Archdiocese of Birmingham newsletter 2nd June 2023
| Let Justice and Peace Flow |
 The Pope Video for June Let us pray that the international community may commit itself concretely to abolish torture, guaranteeing support to victims and their families.Pope Francis – June 2023 Torture. Oh my God – torture! Torture is not past history. Unfortunately, it’s part of our history today. How is it possible that the human capacity for cruelty is so huge? There are extremely violent forms of torture. Others are more sophisticated, such as degrading someone, dulling the senses, or mass detentions in conditions so inhumane that they take away the dignity of the person. But this is not something new. Let’s think of how Jesus himself was tortured and crucified. Let us put a stop to this horror of torture. It is essential to put the dignity of the person above all else. Otherwise, the victims are not persons, they are “things,” and can be mistreated mercilessly, causing death or permanent psychological and physical harm lasting a lifetime. Let us pray that the international community commit itself concretely to abolish torture, guaranteeing support to victims and their families. The Pope Video on the Diocesan Prayers Page |
 Sycamore: Marriage and Family Life Forum Tuesday 6 June, 7pm Sycamore is hosting a Zoom for all those who work in and support Marriage and Family Life in our dioceses. Join directly via Zoom:Meeting ID: 833 6169 1540 Sycamore website: Sycamore – What do you believe? Marriage and Family Life Zoom Link |
 Annual Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus All are welcome to join in person for the Annual Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Maryvale Chapel and Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Novena of Masses will be celebrated by Bishop David Evans (Thursday 8 June) and eight other priests leading up to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, Friday 16 June. Maryvale House is a place of pilgrimage and devotion as well as an educational centre, and the focus of that devotion is the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sacred Heart Novena |
 Justice and Peace Retreat Saturday 10 June at St Paul’s Convent, Selly Park Birmingham. The Fruits Of The Holy SpiritLed by Sister Brigid McNally, Sister of Mercy Handsworth This is the first face-to-face Justice and Peace Retreat held since before Covid-19. Donations on the day towards costs are most welcome Justice and Peace Retreat |
 The Great Big Green Week Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 JuneThe Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. Check out the events being organised or organise your own! For more information see the website: GreatBigGreenWeek.com Responding to the Call of Creation June’s edition can be found on the Diocesan website: Resources to Care for Creation. Season of Creation Last week, Pope Francis announced the theme for the Season of Creation in September: “Let Justice and Peace Flow”, inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (5:24). The Catholic Bishops’ Conference provides more information on the Season of Creation and this year’s theme. Season of Creation |
 Sunday 11 June – Corpus Christi Processions in the Archdiocese Birmingham – Join us for 1pm Mass at St Michael’s Church, celebrated by Bishop David Evans, followed by a Blessed Sacrament procession at 2pm, from St Michael’s Church to St Chad’s Cathedral, arriving at around 3pm. Sacred Heart, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent – The Corpus Christi procession will follow on from the 11 am Sunday Mass (weather permitting). No roads will be crossed. Saint Augustine’s Church, Solihull – Corpus Christi Procession at the end of the 11am Mass on Sunday 11 June. The Oxford Oratory, Oxford – Sunday 11 June starting at 2.30pm at The Oratory, processing through the city to the University Catholic Chaplaincy, stopping at Blackfriars for a sermon on the way. Accompanied by a marching band. Ends with Benediction at the Chaplaincy, followed by refreshments. St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Streetly – From the school to St Anne’s Parish Church on Wednesday 21 June following a whole school Mass. Procession will start at 10am and finish at the Church with the First Holy Communion children having a little celebration. Please send details of your town or city Corpus Christi processions, we are happy to advertise them in this newsletter. Send any information to communications@rcaob.org.uk Corpus Christi |
 Online Academic Forum St John Henry Newman Research Centre for Catholic Theology Presents:A Catholic Geopolitics? A Retrospective on the Major Papal Writings of Francis by Professor Graham McAleer. Wednesday 14 June, 6pm. All welcome. Join us online for the latest in a series of occasional, public seminars by Maryvale academics. A Catholic Geopolitics? |
 This is Alpha ’23 ‘This is Alpha’on Thursday 15 June is an event designed for church leaders and Alpha teams. The day will be hosted by Alpha UK and we will be joined by Nicky & Pippa Gumbel, alongside other guests. You can expect worship, training, teaching on invitation, culture, stories and panels, with plenty of time for prayer. We’ll also be hosting various seminar streams, including running Alpha for Youth, leading prayer ministry well and going from good to great. There will also be a special gathering for Catholic delegates with the Alpha UK Catholic Context team where you can ask all your burning questions. Wherever you’re at on your Alpha journey, you are invited. This is Alpha |
