NEWSLETTER
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Sunday 23rd August, 2026
Please contact the parish to receive the newsletter by email each week.
Message from Canon Kristian
Dear brothers and sisters
The month of August is passing by as quickly as ever. I hope those who have planned holidays and breaks over this period have managed to find some peace and relaxation and are returning refreshed and reenergised for the months ahead!
There continues to be a hive of activity going on as the final aspects of our new Church of St John and St James in Tiverton are being addressed in preparation for the Solemn Mass of Dedication by Bishop Nicholas on 26 September. A special thanks is due to Maggie Pulford and the Friends of St James and St Boniface for all the work they are doing in the background to make this celebration both a sacred and a joyous occasion. As you will appreciate, there are many issues that need to be carefully addressed so that the day goes well, both for the community and for the invited guests.
There has also been considerable activity in Cullompton, where the former presbytery has been completely renovated and will shortly be put on the rental market once again. In October, works will also begin on St Boniface’s Church to address the problem of an aged and leaky roof and to redecorate the church externally.
I think you will agree that we have received an outstanding and sustained welcome from the Anglican Community of St Andrew’s over the last two years of the rebuilding works in Tiverton. What a privilege and blessing it has been for our community to have been offered a temporary home just up the road by our Christian brother and sisters! What would be have done without their generosity towards us! As a small gesture of our gratitude, we will be holding a special Cream Tea and Gathering for the St Andrew’s Community on Saturday 12 September in St Andrew’s Hall, 2.00-4.00pm. Obviously, we are hoping that a great crowd of our own parishioners will also be present to thank them. It is the very least we can do. So, do please make a special effort to come and take part in this event and put the date into your diaries. There will also be a place at the entrance to church to put your name down to let us know you (and others in your family) are coming. I know that it is rather a bind to have to sign up to things, but it does permit those who are preparing food to prepare enough for everyone without having lots left over.
Once the community has returned home to St John and St James, one of the first events will be an International Celebration on Saturday 10 October, 11.00am-2.00pm. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the wonderful cultural and ethnic diversity which makes up our parish community, whether in Tiverton, Cullompton or at our Parish School. Each of the different nationalities, together with those from the constituent countries and regions of the UK, are invited to provide some food typical of or traditional to their place of origin, which can then become part of a shared buffet. The wearing of national or regional costumes is strongly encouraged, as well as any presentation such as singing or dancing which is customary to a particular culture. We really want it to be a great celebration of the amazing Catholic nature of our community. So, if you are approached by me, Vivienne Brewster or Margaret Haxton to invite you to take part, please respond positively if you can. Alternatively, please do make yourself known to any of the three of us if you would like to provide some national/regional food or offer any other entertainment coming from your culture of origin. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Parish Laudato Si’ Group has produced a “drought” addition of their monthly Newsletter which gives some food for thought about how we use water. It also invites us to join them in the August Pledge to buy British potatoes, tomatoes and courgettes in order to support our struggling farmers.
Along with the Newsletter, I attach:
the weekly guide to a contemplative reading of the Sunday Gospel from Monika Manser
the August Newsletter of the Laudato Si’ Group
the First Holy Communion 2027 Application Form
the Flyer for the Damsels and Divas Concert being given by Lydia Fitton
Let us continue to pray for those suffering the consequences of the continuing heatwaves across our own continent and beyond, and for peace in Ukraine and in the Middle East. We are being asked to remember especially at the moment the village of Taybeh, the last remaining Palestinian Christian community in the Occupied West Bank of the Jordan, which is under frequent attack by illegal Israeli settlers (https://www.cbcew.org.uk/cardinal-pizzaballa-in-taybeh-evil-does-not-have-absolute-power/.) We also, of course, keep in prayer those in our community who are sick, grieving and in particular need.
May God bless you all.
Canon Kristian
Catholic Children’s Society Annual Appeal
The theme of this year’s Annual Appeal, which takes place next weekend, is “Grateful Hearts – Serving Others – Putting All Children First”. The Annual Appeal is the Society’s main source of income every year, allowing it to continue to support children and their families at a time when they need financial support the most. Please take an appeal envelope today or visit the Society’s website (https://www.ccsplymouth.org.uk/) to understand the wonderful work which the Society does to help struggling children and their families.
Fr Jonathan Bielawski RIP
The Requiem Mass for Fr Jon Bielawski, the parish priest of the parishes of Crownhill Plymouth and Yelverton and the diocesan lead for evangelisation and catechesis, takes place this Thursday, 27 August, at 12noon in the Cathedral in Plymouth. A Vigil Mass will also be celebrated at 6.00pm at the Cathedral at 6.00pm on Wednesday 26 August. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
SVP Summer Raffle
Members of the Parish SVP are selling tickets for the SVP National Raffle. Tickets cost £1 each or £5 for a book. First prize is £5000, the second is £1000 and there are 15 prizes of £100. All monies and stubs should be returned by 6 September.
