NEWSLETTER

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Sunday 20th July, 2025

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear brothers and sisters
We are all too aware of the terrible human suffering and destruction that has been taking place in Gaza over these last months.  This week has seen the indigenous Palestinian Christian community of the Holy Land come under attack on two fronts: the bombing of the Holy Family Parish Compound in Gaza by the Israeli Army and the incursions into the sole remaining all-Christian town, Taybeh, in the occupied West Bank by radical Israeli settlers.  Both of these events are indicative of the ever-increasing hostility between the different communities which find their home in these lands, and a rejection by one group of the right to exist and dwell in peace of those who belong to communities with a different history and faith tradition connected with those same lands.

Following the attack on the Holy Family Parish on Thursday the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued the following strongly-worded statement with regards to the continuing bombing of Gaza which is both “humanly and morally unjustified“.  Importantly, whilst the statement was provoked by the bombing of the Holy Family Parish Compound, the Latin Patriarchate states specifically that: “...this tragedy is not greater or more terrible than the many others that have befallen Gaza. Many other innocent civilians have also been harmed, displaced and killed.  Death, suffering and destruction are everywhere.” The full statement is as follows:

This morning, at approximately 10:20am, the compound of the Holy Family in Gaza, belonging to the Latin Patriarchate, was struck by the Israeli army. As of this hour, three individuals lost their lives as a result of the injuries sustained and nine others were wounded, including one in critical condition and two in serious condition. The community’s parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, sustained light injuries.
The people in the Holy Family compound are people who found in the Church a sanctuary – hoping that the horrors of war might at least spare their lives, after their homes, possessions, and dignity had already been stripped away. On behalf of the entire Church of the Holy Land, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and from here, we offer our prayers for the swift and full recovery of the wounded.
The Holy Father has conveyed his own heartfelt condolences, his solidarity with them, and his prayers on their behalf.
The Latin Patriarchate strongly condemns this tragedy and this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place. However, this tragedy is not greater or more terrible than the many others that have befallen Gaza. Many other innocent civilians have also been harmed, displaced and killed. Death, suffering and destruction are everywhere.
The time has come for leaders to raise their voices and to do all what is necessary in order to stop this tragedy which is humanly and morally unjustified.
This horrific war must come to a complete end – so that we may commence the long work of restoring human dignity.
We embrace all those in the compound and stand with them in this painful hour, as they bury members of the community. We express our gratitude to all those who are sharing their condolences and sympathy with the Patriarchate and the church.
We will continue to stand by the side of the community of Gaza and do all that what is within our power to support them.
May the souls of the victims rest in eternal peace and may the Lord grant you all His Peace.

As an act of solidarity, the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches of Jerusalem visited the Christians in Taybeh and made the following statement:
We, the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem, are here today in Taybeh in solidarity with the local community following an intensifying trend of systemic and targeted attacks against them and their presence. We ask for the prayers, attention, and action of the world, particularly that of Christians globally.
On Monday, 7 July 2025, radical Israelis from nearby settlements intentionally set fire near the town’s cemetery and the Church of Saint George, which dates back to the 5th century. Taybeh is the last remaining all-Christian town in the West Bank. These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community first and foremost, but also to the historic and religious heritage of our ancestors and holy sites. In the face of such threats, the greatest act of bravery is to continue to call this your home. We stand with you, we support your resilience, and you have our prayers.
We give thanks for the local residents and firefighters for extinguishing the fire before our holy sites were destroyed, but we join voices with the local priests – Greek Orthodox, Latin, and Melkite Greek Catholic – issuing a clear plea for support in the face of repeated, systematic attacks from these radicals, which are only growing more frequent.
In recent months, the radicals have led their cattle to graze on the farms of Christians on the east side of Taybeh – the agricultural area – rendering them inaccessible at best but at worst damaging the olive groves that families depend on. Last month, several homes were attacked by these radicals, lighting fires and erecting a billboard that said, translated into English, “there is no future for you here”.
The Church has had a faithful presence in this region for nearly 2,000 years. We firmly reject this message of exclusion and reaffirm our commitment to a Holy Land that is a mosaic of different faiths, living peacefully together in dignity and safety.
The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches calls for these radicals to be held accountable by the Israeli authorities, who facilitate and enable their presence around Taybeh. Even in times of war, sacred places must be protected. We call for an immediate and transparent investigation into why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished.
The attacks by the hands of settlers against our community, which is living in peace, must stop, both here in Taybeh and elsewhere throughout the West Bank. This is clearly part of the systematic attacks against Christians that we see unfolding throughout the region.
Furthermore, we ask diplomats, politicians, and church officials worldwide to provide a prayerful and outspoken voice for our ecumenical community in Taybeh, that their presence may be secured and that they can live in peace to worship freely, grow crops without danger, and live in a peace that seems to be in far too short of supply.
We join our fellow clergy in Taybeh in reiterating this of hope in the face of a persistent threat: “truth and justice will ultimately prevail”. And we recall the words of the Prophet Amos, which become our prayer during this challenging time: “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream”.
+ Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem

