The Word of Christ Dwells Among You |
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 | | | Reflection: Sunday of the Word of God
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| Thursday 22 Jan – Sunday of the Word of God ‘Oi, Bible basher’. The Catholic school uniform gave me away. I remember those words clearly as a student of a similar age shouted them across the street, attending a different school.
It’s an interesting insult that might help us reflect on this weekend’s coming theme. Sunday of the Word of God coincides with the conversion of Saint Paul and it’s for this reason that this year’s motto is taken from his letter to the Colossians: “The word of Christ dwells among you ” (3:16).
It’s an opportune time, then, to consider the ways we relate to Scripture. Funnily enough, the shout of ‘Bible basher’ stopped me in my tracks because – while we call it out as bullying – I felt I was far from being a ‘Bible basher’. Indeed, I probably was Bible shy.
Many of us are. We see the family Bible’s dusting cover and while we know its supreme value and recognise how it shapes our lives, we might be hesitant in opening the pages and delving into the words beyond Liturgy.
A good starter for ten is to ask ourselves what our favourite Bible story is, or even a verse or phrase. Or, if we don’t have a favourite yet, we could journey with the lectionary over the coming weeks and see which scripture impacts most upon us.
To be more Bible-comfortable, is to feel at home with the Word, who makes his home with us. We are not called to be experts, but conversant: that words on a page will be part of our dialogue with God, that animate and shape our prayerful imagination.
Fr Ryan Service St Francis & St Augustine Churches | | |
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| | | | Friday 23 and Saturday 24 January, St Martin in the Bullring.
Pray24Brum is a prayer relay, each hour being led by a different group. Join in for an hour or several to pray for the city.
It is also Birmingham’s response to the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
All welcome to join. | | |
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| | | | Sunday 25 January marks World Leprosy Day, which aims to raise awareness of a disease that many people think no longer exists. Each year 200,000 people are diagnosed with leprosy and there are millions more who are living with the damaging consequences of delayed leprosy treatment because of the stigma that still surrounds the disease.
St Francis Leprosy Guild (SFLG), which is the UK’s only Catholic leprosy charity, has been caring for people with leprosy for over 130 years. Through shared values and faith, we encourage our community to support SFLG’s vital work and keep people with leprosy in your prayers.
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| | Trypraying Webinar - Begin a conversation with God
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| Wednesday 28 January at 11am or 7.30pm.
Trypraying Webinar - begin a conversation with God These online sessions will show how simple it is to share your faith using a trypraying booklet.
Hear stories of people who tried praying and heard God answer, and about churches that worked together to reach out. | | |
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| | Could you befriend a refugee? | | |
| The next training session to be hosted by Restore is on Saturday 7 February in Harborne, Birmingham.
Could you be the one to make a positive difference to a refugee's life?
The course is for anyone interested in learning more about refugees, or those considering volunteering as a befriender with Restore.
Three sessions make up the day. | | |
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| | | | Event in Birmingham to mark Racial Justice Sunday
Saturday 7 February, hosted by the West Indian Catholic Chaplaincy.
Rev Dr Carlton Turner, Tutor in Contextual and Mission Studies at the Queen's Foundation, Birmingham, will speak about Black Spirituality and Theology in Everyday Life.
More information and register
Lenten Retreat at St Paul's Convent, Birmingham
Saturday 28 February, hosted by the Birmingham Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission.
More information coming soon. | | |
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| | New young adult SVP group launch at St Chad's Cathedral | | |
| Invitation from the SVP SVP1833 Conference – St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham We are delighted to be launching a new SVP1833 (Young Adult) Conference in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. This group is open to all young adults (18-35) who are interested in faith, friendship and practical service to others.
We will have an initial interest meeting on Sunday 8 February at St Chad’s Cathedral, from 12.15–1.30pm, following the 11.30am Mass. Lunch and drinks will be provided!
