NEWSLETTER
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Prisoner’s Sunday
Sunday 12th October, 2025
Please contact the parish to receive the newsletter by email each week.
Message from Canon Kristian
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Monika Manser’s weekly guide to a contemplative reading of the Sunday Gospel
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the latest number of Inspire by Deacon Peter
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the Harvest Newsletter from the parish Laudato Si’ Group
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the daily prayer leaflet for Prisons Week
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a poster with details of the Enquirers’ Day for the Permanent Diaconate
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a short personal Reflection by Terence McCarthaigh
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)
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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