NEWSLETTER

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Prisoner’s Sunday

Sunday 12th October, 2025

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear brothers and sisters
This week saw the publication of the first Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo, which starts with the “incipit” or opening phrase Dilexi te (meaning “I loved you”), which is a reference to the Book of Revelation (Rev 3:9).  The Exhortation, setting out in great detail the centuries-old teaching of the Church which demands from each of us, in imitation of Christ himself, love for the poor, is directed not only to Catholics but to all Christians.  In this apostolic teaching, Pope Leo acknowledges that he is completing a teaching document started by Pope Francis and, indeed, he makes frequent reference to Pope Francis, as well as to previous popes, Fathers of the Church, saints and other sources. He says:

I am happy to make this document my own — adding some reflections — and to issue it at the beginning of my own pontificate, since I share the desire of my beloved predecessor that all Christians come to appreciate the close connection between Christ’s love and his summons to care for the poor. I too consider it essential to insist on this path to holiness, for ‘in this call to recognize him in the poor and the suffering, we see revealed the very heart of Christ, his deepest feelings and choices, which every saint seeks to imitate‘”.  (art 3)

There is even a section  which discusses the “freeing of prisoners” (arts 59-62),  a subject related to the annual Day of Prayer for Prisoners and their Dependents which falls this Sunday.  In the final paragraph of that section, the Holy Father writes:

We cannot conclude this reflection on people deprived of their freedom without mentioning those in various prisons and detention centers. In this regard, we recall the words that Pope Francis addressed to a group of prisoners: “For me, entering a prison is always an important moment, because prison is a place of great humanity… Humanity that is tried, sometimes worn down by difficulties, guilt, judgments, misunderstandings, suffering, but at the same time full of strength, desire for forgiveness, and a desire for redemption.” [51] This desire, among other things, has also been taken up by the orders devoted to the ransom of prisoners as a preferential service to the Church. As Saint Paul proclaimed: “For freedom Christ has set us free” ( Gal 5:1). This freedom is not only interior: it manifests itself in history as love that cares for and frees us from every bond of slavery”. (art 62)

Pope Leo concludes his Exhortation with some challenging words about making love of the poor concrete and not simply theoretical, and sets out clearly the true nature of Christian love in a way which speaks both directly to the divisions and conflicts of the world today and to the choices we make as individuals:

119. Our love and our deepest convictions need to be continually cultivated, and we do so through our concrete actions. Remaining in the realm of ideas and theories, while failing to give them expression through frequent and practical acts of charity, will eventually cause even our most cherished hopes and aspirations to weaken and fade away. For this very reason, we Christians must not abandon almsgiving. It can be done in different ways, and surely more effectively, but it must continue to be done. It is always better at least to do something rather than nothing. Whatever form it may take, almsgiving will touch and soften our hardened hearts. It will not solve the problem of world poverty, yet it must still be carried out, with intelligence, diligence and social responsibility. For our part, we need to give alms as a way of reaching out and touching the suffering flesh of the poor.
120. Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers, and reconciles enemies. It spans chasms that are humanly impossible to bridge, and it penetrates to the most hidden crevices of society. By its very nature, Christian love is prophetic: it works miracles and knows no limits. It makes what was apparently impossible happen. Love is above all a way of looking at life and a way of living it. A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today.
121. Through your work, your efforts to change unjust social structures or your simple, heartfelt gesture of closeness and support, the poor will come to realize that Jesus’ words are addressed personally to each of them: “I have loved you” (Rev 3:9).

These quotations give a taste of what Pope Leo wishes to put before us at the start of his ministry as the Successor of St Peter, but I would encourage all who can to read the whole of this important Exhortation, since it provides the backdrop against which the rest of his teaching and pontificate will be understood.

The other “big news” this week is the beginning of a cease fire in Gaza.  In the newsletter, our Parish Palestinian Support Group acknowledges the importance of this initial, but essential, step within a wider peace process.  Terence McCarthaigh, a parishioner and member of the Group, has also provided a short personal reflection on the situation leading up to this moment, which I attach to this email.  Let us all pray earnestly that the steps towards both peace and justice for the Palestinian people, and indeed for all the peoples of the Middle East, will continue and grow from strength to strength.

I have heard that many of you have not received the Parish Newsletter for the last two weeks.  It seems that, for some of you at least, the Newsletter has ended up in your Junk or Spam folders.  It appears to be rather random how some email servers deal with this weekly email. However, I will try to change the way I send the email out this week and, hopefully, it might end up in your Inbox again!
Along with the Newsletter this week, I attach:
  • Monika Manser’s weekly guide to a contemplative reading of the Sunday Gospel
  • the latest number of Inspire by Deacon Peter
  • the Harvest Newsletter from the parish Laudato Si’ Group
  • the daily prayer leaflet for Prisons Week
  • a poster with details of the Enquirers’ Day for the Permanent Diaconate
  • a short personal Reflection by Terence McCarthaigh
Do please keep the members of our parish community in your prayers, especially those who are sick or in need and those who have died recently.
May God bless you all
Canon Kristian
Canon Kristian Paver
Parish Priest
Parish of St Boniface and St James Mid Devon
40 Old Road Tiverton EX16 4HJ

Prisoners’ Sunday and Prisons Week

This Sunday is Prisoners’ Sunday, the National Day of Prayer and Action for prisoners and their dependents as marked by the Catholic Church and across the Christian denominations. Prisoners’ families, prisoners and people with previous convictions often find themselves on the margins of society due to the social stigma associated with imprisonment. They are often forgotten or come lower down on the list of causes to ‘hold a hand out to’, but the gospel reminds us of our duties towards them: “I was in prison and you came to me” (Mt 25: 36).

