News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

We pray for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis

Reflection on the death of Pope Francis

During Holy Week, we listened to the words of the psalms proclaimed at our liturgical celebrations:

How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?

Into your hands I commend my spirit

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it and be glad.

Soon after celebrating our Easter morning Masses, we saw the courage of Pope Francis in taking his usual place on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome on this day to greet the City of Rome and the World.

His breathing and his speech appeared so laboured, but he greeted us with the words: Dear brothers and sisters: Happy Easter!

And he gave the world his blessing. Little did we know that this would be his last.

Even in his frail state on Easter Day, Pope Francis recognised the desire of the people to see the Holy Father and he travelled around St Peter’s Square blessing the people and some young children.

Only days before, on Holy Thursday, again defying the odds and insistent on keeping an annual appointment that he established during his papacy - the Mass of the Lord’s Supper surrounded by prison inmates - who were so delighted to welcome him.

The relative shock of the timing of Pope Francis’ death, despite his recent period of serious illness and evident decline, reminds us all that the timing of our return ‘to the House of the Father’ is not a time of our choosing but as and when the giver of the gift calls us back into his loving embrace.

When faced with the death of a Pope during the Octave of Easter Day, which the Church asks us to keep with the same joy as Easter Day, how should we respond in terms of Masses and liturgical celebrations? Actually, our faith informs us: that the Easter Octave is a highpoint of the year which continues, and what better way could there be to commend somebody to the love and mercy of God than in the light of the Resurrection?

As we reflect on the many aspects of Pope Francis’ almost 12 years as the successor of St Peter, we acknowledge his focus on the Joy of the Gospel, on Care for Creation, on the dignity of human person, on the Church being a prophetic voice at the service of the world, on the importance of young people as the ‘now’ of the Church and as a compassionate voice for refugees, we can call to mind that most evocative image of his solitary figure standing in a rain-soaked St Peter’s Square at the height of the first Covid-19 lockdown, 27th March 2020, blessing the frightened world.

Later in 2020, he urged us to see the pandemic as a moment in time to look at the world differently, overcoming division and seeking unity:

All too quickly, however, we forget the lessons of history, “the teacher of life”.
Once this health crisis passes, our worst response would be to plunge even more deeply into feverish consumerism and new forms of egotistic self-preservation. God willing, after all this, we will think no longer in terms of “them” and “those”, but only “us”. If only this may prove not to be just another tragedy of history from which we learned nothing.
(Fratelli Tutti 35)

As the Church marks the Second Sunday of Eastertide, appropriately in respect of Pope Francis - Divine Mercy Sunday - and the same weekend in the Church’s calendar that St John Paul II died, 20 years ago, we pray:
may Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, rest in peace and awaken to his Resurrection on the Last Day. Amen. Alleluia!

Bishop Timothy Menezes

Photographs of Pope Francis: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

Funeral Mass and how to watch

Pope Francis, who served as Supreme Pontiff from March 2013, died on Easter Monday, 21 April, aged 88.

There has been an outpouring of tributes from across the globe as people from all walks of life share their memories and reflections of the Holy Father.

His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday morning, 26 April, at 10am (9am BST) in St Peter’s Square, Rome.

Live coverage of the funeral service is expected via Vatican News and across all main TV news services.

Memories and Reflections

People from across the Archdiocese of Birmingham have been paying tribute to Pope Francis.

Many of our churches have opened a Book of Condolence, and are also staying open longer to give people the chance for quiet prayer and reflection.

Masses are being celebrated for the repose of the soul of the Holy Father.

If you would like to share your tribute please email communications@rcaob.org.uk

Parish Resources to use

A suite of resources for parishes to use over the coming days and weeks has been provided by the Bishops' Conference.

Including prayers, prayer cards, information, posters, liturgical resources.

Archbishop Bernard has also written a prayer and you can listen to it via our website.

Easter Message

You can still catch Archbishop Bernard Longley's Easter Message on the Diocesan website and social media channels.

In this year's message, Archbishop Bernard reflects on grace flowering anew in the season of Easter reminding us that in our lives, grace is something that is fully a gift, something so important in a world where so much else is transactional.

Lead Trustee for Safeguarding

The Trustees of the Birmingham Diocesan Trust are looking to recruit a skilled, Catholic volunteer with professional experience of safeguarding to join the Board of Trustees and chair the Safeguarding Sub-Committee.

We are looking for a chair to lead and inspire who brings:

• Extensive experience of safeguarding in a professional capacity
• Experience of operating at strategic leadership level
• A solid understanding of good governance practices.