SVP1833 is part of the St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales), and our mission is to serve those experiencing poverty of any kind. | | |
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| | February Organ Recital at St Mary's College, Oscott | | |
| Sunday 8 February, 3pm to 4.30pm
Join us in welcoming Nigel Morris to the college chapel, where he will be unveiling some of the mystery around how organs work before taking to the bench to perform an engaging programme of works.
The organ recital is one of several planned as part of a fundraising drive to raise over £150,000 by July to restore the chapel organ. | | |
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| | To Live is to Change: The Inclusive Vision of Saint John Henry Newman | | |
| Tuesday 17 February, 10am to 3.30pm
A conference hosted by Birmingham Newman University Join us at our campus on Genners Lane, Birmingham, for a celebration of the impact of St John Henry Newman’s vision of inclusive education. To Live is to Change will reflect on how Newman’s ideas and values continue to inform and inspire, following his recent proclamation as the 38th Doctor of the Church and a Co-Patron of Catholic Education. Chaired by journalist, newsreader and University Pro Chancellor Julie Etchingham, the day will bring together a host of keynote speakers, experts and alumni to explore Newman’s legacy, and how it can help shape education in the future. | | |
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| | The CAFOD Big Lent Walk 2026 | | |
| Invitation from CAFOD. From 18 February.
This Lent, we are invited to walk together in faith and solidarity. By taking on the challenge of walking 200km in the 40 days of Lent, we join thousands of walkers to bring the gift of clean water to our neighbours who lack it. | | |
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| | Born for This - 30th Anniversary Performance | | |
| Tickets are now on sale for the 30th Anniversary Performance of Born for This, a musical reflection on the Stations of the Cross.
The performance at Symphony Hall, Birmingham takes place on the evening of Wednesday 25 March. - Featuring live music by Jo Boyce, CJM Music, and a small orchestra.
- Supported by a choir of 300+ young voices from Catholic secondary schools across Birmingham and Solihull (St Thomas Aquinas, Bishop Challoner, St Peter's, Archbishop Ilsley, John Henry Newman, St John Wall).
- A cast of talented actors and dancers spanning the 30-year history of Born For This - bringing the past, present and future of BFT together for one very special performance.
Book now to secure your seat. | | |
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| | Booking now open for this year's Mass for Marriage | | |
| Saturday 2 May 12noon, St Chad's Cathedral, Birmingham. Are you celebrating a significant wedding anniversary in 2026? Are you engaged to be married this year? Or would you simply like to give thanks to God for your marriage, and ask for His ongoing blessings?
If so, we would like to invite you to attend this year's Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage.
12noon at St Chad's Cathedral on Saturday 2 May. To be celebrated by Bishop Richard Walker. | | |
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| | New Autism-friendly resources for children and young people | | |
| Written by diocesan Deacon Mark Paine with the support of The God Who Speaks Scripture initiative
New, free resources are now available for RE teachers and Catechists who have no experience or specialist knowledge of Autism and related neurological differences.
Deacon Mark Paine has written two new guides which draw on current best practice in inclusive and adaptive religious education and catechesis.
'Called By Name' and 'Radical Belonging' are now available to download. | | |
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| | Retreats and Quiet Days of Prayer 2026 | | |
| At the Dupuis Retreat and Conference Centre, St Paul's Convent, Selly Park, Birmingham
Weekend Retreats, 5/6 Day Retreats, 7-Day Preached, Individually Guided Retreats.
Various dates/retreats from February to November.
Quiet Days of Prayer also start in March.
Visit website for more: | | |
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| | Book now: St John Henry Newman Exhibition | | |
| Available to view as part of a tour at St Mary's College, Oscott
The exhibition features artefacts from Oscott’s collections and the Birmingham Archdiocesan Archives. It explores Newman’s friendships, his faith, and the Birmingham that shaped his Catholic mission.
Booking is open for tour dates this month, February and March. | | |
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| | New social justice resource for churches | | |
| "26 in 26" project launched by Christian Aid and Church Action on Poverty
As Christians, we are called to seek justice and challenge injustice. But making that a regular part of church life isn't always easy.
