Archdiocese of Birmingham newsletter 13th June 2024
Open our eyes and our hearts so that every encounter with those in need becomes an encounter with Jesus, your Son and our Lord
Father’s Day, Day for Life, Refugee Week
As we celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, we pray for all those who have chosen the vocation of the father of a family or those who exercise a fatherly role in the care of others. May their desire to fulfil their calling well be sustained by keeping always before them the all-merciful Heavenly Father, and images such as the Father of the Prodigal Son.
The Church’s Day for Life, also this Sunday,is an annual day to reflect something of the dignity of human life at every stage. This year’s theme is The Lord is my Shepherd: Compassion and Hope at the End of Life.
In these times where there is so much emphasis in other countries (and with the possibility of our country following suit) on the apparent dignity of Assisted Dying, the Christian Faith gives us a model of suffering in Jesus Christ, which gives dignity through suffering, not always by taking it away. Life itself is a gift, given by God, and to be lived generously.
Of course, the care of those who live with serious and debilitating illness always brings its different viewpoints. But we are asked to guard against any attitude that puts pressure on somebody with an illness or in advanced age, to suggest that their life is any less worthy and should be curtailed. The bible gives us many examples of those who in advanced age demonstrate a wisdom of years and experience of life that is essential from which the young can learn: Day for Life Scripture Reflection: Catholic Bishops’ Conference
As we begin Refugee Week on Monday 17 June, we can reflect on the prayer that Pope Francis makes in his message for the 2024 Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees, reminding us of the journey that each of us makes and that, in God’s world, nobody should be so possessive of that land that is temporarily ours that we should shun those who – for good reason – might need to occupy it alongside us.
Of course, there are considerations of how our own country responds to the needs of those who already live here and the needs of those who arrive. It is not always about the numbers that are accepted or welcomed, but it can be the way in which we choose to speak of those we can or cannot welcome as brothers and sisters in need, or the way in which we can choose to dehumanise fellow human beings.
Prayer
God, Almighty Father,
we are your pilgrim Church
journeying towards the Kingdom of heaven.
We live in our homeland,
but as if we were foreigners.
Every foreign place is our home,
yet every native land is foreign to us.
Though we live on earth,
our true citizenship is in heaven.
Do not let us become possessive
of the portion of the world
you have given us as a temporary home.
Help us to keep walking,
together with our migrant brothers and sisters,
toward the eternal dwelling you have prepared for us.
Open our eyes and our hearts
so that every encounter with those in need
becomes an encounter with Jesus, your Son and our Lord.
Amen.
Welcoming Church: Refugee Workshop Invitation
7pm Monday 17 June
A message from Father Hudson’s Care: As many of you are aware, 12 months ago we launched the Welcoming Church Initiative which was based around four themes: homelessness, disability, older people and refugees / migrants.
Each group has moved forward, and action groups have been set up.
The week commencing 17 June is the start of National Refugee Week and to mark the occasion our Refugee Group will be hosting a Zoom meeting where speakers will be discussing what is happening across the Archdiocese.
It also offers you the opportunity to ask questions / comment. We are delighted to welcome representatives from the Diocese of Salford.Contact [email protected] for the link.
Steadfast Peacemaking
Justice and Peace Retreat Saturday 29 June
St Paul’s Convent, Selly Park Road, Birmingham B29 7LL 10.30am-4.30pm.
‘Sumud’, is the Palestinian concept of steadfastness, resilience, persistence and non-violence.
We will: share our experiences of responding to the Gospel call to work for justice and peace in times of brokenness, violence and conflict; and have time for quiet reflection and prayer.
Please book on as soon as possible so that St Paul’s Convent knows how many we are expecting.
Calling all volunteers! Discover how you can support Tabor Living
Tabor Living’s network of volunteers is growing, although we still need to increase our numbers to help ensure the project runs 24/7 for 365 days a year!
Can you help by committing to a few hours each week/fortnightly/or as and when you can?
All invited to the next Open Evening on Monday 17 June, 6.30pm to 8pm at St Catherine of Siena, Birmingham.
Lifting the 50% Cap on Catholic School Admissions
We welcome the decision by the Education Secretary to lift the 50% cap on admissions for new free schools in England, and to allow Catholic special academies.
The decision is subject to a consultation which closes on Thursday 20 June. It is important that there is a strong response to the consultation.
