News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

Celebrating Education Sunday

Reflection

On Education Sunday, we give thanks for the gift of Catholic education for nearly 90,000 pupils across our Archdiocese. This year our celebration coincides with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Cross, a sign of suffering and death, has been transformed by Christ into a sign of hope and new life. In every Catholic school, the Cross stands at the heart of the mission, shaping young lives in faith, knowledge, and service.

Our Diocesan Education Service seeks “to form Christ-centred pilgrims of hope with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice.” This mission flows directly from the Cross, the greatest sign of God’s love. As the Gospel reminds us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

We thank our teachers, leaders, staff, chaplains, directors and governors who dedicate their gifts to this mission. Their commitment ensures that our schools are not only places of learning but communities of faith and hope.

St John Henry Newman, the great educator and soon-to-be Doctor of the Church, reminds us that “God has created me to do Him some definite service.” Catholic education is one of the Church’s greatest ways of enabling young people to discover and live out that unique calling.

On this Education Sunday, may the Cross of Christ inspire us to continue this mission with courage, joy and generosity.

Steve Bell, Director of Education

Photograph: Pupils from St Patrick's, Coventry with their LiveSimply award

Education Sunday is this Sunday

Education Sunday falls on the second Sunday of September (14 September, in 2025) just at the beginning of the new academic year and is one of the oldest Days of Special Prayer in England and Wales, established in 1848.

This year's theme for Education Sunday is drawn from its Gospel reading of John 3:13-17:The Son of Man must be lifted up.

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.

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

The Catholic Bishops' Conference has issued its latest statement on the Bill, now with the House of Lords.

Statement from Archbishop John Sherrington on the Terminally Ill Adults Bill in the House of Lords:

As the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is being considered at length in the House of Lords, we reiterate our firm opposition to the bill in principle and in practice. Despite being described by proponents as the safest of its kind, the bill remains unworkable. It puts the safety of our healthcare institutions, professionals, and patients at risk.

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.

This weekend onwards: Heritage Open Days across the Archdiocese

Heritage Open Days is England's largest community-led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations.

Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.

A number of places across the Archdiocese are involved including Sacred Heart & St Catherine of Alexandria in Droitwich Spa; St Mary's College, Oscott; Oxford Oratory and Birmingham Oratory; St Mary Immaculate, Warwick.

This year's festival runs from Friday 12 - Sunday 21 September.

Invitation: Garden Party and Castle Open Day

Hosted by the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT)

Join us for a day of fun, community and discovery in the stunning setting of Alton Castle, a beautiful Gothic-revival landmark overlooking the Churnet Valley, on Saturday 20 September.

All proceeds support St John the Baptist RC Church and the Alton Castle Youth Retreat Centre, helping to fund life-changing faith and development programmes for young people.

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.

Mass for the Season of Creation

The Season of Creation is now underway and parishes are encouraged to hold a Mass for the Care of Creation.

Missa pro custodia creationis

On the 10th anniversary of the publication of the encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Leo XIV 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 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:

Laudato Si’ School Retreat Days at Oscott College

This September and October, Oscott College is delighted to offer inspiring retreat days for Year 5 and 6 pupils, designed around Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home.

Through prayer, reflection and hands-on outdoor activities, pupils will explore creation, renewable energy, recycling, pollinators, and more.

Retreats run from Monday 15 September to Friday 10 October, making them the perfect way to mark the Season of Creation.

Service for the Season of Creation, Wolverhampton

Saturday 13 September

Invitation from the Catholic Women's League CIO Wolverhampton.

Stations of the Cross for the Season of Creation and Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

At St Michael’s RC Church in the parish of St Carlo Acutis on Saturday 13 September at 11.30am.

Stoke-on-Trent United Celebration

Sunday 14 September, 6.15pm

Join with Christians in North Staffordshire for an evening of worship, prayer and fellowship.

Swan Bank Church, Burslem.

40 Days for Life Kick-off Event

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.

Oxford Pro-Life Community Launch

Saturday 20 September, 10-1pm, at St Anthony of Padua Church Hall (next to the JR hospital, OX3 7SS).

Parishioners are invited to a fun and enjoyable morning to meet like-minded people and find your pro-life niche.

Child & family-friendly. Free parking. Lunch included.

Sign up now! Snowdon Sunrise Challenge

Invitation from Father Hudson's Caritas (FHC), Saturday 4/Sunday 5 October

You are invited to take on the Snowdon Sunrise Challenge and help raise funds for FHC.

The walk will start around 2.30am and arrive at the summit to see the sunrise.

Public Lecture: The English Hierarchy Restored

Monday 29 September at St Mary's College, Oscott

In commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the Restoration of the hierarchy of England and Wales.

"Silver links changed into burnished gold: the English hierarchy restored", a lecture by Revd Dr Ken Carleton.

Solemn Mass in Latin, Vespers and Benediction

Saturday 4 October at St Mary's College, Oscott

Hosted by the Association for Latin Liturgy.

All welcome. The day includes lunch and a talk.

Inaugural Organ Recital

Sunday 5 October at St Mary's College, Oscott

Music performed by Professor David Saint on the original college organ, gifted by Birmingham Industrialist John Hardman, in the stunning surroundings of the college's Gothic chapel, decorated by A.W.Pugin.

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:

Care Assistant (Nights)
Support Worker (various)
Foster Carers

Jubilee of Social Justice event, Liverpool

Hosted by Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN).

An invitation to all those involved in Catholic social action.

Join a special event at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday 20 September. Including Mass, light lunch and exhibition, reflections.

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