Archdiocese of Birmingham newsletter 2nd May 2024
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church.
Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage
This Saturday 4 May the Archdiocese will be celebrating the gift of Marriage at the annual Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage, and couples will be invited to renew their commitment to one another.
It is always encouraging to discover how many couples are marking significant anniversaries, with a large number this year thanking God of 50, 60 and even 70+ years of marriage!
At Holy Mass we will commemorate the English Martyrs, with readings on the Stoning of St Stephen and the coming persecution of the saints.
While at first glance these readings may not seem to have much to say to us about marriage, a deeper reading reveals the kind of love that is necessary for couples to maintain a relationship that will face many struggles and oppositions: that of sacrificial love.
We see this love in the first Covenant God made with His people, Israel, but it is especially apparent in the New Covenant. Through Christ’s Life, Death and Resurrection, God has solemnly bound Himself to His Church, with the promise that He will never forsake us. And His love is not dependant on ‘terms & conditions!’ God’s Covenant in Jesus Christ – which is offered totally and irrevocably – acknowledges our great dignity as people created in His image.
Setting out his vision for Christian marriage, St Paul writes to the Ephesians: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church.” (Eph 5:25) And how did Christ love the Church? Paul adds immediately: by giving Himself up for her. The language of sacrifice and covenant is exactly fitting for this union between a man and a woman, who seek to embody the love of God in this Sacrament.
Sadly, we don’t live up to this high standard in so many areas of our lives, and marriage is no exception.
A question for us all, in whatever Vocation we have been called to is: how will we respond to the sacrificial love of God which is offered for our salvation – and how will that influence the way we show love to others?
Paul Northam, Diocesan Advisor for Evangelisation & Discipleship (with Marriage & Family Life)
Pray in May with Mary’s Meals
Please join in prayer with the international charity which provides life-changing school meals.
Mary’s Meals now provides life-changing school meals to more than 2.4 million of the world’s poorest children.
The charity’s work is built on the power of prayer, and as a result continually see’s God’s love and provision in incredible ways.
Over the past 12 months parishes, schools and individuals from across the Archdiocese have supported Mary’s Meals.
Please join them in prayer during May, the month of Mary, as they continue their work.
Pause for Prayer
Episode 4 of a new ‘Pause for Prayer’ video resource is now available as we continue our Year of Prayer journey.
The latest episode of Pause for Prayer looks at almsgiving / charity, and how it is not just a focus during Lent. It is an integral part of Christian life as we are people of charity.
Fr Toby Duckworth focuses on the unity between our charitable work and our prayer, citing the works of Brother Lawrence, from the mid 17th century.
He is also in conversation with Karen Tehan, a member of the SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society) at St Dunstan’s, Kings Heath. Karen talks about the charity and how she got involved.
Charitable work is rooted in the work of Jesus. Karen also discusses her faith and the importance of the parish community.
Caribbean Evening
Hosted by the the West Indian Catholic Chaplaincy, this Saturday 4 May
As part of its celebrations for its 50th anniversary, the West Indian Catholic Chaplaincy invites you to a Caribbean Evening at the Chaplaincy Centre, Birchfield, Birmingham.
Come and enjoy an evening with Caribbean music, poetry, food and dance and a chance to win a prize, all for £15 (family tickets of £25 also available).
International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians
Sunday 5 May
The International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians offers an opportunity for Eastern and Western Christians to come together to pray for peace in the world – especially in the Middle East.
Please join us on this occasion in praying for an end to war and the reestablishment of unity and peace, and to give thanks for the steadfast witness of Eastern Christians in holding fast to their faith, traditions and biblical homelands, even though many suffer the effects of war and discrimination, especially those in Ukraine and the Palestinian territories who are dispossessed and displaced.
Annual Pilgrimage to first Marian shrine in England, 706AD
Tuesday 7 May
Join the Catholic Women’s League CIO Birmingham on Tuesday 7 May for Rosary (2pm), Mass (2.30pm) then shared Afternoon Tea in the church hall of Immaculate Conception & St Egwin RC Church, High Street, Evesham.
All welcome as is a public service. Celebrants: Fr Brendan Carrick, Fr Stephen Squires, Fr Alex Taylor.We will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sister Lydwin, Sisters of St Ann of Providence, resident at the parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis, Wolverhampton.
Preparing for the forthcoming General Election
Tuesday 7 May
Invitation from Birmingham Justice and Peace Commission
Our next Forum will be held online on Tuesday 7 May, starting at 7pm.
The evening will be led by Anna Blackman, Lecturer in Catholic Religious Education at the University of Glasgow and James Trewby, the Columban’s Justice, Peace and Ecology (JPE) Co-ordinator and Education Worker.
Tabor Living: We Need You!