For the past 14 years the Church has been making the case to remove the 50% cap on school admissions which has had a disproportionate effect on Catholic school provision. The Government has at last announced the lifting of the Cap, subject to the outcome of a consultation.
The proposals will also allow the Catholic Church to establish special academies alongside our existing special schools.
General Election, Thursday 4 July
Information and guidance on key issues of importance to us, as Catholics, to help inform how we vote: from Education and Environment to Life Issues and Migration.
PLUS The Columban Missionaries in Britain’s Justice, Peace and Ecology team are inviting people to request extra copies of their latest ‘Vocation for Justice’ magazine filled with thought-provoking content in preparation of the General Election.
TIME4BRUM: Birmingham Church Leaders Summit
Standing Together for Our Young People. Saturday July 13, 2024
Mount Zion Community Church, Thomas Street, Birmingham. 10.30am – 3.30pm.
In these urgent times, our city of Birmingham requires leaders with prophetic insight and decisive action. Clear spiritual leadership and a beacon of hope are essential.
TIME4BRUM is calling on all church leaders across Birmingham to unite for a pivotal summit. This gathering is not just an event; it is a call to action, a moment to stand together, seek God’s guidance, mercy, and grace, and cry out for vision, hope, and change.
Together, we will reach, inspire, and transform the future for our young people.
Adoremus in My Parish
Sunday 15 September
The Catholic Church in England and Wales – bishops, priests and people from all dioceses – will gather at St Mary’s College, Oscott, on Saturday 14 September for a day to renew and deepen our devotion to the Eucharist.
St Mary’s College was the venue for the first Eucharistic Procession since the Reformation.
Unlike Adoremus in Liverpool in 2018, this is not a public event, although each diocese will send pilgrims.
On Sunday 15 September, the Bishops of England and Wales invite all parishes across our countries to have a period of Exposition to unite the faithful in focusing on the Eucharist in anticipation of the Jubilee Year with renewed and deepened devotion.
This can be a Holy Hour or a period of prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Visit to the Serbian Orthodox Church of St Lazar in Birmingham
Wednesday 3 July
A visit hosted by the Midland Catholic History Society: St Lazar is the first Serbian Orthodox church to be built in England. Built in medieval Byzantine style the church interior is spectacularly decorated.
While the church does have the occasional open day for visitors, this is a rare opportunity for a smaller group to enjoy a visit hosted by the parish priest Fr Nenad.
Non-members of the Midland Catholic History Society are very welcome to join.
Bookings with fee of £5 per person no later than 27 June.
God Still Calls – Come and See Weekend
An Invitation from The Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle
Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 June at The Dupuis Centre, Selly Park, Birmingham.
Starting with Mass at 10am on Saturday and concluding at 2pm on Sunday.
The event is aimed at women aged 20 to 45.
Presentations over the weekend plus opportunities for quiet prayer and reflection and Sisters sharing their vocation story.
An Invitation to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes
Annual Pilgrimage to Hednesford Sunday 7 July
Fr Jeremy Howard has released a video invitation for all to attend the annual diocesan pilgrimage to Hednesford in Staffordshire. A Lourdes experience in our own Archdiocese.
Every year since 1969 (bar the Covid years), pilgrims have come to the shrine to honour Our Lady of Lourdes. The pilgrimage offers a special insight into the care and community that pilgrims share with one another and is a great opportunity to meet old friends.
Come and See! Vocations Weekend
Friday 21 – Sunday 23 June, Selly Park, Birmingham
Do you feel a call to be a Priest or a Religious?
The Sacred Heart Fathers and Brothers (Betharram) invite you to a ‘Come and See Weekend’ to Explore the Gift of Vocation to the Religious Life and Priesthood.
From the evening of Friday 21 June to Sunday 23 June.
Poetry Night Invitation
Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield, Saturday 15 June
The Church has always had a great tradition of promoting the arts, from painting and pottery to poetry and everything in between.
Holy Trinity parish, Sutton Coldfield, is hosting a poetry night for all poetry lovers on Saturday 15 June.
Please bring along a favourite poem (classic or contemporary) to share with others, or come and listen to others reading their chosen words.
All are welcome.
Jobs and Volunteering
Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations
Chartered Surveyor (RICS) General Practice Surveyor The Archdiocese is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and experienced RICS Chartered General Practice Surveyor to join its Property Team.
The key role of the Property Team is to provide advice and guidance for management of parish property, the school estate as well as manage all property held centrally by the Archdiocese.
