NEWSLETTER

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Sunday 18th August, 2024

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear brothers and sisters
Although parish events are limited during the summer period, parish life itself continues unabated.  In addition to the normal round of things, preparations are taking place behind the scenes for the transfer of the St James congregation to its temporary home at St Andrew’s church in Blundell’s Avenue from the beginning of October for approximately 18 months whilst St James is being rebuilt.
This period will be a time of considerable upheaval in parish life, bringing with it both benefits and challenges, particularly connected with the fact of sharing a church space with our brothers and sisters of the Church of England. Compromises will need to be made on a number of issues, not least with regards to the timing of Masses at the weekend (and perhaps during the week), which will also have an impact on the timing of the weekend Mass at St Boniface.  Discussions are on-going with the leaders of the community at St Andrew’s about this issue and, once an agreement has been reached, I will let everyone know so that the necessary preparations can take place.  As always, the change of Mass times will have an impact not only on the parish community as a whole, but also at a personal and family level; and it is certain that, whatever the final decision, it will not be agreeable to, nor convenient for, everyone. Car parking for Mass will be another issue. Although there is a small carpark at St Andrew’s, this will have to be reserved primarily for those who have significant mobility issues, and other members of the community will be asked to park cars elsewhere or find other ways of getting to Mass.  This issue, too, has the potential for disruption for families and other members of the community.  I am sure, however, that we will approach these matters with both patience and generosity of spirit.
I am highlighting two issues now – Mass times and parking – so that we can all start to prepare mentally for the considerable change to parish life that will happen at the end of September/beginning of October.  In many way, of course, the parish community and its life will continue largely as before, but in other ways there will be the challenge (and blessing) of change! Change, though necessary for growth, is rarely easy but, as I mentioned in a recent homily, “change is inevitable, but growth is optional”!  Whatever the challenges, I know we will support and encourage each other to live this time of change for our parish community with openness and trust with we will be held and guided by the Spirit of God.
Along with this weekend’s Newsletter, I attach:
  • the weekly guide to a prayerful reading of this Sunday’s Gospel, offered by Monika Manser
  • no. 128 of Inspire from Deacon Peter, which will cover this week and next.
Please remember in your prayers those who are very sick, particularly Joe Xavier and Teresa Cummings, and those who have died recently, especially Leo Schumacher, whose funeral takes place this week.
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

Diocesan Catholic Children’s Society Annual Appeal

Next weekend is the annual appeal for the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Society. In preparation for the appeal, Canon John Deeny, the head of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth, has issued the following message:

In this year of prayer running up to the Jubilee in 2025, we are invited to reflect on how we reach out to those in need. One of the social action themes chosen by Pope Francis for the Jubilee Year is poverty. We are asked to listen to the prayer of the poor, becoming aware of their presence and needs. We are also called to implement initiatives that concretely help the poor and to recognise and support the many volunteers who dedicate themselves passionately to those most in need.

The Catholic Children’s Society Plymouth remains an essential part of the way in which our Diocese responds to the Cry of the Poor. The Society responds week in week out to the many people asking for help to meet the most basic needs. Whilst they make every effort not to turn anyone away, there is always unmet demand.

The Society has benefitted enormously from the compassionate and generous giving of so many people. They need your continuing support to enable them to carry out their mission of charity to those in need in our Diocese.

I appeal to your generosity, once again, to support the remarkable work of the Catholic Children’s Society Plymouth, through its Annual Appeal. Thank you for your generosity in the past, and may God bless you for responding as generously as you can to this year’s Appeal.

P lease visit the CCSP website at www.ccsplymouth.org.uk where you will find more information about the work they do and the difference your donation will make and please pray that this vital work will continue to make a difference. If you would like to make an online donation, please scan the QR code and follow the instructions. Alternatively, take an envelope with you today and return it next week

ADoRE Spiritual Retreat on Zoom

A free online spiritual mini-retreat will take place on Saturday 31 August 10.00am-1.00pm, sponsored by the Alton Day of Renewal. The theme is “Bear the Fruits of the Spirit – Our Transformed Lives will help other People.” The time will include Mass, Adoration, Praise, Prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and inspiring guest speaker Maria Heath. Please register for the Zoom meeting in advance at //bit.ly/ADOREAUG2024. More information about the retreat, the charismatic renewal and the history and mission of ADoRE can be found at www.altonrenewal.com/this_month.

