Dearest friends,
Our Lady of Fátima is a title given to the Virgin Mary following her apparitions to three shepherd children—Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto—in Fátima, Portugal, in 1917.
Between May and October, Mary appeared six times, delivering messages emphasising prayer, repentance, and devotion to God.
She identified herself as the “Lady of the Rosary,” urging the children to pray the Rosary daily for peace and to make sacrifices for sinners. The apparitions included three secrets, later revealed to address global conflicts, the need for Russia’s consecration, and the persecution of the Church.
The Fátima message should resonate deeply with all of us due to its call for spiritual renewal.
The apparitions occurred during World War I, and Mary’s warnings about future wars, suffering, and the spread of evil struck a chord in a turbulent era. These warnings and encouragement to spiritual nourishment, which brings peace, seem all the more vital in today’s world.
Our Lady of Fátima symbolises hope, maternal intercession, and the power of faith. Her shrine in Fátima attracts millions annually, fostering devotion through pilgrimages and the Rosary.
We’ll celebrate her feast on Tuesday at St. John’s – and who knows – perhaps it will inspire millions to come to church!
Our Lady of Fátima represents a divine call to holiness, peace, and trust in God’s mercy amidst worldly trials – a very current need.
Fr. Matthew
Notices
Draft Summer Events Calendar
Please do look through the draft calendar of events in church (or online) and let Fr. Matthew know of any changes or corrections by Sunday 11th May
ACS Boxes
Please bring your ACS boxes into church by this Sunday (11th May) for collection.
Bingo
It’s Bingo on Thursday at St. Luke’s! Come along for a great evening of fun. If you have anything you can donate for draw prizes please bring them in (and let Mandy know!).
BCP Mass
In a return to our 3rd Sunday schedule this terms we’ll celebrate a BCP Mass at St. John’s at the 9:15am service and will have Evensong at 6pm.
BCP Choir
The Newton Abbot Parishes and St. John’s are uniting to build a new evensong choir. We will meet once a month to rehears at St. John’s and will offer one service of evensong each month across the parishes. If you’re interested in joining please speak to Fr. Matthew.
Parish Outing
We are planning a Parish Outing to Truro on the train on the 21st June. We’ll be leaving Newton About at about 8am and returning about 6pm. We need to book tickets in the next two weeks, so if you’d like to come please sign up in church or via the website and pay a £20 deposit. Tickets will be booked on Monday 12th May.
Prayer Focus
For Mark and Rebecca who will be married at St. Luke’s this coming Saturday. For a happy and long marriage, filled with love and the works of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Sunday 11th May
4th Sunday of Easter ⚪️
9:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Parish Lunch
Divine Office Psalter Week 4, C(I), Easter 4
Upcoming Dates
May
- 11th – St. Luke’s Parish Lunch
- 16th – Bingo, 7:30pm [SL]
- 17th – Table Top Sale, 10am – 12pm [SJ]
- 18th – Evensong, 6pm [SJ]
- 24th – Rosary Group, 10:30am [SL]
- Quiz & Curry, 7pm [SL]
- 30th – Cheese & Wine Evening, 7pm [SL]