NEWSLETTER
Twenty Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year A)
Sunday 11th October, 2026
Please contact the parish to receive the newsletter by email each week.
Message from Canon Kristian
Dear brothers and sisters
This covering email is going to be very short, as I have just spent the last hour or so carefully composing one and then I went and deleted the draft by accident! This doesn’t leave me much time now to send out the newsletter, so I will simply say what a wonderful gathering we had earlier today in the new hall at St John and St James to celebrate our amazing variety and diversity we have in our parish community, through our International Food Festival, which also included some dancing and singing. It was a real feast for all the senses! It was a deliberate decision that our first gathering in the new hall should be one which expressed the wonder and beauty of our diversity as a Catholic community, which we receive as a precious gift from the Holy Spirit and hold united in the one Body of Christ of which we are a part. I think that purpose was more than achieved! It was also wonderful to see people, both young and old, from across the whole parish getting to know each other better and deepening their sense of community and belonging. Many of the children also enjoyed themselves making real beeswax candles with beeswax taken from the hives of our own resident beekeeper, Peter Vanstone! A table with food from the Palestinian Territories reminded us of the wider community too, especially those who live in situations of conflict and oppression.
I was very touched that, during the celebration, I was given a beautifully designed “thank you” card, which contained moving messages from many of you, thanking me for my part in helping to bring the new church building in Tiverton to fruition. Although it has not always been an easy journey, it has been both a privilege and honour to fulfil my role in leading the parish community at this stage of its life and mission. However, it has always been a team effort, and I would like to thank in particular both Margaret Found, our parish treasurer, and Kirsty Wright, our diocesan Head of Property, for the indispensable part they played in this team.
As I mentioned last week, I am aiming to start a group for those who are interested in becoming Catholic. If you, or someone you know, might be interested, please do let me know as soon as possible.
Together with the newsletter, I attach:
the weekly guide to a contemplative reading of the Sunday Gospel, offered by Monika Manser
the October Newsletter from the Parish Laudato Si’ Group
the prayer leaflet for Prisons Week.
Let us remember in our prayers those of our parish community who have died recently: Sally Zealley, Jan Wissink and Tarsisio Nyatsanza, and those who are in particular need.
God bless you all.
Canon Kristian
Prisoners’ Sunday and Prisons Week
Prisoners’ Sunday is the national Catholic day of prayer and action for prisoners and their families. It is a moment to reflect on the lives of those affected by imprisonment — those in prison, their children and families, and all who struggle with the lasting impact of justice system involvement. It is an invitation to respond with compassion, prayer and practical support. Behind every person in prison is a family — often children — trying to cope, many struggling to get by. Pact (the national Catholic prison charity) is there for all those in need. Last year, with the help of our parishes: Pact supported over 485,000 prison visits, including nearly 100,000 for children and young people; Pact awarded almost 600 emergency grants to families in crisis; and Pact worked in over half the prisons in England and Wales, supporting prisoners to maintain or rebuild the relationships that provide the foundation for lasting change. Pact offers hope, dignity and the chance of a fresh start. There is a retiring collection to support the work of Pact. Please use one of the donation envelopes if you are able to Gift Aid your contribution.
Attached to the Newsletter are the daily brief meditations for Prisons Week which lasts from 11-17 October.
Pope’s Prayer Intention for October
We are invited to join in the Pope’s Prayer Intention for October, which is for mental health ministry: Let us pray that the mental health ministry may be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses. Pope Leo asks forgiveness for the times when Christians have looked the other way, contributing to stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses. He prays that the Church may become “a safe space where everyone has a place – a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear.” The Pope also remembers those who provide care, including professionals, family members and volunteers, asking God to give them strength and compassion. According to the press release accompanying the Pope’s intention, more than a billion people worldwide live with a mental disorder, while public spending on mental health accounts for barely two percent of health budgets. To pray together with the Holy Father, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx0IiPoyRLY.
New Parish Secretary
We are happy to announce that our new parish secretary, Juliana McKie, will be starting her role this coming Tuesday. Although this may be subject to change, her hours of work will usually be Tuesday-Friday, 9.00am-1.00pm.
Tarsisio Nyatsanza RIP
We were very saddened to hear that Tarsisio, one of our parishioners, died suddenly whilst visiting relatives in York. It was Tarsisio’s wish to return to his native Zimbabwe to be buried. If you would like to help with the cost of his repatriation, a Go Fund Me Page has been created by his family. May he rest in peace.
Cleaner for St John and St James
We are looking to hire a cleaner at St John and St James Church, Tiverton, for 3 hours a week (plus an additional 2 hours fortnightly) at £13.45 an hour. Please contact recruitment@prcdtr.org.uk for the job description and application form.
200 Club
Canon Kristian will make the draw for October 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 John and St James or Siobhan Gilroy at St Boniface.
Vocation as Permanent Deacon
Are you being called to serve as a permanent deacon? An Enquirers’ Day will be held on Saturday 31 October 2026 at St Boniface House, Ashburton, TQ13 7JL, 10.30am-1.30pm. For more details or to book a place, please contact Deacon Nick Johnson on 07768 622343 or by email at nick.johnson@prcdtr.org.uk.
SVP Skittles Evening
The SVP Skittles Evening will be held at 7.00pm on Friday 23 October at the Racehorse Pub, Wellbrook Street, Tiverton. The cost is £10 per person, which will include a buffet supper. Please let Simon Coombs (07761 420703) know by 17 October if you are attending.
Trauma-Informed Practice in Faith Settings – Free Training Day
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is hosting a new second training event on Saturday 31 October. This training day focuses on Trauma-Informed Practice within Faith Settings and is particularly aimed at anybody involved in working within ministry roles, but all are welcome if you have an interest in developing knowledge and understanding around this topic. The training is being held at St Boniface House on Saturday 31 October, 10.00am-4.30pm. Lunch is provided, and it is hoped to see as many of you there as possible! Click here to book a place.
World Day of the Poor Event – The Lord is the Refuge of the Poor
Join Caritas Diocese of Plymouth to celebrate the 10th World Day of the Poor on Saturday 14 November, 11.00am-4.30pm, at our newly dedicated St John and St James Catholic Church. Bishop Nicholas will open the day and close it with the celebration of Mass. The keynote speaker, David Wells, will reflect on Pope Leo’s Message and Canon Kristian will give a brief introduction to the new church. A simple lunch will be provided. Registration is essential for this free event and early booking is advised. To register, click 10th World Day of the Poor Event: Tiverton – Fill in form, email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk or tel: 01364 645440.
World Mission Sunday
Next Sunday is World Mission Sunday. There will be a retiring collection to support the Pontifical Missionary Societies around the world.
Masses and Events this week
Sunday11th October – 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time
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Parish Diary
Saturday 10 October – Weekday
- International Food Festival, 11.00am-2.00pm, in the Hall
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm
Sunday 11 October – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass at 11.00am
Monday 12 October – St Wilfrid, Bishop
- Singing to Remember at 2.00pm
Tuesday 13 October – St Edward the Confessor, King
- Requiem Mass at 10.00am for Sally Zealley RIP
Wednesday 14 October – Weekday
- Mass at 12noon (St Boniface)
Thursday 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor
- Holy Mass at 9.00am
Friday 16 October – Weekday
- Confessions and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11.30am
- Holy Mass at 12noon
- Prayer of the Holy Rosary at 12.30pm
Saturday 17 October – St Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
- Vigil Mass at 6.00pm
Sunday 18 October – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Holy Mass at 9.30am (St Boniface)
- Holy Mass at 11.00am