NEWSLETTER

Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year C)

Sunday 23rd February, 2025

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear sisters and brothers
This weekend we continue with the reading of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain as set out in St Luke’s Gospel, in which we hear those profoundly challenging statements: “Love your enemies” (Lk 6:27) and “To the one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also” (Lk 6:29).  We could not be living in a moment in history when this teaching comes to the fore for us, Christ’s followers.  Major political forces in the world today are trying to do their utmost to polarise people into opposing camps – a polarisation which has the potential to lead to an increase of conflict and war.  Once one group makes another group into “an enemy”, a relationship which refuses to dehumanise the individual human beings in that generalised/faceless group of enemies ceases. Hence, in his ministry, Jesus never refuses to engage with those who oppose and seek to kill him. He always seeks to keep a relationship open with individuals, even if this is not reciprocated, with the belief that change brought about by love is always possible. This willingness to take the risk to continue to hold out a hand, to persevere in the belief that an individual can have a conversion of heart, and to choose not to retaliate impulsively so as to not escalate the cycle of violence, is a perennial challenge for those who follow the Christian path, particularly when there are powerful individuals who are aggressors.
This vision is beautifully summed up in the Preface of the Second Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation in the Missal and it could serve as the basis for our own private prayer at this time:

It is truly right and just 

that we should give you thanks and praise, 

O God, almighty Father, 

for all you do in this world, 

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

For though the human race 

is divided by dissension and discord, 

yet we know that by testing us 

you change our hearts to prepare them for reconciliation.

Even more, by your Spirit you move human hearts 

that enemies may speak to each other again, 

adversaries may join hands, 

and peoples seek to meet together.

By the working of your power 

it comes about, O Lord, 

that hatred is overcome by love,

revenge gives way to forgiveness, 

and discord is changed to mutual respect.

We clearly have to balance this teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Plain with the mandate to protect and uphold the poor, the widow and the orphan, which we find throughout the Scriptures, on the lips of Jesus himself and in his actions. That mandate requires us to oppose those who seek to deny the God-given dignity of those human beings – our brothers and sisters – who are most vulnerable.  Such a balancing act – which is far from easy to get right – requires moral courage, careful discernment and unwavering hope. As the storm clouds seem to be gathering now, it could not be more relevant that the Holy Father Pope Francis has chosen this Holy Year to be a Jubilee Year of Hope! The Jubilee Year invites us to ask the question: How are we – as a Church, parish and individuals – being called to be Pilgrims and Beacons of Hope in the reality of our world today?
Turning to the Holy Year, there are a series of Jubilee celebrations which are taking place throughout the year focused on different groups of people or on different topics.  Last week the Jubilee of Volunteers took place, whereas this week it is the turn of the Jubilee of Deacons.  Our parish, like all parishes, depends for its ongoing life and mission on a whole host of volunteers, some visible to the community, some more in the background.  I want to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to all those in our parish community who give of themselves in a spirit of service so generously, often with considerable personal sacrifice, in the myriad volunteer roles and ministries our parish needs to keep it vibrant.  That said, there is never a time when more volunteers are not needed, so please do make yourself known to me if there is a particular role/ministry you feel called to fill or a particular gift you have to share with the community.  Likewise, our parish is fortunate to be blessed with the presence of two deacons – Deacon Michael and Deacon Peter – who have served as Proclaimers of the Gospel and Servants of Charity in the parish for a good number of years and continue to do so.  We thank God for them and for their diaconal ministry, and ask that God will continue to bless them and their families in the years ahead.  Reflecting on this Jubilee, Deacon Nick Johnson, who is the Vice-Director of Permanent Deacons in our diocese, said:

‘In the week of 22 February, deacons from all over the world will converge on Rome. At the last Jubilee, three of our own deacons were present with 15,000 others. In the week, there will be a conference and study week for the International Diaconate Conference with chance to worship, pray and share fellowship together.

In the Diocese of Plymouth, we have thirty eight Permanent Deacons, fifteen of whom have passed the retirement age of 75, but, where health permits, they continue to minister.

We have five men attending St Mary’s College Oscott in formation to become permanent deacons and, God willing, the Parish of Bodmin will have their second deacon in the summer.

Any Catholic man between 35 and 60 may be eligible for training to be a permanent deacon, and we believe with a ministry of Word, Service and Charity deacons make a significant contribution to the life of the Church. Please get in touch if you think God might be calling you to his service.

Patrons of deacons, St Lawrence and St Stephen, pray for us.’

Along with the Newsletter, I attach:
  • the weekly guide from Monika Manser to help with a meditative reading of the Sunday Gospel
  • the latest number of Inspire from Deacon Peter
  • the application form for the Lent Retreat Day in Honiton for those who might want to apply using this form.
We have a number of extremely sick people in the parish at the moment please do keep them in your prayers.  I know they really appreciate your spiritual support. We continue to pray for Pope Francis too, who remains in hospital battling with some serious infections. May the Lord enable him to continue to lead the Church in the necessary process of reform, so that the Gospel message may be heard by the people in the modern era.
Finally, do please remember to bring last year’s palms to church, as there are only two more weekends before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
May God bless us and our world with peace!
Canon Kristian

Prayers for the Holy Father

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has written to Pope Francis to assure him of the prayerful support of Catholics in England and Wales. The Holy Father remains in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, contending with pneumonia and a respiratory tract infection. Cardinal Vincent wrote:

Your Holiness, dear Pope Francis,

As you live through this time of illness, I write to assure you of the prayers of so many here in England and Wales. The prayers of the Catholic community are fervent and heartfelt. Many others, I am sure, are joining in this prayer for your recovery and continued health.

