NEWSLETTER

Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year C)

Good Shepherd Sunday

Sunday 11 May 2025

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear brothers and sisters
What a week it has been!  The Conclave of the Cardinal-electors only started to meet on Wednesday and by Thursday evening they had elected the next Bishop of Rome, the Successor of St Peter and our Pope, who took the name of Leo XIV.  Many of us were taken by surprise at the speed of the election, since the one for Pope Francis was regarded as quick and that had taken a day longer than this time.  Added to that, the Cardinal-electors were more in number and came from many different cultural backgrounds than at any previous Conclave, so the expectation was that this would have an impact on the speed of the election and the ability to arrive at a consensus.  However, the Holy Spirit had other ideas and, as usual, all the speculation inside and outside the Church about who would be chosen proved to be wrong.  The Holy Spirit blows whether the Spirit wills, and cannot be contained within the limitations of our human plans and expectations!
When I heard that the Holy Father had chosen the name “Leo”, my mind immediately went back to the first year of my canon law studies when, before even opening the Church’s Code of Canon Law, it was obligatory for all students to take a course on Catholic Social Teaching, in which we were required to study all the Encyclicals of the Popes regarding this topic.  The first Encyclical to be examined was that of Pope Leo XIII, entitled Rerum Novarum – On the Rights and Duties of Capital and Labour, issued on 15 May 1891 at the height of the Industrial Revolution, and in which he put forward the idea of the rights of workers and the Church’s particular care for the poor.  This Encyclical was to spawn a wealth of papal teaching right up until our own day, which focuses on the principles of social justice and their practical application in social structures, financial and political systems, and ecology, always with a particular focus on the impact on the lives of the world’s poorest:
Despite all this teaching, it is often said that Catholic Social Teaching is the best kept secret of the Church, since it remains relatively unknown to Catholics themselves, let alone to those outside the Church.  Clearly, I don’t like the above documents in the expectation that they will be read by you (many of them are long and not easy reads – a quick summary of the major themes can be found here), but it is important to show that the choice of name by a Pope is not simply random or made in a vacuum, but takes place against a background which provides context and insight into the flow of tradition in which a Pope sees his Petrine ministry and his spiritual motivation. By choosing his name, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV is likely to carry forward this long line of papal concern for social justice and apply it to the circumstances of today’s world, a concern which should be reflected in our own lives too.
Alongside this, Pope Leo is also a member of the Order of Augustinian Friars (OSA).  His motto as Bishop and Pope is “In Illo uno unum” is taken from Sermon 127 of St Augustine in which he says: “Although we Christians are many, IN THE ONE (CHRIST) WE ARE ONE”.  This concern for unity will clearly be a central focus of Pope Leo’s ministry, since he spoke about it directly in his first words from the balcony of St Peter’s and, on more than one occasion in that speech, mentioned the importance of his being a “bridge builder” (which is the literal meaning of the Latin word “pontifex” in one of the Pope’s official titles “Pontifex Maximus”, the greatest bridge-builder).  This mission is vital amidst the division and the fragmentation in our world today, which is creating so much conflict and human suffering. Significantly, the motto of the whole Augustinian Family is “Cor unum et anima una in Deo/in Deum” – “One heart and one mind (soul) in God/towards God”, so we should expect the teaching of the Holy Father to be imbued with this principle and guided by the rich spiritual tradition of St Augustine in his teaching and ministry in the years to come.
Thus, in the election of Pope Leo XIV we have much to be grateful for and much to look forward to in hope!  Let us keep him in our prayers as he takes on the burden and challenge of his unique and universal ministry.
Along with the Newsletter this week, I attach:
  • the weekly guide to a reflective reading of the Sunday Gospel from Monika Manser
  • the Diocesan Newsletter on the Election of Pope Leo XIV
  • the May Newsletter from the Parish Laudato Si’ Group
  • the May Newsletter for Caritas Diocese of Plymouth
Let us pray that our parish family may be united, and may each of us be a bridge-builder in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.
May the blessings of the Risen Christ be with you all.
Canon Kristian
Canon Kristian Paver
Parish Priest
Parish of St Boniface and St James Mid Devon
40 Old Road Tiverton EX16 4HJ

Habemus Papam! Message for Canon Paul Cummins

Canon Paul, our Diocesan Administrator issued this message on Thursday: “What a joyful evening. God has blessed us with a new shepherd to guide His Church, Pope Leo XIV. This is a moment of pure joy and hope for all of us in the Diocese of Plymouth, in England and Wales, and indeed across the world. Thanks be to God for this great gift. The election of a Pope is always a significant moment for the Catholic Church, so I invite you to support Pope Leo XIV in his new ministry of service as we join in prayer for him. May the Lord protect him and grant him length of days. Amen. May the Lord be his shield and deliver him from all harm. Amen. May the Lord give him happiness and peace all the days of his life. Amen.”

