News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

Reflection for All Saints and All Souls

The Church Triumphant, the Church Penitent and the Church Militant, or in other words, the Church in heaven, in purgatory and on earth.

These categories and one-word descriptions are perhaps not used so much nowadays. In particular we don’t hear so much about the word “Militant” to describe the church that everyone who is reading this belongs to. Since Vatican II (but based on the writings of many great teachers beforehand) we have usually referred to the “Pilgrim Church” and all the Popes in our time have used the expression to describe the Church and its earthly mission. We also use the expression every time we proclaim Eucharistic Prayer III.

At this time of year we celebrate the Church Triumphant on the Solemnity of All Saints. In the words of the Preface for the day: “we celebrate the festival of your city, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother.” It is on this day that we are particularly aware of the doctrine of the communion of saints. We believe that we are joined to that great company, particularly in the celebration of Mass: “as with one voice of praise we acclaim: Holy, Holy, Holy”.

Then on 2 November we commemorate the Faithful Departed. Once again we identify with another part of the church. We pray for our own dead, our families and friends, but also for the dead of the parish, blessing the graves of those we knew and of those who have nobody to remember them.

But what about us? When are we celebrated or commemorated? Would anyone join me in a campaign to nominate 3 November as a day to both celebrate and commemorate the Pilgrim Church? We could call it the “Day of the Rest of Us” or the “Day of Plodding On”. No? Well perhaps not, because we already have a day when we encourage, support, inspire, appreciate, congratulate, challenge, correct each other and ourselves. It’s what we do every Sunday.

Fr Oliver Holt OSB

Parish Priest of St Gregory’s, Stratford-upon-Avon

Blessing of Graves

Dates and times for the Blessing of Graves at cemeteries in Birmingham and beyond during November can now be found on the diocesan website.

If your parish would like to be added to the list please email communications@rcaob.org.uk with the relevant information.

This weekend: Supporting sick, retired and infirm clergy

The annual collection for The Johnson Clergy Association (Birmingham) CIO will take place across the Archdiocese on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November.

The Association provides financial support to diocesan priests who, because of age, illness or infirmity, need assistance.

Thanks to the generosity of parishioners, last year's collection raised £47,334, helping the Association award grants totalling more than £399,000. We are grateful for the continued support given through parish collections and gifts left in wills.

To find out more, visit the Johnson Association website and look out for leaflets available in parishes in the coming days.

Fr Ian Ker Memorial Lecture

On the theme "Newman as Novelist", Sunday 1 November at The College, Littlemore.

Invitation from the International Centre of Newman Friends for an afternoon talk, questions and refreshments.

Quiet Days of Prayer and two Retreats

The Dupuis Retreat and Conference Centre, St Paul's Convent, Selly Park, Birmingham.

Take time out for prayer and reflection.

Open to all: Quiet Days of Prayer on 4 November and 2 December.

Plus two retreats in November: a five-day and a seven-day. Booking now open.

Next month: Safeguarding Sunday, 15 November

Parishes are invited to take part in the annual awareness campaign led by Thirtyone:eight, the UK’s leading Christian, independent safeguarding charity.

Now in its 8th year, Safeguarding Sunday continues to unite churches of every tradition. Last year, over 5,400 churches took part - demonstrating a shared commitment to caring for and protecting those in our care.

This year, the theme is Love Protects, rooted in the well known passage from 1 Corinthians 13, which reminds us that “love always protects”.

A briefing document for parishes has been prepared by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and is due to be shared this week. It includes suggested activities to mark Safeguarding Sunday.

Diocesan Boundary Commission: Volunteers Needed to help with Mapping

The Commission gives advice on parish boundaries across the Archdiocese.

It provides a map of our parish boundaries on the diocesan website

The Boundary Commission can also suggest amendments to the written descriptions of parish boundaries; should parish priests propose to merge two or more parishes.

As more parishes are now being merged, the Boundary Commission needs to recruit more volunteers to help with this support work.

Ideally volunteers will have some experience in geography/mapping, but this is not essential, having the relevant competence and interest is a great start.

If you would like to volunteer with the Boundary Commission, please contact Fr Paul Smith (Boundary Commission Secretary) by e-mail at: fr.paul.smith@rcaob.org.uk

Thank you.

Schools Media Competition 2027

The Columban Missionaries have just launched their latest competition with the theme - Staying Human in the Age of AI: Caring for People, Planet and the Common Good.

WHO? Students aged 13 - 18 in Britain

WHAT? Create an original piece of writing or an image exploring how we respond to the challenges that this new technology brings to our world and how we live our lives in the light of our faith, the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching.

