News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

Reflection

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus calls His first disciples by the Sea of Galilee, inviting them to become “fishers of men”. In that moment, their lives are changed forever as they follow a new path of mission and service.

The life of a seafarer is a mix of hard work, long separations from family and the resilience to face unpredictable seas. Recent conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz and Ukraine have highlighted risks seafarers face.

Seafaring is a profession built on discipline, sacrifice, and the hope of a better future for one’s family. Isolation, exhaustion, anxiety, and uncertainty can weigh heavily on them.

On Sea Sunday this weekend, we remember and pray for seafarers and all who work at sea. We also pray for the work of Stella Maris, whose chaplains and ship visitors offer pastoral, practical and spiritual support, friendship, and a listening ear.

Stella Maris’s ministry is like that sowing in the Gospel. Each visit, each conversation is a seed planted in a life that is often hard and unseen. A simple visit can remind someone that they are not forgotten. A conversation, a prayer, or help contacting family can become a source of hope in difficult times.

Despite being land-locked, this Diocese has been steadfast and extremely generous in its support for Sea Sunday. Let us continue to play our part as the Sowers of the seed by putting our faith into action to support the seafarers who grace our shores. Please pray for and remember seafarers this Sea Sunday.

Nathaniel Xavier

Deputy Head of Communications & Advocacy, Stella Maris

Register Your Interest - new course

Further and Higher: new introductory course to Further and Higher Education Chaplaincy

This four-module course created by the Institute for Children, Youth and Mission (CYM) and St Peter’s Saltley Trust includes four contact sessions and several hours' self-directed learning, using videos and written material.

First (pilot) course, led by experienced education chaplains, will run in early autumn 2026. Cost £20. Get in touch to register your interest bursar@saltleytrust.org.uk

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

Oscott College is looking for volunteers to support its Laudato Si' Days by welcoming and guiding secondary school groups around the site, acting as the main point of contact with the college throughout the day while teachers lead the activities.

If you're interested in helping, please email enquiries@oscott.org to find out more.

What is Laudato Si' at Oscott?

Volunteer application packs

The Church and Artificial Intelligence

Saturday 11 July 10.30 - 1.30pm, St Gregory’s Church, Stratford-upon-Avon

Pope Leo has issued his first encyclical - Magnifica Humanitas: On safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence.

You are invited to a meeting at St Gregory’s Church to discuss the implications of this document which has been enthusiastically welcomed by those concerned about the impact of technology on our world.

Speakers will include Dr Michael Wee, a Researcher in Bioethics at the University of Oxford's Ethox Centre who will speak on the Dignity of the Human Person, and Fr Oliver Holt who will give a presentation on the encyclical. There will also be a panel to answer questions.

No charge, but please RSVP.

This month: WeBelieve Festival

An unmissable opportunity to discover the traditions and charisms that flow through the Church, to grow in authentic community, and to encounter the transforming love of God.

‍

Join WeBelieve from Friday 24 - Monday 27 July at the historic and beautiful setting of St Mary’s College, Oscott for a feast of the True, the Good and the Beautiful.‍

Tickets are now on sale: There's a 33% discount on day tickets using the code 'BIRMINGHAM-DISCOUNT' at checkout.

The programme has been announced.

Volunteer your services to help at the Festival.

So, lots of ways to be a part of WeBelieve!

Monthly SEND Mass, Northfield

Inclusive Mass for People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) on the 4th Sunday of each month at Our Lady and St Brigid's, Northfield.

What to Expect:

• A gentle, sensory-friendly environment with space to move around and use of fidget toys.
• Music and readings tailored for accessibility - we start with the same hymn each time and have a chid-friendly Bible reading.
• A warm welcome from Fr Cecil, Deacon mark and volunteers.
• Refreshments and catch up after Mass.

Everyone is invited: You are more than welcome to join us, please do come along with your children to experience for yourself a calm, welcoming and inclusive Mass.

Next dates- all Masses start at 4pm:

Sunday 26 July

Sunday 23 August

Sunday 27 September

Interest Meeting for The OHP Academy

Monday 27 July. Open to everyone.

The OHP Academy is a six-month online worship school for aspiring worship leaders, musicians and songwriters who want to grow in their faith and their practical gifting in order to serve in their context.

One Hope Project has over a decade’s experience in leading worship, writing songs, equipping others and a much longer journey of following Jesus and we see the real need to invest in this area of the Church.

We have previously run 5 schools, graduating over 100 worship leaders from all over the world and we’re growing year on year!

These meetings are a no pressure time to meet a couple of people from the OHP team, hear more about The Academy and ask any questions you may have.

Vital

Leadership course for young people (Y9-Y13)

This fun, interactive leadership course is designed for young people in Years 9–13 who want to grow in confidence and make a positive difference in their parish.

Whether they're stepping into a junior leader role in their youth group, serving the altar as an MC, or looking to take on greater responsibility in parish life, this course equips young people with practical leadership skills, effective communication techniques, confident decision-making, and the tools to lead with purpose.

The programme has already helped develop many young leaders across parishes throughout the Archdiocese—and we'd love your parish to be part of the next group.

Sign up your young leaders today; contact christian.fitzgerald@kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk for more information.

A summer of contemplation, formation and encounter

More events hosted by the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality, Oxford

July 10-11 - Contemplative Spirituality Summit (Online & In Person)

July 11 - Within God (Online & In Person)

July 16 - Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Online & In Person)

July 25 - Enriching Ministry Day (Online)

August 13 - Forms & Traditions of Prayer (Online)

National Deacons Assembly

Booking now open

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales invites deacons to the National Deacons Assembly, taking place from Friday 4 - Sunday 6 September at Woodland Grange, Leamington Spa.