Prisons Week runs from 12-18 October and celebrates its 50th year by remembering once again that, no matter what your circumstances, or the place in which you stand, God’s word is not chained.; “For which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!

(2 Tim 2:9). Many things in life can bind us, but we believe that God desires to break those chains and to set people free, to restore in them the image of God. As we celebrate this truth for Prisons Week 2025, the prayer leaflet, which is attached to the Newsletter, offers the testimony to God’s power from a number of people who have worked in or been caught up in the justice system. Their experience of having chains broken by God’s grace is an encouragement not to give up.

Caritas and Diocesan Newsletters

Click here to read the latest Caritas Diocese of Plymouth Newsletter with news of love in action from across the diocese.  In addition, the Diocesan Newsletter for October can be found at:https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/t/t-F236B443DD092B5F2540EF23F30FEDED.

World Mission Sunday

Next Sunday is World Mission Sunday. There will be a second collection to support the work of the Pontifical Missionary Societies across the world.

News from the Parish Palestinian Support Group

As the Parish Palestine Support Group, we welcome the cease fire that came into effect on Friday as the first stage in the proposed Peace Plan. If the bombs, missiles and shells cease being fired, it is a very good thing, hopefully to be followed by the release of hostages and the detained on both sides. After that the really difficult work begins, providing food, shelter, medicine and education for the hundreds of thousands that have been suffering in Gaza and rehabilitation/therapy to those released and their families. And ultimately, political determination to build a lasting peace with justice. The cease fire and peace plan in January failed, hopefully this one will hold.

CHAT Harvest Food Collection

Harvest has always been a time of giving thanks for what we have and sharing with those in need. This year, CHAT would love your support in helping them replenish their stocks. With many households facing food insecurity, your donations can make a real difference. Your donations can either be left at church, placed in the receptacles in some supermarkets or taken to CHAT directly. Visit https://www.chatmid.org/harvest-2025 for more information.

First Holy Communion 2026

Parents who have children who are in Year 2 or older and who wish them to start preparing to receive First Holy Communion next year are asked to complete the attached application form and to return it to Canon Kristian or the parish office as soon as possible.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the draw for October after the 6.00pm Mass this Saturday.  If you would like one or more numbers in this parish fund raiser for as little as £1 a month, please let Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon know at St Andrew’s or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface.

Parish Harvest Supper

Our annual parish Harvest Supper will be taking place on Friday 24 October at 7.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall, Tiverton. During the Supper, which will be a Ploughman’s Platter, we will also take some time to reflect on our vision going forwards when we return to St James in April 2026. In order for us to know how many to cater for, please put your name on the list at the entrance to church. Tea and Coffee will be provided and feel free to bring your own drinks!

Children First” Newsletter

The Autumn edition the Newsletter of the Catholic Children’s Society (Plymouth) is available at church today. Please take one and read about the recent work of the Society with children and families in need across the diocese. The Society is also running a Crowdfunder Prize Draw until 24 November 2025 for a AF140 Ninja Air Fryer and a £100 supermarket gift card of your choice to raise funds to support their Essential Grants programme. To enter, please visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ccsp-ninja-air-fryer-bundle.  Or alternatively, you can scan this QR code using your smart phone and you will be directed to the Crowdfunding page.

Enquirers’ Day for the Permanent Diaconate

An enquirers’ day for men interested in training for ordination as a Permanent Deacon is being held on Saturday 25 October, 10.30am-1.30pm, at St Boniface House, Ashburton, TQ12 7JL. For more details or to book a place, please contact Deacon Nick Johnson on 07768 622343 or by email at nick.johnson@prcdtr.org.uk. See also: www.ukvocation.org.

Young Adults Advent Retreat

Young adults, aged 18-30, from across the Diocese of Plymouth are invited to join a retreat at Sclerder Abbey, Cornwall, 21-23 November, to prepare for Advent. There is a recommended donation of £30 is to help with the accommodation and food costs. For further information contact Saskia; youth@prcdtr.org.uk or follow the link to book: https://forms.office.com/e/se4zasSM7B 

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 12th October – Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

  • Saturday 11 October – St John XXIII, Pope

    • Youth Club, 11.00am-12.30pm, in St Boniface’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass at 6.00pm

    Sunday 12 October – Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

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

    Monday 13 October – St Edward the Confessor, King

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

    Tuesday 14 October – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Wednesday 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor

    • Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)
    • Reception in the church of Joseph Xavier RIP at 4.30pm

    Thursday 16 October – Weekday

    • Requiem Mass for Joseph Xavier RIP at 11.00am

    Friday 17 October – St Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

    • Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions at 11.30am
    • Holy Mass at 12noon
    • Prayer of the Holy Rosary at 12.45pm

    Saturday 18 October – St Luke, Evangelist

    • Friends of St James and St Boniface at 9.00am in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass at 6.00pm

    Sunday 19 October – Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

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