NEWSLETTER

Solemnity of All Saints

Sunday 2nd November, 2025

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Message from Canon Kristian

Dear brothers and sisters
We are entering into the final month of the Church’s year which invites us to have an expanded vision of life and reality.  At the start of this month, we celebrate and commemorate all those who have gone before us on the path of discipleship and who now either dwell in the fullness of divine love and presence (the Saints) or are in the process of final cleansing and preparation to enter therein (the Holy Souls).  We are reminded that they, along with the multitudes of angels, form the spiritual realm – which we perceive in prayer and with the spiritual eyes and ears of the heart – that is just as real as the material realm that we perceive with our bodily senses.  So, in this month of November, we are encouraged to deepen our relationship with those who now live in the spiritual realm, above all, with the Holy Souls whom we are called to assist on their journey into God by our prayers.  Then, as we move towards the end of the month, expanding our horizon even farther, the Liturgy will also begin to direct our gaze to the Final Coming of Christ at the end of time, when Christ hands over the kingdom to God his Father (cf 1 Corinthians 15:24).

Speaking of the whole purpose of human activity on earth, the Pastoral Constitution, Gaudium et spes, on the Church in the Modern World, of the Second Vatican Council, expresses this expanded vision like this: “For after we have obeyed the Lord, and in His Spirit nurtured on earth the values of human dignity, brotherhood and freedom, and indeed all the good fruits of our nature and enterprise, we will find them again, but freed of stain, burnished and transfigured, when Christ hands over to the Father: a kingdom eternal and universal, a kingdom of truth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice, love and peace. On this earth that Kingdom is already present in mystery. When the Lord returns it will be brought into full flower”. (article 39)

Likewise, directing our gaze to the “new heavens and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, from the Second Vatican Council teaches:
“The Church, to which we are all called in Christ Jesus, and in which we acquire sanctity through the grace of God, will attain its full perfection only in the glory of heaven, when there will come the time of the restoration of all things. At that time the human race as well as the entire world, which is intimately related to humanity and attains to its end through them, will be perfectly reestablished in Christ.
Christ, having been lifted up from the earth has drawn all to Himself. Rising from the dead, He sent His life-giving Spirit upon His disciples and through Him has established His Body which is the Church as the universal sacrament of salvation. Sitting at the right hand of the Father, He is continually active in the world that He might lead men and women to the Church and through it join them to Himself and that He might make them partakers of His glorious life by nourishing them with His own Body and Blood. Therefore the promised restoration which we are awaiting has already begun in Christ, is carried forward in the mission of the Holy Spirit and through Him continues in the Church in which we learn the meaning of our terrestrial life through our faith, while we perform with hope in the future the work committed to us in this world by the Father, and thus work out our salvation.
Already the final age of the world has come upon us and the renovation of the world is irrevocably decreed and is already anticipated in some kind of a real way; for the Church already on this earth is signed with a sanctity which is real although imperfect. However, until there shall be new heavens and a new earth in which justice dwells, the pilgrim Church in her sacraments and institutions, which pertain to this present time, has the appearance of this world which is passing and she herself dwells among creatures who groan and travail in pain until now and await the revelation of the children of God.” (article 48)

This vision of the relatedness of all people and all things and the restoration of the whole of creation, which is at the basis of our Christian faith and gives our faithful discipleship motivation and purpose, is one of profound hope, even in a world which seems to be shrouded in growing darkness in various places.  We recall that, in this Holy Year of Jubilee,  we are called to be “pilgrims and heralds of hope” since, of all people, we Christians know that death does not have victory (cf 1 Corinthians 15:55) and that from the deepest darkness there can emerge the brightness of new life.  So, as the dark evenings of November lengthen and deepen around us, may the gaze of our eyes of faith be ever more strongly drawn to that Light “which the darkness cannot overcome” (John 1:5) and to the bright and expanding horizon of God’s glory that is to be revealed in and to us at the end of time (cf Romans 8:18ff).

