Reflection - Education Sunday

As we celebrate Education Sunday this weekend, we give thanks for the gift of Catholic education and for all those who make it possible: pupils, staff, governors, directors, chaplains, clergy, religious and parish communities.

Education Sunday reminds us that Catholic education is not simply one activity of the Church. It is a vital part of the Church's mission to form Christ-centred pilgrims of hope with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice. The theme of this year's Education Sunday, rooted in the Gospel call to forgiveness and mercy, reminds us that education is ultimately about forming people who can live in relationship with God and with one another.

In the Archdiocese of Birmingham, one of our key strategic priorities is Parish Service. Our schools do not exist for themselves. They exist to serve the mission of the parish and the wider Church. The strongest Catholic schools are those that are deeply connected to parish life, where children and families encounter a faith community that welcomes them, supports them and helps them grow as disciples of Jesus. Parish priests play an irreplaceable role in fostering this partnership through their presence, encouragement, sacramental ministry and witness. Together, schools and parishes foster the relationships that lie at the heart of Catholic education and the Church's mission.

Education Sunday is also an opportunity to reflect on another of our shared priorities: Vocations in Education. We need the next generation of Catholic teachers, leaders, governors, chaplains, religious and clergy. Many people first hear God's call because someone recognised their gifts and encouraged them to serve. Parish priests are uniquely placed to identify those gifts, invite people to consider service in Catholic education and help foster a culture in which teaching, leadership and governance are recognised not simply as professions, but as vocations and opportunities to serve Christ and His Church.

We are grateful for the many clergy who support our schools so generously. Through their ministry, guidance and encouragement, they help ensure that Catholic education remains rooted in the life of the Church. Their contribution strengthens not only our schools but the wider mission of evangelisation and discipleship across our Archdiocese.

Our Catholic schools are at their strongest when we work together and experience a diocesan dividend. Schools, CMATs, MACs, parishes and diocesan services each bring different gifts, experiences and responsibilities, but we share one mission. The priorities belong to all of us. By working in solidarity, supporting one another generously and sharing responsibility for the success of the whole system, we can help every child and every colleague to flourish and ensure that our Catholic schools continue to be places of faith, hope, excellence and service.

Education Sunday is an opportunity to renew that commitment and to give thanks for all that God continues to accomplish through Catholic education in our Archdiocese.

Thank you for your priestly ministry and for the generous support you give to our schools, young people and families.

Steve Bell

Director of Education

Birmingham Diocesan Education Service

Photograph from the Diocesan Education Service website

Education Sunday: An Invitation from Archbishop Bernard Longley

This weekend we give thanks for the gift of Catholic education. Our schools have a mission to form Christ-centred pilgrims of hope, with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice.

There is a real need for more foundation directors and governors to help guide our schools and keep Christ at the heart of their mission. This is not simply an administrative role; it is a true vocation and a practical way to serve Christ and His Church.

If you are a practising Catholic, committed to our mission, and willing to share your time, skills and faith, you can make a lasting difference for thousands of children and young people. No prior experience is required, as full training and support are provided.

God’s unconditional love and readiness to forgive our sins remind us that service is not always easy, but it is always fruitful when rooted in love.

Please speak to your parish priest and click here for more information and how to apply.

Act Now ahead of tomorrow's Reading and Vote: Oppose Assisted Suicide

Please contact your MP to oppose assisted suicide

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is back in the House of Commons and seeks to legalise assisted suicide. It will have its Second Reading and vote on Friday 11 September.

Please write to your MP to make your voice heard and oppose the Bill.

Even if you have already done so in the past, please speak up and voice your opposition.

The charity Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to do this. It takes little more than a few minutes to enter your postcode, make sure the suggested text suits your viewpoint and submit your message to ask your MP to stop this flawed Bill progressing through parliament.

From tomorrow: Churches across the Archdiocese to welcome Heritage Open Days visitors

Several Catholic churches across the Archdiocese of Birmingham will open their doors as part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, from 11 to 20 September.

Participating churches include: St Mary Immaculate, Warwick (pictured); St Peter’s, Leamington Spa; Sacred Heart & St Catherine of Alexandria, Droitwich Spa; St Mary’s, Brierley Hill; St Anne’s, Wappenbury; and St Mary’s Convent of Mercy, Birmingham.

Visitors can enjoy free tours, heritage displays and special events celebrating the rich history of these faith communities.

From tomorrow: Birmingham Heritage Week

Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September

Featuring several Diocesan churches including St Chad’s Cathedral, Holy Cross and St Francis in Walmley, Our Lady and St Rose of Lima in Weoley Castle and the Sacred Heart and St Margaret Mary, Aston.

The city-wide celebration offers visitors the chance to discover Birmingham’s rich industrial, cultural and architectural heritage through a diverse programme of over 250 heritage tours, walks and special events.

Tours, a talk and display will be taking place at St Chad's Cathedral.

Now underway: The Season of Creation

Running until Sunday 4 October, this year's Season of Creation has the theme "Living Water", inspired by the vision of God's life-giving water bringing renewal and healing to creation.

A range of resources are now available on the diocesan website for use in parishes, schools, communities, homes.

