NEWSLETTER

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Remembrance Sunday

Sunday 9th November, 2025

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear sisters and brothers
Very unusually this Sunday we are celebrating the annual feast of a church building, the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.  Obviously, this isn’t just any church; it is the Cathedral Church of the Bishop of Rome who is, as a result of being the Bishop of Rome, also the Pope.  Therefore, the celebration of the consecration of this church, more than simply a celebration of this sacred building, is a celebration of the unity of the Church, ie of the Catholic communities spread across the world who are in full communion with the Bishop of Rome.  The Lateran Basilica, which probably takes its name from the old Roman family who lived in that area of the city, is dedicated to our Most Holy Saviour, St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist.  In addition, it has the title of “Mother and Head of all the churches in the City (Rome) and in the World” (Omnium ecclesiaram Urbis et orbis mater et caput).  Thus, in a very special and real way, this ancient church is our Mother Church also and that of the whole world, which is something we should celebrate.

This Sunday is also Remembrance Sunday for us in this country, the day when we remember and pray for all those who died in the two World Wars of the last century and in all other wars and conflicts past and present, both combatants and non-combatants. As we remember and give thanks to God for those who bravely gave their lives to defend freedom and human dignity, we recall those who continue to suffer and died in wars across the world in our own day and pray earnestly for peace.  As Christians, we are called to live the Beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

In his Address to participants in the International Prayer Meeting for Peace organized by the Sant’Egidio Community in Rome from 26-28 October, Pope Leo called for the end of war:

“The world is thirsting for peace.  We need a true and sound era of reconciliation that puts an end to the abuse of power, displays of force and indifference to the rule of law.  Enough of war, with all the pain it causes through death, destruction and exile! Gathered here today, we express not only our firm desire for peace, but also our conviction that prayer is a powerful force for reconciliation. Those who practice religion without prayer run the risk of misusing it, even to the point of killing. Prayer is a movement of the spirit and an opening of the heart.  It is not shouting words, displaying behavior or religious slogans against God’s creatures.  We have faith that prayer changes the course of history. May places of prayer be tents of encounter, sanctuaries of reconciliation and oases of peace…In the power of prayer, with hands raised to heaven and open to others, we must ensure that this period of history, marked by war and the arrogance of power, soon comes to an end, giving rise to a new era.  We cannot allow this period to continue.  It shapes the minds of people who grow accustomed to war as a normal part of human history.  Enough!  This is the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth.  Enough!  Lord, hear our cry!”

This meeting included leaders from many different religious traditions and so it is appropriate that we remember that this week, 9-16 November, is Inter Faith Week.  This week has three main purposes:

  • Strengthening good inter faith relations at all levels
  • Increasing awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, in particular celebrating and building on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society
  • Increasing understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs.

More information about this week can be found at https://www.interfaithweek.org/about and our Diocesan Inter Faith Officer, Deacon Mark Brown, has provided us with some prayers to use during this week, which are attached to the Newsletter.  Recently, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Nostra aetate, the Vatican II Declaration of Inter-religious Dialogue, Pope Leo highlighted the four main principles that have guided our interaction with peoples of other faiths ever since:

  • First, Nostra Aetate reminds us that humanity is drawing closer together, and that it is the task of the Church to promote unity and love among men and women, and among nations (cf. n.1).
  • Second, it points to what we all share in common. We belong to one human family — one in origin and one also in our final goal. Moreover, every person seeks answers to the great riddles of the human condition (cf. n.1).
  • Third, religions everywhere try to respond to the restlessness of the human heart. Each, in its own way, offers teachings, ways of life and sacred rites that help guide their followers toward peace and meaning (cf. n.2).
  • Fourth, the Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions, which “reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all people” (n. 2). She regards them with sincere reverence and invites her sons and daughters, through dialogue and collaboration, to recognize, preserve and promote what is spiritually, morally and culturally good in all peoples.
As a true Augustinian, Pope Leo makes reference to “the restlessness of the human heart“, a restlessness which should provoke us all to strive for peace and which will only cease when our search for God reaches its climax at the end of our earthly pilgrimage.  As St Augustine famously wrote in The Confessions, an autobiographical work in which he reflects deeply on his own faith journey and conversion: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”  (Book 1,1.5).
Along with the Newsletter this week, I attach:

  • the weekly guide to a prayerful reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel, from Monika Manser
  • the recent interview with Bishop Nicholas Hudson
  • the November Newsletter from the Parish Laudato Si’ Group
  • some Prayers for Inter Faith Week
  • the November Dead List sheet

There is an omission from the Newsletter.  The annual Christmas Party and Gathering at St Boniface will take place on Saturday 13 December, 2.00-4.00pm, in St Boniface’s Hall.  There is a list at the entrance to St Boniface Church for those who would like to take part.

We remember as always those in our community who are seriously sick and in other great need at this time; and, during November, we pray especially for the repose of the souls of all the departed.
God bless
Canon Kristian
Canon Kristian Paver
Parish Priest
Parish of St Boniface and St James Mid Devon
40 Old Road Tiverton EX16 4HJ

Prayer Intention for November

During the month of November, our Holy Father, Pope Leo, invites us to join him in praying for those struggling with suicidal thoughts: Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life. You can access a video of Pope Leo introducing this intention himself at https://youtu.be/AcME5I05LOg.