SVP Parish Skittles Evening

The SVP will be holding a parish skittles evening on Friday 30 August at the Racehorse Pub in Wellbrook Street, Tiverton, from 7.00pm. Tickets cost £10 each, and includes a buffet supper. Please let Simon Coombs know (07761 420703) by 23 August if you would like to come along and take part. 

Coffee Morning and Musical Afternoon

Please put the following dates in your diary:

  • A Coffee Morning, hosted by Alan and Nina Newsome, in St James Hall on Wednesday 11 September, 10.00am-12noon

  • A Christmas-themed Musical Afternoon, hosted by April and John Golding in Bampton, on Wednesday 11 December, 3.00-5.00pm.

If you would like to host a Coffee Morning or similar event in October or November, please have a word with Maggie Pulford or Margaret Found.

Spreading Love: A Catholic Response to Migrants and Refugees

Following the recent unrest in a number of areas of the UK, Caritas Diocese of Plymouth has produced some information about how we are responding as a Diocese to migrants and refugees: https://tinyurl.com/3hwh2vmu.

200 Club

Congratulations to Shelagh Eastwood who won the £30 prize and to Peter Tosh who won the £20 prize in the August draw. The 200 Club is an ongoing fund raiser for the Parish and new members can join for as little as £1 a month. Please speak to either Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St James or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface. 

Youth Rally

The infamous Youth Rally will take place at St Rita’s, Honiton, on Saturday 28 September 2024. Cost £10 per participant which includes pizza. As usual there are many activities for all to join in, including the obstacle course, penalty shootout and various inflatable activities. Young people from 6–16 are welcome to form parish teams of 6 to compete against others. A parish group of less than 6 can be combined with another parish. For booking and information, please contact Saskia: youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

Confirmation 2025

Next year is a Confirmation year for the parish, so if there are any young people, aged 14 or over, who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, please complete the attached form and return it to the Parish Office as soon as possible, so that we will be able to make plans to start the preparation programme in the Autumn.

Coffee Morning at St Andrew’s

As we contemplate our upcoming move to St Andrew’s whilst St James is being rebuilt, we would like to show support for their community events. They will be holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday 7 September in St Andrew’s Church Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm, in support of the New Vine Education and Training Centre in Eastern Uganda, which now has over 100 pupils. Do go along and show your support if you can.

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 18th August – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

  • Saturday 17 August – Weekday

    • Youth Club, 11.00am-12.30pm, at St Boniface Hall
    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm

    Sunday 18 August – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

    • Holy Mass Pro Populo at 10.00am
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am (at St Boniface)

    Monday 19 August – Weekday

    • Singing to Remember at 2.00pm in the Hall

    Tuesday 20 August – St Bernard, Abbot and Doctor

    • Holy Mass at 10.00am Jo Pennie RIP (birthday anniversary)

    Wednesday 21 August – St Pius X, Pope

    • Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)
    • Funeral Service for Leo Schumacher RIP at 1.30pm

    Thursday 22 August – The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

    • Holy Mass at 6.00pm

    Friday 23 August – Weekday

    • Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions at 11.30am
    • Holy Mass at 12noon Pauline Alderman (birthday ints)
    • Prayer of the Holy Rosary at 12.30pm

    Saturday 24 August – St Bartholomew, Apostle

    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm with the Baptisms of Teddy and Leo Humphrey

    Sunday 25 August – Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

    • Holy Mass Pro Populo at 10.00am
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am (at St Boniface)

Lectio Divina – John 6:51-58 – I am the living breadLectio Divina – John 6:60-69 – It is the Spirit that gives life