The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart, Exeter. During James II's reign, a "Mass House" was opened in Exeter, but in 1688 this was flattened to the ground. After 1745, Mass was said in an upper back room of King John's Tavern, in South Street. From Christmas 1775 part of "St. Nicholas" mansion was rented and a large upper chamber transformed into a Chapel. Later, the premises were purchased and a proper chapel built. On Epiphany Sunday 1792, the first Mass was offered in the new chapel, in the Mint, close to the remains of the pre-reformation priory of St. Nicholas. The present Church of the Sacred Heart is built on the site of the famous Bear Tavern, the former town house of the Abbots of Tavistock, which was leased out as an inn. The foundation stone for the Church was laid by Bishop Vaughan in 1883. The solemn opening took place on November 18th 1884, on the feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss. Peter and Paul. The inside walls are of varied stone from Poccombe quarries with Bath stone dressing. The columns up the aisles are of Portland stone with brown Poccombe stone above. The stained glass windows down the side of the north aisle were installed to commemorate the golden jubilee of the church's opening; they show the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the inspiration of St. Mary Magdalene to stimulate devotion to it amongst Catholics. The last one shows St. Nicholas giving alms to needy people, and is a link between this church and the old Mint church opposite St. Nicholas Priory.
Parish Team Rev. Monsignor Henry Doyle Rev. Michael Wheaton Rev. David Williams (retired) Deacon: Rev. Delian Bower Parish Sister: Sr. Anna Maria Parish Secretary: Mrs. Susan Berggren Address The Presbytery, 25 South Street, Exeter, Devon. EX1 1EB Contact Telephone: (01392) 272815 Email: sacredheart.exeter@virgin.net
Times of Mass for the Sacred Heart Church Sunday Masses Saturday Sunday 17:30 09:30 11:00 Second Sunday of In Polish 16:00 Month Syro Malabar Rite Third Sunday of Mass Month 18:00 10:00 Holydays of Obligation 19:30 Weekdays 10:00 Royal Devon & Exeter Wednesday Hospital 16:00 Mass in Latin (Usus Antiquior) Wednesday 17:30 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Tuesday Thursday 19:30-20:30 11:30-12.30 Confessions Saturday 10:30-11:00 15:00-16:00 Times of Masses for Catholic Churches in Exeter and District Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri Saturday Sunday Sacred Heart Church, South Street 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 17:30 09:30 11:00 Blessed Sacrament Church, Heavitree 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 Holy Cross Church, Topsham 09:00 10:30 18:00 11:30 11:30 11:00 Church of St Boniface, Crediton 10:00 09:30
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Baptism Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin, reborn as children of God and become members of the Church. We also begin to share in God s life. This is why the church obliges parents to have their child baptised as soon as possible. At the beginning of the baptism ceremony, the priest or deacon speaks to the parents of the child about their important role as teachers of faith. A special blessing is also given to the parents at the end of the ceremony. Parents commit themselves to forming and bringing up their children in the practice of the faith. Thus they are committing themselves to the practice of the faith. Parents first point of contact is with one of the priests of the parish for an appointment. Contact Telephone: (01392) 272815 Email: sacredheart.exeter@virgin.net First Holy Communion The preparation for First Holy Communion is based on the main parts of the Mass to nurture in the children a love for Jesus/Mass and to give the children a good experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation Sessions are held in a relaxed, loving and fun atmosphere where the children are encouraged to share and build on their previous knowledge. The files contain a substantial amount of material and the parents are expected to work alongside their children and nurture the child s friendship with Jesus through example and daily prayer. Children at St. Nicholas School have sessions in the school at present on Thursdays. Children who do not attend St. Nicholas School have sessions in the Convent Centre on Tuesdays. Held every year. Preparation sessions from autumn to spring. Parents are kept informed through letters and telephone Contact: Sister Anna Mt St Mary s Convent t: 01392 433301 e: monacullen@yahoo.co.uk Confirmation Held on alternative years jointly with Blessed Sacrament Church. Contact t: :01392) 272815 e: sacredheart.exeter@virgin.net
Marriage Pre marriage Course held at Newman Centre three times a year. Contact t: :01392) 272815 e: sacredheart.exeter@virgin.net Journey of Faith (RCIA) RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is known in Exeter as The Journey of Faith An introduction for non-catholics to the Church and its teachings through initial enquiry evenings and later discussion and practical evenings designed to enable enquirers to explore their faith and make an informed decision as to whether they seek reception into the church at Easter. Accompanying people as they explore their faith does not require a degree in theology! Rather a willingness to share your own experiences and faith journey whilst maintaining a sensitivity to those with an alternative viewpoint having come from a different or non- religious background. Being a Catechist gives an opportunity to deepen your own knowledge and understanding of church teaching while having the privilege of accompanying others. Why not come along and join the discussions over a cup of coffee? If you feel comfortable, then share in leading a session as the programme goes on. The group meet every Wednesday evening 7.30-9pm between October and Easter then approximately monthly til the following autumn. The highlight of the Easter Tridium is central to The Journey. This is a cross parish team hence the venue alternates annually between Cardinal Newman House and the Richard Reynolds Centre Additional team meetings and training events occur on an ad hoc basis. Contact: Liz Toy: liztoy@hotmail.com LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Church Cleaners Eucharistic Ministers Flowers Guild of St Stephen Altar servers play an important part in the Church s liturgy. Good servers enable us all, bishops, priests, and laity to celebrate the Mass and the other sacraments with a spirit of prayer. Building up the Body of Christ and making sure it works well is a job directed by the Holy Spirit. All people in the church are given a gift, a talent, which can be used for the benefit of the church. Serving at the Altar is one of those gifts. Training on Saturday evenings at 4:00pm 5:00pm at various times is scheduled and announced in advance.