As preparations are being made for the installation of Bishop Nicholas as Bishop of Plymouth on 29 November, the Feast of St Cuthbert Mayne, let us continue to remember him daily in our prayers. The Lord has called him to a challenging mission, which will undoubtedly be personally costly, and so he deserves our love and support.

Along with the Newsletter, I attach Monika Manser’s weekly guide to a prayerful reading of this Sunday’s Gospel and the sheet which can be used for the names of deceased family members and friends and put into the receptacle in front of the altar in both of our churches during the month of November.

There are a number of people within the parish community who are living with serious illness at this time and facing the prospect of surgery, so please do keep them in your prayers.  I know that this means a lot to them.
May 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

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Solemnity of All Saints

This year, in England and Wales, the Solemnity of All Saints has been transferred from Saturday 1 November to Sunday 2 November. Therefore, all the Masses this weekend will be for All Saints.

St John Henry Newman, Doctor of the Church

During Mass this Saturday, 1 November, Pope Leo XIV will officially proclaim Saint John Henry Newman, the most recently canonised saint from England and Wales, the 38th Doctor of the Church. The website of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (https://www.cbcew.org.uk/newman-doctor-of-the-church/) has a series of useful articles explaining what a ‘Doctor of the Church’ is and why Saint John Henry Newman’s teaching and wisdom not only resonated with his contemporaries, but still illuminates, instructs and inspires us today. There is also a series of podcasts, entitled Journeying with Newman , which seeks to examine the breadth of Newman’s teaching and preaching by way of reflections from those who have been inspired by and have had their lives touched by him.

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed – All Souls

Due to the transferral of the Solemnity of All Saints, the Commemoration of All Souls will take place this Monday, 3 November. To mark this day, there will be a Mass at St Andrew’s, Tiverton, at 10.00am.

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.

CHAT Harvest 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.

Speaking Truth to Power

On the occasion of the recent visit of the Vice-President of the United States of America to the Church of the Resurrection in the Old City of Jerusalem, Archbishop Atallah Hanna, Archbishop of Sebastia from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, issued an open message to JD Vance, hoping that it would reach him during his visit and that the Palestinian Christian voice would be heard. It is well-worth a read!

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 dates of the first two sessions are Saturday 15 November and Saturday 6 December 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 on 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.

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

It’s nearly time to launch the Parish big Christmas Raffle, organised by the Friends of St James and St Boniface. There will be a main prize of a luxury hamper and two smaller hamper prizes. Tickets will be on sale, £5 each. Donations towards the hampers, whether luxury or made in the Southwest, would be really appreciated. There is a list up at the entrance to church of specific items. Please put your name next to the item you would like to donate and bring the item in by Sunday 9 November. If you would like to donate a different item or give a cash donation, these are also very welcome. An additional hamper basket is also needed. 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 2nd November – Solemnity of All Saints

  • Saturday 1 November – Weekday

    • Parish Finance and Property Committee, 9.30am, in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Parish Laudato Si’ Group, 4.00pm, in St Andrew’s Hall
    • Vigil Mass at 6.00pm Pro Populo

    Sunday 2 November – All Saints (transferred)

    • Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
    • Holy Mass at 11.30am Teresa, Jozef, Janusz Michalowski, Jozef Gorlo, Deceased of the Gorlo, Karolak, Michalowski and Waraksa families

    31st Week in Ordinary Time

    Monday 3 November – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

    • Holy Mass at 10.00am
    • Singing to Remember at 2.00pm in St Andrew’s Hall

    Tuesday 4 November – St Charles Borromeo, Bishop

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am Deceased of the Gorlo, Karolak, Michalowski and Waraksa families

    Wednesday 5 November– Weekday

    • Mass at 12noon (St Boniface) Deceased Priests and Parishioners of the Parish (FM)

    Thursday 6 November – Weekday

    • Holy Mass at 9.00am E.F.Ridout, parents and relatives RIP (FM)

    Friday 7 November – St Willibrord, Bishop

    • Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessors at 11.30am
    • Holy Mass at 12noon
    • Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 12.30pm

    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