NEWSLETTER

Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year C)

Laetare Sunday

Sunday 30th March 2025

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear brothers and sisters
The Entrance Antiphon for this Sunday’s Mass is taken from the Prophet Isaiah (Is 66:10-11).  Besides giving this Sunday its particular name, it also sets the tone for the whole Liturgy this weekend:
Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.  Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.
This Sunday’s Gospel reading of the Parable of the Prodigal Son and the Forgiving Father stresses the joy of the “return home”, the conversion that draws us back into the full embrace of God, and the lavish and all-forgiving joy that God experiences when we repent and humbly set out on the path of return.  As St Paul reminds us in his Second Letter to the Corinthians today, in and through Christ we are a NEW creation and are both reconciled to God and called to become ambassadors to the world of this gift of reconciliation:  “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…we implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God”.  I don’t think any of us needs to be told how fundamental this work of reconciliation is today where, instead of bringing people closer together in the many war zones and places of violence, faith in God often creates deeper division and is used to justify brutal, inhumane acts.  On a more local level and even between ourselves, rather than creating a welcoming and more tolerant space, our differences regarding how we understand the mission of the Church, its teaching, worship and outreach, often provoke discord, separation and intolerance. This is a great sadness which does not reflect the joy of the forgiving father in this weekend’s Gospel, but rather reflects the bitterness and harshness of the older brother.  Hence the clarion call of the Lenten Season to repent – to rethink, reorientate, seek to understand more deeply, to change direction, to say sorry, to seek forgiveness – with regards to my relationship with God, my relationship towards others and my relationship to myself!

Although many of our parishioners who come from other national and cultural backgrounds celebrate Mother’s Day on another day of the year, in the UK we celebrate Mothering Sunday this weekend.  Notice that the traditional title of this day is “Mothering Sunday” and not the more recently used “Mother’s Day”.  What’s in a name? Does this matter?  Well, in my opinion, yes, I think it does, since “mothering” can also be a verbal form, a present participle – a “doing” word, whereas “mother” can only be a noun – a label or title so-to-speak.  So, although on this day we do primarily celebrate and thank God for our own mothers who gave us life and/or nurture(d) us, we know that there is far more to the on-going activity of being a mother than to just enjoy the name.  Indeed, there are many others who exercise motherly care both in the Church and in society, and we also acknowledge the fundamental and unique importance of “mothering” for our physical, emotional, psychological AND spiritual well-being.  Even in the Scriptures, God is referred to in terms of both a father and a mother to express how God relates to God’s creation and to each of us.  Likewise, there will be those who have “mothered” us in our faith and spiritual growth in addition to our own mothers, and we celebrate and give thanks for them also this Sunday.  Lastly, of course, as Catholics we have the person of Mary, the Mother of the Lord, as the pre-eminent example of motherhood.  Not only that, but she is our mother too – remember that on the Cross Jesus entrusted his Mother Mary to the Apostle John, to the Church –  and, as we show our devotion to her, she never ceases to take motherly care of us. So, appropriately, we could say that this day is “pregnant” with meaning and gives us much to celebrate, starting with our own mothers.
Along with the Newsletter this week, I attach:
  • the weekly guide from Monika Manser to a contemplative reading of this Sunday’s Gospel
  • Numbers 140 and 141 of Inspire, from Deacon Peter (Sorry, I forgot to attach last week’s number to the newsletter)
  • the latest Lent News from the parish Cafod Group
  • the advert for the Head of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth
As always, we hold a special place in our prayers for those who are seriously sick in our community and for those who find themselves in a time of real challenge.
Please remember that the CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR TONIGHT so that you arrive at Mass at the right time tomorrow!
May God bless you all with that joy which comes from God alone!
Canon Kristian 
Canon Kristian Paver
Parish Priest
Parish of St Boniface and St James Mid Devon
40 Old Road Tiverton EX16 4HJ

Pope’s Prayer Intention for April

During the month of April, our Holy Father Pope Francis invites us to join with him in praying for the use of the new technologies: “Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times”. To watch a video of Pope Francis introducing this prayer intention and to find more information about it, please go to https://thepopevideo.org/march-for-families-in-crisis/.

Laetare Sunday – Mothering Sunday

The celebration of Laetare Sunday (“Rejoice Sunday”) lets us know that we have passed the midway point of Lent and reminds us of the essential joy which should underpin the conversion that leads to new and risen life. It is also the Sunday in the UK on which we give thanks for our mothers who give us life and nurtured us as we grow, pray for them and show our love for them. This we do even if they have stepped over the threshold of death into a life which is changed, not ended.