Music Ministry The Sunday Masses are supported by two music groups, who join together to lead the music liturgy at major festivals and celebrations. The music liturgy at the 9:30am Family Mass is led by a diverse group of singers and accompanying instrumentalists playing guitar, keyboard, string and wind instruments. The music we use is a mixture of modern and traditional. We also lead the music at some other occasions on request, for example public carol singing (Fundraising for CAFOD) and at weddings. The group s aim is to enhance and enliven the celebration of Mass by encouraging the active participation and congregational singing of those attending and sharing in the Mass. We hope to achieve this by leading the congregation in sung worship and in prayer rather than by performance. We use a range of music to help the whole congregation express their feelings in joyful and in solemn worship. We welcome new members, regardless of musical experience, age, vocal range or type of instrument played. You are very welcome to join us with your voice and/ or instrument. We meet 15 minutes or so before 9.30 Mass starts each week so that we can tune up and settle ourselves in readiness for the Gathering hymn. Those who are able to also meet one evening during the week from 7.30 till 9pm to prepare for the Mass in advance. The practice is usually at the home of one of the group members and the venue is usually arranged and publicised in the days before. If in doubt call Sheila on the numbers below. We also meet 2 or 3 times a year to learn new music and to plan and prepare for particular liturgical seasons such as Lent/Easter and Advent /Christmas. These are sociable occasions where we can also relax and enjoy each others company as a church family. You are welcome to join in as much as you want to and are able. Contact: Sheila Jones t: 01392 279150 email: sheila@sheilaajones.co.uk 11.00am Choir Contact: Tegwyn Harris 01392 273530 Readers Repository To sell religious items and books to the congregation and to keep the Church open for prayer and worship after Mass times. We have a friendly team who would be happy to give support and training to anyone who wanted to join us. After Mass till 12 noon and afternoons from 2pm till 3.30 pm Sacristans Tea & Coffee after 9.30 Mass To serve tea and coffee after the Sunday 9:30 Mass in aid of Urafiki Involves setting up before Mass, serving after Mass and clearing up afterwards. Provide milk and biscuits when it is your turn on the rota and reimburse from takings Tea, coffee, sugar, orange squash provided by Martin Overy. A chance for parishioners to meet socially. Also raises money for URAFIKI charity run by a number of our parishioners. Additional helpers always welcome. Rota organised by Martin Overy t: 01392 436740 e: martin@martin-overy.co.uk
Welcoming Group 9.30am Mass This involves welcoming the congregation and handing out Mass and Hymn books. Rota organised by Martin Overy t: 01392 436740 e: martin@martin-overy.co.uk Welcoming Group 11.00am Mass PARISH GROUPS Bible Study Group Run by Bible Society to help deepen Scripture knowledge. Six week sessions held on Thursdays at Newman House 7.30-9.00pm Contact: Sue Moulin Tel: 01392 431687 Catholic Aid for Overseas Development - CAFOD Our main work is fundraising and campaigning: Two official fundraising days Lent & Harvest. Popular Quiz and Curry night in November. Rich Man Poor Man Dinner. Carols supported by music group at Sainsbury & Tesco. December Service led by Bishop. Oscar Romero stations of the Cross in Lent. Various campaign issues as they arise. It is the care and use of all that we have been given by God, in terms of talent, treasure and time that underpins our work in the Sacred Heart Church. Please come and visit us. 7.30PM on first Tuesday of the month. Cardinal Newman Centre Notice in Parish Newsletter Contact: Margaret McCawley t: 01392 434027 e: mmccawley@tiscali.co.uk Catholic Women s League - CWL Monthly women s meetings with occasional speaker. Fundraising for our Charities and local ones. This is a National organisation meeting with others countrywide. We give support to our Parish Priests and Churches. We welcome any lady of the Parishes to the CWL We meet on the 4 th Tuesday of the month at 2.00pm. Mount St Mary Centre, Wonford Road, Exeter. Any changes are notified in the Church s Newsletter. Contact: Mrs Jean Doyle t: 01392 677202 Creative Arts Group Although the group are Sacred Heart Parish based we welcome members from all the Parishes of Catholic Exeter. We endeavour to enhance the life of the parish in a social and creative way by exploring how the visual and creative arts can bring both prayerful thought and pleasure. Within the past 2/3 years activities/ events have included : Creating visual displays on the side altars highlighting specific Feasts and liturgical celebrations Organising an Inter- Church Poetry Evening
