News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

"He determines the number of stars; he gives to all of them their names"

Reflection - Newman’s Gospel of Stars

The forthcoming Jubilee of Education theme ‘The Constellation of Hope’, would have appealed to St John Henry Newman. He had a lifelong interest in science and astronomy, built an observatory and sought to hire the best stargazer available, for his students at the university he founded in Dublin.

Newman described the psalms as his “prayer book”. Within the range of emotions these sacred texts explore, Newman grounded his motto, ‘heart speaks to heart’, to describe God’s intimate relationship with every person. Our local Oratorian Saint was also mindful of God’s care of the natural environment. These aspects of Newman’s thought are poignantly expressed in the following verses of Psalm 147:

The Lord “…heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of stars; he gives to all of them their names.”

Newman composed three reflections on the virtue of Hope, which inspire our Christ-centred pilgrimage during this year’s Jubilee celebrations. He invites us to make his words our own:

I am created to do something or to be something for which no one else is created; I have my place in God’s councils, in God’s world, which no one else has…God knows me and calls me by my name. (Meditations and Devotions)

As we respond to such great love, through the providential gifts of our humanity, we open ourselves to the grace of holiness - so that Mary’s ‘let it be done’ can be said more and more of us. We, on earth, whenever we gather in Church, or to pray wherever we happen to be, are enwrapped by the ‘canopy’ of heaven - in a galaxy called ‘salvation’. Newman expresses this sense of God’s presence in one of his Marian reflections when he writes:

Mary is the star, shining with the light of Jesus, fair as the moon, and special as the sun, the star of the heavens, which it is good to look upon…and peace is poured upon the soul. (Meditations and Devotions)

Fr Peter Conley

St John Henry Newman

Parishes, schools and communities are invited to celebrate St John Henry Newman.

The much-loved educationalist will be proclaimed a Doctor on Saturday 1 November, during the Jubilee of the World of Education.

All are invited to mark his forthcoming Feast Day on Thursday 9 October alongside two anniversaries: September (2025) marked the 15th anniversary of Newman’s Beatification in Cofton Park, Birmingham in 2010 by Pope Benedict. October (2025) marks the sixth anniversary of his Canonisation in Rome by Pope Francis.

Visit our website to find out what's already planned and to access resources.

Welcome the Stranger

This weekend we celebrate the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The theme is Migrants, missionaries of hope.

The Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Paul McAleenan, has shared a message which is available to watch and read.

"It is our obligation to try and understand why migrants appear among us; our duty is to care for those who seek refuge in our country."

The World Day is a day for acknowledging the presence of migrants and refugees in our communities, celebrating their contribution and becoming more aware of the difficulties they encounter.

“The Righteous shall live by his Faith”

Burning Bush Vlog: Latest episode out now
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This weekend's reflection from Mgr Daniel McHugh is available to watch now on the diocesan website.

His Reflection for the 27th Sunday of the Year focuses on Migrants, Missionaries of Hope, the theme for this weekend's World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

A 10-minute pause to be still and reflect on our Mission with the help of scripture, music/song, pictures, a homily and Adoration intended to lead into personal prayer and action.

Starts today in Coventry:

Quarant’ore Eucharistic Festival

At St Thomas More to Sunday 5 October.

During the forty hours, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed and all are encouraged to come and spend time with the Lord.

The Quarant’ore will also be interspersed with ‘themed’ Holy Hours, the Divine Offices and the Holy Rosary.

Survivor Survey: Invitation to contribute

The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) is undertaking a thematic inspection of survivor engagement and support, and the Archdiocese of Birmingham has been chosen as one of the Dioceses to be involved in this project.

Survivors are invited to contribute their experiences by completing a public survey.

Saturday: Mass for Children and Young People with additional needs and disabilities, Sheldon

Saturday 4 October, 11am, St Thomas More Church, Sheldon

We would like to invite you, your families and friends to this special Mass. All volunteers DBS checked.

Wheelchair access to Church and Church Centre.

Join us for refreshments after Mass in the Church Centre.

All welcome from all parishes.

Saturday: Annual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Guild of St Stephen

Saturday 4 October at St Chad's Cathedral

Invitation from the Vocations Office

Altar Servers and their families are encouraged to attend this annual Mass, to be celebrated by Bishop David Evans.

The Guild of St Stephen is an international organisation of altar servers, founded in England in 1904 by Fr Hamilton McDonald. The Guild has spread and developed since then, and is active in many parishes in the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Saturday: Refugee Befriending Training Day

St John's Church, Harborne, Saturday 4 October.

Invitation from Restore - A project of Birmingham Churches Together

Restore is known primarily as a befriending project. Trained volunteers meet with a refugee or asylum seeker about once a fortnight to offer the opportunity to share together, develop English language skills, explain British systems and culture, visit places of interest and signpost to other services.

The next training course at Restore will be held at St John's Church, Harborne, on Saturday 4 October.

New volunteers would be matched to a refugee to offer welcome, support, conversational English practice and friendship. This course is necessary for all volunteer befrienders.

If you’re not yet sure about befriending, please come along to find out more. There is no obligation to volunteer at the end.

All things bright and beautiful at Flower Festival

Olton Friary, Solihull, is hosting a flower festival this month in celebration of the Catholic Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope.

Parish Priest, Father Anthony Biju, is inviting both parishioners and the wider community to come and visit Olton Friary for a beautiful flower display.

Running from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October.

"Turning Up the Volume” on the Quiet Revival.

