NEWSLETTER
Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year A)
Sunday 12th July, 2026
Please contact the parish to receive the newsletter by email each week.
Dear brothers and sisters
It is always shocking when a person, especially an elderly person, dies as a result of violence perpetrated against them. When it takes place in our own county, it is even more disturbing. Prescinding from whether one agreed with her politics or not, the brutal death of Anne Widdecombe this week – a vulnerable individual of 79 years of age – is both saddening and yet another sign of the increasing resort to violence in our own society and abroad. Such an approach to life and relationships runs completely contrary to the teaching of the Lord in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…Blessed are the gentle…Blessed are the peacemakers…”. All life is precious, but also inherently fragile. We are called to be disciples of the One who, through the offering of his life of the cross out of love for us, brought healing, wholeness and new life to the world. It is therefore our responsibility to witness to this alternative wisdom and way of living, and thereby break the circles of violence and revenge in our own hearts, in our relationships with others and in society more widely. May the tragic events which take place around us not cause us to give up hope of a better world, but rather spur us on to give clearer and more courageous witness to that hope-filled vision of life founded on the life and teaching of the Lord in the Gospels and which, in our own day, finds practical expression in Catholic Social Teaching (For a summary of principles of Catholic Social Teach see https://cafod.org.uk/pray/catholic-social-teaching; for a more detailed exposition of these principles go to: Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church).
I had the great pleasure this week of watching the St John’s Starmakers’ production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As always, the children never fail to impress by their acting, their ability to remember line and songs and the joy and confidence that exude from them. A whole army of helpers – teachers, parents, friends and parishioners – work behind the scenes to support the children, and a special thanks must be given to Catherine Fitton, Helen Hewson and Elaine Kelly who play such central roles in the bringing to fruition of these annual productions. We are truly blessed to have the St John’s School community as part of our parish community.
Attached to the Newsletter is the weekly guide to a prayerful reading of the Sunday Gospel from Monika Manser and a poster giving information about the Summer Camp for children across our diocese taking place at Buckfast from 27-31 July.
Let us remember in prayer all those who are in need, especially the vulnerable and frail, and pray that all those who die at the hands of the violent may find eternal peace.
God bless
Canon Kristian
Sea Sunday
Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. Conflicts around the world are increasing risks to their safety, especially for crews travelling through regions such as the Strait of Hormuz. Many also face abandonment by employers, long separations from family, stress and poor mental health. Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) is the maritime charity of the Catholic Church. Its chaplains and ship visitors provide practical help and pastoral care to seafarers and fishers in the UK and around the world. Sea Sunday is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate in church, by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate, or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5. This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work, so please give generously.
Prayer Intention for July
The Pope’s prayer intention for July is for respect for human life: Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God. To listen to and join with the Holy Father in praying for this intention, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMPrZdo95Us.
CAFOD-DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal
T he UN estimates that millions of people have been affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela on 24 June. Thousands of people have been killed, and the death toll continues to rise. Many more people are still missing. Hospitals are under extreme pressure as they treat large numbers of injured people. People in Venezuela were already struggling with basic needs and services, especially healthcare, before the earthquakes. You can help your neighbours in Venezuela with emergency shelter, water and food. CAFOD is already working with local Church partners to support people who have lost their homes and to accompany those affected by this tragedy with practical help and compassion but need your support to help more survivors. Your donation will provide essential supplies and help families rebuild their lives. Donate to the CAFOD-DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal today at https://cafod.org.uk/Venezuela by calling 0300 999 0030 or by scanning the QR code. Please keep the people of Venezuela in your prayers.
Peace Vigil
A fourth Vigil for Peace in Palestine and throughout the world will take place at St Andrew’s in Tiverton on Tuesday 28 July at 7.00pm.
200 Club
Congratulations to Tim Todd who won the £30 prize and to Tulita Cross who won the £20 prize in the July draw. Any parishioners wishing to join this parish fund raiser are invited to speak to Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St Andrews or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface.
Dorothy Yates’ 90th Birthday
Dorothy Yates will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Monday 20 July. There will be a tea party from 2.00-5.00pm on that day. Anyone who knows Dorothy is invited to pop along to say Hello.
The Friends of St James and St Boniface
The Friends of St James and St Boniface are a group of parishioners who plan and support social and fundraising events in the parish. Both social gatherings and fundraising initiatives are important to sustain the vitality of our parish community, and we should all share some responsibility for them. The group is open to all parishioners to come and take part. The next meeting of the Friends will take place next Saturday, 18 July, at 9.00am in St Andrew’s Hall.
Retrouvaille England and Wales
Is your marriage in a rut? Do you need help with deeper issues? Retrouvaille has helped thousands of couples find hope and healing in their marriage. The next dates are 2-4 October. Please go to www.retrouvaille.org.uk/info for more information or ring 07887 296983.
Young People’s Catechetical Summer Camp
At this year’s Summer Camp at Buckfast Abbey, 27-31 July, young people aged 9-12 will explore Pope Francis and Pope Leo’s Dilexi Te – ‘I love you’. Summer camp has been enjoyed by many generations. It is a great way for young people to meet others from across the Diocese and gain a sense of belonging to the Diocesan and Catholic family. Cost £150 per person. To book: Summer Camp 2026 – Fill in form For further information please contact: summercamps@prcdtr.org.uk.
Adoremus – The Third National Eucharistic Congress
The third National Eucharistic Congress will take place in London on Saturday 10 October. The Principal Mass will be celebrated at St George’s Cathedral in Southwark, followed by a procession across the Thames to Westminster Cathedral, concluding with a Vigil of Adoration from Midnight to 6.00am the following day. If you would like to be one of our 50 diocesan delegates, please contact Fr Chris Findlay Wilson on 01202 746539.
Youth Fun Day
Join other young people, 12-17 years of age, from across the Diocese to take part in a series of challenges and games at the Youth Fun Day on Saturday 12 July, 12noon-6.00pm, at St Rita’s, Honiton. See if you can be the fastest team to complete the obstacle course or score the most goals in penalty shootout or netball. There will be bouncy castles, sumo wrestling, arts and crafts and many more fun things to have a go at. There is a recommended donation of £5 per participant which includes entry, all activities and simple BBQ food. To book complete the form: Youth Fun Day 2026 A day of challenges, games and sharing faith – Fill in form. For further information contact Saskia: youth@prcdtr.org.uk.
Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Rotas
Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in Tiverton are asked to put their names down on the appropriate rotas at the back of St Andrew’s to ensure that we have the necessary ministers for Masses over the summer period.
Saturday 11 July – St Benedict, Abbot, Patron of Europe
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Pro Populo
Sunday 12 July – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass at 11.30am
- Holy Baptism of Osman Feizov at 2.30pm (St Boniface)
Monday 13 July – Weekday
- Singing to Remember at 2.00pm
Tuesday 14 July – Weekday
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
Wednesday 15 July – St Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor
- Holy Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)
Thursday 16 July – Weekday
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
Friday 17 July – Weekday
- Confessions and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11.30am
- Holy Mass at 12noon
- Prayer of the Holy Rosary at 12.30pm
Saturday 18 July – Weekday
- Friends of St James and St Boniface, 9.00am, in St Andrew’s Hall
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Pro Populo
Sunday 19 July – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass at 11.30am

