News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

“I shall spend every moment loving”

Reflection on Lourdes - A place of service.

“I shall spend every moment loving” - St Bernadette.

The last three weeks, leading from the death of Pope Francis to the election of Pope Leo have been quite remarkable. I cannot remember a time when media attention, mostly positive or at least not openly hostile, was so focussed on the Catholic Church and the Papacy.

Pope Leo was seen by millions throughout the world as he accepted his election with obvious trepidation but also with humility and obedience to God’s will. In accepting the call to be our new Pope, the Servant of the Servants of God, he was following the example of Our Lady who said yes to God as she accepted her role in God’s plan for our Salvation and become the model of Christian service.

This Sunday at St. Chad’s Cathedral we will celebrate the “Blessing of Hands Mass” when we bless all those who are about to serve as volunteers on the Lourdes Pilgrimage.

Planning for our first pilgrimage after the pandemic, we were unsure whether we could take any sick pilgrims. This dismayed the young people who were planning to come that year, who made it clear that they could not imagine a pilgrimage where they could not care for others. I cannot think of another situation where young people are so determined to serve others, showing how service is an essential part of then Lourdes Experience.

The volunteers, who will come to be blessed on Sunday, are responding to the call of Our Lady, the first disciple, and the example of our new Holy Father as he begins his life of service to the People of God. They will find the joy of serving others in Lourdes, a place where we find God’s grace at work.

Fr Jeremy Howard

Parish Priest - Our Lady of Lourdes Hednesford

Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hednesford.

Sunday 6 July

We are pleased that large numbers of pilgrims will be joining us in Lourdes this year. If you re unable to join us, please feel free to share in the Lourdes experience by coming to the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hednesford.

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

• 1 pm: Refreshments available in church hall
• 2.15 - 3.45 pm: Confessions.
• 3 pm: Rosary
• 4 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.

Oscott College and Maryvale HIRS Unite in Mission for Catholic Education

From September 2025 Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (HIRS) will formally become a part of St Mary’s College, Oscott CIO but separate from the seminary.

Maryvale has a rich history in the Archdiocese of Birmingham and its mission of Catholic education both at home and abroad complements Oscott’s work of formation of men for the priesthood and the permanent diaconate.

Maryvale HIRS specialises in distance-learning programmes and during the last three years Oscott College has been pleased to welcome Maryvale’s staff and students to use their facilities for the Maryvale graduation ceremony and for occasional lectures and exams.

Beneath the Oscott umbrella, Maryvale HIRS will continue to operate as an independent entity but will have access to Oscott’s facilities and resources such as the library, IT infrastructure, and the accommodation to enable occasional residential gatherings.

Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse

Tuesday 20 May

An opportunity to reflect on the impact of abuse on individuals, their families and friends, and the communities of which they are part.

The focus for 2025 is on the theme of “The Empty Chair”.

Many of us are saddened by reducing numbers in our churches. This is happening for a wide variety of reasons, but our thoughts are on those who are not there because they have suffered abuse in a church setting and cannot face being here.

On the Day of Prayer, Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Timothy Menezes at St Chad's Cathedral. A member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team will also be available throughout the day for anyone who wishes to speak with them.

Food Poverty - Latest Jubilee Video

Saturday 31 May.

Parishioner Con McHugh is working on a video project as part of the Jubilee Year exploring each of the Jubilee themes.

The themes are: Care for Creation, Food Poverty, Modern Slavery, Managing Debt, Forgiveness, Rest and Worship.

The fifth video of the series - Food Poverty - features Hugh McNeil, a Project Manager for Coventry Foodbank and Feed the Hungry UK.

Food Poverty is not new and is mentioned the Gospel of Matthew:

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’”

Booking now open: Diocesan Justice and Peace Retreat

Saturday 31 May.

Hope Does Not Disappoint.

The Diocesan Justice & Peace Commission invites you to a Day of Reflection in this special Jubilee Year.

Featuring guest speakers from CAFOD.

Different themes from Luke 4:16-21 will be considered and how these themes can guide and inspire us to be Pilgrims of Hope in our world today.

Booking is now open for this event in Birmingham, all welcome.

Intercultural Mass in the Jubilee Year

Saturday 7 June

All welcome to join this year's Ethnic Chaplaincies and Eastern Churches Intercultural Mass.

Marking the Solemnity of Pentecost at Our Lady and St Brigid's in Northfield.

Mass will be celebrated by Bishop David Evans

Refugee Befriending Training Day hosted by Restore

Saturday 7 June

9.45am - 4pm St John's Harborne, Birmingham.

Restore is known primarily as a befriending project. Trained volunteers meet with a refugee or asylum seeker about once a fortnight to offer the opportunity to share together, develop English language skills, explain British systems and culture, visit places of interest and signpost to other services.

New volunteers would be matched to a refugee to offer welcome, support, conversational English practice and friendship. This course is necessary for all volunteer befrienders. If you’re not yet sure about befriending, please come along to find out more. There is no obligation to volunteer at the end.

We also welcome volunteers from other organisations or anyone who wants to learn more about refugee issues, even if they don’t intend to volunteer with Restore.

African Mass for Pentecost 2025

Sunday 8 June

Concelebrated Mass hosted by the Newman Cluster of Churches and led by the Catholic African Community of Christ the King in Kingstanding 2pm.

All are welcome.

After the Mass, refreshments will be served in the St. John's Centre, which is adjacent to the Church.

Your national dress is encouraged.