Radio Maria invites you to our Mariathon, 15–17 October, as we “Turn Up the Volume” on the Quiet Revival in our nation.

Hear inspiring guest speakers share stories of faith, growth, and renewal.

Tune in via DAB+, the Radio Maria app, online, or smart speaker.

Autumn Party at Alton Castle

Invitation from the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT)

Tickets are now on sale for an Autumn Party Night at Alton Castle on Saturday 25 October, from 7pm until late!

By popular demand, this much-loved event returns to the beautiful setting of the Castle, where we’ll gather for our annual celebration of the work of Kenelm and raise some vital funds in the process!

Food, music, games, challenges, dancing and much more!

This annual celebration brings together Friends of Kenelm and supporters from across the country, giving us a chance to reflect on youth ministry, recognise the dedication of individuals through our special awards, and look ahead with joy and hope.

Families invited to pray the Rosary this October

Pray the Rosary with Archbishop John Wilson and The Mark 10 Mission this October.

The Rosary Challenge invites you to pray a decade of the Rosary each weekday. The Mark 10 Mission has created beautiful online videos for each mystery of the Holy Rosary, led by Archbishop John of the Archdiocese of Southwark.

Sight Loss Sunday, 12 October

Parishes invited to mark the occasion.

Sight Loss Sunday is an initiative by Torch Trust, an ecumenical Christian organisation dedicated to enabling blind and partially sighted people to encounter Jesus, grow in their faith and thrive in Christian community.

This year's theme is ‘Who does God call?’

Prisons Week

Sunday 12 - Saturday 18 October

Prisoners’ Sunday marks the first day of the ecumenical Prisons Week, a week of prayer which raises awareness of issues faced by those affected by the criminal justice system.

The theme this year is ‘Jesus looked at him and and loved him’ (Mark 10:21), and he looks at you and loves you too.

Please pray daily during Prisons Week and consider one practical way you or your church can support those you’re praying for.

Deacon Peter Tibke, Lead Chaplain in the Archdiocese for Prisons, is open to offers of help and available to speak at churches or groups during the week, including preaching on Sunday 12 October.

Justice and Peace Assembly: Preparing our Parishes for Social Action

All welcome on Saturday 18 October at St Chad's Cathedral.

Our speakers this year are:

• Paul Northam - Diocesan Co-ordinator for the Jubilee Year 2025, Pilgrims of Hope
• Emily Pugh - Caritas development lead

The assembly runs from 10:30am to 3:45pm, with registrations at 10.

Reconciliation in a Time of Conflict

Saturday 18 October, 10am-3.30pm at Coventry Cathedral

Drawing upon experiences from the Holy Land and Ukraine, what does the Christian ministry of reconciliation look like in a time of conflict?

What are the challenges faced by those in the context of war, and what might we learn about being reconcilers in a society increasingly characterised by cultural division and conflict?

This event is being held in the John Laing Centre within the precinct of Coventry Cathedral, a community known for its commitment to reconciliation, and as a place to reflect and respond to these difficult questions. Tickets are £25 (or £15 for concessions, e.g. ordinands).

Invitation from Church Action on Poverty

The national ecumenical Christian social justice charity, committed to tackling poverty in the UK.

On Church Action on Poverty Sunday, give, act and pray with others – together we can end UK poverty.

19 October is Church Action on Poverty Sunday.

There’s still time to join other churches across the UK by giving, acting and praying with us. This year's theme is Dreams & Realities.

Jubilee Mass and Singing Day

Saturday 25 October, 10am – 4pm, St Chad’s Cathedral

Come and celebrate the Jubilee Year with a special event for the musicians of the Archdiocese at St Chad’s Cathedral.

The day will begin with preparation for a sung Mass for the Jubilee Year, led by Bishop Timothy Menezes.

In the afternoon, there will be a workshop for parish musicians, on the topic of Singing the Mass – a look at some new repertoire, plus a refresher on the principles and priorities for music in the Mass.

The day will be led by Martin Barry, and is open to anyone who enjoys singing, whether or not you’re currently involved in parish music-making.

Instrumentalists are welcome too – let us know what you play when you sign up for the day.

Your local Catholic school needs you!

Could you be a Foundation Governor or Director?

We are seeking practising Catholics to help shape the future of Catholic education by supporting and challenging school leaders, and upholding the Archbishop’s vision.

Opportunities are available across the Archdiocese, and all skills and backgrounds are welcome.

Live out your faith through service - your contribution could make a real difference to our schools and pupils.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

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:

10x support workers
HR & Training Administrator
Senior Administrative Assistant
Foster Carers

St Francis Leprosy Guild Annual Mass

Saturday 4 October at 12:30pm at Westminster Cathedral.

St Francis Leprosy Guild warmly invites you and your parish community to its Annual Mass. The Rt Rev James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Westminster, will be the Chief Celebrant.

After the Mass, we hope you’ll join us for our Annual Assembly with drinks and refreshments at: The Windsor Castle, 23 Francis Street, London SW1P 1DN.

Online Masterclass: Infant Baptism Preparation

Join the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis, Archdiocese of Southwark for their next webinar on Tuesday 7 October at 7.30pm.

We’ll be joined by Dr. Petroc Willey, Dr. William J. Keimig, and Jacqueline & Michael van Hemert to explore the new Infant Baptism Preparation resource from the Catechetical Institute.

This practical and prayerful guide offers a fresh approach to preparing families for their child’s Baptism.

Ideal for catechists, clergy, parents, and anyone involved in baptism ministry.

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