Holding informal play readings Organising a Flower Festival to celebrate the Unity within the City Centre Churches Organising and creating liturgical events for Advent and Christmas All are welcome to join us; you do not have to think of yourself as creative or artistic! Everyone has something to offer, there is no pressure to do a certain amount. We have a very informal approach and individuals can choose to opt in or opt out as situations and different events occur. We hold meetings at irregular intervals (about every 6 weeks to two months as required) to explore and plan events. These are usually on a Friday evening. We keep people informed by e-mail. Contact: Dorf Ruscoe t: 01404 822689 e: ruscoe@talktalk.net Deanery Forum The Deanery forum is a link between the Parish Pastoral Councils and The Diocesan Pastoral Council. The forum is made up of two lay representatives from each parish in the Exeter Deanery, Clergy and Religious. Working together we discuss topics that are raised from individual parishes felt to be of wider concern/ interest e.g. safeguarding, pastoral re-organisation, youth involvement. The views/ concerns of the Deanery are presented at the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Likewise topics presented at the Diocesan Council are disseminated back through the forum to individual Parish Pastoral council. Notable recent events and activities include the Exploring Boundaries-Exeter Deanery day held in 2009,promotion of vocations consultation, preparation of stewardship materials for use by the diocese. University Chaplaincy Meeting Room. Three times per year, 7-9pm Contact: Liz Toy: liztoy@hotmail.com Ecumenism We have a very good relationship with other Christian Churches in Exeter. The clergy regularly meet for discussion. There are joint services throughout the year such as the Walk of Witness and Lenten Courses. Exeter Deanery Cell Group A cross deanery group to support catechists in individual parishes This friendly group meets under the leadership of the Dean and members of the department of formation to be updated on forthcoming local and national events linked to both adult and children s catechesis. There is a sharing of resources which may then be disseminated to catechists within the Parish. The group help practically support catechetic events hosted in the Deanery e.g. by providing hospitality. Meetings are held at the Richard Reynolds Centre, Exeter, 6.30-8pm meeting every 3 months. In addition to helping with Deanery or Diocesan Catechetical events throughout the year. Contact: Liz Toy: liztoy@hotmail.com
International Catholic Community The Emmanuel Community Note: Emmanuel provides its service to the church and not only to a specific parish. We are a Catholic international Community consisting of lay, consecrated and ordained, members. http://en.emmanuel.info/ http://www.emmanuelcommunity.com/ The mission of the Emmanuel Community is to offer a path to its members to answer God's call to holiness and proclaim Christ in today's world. The Community derives this from the deep communion between the common priesthood (of the baptised) and the ministerial priesthood (the priests) in the same spiritual life. Members are called to make known God's presence with us Emmanuel, particularly through the founding charisms of the Community: Eucharistic adoration, from which flows Compassion, itself a source of the desire to Evangelise.. to announce to the whole world the Good News of Salvation. We welcome all who would wish to know more about the Emmanuel community to contact us in Exeter. email: emmanuel-c-exeter@hotmail.co.uk or telephone: 01392 ( 213210 / 432929 / 496955) As members we meet to grow spiritually through our fortnightly house groups and monthly wider teaching days. Please contact us for further details of this enriching experience. We meet fortnightly on a Monday 20.00-22.00 hours by arrangement at member s homes. Community days: typically include adoration, prayer & praise, teaching, fellowship and a shared meal. These are scheduled monthly, approximately. Lay Associates of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary The Presentation Mary Associates are any lay baptized persons who freely choose to live their call to holiness united to the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in the spirit of their Foundress, the Blessed Marie Rivier. They continue to live in their families while sharing in the spirituality and the charism of the Congregation. Meetings are based around input, sharing and adoration 7.30-9.00pm at the Mount St Mary Centre, beside the Convent in Wonford Rd, on the first Monday of the month. Contact: Sister Stella t:: 01392 433301 Meditation Exeter & Crediton Parishes - Silent meditation, followed by taped talk, faith sharing