Archdiocese of Birmingham Newsletter 26th October
| World Mission Sunday: Together we are Missio |
 Fr Michael Glover, Diocesan Director of Missio, reflects on World Mission Sunday You can also watch Fr Michael’s reflection I am currently studying in Rome. Studying at the heart of the Church. A beating heart of love and desire for every person everywhere to know the love of Jesus and the transforming power of His Gospel. On World Mission Sunday, Catholics throughout the whole world listen to that beating heart of love and allow it to stir our own hearts to set them on fire so that we move, that we do something, so that every person everywhere has a renewed encounter with Jesus. Missio have been supporting missionary priests and religious sisters in Kibera, the largest urban slum in Kenya. Even in the midst of social and economic difficulty, the presence of the Church is found, the work of Jesus continues. That work continues and you help it continue. First, by your prayers. Pray for the people living in Kibera and for the work of missionaries there. We pray also, with one beating heart of faith, that wherever the Church is growing, suffering, or in need, we will persevere in our Catholic mission to bring the Gospel. Your prayers are needed and, if you are able to give financially to the collection that takes place throughout the world on World Mission Sunday, we can support the work of mission practically as well as spiritually. Together we are Missio. World Mission Sunday |
 Mass for Peace in the Holy Land Invitation from the Midlands Section of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem On Saturday 28 October we will be celebrating the Feast of Our Lady, Queen of Palestine with Holy Mass at which the intention will be for peace in the Holy Land. All are invited to join us at this Mass for Peace. It will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Egwin, High Street, Evesham, Worcestershire, on Saturday 28 October at 11.30am. Let Us Pray for peace in the Holy Land. Mass for Peace |
 Coming soon: Justice and Peace Annual Assembly There’s still time to book your place at this year’s assembly hosted by the Birmingham Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission. It takes place on Saturday 28 October in the Grimshaw Room, St Chad’s Cathedral site. Focused on Climate Action: responding to the climate crises in our homes, parishes and communities. Featuring guest speakers Tom Piotrowski, Diocesan Trustee, and Fr Robert Taylerson, Spiritual Director at St Mary’s College, Oscott. Justice and Peace Assembly |
 Collection to support our Priests The Annual Collection for the Johnson Association takes place in all churches and parishes of the Archdiocese on the weekend of 4th and 5th November. The Johnson Association provides financial help and support to the retired, sick and infirm clergy of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. They’ve been there for us, let us be there for them. Johnson Association collection |
 Mass of Thanksgiving for Bishop Stephen All are invited to welcome Bishop Stephen Wright back to the Archdiocese next month for a Mass of Thanksgiving. Friday 17 November at 12noon, St Chad’s Cathedral. Bishop Stephen, a former Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, was installed as the Fifteenth Bishop of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle in July. Mass of Thanksgiving |
 Marking #RedWednesday in our Archdiocese The annual #RedWednesday campaign organised by the charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) takes place on Wednesday 22 November. This is our opportunity to stand in solidarity with the millions of Christians, and those of other Religions, who are persecuted for their faith. ACN are hosting three key events in the Archdiocese: #RedWednesday Day for University Students, Sat 18 Nov #RedWednesday Annual Schools Mass, Tues 21 Nov #RedWednesday Schools live stream event, Wed 22 Nov. #RedWednesday: Break the Silence on Christian Persecution. Visit our Events page |
 New survey launched by The Catholic Union – please take part The Catholic Union has launched a new survey on people’s experiences and attitudes towards the closure of places of worship during the pandemic. The survey results will shape the Catholic Union’s submission to the UK Covid-19 public inquiry, which is currently considering the political decisions taken during the pandemic. All are encouraged to take part and share their experiences. The Catholic Union was founded in 1870. It is a membership organisation dedicated to the defence of Catholic values in Parliament and public life, and the promotion of the common good. Catholic Union survey |