I have included both of the above statements in full since it is important to hear the voices of those on the ground.  We are all aware of the complex and tortuous history of this part of the Middle East, which is exacerbated by those who espouse extremist positions to the violent exclusion of others, but violence, destruction and the denial of fundamental human rights will never create the ground for peace, reconciliation and the restoration of justice.  To sum up with the words of the Latin Patriarchate:  “this horrific war [and, I would add, the attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank] must come to a complete end – so that we may commence the long work of restoring human dignity”. May this be our fervent prayer and a desire which leads to action.  Further information about the situation of Palestinian Christians can be found on the website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem: https://lpj.org/en.
Latin Patriarchate of JerusalemThe Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is a particular catholic Church whose territory includes Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine and Israel.
lpj.org
Together with the newsletter this week, I attach:
  • the weekly aid to a prayerful reading of the Sunday Gospel, from Monika Manser
  • the latest edition of Inspire, from Deacon Peter
  • the flyer for the Parish Summer Picnic due to take place this Sunday at Higher Bagmore nr Bradninch
As always, let us commend to God’s compassionate love those amongst us who are ill or vulnerable, whether in body, mind or spirit.
God bless
Canon Kristian
Canon Kristian Paver
Parish Priest
Parish of St Boniface and St James Mid Devon
40 Old Road Tiverton EX16 4HJ

Parish Summer Picnic

A Parish Summer Picnic will take place this Sunday, 20 July, at Higher Bagmore, Trinity, near Bradninch, EX5 4LN.  Arrival time can be any time from 11.30am.  Bring and share or bring an individual picnic lunch from 1.30pm.  Hot and cold drinks and ice lollies will be available all day.  Higher Bagmore has a large garden with plenty of space for picnics, wandering or being quiet.  There is a warm outdoor 15×5 metre swimming pool and a clay tennis court.  Well-behaved dogs are also welcome! A flyer is attached which gives directions for getting to Higher Bagmore, together with some safety advice.

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

In 2021, Pope Francis instituted a Church-wide celebration of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to be held on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. This day helps us to remember that the elderly are a gift, and we have a duty to ensure that they are looked after well in their final years.  The Holy Father has chosen the theme of the Fifth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held this year next Sunday, 27 July: “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (Sir 14:2). These words, taken from the Book of Sirach, express the blessedness of the elderly and indicate hope placed in the Lord as the way to a Christian and reconciled old age.

Updating the Parish Database

Under the General Data Protection Regulation, it is necessary for us to ensure that the data the parish holds on our parishioners is up to date. We therefore need to ask each person/family to fill out a new census form at regular intervals. It has been some years since the parish database was last updated, so new census forms are available over the next few weekends. Many of you have already returned your forms. Could those who have yet to return theirs please do so as soon as possible. There are additional forms available for those who still need to take one. If you know of anyone who does not attend church regularly, but who would still like to be included on the database, please take a form for them to complete and return.

End of Year School Mass

The Mass to mark the end of the school year and to say “farewell” to our Year 6 leavers will take place this Tuesday, 22 July, at 2.00pm in St John’s School Hall. Parishioners are very welcome to come and take part, supporting our children with your prayers and your presence.

