News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

"Give me a drink"

Reflection: Third Sunday of Lent

Over the next three Sundays, the Gospel reading will be taken from St John’s Gospel. This Sunday, we will hear about an encounter that takes place outside a Samaritan village called Sychar between Jesus and a woman. This will be followed by an encounter and miracle between Jesus and a man who was blind from birth. On the fifth Sunday of Lent, a final encounter will take place, this time between Jesus and his dead friend, Lazarus.

These readings form a triptych with a word for those preparing to be baptised or received into full Communion with the Catholic Church this Easter. To the woman of Sychar, Jesus says, ‘Give me a drink.’ About the man who was born blind, Jesus says that he was blind so ‘that the works of God might be displayed in him.’ In the final reading, Jesus asks this sister of his friend, ‘Do you believe this?’

The journey of faith begins with a request – ‘Give me a drink’. Jesus is not asking for water but the one thing he will not force from us: faith. As we grow in faith we come to realise that our past and present situation can hold us back from growing deeper in faith. Our past is not an obstacle but the very place where the works of God are to be displayed. At some point on the journey, we will be asked to commit freely with our whole life. That is to respond to a direct question – do you believe?

As we pray through these readings over the coming weeks, we pray for those who will be received into the Church at Easter. We pray for ourselves, too, that our lives may be transformed by responding with great faith to the simple request of Jesus: ‘Give me a drink.’

Fr Michael Glover

St Mary's College, Oscott

The Sunday Gospels of the Holy Season of Lent, 2026 (Year A)

Catechesis offered by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission

Liturgy and Worship is one of the four themes of Archbishop Bernard’s Diocesan Vision.

Understanding and making connections especially through our experience of Sunday Mass deepens our faith (formation), and prepares us to be more confident in sharing our faith (evangelisation and charity and social outreach).

This year, Year A, the Gospels for the Holy Season of Lent have a particular focus on themes related to baptism. Baptism is a Sacrament associated especially with the Holy Season of Eastertide. By long tradition, the preparation of candidates for adult Baptism has culminated at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

So, let us look at the Sunday Gospels of this coming Holy Season of Lent:

Third Sunday of Lent - Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4: 5-42).

The conversation between Jesus and the Woman of Samaria centres on reaching the water in the well (the woman) and satisfying thirst for the waters of eternal life (Jesus).

So the Baptismal theme here is Water.

Jesus answered her,

‘If you knew the gift of God,

and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink”,

you would have asked him,

and he would have given you living water.’

Lent and Easter resources

A wealth of resources for our journey through Lent to Easter are now available to access on the diocesan website.

They include Educational and Musical Resources, Retreats and Courses, Written Resources and much more.

Ideal for use individually, in schools and parishes.

Looking to study?

The Maryvale HIRS and Maryvale@StMary's are inviting you to come and study with us.

We have a full range of programmes for every ability, from easy short courses to a five-year PhD programme.

Want to deepen your Faith? Thinking about getting more involved with your parish, Catholic organisation or Diocese? Would you like to teach in Catholic institutions?

World Day of Prayer 2026

Tomorrow, Friday 6 March

Our sisters in Nigeria invite us to join them for the World Day of Prayer on Friday 6 March. The service they have prepared reflects on the theme, "I will give you rest."

The World Day of Prayer is an international, women-led, ecumenical movement that shares the hopes, concerns, and prayers of women from around the globe.

LOUDfence is back in the Archdiocese

A three-day LOUDfence event starts tomorrow at the St John Henry Newman Parish, to show support and solidarity for those who have been impacted by abuse.

The event will be based at St Joseph’s in Wolverhampton.

The LOUDfence will run from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March, both inside and outside the church, with live streaming available. It will include Masses, an opportunity for quiet time and reflection, craft activities, the chance to talk with members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and more.

During a LOUDfence people are encouraged to tie brightly-coloured ribbons, tokens and messages, to railings, suspended wires and on internal displays.

This is a visible act of solidarity with those who have been abused or harmed in any setting and represents the voices of those who also wish to speak out in support and defence of those affected by abuse.

Religion, Theology and Climate Change: Project Findings and Next Steps for Practice

Monday 9 March - online

The Southern Diocese Environment Network (SDEN) & Northern Diocese Environment Group (NDEG) are hosting a joint seminar.

Religion, Theology and Climate Change: Project Findings and Next Steps for Practice. Monday 9 March at 6.30pm - 8pm.

Featuring Finlay Malcolm, who has recently been delivering sessions in the Diocese of Salford on spiritual formation, exploring how the Catholic faith connects with care for God’s creation.