To help, Christian Aid and Church Action on Poverty have jointly launched the "26 in 26" project: an interactive poster with 26 ideas for churches to try this year.
It includes suggestions for new prayer, reflection or worship materials; ideas for engaging with community groups; and ways to speak up about topical issues effectively and justly.
Posters are free to order: | | |
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| | Parishes invited to share saints resources | | |
| Work is underway on an updated Diocesan Calendar and Supplement, which will include new prayers and readings and, for the first time, St John Henry Newman.
While this awaits approval from the Holy See, the Archdiocese is inviting parishes, schools and individuals to share any existing resources they have about local saints and blesseds - such as histories, prayers or pilgrimage material.
These contributions will help develop new diocesan resources to deepen knowledge and devotion across parish life. | | |
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| | Six Saints, Six Spiritualities - One Extraordinary Year of Transformation | | |
| Invitation from the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality (CACS), Oxford
We invite you to the Spiritual Enrichment Lecture Series (SELS) 2026, a remarkable journey into the heart of Carmelite wisdom through the lives and spiritualities of six extraordinary saints.
Each month, from January to June, a world-class scholar or spiritual guide will bring to life the unique way in which one Carmelite saint encountered God - and how their path can illuminate yours. | | |
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| | | | Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations | | |
| CAFOD is looking for new School Volunteers.
Looking for a new challenge? Could you visit schools in your local area to deliver assemblies and workshops about our work and encourage young people to take action, fundraise and pray with CAFOD?
Use your skills for the common good and be an active part of creating a world without poverty.
No experience necessary. Full support, resources and regular training provided.
Marriage Care is looking for a Practice and Safeguarding Coordinator to play a vital role in supporting and strengthening the high quality of our relationship counselling services.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is recruiting Parish Appealers: would you like to earn a little money while doing something powerful to support persecuted Christians and Christians in need in 2026?
Join the ACN self-employed parish appealer team and share stories in parishes while you raise much needed funds and prayers.
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.
Roles currently available:
Family Support Worker Foster Carers | | |
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Events Beyond the Archdiocese |
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| | Ignatian Spiritual Exercises: Men's Retreat, 4 & 11 February (two opportunities) | | |
| Hosted by the Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst
A fantastic opportunity to experience St Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises in a five-day, shortened form, guided by the monastic community of St Joseph’s Abbey, Flavigny (France).
The retreat is open to ordained, religious and lay men, who wish to seek God’s will through a deepened detachment from the world. | | |
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| | | | The festive season can be a time of great stress for some marriages
MARRIAGE HELP - Retrouvaille helps couples find hope and healing for their marriage. Retrouvaille is the name of a programme designed to help heal and renew marriages. The word "Retrouvaille" simply means "rediscovery". The next weekend to be hosted by Retrouvaille is 12 - 15 February, offering a virtual programme. | | |
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| | Love & Beauty in St John’s Spiritual Canticle, 20 - 22 February | | |
| Hosted by the Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst
2026 marks the centenary of the declaration of St John of the Cross as a Doctor of the Church.
In honour of this anniversary, Fr Matthew Blake, OCD will offer a weekend reflecting on the themes of love and beauty in the most celebrated poetry of the great Spanish mystic. | | |
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| | Spring Programme unveiled | | |
| Workshops and Reflections at Douai Abbey, Reading
Douai Abbey, in Reading, Berkshire, is a Roman Catholic monastery of monks of the English Benedictine Congregation.
Retreats and courses are held at the Abbey throughout the year.
Details of events from January to April are now available. | | |
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| | | | If you are on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, Bluesky or Threads please follow the Archdiocese of Birmingham online.
Our accounts are being used more than ever before to share news, events and information.
Twitter/X/ Facebook/ Instagram/ YouTube Bluesky |
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Archdiocese of Birmingham
Cathedral House
Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6EU |
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