CAFOD Job Vacancy – Community Participation Coordinator

Do you have a strong interest in global justice and international development? Do you want to put your faith into action? Are you able to support a growing team of CAFOD volunteers working in diocesan parishes and schools?

CAFOD is looking for a Community Participation Coordinator for the Diocese of Plymouth. This a permanent part-time contract, 3 days per week (21 hours), working from home anywhere within the Diocese of Plymouth. This role enables a team of committed volunteers to inspire and support Catholics to participate in the Church’s mission to overcome poverty and injustice in partnership with CAFOD.

For more information, please visit: www.cafod.org.uk/work-with-us and click on current vacancies to find the role. The closing date is 27 July 2025.

Mad Hatters’ Tea Party

A Coffee Morning and Mad Hatters’ Tea Party in aid of the St James’ Building Fund will take place at Stylehurst, Ashley, Tiverton, EX16 5PA, on Saturday 2 August, 10.00am-12noon. Children are welcome. So, it’s time to be making your Mad Hatters’ Hat! Prizes for the best Lady’s Hat, Gent’s Hat and Child’s Hat!

Unbound: Freedom in Christ Prayer Conference

Negative thoughts, repetitive sins and unhealthy relationships? Destructive habits, idols, and false identities? Resentments and bitter wounds that never seem to heal? What if you could reach out and touch God’s love and never be the same? The Unbound: Freedom in Christ Conference on 20/21 September in St Boniface RC College, Plymouth, will empower you to break the powerful chains in your life, so that you can walk in the fullness of freedom. Unbound is a non-confrontational freedom and inner healing ministry which helps people worldwide reclaim their true identity in Christ.

Trained ministry teams will be on site. Author and co-founder, Matt Lozano, will be speaking live from the USA. The conference will include Mass, Confessions, Adoration, praise and worship and refreshments. Tickets are £40 via the link below. Booking essential as tickets will not be available on the door. Over 18’s only. For more details, please contact 01752 701660 or 07940 453607/ Book your ticket at https://givealittle.co/c/5dBfepB2Akl3YpEkxi3Qr1/.

Jubilee Day for Catechists

In this Jubilee year, this day, whose theme is “My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me” (Jn7:16), is for all catechists and those interested in becoming catechists. Speakers include Dr Pat McGovern and the LIFT Team from our parish in Truro and Deacon Tim van Kroonenburg. The day will also provide opportunities to connect with fellow catechists and share ideas of fruitful pastoral practice in our challenging times. It will take place at the Buckfast Abey Conference Centre on Saturday 27 September 10.00am – 4.00pm. To register, please email plymouth-crownhill@prcdtr.org.uk.

SVP National Raffle

Members of the SVP will be selling the Society’s summer raffle tickets over the coming weeks. They cost £1 a ticket and come in books of 5. There is a first prize of £5000, a second one of £1000 and 15 additional prizes of £100. The Parish SVP group will receive 50% of the ticket sales to support its work, so please be generous. 

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 20th July – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

  • Saturday 19 July – Weekday

    • Friends of St James and St Boniface at 9.00am in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Youth Club, 11.00am-12.30pm, in St Boniface’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass at 6.00pm

    Sunday 20 July – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

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

    Monday 21 July – Weekday

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

    Tuesday 22 July – St Mary Magdalene, Apostle of the Apostles

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am
    • End of School Year Mass at 2.00pm in St John’s School Hall

    Wednesday 23 July – St Bridget of Sweden, Religious, Patron of Europe

    • Service of the Word and Holy Communion at 12noon (St Boniface)

    Thursday 24 July – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Friday 25 July – St James, Apostle

    • Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions at 11.30am
    • Holy Mass with Prayers for Healing at 12noon
    • Holy Rosary at 12.30pm
    • SVP Meeting at 12.45pm in St Andrew’s

    Saturday 26 July – St Joachim and St Anne, Parents of the BVM

    • Vigil Mass at 6.00pm

    Sunday 27 July – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

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

Lectio Divina – Luke10:38-42 – Martha was distractedLectio Divina – Luke 11:1-13 – Lord, Teach us to pray