Archdiocese of Birmingham newsletter 14th December

Advent and Christmas Resources  ­ Our Advent and Christmas resources page is now live on our website.   Access Advent calendars; prayers, reflections and readings; resources; music; retreats and more.   Advent is a time of preparation and joyful expectation.   As we prepare for the birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, these weeks provide a wonderful opportunity to slow down and reflect.   We look forward to the coming of Christ: celebrating His birth, His renewed coming into our lives this Christmas, especially through the Eucharist, and His second coming at the end of time.   If you would like anything adding to the resources page please email [email protected] 

12 Days of a Climate Conscious Christmas ­ December’s Responding to the Call of Creation newsletter looks at the 12 Days of Christmas with a sustainable twist.   Including:   Instead or as well as giving presents this Christmas, think about how you can give your time to charities. 
You could volunteer for your local food bank, a charity shop, your local wildlife trust or any other charity of your choice to make a difference in your local community.

Song to raise money for those in need in the Holy Land ­ Bethlehem will be a somber and sober place this Christmas with no festivities or celebrations due to the thousands killed in the current war. Amidst the fear and despair comes a cry of hope ‘Hear Angels Cry’, in the form of a song.   Youstina Safar, a resident of Bethlehem and a student at Bethlehem University, has collaborated with the London-based band Ooberfuse to deliver a powerful message through their Christmas song, ‘Hear Angels Cry’.   Money raised from song downloads will go to the Friends of the Holy Land charity, currently working with those in desperate need.

This weekend: St Chad’s Cathedral Carol Service   All welcome at our Diocesan Mother Church on Sunday 17 December at 5pm.   The Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Professor David Saint, will present a festive programme to start Christmas Week. Followed by refreshments.   The Carol Service is free and no booking is required. ­ Cathedral Carol Service

New: ‘Pause for Prayer’ video resource   Episode 1 now available to watch.   A new ‘Pause for Prayer’ video resource has been launched to accompany all on the Year of Prayer journey.   The monthly video reflection is hosted by assistant priest Fr Toby Duckworth, who serves in the parishes of St Dunstan, Kings Heath and St Jude, Maypole.   Together with Paul Northam, Diocesan Co-ordinator for the Jubilee Year 2025 ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ from the Diocesan Office for Mission, and James Trewby, Columban Justice and Peace Education Worker, the trio will produce regular episodes focused on teaching, testimony and intentions.   Pause for Prayer is a new series of videos to encourage us to press the pause button on our busy lives and to be present to God.

SVP Volunteers Plea ­ The SVP is looking for volunteers willing to help children put their faith into action. Could this be you?  The St Vincent de Paul Society has primary school groups called Mini Vinnies, and volunteers would support teachers or youth leaders wishing to start a group in their school or parish.  They will talk to children about how they can make a difference to those living in poverty and share resources to support the group. The role is flexible but does need people with some availability during school hours (at least 2 mornings or afternoons per month) who are willing to travel within the diocese (all costs are covered). If you are passionate about helping children discover how they can make a difference in their communities, please email Sarah for more information on [email protected]. You do not have to have previous experience of working with children as all training will be given. Our next initial training day is on Tuesday 27 February 2024.

Modern Slavery- What is it? And what you can do to help survivors ­ Medaille Trust supports and empowers survivors of modern slavery, trafficking and exploitation.   The Trust is running an online modern slavery and trafficking awareness raising session on Wednesday 17 January 7pm. This event will share information on what modern slavery is, the different types of modern slavery and the signs to look out for. They will also discuss their current volunteering opportunities.   So if you are great at gardening, love sports, are creative, have skills in cookery, wellbeing, advice, admin, translating or would like to gain skills in fundraising, this session is for you! Modern Slavery Event

The Trinity Conference 2024 ­ Reawakening the Catholic Vision. Saturday 17 February 9-5pm, Leeds Trinity University.   How can the Catholic Church respond to an increasingly disaffiliated and disengaged generation?     What is the future of our Catholic parishes, schools, homes?     TC24 will explore the context of ‘post-Christendom’ society, and the implications this has for the Church’s mission today.    More info and booking: [email protected]

ACN Central, 2024 Pilgrimage.   Travel the pilgrim paths of the early church in Durham, Lindisfarne, Escomb, Ruthwell and Jarrow with Saints Cuthbert and Bede.   This Aid to the Church in Need pilgrimage will include reflections on the persecuted Church of today and look into the history of the early church led by our pilgrim historian Suze Mathews who specialises in Anglo-Saxon history.    Led by Fr Jeremy Howard, our pilgrimage chaplain, experience communal prayer of the Divine Office in beautiful surroundings, daily Mass and devotions. ­ ACN 2024 Pilgrimage