NEWSLETTER

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Sunday 7th September, 2025

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear brothers and sisters

As we enter the Season of Creation, the Holy Father Pope Leo urges us to join him in prayer throughout September for our relationship with all creation. He invites us to pray with him the words of this beautiful prayer:

Lord, You love everything You have created,
and nothing exists outside the mystery of Your tenderness.
Every creature, no matter how small,
is the fruit of Your love and has a place in this world.
Even the simplest or shortest life is surrounded by Your care.
Like St. Francis of Assisi, today we too want to say:
“Praised be You, my Lord!”
Through the beauty of creation,
You reveal Yourself as a source of goodness. We ask You:
open our eyes to recognize You,
learning from the mystery of Your closeness to all creation
that the world is infinitely more than a problem to solve.
It is a mystery to be contemplated with gratitude and hope.
Help us to discover Your presence in all creation,
so that, in fully recognizing it,
we may feel and know ourselves to be responsible for this common home
where You invite us to care for, respect, and protect
life in all its forms and possibilities.
Praised be You, Lord!

Amen.

Our children and young people are now back to school and college, and our parish life moves into the last part of the liturgical year, which will conclude this year with the joyful celebration of the Confirmation of 17 of those young people. How blessed we are as a parish to have these young people, together with all the other children, youth and young adults in our community, bringing both vitality and challenge! As we keep them in prayer, it is vital for us to let them know how important and precious they are to our parish family. The celebration of the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis this weekend provides us with a good opportunity in which to do this and also reminds us that the call to holiness and fidelity to the Gospel is lived out in a different and particular way in every age.

The struggle for justice and the pursuit of peace will always be a part of that pathway of holiness and fidelity, as the Beatitudes, the fundamental framework of our Christian lives, make clear: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”, and “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied”. Therefore, it is our Christian duty at this time to pray and work for justice and peace for our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza and the West Bank. The upcoming Vigil and the Call to Prayer and Public Witness are both opportunities for us to do that. However, in this context, it is important that we also remember one of the most challenging of Jesus’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). In our prayer and work for peace and justice, as Christians, we are required to avoid the all-too-common human tendency to “other” people and to allow the rightful pursuit of justice for those who are oppressed to be undermined by a generalised judgement of a faceless oppressor, in this case “the Israelis” or “the Jews”. For, once an insurmountable wall of hatred and division is built, there is no longer any possibility of dialogue and reconciliation. How hard it is to work and pray for the recognition or the restoration of the innate, God-given, dignity of every individual, whether they be friend or foe, whilst persistently and uncompromisingly calling out evil and wrong-doing and holding to accountability responsible for committing atrocities. Yet that is the path we are called to tread as “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor 5:20). Reconciliation is central to the saving mission of Christ: “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossian 1:19-20). It must, therefore, be central to our mission too as Pilgrims of Hope. As the Preface of the Second Eucharistic Prayer so admirably put its:

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.

Along with the Newsletter this week, I attach:

  • the weekly guide to a contemplative reading of the Sunday Gospel, offered by Monika Manser
  • the latest edition of Inspire from Deacon Peter
  • a flyer for the Vigil of Prayer for the Palestinians of Gaza and the West Bank
  • the application form for First Holy Communion Preparation 2026

As always, we remember the sick and housebound of our community in prayer, as well as those with a particular need at this time.

God bless you all.

Canon Kristian

Canon Kristian Paver
Parish Priest
Parish of St Boniface and St James Mid Devon
40 Old Road Tiverton EX16 4HJ

Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonised in Rome this Sunday, 7 September, the first “millennial” to be formally declared a saint. He was born on 3 May 1991 in London, where his father was working. Just a few months later, he moved with his parents to Italy. He was diagnosed with leukaemia as a teenager and died in 2006 at only 15 years old.

From a young age, Carlo had a special love for God, even though his parents weren’t particularly devout. He exhibited a keen interest in understanding the mysteries of technology and Catholicism. He loved playing video games. Carlo was fascinated with computer coding and used his skills to spread the Faith. He helped his family put together an exhibition on Eucharistic miracles which was displayed at thousands of parishes on five continents and which can be accessed online at https://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/Liste/list.html. His witness has brought many people to conversion, including his own family.

