice as likely to be subjected to violence during trafficking than adults. Children will experience various forms of trafficking including forced labour, criminality or begging, online and sexual abuse and exploitation, and being trafficked for illegal adoption.
Caritas Diocese of Plymouth runs events and training on modern slavery and labour abuse. If you would like an event in your parish, please contact the Caritas Refugee and Migration Lead – Alexandra.Miranda@prcdtr.org.uk. We have also created a poster for parishes and schools to raise awareness of the signs of modern slavery. You can download a copy here
https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Signs-of-Modern-Slavery-poster-1.png
If you would like support, or you are concerned about someone else, please contact:
The Safeguarding Office – Please call us on 01364 645430 between Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4:30pm.
Unseen – A UK charity that provides safe houses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. 24/7 Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline: 08000 121 700 https://www.unseenuk.org/working-with-survivors/
Join us at the Eucharistic Congress Sat 14th Sept: Oscott, Birmingham – A coach will leave our diocese to take pilgrims from across our five deaneries to this faith-affirming national event. It will include talks, mass and a procession. Please ring (01202) 746539 or email christopher.findlay@prcdtr.org.uk ASAP if you would like to join us.
JOURNEY TO 2030 – ‘The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth,’ Pope Francis Laudato Si’. The Diocesan Education Service, CAFOD and Caritas recently held an event looking at how individuals, schools and parishes can respond to Pope Francis’ call to put Laudato Si’, into action to help our communities thrive, at the same time as tackling huge world issues on the Journey to 2030. The issues can feel daunting but small steps are so important – the little things do add up! There is a new website https://journeyto2030.org/ which offers a parish guide to Laudato Si’ and an our online encyclopaedia for individuals and parishes trying to respond to the Pope’s teaching on care for our common home, pulling together inspiring stories and practical actions, wisdom and goals in one place. There are also lots of resources on our Diocesan website https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/the-diocese/how-we-work/environment/. If you would like any more information on environmental issues please contact caritas@prcdtr.org.uk