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Last Week : 8th December at the Catholic Chaplaincy
Please note that this page is only updated during term time.
MONDAY 8th December
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Rosary, cake and Lectio Divina 7pm
TUESDAY 9th December
Mass 7pm
WEDNESDAY 10th December
Adoration 5.30pm
Angelus 6pm
Evangelium Course (RCIA) 6.15pm
THURSDAY 11th December
Mass 12pm
followed by free lunch
Christmas Break – The Chaplaincy will close on Friday 12th December and reopen around mid-January. The first Mass after the Christmas break should be celebrated on Tuesday 13th January 2026. If you are staying in Exeter over the Christmas period, Mass will be at Sacred Heart and Blessed Sacrament Parishes. More information can be found on the Parish websites, https://www.sacredheartexeter.org/ and https://www.blessedsacrament.org.uk/ respectively.
SAINT OF THE WEEK: ST. LUCIA – According to tradition, Lucia was born to rich and noble parents in 283 in Syracuse in Sicily; her father, who was of Roman origin, died when Lucia was a child, while her mother, Eutychia, most probably came from a Greek background. At a very young age Lucia consecrated her virginity to Jesus. As Eutychia did not know of Lucia's promise and suffered from a bleeding disorder, fearing for Lucia's future she arranged for her daughter to marry a young Pagan man. However, Lucia persuaded her mother to make a pilgrimage to Catania (near Syracuse) to the shrine of St. Agatha, and while they there St. Agatha came to Lucia in a dream telling her that, because of her faith, her mother would be cured. After that happened, Lucia gave the dowry money to the poor. The young nobleman to whom she was betrothed denounced her to the Roman governor and she was martyred in 304.
According to some later accounts, the Roman governor had ordered the guards to gouge out her eyes, but when her body was being prepared for burial they discovered her eyes had been miraculously restored. This tradition may be related to the fact that her name comes from the Latin word "lux" meaning "light", and that is why she is usually depicted with a plate of eyes or a lamp.
Feast Day: 13th December.
Patronage: the blind, eye diseases, writers, Syracuse.
Words of Wisdom: "Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit".
Sacrament of Reconciliation – Fr. Michael is normally available to hear Confessions before or after Mass. Otherwise, you can arrange an appointment with him by talking to him in person or emailing him at Michael.Wheaton@prcdtr.org.uk. “In the life of the body a man is sometimes sick, and unless he takes medicine, he will die. Even so in the spiritual life a man is sick on account of sin. For that reason he needs medicine so that he may be restored to health; and this grace is bestowed in the Sacrament of Penance". (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Plymouth Diocese Special Edition Newsletter – A special edition of the Plymouth Diocese newsletter celebrating the Installation of Bishop Nicholas Hudson can be found at the following link: https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/t/t-860B12BD0A8754D92540EF23F30FEDED. All the homilies and addresses of Bishop Hudson are available on the Diocesan website at https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/latest/.
Young Women's Advent Retreat – Women aged 18-35 are invited to come and spend a time of prayer and study with the contemplative community of the Sisters of Mary the Morning Star at Lynton Convent, Devon, EX35 6BS. For more info or to book a place contact us at srsmarymorningstar@gmail.com.
Bible Reflection – A Bible Reflection led by young adults takes place every Saturday from 2.30pm to 4pm in the Lower Room at the Sacred Heart Church. For further information, you can contact Hanny at hhanny1358@gmail.com or Krystal at krystaljovanandrea@gmail.com.
Fundraising for HCPT Volunteer – Next Easter, Chloe, our CathSoc Musical Director, will be travelling to Lourdes with the charity HCPT who takes disadvantages and/or disabled children to Lourdes on pilgrimage for just under a week; she will be travelling as Reserve Deputy Leader for Group 141 East Devon. The helper fare cost is just over £1000 and covers accommodation, flights, and meals whilst in Lourdes amongst other things. If you would like to donate towards Chloe's fare, she has a Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/chloes-group-141-lourdes-2026-pilgrimage-helper-fare. Any donations are gratefully received, thank you.
Catholic Chaplaincy Instagram page – The Chaplaincy has now an Instagram account, follow us on @exeter_catholic_chaplaincy!
Chaplaincy Offertory – We no longer have a cash collection, but if you would like to make an offertory donation, we now have a contactless card machine which you will find on the right-hand side of the entrance to the Chapel on Sundays. Our Catholic Chaplaincy plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual lives of our university students. We are dedicated to continuing the mission of the Church, providing a space for worship, community, and personal growth. So, we ask you to please consider making a donation by following this link: https://givealittle.co/c/6OFkjhzCGMB0RMNcqxB1B7. Your support, no matter the amount, makes a significant difference. "Give back some of God's gifts to God, that you may safely enjoy the rest". (St. John Henry Cardinal Newman)
Light a Candle at the National Shrine of St. Boniface – The Jubilee Year presents a special opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and come together in faith. Lighting a candle at the National Shrine is a meaningful way to participate. It symbolises prayer, devotion, and our connection with Our Lord. To take part, please visit our website: https://catholicchurchcrediton.org/index.php/support-us/light-a-candle, make a donation (£2 suggested), and email crediton@prcdtr.org.uk to let us know. Candles will be lit upon request: Wednesdays before the 4pm Mass and Sundays before the 9.30am Mass. Thank you for your support, we deeply appreciate it!
Keeping in touch with the Chaplaincy – For further details about the Chaplaincy and our events please go to www.exeter.ac.uk/students/chaplaincy/catholic/.
You can also follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ExeterUniversityCatholicChaplaincy and CathSoc Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ExeterUniCatholicSociety/ and our Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/exeter_catholic_chaplaincy/.
Mirtha Mangone is our Safeguarding Rep and can be contacted on exeter-university@prcdtr.org.uk.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, we all play a part in protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm. By staying informed, vigilant and supportive, we can create a safe and caring community. Let us take this responsibility seriously and ensure everyone feels valued and protected. If you have any questions please speak out to our Safeguarding rep.