NEWSLETTER
Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year A)
Sunday 23rd July 2023
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Message from Canon Kristian
Dear sisters and brothers
We celebrated a beautiful and joyful End of Year Mass at St John’s School on Friday, the Year 6 Leavers led their farewell assembly and were given the traditional send-off by the school community. At the Mass, flowing from the readings, we focussed on the ideas of “family, friends and future”. We reflected on how we are all members of family groups of different shapes and sizes, but we are all members of the one Family of God. Friendships are part and parcel of healthy, human development and enable us to feel supported and loved, particularly when we face a yet-to-be discovered future. In his teaching in the Gospel of St John, Jesus emphasises he no longer regards his disciples as servants but as friends. Thus, our experience of friendship is important for understanding the true nature of our relationship with Christ. Finally, we are a people of faith living fully in the present moment yet turned towards the future and open to what is to come. The future is full of exciting discovery, and we are called to be open to who God is calling us to be and to do what God is calling us to do. These thoughts were clearly very relevant to our Year 6 children as they move on to Secondary School and to the younger children who will be moving up to another class in the next school year. However, they are also important foci for all of us, whatever our stage in life may be. So, as schools break up, let us value our families, our friends and openness to the future – our spiritual family, our spiritual friends and our friendship with God, and an courageous openness to God’s call.
Along with the Newsletter this week, I attach:
the weekly guide to a prayerful reflection on the Sunday Gospel offered by Monika Manser
No.81 of Inspire from Deacon Peter
the July Caritas Diocese of Plymouth Newsletter
information about the CAFOD “Fix the Food System” Campaign.
I wish all those who are preparing to go on summer holiday a time of relaxation, restoration and fun. Let us also be specially aware of those who will be visiting our area over the following weeks, particularly those who will join us at Mass. Our welcome to them is important and expresses our belief that we are members of the same family and that they should feel “at home” among us.
Let us remember each other in prayer, especially those we know in our parish family and beyond who are sick or who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
God bless
Canon Kristian
Canon Kristian Paver
Parish Priest
Parish of St James & St Boniface
40 Old Road
Tiverton EX16 4HJ
Tel: 01884 252292
World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly
This Sunday, 23 July, the Church celebrates the third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Established by Pope Francis in January 2021, the observance is celebrated each year on the fourth Sunday of July, coinciding with the feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s parents and Jesus’ grandparents, Saints Joachim and Anne.
The theme for this year’s World Day is “His mercy is from age to age” (Lk 1:50) According to Vatican News, the theme was chosen to be in tune with that of World Youth Day in Lisbon: Mary arose and went with haste, taken from Luke’s Gospel. Even the short passage “His mercy from age to age” is taken from Luke’s Gospel and is the end of the first part of the Magnificat, when Mary immediately goes to meet her elderly cousin Elizabeth after the Angel’s annunciation. Thus, it is a theme that highlights the importance of dialogue between generations, which is fundamental for perceiving and contemplating God’s merciful action on behalf of human beings.
In his message for the third World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis writes: “Friendship with an older person can help the young to see life not only in terms of the present and realize that not everything depends on them and their abilities. For the elderly, the presence of a young person in their lives can give them hope that their experience will not be lost and that their dreams can find fulfilment”. The National Office for Vocations has a helpful page on its website to celebrate Grandparents Day.
Message from Fr Paul about his Priesthood Anniversary Celebrations
Feeding someone is an act of love, even if that love comes in the shape of cake, especially in fact if it comes in the shape of cake” (Jamie Oliver). Last Sunday’s Mass and afternoon tea party felt a little like that, and my mouth and my heart are full! I’m astonished, though not surprised, by your generosity. Thank you all for the precious beautiful icon, for your gifts, including the amazing cheque, for your touching personal messages and cards which warm my heart, for everything…
It is a blessing beyond words for me to be able to spend my declining years in this community which I have loved and served for so many years; and I thank Canon Kristian and all of you for your generosity of spirit in making me welcome at home with you. Grace to you and peace! Fr Paul.
