| | “Try your best to enter by the narrow door because I tell you many will try to enter and will not succeed”. The sign on the wall said “this lift holds seven people”, so we should’ve been fine. Halfway down and the power cuts out. Eventually there was a knock and the mechanism was released a little further. Although the lift couldn’t reach the floor, we were relieved to see the light when two arms came up to pull us through.
“Try your best to enter by the narrow door because I tell you many will try to enter and will not succeed”.
What a curious answer Jesus gives to the question ‘will there only be a few saved?’. The Lord’s words are encouraging since to enter by the narrow door is to be comfortable in not following the crowds; to seek and see grace day in and day out; to strive, according to our capacity, to follow the Lord, even in suffering.
It’s important to say this because for some ‘entering by the narrow gate’ is a call to seek suffering; that if we are not suffering then how do we know we are trying to follow God’s will; or that the gate is narrow because the majority are awful sinners and only a few righteous will prove victorious.
There is enough suffering without seeking further suffering and the narrow gate is like that experience of a broken lift, where the way out is beyond our vision, where we’re trusting in the dark, dependent upon God’s grace and are
overwhelmed with joy when a small doorway appears, even a little light, even a little air, and an arm reaches to pulls us through, like rebirth, like resurrection.
As Fr Luigi Maria Epicoco puts it: “The Lord does not desire heroism, he asks us to find a way of living daily life with faithfulness. This is not a heroic one-off deed but the martyrdom of daily life.”
Fr Ryan Service
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| | Pope's Invitation to Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace tomorrow. | | |
| The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics worldwide to unite in fasting and prayer for peace this Friday, August 22, the feast of the Queenship of Mary. He stated: "I invite all the faithful to take part in a day of fasting and prayer on August 22, imploring the Lord to grant us peace and justice, and to wipe away the tears of those who suffer because of ongoing armed conflicts. May Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede so that peoples may find the path of peace. Image: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk | | |
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| | Join Bishop Tim at March for Life UK 2025 | | |
| Join Bishop Tim Menezes at March for Life UK on Saturday 6 September in London. The right to life underpins every other right we have and without it every other right is rendered meaningless. Abortion denies the most vulnerable in our society their most basic right, the right to life, which is why this year's theme is 'Human Rights for All Humans'. Unite with thousands of others at this family-friendly event where we recognise the value of life from conception and stand up for all those impacted by abortion. There are coach pick-ups from across the Archdiocese including Worcester, Coventry, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Stourbridge, Edgbaston, Acocks Green and Solihull and a group travelling together by train from Oxford. | | |
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| | 40 Days for Life is an international campaign to end abortion and to offer an alternative to women seeking it, from 24 September - 2 November. We invite you to attend the Kick-off event, which will be at the Café Neri of the Oxford Oratory, on 20 September at 19:30, featuring the personal testimony of Amrita and the perspective of Robert Calquhon, who has been at the forefront of prolife work for many years. | | |
| 40 Days for Life Kick-off Event | | |
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| | Canonisation of Blessed Carlo | | |
| Is your parish/school hosting a celebration to mark the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis? Or attending Rome in-person for the event? Blessed Carlo is due to be canonised on Sunday 7 September and will be the first Millennial Saint to be so. He will be canonised alongside Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Please let the Communications Team know of any special events via communications@rcaob.org.uk | | |
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| | | | A night of Encounter, Praise and Worship for Young Adults. Friday 29 August. | | |
| The Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) invites young adults across the Archdiocese to join Adorare. An opportunity to hear testimonies from young adults, moments for prayer, time for reflection and a shared meal. Registration now open. | | |
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| | Harvington Pilgrimage - register your parish coach this week. | | |
| The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the English Martyrs, Sunday 7 September
This year the principal celebrant will be Archbishop Bernard Longley. Mass: 3pm Confessions: 1.45pm – 2.30pm Bring your own chairs and packed lunch. Parishes bringing a coach: you must let St Mary's know if you intend to bring a coach. For coaches- please e-mail stmary.harvington@rcaob.org.uk by Monday 25 August at the latest so that a parking place can be reserved for your coach. | | |
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| | New season of tours at St Mary's College, Oscott | | |
| The latest dates to visit Oscott College - not normally open to the public - have been announced. You can visit on dates in September, October and November. Booking is open. St Mary’s College, Oscott is a residential training college for young men who have entered into the vocation of training to be part of the Catholic Priesthood. It has been at its present location since 1838 and was decorated by the eminent Victorian architect, Augustus Welby Pugin. | | |
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| | Mass for the Season of Creation | | |
| Missa pro custodia creationis On the 10th anniversary of the publication of the encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Leo XIV has promulgated the Decree for the Missa pro custodia creationis (“Mass for the Care of Creation”). The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has provided some “working translations” for the Episcopal Conferences, which are responsible for providing the translation appropriate to their area. Archbishop Bernard Longley has approved the use of the working translations on a temporary basis to use on the Day of Prayer for the Season of Creation, Monday 1 September, or at any point during the Season.