Pope Francis recognized a first miracle attributed to Carlo’s intercession which involved the healing of a 3-year-old boy in Brazil in 2013 who had been diagnosed with a malformation of his pancreas since birth. That led to his beatification. The second miracle involved the healing of a 21-year-old girl from Costa Rica named Valeria Valverde, who was near death after seriously injuring her head in a bicycle accident.

Today, Carlo Acutis serves as a model for young people seeking to navigate the complexities of the digital world while remaining faithful to the Gospel. Carlo’s example challenges young Catholics to use their talents for the glory of God and the spread of the Gospel. A video about his life can be found at https://youtu.be/wQdvNgFryaM.

Prayer Intention for September

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention this month is “For our relationship with all of creation.” The new edition of The Pope Video for the month of September has been released. In it, the Pope asks for prayers “that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.”

Vigil of Prayer for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank

A Vigil for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, which will consist of silence interspersed with prayer, poetry and praise, will take place on Tuesday 16 September at 7.30pm in St Andrew’s, Tiverton.

First Holy Communion 2026

Parents who have children who are in Year 2 or older and who wish them to start preparing to receive First Holy Communion next year are asked to complete the attached application form and to return it to Canon Kristian or the parish office as soon as possible.

Confirmation Preparation

Confirmation preparation begins again after the summer break. The next session will take place this coming Thursday at 7.00pm in St Boniface’s Hall in Cullompton. The Confirmation itself will take place on Sunday 23 November, the Solemnity of Christ the King.

A Call to Prayer and Public Witness for Peace in the Holy Land

W e are witnessing the devastating escalation of violence in Gaza and the West Bank with Israel’s latest decision to mount a new offensive in Gaza City threatening hundreds of thousands with further forced displacement. The cries of Palestinian church leaders for peace and solidarity have echoed across the global Church, urging us to respond with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

The Friends of the Holy Land, together with other Christian agencies rooted in faith and justice, believe the gravity of this moment demands a visible, united Christian witness—one that speaks to a shared commitment to peace, reconciliation, and the dignity of all people.

In response, these agencies are calling on churches across Britain to pray for peace on Sunday 21 September, coinciding with UN World Peace Day and the global call to prayer from the World Council of Churches. 

Fundraising for St James

The roof has now gone on to the new church of St James and, hopefully, it will only be another six months before we can move back to our own home in Tiverton. There is now a greater focus on raising money for the internal re-fitting of the church. Many Coffee Mornings and similar parish events have been held over the last few years, and we are grateful for the hard work and generosity of those who have planned and those who have supported these occasions. A fundraising “Thermometer” has been placed in the entrance to St Andrew’s Church to show the progress of our fundraising and donations so far. There is also a donations box at the top of the thermometer for any individual donations that you may like to give. Donations can also be made using the parish contactless machine. The Friends of St James and St Boniface, who plan fundraising and social events, meet next Saturday at 9.00am in St Andrew’s Hall. Maybe you might consider coming along and giving your support to this important part of our parish life!

Fun Quiz Night

Fun Quiz Night will take place on Friday 19 September, 6.30 for 7.00pm start, in St Andrew’s Hall. Teams can be up to six people, £5 per person.  Tables need to be booked in advance, so please call Terry (07997 805475) or Siobhan (07522 338897). Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Proceeds will go towards the interior refurbishment of St James.

Diocesan Youth Rally

The Diocesan Youth Rally 2025, aimed at those aged 6-16 years, will take place on Saturday 20 September at St Rita’s, Honiton, 12noon-6.00pm. Come as a team of 6 (over 12’s or under 12’s) or join a team at the rally itself. This is a fun way to meet others from across the Diocese, to have a go at some of the challenges and maybe to win a trophy. To book, go to: https://forms.office.com/e/swtEZ0viqV, and for further information, contact youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 7th September- 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

  • Saturday 6 September – Weekday

    • Asian Tapas, 12noon-2.00pm, at 2 Blundell’s Avenue, Tiverton, EX16 4DL
    • Laudato Si’ Group, 4.00pm, in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass at 6.00pm

    Sunday 7 September – Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

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

    Monday 8 September – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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

    Tuesday 9 September – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Wednesday 10 September – Weekday

    • Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)

    Thursday 11 September – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am
    • Confirmation Preparation at 7.00pm in St Boniface’s Hall

    Friday 12 September – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am Kathleen Hatherley RIP (birth anniv)

    Saturday 13 September – St John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor

    • 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 14 September – Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

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