Permanent / Full-Time role.
Application deadline: Friday 21 June.
Volunteers needed at St Mary’s College, Oscott The seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
Oscott College is looking to expand its volunteer team as a result of changes to the onsite museum and its promotion. We are looking for individuals to fill the following roles: Tour guides (from September 2024)
Museum and Chapel stewards
Event assistants.
Do you have a passion for cooking and a heart for helping others? The Knights of Malta, in partnership with St. Catherine of Siena Church on Bristol Street, Birmingham are looking to host regular (starting monthly) food cafés/banquets at the St Catherine of Siena church.
They have a fully equipped industrial kitchen and a small team of dedicated volunteers, they really want to make a real difference in the lives of the homeless in Birmingham.
They are currently looking for a talented chef/cook to join them in creating delicious dishes and spreading warmth and comfort through food.
Cooking up some kindness together!
CAFOD School Volunteers Looking for a new challenge? Could you visit schools in your local area to deliver assemblies and workshops about our work and encourage young people to take action, fundraise and pray with CAFOD?
Use your skills for the common good and be an active part of creating a world without poverty.
Faith in Action Volunteer Programme The Columbans in Britain are excited to once again be recruiting young adult volunteers to embark on a year of personal development and growth as part of their unique Faith in Action Volunteer programme.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Volunteers The charity needs help with:
- Sharing mailings with your parish
- Including ACN regularly in parish prayers
- Fundraising to support projects
- Supporting ACN school projects
- Leading a parish Red Wednesday event
Marriage Care Trustees The board of Catholic Marriage Care are seeking new members to join them in enabling the vital relationship support services they provide to the Catholic Community and beyond.
Marriage Care are the largest faith-based relationship support charity in the UK – providing marriage preparation, support, and low-cost relationship counselling to those in need and making the world of difference to couples and families. Jobs and Volunteering
Events and retreats beyond the Archdiocese
Royal Priesthood and Renewal of the Church
Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 June at St Mary’s University, Twickenham
St Mary’s University in partnership with the Aquinas Center for Theological Renewal at Ave Maria University, announces a groundbreaking conference at the end of June aimed at reigniting theological dialogue in the UK and engaging a wider audience.
The conference will examine the theme of the Royal Priesthood and its significance for the renewal of the Church. Drawing from the first letter of St Peter, ‘You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession’, this event promises both deep theological insights and practical applications.
Bible Summit, London
St Patrick’s Church, Soho Square, Saturday 22 June
Reading the Bible is not always easy. In the busyness of life, our encounter with the Word of God is often just the readings at Mass or when we find a spare moment. Perhaps at times we find it dry, unexciting, or obscure – like reading a language we don’t fully understand.
Relatable? Then The Bible Summit is your answer.
The Bible Summit will bring together renowned Biblical experts for talks, sessions and panel conversations designed to help Catholics to encounter God in His Word, to learn and explore the rich, vibrant language of the ‘God who speaks’.
As part of the Summit, we’re also hosting an exclusive Student Meet with Dr Sri including a Q&A on faith and student life today: entry for current or recently graduated students is included in our discounted Student Tickets.
Dates for your diary: the month ahead
Fri 14 – Sun 16 June: Retrouvaille Programme
Sat 15 – Sun 16 June: God Still Calls – ‘Come and See’ weekend
Sat 15 June: Poetry Evening, Sutton Coldfield
Sun 16 June: Day for Life
Mon 17 June: Tabor Living volunteer event
Tues 18 June: Restore Training Course Session 2
Thu 20 June: Schools Sustainability Event
Thu 20 June: Online Academic Forum hosted by Maryvale Institute
Thu 20 – Sat 22 June: Renewing the Church: Discover the Royal Priesthood at St Mary’s University (Conference)
Fri 21 – Sun 23 June: Come and See! Vocations Weekend
Sat 22 – Sun 23 June: KYT host ‘It’s a Knockout’
Sat 22 June: Explore Carmelite Spirituality and Prayer
Sat 22 June: Bible Summit, London
Tues 25 June: Restore Training Course Session 3
Sat 29 June: Justice and Peace Retreat, Birmingham
Sat 29 June: Celebration Day – The Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality, Oxford
Sun 7 July: Diocesan Pilgrimage to Hednesford, Staffordshire
Mon 8 – Fri 12 July – Five-day pilgrimage to Walsingham
Sat 13 July: Birmingham Church Leaders Summit
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