Uncategorized – THE PORTICO Newsletter

In transition

Dear readers, we apologise for the long silence since December. As many of you know, we started The Portico as a brief COVID lockdown project in early 2020 to strengthen our parish community through the enforced social isolation. We ourselves succumbed to the virus during December, but since then have been pondering whether there isContinue reading “In transition”

Cornish Pilgrimage to Walsingham

This year’s group of 14 pilgrims travelled up from Cornwall to Walsingham on Sunday 16th October and stayed in the Pilgrim Centre. “We left on Saturday 21st – but our coach broke down! We were fortunate to be rescued by the Walsingham minibus and allowed to stay an extra night at no extra expense.” “WhileContinue reading “Cornish Pilgrimage to Walsingham”

Synod 2021-23 update

Members of the hierarchy, clergy, and laity, who have coordinated the diocesan synodal conversations in England and Wales, recently participated in a National Synod Day in Southwark Closing the day’s proceedings, Cardinal Nichols said “In this upper room, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we have had a unique window on the life ofContinue reading “Synod 2021-23 update”

Spring Walks

Churches Together Walking meet at 9.30am on Wednesday mornings at St George’s church car park for a 6 mile walk taken at a steady pace. Here are May’s planned walks: 18th. Bude. Ron 25th. Treslothan. Barry Bring a packed lunch and come prepared for the weather. If in doubt about the weather call the leaderContinue reading “Spring Walks”

He Sent them Out

I was reminded today (Dec 4th) why we should read the Gospels many times in our lives – so that their message can strike us fresh and unexpectedly each time. Today, Jesus gathers the apostles to him and gives them the ability to heal the sick then sends them out into the world to doContinue reading “He Sent them Out”

Synod: a short overview

With Truro and no doubt other parishes around the county gearing up to start local consultations, we thought that readers might like to be reminded that the why’s and wherefore’s of the synod are contained in the Vatican’s Preparatory Document, which you can find on the official Synod website and also in our Synod resourcesContinue reading “Synod: a short overview”

“For a Synodal Church”: Synod’s diocesan phase extended

The Vatican’s Ordinary Council of the Synod of Bishops announced on 29 October that the duration of the first (Diocesan) phase of the recently launched Synod “For a Synodal Church” has been extended. This is “in order to provide a greater opportunity for the people of God to have an authentic experience of listening andContinue reading ““For a Synodal Church”: Synod’s diocesan phase extended”

Live Simply, Sustainably, and in Solidarity with the Poor

On 1st October a one day conference was held in Torquay (sponsored by CAFOD and Caritas) The purpose was to revive awareness and implementation of the livesimply initiative in our schools and parishes. The event brought together some great speakers including Marie-Elena Arana (Live Simply Award Co-ordinator); Fr Jonathan Stewart (Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Exeter) whomContinue reading “Live Simply, Sustainably, and in Solidarity with the Poor”

Bishop Mark: “a time of listening in our local churches”

Following on from the opening by Pope Francis this coming weekend of the Synod For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission, Bishop Mark will be launching our Plymouth Diocesan phase on Sunday, 17th October with Mass in the Cathedral. The plan is to follow up soon after with an online gathering, but no details haveContinue reading “Bishop Mark: “a time of listening in our local churches””