Race Night Fundraiser

In aid of Father Hudson's Caritas (FHC)

The Father Hudson’s Race Night is set to be a fun, social evening to kick off spring and raise funds for all FHC projects.

🗓 Tuesday 10 March

⏰7pm - 10.30pm (first race 7.15pm)

📍Coleshill Town Hall

🎟 £20 per person

🍽 Fish & chip supper (included in ticket price)

🚗Free parking at Chantry House (opposite Town Hall)

Birmingham Bach Choir: Sacred Music

St Chad’s Cathedral hosts a special concert featuring Birmingham Bach Choir on Saturday 14 March at 7pm.

Entitled Sacred Music, the performance is presented in the run-up to Holy Week and is built around a trio of larger-scale works by three leading 16th century composers.

Forty Hours for Vocations

Invitation from St John the Evangelist, Banbury. 19-21 March.

In this month of prayer for Vocations, what is He calling you to?

Join us for Quarant'Ore - Forty hours of continuous adoration.

Clergy Conference for Youth Ministry

Clergy Conference: 15 April - 10-4pm - £79

Following the success of last year's Youth Ministry Conference, Dr Julia will be returning to explore the landscape that young people are currently navigating.

She will explore big topics that they are grappling with such as faith development, sexuality, gender, intergeneration relationships and lots more.

There will also be opportunity to take part in workshops on the themes of Mental Health & Faith, Engaging Volunteers, Gender & Identity, and responding to the Quiet Revival.

Location: Don Bosco House, Coleshill

Youth Ministry Conference

Saturday 18 April, 9.30am-6pm (Vigil Mass with Canon Michael Dolman 5pm) - £18

Calling all Parish Youth Leaders!

Following the success of our 2024 Conference, we are delighted to announce that the 2026 Youth Ministry Conference is returning for our parish volunteers to the Archdiocese, this year in Royal Leamington Spa!

Dr Julia Sadusky will be returning to explore the landscape that our young people are currently navigating. She will explore big topics that they are grappling with, such as faith development, sexuality, gender, intergenerational relationships and lots more.

March for Life presents COMMISSIONED - Pro Life Men's Conference

Saturday 18 April, 10aqm-5pm, Birmingham Christian College, Selly Oak, Birmingham - £25

COMMISSIONED is a one‑day conference equipping men to live out their pro‑life mission with confidence and clarity.

Join a growing community committed to defending preborn children, supporting women in crisis, and speaking effectively on the pro‑life issue.

The day includes practical guidance for fathers and husbands, teaching on standing firm under pressure, insights from pro‑life history, and opportunities for discussion and connection with others.

Stella Maris - Fully sponsored pilgrimage to Lourdes

Open to sick, retired and active seafarers and Fishers from the UK and EU, and their carers / family member if needed.

Stella Maris/Apostleship of the Sea is organising its inaugural Lourdes Pilgrimage, which will take place at the end of May, 25th - 30th, travelling with the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

All pilgrims must be able to self-transfer, climb a few steps and walk short distances. There are still a few spaces available!

If you, or you know of any seafarers active or retired who might be interested in joining the pilgrmage with Stells Maris, please contact Deacon John Fogarty on 07851019134 / johnfogarty@rcaos.org.uk

Help Create a Poppy Cascade for Remembrance 2026

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the dedication of the St Chad's Cathedral War Memorial, honouring the 221 men who gave their lives in WW1. To commemorate this milestone, we are creating a poppy cascade to be displayed throughout November.

We’re inviting parishioners and friends to knit or crochet poppies for the display. Any pattern is welcome, including those from the Royal British Legion. Completed poppies can be dropped off at Cathedral House until 30 September.

Research into the men named in our Book of Remembrance has uncovered photographs and family relics, which will also be displayed. If you have photographs of relatives named in the book, we would love to include them.

Volunteers are warmly welcomed—thank you for helping us honour their memory.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

Paid positions

CEO designate of large CMAT / CEO of Lumen Christi MAC

An exciting and unique opportunity for an inspiring and visionary leader to take on the role of CEO Designate of a future large and flourishing Catholic Multi-Academy Trust and CEO of Lumen Christi Multi-Academy Company from 1 September 2026.

This pivotal position will oversee the continued development and success of the MAC's 9 academies while shaping the future of Catholic education in our Archdiocese. This dual role offers a significant opportunity to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of thousands of students, staff, and the wider Catholic community.

Closing date: 12pm, Monday 16 March

Cathedral Manager for St Chad's Cathedral, Birmingham, the Diocesan Mother Church.