You can find the Mass for Creation along with other resources on the Archdiocese's Season of Creation page.
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| | Talks: Early British Christianity | | |
| Retired professor Brian Ferry will be giving a series of three talks on Early British Christianity on Fridays 12, 19 and 26 September at 7pm. All welcome to attend in the Parish Centre at Our Lady and All Saints, 13 New Road, Stourbridge (entrance from Union Street). | | |
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| | Monthly SEN Mass, Northfield | | |
| Our Lady and St Brigid's, Northfield.
All welcome to join a special educational needs (SEN) Mass on the fourth Sunday of each month at 4pm. Upcoming dates for the year: - 24 August
- 28 September
- 26 October
- 23 November
- 28 December
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| | Walsingham Association Jubilee Year Annual Retreat | | |
| Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 September Invitation from The Walsingham Association “Plumbing the Depths with Our Lady: Wisdom from the Ignatian Spiritual Tradition” We are pleased to announce that this year’s Retreat will be led by Fr Toby Duckworth. The Retreat commences on Tuesday evening and concludes after breakfast on Friday. Fr Toby is Assistant Priest of St Dunstan’s, Kings Heath & St Jude’s, Maypole in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. He is also the Diocesan Spirituality Contact. | | |
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| | Join Staffordshire's Ride + Stride | | |
| Raise money for your parish: Saturday 13 September 2025 Support Staffordshire’s historic churches by taking part in Ride + Stride, a fun, sponsored event where participants visit churches by bike, foot, car, or public transport. Half the funds raised go to your chosen church, and the rest supports vital repairs through the Staffordshire Historic Churches Trust. Last year, over £6,000 was raised across 93 churches. This year, a trophy will be awarded to the participant who visits the most churches. | | |
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| | Vincentian Family Movement's Festival Mass at St Chad's Cathedral | | |
| Representatives of Vincentian Charities will attend the Annual Festival Mass and Gathering at St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham on the feast of St Vincent de Paul - Saturday 27 September - at 12noon.
The theme of the gathering of the Vincentian Family Movement in Great Britain (VFGB) this Jubilee Year is Pilgrims of Hope. Following Mass there will be opportunities for members of the VFGB to reflect, share and strengthen their mission of service. Reserve your space now. | | |
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| | Disability Awareness Sunday | | |
| Theme: 'Made in God's image' Join churches across the UK as we celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday on 28 September 2025 (or any Sunday that suits your church!). This year’s theme reminds us that every person, disabled or not, reflects the image of God. The most important thing about Disability Awareness Sunday is that Christians reach out and include disabled people fully in community life. The 2025 Disability Awareness Sunday resource explores 1 Samuel 16:7 ‘God looks at the heart’, and being ‘Made in God’s Image’. | | |
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| | Day Conference at the Dupuis Retreat and Conference Centre | | |
| Quiet Day with the Retreat Association Icon – Reflecting on the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well. Saturday 18 October, St. Paul’s Convent, 94 Selly Park Road, Birmingham B29 7 LL. With Alison MacTier, Director of the Retreat Association. Cost: £35 Please bring own lunch. Tea and coffee provided.
The day will include an exploration of how this beautiful icon was made, within the tradition of iconography, as well as how we can begin to interpret its meaning. Then we will spend time reflecting in detail on the Gospel story of this encounter and what it may mean for us today. Also at the Dupuis Centre in October is an Individually Guided Retreat with Sr. Pauline Myers SP and Sr. Una Coogan IBVM. Running from Saturday 18 - 25 October (a shorter time of retreat is available on request).
Cost £650 | | |
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| | ADoRE spiritual mini-retreat | | |
| 30 August 10.00-13.00 on Zoom. "PILGRIMS OF HOPE FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER - Jubilee is above all a time of forgiveness.” Including Mass, Adoration, Praise, Prophecy, Prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and inspiring talk from guest speaker Fr Paul Leonard. Please register for the free Zoom meeting in advance. | | |
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| | | | Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations | | |
| Prison Chaplain HMP Drake Hall, Staffordshire Salary: £36,151 - £37,887 Pro-rata
Working Pattern: Part Time Job holders will provide faith/belief and pastoral care to prisoners and staff of their own faith/belief tradition and have an understanding/knowledge of other faith/beliefs as part of a multi- faith/belief chaplaincy team. Job holders will also be required to meet the pastoral needs of people of other faiths/beliefs and none. Closing Date: 5 September 2025 Volunteer Taster Sessions at Tabor Living, Birmingham at a time to suit you. Are you interested in making a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness? Join us for a Volunteer Taster Session at Tabor Living, where you'll get a chance to learn more about our work, meet the team and explore how you can get involved. Father Hudson’s Caritas provides social care throughout the Archdiocese. A number of roles are currently available including: Tabor Living - Relief Support Worker (including nights)
Foster Carers
Relief Support Worker Unlock an Extraordinary Opportunity with KYT's Mission Team!
