Can we hear the names of our deceased relatives and friends here? |
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 | | | All Saints and All Souls | | |
| One of the church’s traditions is the litany of the saints. We pray it at ordination, at Baptism, at Easter. And then, right at the other end of the journey, I was reminded of this recently when praying with someone in A&E. We pray a litany in the commemoration of the dying. Whether in baptism or in accompanying the passage into eternal life, the saints are asked to pray for us.
Every litany of the saints ends with a general plea that all holy men and women pray for us. I used to think that this last plea was a bit of an afterthought; that we’d run out of names, or that we’re covering all bases.
And, yet, it is a bold proclamation that the church, while recognising individual giants of history, also holds up the underdog; the ones whose names we might never hear, whose stories we might never know, and says, look here, there is ultimate recognition, there is ultimate acknowledgement, that good triumphs. Can we hear the names of our deceased relatives and friends here? And what a wonderful reminder of future.
What if we make this claim for the future also by our leaning into God’s grace in the ways we can so that our prayer is sought confidently and we are incorporated into that great call upon all holy men and women. By God’s help, this one day will mean us. Amen. So shall it be.
Fr Ryan Service, St Francis & St Augustine Kenilworth | | |
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| | “Called to Higher Things”, Reflection for All Saints and All Souls, 2-3 November 2025. | | |
| Mgr Daniel McHugh's latest vlog is now available.
“We should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1) by Mgr Daniel McHugh, the Co-ordinator for Ethnic Chaplaincies in the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
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. | | |
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Charting New Frontiers of Hope | St. John Henry Newman this week was made co-patron of Catholic education with Saint Thomas Aquinas.
He believed that all branches of knowledge are connected together in an ‘ecology of learning’ “because the subject matter of knowledge is intimately united in itself, as being the acts and work of the creator.” (The Idea of a University,19.) using an analogy drawn from the natural world, along with the eastern fathers of the church, Newman taught that at the dawn of creation the seeds of this truth were scattered across all cultures for all time.
Jesus, the sower, enables us, through the power of his grace, to nurture these seeds. Newman writes “He is that mustard tree, which was destined silently to spread and over-shadow all lands; he is the leaven which was secretly to make its way through the mass of human opinions and institutions to the whole was leavened. Heaven on earth had hither been separate. His gracious purpose was to make them one, and that by making earth like heaven.” (Parochial and Plain Sermons)
This ‘galactic’ view, inspired Pope Leo XIV to, refer to a metaphor drawn from astronomy. He has composed an Apostolic Letter called Drawing New Maps of Hope. In it he speaks of the “Gospel of educational constellations”, which are navigated by using the compass of the teaching of Gravissimum Educationis -whose sixtieth anniversary the Pontiff’s work commemoratates.
The groups of stars he refers to are formed by the saints and “lay people, religious, families and students (who) share responsibility for the mission” of proclaiming Christ by opening up new pathways and frontiers of knowledge aimed at fostering the dignity of the person and the care of all human and natural environments.
The Pope concludes by saying that all those “ responsible for institutions, teachers, and students: be servant of the world of education, choreographers of Hope, tireless seekers of wisdom, credible creators of expressions of beauty… Then our constellation will not only shine, but it will also guide us: towards the truth that sets us free(Jn 8:32), towards the fraternity that consolidates justice(cf Mt 23:8), towards the hope that does not disappoint (cf.Rom 5:5)” (11.3)
Fr Peter Conley |
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| | This weekend: St John Henry Newman to be Proclaimed Doctor | | |
| Parishes, schools and communities are invited to celebrate St John Henry Newman. The much-loved educationalist will be proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on Saturday 1 November, during the Jubilee of the World of Education. Visit our website to find out more. | | |
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| | Online Lecture: Newman on the Liturgy | | |
| The Saint John Henry Newman Lectures First Semester, Academic Year 2025-2026
Wednesday 19 November, 6pm.
To commemorate the 180th Anniversary of the Conversion of John Henry Newman and His Elevation as Doctor of the Church. | | |
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| | Annual Collection for The Johnson Association | | |
| Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November The Annual Collection for The Johnson Association takes place in all churches and parishes of the Archdiocese on the weekend of Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November. The Johnson Association provides financial help and support to the retired, sick and infirm clergy of the Archdiocese. Our priests rely on this support after devoting their lives to furthering the mission of the church and bringing people closer to Christ. Please give what you can. Thank you. | | |
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| | Merger of Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) affirmed by Decree | | |
| The decree granting the merger of Mary Ward’s Institutes, the Congregatio Jesu(CJ) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) has been received with joy and gratitude by the leadership of both Institutes. The official merger decree will be publicly proclaimed at a Eucharistic Celebration in Loyola, Spain on Tuesday 4 November. Mary Ward’s desire that all may be one will be realised.
