Archdiocese of Birmingham Newsletter
 Website Events News |
| Vocations Sunday, urgent call for hosts for Ukrainians. |
 Vocations Sunday The Fourth Sunday of Easter is Vocations Sunday. In Scripture, we hear of Jesus, the shepherd who calls each of us to follow him. We ask to discern our own mission from Christ, and we pray in particular this weekend that those whom He calls to serve us as priests and deacons will hear and answer that call. Vocations Sunday |
 Sudan request for prayer “We can’t leave the house, and there is lack of water, electricity and food” – Aid to the Church in Need asks for prayers. The latest report from Sudan comes from Kinga von Schierstaedt, Project Co-ordinator for ACN in Africa and Head of Projects in Sudan. It was written on Friday 21 April and the situation continues to worsen. The main thing the Church there is asking us for is prayer. Sudan |
 Urgent request for hosts for Ukrainians Ukraine. THE WAR CONTINUES. People from Ukraine are still getting in touch daily wishing to seek safety in the UK. The Church nationally has established a new scheme available to all Dioceses, run by the St John of God Hospitallers. They will prepare hosts and match them with guests from Ukraine. Would you consider hosting an individual, or mother and child or a small family for six months in your home-with support? Over 500 possible guests from Ukraine have signed up to the scheme and at the moment there are only about 70 potential hosts. SJOG are hosting online information sessions for potential hosts/sponsors over the coming months. Please take part if you are able to assist.If you want to know more about what is involved please click the link below. Urgent appeal for hosts |
 This Saturday: Ecology and Creation Theology This one-day Symposium at St Mary’s College, Oscott, presents an opportunity to delve into the Ecology and Theology of Creation, with reference to Scripture, Christology, Mariology, Eucharistic theology, Sacramentology, Christian spirituality, and participative metaphysics. Papers will focus on: The relationship between Christ and Creation A philosophical understanding of the relationship between God and Creation The relationship between Mary, Creation and the Sacraments Human beings and God in everyday life (providence) The place of human beings in relation to all Creation (integral ecology) Book now: Ecology and Creation Theology |
 Last chance to apply for Choral Director roles. The Archdiocese of Birmingham is delighted to be able to offer up to five roles as it creates its own inclusive world-class music programme for children in our Catholic state schools. Thanks to funding from the Hamish Ogsten Foundation we will be implementing, delivering and developing the National Schools Singing Programme within the Archdiocese- starting in Coventry and Staffordshire. The role is suitable for recent graduates. Closing date for applications is Tuesday 2 May. Jobs in the Archdiocese |
 Tabor Living Opens New Homeless Centre to reach those who fall through the cracks. A new space to support the homeless get back into work and moving on positively has opened at St Catherine of Siena church in Birmingham. Tabor Living celebrated its move to a new location, at St Catherine of Siena church, with an official launch attended by West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor Andy Street and Archbishop Bernard Longley as well as partners, supporters and volunteers.After 17 months and £500,000 investment, Tabor Living’s new-look space has nine emergency beds, 11 ‘next steps’ rooms, and additional spaces for community activity, more than doubling the rooms it can offer. Tabor LIving Launch |
 Cursillo Weekend- Staffordshire Cursillo is a Catholic movement with Papal approval, dedicated to spreading the Word of God and helping Catholics to form a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. A three-day weekend providing adult faith formation will be hosted at Shallowford House, near Stone, Staffordshire from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 May. Cursillo Weekend |
 Let’s Journey Together The Isaiah Journey group (who prepare resources for the Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse) are promoting a week of Online Guided prayer from 11-17 May for all who have been affected by clerical abuse in the Catholic Church. The Day of Prayer this year will be on 9 May, which is the Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter. It is proposed as a day of prayer for those who have been abused in a season of hope and new life. Day of Prayer for Victims of Abuse |
 LOUDfence programme now available Plans for the LOUDfence at St Chad’s Cathedral, running from Sunday 7 May to Saturday 13 May, are gaining momentum (please be aware the initiative pauses on Bank Holiday Monday, 8 May) and a programme of events and activities is now in place. A LOUDfence involves tying LOUD (brightly coloured) ribbons and messages of support in public spaces to show support to all victims and survivors of abuse.The aim is to give survivors a voice, create awareness in the community and work to end abuse. LOUDfence will be hosted at St Chad’s Cathedral from Sunday 7 to Saturday 13 May. Join the LOUDfence |