February Parish Giving

Loose: £1005.99 Contactless: £355.00 Standing Orders: £2922.00

Assisted Suicide Bill

The important vote for all MPs on the assisted suicide legislation, known as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, is likely to take place on 25 April. The charity Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to allow people to contact their Member of Parliament and it only takes a few moments to submit a message to ask an MP to stop assisted suicide being rushed into law. It can be accessed here: https://righttolife.org.uk/asvote. You can also sign a petition online at https://carenotkilling.org.uk/petition/ and email your MP. “Care not Killing” is a UK-based alliance of individuals and organisations which brings together disability and human rights groups, healthcare providers, and faith-based groups:  https://www.cbcew.org.uk/bishops-urge-catholics-to-oppose-euthanasia-and-support-care-not-killing-alliance/)

Cleaning Products for Dignity and CHAT Lent Reflections

Our 40-day collection of household cleaning products for CHAT is going well, but we need to keep it going! Our Lenten support for CHAT will be focussed on donations of household cleaning products, such as polish, washing powder/pods, softener, cleaning sprays, sponges, tea clothes, dusters, toilet cleaner, bleach, bin bags etc.  You are invited to leave your donations in the box in the entrance to church. This year, CHAT has also produced Lenten Reflections based on the main Sunday Gospel readings for the Season of Lent.

Fourth Jubilee Lenten Offering

Here is the link to the Lenten Offering for this weekend, including a reflection on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent by Mgr Robert Draper: https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/t/t-D1A6847AAA9309242540EF23F30FEDED. You are warmly invited to sign up to receive the monthly diocesan newsletter at  https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/h/t/A561A3216C433494.

Draw for the Simnel Cake & Guess the Name of the Easter Bunny

Tickets for the Draw for the Easter Simnel Cake, which will be made by Monika Manser, are on sale now, £2.00 each. The draw will be made on Sunday 13 April after the 11.30am Mass. Guess the name of this year’s 1kg Lindt Easter Bunny from this weekend, £2 a name. Canon Kristian has chosen a name from the list and it is sealed in an envelope until Sunday 13 April when the winner will be revealed!

Parish Social and Fundraising Events

An updated list of upcoming parish social and fundraising events is attached to the Newsletter. A date for your diaries: Parish Spring Bingo, a fun family event, is planned for Friday 11 April, 7.00-9-00pm. In St Andrew’s Hall. The Friends of St James and St Boniface are requesting donations for this event: luxury Easter Eggs for Bingo prizes; wine, chocolate or new items for the Raffle. Please leave them in the basket in the narthex at St Andrew’s.

Stay Awake

Stay Awake is taking place for the seventh year on Saturday 5 April, from 10.00am – 7.00pm, at All Saints Church of England Academy, Weymouth. including Mass at 5.00 pm, followed by a time of fellowship over free pizza. Come along for some inspiring and thought-provoking talks, including children’s activities, praise and worship, workshops and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is an event for everyone and anyone. Tickets are free for those in Year 9 and under, £10.00 for those in Year 10 – 13, and £12.50 for everyone else. Tickets available now, online from www.stayawakejc.com/2025.  Please book by 1 April 2025. 

Lent Series of Talks on Zoom

The Lent Series of Talks on Zoom offered by Fr Mark Skelton continues om Thursday evenings at 7.00pm, but the Zoom call will be open from 6.45pm. Each talk is free-standing talk. The link between them is that they seek to reflect on some of the Holy Father’s signs of hope in this Jubilee Year. The remaining talks: 3 April: Peace and 10 April: Jesus’s Last Pilgrimage. The link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84052447850?pwd=MmPzcp911dTsGJWDxR0vH5H9zYS4e6.1 Meeting ID: 840 5244 7850 Passcode: 043004.

Diocesan Vacancy – Head of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth

The Head of Caritas Diocese of Plymouth plays a pivotal role in advancing the Church’s “Ministry of Charity” by leading social action initiatives that align with the Bishop’s vision. The role involves implementing strategic priorities in response to the evolving needs of the community, especially for people in vulnerable situations in our local communities including children, those who are older, people who are homeless or those seeking asylum or refuge. This is a hands-on role and the person must have a delivery-focussed attitude. The post is located at St Boniface House, Ashburton, Devon, but involves travel throughout the Diocese. The post is a permanent, full-time position, 35 hours per week with a salary of £45,000-£50,000 p.a. depending on experience. The closing date for applications is Sunday 27 April 2025. See attached advert for more details.

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 30th May – Fourth Sunday in Lent

  • Saturday 29 March – Lent Weekday

    • Youth Club, 11.00am-12.30pm, in St Boniface’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm Peter Moy and Family (ints)

    CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR

    Sunday 30 March – Fourth Sunday of Lent (C) – Laetare Sunday & Mothering Sunday

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface) Pro Populo
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am Hugo Zielinski (birthday ints)

    Monday 31 March – Lent Weekday

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

    Tuesday 1 April – Lent Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Wednesday 2 April – Lent Weekday

    • No Mass today (St Boniface)

    Thursday 3 April – Lent Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Friday 4 April – Lent Weekday

    • Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions at 11.30am
    • Holy Mass with at 12noon
    • Holy Rosary at 12.30am

    Saturday 5 April – Lent Weekday

    • First Communion Preparation at 10.00am in St John’s School Hall
    • Parish Laudato Si’ Group at 4.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm Pro Populo

    Sunday 6 April – Fifth Sunday of Lent (C)

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