Here in the Archdiocese of Birmingham we have Sisters of the IBVM in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
You can join in the Celebration on Tuesday 4 November and a Symposium on Wednesday 5 November (8.30am UK time) online. | | |
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| | | | Invitation from the University of Worcester: Vice Chancellor, David Green, is hosting an event on Thursday 6 November at 7.30pm where he’ll be sharing memories and reflecting on his recent Camino across Portugal and Spain. The event will also raise funds for a newly established scholarship fund, created in the memory of Joel Richards, a student who was killed in a terrorist attack in Tunisia in 2015. | | |
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| | Father Hudson’s Caritas Trustees | | |
| Father Hudson’s Caritas is looking for committed individuals to become voluntary Trustees. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and faiths Father Hudson’s Caritas works across the Archdiocese of Birmingham within our five older people and children and families. We are looking for Trustees who: - Support our Catholic ethos and core values
- Will support us in achieving our Vision and Mission
- Reflect and represent the diverse people and communities we serve
If you have senior level or lived experience in one of our five themes or our support areas we would love to hear from you. | | |
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| | Petition Launch: Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) | | |
| Across the world today, Christians and other religious groups are facing growing violence and repression. It is more important than ever that the United Nations and national governments take decisive action to defend the right to freedom of belief.
That’s why this year we are launching a global petition to stand with Christians and other religious minorities who cannot freely live out their faith - a right guaranteed by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR).
Article 18 is the cornerstone of international law protecting freedom of religion and belief. Born out of the ashes of the Second World War, it serves as a reminder that every government has a duty to uphold and protect this fundamental human right.
Your voice matters. By signing this petition, you can help us urge world leaders to act on behalf of those who suffer simply for practicing their faith.
Together, we can make a difference. With gratitude, Dr Caroline Hull National Director, ACN United Kingdom | | |
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| | Invitation to a Day of Renewal, Erdington Abbey | | |
| The Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference will host a day of renewal at Erdington Abbey, Birmingham, on Saturday 8 November, 9.30am - 4pm. The theme of the day is "The Eucharist is my highway to heaven... St Carlo Acutis". The day will begin with Mass at 9.30am and followed by praise, worship, talks and prayer ministry. The guest speaker is Catholic evangelist John Hesketh. All welcome. | | |
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| | The Crucified Christ and the Rocking-Horse Catholic: The Christology of Caryll Houselander | | |
| Invitation from St Mary's College, Oscott:
Free lecture on The Christology of Caryll Houselander, a remarkable modern-day mystic.
Thursday 13 November, 7.15pm – 8.30pm. To be given by Fr Andrew Allman, Vice Rector. | | |
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| | Survey: Neurodiversity and the Catholic Faith | | |
| The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales and Birmingham Newman University are conducting research into Neurodiversity and our Faith experience. We want to hear from you.
In this Participatory Research we want to:
a) Understand what helps neurodivergent Catholics in England and Wales.
b) What gets in the way for neurodivergent Catholics in England and Wales.
Your insights can help us to become more inclusive and responsive. | | |
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| | 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. | | |
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| | #RedWednesday – Stand in Solidarity | | |
| Join Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) this November to support persecuted Christians: Harvington Hall – Martyrs Past & Present
Saturday 15 November 11am–5pm
An opportunity to show solidarity with our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters. Join ACN and Bishop Timothy Menezes for a day of talks, workshops and reflections. Schools Mass – St Chad’s Cathedral
Wednesday 19 November 12:15pm
Celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley. An opportunity for schools to show the world they care for our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters. Last year around 300 primary and secondary students worshipped together. | | |
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| | | | Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations | | |
| Prison Chaplain vacancy in Eccleshall, Staffordshire. 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. 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: Family Support Worker
Fundraising, Communications and Marketing Administrator
Inclusion Health and Early Action Advice Worker
Foster Carers
Lead Officer vacancy at WorkCare West Midlands The Lead Officer will play a pivotal role in leading and developing the work of WWM, enhancing its capacity, sustainability and reputation. | | |
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Events Beyond the Archdiocese |
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| | Reimagining Baptism: Conference for Clergy and Catechists | | |
| St Joseph's Catholic Church, Stockport
Following two very successful one-day conferences in London, the Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis for the Diocese of Shrewsbury and the Baptism Collaborative are organising a similar opportunity for northern-based clergy, catechists and all interested to Reimagine Baptism.
It is taking place on Friday 28 November for Clergy and repeated on Saturday 29 November for all others. The keynote talk will be given by Abbot Hugh Allen O.Praem, the recently appointed Director of Mission at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference. | | |
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| | Be Still and Know that I am God | | |
| The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst, Clitheroe: 14 - 17 November 2025
A three-day retreat led by Fr Roger Dawson, SJ, aiming to help participants find a greater attentiveness and disposition to God’s presence in their lives through a disciplining of the mind and awareness of the present moment. | | |
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Our accounts are being used more than ever before to share news, events and information.
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Archdiocese of Birmingham
Cathedral House
Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6EU |
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