Season of Creation Online Meeting

Featuring guest speaker Bokani Tshidzu of Operation Noah. Monday 14 September.

Hosted by the Southern & Northern Dioceses Environment Networks.

A chance to reflect and discuss how to focus on using our voice as a call to action within the Season of Creation and beyond.

Book for Laudato Si' Retreat Days

Open to primary and secondary schools across the Archdiocese, held at St Mary's College, Oscott.

Dates available throughout September and into October.

A new initiative at Oscott College to support schools in responding to the request of Pope Francis and exploring Catholic Social Teaching within the context of protecting our common home.

Sign up now for World Youth Day 2027

Deadline for applications: Monday 21 September

Join the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) on this life-changing pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea.

Applications are now open for next year's World Youth Day in Seoul. If you will be aged 18 or over by the date of travel please consider signing up.

Dates: 28 July - 8 Aug 2027 (flight dependent)

Price: £2,500 (approx due to air travel)

KYT is organising a trip from the Archdiocese and is keen to secure places and flights as soon as possible.

World Youth Day Seoul is your chance to experience the universal Church like never before. Join over half a million young Catholics as we pray, celebrate, serve, and worship together as one global family. From exciting Days in the Diocese to inspiring vigils, vibrant celebrations, and unforgettable Masses, every day is packed with faith, friendship, adventure, and lifelong memories.

Flower Festival: Celebrating the Year of St Francis

At St Francis of Assisi, Kenilworth

Saturday 12 to Saturday 19 September

Arrangements based on The Canticle of the Creatures by St Francis.

With contributions by St Nicholas Church Flower Guild, parish schools and parish groups.

All welcome to visit and view.

Become a Caritas Parish Ambassador

Father Hudson’s Caritas is inviting people across the Archdiocese to become Caritas Parish Ambassadors.

This rewarding volunteer role offers an opportunity to raise awareness of our work, promote social action in your parish, and act as a link between your local community and Father Hudson’s Caritas.

To find out more, join our online information session:

📅 Tuesday 15 September

🕖 7pm

💻 Online

To register, contact Emily Pugh, Caritas Development Lead:

📧 emilypugh@fatherhudsons.org.uk

Now recruiting: Safeguarding Advisor

The Archdiocese is seeking to appoint an experienced safeguarding professional to join its Safeguarding Team.

The successful candidate will have a background in social work, policing, LADO, probation, or another relevant field, together with demonstrable multi-agency safeguarding experience.

This is a permanent, full-time position.

Invitation from the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)

Birmingham Central Council of the SVP is holding its Annual Festival Mass at St Chad's Cathedral on Saturday 26 September.

The Programme includes Mass celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley, a buffet lunch and guest speaker Sir John Battle, Patron of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Sir John will speak on the theme: Retaining a Catholic Prophetic Voice - Blending Prayer and Action (A reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s first Encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas).

Disability Awareness Sunday

Sunday 27 September

Parishes across the Archdiocese are invited to celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday.

The Through the Roof charity is providing support and resources for this annual event. This year's theme is 'One Body, Many Parts'.

The most important thing about Disability Awareness Sunday is that Christians reach out and include disabled people fully in community life.

Disability Inclusion Policy

Rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Birmingham has a deep commitment to being a welcoming church, welcoming and supporting individuals with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities, those who are neurodivergent and those living with dementia. We affirm that every person is a beloved child of God and a vital part of the Body of Christ.

We are committed to ensuring that our parishes are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for disabled people and their families.

A diocesan Disability Inclusion Policy for parish use is now available on the diocesan website, alongside information and resources.

Trustee and Volunteer Opportunities

The Archdiocese of Birmingham is seeking practising Catholics with professional experience to serve as Trustees and committee members, particularly in safeguarding, property, governance, heritage and the work of Harvington Hall.

Live out your faith through service and help shape the future of the Church.

Public invited to unique evening of sacred choral music

The University of Birmingham and internationally acclaimed chamber choir Ex Cathedra are inviting the public to a special evening of sacred choral music at St George’s Church, Edgbaston, on Thursday 17 September.

Curated by Ex Cathedra’s Artistic Director Jeffrey Skidmore OBE, the concert forms part of the international conference Reasons to Sing: Singing, Spirituality, and the Search for Meaning.

Audience members will also have the opportunity to take part in pioneering research exploring how people experience beauty, spirituality and emotion through live choral performance.

Holy Face Devotion

Featuring guest speaker Fr Lawrence Carney at Birmingham Oratory. Friday 18 September.

Fr Carney will be preaching after the 5.45pm Mass and leading Holy Face devotions, which will be followed by refreshments and a Q&A session in the Lower Cloister Hall.

A renowned international expert on the Holy Face, Fr Carney is coming over to England from America for a limited time to share his knowledge.

St John Henry Newman: Programme of talks resume for 2026-27

The Coventry Circle of the Newman Association begin their latest season of talks on Tuesday 29 September.

'Priestly Formation for a Changing church' by Fr Pat Kilgarriff.