 Scripture Reflection at Selly Park An ACTA event: Keeping Going. Biblical Reflections for Synodality and Journeying Together Sunday 18 June 2pm to 4pm Selly Park Convent B29 7LLDavid McLoughlin (Theologian and formerly of Newman University) and Fleur Dorrell (Bible Society and Bishops Conference of England and Wales) will be leading an afternoon reflection time using the scriptures to reflect on our journeying together in a synodal Church. Refreshments will be provided. We suggest a £5 contribution to cover costs. To register please email: actabhm@gmail.com Scripture for the Journey |
 ‘Listen to Her’ – Day for Life 2023 Sunday 18 June. This year’s theme is ‘Listen to Her’ and focuses on post-abortion trauma and the impact of abortion primarily on women, but also men and others. The 2023 Day For Life message is unique in that the bishops have given it over to a Catholic woman who has had an abortion to share her experiences. Often the voices of women who have had an abortion are silent in Church and in society. The hope is that this will help break this silence and offer further opportunities for healing and reconciliation. Day for Life |
 From Programmes to Pathways: Making, Maturing and Missioning Disciples Divine Renovation Online Event: Monday 26 June, 7pm.Do you find yourself pouring time and energy into programmes that don’t bear the fruit of transformed lives? Are you tired of seeing people come and go instead of maturing as disciples and getting involved in mission? You are not alone! Join Julianne Stanz, Fr. Dan Mason, and Fr. Victor Vella at our upcoming online event in June and learn how your parish can bring people to Jesus by embracing discipleship pathways over programmes. Divine Renovation Event |
 Office for Mission Newsletter The Office for Mission serves the deaneries and parishes, schools and universities of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. We help equip missionary disciples for carrying out the Great Commission. Visit the web pages to find resources, information and social media links and please sign up to their e-newsletter for updates on Mission in the Archdiocese. Office for Mission Newsletter Sign Up |
 Diocesan Worship Collective Catholic Charismatic Renewal Birmingham (the CHARIS Group) would like to invite all potential and established worship leaders and musicians to express an interest in becoming a part of a Diocesan Worship Collective.Anyone who desires to develop a gift for leading worship with or without musical skills is invited to express an interest by contacting Justine Gaffney at justinegaffney@outlook.com or for an informal chat on 07551096269. Let us lift up our hearts ! |
 OXPAT: Volunteers Needed Oxford Poverty Action Trust (OXPAT) is an Oxford-based charity which raises funds to support the homeless, by working with front-line agencies to provide practical and welfare support. It has a longstanding connection to the Oxford Oratory — Fr Jerome was a founding member. They are looking for volunteers to join the management committee, which meets remotely one Friday lunchtime each month. If you may be able to help please contact:secretary@oxpat.org OXPAT website |
 A Celebration of Christian and Jewish Music Sunday 2 July at Bournville Quaker Meeting House. Birmingham Council of Christians and Jews presents: A Celebration of Christian and Jewish Music with the Kol Kinor Choir, explaining and singing Jewish Synagogue and Folk Music and the Vibrato String Quartet from the Seventh Day Adventists, playing and playing traditional Church Music. Refreshments will be served in the interval. Suggested Donation: £5 payable at the door. A Celebration of Christian and Jewish Music |
 Professor Mark Stoyle – A Murderous Midsummer: The Western Rising of 1549 Thursday 27 July 12.00- 1.30pm, Harvington Hall, Worcestershire.The catastrophic story of the causes, course and cruel suppression of the so-called ‘Prayer Book Rebellion’ which saw thousands of ordinary people protesting against boy-king Edward VI’s protestant reforms. Drawing on new evidence Mark Stoyle will consider the terrible consequences culminating in the powerful royal army’s suppression of the protestors and argue that the rising was the most catastrophic event to occur in the West Country between the Black Death and the Civil War. Tickets £10, part of the Harvington History Festival Harvington History Festival |
 Jobs and opportunities across the Archdiocese Including: College Priest Chaplain at Mount St Mary’s College, Derbyshire. September 2023 start. Youth Ministry opportunity: KYT is also looking for a Digital Development Worker – apply by Friday 16 June. Jobs and Opportunities |
| Dates for your diary: the month ahead Fri 2 – Sun 4 June: Praying with the Saints Retreat Sat 3 June: Brother Michael Strode’s Centenary Mass Wed 7 June: Restore Training, week 1 Wed 7 June: A View From Bethlehem – Talk at Coventry Cathedral Starts Thurs 8 June: Annual Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Fri 9 June: Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer Land Blessing Sat 10 June: A Celebration of Servant of God, John Bradburne Sat 10 June: Justice and Peace Retreat Sun 11 June: Corpus Christi Processions Tue 13 June: Understanding Islam Wed 14 June: ‘A Catholic Geopolitics? – online forum Wed 14 June: Restore Training, week 2 Thurs 15 June: This is Alpha ’23 conference Fri 16 June: Renewal Night with Divine Renovation Sat 17 June: An Evening with St Thomas More Sun 18 June: ACTA event: Bible reflections for Synodality Mon 19 June: Being a Welcoming Church: Session 4 – Homelessness Wed 21 June: Restore Training, week 3 Sat 1 July: OVERFLOW – CHARIS national gathering Sun 2 July: Annual Hednesford Pilgrimage |
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 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 |