 Online Monthly Maintenance Surgery. October – gutter clearance Looking after our buildings, the tools of our ministry. This month’s online surgery is on Thursday 26 October at 2pm.As the final leaves fall from the trees it is time to start getting the building rainwater goods of gutters and downpipes cleared. Rainwater goods are there to direct water away from the building to the ground. Water will take the easiest route and so where rainwater goods are blocked then it will find other routes to the ground through the building fabric. This session will look at things to consider when getting your rainwater goods cleared and how the task can be undertaken for harder to reach areas. To sign up to the surgeries please email [email protected] As always, Tom and Tarnia from the Diocesan Property Team are on hand to help. Just email them at: Tom – [email protected] Tarnia – [email protected] For a full list of the maintenance surgery topics this year please visit the Property Resources section of the Diocesan website. Property Resources |
 Open for Applications: the Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund A new fund which will help young adults – aged 18 to 35 – to experience ecumenism outside England is now open for applications. This experience can be study, pilgrimage, volunteering, or any activity that promotes church unity. The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund has been set up by Churches Together in England and the Snelson family in memory of Bill Snelson. A dedicated ecumenist, he was General Secretary of Churches Together England from 1997 to 2008. Grants from the Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund can be used to facilitate any ecumenical experience outside of England. Applications for The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund need to be submitted by Tuesday 31 October 2023. Young Ecumenists Fund |
 The Blessing of Graves at Oscott Cemetery Saturday 4 November 3-5pm. Family and friends of those who are buried at Oscott Cemetery are warmly invited each November to the Blessing of Graves, a commemoration of all the faithful departed buried in our Cemetery and an opportunity to pray for the repose of their souls. Blessing of Graves |
 Introducing the prayer pathway ‘How to Pray’ What are you doing for the Year of Prayer 2024? This November, Sycamore and the Diocesan Office for Mission would like to introduce the prayer pathway, ‘How to Pray’ – a series of six sessions that can be run at church, at home or online – and which could be delivered as a Lent or Easter course, or at any time during the Year of Prayer and beyond. Could you use this prayer pathway as an opportunity to deepen understanding of prayer, or to discover other ways of prayer which could help renew the spiritual life of your parish? Join online, Tuesday 7 November. ‘How to Pray’ online introduction |
 In Our Time – The Changing Church, from Pius to Francis Thursday 9 November 7pm-9.30pm, St George’s Church Worcester. Three senior local priests will share their thoughts in a relaxed series of discussions on a wide range of subjects, calling on their combined total of 140 years as priests. Featuring guest speakers Canon Brian McGinley, Mgr Patrick Kilgarriff and Mgr Canon John Moran. A free event organised by the Catenians, Droitwich & District. The Changing Church |
 New opportunities at Father Hudson’s Care and Pope Francis Catholic MAC Chief Executive Officer – Fr Hudson’s Care Based at St George’s House, Gerards Way, Coleshill, Warwickshire B46 3FG Salary: £74,000 – £78,000 Per annum (dependent on experience) 37 hours per week Father Hudson’s Care is a Catholic charity serving the needs of vulnerable people, without discrimination, within the large Archdiocese of Birmingham. It is motivated by Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching and takes Christ’s command to “Love one another” as its inspiration. Closing date to apply is Friday 27 October. Governance Manager – Pope Francis Catholic MAC Permanent, part-time – 16 hours per week, flexible, term-time + 2 additional weeks Salary range Grade 11 (NJC points 31-34) to Grade 12 (NJC points 35-38) FTE £37,261k to £44,539/pro-rata £13,822 to £16,522 The Pope Francis Catholic MAC in the Archdiocese of Birmingham currently comprises 11 Catholic schools in Oxfordshire, two secondary and nine primary schools. This is an extremely exciting time of expansion as we work towards the long-term strategic vision for the Archdiocese, to secure and protect the future of Catholic education. Reporting directly to the CSEL, based in either Oxford or Banbury with hybrid working, the post-holder will support the Board and Executive Leadership Team with all governance matters. Closing date – Monday 30 October. Jobs and Volunteering |
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