June Parish Giving
Loose: £1173.60 Contactless: £415.00 Standing Orders: £2752.00
CHAT at the Mid Devon Show and the CHAT AGM
CHAT is delighted to have been chosen as the Charity of the Year for this year’s Mid Devon Show this Saturday, 22 July. You will find CHAT in row D and there will be the opportunity to meet the team and join in with lots of fun activities. CHAT will also be holding receptions for its supporters, parish and district councillors, potential volunteers, local landlords or if you are interested in hosting a Ukrainian family. Look out for the info at the welcome gate and see if you can find Charlie Bear for a photo op!
The CHAT AGM will take place this Tuesday, 25 July 2023, at 7.00pm at St James. You are invited to join the team for some light refreshments while some time is spent reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the future. Everyone is welcome.
School Transport Grants
The Diocesan School Transport Fund aims to subsidise the cost to parents of children travelling to Catholic schools in our diocese. If you need assistance in covering the costs of sending your child to one of our Catholic schools, please have a word with Canon Kristian or contact the Parish Office for an application form, which have to be returned to the Diocesan Offices by 31 July 2023.
Stand in Solidarity with Small Farmers
Attached to the Newsletter is some information about the present CAFOD “Fix the Food System” Campaign in support of small farmers around the world. Next weekend, there will be an opportunity to sign a copy of the letter that will be sent to the head of the World Bank.
Sponsored Walk for CHAT
Ewelina Żychlinska, and her daughter, Zofia, are doing a 1000km walk over three months to raise funds to support the work of CHAT. If you would like to support them, you can do so online at Ewelina Żych is fundraising for Churches Housing Action Team (Mid Devon) Ltd (justgiving.com) or by giving your donation to them directly.
July Caritas Newsletter
Caritas Diocese of Plymouth’s July newsletter is now available to read online. Please click the link here: https://tinyurl.com/57kh6zvd If you would like a printed copy, please telephone Caritas on 01364 645360.
SVP Parish Skittles Evening
A Skittles Evening will take place at 7.30pm on Friday 18 August at the Racehorse Pub in Wellbrook Street, Tiverton. Adult tickets will cost £10 each, with donations for children, and will include a buffet supper. Please let Simon Coombs (07761420703) know by 10th August if you would like to attend.
Parish Pastoral Council Sub-Groups Meeting
A reminder to the members of the Parish Pastoral Council that the first occasion for the Sub-groups to meet to discuss their particular pastoral issues will take place this Wednesday, 26 June, at 7.00pm in the Hall at St James.
Masses and Events this week
Sunday 23rd July – Sixteenths Sunday of Ordinary Time A
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Saturday 22 July – Weekday
- Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm Pro Populo
Sunday 23 July – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
- Holy Mass at 10.00am Anna Salantayova RIP
- Holy Mass at 11.30am (at St Boniface)
Monday 24 July – Weekday
- Singing to Remember today at 2.00pm in the Hall
Tuesday 25 July – St James, Apostle
- Holy Mass at 10.00am
- Monthly Lunch, 12noon-2.00pm, in the Hall
- CHAT AGM at 7.00pm in the Hall
Wednesday 26 July – Sts Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Holy Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)
- Pastoral Council Sub-groups at 7.00pm in the Hall
Thursday 27 July – Weekday
- Holy Mass at 6.00pm
Friday 28 July – Weekday
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions at 11.30am
- Holy Mass with Prayers for Healing at 12noon
Saturday 29 July – Sts Martha, Mary and Lazarus
- Baptism of Kai Tamosiunaite at 11.00am
- Vigil Mass of Sunday at 6.00pm Pro Populo
Sunday 30 July – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
- Holy Mass at 10.00am Sam Pennie RIP (anniv)
- Holy Mass at 11.30am (at St Boniface)