Wednesday 8 May
Tabor Living 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?
Please come and join us at our next Volunteer Open Day on Wednesday 8 May 2024 starting at 10am.
If you are unable to make the date and would like to express an interest in volunteering please contact us. We would love to hear from you.
The open event includes a short presentation, tour, time for questions and of course a cuppa. Please be there for 10am.
Discussion: Science, Theology, and Humane Philosophy
Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 May at St Cross College, Oxford
Participants are invited for a thought-provoking discussion of the intersection of science, theology, and humane philosophy, at an event that also marks the culmination in Oxford of a five-year project devoted to new horizons in Central and Eastern Europe.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham
Saturday 11 May
Join the Diocesan Day Pilgrimage to Walsingham 2024.
Theme – Mary, Model of Prayer and Intercessor
With Principal Celebrant and preacher, Canon Paul McNally, Episcopal Vicar for the Pastoral Area of North Staffordshire, Stafford, Lichfield and Walsall and Dudley and Wolverhampton.
Cursillo Encounter Afternoon
Sunday 12 May, Newcastle-under-Lyme
A Cursillo Encounter event is happening at the Coolock Pastoral Centre, at the Convent of Mercy, Newcastle-under-Lyme, on Sunday 12 May from 2-5pm.
Cursillo (Spanish for ‘short course’) is the name of a movement focused on an encounter with Jesus Christ.
The heart of Cursillo is the three-day weekend, but taster events are often held, hence the name ‘encounter days’.
Further Education Sunday
Sunday 12 May
Sunday 12 May is Further Education Sunday!
It’s a great opportunity for you to pray for your local Further Education or Sixth Form College and consider how your church or church project could partner with your local college to bless and support young people and the staff who work with them.
You can find videos, prayer and Bible resources for FE Sunday on the FE Sunday website, where you can also get in touch to find out more about partnering with a local college.
Share your prayers and actions on social media using the hashtag #FESunday24.
Join the Music Ministry in Lourdes
Whether you enjoy singing or plan to bring an instrument, The Lourdes Music Ministry Team would love you to join them on pilgrimage this year (Mon 27 May to Sat 1 June).
No prior experience needed, commit only to whatever you feel you can do.
To receive a full list of sheet music contact Jobe Sullivan at [email protected]
The group will meet in person at St Catherine of Siena church, Bristol Street in Birmingham, during the evening of Thursday 16 May.
They will also be at the Blessing of Hands Mass, on Sunday 19 May at St Chad’s Cathedral, rehearsing from 1pm (before Mass), if you wish to join.
Retrofit Action Day
Saturday 18 May Balsall Heath, Birmingham
Retrofit Balsall Heath is organising a day of free activities and inspiration for Retrofit Action Week, Birmingham.
Insulating homes, cutting fuel bills, greening our streets, renewable energy and cutting carbon is all part of caring for our shared home, planet earth – putting into action the values of many faith and no-faith groups.
We’re delighted that both Muslim, Christian, and other faith environmental perspectives will be presented – there is much that we share.
Book your (free) tickets and see the day’s programme below:
Midland Catholic History Society – visit to Oulton Abbey, Staffordshire
Wednesday 22 May
Oulton Abbey, near Stone in Staffordshire, was the home until recently of a Benedictine community of sisters and 2024 is the 400th anniversary of their foundation.
The former community and school buildings are now the site of a care home, but the chapel and cloister area, the work of E.W. Pugin, are still occasionally available to visit.
Please book to join by Monday 13 May. All welcome.
Online Modern Slavery Awareness Session
Invitation from West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership. Wednesday 22 May
This session aims to equip faith communities with the knowledge and tools to recognise signs of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation.
As places of trust, hope and healing, faith groups are uniquely positioned to identify and support individuals at risk, acting as a beacon of light in their darkest hours.
Stand with us as we unite faith communities in the fight against modern slavery.
Together, we can make a difference, offering a lifeline to those in need and forging a future where freedom and dignity prevail for all.
Men’s Rosary in the City
Saturday 25 May – Birmingham
Join Archbishop Bernard in Mary’s month of May to pray the Rosary in the city.
Our intentions:
- To pray for our City
- To pray for our Nation
- To pray for men to embrace their God given vocation as protector and defender
Christian Leader in the Public or Private Sectors?
Forward Partnership and St Peter’s Saltley Trust would love to hear from Christians leadership roles (emerging, middle or senior) in the public, private or voluntary sectors (but NOT local church leaders), who see their role as contributing to the renewal and transformation of society.
We want to understand more about how your sense of calling relates to your work role, and how the local church might better support you in your vocation. You can do this by…
Taking part in a short (3 minute) online survey
and/or
Joining a one-off, 90 minute focus group with other Christians in leadership, at a mutually convenient time, to share your perspectives. To sign up, please contact Ian Jones ([email protected]).