You will understand that Catholics in England and Wales have a particular devotion to the person of the Holy Father, arising out of the historic loyalty of the faithful in these countries to him. Very many people hold you in high esteem and appreciate deeply the guidance and leadership you give in your Petrine ministry.

We pray that through the intercession of our Blessed Lady, especially under her title of Our Lady of Walsingham, you may be given strength and perseverance in these days and continue to bring to the world the joy and compassion which has been so steadfastly at the heart of your ministry. I ask your blessing on our communities and on all the people of these lands.

Please do keep Pope Francis in your prayers in a special way in these days.

Palms for Ash Wednesday Ashes

We are less than two weeks away from the beginning of Lent! Now is the time to start bringing last year’s palm crosses back to church, so that they can be burnt to provide the ashes for use on Ash Wednesday.

New Missals – Final Week to Order

Parishioners are still asking to order new Missals with the new translation of the Mass readings. The cost for a Sunday Missal is £18.95, whilst a Weekday Missal costs £66.49. If you would like to order one, please put your name and contact details on the sheet at the back of church this weekend, indicating whether you would like the Sunday or Weekday version.

Preparation for First Communion

The next session of our First Holy Communion preparation programme will take place next Saturday, 1 March, from 10.00am in St John’s School Hall, Melbourne Street, Tiverton.

January Parish Giving

Loose Collection: £881.42 Contactless: £335.00 Standing Orders: £3227.00

Parish Monthly Lunch

This Tuesday, 25 February, there will be our monthly lunch in St Andrew’s Hall, 12noon-2.00pm. Come and enjoy some delicious homemade soups and desserts, along with some warm friendship. Everyone is welcome.

“Saying Goodbye” Remembrance Service

Next Saturday 1 March at 12.30pm, in Exeter Cathedral, the charity Mariposa International will be hosting a Saying Goodbye Service for anyone who has either personally lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in early years, or who has been affected by family members’ or friends’ loss, whether the loss was recent or 80 years ago. Babies and children are invited to come with their families, as the Saying Goodbye Service is a family event for all. To read more about the charity, please go to www.sayinggoodbye.org.

Parish Laudato Si’ Group

A central part of Pope Francis’ ministry has been to emphasise the importance of care for creation and the environment as an integral part of our proclamation and living of the Gospel, most famously contained in his Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’. Our parish Laudato Si’ Group, which meets this coming Saturday, and on the first Saturday of each month, at 4.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall, seeks to respond to Pope Francis’ call to “care for our common home” and offer concrete proposals for action to the wider parish community. New members are always welcome.

Lent Retreat Day

There will be a Lent Retreat Day at St Rita’s Centre, Honiton, on Saturday 15 March, led by Fr Ignatius Paul Raj, entitled “Who am I? A Tourist or a Pilgrim?”. The day will begin with coffee/tea on arrival at 9.30am. There will be two talks, exposition and silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Mass and an opportunity for Confession.  The charge for the day, which includes lunch, is £25.00. Booking can be made by telephone, email or online: https://www.stritascentre.org/events-retreats-1/lent-retreat-day-who-am-i-a-tourist-or-a-pilgrim.  Payment can be made on the day.

Year of Jubilee Study Day – Book of Revelation

In this Jubilee Year where Pope Francis has asked us to be active “Pilgrims of Hope”, the renowned scripture scholar and author, Fr Nicholas King SJ, will help us to understand the Book of Revelation and how the Word of God is our power for Mission. This day will be held at Buckfast Abbey Conference centre on Saturday 15 March 10am – 4pm. (Dart View Room 4). Booking is essential and needs to be done through plymouth-crownhill@prcdtr.org.uk. Ring 01752 701660 for further information.

Handbell Concert and Cream Tea

On Saturday 22 March, at 2.30pm in St Andrew’s, Tiverton, there will be a Handbell Concert by Poole-based quartet, Clapper Chaos. Between them they play a set of 41 bells and a two-octave set of 25 hand chimes. All their arrangements are unique, and you will not hear them played by any other group! This will be followed by a Cream Tea in the Hall. Tickets for the event are on sale at church now, £10.00 each. The proceeds will be shared equally between the communities of St Andrew’s and St James’.

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 23rd February – Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year C)

  • Saturday 22 February – The Chair of St Peter – Apostle

    • St James and St Boniface Youth Club, 11.00am-12.30pm at St Boniface’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm Pro Populo

    Sunday 23 February – Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface) Michael Adams RIP (anniv)
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am David Saunders RIP

    Monday 24 February – Weekday

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

    Tuesday 25 February – St Walburga, Virgin

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am
    • Monthly Lunch, 12.00-2.00pm, in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Tough Times Support Group at 7.00pm in St Boniface’s Hall

    Wednesday 26 February – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)

    Thursday 27 February – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Friday 28 February – Weekday

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

    Saturday 1 March – St David, Patron of Wales

    • Friends of St James and St Boniface at 9.00am in St Andrew’s Hall
    • First Communion Preparation at 10.00am at St John’s School Hall
    • Laudato Si’ Group at 4.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm

    Sunday 2 March – Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

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