NEWSLETTER
Nineteenth and 20th Sundays of Ordinary Time (Year A)
Sunday 9th May, 2026
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Message from Canon Kristian
Dear brothers and sisters
Since we are in the height of the summer holiday period in the parish, the Newsletter you are receiving today will cover the next two weekends. Therefore, as well as this weekend, it also covers the diary for next weekend. Note that, because the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on a Saturday this year, it is transferred to the following Sunday, so next Sunday we will be celebrating this great Marian feast. The celebration of Mary’s Assumption is above all a celebration of the redemptive power of Christ at work in the life of his mother, Mary, who, because of her unique role in the plan of salvation, becomes the first to share in the power of the resurrection over death. Thus, we see how the Church’s teachings about Mary are always intrinsically linked to the saving work of her Son. Every Sunday is a celebration of the paschal mystery – the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord. How fitting it is, therefore, for us to be celebrating the impact of the paschal mystery in the life of Mary, the first disciple, which foreshadows the fulfilment of the same promise of risen life given to us all through the Sacrament of Baptism. When we celebrate the Assumption of Our Lady, we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ our Lord, her son. When we celebrate the Assumption of Our Lady, we also celebrate the transforming power of the resurrection at work conquering sin and death in the life of every daughter and son of God and its potential to transform the lives of every human being. Thus, the celebration of the Assumption of Our Lady is a celebration of profound Christian hope, in the face of disintegration and death. We certainly need to be reminded of the importance of Christians being people and proclaimers of hope in the times in which we are living!
We were able to confirm this week that the altar and ambo for the new church in Tiverton will be ready in time for the planned Mass of Dedication on Saturday 26 September at 2.00pm. This is great news and means that we can start planning for this momentous occasion, even though there is still work to be done in and around the building. As you will recall, the Bishop has agreed that the new church should be dedicated to both St John, the patron of the original church in Tiverton, together with St James. In this way, the new church will represent the reunion of the history and patrimony of both churches. However, it is important that we do not confusion our two apostles St John and St James with the more common couplet St James and St John. It is the indeed the same St John in both, but not the same St James! James and John were blood brothers, the sons of Zebedee, who were called as disciples by the Lord on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Cf Matthew 4:18-22), whereas the James to which our previous church in Tiverton was dedicated is the other James, the son of Alphaeus, in the list of the twelve apostles (cf Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16), sometimes called “James the Less” (or the Younger, the Shorter), not because he is less important, but simply to distinguish him from the brother of John. St Jerome identifies St James the Less as the son of Mary of Clopas, one of the women who stood weeping at the Cross, the James referred to as one of “brothers” of Jesus in the Gospels (cf Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3), the apostle who was the leader of the Church in Jerusalem (cf Acts 15:13-21), prior to his martyrdom in AD 62. Since St Matthew (or Levi) is also referred to as the “son of Alphaeus” in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 2:14), it is also possible, though it remains uncertain, that James was the brother of Matthew. Thus, the dedication of the new church in Tiverton to St John and St James has a rich biblical background.
Along with the Newsletter, I attach:
the weekly guide to a prayerful reading of the Sunday Gospel, from Monika Manser
a flyer relating to the annual Mass for Marriage in the Cathedral
the latest Newsletter from CHAT
I was delighted to hear that Christine Pickford has returned home this week following her recent stay in hospital. Let us pray that her recovery may continue and that she may soon be restored to full health. We, of course, also remember in prayer all the sick of our parish and those in particular need at this time.
The recent hot weather has now meant that there is a “hosepipe ban” across the whole of Devon. There is more warm weather on its way, so please keep a special eye out for those who might be particularly vulnerable as a result of the heat.
May God bless you all
Canon Kristian
CAFOD Appeal
The suffering in the Holy Land has gone on for far too long. One of the greatest obstacles to building peace is the ongoing expansion of illegal settlements across occupied Palestinian territory. As settlements expand, Palestinian families are driven from their homes, often amid repeated violent attacks, and are forced to watch while settlers take over. The result is widespread poverty and suffering.
CAFOD works closely with human rights organisations in the region who are witnessing this violence first hand. They need our solidarity and support to put an end to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory. Foreign trade with settlements sustains the occupation and contributes to the humanitarian crisis in the region. These settlements have long been recognised as illegal under international law, a position recognised by successive British Governments. Despite this recognition, every year produce from these illegal settlements, from boxes of dates to bottles of wine, is sold in shops around the world, including here in Britain. Our government must act to prevent the import of all goods and services from illegally occupied Palestinian land. Several countries, including Spain and Ireland have already taken steps to ban trade with illegal settlements.