The Cathedral Manager is a senior leadership role, responsible for the day‑to‑day operational and administrative management of the Cathedral and its wider site. Reporting directly to the Cathedral Dean, the post-holder enables the worship, pastoral life and mission of the Cathedral by ensuring that all non‑clerical and non‑liturgical matters are professionally managed.

Closing date: 10am, Friday 13 March

Father Hudson's Caritas provides social care throughout the Archdiocese.

Roles currently available:

Foster Carers

Schools & Parish Engagement Officer

Full-time Roman Catholic Chaplain required at HMP Oakwood, Wolverhampton.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering the provision of worship and religious teachings to prisoners and staff who live and work at HMP Oakwood.

Permanent, full-time role.

Closing date: Tuesday 17 March

Voluntary Positions

The Archdiocese of Birmingham Trustees are looking to appoint a voluntary 'Expert by Experience', someone with lived experience of faith-related abuse, to join our Safeguarding Sub-Committee.

Closing date: Sunday 8 March

Lead Trustee for Safeguarding and Lead Trustee for Property

The Trustees are seeking to appoint skilled and committed Catholic volunteers with relevant professional experience.

Board members, St Raphael the Archangel CMAT, Warwickshire.

Following the successful launch of the 63‑school St Gabriel the Archangel CMAT (Catholic Multi Academy Trust) in September, the Archdiocese is now progressing plans to establish another CMAT in the north of the Diocese.

St Raphael the Archangel CMAT will bring together the Our Lady of the Magnificat and Holy Spirit MACs, along with several voluntary aided schools.

A new Board of Directors will oversee the Trust, with the Board set to be established in summer 2026 to support a smooth transition ahead of the formal merger.

We are seeking dedicated individuals to join the Board and help shape the strategic direction of St Raphael the Archangel CMAT, working closely with CEO Sinead Smith and the executive team.

Closing date: 12.00 noon, Friday 20 March

Oxford Pro-Life Community is working to build a living and lively community of people in Oxford that has a real impact in promoting the respect for the inviolable right to life of all human beings.

If that sounds exciting to you and you can spare an hour or so a week please visit the Diocesan website to find out more.

Several other opportunities are also advertised on our website including:

A week of free residential work experience with the St Vincent de Paul Society and CAFOD.

Become a Faith Rep with Mary's Meals.

CAFOD is looking for new School Volunteers.

Parish Appealers are needed by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Volunteer at Tabor Living, Birmingham.

Does Science Pose a Threat to Today’s Catholicism?

Webinar, Monday 16 March

The Catholic Union is delighted to announce that it will be holding a webinar on Monday 16 March at 6pm to explore whether science poses a threat to today’s Catholicism.

Chaired by Catherine Pepinster, well known journalist, attendees will hear from Revd Dr Gareth Leyshon, Astrophysicist, Catholic Priest of the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia and parish priest of the four churches comprising Our Lady of the Valleys.

Those wishing to register for the webinar please email info@catholicunion.org.uk and a zoom link will be provided. Booking is essential.

Come and See - Discernment Retreat for young Catholic women at Minster Abbey

Share the rhythm of daily monastic prayer and life.

For single Roman Catholic women aged 18-35 open to discerning a monastic vocation.

Hosted by the Benedictine Nuns of Minster Abbey, Kent.

Three weekends available in 2026:

Palm Sunday Weekend, Friday 27 - Sunday 29 March

Friday 7 - Sunday 9 August

Friday 9 - Sunday 11 October.

All Kinds of Catholic: In-person event

Join the podcast community for an event in Leicester, Saturday 21 March

An opportunity to meet All Kinds of Catholic podcast host, Theresa Alessandro, fellow podcast listeners and previous guests.

Be there while Theresa records a new conversation with a pod guest. We'll have a simple lunch together with some good conversations about our faith.

There will be a chance to share what you enjoy about the podcast and ask questions. The day will finish with a time of prayer.

Spring Programme unveiled

Workshops and Reflections at Douai Abbey, Reading

Douai Abbey, in Reading, Berkshire, is a Roman Catholic monastery of monks of the English Benedictine Congregation.

Retreats and courses are held at the Abbey throughout the year.

Details of events through spring and summer are now available.

Catholic Young Writer Award 2026

Deadline for Entries - Tuesday 30 June

The theme for 2026 Catholic Young Writer Award is The Church’s Sacrament of Forgiveness: Why We Go to Confession.

The Catholic Young Writer Award for Catholic school pupils of secondary school age was launched by The Keys, the Catholic Writers Guild of England of England and Wales in the 1990s and has been flourishing ever since. It is now sponsored by the Catholic Union Charitable Trust.

The winners are invited to the Annual Meeting of the Catholic Union, held each Autumn in London, to receive their prizes from the President, Baroness Hollins.

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