For further information, including links to a summary of the life and experience of Pope Leo, see the latest Diocesan Newsletter which is attached.

Good Shepherd Sunday – Prayer for Vocations

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” due to the image of the shepherd that Jesus uses in his teaching in the Gospel. It is also, therefore, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, when we are encouraged to pray for vocations to the priesthood and for those currently service in priestly ministry, tirelessly and creatively exercising their charism by serving those around them.

There will be a retiring collection at the weekend Masses for the Diocesan Seminarians Fund. At present, we have three seminarians studying in seminary, one seminarian on pastoral itinerancy and, hopefully, another candidate starting his formation soon. It currently costs £35,000 a year to fund a seminarian, so your help is vital. Please take a leaflet giving more information. Gift Aid envelopes are available for those who pay tax.

Jubilee Pilgrimage to Crediton and Thanks for the Fruits of the Earth

The latest newsletter from our Parish Laudato Si’ Group is attached, giving a few more details about our Jubilee Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St Boniface in Crediton on Tuesday 24 June. During the month of May after Sunday Mass in Tiverton, the group will be offering vegetable plants to be taken away in thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth.

200 Club

Congratulations to Sheelagh Bourdon who won the £30 prize and to Vivienne Brewster who won the £20 prize in the May draw. If you would like to join this on-going fund raiser for as little as £1 a month, please speak to Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St Andrew’s or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface. 

All Day Live Music

Next Saturday 17 May, 10.00am-8.00pm, in the British Legion Memorial Hall, Tiverton, there will be all day live music to raise funds for Bounce!, a local charity which provides specialist mental health support for children, young people and their families. There will be lots of local instrumental and vocal groups, including St John’s Starmakers, who are performing at 3.30pm. Entry costs £3.00 for all day and you can come and go as you wish. Tea, coffee and cake will be available all day. Anyone who might be able to give up an hour or so of their time to help with refreshments and taking donations on the door would be greatly appreciated, as would anyone who would like to bake or buy cakes to donate for the day. Please contact Lydia Fitton if you would like to help in any way, email lydiafitton1@gmail.com.  

Feast Day of St Rita of Cascia

The feast day of Rita of Cascia falls on Thursday 22 May. There will be a celebration at St Rita’s Centre in Honiton, starting with Mass at 12noon, followed by the blessing and distribution of roses for the sick. The Principal Celebrant will be Father Douglas Beard OAR. Hot drinks will be available all day, but visitors should bring a packed lunch. The day will conclude with Benediction at 3.00 pm. Early arrival is advised as car parking can be difficult if you arrive after 11.30 am.  Car parking stewards will be on duty to help you, and there will be a small army of volunteers working in various places helping to ensure a smooth running of the day and a happy feast day for everyone. If you have any questions, please contact Krista Radzina on 01404 42635.

Secular Clergy Fund Collection

Next weekend is the annual collection to support the Secular Clergy Fund. This is the fund which provides financial assistance to our priests who have resigned from ecclesiastical office, after devoting their lives to serving our parishes and communities. It also gives grants to priests who need help to cover medical and other personal costs. Please be as generous as you can.

CHAT Quiz Night

You are invited to join CHAT for a fun evening of quizzing at St Paul’s Church, Tiverton, on Saturday 7 June. The doors will open at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £12.00, and this includes a Ploughman’s. A bar will also be available on the evening. Quiz Teams can consist of up to 8 people (but these can be allocated on the night if necessary). Tickets for the evening can be purchased at www.tickettailor.com/events/churcheshousingactionteamchat/1649562.

Jubilee Year Mass for Marriage

The Mass to celebrate marriage in the Jubilee Year will take place at 12noon on Saturday 31 May 2025 at our Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth. Marriage enriches us all, so all are welcome. For further information or to let Deborah van Kroonenburg know your anniversaries or intentions, or when your wedding will take place, email deborah.vankroonenburg@prcdtr.org.uk.

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 11th May –Fourth Sunday of Easter

  • Saturday 10 May – Easter 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 11 May – Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

    Monday 12 May – Easter Weekday

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

    Tuesday 13 May – Our Lady of Fatima

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Wednesday 14 May – St Matthias, Apostle

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

    Thursday 15 May – Easter Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Friday 16 May – Easter Weekday

    • Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11.30am
    • Holy Mass at 12noon
    • Prayer of the Holy Rosary at 12.30pm

    Saturday 17 May – Easter Weekday

    • First Holy Communion Preparation at 10.00am at St John’s School Hall
    • Confirmation Preparation at 4.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Pro Populo

    Sunday 18 May – Fifth Sunday of Easter

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am Martin McKinney RIP (anniv)

Lectio Divina – John 10:27-30 – My sheep hear my voiceLectio Divina – John 13:31-33a, 34-35 – Love one another