Closing Date: Sunday 4 May

This weekend: Adapted Mass

Sunday 27 April. Our Lady and St Brigid Church, Northfield.

An adapted Mass with Holy Communion for those with additional needs, and their carers and families.

4-4.30pm with refreshments afterwards.

Prayer Vigil for Life

Join Bishop Timothy Menezes at the candlelight prayer vigil for life organised by March for Life UK at 7pm on Sunday 27 April.

The event will be held in Victoria Square, Birmingham to remember the 57th anniversary of the implementation of the Abortion Act.

Please come and join in this peaceful, prayerful time of reflection with speeches from Christian leaders as we recall the lives lost and wounded from the legalisation of abortion.

Pilgrims of Hope: Supporting People with Disabilities

For the Jubilee year, Father Hudson's Caritas are going to host online talks to discuss their work within the Archdiocese of Birmingham and how we provide hope to vulnerable people in our local area.

The first talks will be based on our disability work and are on Monday 28 April at 12.30 - 1.30pm and Tuesday 29 April at 6 - 7pm.

The talks will be by the staff who work within our theme of disability.

We will also be discussing how people can support Father Hudson's Caritas and also how you can support people with disabilities in your own communities.

Join a Virtual Pilgrimage for the Jubilee

St Patrick’s in Coventry is hosting a virtual pilgrimage as part of its Jubilee Year celebrations and all are invited to take part.

You are asked to walk just one mile which will be added to the 500-mile French route of the Camino.

Sister Frances at St Patrick’s said the virtual pilgrimage to Compostela will start after Mass on Sunday 27 April, and conclude on Sunday 6 July with a celebratory Mass.

To kickstart the pilgrimage parish priest Fr George Bennett will walk the first mile from the church to St Brigid’s Convent on Stoneywood Road, where refreshments will be served.

“One of the things which we are encouraged to do during this Jubilee Year is to take part in a pilgrimage, and you will see there are several being advertised,” said Sister Frances.

“Some of us, however, cannot travel to these places for different reasons – health, finance, work or other commitments. To allow us all to take part in a pilgrimage during this special year St Patrick’s is organising a ‘virtual pilgrimage’ to Compostela."

Celebrating 60 Years of Nostra Aetate

Registration now open for the event on Thursday 8 May, 7pm. Jamiah Islamiyah Mosque, Birmingham.

An evening organised by the Diocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue in conjunction with The Bahu Trust, Columban Missionaries and the Focolare Movement.

This is one event of several in the lead up to the Nostra Aetate anniversary celebration later this year.

'Nostra aetate' is the 1965 Declaration of the Second Vatican Council on 'The Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions'.

The Theology of the Body

A Teaching Day hosted by the Catholic Medical Association, Youth branch.

Saturday 19 May in Birmingham.

Join us for a day of exploring the theology of the body, celebrating the unique creation of man and woman. For healthcare workers and healthcare students, ages 18+.

Registration now open.

Book your Day Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Hednesford

Parish groups invited to make a visit in May, June, August or September

In addition to the usual annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hednesford, Staffordshire, (July), special Jubilee day pilgrimages to the shrine are offered.

On these days there will be exposition, confessions and Mass.

Jubilee Day Pilgrimage Dates:

Saturday 10 May
Saturday 14 June
Saturday 9 August
Saturday 13 September

Book now for this summer's WeBelieve Festival at St Mary's College, Oscott

A celebration of Catholic life, Friday 25 to Monday 28 July

WeBelieve is a project created and funded by The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom in collaboration with St Mary's College, Oscott.

This festival is a bringing together of Catholic ministries and creatives from across the UK to mark the 2025 Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis, with a celebration of Catholic life.

Featuring a diverse range of Catholic musicians, creatives and speakers, including Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray, Msgr Michael Nazir-Ali, AnMari, Fr Toby Lees and many more.

This event is for everyone and you can book as a family, group of friends, parish group or individual. This festival is brand new and you are invited to build it with us.

All My Hope

Tuesday 20 - Thursday 22 May, The Precious Blood and All Souls, Coventry.

Festival in the Jubilee Year: All My Hope, in Coventry organised by the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.

With reflections by Fr David Butler, a hermit of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

Lead Trustee for Safeguarding

The Trustees of the Birmingham Diocesan Trust are looking to recruit a skilled, Catholic volunteer with professional experience of safeguarding to join the Board of Trustees and chair the Safeguarding Sub-Committee.