Book now to join KYT in Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi

31 July - 6 August

Celebrate the Jubilee Year in Rome this summer with the Kenelm Youth Trust, the Youth Service for the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Sharing in the joy of your faith with other young Catholics from around the world. You will journey together with our pilgrimage group and chaplain Bishop Timothy as we join together in Mass and moments of prayer.

As part of the Jubilee we will be joining with the Vigil and Mass with the newly elected Pope.

As well as visiting Rome we will be travelling to the city of Assisi the home of St Francis and where the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis is located. Here our pilgrimage as 'Pilgrims of Hope" will continue as we journey together with a shared love of Christ.

Sign up closes very soon so don't delay!

Sign up now for the KYT football tournament

Saturday 7 June

Register your parish team by Saturday 31 May

The Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) Football Tournament is a FREE event for young people in years 6 - 12, taking place at Olton Friary.

The football tournament is designed to bring young people in parish youth groups and schools together to celebrate their faith through sport.

The day will include Mass, moments of reflection and then the Football Tournament.

Masterclass - Forming Families, Forming Saints

Wednesday 18 June

Invitation from the Agency for Evangelisation & Catechesis, Archdiocese of Southwark.

How do we raise children to be saints? How do we become saints?

Fr Carter Griffin, author of Forming Families, Forming Saints, will provide our second webinar on Wednesday 18 June at 7.30pm on the main themes of his book.

Online via Zoom.

Altar Servers Day, Oxfordshire

Saturday 21 June

A Kenelm Youth Trust 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.

Cursillo Encounter Mornings

Starting Saturday 17 May

Invitation from the Diocesan Office for Mission

“Cursillo is an encounter with Christ, self and others. It provides a method that encourages us to live a fully Christian life.

"By being Christlike within each of our daily activities, we approach evangelisation as a very natural act.

"The Cursillo gives us the tools, the mentality, the strength and the support to make this natural type of evangelisation possible and promotes a revitalisation of ourselves and our world.”

Cursillo Encounter mornings will take place across our Archdiocese over the next few months, and comprise of short talks/reflections, conversation, Adoration, brunch and fellowship.

Mornings planned so far:

• St Joseph’s Church, Malvern: 9.30am-1pm, Saturday 17 May
• St Bernadette’s Church, Wombourne: 9.30am-1pm, Saturday 21 June
• St Joseph’s Church, Burntwood: 9.30am-1pm, Saturday 12 July
• St Werburgh’s Church, Clayton: 9.30am-1pm, Saturday 20 September

All My Hope

Tuesday 20 - Thursday 22 May

The Precious Blood and All Souls, Coventry.

Invitation from the Diocesan Office for Mission

Festival in the Jubilee Year: All My Hope, 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.

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.

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.

Faith in Action Volunteer Programme

Application deadline: Midday, Friday 27 June

The Faith in Action Volunteer Programme is a unique opportunity for young adults (aged 21-30) to dedicate a year to mission and social justice work.

Based in Birmingham.

What You’ll Do:

• Support refugees and asylum seekers through initiatives such as Fatima House, Restore, and St Chad’s Sanctuary.
• Engage in interfaith work, promoting relationships between people of different faiths and cultures.
• Develop and deliver workshops for schools and parishes on faith, justice, and peace.
• Collaborate with justice and peace organisations, contributing to advocacy and education.
• Reflect and grow spiritually, with mentorship, training and a dedicated retreat experience.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

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.

Local Area Coordinator - HOPE Coventry's Good Neighbours Project

The Good Neighbours project supports isolated older people in Coventry to enjoy friendship and feel part of the community. HOPE Coventry is looking to recruit a dynamic and motivated local coordinator to join the existing Good Neighbours project team.

The local coordinator’s role is to recruit and train volunteers, to carefully match older people and volunteers and to appropriately assist older people to find friendship and build confidence.

Application deadline: Sunday 25 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.

AI, Faith and Ethics at a Crossroads: Discerning the Way Forward

Sunday 18 May

3-5pm at Farm Street Church, 114 Mount Street, London. Live stream available.

The Catholic Union is delighted to co-host a panel discussion exploring the moral and spiritual challenges of the AI era. This topic is particularly relevant especially given newly elected Pope Leo XIV’s comments about how AI is the main challenge to human dignity, justice and labour.

Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Parish Priest Farm Street Church, will Chair the discussion. There will be an opportunity for questions and all are welcome to attend this unique event in order to hear from experts discussing Faith and Ethics in a time of technological transformation.

The panel is as follows:

• Fr. Michael Baggot, Invited, Professor of Theology at Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, Rome,
• Matthew Harvey Sanders, CEO of Longbeard, Creator of Magisterium AI
• Jen Copestake, Correspondent CGTN Europe

Father Dominic Robinson SJ, Parish Priest of Farm Street Church, says: “There is so much to learn about AI and faith. With this expert panel we want to open the can of worms and really make sense of it. I look forward to welcoming people to the event at Farm Street”.

The event is free to attend but please register your place by emailing farmstreetoffice@rcdow.org.uk

Livestreaming will also be available by visiting www.farmstreet.org.uk/livestream

A Moment of Unity & Prayer for Peace

Tuesday 20 May

Ecumenical Service hosted by Friends of the Holy Land. In-person (London) and online (Jerusalem).

This event marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and will bring together Christian leaders and communities for a profound moment of unity and prayer for peace, during this time of brokenness and conflict.

Registration for tickets is now open.

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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