Archdiocese of Birmingham Newsletter 9th November 2023
| May we pray for all those who have died in war and conflict |
 Reflection: Remembrance Sunday I can’t help wonder why: Do those that lie here know why did they die? And did they believe when they answered the cause Did they really believe that this war would end wars? Well the sorrow, the suffering, the glory, the pain The killing and dying, were all done in vain These song lyrics speak of the futility of war and remind us that the age of those who sacrifice their lives in war and conflict is often so young. As we mark Armistice Day this Saturday and Remembrance Sunday this weekend, we acknowledge those who have fulfilled their duty of service for their country. Even as wars continue so close to our present consciousness, we see that the futility of war is all the greater when there is no identifiable cause for the war at all. May we pray for all those who have died in war and conflict and pray for a future where peace and justice succeed over and defeat war and violence. |
 One Million Reasons for Hope: Share your Answered Prayer Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer will be a huge Christian landmark, in the heart of the UK, made up of one million bricks. Each brick will digitally link to a real life story of Jesus answering prayer – making it the largest public database of hope stories in the world! Our goal is to gather 200,000 stories of answered prayer before we open. So far, we are one fifth of the way there, and we need your help. Today, we are asking you if you could share a story of how God has answered a prayer in your life, and become one of our incredible storytellers. Each story will represent the hope that Jesus brings. “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Revelation 12:11 You may think your story of answered prayer is too small or insignificant to submit. Or perhaps it is too long or complex. We are here to say that your story matters. For someone in a time of despair, or going through a situation similar to yours, hearing that God has done this before is often exactly the encouragement that is needed. |
 Faith Cafe: Catholics in the Modern Sexual Minefield The Catholic Grandparents Association hosts a Grandparents’ Faith Café online via Zoom on the second Tuesday of every month. The Faith Café sees Grandparents from around the world gathering for an hour to hear from a guest speaker, to share moments of prayer and reflection and to be together in a social space. The next Faith Cafe will be held on Tuesday 14 November with the theme: ‘Catholics in the Modern Sexual Minefield’ with David Quinn. David Quinn is a well-known journalist in Ireland who specialises in religious and social affairs. He has been a national newspaper columnist since 1994, and currently has columns each week in both The Sunday Independent and The Irish Catholic. Faith Cafe |
 Welcoming the Year of Prayer An online event from Jesuits in Britain. ‘I would greatly desire that we devote 2024, the year preceding the Jubilee event, to a great “symphony” of prayer. Prayer, above all else, to renew our desire to be in the presence of the Lord, to listen to him and to adore him.’ [Pope Francis] We will prayerfully welcome in the Year of Prayer in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025 with a guided time of prayer around the theme of Jubilee and the opportunity to share in small groups. Wednesday 15 November, 7.30pm – 8.45pm. This event is free, but please book. Welcoming the Year of Prayer |
 Safeguarding Sunday The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is marking both Safeguarding Sunday on 19 November, and Safeguarding Adults Week 20-24 November. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of the few. We all need to play our part to keep people safe. Parish Safeguarding Representatives (PSRs) have been invited to use Safeguarding Sunday to introduce themselves to parishioners and explain a little about their role. This event aims to consolidate the good work started in the LOUDfence week earlier in the year, the introduction of the minimum standards information for safeguarding and the Diocese’s adherence to the eight CSSA (Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency) National Standards for Safeguarding. All Church activity should provide a safe environment which promotes and supports the wellbeing of everyone and protects them from harm. Safeguarding Sunday |
 Marking #RedWednesday in our Archdiocese On Wednesday 22 November and throughout the Autumn you are invited to join ACN’s #TeamRed, taking action to help countless Christians in Africa suffering targeted violence for their loyalty to Christ. Help to Break the Silence on the persecution of Christians worldwide – especially those in Africa! Africa is now a priority for ACN with nine countries in the emergency category. This year any money raised as part of Red Wednesday will be matched pound for pound up to £100,000, so let’s make this year the best yet. Archbishop Bernard says: “I am here to encourage and thank each one of you; your prayers make a difference, your voice makes a difference, each cake sale, each sponsored walk makes a difference and on this Red Wednesday, we say that we will do what we can to ensure this world is safe and peaceful for all people of faith. “If you are involved in a Red Wednesday event in your parish or school community I wish you much success and thank you for standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. We must BREAK THE SILENCE on their behalf.” #RedWednesday |
 Half Day Ecumenical Symposium – God in Christ Reconciling Thursday November 23 2.00 – 5.30pm. St Mary’s College, Oscott. A half day Symposium to listen to presentations on the ‘eleventh report of the Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the World Methodist Council’. It focuses on the theme of reconciliation, from the words of St Paul that “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself” (2 Cor 5.19) with both corporate and cosmic dimensions experienced especially in the Church. Different speakers, including Archbishop Bernard Longley, will present and unpack the themes of the joint statement. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion after each presentation, and during the panel at the end of the event. Refreshments are provided. Ecumenical Symposium |