Closing date: Sunday 4 May

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.

Various roles at Father Hudson's Caritas including:

Foster Carers
Relief Support Worker

Supervising Social Worker

Light of Truth - Certificate in Catechesis

Join an online open evening to explore this course, Wednesday 30 April.

Offered by the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph UK.

A two-year, online course for catechists and for those who wish to transmit the Catholic faith to others.

Explore the course before it starts in September.

National Conference: Reimagining Baptism

Open to clergy and catechists, Friday 9 and Saturday 10 May. Archdiocese of Southwark.

Baptism is transformative, it is the gateway to Christ. Come and join a national conversation about how baptism is understood in the life of the Church today, how to reawaken a baptismal mindset in our families and all in our parishes and how might we spread the light of hope today.

The keynote talk will be given by Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem with workshops run by seasoned catechists and clergy from around the country.

Weekend Conference: Search for Meaning

At Boars Hill Carmelite Priory, Oxford.

Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May.

This Conference is inspired by the life and work of Edith Stein (St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross OCD), with a team of speakers, including Professor Peter Tyler, of St Mary’s Catholic University, Twickenham, London, author of “The Living Philosophy of Edith Stein”.

Douai Abbey Reflection Day: The Sabbath Day and the Lord’s Day

Saturday 10 May

Led by Caroline Farey. The day will focus on bible texts to see how links with the Lord’s Day open up unexpected riches and to Sunday Mass. For anyone interested: no previous knowledge needed.

Workshops & Reflection Days: 10.30am to 4pm. Contribution £30 made on the day (lunch, coffee & tea incl.) or £15 bring own lunch.

Celebrating Creation: Two Wings and Some Prayers

Prayer, walks and birdwatching, with a focus on learning birdsong at Boarbank Hall, Cumbria.

Monday 12 - Saturday 17 May.

A chance to celebrate and care for God's Creation in this Jubilee Year, which also marks the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si'.

Walk the St Cuthbert’s Way for a Special Jubilee Pilgrimage

Join the Stella Maris Jubilee Pilgrimage from 26 May – 31 May and follow the ancient St Cuthbert’s Way, walking 62 miles in the footsteps of saints, monks, and medieval pilgrims, all while raising crucial funds for seafarers and fishers.

This unforgettable six-day journey takes you from the historic Melrose Abbey in Scotland to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, traversing stunning countryside, rolling hills, windswept coastlines, and the renowned tidal causeway.

Seafarers endure months away from home, facing isolation and challenging conditions. By participating in this pilgrimage, you will directly support vital practical, pastoral and spiritual care for those who work tirelessly at sea.

The Joy of Limits

The Ecological Conversion Group and Sr Margaret Atkins of the Canonesses of St Augustine are running two care of creation retreats this year on the theme of 'The Joy of Limits'.

They will be held at Boarbank Hall, Cumbria. The dates are Tuesday 27- Saturday 31 May and Saturday 4 - Friday 10 October.

Celebrating:

• 800 years of the Canticle of the Creatures
• 10th Anniversary of Laudato Siʼ
• Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope

The talks aim to make accessible themes of the social doctrine of the Church on care for creation. We will focus on slowing down and making room for Christ in our busy lives and finding joy in the little things.

Come and See Weekends 2025 at Holy Cross Abbey

Where are you staying? John 1:38

Friday 30 May - Monday 2 June
Friday 8 August- Monday 11 August

We are Cistercian nuns at Holy Cross Abbey, Whitland, Pembrokeshire, inviting single Catholic women aged 25-45 who are discerning a vocation, to experience our monastic life during one of the above weekends.

Society of St Gregory Annual Summer School 2025

Liverpool Hope University: from 30 July – 2 August

Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
The theme of Jubilee and Hope will be reflected in our liturgies and music, providing us with an opportunity to reflect on what we have learned and to consider how we might take the message of hope back to our parish communities.

Keynote Speaker – David Wells, a pastoral leader and well known speaker encouraging and inspiring
people to share the joy of the gospel, through the lens of building parish life.

Director of Music – Martin Barry, a parish musician, composer and former Cathedral Director. He is
President of Universa Laus, the international study group for liturgical music.

We welcome both Residential and Day Delegates and Bursary Funding is available.

Please follow us online

This email was sent to davidlogue1@aol.comYou received this email because you are registered with Archdiocese of Birmingham
Registered charity number 234216

View our Privacy Policy: https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/privacy-policy

Unsubscribe here