The theme of the assembly will be: Human Dignity Beyond All Circumstances. The presence and practice of deacons in supporting human dignity in all - and beyond all - circumstances.

This gathering will reflect on the ministry of deacons today in the light of the Church’s recent declaration Dignitas Infinita, exploring how deacons are called to witness to the infinite dignity of every human person, especially in situations of vulnerability, marginalisation and hardship.

New Opportunities for Faith Formation at Maryvale

Maryvale Institute is now enrolling for three new courses beginning this September: two Biblical Studies programmes delivered in partnership with the Catholic Biblical School Ministry (CBSM): the Old Testament Covenant Year and New Testament Encounter Year, and a new Diploma in the Sacrament of Marriage.

The Scripture courses offer guided study of the Bible through pre-recorded teaching, workbook exercises, lectio divina and live tutorials, while the Marriage Diploma explores the graces of indissolubility, fidelity and fruitfulness through Scripture, the Church Fathers and contemporary Church teaching.

BETHSAIDA

Parish Youth Leader Training - Autumn Course, Zoom

Monday Nights 7pm - 9pm

Bethsaida is designed to enable volunteers to gain the tools and knowledge to begin parish youth ministry in their community. Join us from the comfort of your sofa on Wednesday evenings beginning 21st September (for 5 weeks).

The course will help you to build skills such as writing risk assessments, developing an engaging programme and sharing faith all whilst fostering a safe environment for your young people.

Join us on Monday evenings from 7pm - 9pm

starting from 21 September.

DATES:

September 21, 28

October: 5, 12, 19

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.

Competition Time!

Divine Designs: Between the Covers

Celebrating the 73 books of the Bible.

From Genesis to Revelation - is the greatest story ever told. Our passion is to bring these stories alive through the medium of art. Artists, graphic designers and illustrators from across the UK are invited to design a front cover for any of the 73 books of the Bible.

With seven cash prizes, a catalogue and exhibition in Lent 2027, join us in celebrating the Scriptures anew.

Remaining unregistered book covers: 2 Samuel, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Ecclesiasticus (Sirach or Ben Sirach), Baruch, 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

Partners: God who Speaks; St John’s Waterloo and Art + Christianity.

Artists must be resident in the United Kingdom and aged 18 years or over as of 31 December.

Please register your interest and the book(s) you would like to design by Friday 31 July.

Educating against antisemitism

An online event by Bat Kot International: Ancient Texts for Our Troubled Times.

How can Christians educate against antisemitism? One way is to ensure that Scripture is taught responsibly, free of inadvertent anti-Jewish prejudice.

In one-hour presentations delivered online, renowned New Testament scholar Prof. Amy-Jill Levine will explore the following topics (all at 2.30pm UK time):

• Antisemitism: Why Does it Persist in Catholic Preaching and Teaching 60 Years After Nostra Aetate #4?: Tue 4 August

• Supersessionism: Naming and Addressing the Issue: Tue 1 September

Next month: St Chad's Cathedral Free Guided Tours

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 7 August

Friday 14 August

Friday 21 August

All 10.30am - 11.30am

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

Paid positions

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.

Cook. Closing date - Friday 31 July.

Mass Office Assistant - The Walsingham Trust, Norfolk.

CSAN is currently recruiting for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join their team on a full-time maternity cover contract. They are keen to extend their search, particularly to reach people who may not already know CSAN but who have a passion for Catholic social action, public life, policy, research, advocacy, communications or social justice.

Closing date: Monday 13 July.

Voluntary Positions

Lead Trustee for Safeguarding and Lead Trustee for Property

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.

July Conference: "One Heart, One Voice"

Hosted by the National Network of Pastoral Musicians (NNPM), Friday 24 - Sunday 26 July

Biennial conference at Highgate House in Northamptonshire with the theme “One Heart, One Voice".

The NNPM is an ecumenical network made up of Catholics, Anglicans and anyone who is interested in liturgical music.

Residential places still available.

National Justice & Peace Conference 2026 - “Just Talk”

Friday 24 - Sunday 26 July, The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick

Join people from across England and Wales for the National Justice and Peace Network’s annual conference, a weekend exploring how we can foster meaningful dialogue in a divided world.

With talks, workshops, and discussion, the programme will address disinformation, communication, and engagement across differences, alongside opportunities to connect with others passionate about justice and peace.

Residential weekend from £300 (concessions available).

Charismatic Renewal Conference

The Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference takes place at St John’s Hotel, Solihull, from 10–14 August.

With the theme “Return. Receive. Rejoice.”, the event includes guest speakers, worship and opportunities for healing and renewal.

CELEBRATE Festival 2026

CELEBRATE festival returns to Worth School, West Sussex, from 15 - 19 August, bringing together around 1,000 people for worship, teaching and community.

With the theme “Let There Be Light,” the event will feature keynote speakers, Masses with bishops, and programmes for all ages.

Run by the CELEBRATE Trust, tickets are now available with family, individual and camping options.

One Hope Project Academy 2026/27

Online Worship School: Sept 2026 – Mar 2027

A message from One Hope Project:

We’re excited to share that applications for the 2026/27 OHP Academy are OPEN NOW.

The OHP Academy is a six-month online worship school for aspiring worship leaders, musicians and songwriters who want to grow in faith and their practical gifts in order to serve in their context.

One Hope Project has over a decade’s experience in leading worship, writing songs, equipping others and following Jesus, and we want to invest in you!

Please follow us online

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