 Look back to look forward: 50 Years of the Irish in Britain Irish in Britain has undertaken the largest ever oral history project to capture the life stories of the Irish community in Britain, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project is a celebration of the innovation, organisation and resilience that has defined our experience in Britain and belongs to everyone with an interest in post-war migration history in Britain. This vibrant heritage showcase will tour throughout November, bringing our unique history to life. The exhibition will also launch online on 1 November. All welcome. This exhibition is FREE to attend and no pre-booking is required. Birmingham 22-26 November Location: Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum Millennium Point Birmingham B4 7XG 50 Years of the Irish in Britain |
 Rivers of Living Water – Being a channel of Jesus’ blessing Saturday 25 November 10am – 1pm. Mini-retreat on Zoom from Alton Day of Renewal (ADoRE) for spiritual renewal with Mass, Adoration, prophetic reflection, praise, testimony, inspiring talk and prayer. With guest speaker Russ Fairman, member of CHARIS national team, former Celebrate Southampton leader, and founder member of Healing on the Street Southampton Rivers of Living Water |
 Baroque Fest of Great Catholic Music On Saturday 25 November, on the eve of Christ the King, Sutton Coldfield Choral Society will be performing three works of great Catholic Music by two of Baroque’s most famous composers. The concert, which takes place at Emmanuel Church, Sutton Coldfield, will feature Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater” and his stupendous arrangement of the “Magnificat” Also in the 7.30 p.m. programme is Vivaldi’s famous “Gloria,” which will be sung in its entirety Baroque Fest of Catholic Music |
 Gospel Invasion Breakfast An invitation to pastors, church leaders, evangelists. Time4Brum alongside Rise for Christ International, in partnership with Christ for All Nations School of Evangelism, warmly invite you to a significant and inspiring Birmingham Gospel Invasion Breakfast Meeting. Our shared goal, in collaboration with the local churches of Birmingham, is to organize an impactful “Nights of Freedom” gospel campaign from the 29th of May to the 2nd of June 2024. This campaign aims to lead many individuals to Christ and build their connection with the local church for meaningful discipleship. The breakfast event will take place on Saturday, November 25, from 10 am to 12 noon at Mount Zion Community Church. We are pleased to offer a complimentary breakfast during the gathering. Gospel Invasion Breakfast |
 Pact’s Birmingham Advent Carol Service 2023 This very special event will take place at 7pm on Thursday 7 December 2023 and you are warmly invited. Fr Cecil Rogerson and Fr Gary Buckby will be presiding at the service alongside wonderful ecumenical friends. The St Brigid’s School Choir will lead us in song as we prepare for Christmas and bring prisoners and their families before the Lord in prayer. Hear from someone with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Pact is the national Catholic charity supporting prisoners, people with convictions, and their families. It works in 11 prisons across the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Pact Advent Carol Service |
 Mary’s Meals Christmas Concert Saturday 9 December 7.30pm, doors open 6.30pm St Martin in the Bullring, Birmingham B5 5BB Step in from the winter chill and join us for an evening of joyful music featuring Lichfield Gospel Choir. Hear from Mary’s Meals founder and Sunday Times best-selling author, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, browse seasonal stalls and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. All proceeds help Mary’s Meals serve nutritious school meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest countries. Tickets £10 Mary’s Meals Christmas Concert |
 Online Monthly Maintenance Surgery. November – Preparing for Winter. Looking after our buildings, the tools of our ministry. This month’s online surgery is on Thursday 30 November at 2pm. With the clocks having gone back in October there is the feeling that winter is on its way. To ensure the continued resilience of parish buildings it is important that they are prepared for the winter. This session will look at the different things to consider to aid parish buildings during winter months and ensure that they and parish sites can remain open and usable for the parish and the community. 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 |
 PARISHES REMINDER: Completion of general risk assessment by 24th November 2023 Trustees require an update of our current risk profile. As such we need each parish to complete their general risk assessment and upload this to xCenta. A general risk assessment has been provided covering the main hazards within a parish environment. Please use this assessment to record your current risk control measures and any further actions required. To access the General Risk Assessment, click on the ‘Documents’ module. Click on the ‘General Risk Assessment Template’ folder. In this folder, you will see the document you need. Click on ‘Actions’, then ‘Download’. The document will then be downloaded to your local desktop where you can save it and complete it. If you are having problems logging onto the new system contact [email protected] with your name. email address and parish. Please upload your general risk assessment by 24 November 2023 in order we can collate and analyse responses and report back to Trustees. Your help and support are very much appreciated. |
 Urgently required: Overnight Volunteers at Tabor Living Tabor Living, based at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Birmingham is urgently seeking overnight volunteers to support the project. Tabor Living offers emergency accommodation and support for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We specialise in person centred, strength-based approach. We work with individuals to build positive futures. If you are looking for something that is rewarding and helps a homeless individual to turn their life around please get in touch. Volunteer at Tabor Living |
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