News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

Where have you experienced God so far today?

Reflection: Feast of the Transfiguration

It’s a late summer evening and people are returning from the beach front with towels and umbrellas in arms. Looking across the sea you notice how the setting sun seems most powerful at this hour – the golden hour – when everything takes on a rosy hue. It’s not the intense heat of midday but now has a gentleness which comes from the lighter rays of early dusk.

The Feast of the Transfiguration is often understood as a great blast of light that overwhelms Peter, James, and John in a moment of God’s revelation. Clearly, the experience was transformative not only of Jesus but those who accompanied him up the mountain. While they do not want it to end, offering to set up tents, they eventually continue with ordinary life even having experienced life at its most extraordinary.

The transformative presence of God is a daily reality even as there are times of great insight and consolation through prayer and the experience of sacramental life. We pray for the gift of perception that as we go about day-to-day life we might notice how all aspects of the world are slowly and surely being transformed by God’s love like that dusky glow at the golden hour. And as we continue moving and the sun is setting in the horizon, we realise how widely the light spreads and observe, with Fr Tomáš Halík, that in “the Biblical concept of time, a new day begins at evening. [So] Let’s not miss the moment

when the first star appears in the evening sky”.

Where have you experienced God so far today?

Fr Ryan Service

St John Henry Newman to be a Doctor of the Church

The Archdiocese is rejoicing following the news St John Henry Newman will be declared a Doctor of the Church.

Pope Leo made the official announcement – Conferral of the Title of Doctor of the Church - today, Thursday 31 July, during an audience with His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

The title of Doctor of the Church is given to Saints who have made a significant contribution to theology or doctrine through their research, study or writing.

Novena to St John Henry Newman

A Novena to St John Henry Newman was recently published.

The International Centre of Newman Friends at Littlemore, Oxfordshire, are inviting people to pray the Novena.

September marks the 15th anniversary of his beatification (Sept 2010) and a month later is the sixth anniversary of his canonisation (Oct 2019).

Starting tomorrow: Free Guided Tours at St Chad's Cathedral

St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham B4 6EU

St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham B4 6EU

A Victorian Gothic masterpiece by AWN Pugin, St Chad’s was the first Catholic Cathedral to be built in England after the Reformation.

Tours will take place on:
Friday 1 August - 10.30am - 11.30am
Friday 8 August - 10.30am - 11.30am
Friday 22 August - 10.30am - 11.30am

Please meet at the entrance to the Cathedral.

The Jubilee Icon is back

The Jubilee Icon is back in the Archdiocese, at St Chad's Cathedral.

It will be in situ until Sunday 10 August.

The icon was first 'on tour' in the Archdiocese in January, visiting The Church of Blessed Dominic Barberi and Newman College in Littlemore, Oxford; St Chad's Cathedral and St Teresa of the Child Jesus, Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent.

CAFOD commissioned the icon from artist Mulugeta Araya in Ethiopia, for the Catholic Church in England and Wales, in order to celebrate and commemorate the Jubilee Year 2025, Pilgrims of Hope.

Sign up for Adorare

A night of Encounter, Praise and Worship for Young Adults. Friday 29 August.

The Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) invites young adults across the Archdiocese to join Adorare next month.

An opportunity to hear testimonies from young adults, moments for prayer, time for reflection and a shared meal.

Registration now open.

Parish Ambassadors needed for Father Hudson's Caritas

Could you act as a link between Father Hudson's and your parish?

Individuals are needed to act as Parish Ambassadors for the charity, which is the social care agency of the Archdiocese.

Voluntary duties will include ensuring literature, newsletters and information is up to date within the church and helping to promote the FHC Annual Parish Collection.

Burning Bush Vlog: Latest episode out now

This weekend's reflection from Mgr Daniel McHugh is available to watch now on the diocesan website.

“I am going to give away everything I have”.

Mgr Daniel discusses the Gospel of St Luke, which includes the Parable about the man who builds bigger barns to store his crops, only to die before he can enjoy all his produce.

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.

Take a Self-Guided Pilgrimage of Hope in Birmingham this summer

For the Pilgrims of Hope jubilee year, Father Hudson's Caritas has developed a self-guided pilgrimage of hope around Birmingham city centre, suitable for families, groups and individuals.

The booklet (available online, at St Paul's bookshop by St Chad's Cathedral and St Philip's Cathedral) will guide you on a route around the city.

At 10 stops, you will be invited to reflect on issues of social justice recognising signs of hope in our city and reflecting on how you can take action for change.

Join in prayer this August

The Diocesan Novena for the Canonisation of Blessed Dominic Barberi

Monday 18 August marks the beginning of the Diocesan Novena to pray for the Canonisation of Blessed Dominic Barberi.