 Webinar: Catholic Education in 21st Century Britain Monday 15 May. Invitation from the Catholic Union of Great Britain Catholic Education in 21st Century Britain: Opportunities and Challenges for Catholic Schools Today. The Catholic Union is delighted to be hosting a webinar on Catholic education in Twenty First Century Britain. Our expert panel of speakers will consider some of the opportunities and challenges for Catholic schools in this country. Catholic Education in C21st Britain |
 Christian Life Community Information Session Saturday 20 May at 2pm at Manresa House, 10 Albert Road Harborne, Birmingham B17 0AN.Christian Life Community is a world-wide organisation for lay people, who meet in small groups, usually in their own homes, for helping them with prayer, sharing their faith with others, exploring how to live their daily lives in the spirit of the Gospel and for mutual support, inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius. Christian Life Community |
 Justice and Peace Forum: Catholic Social teaching in our society today Venue: Zoom Tuesday 23 May 7pm – to discuss Catholic Social teaching in our society today. “Where is Catholic Social Teaching evident in our Society today? An attempt to discover the principles of Catholic Social Teaching at work in our society; where these are being followed or applied; and where they could improve society in cases where these are absent.” Justice and Peace Forum |
 Monasticism and Christian unity- introducing Mucknell Abbey The next Worcester Newman Association event is Thursday May 25 at St George’s Catholic Church, Worcester.This time our guest speaker will be Sister Jessica from Mucknell Abbey in (still just about) rural Worcestershire. We will hear about a community of monks and nuns trying to live sustainably off land today but also about monastic tradition in these isles through the ages. Monasticism and Christian Unity |
 Day for Life Collection and Grants Following a recovery in income to the Day for Life Fund post-pandemic, the Department for Social Justice is pleased to be able to open the grants process once more. Applications are welcome from projects seeking to promote the Gospel of Life and uphold human dignity across the life spectrum, but a special preference will be given to those works which focus on start or end of life issues. If you have any projects that might benefit from such funding, in the first instance we ask that you express an initial interest to Collette McGovern, Day for Life Coordinator, by email at [email protected] Application deadline: Tuesday 9 May 2023 This year’s Day for Life collection will take place in all churches on the weekend of Sunday 18 June 2023. |
 Society of St Gregory (SSG) Summer School, July 2023 Wednesday 26 July – Saturday 29 July. Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park Campus, Childwall, L16 1JDTheme: ‘Joyful Proclamation of the Gospel’ In his recent Apostolic letter, Desiderio Desideravi, Pope Francis calls for the Liturgical Formation of the People of God. Heeding this call, through talks, workshops, liturgies and music, the Society of Saint Gregory Summer School 2023 considers the vision of Vatican II, its relevance today, and how we can help to root it more firmly in our communities. Speakers include Bishop John Arnold, Professor Claire Ozanne and David McLoughlin speaking about the Vatican II documents, with time for questions afterwards. Workshops will be focusing on parish ministry. We welcome both Residential and Day Delegates. Bursary funding is available. SSG Summer School |
 Part time RC Chaplain at HMYOI Swinfen Hall, Lichfield Part time: 18.5 hours. Salary: £30,938 – £32,424 Pro rata. The job holder will provide for the religious care of prisoners and staff in the Roman Catholic faith tradition including (for ordained priests) sacramental provision, and appropriate pastoral care for all irrespective of faith or tradition. Jobs and Opportunities |
| Dates for your diary: the month ahead Thurs 27 April: The Art of Dying Well: ‘Eternity’ What’s Next? Sat 29 April: Ecology and Creation Theology: Exploring a Sacramental Worldview Sat 29 April: Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage Tue 2 May: Mass at First Marian Shrine Tue 2 – Thu 4 May: Most Highly Favoured Lady Tue 2 – Thu 4 May: Gregorian Chant Festival Tue 9 May: Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse 2023 Thu 11 – Sun 14 May: Cursillo Weekend Mon 15 May: Catholic Education in 21C Britain Sat 20 May: Christian Life Community Information Session Mon 22 May: Being a Welcoming Church: Session 3 – Disability Tue 23 May: Justice and Peace Forum Wed 24 May: Friendships: the Heart of Ecumenical Witness Thu 25 May: Monasticism and Christian Unity More Events |
 Supporting your parish You have asked us how you can continue giving to your parish. Parishes still greatly need your support. We do though recognise that many parishioners may be struggling financially, and there is no expectation to give where you are unable to do so. You can donate via standing order or single donation. Support your Parish |
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