Parish Monthly Lunch
The Parish Monthly Lunch takes place this coming Tuesday, 25 August, from 12noon-2.00pm, in St Andrew’s Hall, Tiverton. Come along and enjoy some delicious homemade soups and desserts. A warm welcome awaits you!
Tough Times Support Group
The Tough Times Support Group meets this coming Tuesday, 25 August, in its usual venue – St Boniface’s Hall in Cullompton. This is a safe place in which to find support and companionship when you find yourself in a tough place.
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.
Safeguarding Newsletter
The latest Newsletter from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be found on the Plymouth Diocesan Website at https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Plymouth-Diocese-Safeguarding-Newsletter.pdf.
Concert – Damsels and Divas with Lydia
On Friday 28 August at 7.30pm in St Andrew’s, Lydia Fitton will be giving a performance of music for stage and film from opera to contemporary musical theatre. Tickets cost £10. Under 16s admitted for free. Refreshments are provided. Please email lydiafitton1@gmail.com to reserve your tickets.
Thank You Cream Tea for St Andrew’s
As a big “Thank You” to the community of St Andrew’s for welcoming and hosting us so warmly over the last two years, we will be holding a special Cream Tea for them in St Andrew’s Hall on Saturday 12 September, 2.00-4.00pm. Please put the date in your diary and sign up on the sheet at the entrance to church to give us an indication of the number for whom we need to cater.
Mass for Marriage 2026
On Saturday 12 September, at 12noon, Bishop Nicholas will be celebrating the annual Mass for Marriage at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth. Marriage enriches us all. All are welcome to come and take part, including those whose spouses are no longer with them here. Do let the diocese know your anniversaries or intentions, or your planned wedding date. Contact Deborah at deborah.vankroonenburg@prcdtr.org.uk.
CHAT Sleepout September
CHAT is organising a sponsored Sleepout on Friday 18 September, 7.00pm onwards, at Tiverton Town Football Club, Ian Moorcroft Stadium, in Tiverton, to raise much needed funds for the people of Mid Devon. As Alison Padfield, CEO of CHAT says: “For many people, a night on the streets is their ‘normal’. While taking part in a sleepout for one night can’t truly replicate that reality, it does help to gain a glimpse of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. The money raised really will change lives, so thank you, whether you are choosing to sleep out or supporting someone who is”. Taking part is free (under 18’s must attend with a responsible adult), but please get a ticket by going to https://www.chatmid.org/events/sleepout-september-2026, set up a JustGiving page or download a sponsorship form.
SVP Skittles Evening
The SVP Skittles Evening will be held at the Racehorse Pub, Tiverton, on Friday 25 September. Further details next week.
Understanding Abuse – Free Training Day for All
A free training day, hosted by the Diocese of Plymouth Safeguarding Team and delivered by FearFree, will be held on Saturday 26 September, 10.00am-4.00pm, at St Boniface House, Ashburton. The training offers an opportunity to develop your understanding of abuse and the support available for those affected. It may be beneficial for anyone wishing to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in this important area of ministry and safeguarding. It will also provide an opportunity for anyone who may be interested in volunteering as part of our forthcoming Chaplaincy for Survivors initiative to express an interest in the role and to meet members of the Diocese Safeguarding Team in person. Attendance at this training will be a prerequisite for anyone wishing to apply or volunteer for the Chaplaincy for Survivors role, as it forms an important part of the foundation knowledge and preparation for the position. If you are interested in attending, please find the booking information and event details here.
Masses and Events this week
Sunday 23rd August – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Saturday 22 August – The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Friends of St James and St Boniface, 9.00am, in St Andrew’s Hall
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Pro Populo
Sunday 23 August – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass at 11.30am David Rees RIP
Monday 24 August – St Bartholomew, Apostle
- Singing to Remember at 2.00pm
Tuesday 25 August – Weekday
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
- Parish Monthly Lunch, 12noon-2.00pm, in St Andrew’s Hall
- Tough Times Support Group at 7.00pm in St Boniface’s Hall
Wednesday 26 August – Blessed Dominic of the Mother of God, Priest
- NO Mass at St Boniface
Thursday 27 August – St Monica, Mother
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
Friday 28 August – St Augustine, Bishop and Doctor
- Confessions and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11.30am
- Holy Mass with Prayers for Healing at 12noon
- Prayer of the Holy Rosary at 12.30pm
Saturday 29 August – The Passion of St John the Baptist
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Pro Populo
Sunday 30 August – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass at 11.30am