and then general chat. Christian meditation is an ancient tradition going back to the Early Church and uses a sacred work [mantra] to focus the mind during silent prayer. Training and support is given with contacts for resources, books etc. We meet at the Richard Reynolds Centre, Blessed Sacrament at 7.30-9.00 on Mondays. Contact: Paul Atherton t: 01392 271315 Moving On This is essentially continuing catechesis for all, but particularly for new and returning Catholics. It offers a series of conversations about the Church and the development of our faith. This is not a programme. Everyone is welcome to join us and share their experiences as Christians or to listen to others discussing matters of faith and life in the Church and the world. We meet on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month at Richard Reynolds 7.30 to 9.00pm
Parish Pastoral Council Your recently re-formed Parish Pastoral Council has been meeting monthly since February. We aim to support the Parish Team and parish organisations in looking after the pastoral needs of our community. We hope that parishioners will feel welcome, informed, involved and encouraged to use their gifts in the various ministries of the parish. The noticeboard at the back of the church will have a précis of the minutes of the meetings and the photos will help you identify Council members. Council members are co-opted to serve for up to two years. We hope that you will feel able to bring suggestions, ideas and concerns to members of our Parish team so that we may continue to grow as a community. Please pray for council members and the parish team in order that we continue to serve the needs of the parish. Contact: Telephone: (01392) 272815 Email: sacredheart.exeter@virgin.net Parish Finance Committee Contact: Telephone: (01392) 272815 Email: sacredheart.exeter@virgin.net Philippino Community Polish Community Polish mass second Sunday of the month 16:00 Contact: Robert Sieradzki 07894 817396 SVP The St Vincent de Paul Society ( SVP ) is an international Christian voluntary organization dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing direct practical assistance to anyone in need. By joining our SVP group you can help to support individuals and families in need. Volunteering with the SVP is an opportunity to make a difference to people s lives. Loneliness has been described by Mother Teresa as has been described by Mother Teresa as the great western disease and a large part of activities is visiting the sick the lonely and the elderly. You don t need to have experience, an obvious skill, or come from a particular social background. Our meeting take place on the first Thursday of the month at the Conference Centre, Mount St Mary Convent Wonford Road from 7.30 to 8.30 Contact: Peter Kelly t: 01392 860682 m: 07598 143949 Syro Malabar Community Syro Malabar Rite Mass Third Sunday of the month 18:00 Contact: Johnney Matthew t:01392 204608 Mr Saj t: 01392 758112 URAFIKI - Through our communities in Exeter we support health, education, welfare and social
projects in Yala, Kenya. People can get involved by attending URAFIKI events: we hold an annual quiz, bike ride, Chinese meal and dance amongst other activities. People might also like to get directly involved by sponsoring a child through school ( 60 a year or 5 a month) or by sponsoring an old person with food and blankets- again, the cost is 5 a month. Contact: maggiebamber@hotmail.com http://urafiki.org.uk Traidcraft OTHER CONVENT Sisters of the Presentation of Mary Mount St Mary Convent, Wonford Rd Exeter Tel: 01392 466601 The community belongs to a Congregation with Sisters serving in 19 countries and working in the field of education, catechetics and pastoral care. PARISH SCHOOL St Nicholas School RC Primary School Ringswell Avenue Exeter Headteacher: Mrs A Folland Tel: 01392 445403 http://www.st-nicholas-exeter.devon.sch.uk/ Marriage Care South West Relationship Counselling Appointments: Freephone: 0800 389 3801 National Helpline: 0845 660 6000 http://www.marriagecare.org.uk/ Palace Gate Counselling Service Safeguarding Our parish is totally committed to ensuring that we provide a safe place for children and vulnerable adults. Any adult, whether paid or volunteer, who works in any role where they have access to children or vulnerable adults must havecrb clearance before they start. Please contact our safeguarding representative Chris Miller (01392 421424) if you require CRB authorisation or if you wish to report any concerns. Urgent concerns should be reported directly to the Police.
Cardinal Newman Centre Wonford Road, Exeter EX2 4PF This building is an excellent facility for the parish and is an ideal venue for parish social gatherings as well as small group meetings. For information and bookings please contact the Centre Coordinator, Philippa Day t: 01392 221568