Talks are followed by discussion and refreshments, 7.30pm in the Margaret Roper Room at St Thomas More church in Coventry. All welcome.

Save the Date! Celebrating 30 years of Alton Castle, Staffordshire

Join the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) on Saturday 3 October for a party!

Expect an evening packed with live music, games, great food, a fully stocked licensed bar and plenty of opportunities to catch up, have a laugh and celebrate together.

Whether you’ve been part of the Alton Castle journey for years or you’re simply looking for a great night out, come along and help us celebrate this very special milestone.

Invitation: Hopkins Society Day

Birmingham Oratory, Saturday 3 October

Booking is now open for this event, hosted by the Hopkins Society.

The Society celebrates the life and work of the Jesuit poet-priest, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and meets for study days in places connected with Hopkins’ life.

Hopkins lived and worked at the Birmingham Oratory School from 1867-68, and he visited St Chad’s Cathedral in September 1866, a month before he was received into the Catholic Church at the Oratory by Newman.

A full programme is planned for Saturday 3 October.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

Paid positions

Parish Administrator

The Catholic Parishes of Banbury are seeking a welcoming, organised and capable Parish Administrator to support the smooth day-to-day running of their busy parish community.

Closing date: Thursday 17 September.

Safeguarding Advisor

The successful candidate will have a background in social work, policing, LADO, probation, or another relevant field, together with demonstrable multi-agency safeguarding experience.

Closing date: Monday 21 September.

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

Roles currently available include:

Relief Support Worker. No closing date.

Foster Carers. No closing date.

St Joseph's Residential Care Home, Relief Care Assistants. No closing date

Pax Christi England and Wales are recruiting a new General Secretary

Closing date: Wednesday 23 September.

Voluntary Positions

Lead Trustee for Safeguarding

Lead Trustee for Property

Lead Trustee and Chair of Harvington Hall Management Committee

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

Several other opportunities are also advertised on our website including:

Volunteers to support Laudato Si' days at St Mary's College, Oscott.

Join KYT's Mission Team

An opportunity for 18 - 25 years olds at the Kenelm Youth Trust.

Become a Faith Rep with Mary's Meals.

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

Volunteer at Tabor Living, Birmingham.

Marriage Help programme hosted by Retrouvaille, October

Bookings close on Friday 18 September

Marriage Help - Communication failure is a major cause of marital breakdown - thousands of couples have found Retrouvaille helped their relationship.

Retrouvaille is not counselling but a programme to help married couples work through conflicts more effectively. We focus on helping restore trust and hope.

GIFT Family Catechesis: ‘Behold, I make all things new…’

Growing in Faith Together

An invitation from Divine Renovation:

• Are you disillusioned with your existing First Holy Communion Programme?
• Would you like to place families at the heart of parish renewal and support them to engage and connect with their faith?
• Does the idea of approaching sacramental preparation in a fruit-bearing way excite and inspire you?

Join us for this one-day conference in Billericay on Saturday 19 September which explores the GIFT model of family catechesis. GIFT re-imagines how parishes can accompany and encourage families in their faith journey and prepare them for the sacraments.

Whether you have already started your GIFT journey or are looking for a different way to support your families, this conference will share what the GIFT model could look like in your parish and explore why it is transformative for the Church.

Autumn Programme unveiled at Douai Abbey, Reading

A variety of Workshops and Reflection Days running from September 19 - December 12.

Starting with Reflections on the final section of Matthew’s Gospel (chs 20–25) to be proclaimed on the last Sundays of the Church’s year. Saturday 19 September.

Online event hosted by ADoRE: "Healing - Love in Action"

With guest speaker Ros Powell, Saturday 19 September

Invitation to ADoRE (Alton Day of Renewal) Spiritual Mini-Retreat.

An opportunity to join us on Zoom for the next session in our ADoRE 2026 programme exploring God's amazing love.

This month we focus on the theme: "Healing - Love in Action" - stepping out in love and faith to pray for people.

This month's guest speaker will be Ros Powell, a Catholic Evangelist with a healing, deliverance and prophetic ministry, she is a frequent keynote speaker at New Dawn Conference. She also has a powerful prison ministry: along with her team she speaks and ministers healing and restoration to inmates throughout the UK.

Mental Health – is it now becoming a fad?

Pub Talk hosted by The Catholic Union

Keith Leslie, Chair at Samaritans in UK & Ireland, will deliver a talk on Monday 5 October in Victoria, London.

Chaired by Catherine Pepinster, journalist, the event will be open to all but booking is essential. The discussion will focus on mental health.

Keith Leslie is a leadership and governance adviser, speaker and writer, living in the West Country.

Booking Open: Emmaus Men's Retreat

“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Becoming a Man After God's Own Heart

Booking is open for the Emmaus Weekend Men's Retreat 2026, in November. To be led by David Wells, one of the Church's most respected Catholic speakers, authors, and retreat leaders.

Date: Fri 6 Nov - Sun 8 Nov

Location: The Hayes Conference Centre, Alfreton, DE55 1AU

Cost: £238

Accommodation & Meals: Individual ensuite room included, together with Friday evening dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and evening meal, and Sunday breakfast and lunch.

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