Archdiocese of Birmingham Newsletter 4th May 2023
 Website Events News |
| The Coronation, take part in LOUDfence at St Chad’s Cathedral |
 Reflection – the King’s Coronation From Mgr Tim Menezes, Dean of St Chad’s Cathedral This weekend, our country will celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. We know that this event brings a range of reactions from people of faith, as in the general population. For some, it will be a joyful reason to celebrate, for others it can evoke some quite negative reactions. Probably for the greater number, it will not be such a life-changing event. One of the more interesting aspects of the Coronation ceremony is the Anointing with the Oil of Chrism of the new Monarch. This is a moment of great symbolism which, at the every least, can remind each baptised person that this anointing at Christian baptism is a sharing in the life of Christ. The word Christ means ‘anointed one’. We pray for King Charles as he assumes this role.Let us take the opportunity to pray for our country and to recognise that in this Coronation ceremony, the Christian heritage of our country will be evident, as well as rightly acknowledging the many cultures and faiths that now form part of our country and whose dignity and place we recognise. The Coronation of King Charles III |
 Join LOUDfence in person and virtually A LOUDfence starts at St Chad’s Cathedral on Sunday 7 May and all have the opportunity to take part either in person or virtually. A LOUDfence involves tying LOUD (brightly coloured) ribbons and messages of support in public spaces. The aim is to give survivors a voice, create and raise awareness in the community and work to end abuse. If you cannot attend in person your virtual contribution can be added for you. A programme of events to accompany the LOUDfence has also been organised. It runs until Saturday 13 May. Support LOUDfence |
 Walsingham Pilgrimage, Sat 13 May All are welcome to join this year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham on Saturday 13 May.The Principal Celebrant is Bishop David Evans. The afternoon programme starts from 12noon with Arrival at the Shrine. Walsingham Pilgrimage |
 Hednesford Pilgrimage, Sun 2 July All invited to pilgrimage to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Hednesford, Staffordshire. Refreshments available from 1pm – Rosary 3pm – Mass (including the sacrament of the sick) 4pm with Principal Concelebrant and Preacher Bishop Stephen Wright. Please note this is an outdoor Mass and all are requested to bring their own chair. Hednesford Pilgrimage |
 CAFOD Fix the Food System As the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, CAFOD is reaching out to people living in poverty with practical help. But CAFOD’s mission also calls on us to challenge the structures that bring about poverty and injustice in the first place. This summer, CAFOD is inviting parishes across the Archdiocese of Birmingham to stand in solidarity with small-scale farmers to ensure that they have free access to their own varieties of seeds. Fix the Food System |
 Harvington Hall History Festival Book now for Dr Jonathan Willis – Making Martyrs in Elizabethan England. Wednesday 26 July 12.00pm till 1.30pm. The English Reformation was violent and bloody. Mary I and Elizabeth I sent hundreds to gruesome deaths (Protestants then Catholics, including priests, for treason). Discover how both Protestants and Catholics constructed accounts of their martyrs, including presenting unruly women as pious Christians. Dr Jonathan Willis is Associate Professor in Early Modern History at the University of Birmingham. An expert and author of several books on the religious and cultural history of England in the sixteenth century with a particular focus on the impact of religious change on the lived experiences of ordinary people. The Harvington Hall History Festival runs from Tuesday 25 to Sunday 30 July. Featuring 17 events, 16 top historians and authors, one concert. Book now for ‘Making Martyrs in Elizabethan England’ |
 Urgent request for hosts for Ukrainians Ukraine. THE WAR CONTINUES. People from Ukraine are still getting in touch daily wishing to seek safety in the UK. The Church nationally has established a new scheme available to all Dioceses, run by the St John of God Hospitallers. They will prepare hosts and match them with guests from Ukraine. Would you consider hosting an individual, or mother and child or a small family for six months in your home-with support? Over 500 possible guests from Ukraine have signed up to the scheme and at the moment there are only about 70 potential hosts. SJOG are hosting online information sessions for potential hosts/sponsors over the coming months. Please take part if you are able to assist.If you want to know more about what is involved please click the link below. Urgent appeal for hosts |
 Book now for ‘An Evening with St Thomas More’ – next month Saturday 17 June, CoventryAn Evening with St Thomas More, hosted by the Diocesan History & Archives Commission. Featuring guest speaker Professor Bill Sheils, University of York, who will discuss ‘Thomas More and English Catholics’. Plus music and readings from the time. Book your ticket |
 Cursillo Weekend – Staffordshire Cursillo is a Catholic movement with Papal approval, dedicated to spreading the Word of God and helping Catholics to form a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. A three-day weekend providing adult faith formation will be hosted at Shallowford House, near Stone, Staffordshire from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 May. Cursillo Weekend |
 Let’s Journey Together The Isaiah Journey group (who prepare resources for the Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse) are promoting a week of Online Guided prayer from 11-17 May for all who have been affected by clerical abuse in the Catholic Church. The Day of Prayer this year will be on Tuesday 9 May, which is the Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter. It is proposed as a day of prayer for those who have been abused in a season of hope and new life. Day of Prayer for Victims of Abuse |
 Justice and Peace Forum: Catholic Social Teaching in our society today Venue: Zoom Tuesday 23 May 7pm – to discuss Catholic Social teaching in our society today. “Where is Catholic Social Teaching evident in our Society today? An attempt to discover the principles of Catholic Social Teaching at work in our society; where these are being followed or applied; and where they could improve society in cases where these are absent.” Justice and Peace Forum |
 Jobs and opportunities across the Archdiocese Including: Choral Directors for the Diocesan Schools Singing Programme – deadline to apply is Friday 5 May. Part-time Chaplain at HMYOI Swinfen Hall – deadline to apply is Friday 19 May. Head Teacher at St George’s Catholic Primary School, Worcester. September 2023 start. Jobs and Opportunities |
| Dates for your diary: the month ahead Sun 7 – Sat 13 May – LOUDfence at St Chad’s Cathedral Tue 9 May: Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse 2023 Thu 11 – Sun 14 May: Cursillo Weekend Sat 13 May: Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham Mon 15 May: Catholic Education in 21C Britain Sat 20 May: Christian Life Community Information Session Sun 21 May: Blessing of Hands at St Chad’s Cathedral Mon 22 May: Being a Welcoming Church: Session 3 – Disability Tue 23 May: Justice and Peace Forum Wed 24 May: Friendships: the Heart of Ecumenical Witness Thu 25 May: Monasticism and Christian Unity Fri 2 – Sun 4 June: Praying with the Saints Retreat Sat 3 June: Brother Michael Strode’s Centenary Mass |