Archdiocese of Birmingham newsletter 4th April 2024
| Divine mercy is not a definite moment in time but a person, the Word who was made flesh and dwelt amongst us and who has risen in glory |
 Reflection – 2nd Sunday of Easter This Sunday, the Octave Day of Easter, since the year 2000, when St John Paul instituted the feast for the whole Church, has been known more commonly as Divine Mercy Sunday. For some, reflecting on God’s mercy so soon after Eastertide has begun seems strange because we are placed once again at the Cross and the ‘hour of mercy’. This year, because the Solemnity of the Annunciation (25th March) fell during Holy Week, it has been transferred to Monday 8th April. In two days, three moments of the Lord’s life are juxtaposed, his Incarnation, his Death and his Resurrection. Drawn together in this unique way we are reminded that all the mysteries of Christ’s life are revelations of divine mercy, they all reveal God’s love and they are all the cause of our joy. A French Carmelite priest once wrote, ‘The heart of the little child which smiled at Mary and Joseph burned already with the same love that was in the heart of the man dying on Calvary.’ We can confidently say that divine mercy is not a definite moment in time but a person, the Word who was made flesh and dwelt amongst us and who has risen in glory. Fr Michael Glover |
 Archbishop Bernard’s Easter Message “Let the light of the risen Christ shine through in the things that you say and do, especially within your family settings, with your neighbours, and as you witness to Him in the world today. “And pray for that gift of peace, that the light of the world may shine in the darkest places of our world today.” Watch Archbishop Bernard’s Easter Message for 2024. Easter Message 2024 |
 Banbury and Warwick Deanery: Divine Mercy Sunday, 7 April On behalf of the Banbury and Warwick Deanery all are invited to Divine Mercy devotions at St Peter Apostle, Dormer Place, Leamington Spa. Confessions are from 2.30pm, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 2.55pm and devotions from 3pm to 4pm. Sunday 7 April. Catholic Leamington |
 Next week: Stella Maris Mass at St Chad’s Cathedral All are invited to join Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) next week as it hosts a Mass on Wednesday 10 April to pray for seafarers and fishers and the work of Stella Maris. Mass will start at 12.15pm and will be celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley at St Chad’s Cathedral, followed by a reception in the Grimshaw Room. Stella Maris Mass |
 Invite to one-day Symposium at St Mary’s College, Oscott Authority and the Church, Saturday 27 April, 8.30am to 6pm. A Theology Symposium exploring of the role of ecclesial authority in a Synodal Church and a postmodern culture. Featuring guest speakers: Rev Timothy Radcliffe OP, Rev Vincent Twomey, Prof Jacob Phillips, Dr Mary McCaughey, John Stayne. Booking now open. One-day Symposium |
 Apply today: Work Experience opportunity for young adults with the SVP and CAFOD 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. Work Experience |
 Diocesan Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage – May There’s still time to sign up for this year’s Thanksgiving Mass at St Chad’s Cathedral on Saturday 4 May. Please register if you are celebrating a significant wedding anniversary in 2024 or are engaged to be married this year. Or would you simply like to give thanks to God for your marriage, and ask for His ongoing blessings? Please register your attendance by Sunday 21 April. The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley. Marriage Mass |
 This Saturday – Come and See: God Still Calls An Invitation from The Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle to see if God is calling you to join them. Saturday 6 April, 9:30am – 4pm. A follow-up weekend will take place on June 15 – 16 at the Dupuis Centre, St. Paul’s Convent Selly Park, Birmingham, B29 7LL. Come and See |
 Starts next week: Curious about faith? Try Alpha – starting in Stafford A series of group conversations that explore the basics of Christian faith in an open, friendly environment. All welcome. Alpha starts at St Anne’s in Stafford on Monday 8 April at 7pm. Alpha Course |
 Want to know more about modern slavery and Human Trafficking? Join an awareness session in April in Birmingham hosted by the Medaille Trust and Father Hudson’s Care. The session will explore the different types of modern slavery, some of the signs to look out for, the prevalence and what you can do to support survivors, as well as having the chance to ask any questions. Wednesday 17 April and Thursday 18 April. Awareness Sessions |
 Solemn Mass in Latin and Benediction Plus illustrated talk. St Chad’s Cathedral, Saturday 27 April. An invitation from the Association for Latin Liturgy. Join in Sung Mass celebrated in Latin with simple Gregorian chants. Mass in Latin |
 Date for the diary: African Mass to celebrate Pentecost The Newman Cluster will be hosting an African Mass on Sunday 19 May to celebrate Pentecost. All are welcome. The cluster is made up of the churches Christ the King, Kingstanding, Our Lady of the Assumption, Maryvale and St Margaret Mary, Perry Common. The Mass will be concelebrated by Fathers The-Quang Ngyuen, Simon Ellis and Leonard Cox, and Monsignor Daniel McHugh, the Ethnic Chaplaincy co-ordinator for the Archdiocese. The liturgy and music will be drawn from the African communities represented in the Newman Cluster, and African dress is also encouraged. African Mass |
 Jobs and Volunteering Deputy Diocesan Solicitor The Archdiocese is looking to appoint an experienced Deputy Diocesan Solicitor to support the Diocesan Solicitor in providing high quality legal advice to the trustees of the Birmingham Diocesan Trust (BDT), colleagues and clergy. Deadline for applications: Monday 8 April. Administration Support Officer, Safeguarding Team Permanent/Full-time role available with the Archdiocese. Deadline for applications: Monday 8 April. Father Hudson’s Care The social care agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham requires an experienced senior manager to lead its Community Projects Department. Application deadline is Tuesday 9 April. Friends of the Holy Land are looking for an energetic, dedicated individual to join our fast-moving, growing charity in a Volunteer Liaison and Donor Communications role. Join our small, friendly team making a difference to Christians in the Holy Land. This is a full-time post. Office-based, easy location with parking. Closing date for applications is Sunday 7 April. 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. Opportunities for new Trustees of CaTEW (The Catholic Trust for England and Wales). Application deadline is Monday 29 April. Vacancy in the Archdiocese of Southwark: Evangelisation and Outreach Advisor. Click here to visit website See Jobs and Volunteering page |
| Dates for your diary: the month ahead Sat 6 Apr: God Still Calls, ‘Come and See’ event Mon 8 Apr: Alpha starts in Stafford Tues 9 Apr: Online Grandparents Faith Cafe with Archbishop Gilbert Garcera Wed 10 Apr: Stella Maris Mass at St Chad’s Cathedral Sun 14 Apr – Fri 19 Apr: Pilgrimage to Knock and Co. Mayo Wed 17 Apr: Divine Renovation webinar: Sent or Stuck Wed 17 Apr: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking awareness session 1 Thu 18 Apr: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking awareness session 2 Sat 27 Apr: One-day Symposium at St Mary’s College, Oscott Sat 27 Apr: Solemn Mass in Latin and Benediction, St Chad’s Cathedral Sat 4 May: Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage |
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