An Interview with Bishop Nicholas

Ahead of his installation as the Bishop of Plymouth on Saturday 29 November, Bishop Nicholas Hudson speaks to us about his new appointment: https://email.workwithgusto.co.uk/t/t-B2E982812702C5DE2540EF23F30FEDED.

November Prayers for the Dead

During the month of November, we traditionally pray more intensely for those who have died. As is our custom, a receptacle will be placed in front of the altar in both our churches for the names of your family, friends and others who have died. These will be remembered by name during the Mass on Friday 28 November at 12noon at St Andrew’s. A sheet for names of those who have died is attached to the Newsletter.

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 an application form and to return it to Canon Kristian or the parish office as soon as possible. The first session will take place next Saturday, 15 November, at 9.00am in St John’s School Hall, Melbourne Street, Tiverton.

World Day of the Poor Event

Caritas Diocese of Plymouth invites you to ‘Signs of Hope,’ an event next Saturday, 15 November, 10.30am-3.00pm, at St Rita’s Centre, Honiton, marking World Day of the Poor. David McLoughlin will deliver inspirational keynote talks, helping us reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s message and explore ways to combat poverty both globally and locally. A simple lunch is included. To register, please phone Caritas on 01364 645360 or email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk.

Vigil for Peace

A second Vigil for Peace in Palestine will be held in St Andrew’s Church, Tiverton, on Tuesday 25 November at 7.30pm. A selection of Palestinian goods will be on sale afterwards.

CHAT Food Collection

This year, CHAT would love your support in helping them replenish their stocks. Your donations can either be left at church, placed in the receptacles in some supermarkets or taken to CHAT directly. Visit https://www.chatmid.org/harvest-2025 for more information. Also available at the back of church are flyers celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of CHAT which invite us to collect and donate a specific item over a 30-day period.

HCPT Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026

One of our young parishioners, Bonnie, is raising funds to pay for her participation as a helper on the HCPT Group 141 Pilgrimage to Lourdes next year. She is planning to do a sponsored walk up and down Exmouth Seafront five times on Sunday 28 December 2025, a distance of 10 miles in total. If you would like to sponsor her, please put your details on the sponsor form at the back of church.

Luxury Liberty Advent Calendar Raffle

During November, the Friends of St James and St Boniface are raffling a luxury reusable Liberty Advent Calendar filled with treats for all the family. Tickets are £1 and the winner will be drawn at the end of November. It is available to view at the back of St Andrew’s Church, although the drawers have not yet been filled. All proceeds will go towards the interior refurbishment of St James Church.

200 Club

Canon Kristian will make the draw for November after the 6.00pm Mass this Saturday.  If you would like one or more numbers in this parish fund raiser for as little as £1 a month, please let Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon know at St Andrews or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface.

Christmas Carol Service

We are planning to hold a Christmas Carol Service on Friday 19 December at 7.30pm. Anyone who would like to join our group of singers at the Carol Service is invited to come along to the rehearsals on Saturday mornings, 11.00am -12noon in St Andrew’s, Tiverton.

Christmas Tree Baubles

Tony and Ann Doble have been given a number of good quality Christmas tree decorations from Hillersdon House. They will be selling these after Sunday Mass at St Boniface towards the middle of November. All proceeds will go to the Church funds to support the refurbishment of St James and the pending works on the church and presbytery at St Boniface.

Big Christmas Raffle

The Friends of St James and St Boniface are preparing for the Christmas Raffle. This is the last weekend to donate luxury or Southwest produce for the hampers. The list is still up at the back of St Andrew’s Church. Tickets will be on sale soon. Please contact Siobhan with any questions: 07522 338897 or siobhanewarne@yahoo.co.uk.

Call for Flower Arrangers

We are looking for volunteers to join the small band of parishioners who provide floral decorations to enhance the church environment for our Masses and other Services throughout the year at St Andrew’s (St James) Tiverton. All you need is the interest and desire to share your love of flowers and a willingness to work together as part of a small team. Please contact Ellie Williams by sending her an email via the parish email: tiverton@prcdtr.org.uk.

Masses and Events this week

Sunday 9th November – Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

  • Saturday 8 November – Weekday

    • Alan and Nina’s Coffee Morning, 10.00am-12noon, in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Youth Club, 11.00am-12.30pm, in St Boniface’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Sue and Keith (wedding ints)

    Sunday 9 November – The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (Remembrance Sunday)

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface) Pro Populo
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am Those fallen in war

    32nd Week in Ordinary Time

    Monday 10 November – St Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor

    • Singing to Remember at 2.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Licensing of Rev Sue Roberts, 7.30pm, at St Andrew’s

    Tuesday 11 November – St Martin of Tours, Bishop

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am Alice May Lucy Berkeley RIP (FM)

    Wednesday 12 November– St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

    • Service of the Word and Holy Communion at 12noon (St Boniface)

    Thursday 13 November – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am

    Friday 14 November – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am Fr Sydney Duggan RIP (FM)

    Saturday 15 November – Weekday

    • First Holy Communion Preparation, 9.00am, St John’s School Hall
    • Vigil Mass at 6.00pm

    Sunday 16 November – Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (c)

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface) Christopher Sharp RIP (FM)
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am Pro Populo