The Novena of Prayer lasts for nine days and concludes on his feast day on Tuesday 26 August.

The annual Novena of Prayer for the Cause of Blessed Dominic Barberi is a moment to pause and to appreciate the work of this holy Passionist in our Archdiocese and to pray for his Canonisation.

Harvington Hall Pilgrimage - Please register your parish coach

The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the English Martyrs, Sunday 7 September

This year the principal celebrant will be Archbishop Bernard Longley.

Mass: 3pm

Confessions: 1.45pm – 2.30pm

You must bring your own chairs and packed lunch. Parishes bringing a coach: it is essential you let St Mary's know if you intend to bring a coach.

Please e-mail stmary.harvington@rcaob.org.uk by Monday 25 August at the latest so that a parking place can be reserved for your coach.

Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference

Monday 11 - Friday 15 August at St John's Hotel, Solihull

“Heart Speaks to Heart – Be who you were meant to be and you will set the world on fire” – St Catherine of Siena

The Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference is delighted to announce its line-up of speakers and spiritual leaders for the 2025 gathering, taking place from 11–15 August in Solihull.

Themed “Heart Speaks to Heart – Be who you were meant to be and you will set the world on fire”, this year’s conference promises to be an inspiring time of worship, teaching, and renewal through our adult and children’s programmes.

Preparing for the Season of Creation

We wish to encourage all our Catholic family - parishes, schools, communities and individuals to join in prayer to mark the Season of Creation from 1 September to 4 October - the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.

The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration to pray and respond together to the cry of Creation: the ecumenical family around the world unites to listen and care for our common home.

This year let us ACT in our parishes: include Creation in our liturgy, pray for Creation, take up challenges like the LiveSimply Award, host screenings of The Letter and more.

Texts to use for a Votive Mass for the Care of Creation are also now available.

Invitation for September

Anointing Fire Catholic Ministries host 'Awakening'.

An evangelisation and healing service, Saturday 6 September, Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich.

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:

Tabor Living - Relief Support Worker
Support Worker x2
Female Support Worker x 5
Supervising Social Worker
Foster Carers
Relief Support Worker

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.

Come and See Weekend at Holy Cross Abbey

Where are you staying? John 1:38

Friday 8 - Monday 11 August

We are Cistercian nuns at Holy Cross Abbey, Whitland, Pembrokeshire, inviting single Catholic women aged 25-45 who are discerning a vocation, to experience our monastic life during one of the above weekends.

CELEBRATE Festival: Witness to Hope

Saturday 16 to Wednesday 20 August. Crawley, West Sussex

CELEBRATE are holding their first festival of Witness to Hope this August.

The new, residential event will gather adults, families and young people from across the UK over five days of friendship, fun and faith in a Festival Big Top.

Happening in the grounds of the beautiful Worth School in West Sussex, there will be groups for children and young people, activities for all, and talks and breakout sessions for adults on a variety of topics to deepen and form our faith and the faith of our families. There will be fun activities too.

Tickets are limited and so are places in the Children and Youth Groups so you will need to book fast!

Youth 2000 Summer Festival 2025

Friday 22 - Monday 25 August at Ampleforth College

Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College, the Youth 2000 Summer Festival provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope.

This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more! Register your place.

Tickets are also available for priests, religious, families and groups.

What is God? Philosophical, Christian and Islamic Approaches

Friday 22 - Monday 25 August Stonyhurst, Clitheroe

Our annual course in partnership with CEPHAS will look at the nature and knowledge of God from a pre-religious, philosophical understanding, before comparing the Islamic concept of God with the Christian, leaning on St Thomas Aquinas’ elaboration of the Trinity and the Incarnation.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace pilgrimage to Walsingham

Monday 25 August

Invitation from the Medjugorje Apostolate for England and Wales.

All are invited to attend this annual event, which has taken place for more than 20 years.

To be led by Fr Zvonimir Pavičić OFM, the parish priest of St James, Medjugorje.

In need of Marriage help?

Summer and Christmas holidays are peak times of stress for marriages, but support is available.

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 in-person weekend to be hosted by Retrouvaille is 17 -19 October.

Holidaying in Devon? Light a Candle at St Boniface Crediton

Light a Candle at the National Shrine - A Beautiful Act of Faith

As we celebrated the Feast of St Boniface last month (June), the Jubilee Year offers a special opportunity for reflection, celebration, and unity in faith.

Lighting a candle at the National Shrine is a profound way to participate - it symbolises prayer, devotion and our connection with Our Lord.

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