As Bishop Jim Curry, Lead Bishop for the Holy Land, recently said: “Lasting peace can only be built on a foundation of equal human and civil rights; justice and mutual respect for all Israelis, Palestinians and people of every religious belief.” Together, we can send a clear message that we want our government to root Britain’s trade policy in respect for international law and human rights. That is why CAFOD is calling on the Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, to ban trade with settlements, including ending the import of produce grown on illegally occupied land. Please click on this link to add your voice to this campaign.
Marriage Congratulations
Congratulations for Anna Zięba and Simon Tandy who will be celebrating their marriage this coming Friday, 14 August, at 12noon in St Boniface’s Church, Cullompton. Please keep them in your prayers on this important day.
Mass for Marriage 2026
On Saturday 12 September, at 12noon, Bishop Nicholas will be celebrating the annual Mass for Marriage at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth. Marriage enriches us all. All are welcome to come and take part, including those whose spouses are no longer with them here. Do let the diocese know your anniversaries or intentions, or your planned wedding date. Contact Deborah at deborah.vankroonenburg@prcdtr.org.uk.
200 Club
Canon Kristian made the draw for August earlier in the week. Congratulations to Pauline Pym who won the £30 prize and to Teresa Cross who won the £20 prize. Any parishioners wishing to join this parish fund raiser are invited to speak to Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St Andrew’s or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface’s.
Fr Jonathan Bielawski RIP
The Requiem Mass for Fr Jon Bielawski, the parish priest of the parishes of Crownhill Plymouth and Yelverton and the diocesan lead for evangelisation and catechesis, will be celebrated on Thursday 27 August at 12noon in the Cathedral in Plymouth. A Vigil Mass will also be celebrated at 6.00pm at the Cathedral at 6.00pm on Wednesday 26 August. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
CHAT Sleepout September
CHAT is organising a sponsored Sleepout on Friday 18 September, 7.00pm onwards, at Tiverton Town Football Club, Ian Moorcroft Stadium, in Tiverton, to raise much needed funds for the people of Mid Devon. As Alison Padfield, CEO of CHAT says: “For many people, a night on the streets is their ‘normal’. While taking part in a sleepout for one night can’t truly replicate that reality, it does help to gain a glimpse of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. The money raised really will change lives, so thank you, whether you are choosing to sleep out or supporting someone who is”. Taking part is free (under 18’s must attend with a responsible adult), but please get a ticket by going to https://www.chatmid.org/events/sleepout-september-2026, set up a JustGiving page or download a sponsorship form.
Understanding Abuse – Free Training Day for All
A free training day, hosted by the Diocese of Plymouth Safeguarding Team and delivered by FearFree, will be held on Saturday 26 September, 10.00am-4.00pm, at St Boniface House, Ashburton. The training offers an opportunity to develop your understanding of abuse and the support available for those affected. It may be beneficial for anyone wishing to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in this important area of ministry and safeguarding. It will also provide an opportunity for anyone who may be interested in volunteering as part of our forthcoming Chaplaincy for Survivors initiative to express an interest in the role and to meet members of the Diocese Safeguarding Team in person. Attendance at this training will be a prerequisite for anyone wishing to apply or volunteer for the Chaplaincy for Survivors role, as it forms an important part of the foundation knowledge and preparation for the position. If you are interested in attending, please find the booking information and event details here.
Masses and Events this week
Sundays 9th and 16th August
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Saturday 8 August – St Dominic, Priest
- Parish Laudato Si’ Group at 4.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Pro Populo
Sunday 9 August – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass at 11.30am
Monday 10 August – St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
- Singing to Remember at 2.00pm
Tuesday 11 August – St Clare, Virgin
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
Wednesday 12 August – Weekday
- Holy Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)
Thursday 13 August – Weekday
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
Friday 14 August – St Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
- Confessions and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11.30am
- Holy Mass at 12noon
- Marriage of Anna Zięba and Simon Tandy at 12noon (St Boniface)
Saturday 15 August – Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Pro Populo
Sunday 16 August – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass at 11.30am
Monday 17 August – Weekday
- Singing to Remember at 2.00pm
Tuesday 18 August – Weekday
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
Wednesday 19 August – Weekday
- Holy Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)
Thursday 20 August – St Bernard, Abbot and Doctor
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
Friday 21 August – St Pius X, Pope
- Confessions and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11.30am
- Holy Mass at 12noon
Saturday 22 August – The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Friends of St James and St Boniface, 9.00am, in St Andrew’s Hall
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Pro Populo
Sunday 23 August – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass at 11.30am