Change to Sunday Mass Time at St John and St James

From this weekend, the Mass in St John and St James, Tiverton, will be at 11.00am, rather than 11.30am as at St Andrew’s.

First Holy Communion 2027

It is that time of year again for those parents with children in Year 3 or above to register them for preparation to receive the First Holy Communion in 2027. An application form is attached to the Newsletter, or a copy can be picked up at church.

Feast of St Francis of Assisi

Next Sunday, 4 October, is also the Feast of St Francis. It is a particularly special occasion this year as it is the 800^th anniversary of his death. Pope Leo, who declared a Jubilee Year, has said: “This Year of St Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities, to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves as far as possible on the model of Christ… may the hope that has seen us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and fervour of active charity.” St Francis’ Canticle of Creation was the inspiration for Pope Francis (who took his name) for his Encyclical, Laudato Si’, on the care of the environment, our common home. To commemorate his legacy and to renew our commitment to the care of God’s creation, next weekend the Parish Laudato Si’ group will be giving out prayer cards of St Francis.

CHAT September News

We are in harvest season and the run-up to Christmas already. This is an incredibly important time for CHAT. The Harvest celebration donations they receive in these few weeks make a massive difference to their ability to support people in times of need, so thanks to all who support CHAT or other foodbanks at this time. It really does make a difference. Here is the link to the digital version of the Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/970fd0ef94d9/coming-together-this-harvest.

Parish International Festival Weekend

O n Saturday 10 October, 11.00am-2.00pm in the new parish hall, the first Parish International Food Festival will take place. This will be a voyage of discovery and an opportunity for us to get together to celebrate food and drink from the many different cultures that come together in both our churches each Sunday. This will hopefully lead to an even better understanding and appreciation of each other, and to some new friendships across countries – and continents – being formed. All are welcome!

Trauma-Informed Practice in Faith Settings – Free Training Day

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is hosting a new second training event on Saturday 31 October. This training day focuses on Trauma-Informed Practice within Faith Settings and is particularly aimed at anybody involved in working within ministry roles, but all are welcome if you have an interest in developing knowledge and understanding around this topic. The training is being held at St Boniface House on Saturday 31 October, 10.00am-4.30pm. Lunch is provided, and it is hoped to see as many of you there as possible! Click here to book a place.

SVP Skittles Evening

The SVP Skittles Evening has been rearranged and will now be held at 7.00pm on Friday 23 October at the Racehorse Pub, Wellbrook Street, Tiverton. The cost is £10 per person, which will include a buffet supper. Please let Simon Coombs (07761 420703) know by 17 October if you are attending.

Day of Reflection

‘Is God calling me to Priesthood or to the Religious life?’. This Day of Reflection for men will be held on Saturday 17 October from 10.00am-3.00pm at St Mary’s Parish Centre, St Mary’s Road, Bodmin PL31 1HF. It will include Mass, a time of Adoration, a short conference, an opportunity for Confession and ‘One to One’ talks with serving priests from our Diocese and sharing food together.  Under 18s are welcome to attend with parental permission. Pickups from Bodmin station can be arranged if required. For more information and to register your interest, please make contact with Fr Jacek Kostuch on jacek.kostuch@prcdtr.org.uk or Fr Ralph Candy on vocation@prcdtr.org.uk.

See, Speak, Act: Faith in Action Against Modern Slavery Event

Join Caritas and The Clewer Initiative for an event to learn how to recognise the signs, respond safely and take action against slavery and exploitation on Wednesday 14 October 2026, 1.00pm-5.00pm at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall, Eastlake Street, PL1 1BA.  To register either click  SEE, SPEAK, ACT: FAITH IN ACTION AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY – Fill in form, email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk or telephone 01364 645440.

Come and See Weekend

T he Sisters of Mary, Morning Star, a contemplative community based in Newman Priory, Lee Road, Lynton, North Devon, is offering a “Come and See Weekend” from 16-18 October for young women, 18-35, who are discerning a vocation to contemplative life. Place are limited, so please get in touch to book your place: srsmarymorningstar@gmail.com. For more information about the Sisters, go to www.marymorningstar.co.uk. Lifts can be arranged from Tiverton Parkway Station.

August Parish Giving

Loose: £1558.51 Contactless: £535.00 Standing Orders: £3242.50

World Day of the Poor Event – The Lord is the Refuge of the Poor

J oin Caritas Diocese of Plymouth to celebrate the 10^th World Day of the Poor on Saturday 14 November, 11.00am-4.30pm, at our newly dedicated St John and St James Catholic Church. Bishop Nicholas will open the day and close it with the celebration of Mass. The keynote speaker, David Wells, will reflecti on Pope Leo’s Message and Canon Kristian will give a brief introduction to the new church. A simple lunch will be provided. Registration is essential for this free event and early booking is advised. To register, click 10th World Day of the Poor Event: Tiverton – Fill in form, email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk or tel: 01364 645440.