Jobs and Volunteering
Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations
WorkCare West Midlands: Interim Lead Officer WWM is a newly merged charity formed from Workcare Coventry & Warwickshire and Churches and Industry Group Birmingham & Solihull (CIGB).
We are an ecumenical workplace chaplaincy charity committed to providing leadership for churches’ engagement within the economic life of Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
The Interim Lead Officer will play a pivotal role in leading and developing the work of WWM, enhancing its capacity, sustainability, and reputation. Closing date: Friday 24 May
Team Leader of the Black Country Urban Industrial Mission The Black Country Urban Industrial Mission is looking to appoint a Team Leader who will work with the Executive Board to drive forward the ministry of BCUIM and to support and develop an ecumenical team of Workplace Chaplains.
This is 0.5 Full Time Equivalent role equating to 21 hours. This role allows for hybrid working, locations to include the BCUIM office (currently Wolverhampton), and activities in the industrial environment in the area known as “The Black Country”. Closing date Wednesday 29 May 5pm
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.
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.
Events and retreats beyond the Archdiocese
Work Experience with the SVP and CAFOD
Apply now
The St Vincent de Paul Society and CAFOD are working together to offer residential work experience for 20 young adults in England and Wales.
The experience will run from Sunday 7 – Saturday 13 July in London.
Candidates must be aged between 20-30 years old and have a passion for social justice.
Weekend Retreat at the Franciscan Centre, Ladywell, Surrey
Friday 10 – Sunday 12 May
Learning to Speak from a Franciscan Heart: A 21st-Century Language
A time of retreat and reflection lead by Franciscan Friar, William Short OFM.
Care of Creation Retreats
Boarbank Hall, Cumbria
Saturday 25 May – Saturday 1 June
Join us for a week that is a mix of holiday, retreat and a course, where we will explore the teachings of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ On Care of Our Common Home, and discover how to live our role as stewards of creation fully in our personal lives and within the Church.
Throughout the week, immerse yourself in talks, gardening, creative activities, discussions and walks all set to the rhythm of prayer in the Augustinian community at Boarbank Hall and beautiful surroundings of the Lake District.
Led by: Sr Margaret Atkins of Boarbank Hall and John Paul de Quay of the Ecological Conversion Group.
Restoring Pugin Study Day
Nottingham Cathedral
Saturday 1 June – a heritage day connected with Pugin at Nottingham Cathedral. Are you involved in conserving Pugin’s work or generally interested in the life and legacy of AWN Pugin?Then please join a heritage day at Nottingham Cathedral on Saturday 1 June.
Thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Grant, Nottingham Cathedral is working hard to restore Pugin’s original decorative paint schemes to the east end of the Cathedral.
The day will be an opportunity to learn about how digital technology is supporting this work, to hear from the paint conservation team about their work and exciting discoveries, to see the work so far in the Cathedral and later in the afternoon to hear acclaimed AWN Pugin author, Rosemary Hill, give an insight talk on the life and legacy of Pugin who she calls ‘a tortured genius’.
Tickets are £25 for the entire day.
Retrouvaille
A Programme for Couples Struggling in their Marriages
Welwyn Garden City Friday 14 – Sunday 16 June Help Your Marriage – Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue… or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse?
Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage.
Retrouvaille is a Catholic programme but is open to married couples of any faith, or none. It is offered as a gift from the Catholic Church to any married couple who wishes to heal the difficulties they are experiencing in their marriage.
The programme helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. It helps them through difficult times whether they are disillusioned or in deep misery. There is no group therapy or group work.
Dates for your diary: the month ahead
Sat 4 May: Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage
Sat 4 May: Caribbean Evening
Sun 5 May: International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians
Tue 7 May: Annual Pilgrimage to First Marian Shrine in England
Tue 7 May: Preparing for the Forthcoming General Election
Wed 8 May: Tabor Living Volunteer open event
Wed 8 and Thu 9 May: Science, Theology, and Humane Philosophy
Thu 9 May: Introduction to Sight Loss Friendly Church
Sat 11 May: Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham
Sun 12 May: Cursillo Encounter Afternoon
Sun 12 May: World Communications Day
Sun 19 May: African Mass to celebrate Pentecost
Wed 22 May: Online Modern Slavery awareness session
Wed 22 May: Visit Oulton Abbey
Sat 25 May: Men’s Rosary in the City
Sat 25 – Sun 26 May: World Children’s Day
Sat 25 May – Sat 1 June: Care of Creation Retreat, Cumbria
Thu 30 May – Friday 7 June: Annual Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sat 1 June: Restoring Pugin Study Day, Nottingham Cathedral
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