WHEN? The deadline is Tuesday 9 February 2027

PRIZE: First prize is £300 + entries published in Columban media and other Catholic media.

Please spread the word in your parishes and schools!

Christian men aged 18-30 sought for research interviews

A request from University of Oxford.

Some surveys suggest that a growing number of younger men are engaging with Christianity. Our research team is looking for volunteers to tell us about their faith journey and help us understand their experiences better. We are looking for Christian men aged 18-30 who have found faith or the church in the last five years.

If this describes you, you are invited to participate in a 40-60 min interview online or in person. You’ll be asked questions about how you came to faith or church, your beliefs and practices, and the role Christianity plays in your life and identity. Your details will be kept confidential, and we will make every effort to ensure you are not identifiable in any reports or publications from the study.

If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Szilvi Watson at Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford at szilvi.watson@regents.ox.ac.uk.

Disability Inclusion Policy and Accessibility Audit

The Diocesan Disability Inclusion Policy expresses our commitment to becoming a more welcoming, accessible and inclusive Church. It is not a requirement to do everything immediately, but a roadmap towards where we

want to be as an Archdiocese.

As a first step, parishes are invited to complete an Accessibility Audit. The audit will help identify what is working well, where there are barriers, and what improvements can be made over time in areas such as access, communication, worship and participation.

Parishioners are encouraged to speak with their parish priest and support their parish's Accessibility Audit, helping to ensure the experiences and needs of disabled people are reflected.

The Policy and Audit, together with news, information and resources, can be found on the diocesan website:

Women's Day Conference: Shine

Women from across the Archdiocese are warmly invited to Shine, a day of prayer, praise, fellowship and reflection at Our Lady of the Angels, Nuneaton, on Saturday 7 November, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

The conference will feature talks from Ros Powell and reflections on John 4:1-42, with opportunities for prayer, worship and fellowship throughout the day.

Join next month's Smilers Inclusion Mass

On Saturday 7 November at Sacred Heart and Holy Souls, Acocks Green

The Smilers Inclusion Mass is for anyone who struggles within a normal Mass setting.

It is a relaxed service with the freedom to roam, make noise and just be in the presence of our Lord.

Offering a gentle, sensory-friendly environment and the use of fidget toys and musical instruments.

Music and readings coincide with the Liturgical cycle.

The next service will take place on Saturday 7 November at 2.30pm, followed by refreshments. All welcome.

#RedWednesday event at Harvington Hall

Spaces available for a day event on Saturday 14 November with the theme 'Religious Freedom and Me'.

Hosted by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and including witness testimonies, a private tour of the Hall, Benediction and Mass.

#RedWednesday Schools Mass at St Chad's Cathedral

Schools invited to register for the annual Mass on Wednesday 18 November.

This year's Mass will mark 10 years of the #RedWednesday initiative and will be celebrated by Canon Jonathan Veasey, Vicar General.

The event is hosted by the charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) which organises numerous #RedWednesday events across the country to shine a light on the persecution faced by Christians, and those of other Religions.

Young Adult Service Day

Saturday 21 November, Coventry

Looking for an opportunity to share kindness this autumn?

Join SVP1833, the St Vincent de Paul Society’s young adult community, for a day of faith, friendship and service in the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Open to all 18-35 year olds, we will be taking practical action to serve the homeless in Coventry city centre. Safety briefing/training will be given on the day. Travel bursary is available.

Resources available for parishes and schools from CELEBRATE

An online family pack for All Saints, and celebrating saints throughout the year.

'Walking with the Saints' aims to provide parish and school families with ideas on how to get to know the saints and walk with them in the journey of holiness.

There are suggestions for saint crafts and activities, prayers to share, books to savour and videos to enjoy together.

The pack is free to download but suggested donations are welcomed: Individual/Family £3, Schools £10, Parishes £20.

CELEBRATE Trust is a Catholic ministry that inspires and equips people of all ages to live an authentic Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit, in support of the family, to form the next generation and encourage local community.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

Paid positions

Finance Officer for The Missionary Society of St Columban in Britain.

Fixed, 12-month contract.

Closing date: Tuesday 10 November

Father Hudson's Caritas provides social care throughout the Archdiocese.

Roles currently available include:

• Relief Support Worker
• Foster Carers
• St Joseph's Residential Care Home, Relief Care Assistants
• Cook, St Joseph's Residential Care Home
• Project Manager
• Family Support Worker

Voluntary Positions

• Lead Trustee for Safeguarding
• Lead Trustee for Property
• Lead Trustee and Chair of Harvington Hall Management Committee

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:

Mary's Meals: Church Engagement Volunteer

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.

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.

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