News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

The best gifts are shared in the company of others

Reflection - Pentecost

The best gifts are shared in the company of others.

I was at a wonderful birthday party in Italy where all guests were seated around a large kitchen table and we watched as the host opened every single present. The wrapping paper was analysed, each note in the cards was lovingly attended to, and the gifts were passed around for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.

For some readers this would be a disconcerting experience, especially for those of us who might frequently ‘re-gift’ or have run out of time or imagination, or perhaps both.

This sharing of gifts was truly inspiring because not a single comparison or judgement was made since the gifts were thoroughly enjoyed and shared. The group were surprised when I said it’s quite common in England to ‘drop presents around’ and leave them to be opened by the person in the privacy of their homes. That’s not a gift then because gifts are to be shared.

Seeing cultural differences and traditions like this help shed light on our most ordinary exchanges and interactions. Pentecost is the greatest gift giving of God, after our creation, and it’s shared in company because those gifts bestowed upon Mary and the Apostles are not contained and they’re certainly not ‘orderly’: we experience their effects upon us here and now.

God’s gifts begin with a recognition within us, individually unwrapped, that are then to be fully opened and discovered in the community of the church and beyond.

Fr Ryan Service
Holy Trinity and Sacred Heart, Sutton Coldfield

Could you be a Foundation Governor or Director?

Invitation from Archbishop Bernard to live out your faith through service

The Archdiocese of Birmingham has 236 Catholic schools and 16 Multi-Academy Companies, all in need of Foundation Governors and Directors.

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.

Watch a video to hear from Archbishop Bernard, school leaders, and current governors and directors about how rewarding the role can be.

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

Day for Life, Sunday 15 June

Day for Life is the day in the Church’s year dedicated to raising awareness about the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition.

This year it will be marked on Sunday 15 June.

The theme is Hope does not Disappoint: Finding meaning in Suffering.

It is inspired by Romans 5:5-6. St Paul invites us to see that Christian hope is not just naïve optimism but, rather, an unshakeable trust in the power and presence of God who is with us always.

Relive the Lourdes Pilgrimage

The annual Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage may have concluded for this year but you can relive each day through words and pictures.

Throughout the pilgrimage our website and social media channels carried daily updates on the programme of activities taking place.

This year's theme was With Mary – Pilgrims of Hope and coincided with the Jubilee Year 2025.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hednesford, Staffordshire

Sunday 6 July

If you were you unable to join us In Lourdes (or even if you did!), please feel free to share in the Lourdes experience by coming to the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Hednesford.

Many people who have been to Lourdes like to come to Hednesford to renew their experience.

• 1pm: Refreshments available in church hall
• 2.15 - 3.45pm: Confessions
• 3pm: Rosary
• 4pm: Mass with the Sacrament of the Sick.

Celebrant: Bishop Timothy Menezes.

Please bring your own chairs.

For further information contact: Fr Jeremy Howard, 07868 542268 or email fr.jeremy.howard@rcaob.org.uk.

The Burning Bush Vlog

Take time out of your busy schedule for quiet prayer and reflection with Mgr Daniel McHugh.

In his latest reflection for Pentecost Mgr Daniel focuses on: What do we mean by 'Hope'?

Mgr Daniel presents The Burning Bush vlog on the diocesan website. It is 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.

All blog posts can be found on our website:

Day Pilgrims Welcome!

Registration is now open for day pilgrims for this September's Walking Pilgrimage of Hope.

The Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope is a national walking pilgrimage for England and Wales with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13 September.

In the Archdiocese of Birmingham the Pilgrimage will include visits to St Joseph, Malvern; St George, Worcester; St Peter, Bromsgrove; St Mary, Harborne; Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield; Holy Cross, Lichfield and SS Mary & Modwen, Burton on Trent (between Thursday 4 and Thursday 11 September).

The routes use established hiking routes and are off road as much as possible. A small group of 'perpetual pilgrims' will walk the full distance of each Way, with up to 20 day pilgrims joining for day stages.

Day pilgrims are now invited to register.

Act now on Assisted Suicide

The Team at Oxford Pro-Life Community are reminding people to contact their MP and urge them to vote against Assisted Suicide.

The Third Reading and vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is likely to take place on Friday 13 June or Friday 20 June.

Your Voice Matters on the Assisted Suicide Bill. Your MP's vote on the Assisted Suicide Bill is imminent and critical.

This Bill, if passed, cannot be undone. Your MP needs to hear from you. Many are wavering, and your opinion can truly make a difference in defeating this Bill. Please do not leave it to others.

Contact your MP today

St Chad's Cathedral - Visitation of Fatima Statue and Relics

Saturday 28 June, St Chad's Cathedral

Join us in June for the visitation of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco.

Including:

• Enthronement and Crowning of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue (NPVS)
• Holy Mass
• Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
• Enrolment and Investiture of the brown scapular
• Fatima Devotions
• Veneration of the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco
• Fatima talk and film
• Recitation and meditation of the Holy Rosary Mysteries

Sign up for Legacy event

St Mary’s College, Oscott and CAFOD are pleased to invite you to a special event to discover more about leaving a gift in your Will to support the future work of Oscott or CAFOD in creating a Church of faith, hope and love.

Saturday 21 June at St Mary's College, Oscott.

