NEWSLETTER

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year C)

Racial Justice Sunday

Sunday 16th February, 2025

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear brothers and sisters
The Beatitudes, which we hear in the Sunday Gospel this weekend, are the backbone or golden thread which runs through the entire teaching of Jesus and his ministry. The values, which upend many of the values underlying our modern western society today, are foundational to the lives of his followers and should influence the way we engage with the world and those around us on every level – as individuals, local communities, nationally and globally, whether within the Church or in the social and political spheres. The Beatitudes are not simply “spiritual” or “religious” ideals, but they are the “spectacles” through which we see and engage with others and our human institutions, ending in concrete, external choices and actions which have real consequences on our lives and the lives of others.  It is therefore necessary for us to reflect on this central teaching of Jesus often and with care, not just liturgically at Mass, but personally, in our families and together with our fellow disciples.

This Sunday, Racial Justice Sunday, is a good example of how the values of the Beatitudes should impact on our concrete words and actions.  Racial justice is an issue which is not something which can be attained once and for all.  As countries and our Church communities change due to the increased mobility of people across the “global village” and are impacted as a result of forced migration due to war, persecution, famine and poverty, we are continually being interrogated by our beatitudinal faith about how we see those – now our close neighbours – who have a different ethnic background or whose skin is a different colour to ours.  And not only how we see them, but how we relate to each other in accordance with our Christian belief that, at the core of our human being, we are all “of the same stock” and equal in dignity as daughters and sons of God (Hebrews 2:11-14).  Let us remember that St Paul teaches unambiguously: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28).

Even if someone were to object that St Paul here is only talking about the Christian community itself (though that would be to limit what he meant by being “in Christ”, as can be seen in his teaching in the Letters to the Colossians and to the Ephesians), the way we relate within our parish and Church communities will necessarily be reflected in the way we relate to those outside of them.  If I “other” those that are “not like me” within my own parish community, often due to fear or a lack of understanding, all the more so will I do in the wider community.  This not only has implications for healthy human interaction, but also has spiritual consequences in that it blinds us to the presence of God in our fellow human beings. As Pope Francis said in one of his messages: “The problem is not that we have doubts and fears. The problem is when they condition our way of thinking and acting to the point of making us intolerant, closed and perhaps even — without realizing it — racist. In this way, fear deprives us of the desire and the ability to encounter the other, the person different from myself; it deprives me of an opportunity to encounter the Lord.” (2019 message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees).  So, not only is it imperative that we examine the internal relationships of our church communities with regards to racial equality and justice on an on-going basis, but, in this Year of Jubilee in particular, we are reminded of our call to be “Pilgrims of Hope” of the message and reality that there in only one race – the human race – to those who are victims of racial injustice in our society and in the wider world.  There will be a retiring collection at Mass this weekend to support the national charity, the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ). Please go to https://www.carj.org.uk/ to find out more information about this charity and its important work.

Along with the newsletter this week, I attach:
  • Monika Manser’s guide to a prayerful reading of this Sunday’s Gospel
  • the latest edition of Inspire from Deacon Peter
  • a flyer with information about two events being held with regards to opposition to the Bill to legalise assisted suicide
  • the latest Newsletter from St John’s, our parish school
Please remember, as always, in your prayers those who are seriously sick in our community, as well as their families and those who care for them.  May the healing grace of God sustain them and give them peace.
Indeed. may the peace of God be with us all and bring unity to our ever more fractured world!
Canon Kristian
 
Canon Kristian Paver
Parish Priest
Parish of St Boniface and St James Mid Devon
40 Old Road Tiverton EX16 4HJ

Racial Justice Sunday

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday. The theme in this Jubilee year is: “Pilgrims of Hope: Our Journey Together Towards Racial Justice”, and it invites Catholics across England and Wales to reflect on the collective journey towards racial justice in our schools, parishes and wider society. Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Racial Justice, said: “This year, we invite the Catholic community to reflect on the journey towards racial justice – past, present and future – by asking: ‘How far have we come, where are we now and what remains to be achieved?’  Just as pilgrims must prepare for their journey and be properly equipped, we, too, need all that is necessary to propel us towards racial justice – the mind of Christ; examination of our progress and of the challenges that remain; a willingness to learn from one another together; and prayers for and on the journey.” Let us be Pilgrims of Hope in our parish as we welcome newcomers and address challenges and opportunities, and be Pilgrims of Hope towards racial justice in society by advocating for Racial Justice where we live. There will be a retiring collection at the end of Mass to support the wonderful work of the Catholic Association for Racial Justice.

Palms for Ash Wednesday Ashes

We are only a few weeks away from the beginning of Lent! Now is the time to bring last year’s palm crosses back to church, so that they can be burnt to provide the ashes for use on Ash Wednesday.

