Archdiocese of Birmingham Newsletter 2nd November 2023
| Let us persevere in our prayer for the holy souls |
 Reflection: Let us persevere in our prayer for the holy souls On this All Souls Day, when we honour all of the Faithful Departed for their fidelity to Christ in life, we also pray for them, that they be purified before entering into the all holy presence of God. Today, our prayer in the cemetery or the church, and our attendance at Holy Mass all testify to the bonds of love that we have forged with those who have gone before us. It is also a witness to the faith and trust that we have in God and his merciful love for all of us, the living and the dead. On this autumn day, our prayerful presence in the cemetery or the church is a beautiful witness of hope that we have in the life eternal which has been won for us by our Lord Jesus Christ. As we look forward with hope to the day of resurrection, let us persevere in our prayer for the holy souls, remembering especially those who have no-one to pray for them. |
 Safeguarding Sunday The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is planning to mark 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 The annual #RedWednesday campaign organised by the charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) takes place on Wednesday 22 November. This is our opportunity to stand in solidarity with the millions of Christians, and those of other religions, who are persecuted for their faith. ACN are hosting three key events in the Archdiocese and Archbishop Bernard Longley has recorded a special message to help all prepare for the day. #RedWednesday |
 Publication of Synod Report A Church that involves everyone and is close to world’s wounds Women and the laity, diaconate, ministry and magisterium, peace and the climate, the poor and migrants, ecumenism and identity, new languages and renewed structures, old and new missions (including the “digital” mission), listening to all and probing everything more deeply, even the most ‘controversial’ issues. In the 40-page Synthesis Report approved and published on Saturday 28 October by the 16th General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality, there is a renewed look at the world and the Church and their demands. Read more here |
 The Synod and the Diocesan Vision In a recent article for The Basilican magazine Canon Paul Fitzpatrick discusses how we are learning to become a listening Church, to act in a different way, to deepen the skills we are using. Canon Paul is the Chair of the Diocesan Synodal Pathway Committee and reflects on Synodality and our ongoing Diocesan Vision. Canon Paul’s Reflection |
 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 |
 Be aware of Charity Donation Fraud Readers are reminded to be aware of online scams and malware related to various appeals. Most fundraising appeals are fortunately genuine, so the risk of fraud should not put you off giving to charities. However, you should be vigilant and make sure you are giving safely to legitimate organisations. Action Fraud provides help and advice to protect you from falling victim to the latest scam. Action Fraud |
 Dance the night away at the ‘Fire and Ice’ charity ball Snap up your tickets for a fundraising ball hosted by the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) at The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, Saturday 11 November. The theme of the ball is ‘Fire and Ice’. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate youth ministry, particularly of everything that the Trust achieves year after year. The evening will also include individual awards that will specifically recognise exemplary commitment and dedication. Fire and Ice Ball |
 Collection to support our Priests The Annual Collection for the Johnson Association takes place in all churches and parishes of the Archdiocese this weekend, 4/ 5 November.The Johnson Association provides financial help and support to the retired, sick and infirm clergy of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. They’ve been there for us, let us be there for them. Johnson Association Collection |
 How to Pray – starts online next week This month, Sycamore and the Diocesan Office for Mission would like to introduce the prayer pathway, ‘How to Pray’ – a series of six sessions that can be run at church, at home or online – and which could be delivered as a Lent or Easter course, or at any time during the Year of Prayer and beyond. Could you use this prayer pathway as an opportunity to deepen understanding of prayer, or to discover other ways of prayer which could help renew the spiritual life of your parish? Join an online meeting on Tuesday 7 November to find out more or email Paul Northam at [email protected] Year of Prayer 2024 |
 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 |
 Blessing of Graves Saturday 4 November, 3pm Family and friends of those who are buried at Oscott Cemetery are warmly invited to the Blessing of Graves, a commemoration of all the faithful departed buried in our Cemetery and an opportunity to pray for the repose of their souls. The Service will begin with prayers and reflection with the whole seminary community in the main square of the Cemetery. Family and friends are then invited to gather at the graveside of their loved one, and one of the priests or seminarians will pray alongside them and bless the grave with Holy Water. Saturday 11 November, 11am All are welcome to the blessing of Graves and Holy Mass for all buried in St Joseph’s Cemetery, Thimblemill Lane, Nechells, Birmingham. Also: Erdington Abbey: Sun 5 Nov, 1pm Witton: Sun 5 Nov, 3pm Sutton (New Hall): Sun 12 Nov, 2pm Sutton (Rectory Rd): Sun 26 Nov, 2pm. And at cemeteries across the Archdiocese throughout this month. May they all rest in peace. |
 National SVP 1833 Young Adults’ Retreat Friday 24 – Sunday 26 November. Calling all young adults aged 18 – 33! You’re invited to join the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) for a weekend of meeting others who are equally passionate about making a difference in their local communities. It will be a weekend of prayer and reflection with times of volunteering and action, including a visit to St Vincent’s, Ely Bridge. Place: Hebron Hall Christian Centre, Cross Common Road, Dinas Powys, CF64 4YB Cost: £50. SVP Young Adults Retreat |
 Faith in the Family Video Series Faith in the Family is a new 15-part video series, offering an overview of key aspects of the Catholic Faith and its practice. Narrated by Fr Marcus Holden, from the Archdiocese of Southwark and featuring interviews from numerous parents, this series provides clear catechetical instruction and practical advice suitable for parishes, schools and homes. Each segment is around 7 – 8 minutes long, and is a wonderful resource to support and encourage a living faith in everyday life. The videos follow the chapters of the book Faith in the Family: A Handbook for Parents. Marriage and Family Life |
 New course: Becoming Prophets Hosted by the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality, Oxford. 15-session course starts on Sunday 19 November with an open session on Sunday 5 November. The School for Prophets aims to hear and heed God’s voice from within the tumult of this time. Practicing the prayer, study, and silent receptivity exemplified by the prophets, school-participants will examine the world as God sees it, and discern ways to speak God’s truth, for both what is needed and possible. Becoming Prophets |
 Free half-term workshop for children, this Saturday Birmingham People’s History Archive (BPHA) has organised an art/history workshop for children and young people on Saturday 4 November. Participants are invited to attend the archive in Margaret Street, B3 3BS, with a parent/relative/adult either in the morning or afternoon and work with a professional artist, gaining new skills and learning about Birmingham heritage. The event is free as it is funded through a Historic England grant. If you’d like to attend please email [email protected] OR [email protected] |
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