Ethnic Chaplaincies Jubilee Year Pilgrimage

Honouring Our Lady of Evesham, Saturday 5 July

All welcome to join the Pilgrimage on Saturday 5 July with Mass at 12noon.

At the Church of the Immaculate Conception & St Egwin, Evesham in Worcestershire, one of the pilgrimage churches in our Archdiocese.

Refreshments after Mass and a talk on the Evesham Apparition, followed by a visit to the site of the ruins of the Benedictine Abbey.

Book now! WeBelieve Festival at St Mary's College, Oscott

Friday 25 to Monday 28 July

A celebration of Catholic life.

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.

Archbishop Bernard and Bishop Timothy are joining the line-up, which features 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.

Ahead of the festival, Archbishop Bernard has shared a message:

"I look forward to welcoming you to the WeBelieve Festival at St Mary’s College, Oscott. I am immensely grateful that the Seminary community and the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom are offering this wonderful opportunity for us to witness to our Catholic faith as pilgrims of hope during the Jubilee Year. Pope Leo has encouraged us to be the light of Christ in today’s world. The WeBelieve Festival will enable each of us to draw closer to Jesus personally as the source of that light."

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.

Next Week: Online Academic Forum

Tuesday 10 June, 6pm

Hosted by Maryvale Institute

St John Henry Newman Research Centre for Catholic Theology Presents:

Catholic Multi-Academy Trusts: CEO’s perspectives and experiences with Professor Stephen Parker, Dr Mary Mihovilović and Dr Jakub Kowelewski.

Registration now open, all welcome.

Book now for Day Conference: 'Hope Does Not Disappoint!'

Saturday 14 June 10am-4pm. St Paul's Convent, Selly Park Birmingham.

David Wells, author of ‘The Reluctant Disciple’ and ‘The Grateful Disciple’.

What is Hope, why do we need it, and what difference does it make?

In a restless world of anxiety and heightened conflict, isn’t hope a bit of a luxury? When people are in the midst of struggle does Hope actually achieve anything?

In this session we will explore the great virtues, especially Hope, and consider why people all over the world are awakening to the power of a virtuous approach to Monday mornings. Hope does not disappoint!

Cost: £35. Please bring own lunch. Tea and coffee provided.

Pilgrims of Hope: Supporting Older People

Father Hudson's Caritas continue online talks on their work within the Archdiocese. Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 June.

Ed Brown and Shari Brown will introduce St Joseph’s Care Home and Young at Heart that support older people and participants will have the opportunity to see services in action through photos and videos.

Plus hear from managers about the hope within the services they provide, and the people they support.

Altar Servers Day, Oxfordshire

Saturday 21 June

A Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) invitation to bring together Altar Servers in the area as a celebration for all they give to our Parish communities and an opportunity to meet, socialise, and learn together.

At St Joseph's, Thame.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

Senior Chaplaincy Leader for the new St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi-Academy Trust.

A unique opportunity to play a key role in establishing a vibrant, mission-led culture where our Catholic faith is deeply lived, celebrated, and shared.

Father Hudson’s Caritas provides social care throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

A number of roles are currently available including:

Supervising Social Worker
Foster Carers
Day Service Support Worker x2
Driver Day Service

Community Fundraiser - Aid to the Church in Need

Working from home, covering the Dioceses of Birmingham, Northampton, Hallam, Nottingham and Shrewsbury.

Full time/Permanent role to include evenings and weekends.

The post is to work in parishes, schools and the wider Christian community.

The post holder will be part of a thriving, positive Community Outreach team culture.

This post is ideal for a creative, enthusiastic fundraiser who is self-motivated, willing to learn from others and keen to make a real difference in the lives of suffering and persecuted Christians around the world.

Deadline for applications: Interviews will be held as suitable candidates are shortlisted, so please don’t delay.

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.

Retreat Association Conference, Derbyshire

Monday 16 - Thursday 19 June

Ecumenical national summer conference.

Creative Encounters: Exploring Imaginative Paths to God.

A chance to explore ways in which the imagination can deepen and renew our faith.

Weekend Retreat: Diving Deeper

Friday 27 - Sunday 29 June in Liverpool

The call to enter more deeply into the Spirit-filled and Spirit-led life of the disciple. Led by Peter and Michelle Moran.

Michelle, together with her husband Peter, is a founder member of Sion Catholic Community for Evangelism and is past president of International Charismatic Renewal Service (ICCRS).

SVP Pilgrimage to Walsingham

Sunday 6 July

Join the St Vincent de Paul Society for a pilgrimage to Walsingham in this year of Jubilee.

A wonderful occasion to gather members from all across the Society, taking place on Sunday 6 July.

The day will include Mass, Anointing of the Sick and Benediction.

York and the North: Heartland of Faith and Hope

Booking now open for ACN Pilgrimage, Monday 21 - Saturday 26 July

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is inviting bookings for the July Pilgrimage.

York and Yorkshire are at the heart of the English story of Christianity and Catholicism. In exploring York and its surroundings towns: Ripon and Beverley, and the site of the Cistercian Monastery at Fountains we will deepen our understanding of why our faith had such deep roots in this area.

Society of St Gregory Annual Summer School 2025

30 July – 2 August

Liverpool Hope University. 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.

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