Young Adults Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome

Do you want to deepen your faith and engage more fully in your Catholic community?  Come and encounter the breadth and depth of the Catholic Church with a Pilgrimage to Rome 28 July – 4 August 2025 for 20-35 year olds.  As well as Mass with Pope Francis, you will experience the vibrancy of the Church as you are surrounded by thousands of young pilgrims from around the world, glorifying God.  You will then be able to share this unique experience by giving back to your community from the riches that God wills to give to you.  To register your interest by this Monday, 17 February, please follow the link:  https://forms.office.com/e/fhZ8zmvLy6.

New Missals

Parishioners are still asking to order new Missals with the new translation of the Mass readings. The cost for a Sunday Missal is £18.95, whilst a Weekday Missal costs £66.49. If you would like to order one, please put your name and contact details on the sheet at the back of church this weekend, indicating whether you would like the Sunday or Weekday version.

“Saying Goodbye” Remembrance Service

O n Saturday 1 March at 12.30pm, in Exeter Cathedral, the charity Mariposa International will be hosting one of its Saying Goodbye Services. This Service is for anyone who has either personally lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in early years, or who has been affected by family members’ or friends’ loss, whether the loss was recent or 80 years ago. The Service also gladly welcomes anyone who is grieving the fact that they haven’t had children due to circumstance, infertility or for other reasons. Babies and children are invited to come with their families, as the Saying Goodbye Service is a family event for all. To read more about the charity, please go to www.sayinggoodbye.org

Assisted Suicide – What you can do to defeat the Leadbeater Bill

MPs voted for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to pass its Second Reading in November. This bill can still be defeated when MPs next vote at the end of April, but your help is needed. To find how to best lobby your MP on this issue, the SPUC South Devon branch is offering two meetings, on Friday 28 February at 7.00pm at St Peter’s Church, St Boniface Lane, Plymouth, PL5 3AX and on Saturday 1 March at 10.30 am at St Joseph’s Church Hall, 96 Queen St, Newton Abbot, TQ12 2ET. To book or for further information contact Chris Hudson chrishud78@gmail.com (Plymouth) or Deborah van Kroonenberg deborah.vankroonenburg@prcdtr.org.uk or newtonabbot@prcdtr.org.uk (Newton Abbot).

Handbell Concert and Cream Tea

On Saturday 22 March, at 2.30pm in St Andrew’s, Tiverton, there will be a Handbell Concert by Poole-based quartet, Clapper Chaos. Between them, they play a set of 41 bells and a two-octave set of 25 hand chimes. All their arrangements are unique, and you will not hear them played by any other group! The concert will be followed by a Cream Tea in the Hall. Tickets for the event (inclusive of the Cream Tea) are on sale at church now, £10.00 each. The proceeds will be shared equally between the communities of St Andrew’s and St James’.

Year of Jubilee Study Day – Book of Revelation

In this Jubilee Year where Pope Francis has asked us to be active “Pilgrims of Hope”, the renowned scripture scholar and author, Fr Nicholas King SJ, will help us to understand the Book of Revelation and how the Word of God is our power for Mission. This day will be held at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre on Saturday 15 March, 10.00am – 4.00pm. (Dart View Room 4). Booking is essential and needs to be done through plymouth-crownhill@prcdtr.org.uk. Ring 01752 701660 for further information.

Preparation for First Holy Communion

The next session of our First Holy Communion preparation programme will take place on March 1st at 10.00am in St John’s School Hall, Melbourne Street, Tiverton.

Parish Youth Club

The fortnightly Parish Youth Club in St Boniface’s Hall, Cullompton, is going well, and it is great to see youngsters from across the parish and from different backgrounds coming along to take part and having a fun time together. The Youth Club takes place again this Saturday, 11.00am-12.30pm.

200 Club

Congratulations to Vivienne Brewster who won the £30 prize and to Andrew Tosh who won the £20 prize in the February draw. We really need more parishioners to join this on-going fund raiser. If you would like to join for as little as £1 a month, please speak to Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St Andrews or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface. 

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 16th February– Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

  • H

    Saturday 15 February – Weekday

    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm

    Sunday 16 February – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am Pro Populo

    Monday 17 February – Weekday

    • Signing to Remember at 2.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall

    Tuesday 18 February – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Wednesday 19 February – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)

    Thursday 20 February – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Friday 21 February – Weekday

    • Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions at 11.30am
    • Holy Mass at 12noon
    • Prayer of the Holy Rosary at 12.30pm

    Saturday 22 February – The Chair of St Peter – Apostle

    • St James and St Boniface Youth Club, 11.00am-12.30pm at St Boniface’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm

    Sunday 23 February – Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am Pro Populo

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