Are you (or someone you know) aged 18–25 and ready to make a difference?
KYT's Mission Team invites you to embark on a journey of impact and transformation!
By joining the Mission Team, you’ll: - Inspire young people through engaging retreats and youth ministry.
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills while growing in faith and sharing your faith with others.
- Be part of a dynamic team, exploring and developing your gifts.
- Gain nationally recognised qualifications in outdoor education.
- Build lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories.
- Explore opportunities for apprenticeships and further study.
- Be a positive force for change in the lives of others.
This is your chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Whether it’s leading outdoor activities, empowering the next generation, or simply exploring your faith journey, there’s a place for you on the Mission Team.
Know a young person who might be interested? Please share this exciting opportunity with them and encourage them to apply today.
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Events and retreats beyond the Archdiocese |
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| | Our Lady, Queen of Peace pilgrimage to Walsingham | | |
| | | Invitation from the Medjugorje Apostolate for England and Wales. All are invited to attend this annual event, which has taken place for more than 20 years. To be led by Fr Zvonimir Pavičić OFM, the parish priest of St James, Medjugorje. | | |
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| | Council of Nicaea 1700th Anniversary Conference | | |
| Ecumenical conference at Blackburn Cathedral, Friday 12 – Sunday 14 September Hosted by Blackburn Cathedral in partnership with Churches Together. The conference will feature Rt Revd Paul Hendricks, Kent Area Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Southwark, with Fr Aidan Nichols and St Margaret Atkins of Boarbank Hall. The keynote address will be given by Professor Rachel Muers, Chair of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh followed by ecumenical responses from Fr Andrew Louth (Professor of Byzantine Studies, Durham University), Dr Victoria Turner, (Director of Studies at the Scottish Episcopal Institute), + Paul Hendricks, + Philip North (Anglican Bishop of Blackburn) and more. | | |
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| | The Martyr-Saints of the North-West | | |
| 12 – 14 September 2025, The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ
Join the Christian Heritage Centre for this weekend studying some of the Reformation-era martyrs of the North-West region. Part-retreat, part-biographical, the weekend will be led by Mgr John Allen of Salford Diocese, who has recently published a history of the diocese with a foreword by Eamon Duffy.
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| | In need of Marriage help? | | |
| Summer and Christmas holidays are peak times of stress for marriages, but support is available. MARRIAGE HELP - Retrouvaille helps couples find hope and healing for their marriage. Retrouvaille is the name of a programme designed to help heal and renew marriages. The word "Retrouvaille" simply means "rediscovery". The next in-person weekend to be hosted by Retrouvaille is 17 -19 October. | | |
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Dates for your diary: the month ahead Fri 22 Aug: Summer Course at Stonyhurst Fri 22 - Mon 25 Aug: Youth 2000 Summer Festival, York Fri 22 Aug: Free Guided Tour of St Chad's Cathedral Sun 24 Aug: Monthly SEN Mass Northfield Mon 25 Aug: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Pilgrimage to Walsingham Thu 28 Aug: Thursday Live Plus! Organ Recital at St Chad's Fri 29 Aug: KYT hosts Adorare Sat 30 Aug: Online Retreat Morning on Forgiveness Sat 30 - Sun 31 Aug: Two pilgrimages at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey, Leicestershire Tue 2 - Fri 5 Sept: Walsingham Association Jubilee Year Annual Retreat Wed 3 Sept: 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si': Sustaining the Impact Sat 6 Sept: Anointing Fire Hosts 'Awakening' Sat 6 Sep: John Bradburne Pilgrimage Walk Sat 6 Sept: March for Life, London Sun 7 Sept: Harvington Pilgrimage Thu 11 Sept: Birmingham Annual Peace Service Fri 12 Sept: Early British Christianity talk Sat 13 Sept: KYT host Jubilee Pilgrimage Walk for young people Sat 13 Sept: National Walking Pilgrimage converges in Nottingham Sat 13 Sept: Ride + Stride fundraiser Sat 13 Sept: Hednesford Day Pilgrimage Sat 13 Sept: Mass hosted by the John Bradburne Memorial Society, Westminster Sun 14 Sept: Education Sunday Mon 15 Sep - Fri 10 Oct: Laudato Si' Inspired Retreat Days at St Mary's College, Oscott Tue 16 Sept: Catholicism for the Next Generation, London Fri 19 - Sun 21 Sept: Charismatic Weekend Retreat, Liverpool Sat 20 Sept: Cursillo Morning Enciounter, Newcastle Under Lyme Sat 20 Sept: Redditch Carmelite Spirituality Group: September Event Sat 20 Sept: Jubilee of Social Justice Event, Liverpool Sat 20 Sept: Alton Castle Garden Party and Open Day, Staffordshire Sat 20 Sept: 40 Days for Life Vigil: KIck off Event, Oxford |
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Archdiocese of Birmingham
Cathedral House
Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6EU |
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