News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

Reflection: Trinity Sunday

“God is love” (1 John 4:8) is the very heart of our faith and at the same time a bold claim. Although perhaps we should ask the following question: If love requires a person to give themselves to another how, before humans or the angels were created, could God be love? There was nothing for Him to love.

This is where the Trinity enters. It is a mystery that Jesus himself revealed to his disciples throughout his ministry, as Jesus refers to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Trinity affirms “God is love” because while being One God, the three persons reveal a dynamism of relationships. The Father is the eternal and unending source of love. The Son is the eternal receiver of this love and perfectly returns it to the Father. The Holy Spirit is the real, uncreated and shared love between them.

While no image can truly explain this mystery what should come to mind is that this relationship and the love between the members of Trinity is like a blazing fire or a roaring waterfall; dynamic, powerful and anything but static or cold.

The dynamism of the love of God is such that he freely made us so that we could be perfectly blessed and be happy with Him. We can see this Trinitarian dynamic of self-giving love and creative love in Marriage. In Marriage, husband and wife give themselves to the other with the potential to bring forth, from their union together, new life.

This weekend let us look first to God and give thanks that He “is love” and we are invited into the heart of this dynamic love. Let us also give thanks for and support the Marriages in our lives and parishes that mirror this Trinitarian, self-giving love of God.

Luke Theobald

Seminarian, Venerable English College, Rome.

Follow the Lourdes Pilgrimage

This year's Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes runs until Saturday 30 May, under the leadership of His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishops David Evans, Timothy Menezes and Richard Walker.

Almost 600 pilgrims are now in Lourdes.

The theme for 2026 is "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee" and marks the start of a three-year journey with Mary.

Follow the Lourdes Pilgrimage in photos, videos and the homilies on our website and by using the hashtag #Brum2Lourdes on social media.

Make an impact on Catholic education

The Diocesan Education Service is seeking: St Michael the Archangel CMAT Board Members

This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact on Catholic education. We are looking for passionate and skilled individuals to join the Board of Directors and help guide the strategic direction of the CMAT (Catholic Multi-Academy Trust), working alongside the CEO Designate, Suzanne Horan, and a dedicated Executive Team.

The CMAT will serve schools across South Birmingham, Solihull, Chelmsley Wood and Worcestershire, bringing together Emmaus, Lumen Christi and Our Lady & All Saints Multi-Academy Companies (MACs) and additional voluntary aided schools.

Closing date: Friday 5 June

Corpus Christi – Sunday 7 June

Birmingham City Centre: Celebrate Corpus Christi on Sunday 7 June with Mass at 1 pm at St Michael’s Church (Moor Street), followed by a 2 pm procession to St Chad’s Cathedral.

Rednal-Bartley Green: A Corpus Christi Car Procession will also travel between several parishes (Rednal, West Heath, Northfield and Bartley Green), with prayers and blessings at each stop.

Please look out for any processions taking place at or near your own parish, and join where you can as we witness to Christ’s presence in our communities.

Help Christians in the Holy Land

Brendan Metcalf, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land, will speak at St Andrew’s, Ombersley on 8 June at 7pm.

He will share insights on supporting vulnerable Christian communities in Palestine and Israel. All are welcome to attend and learn how to offer hope and practical help.

What should Maryvale teach next?

Under the guidance of the Archbishop of Birmingham, Maryvale Institute is planning its Further Education programme for 2027/28 and we want to hear from you. Are you interested in Theology and faith? What are you hoping to study?

Five minutes of your time could help to influence what courses we offer.

School bookings for 2026/27 now open for St Chad's Cathedral

School children and their teachers are invited to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad (St Chad's Cathedral) during the school year 2026/27. Bookings are now open.

School visits take place on weekday mornings (Tuesday - Friday) from 9.45am, with most schools staying for the 12.15pm Mass.

Educating against antisemitism

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

• Misunderstanding Jewish Practice and Belief Means Misunderstanding Jesus and Paul: Tue 2 June
• 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

Sacred Heart Novena Masses at Maryvale House, Sacred Heart Chapel

You are warmly invited to attend in person and experience the wonder of the Sacred Heart Novena Masses and the surroundings of the Sacred Heart Chapel and Shrine, Maryvale House, Kingstanding, Birmingham.

The Novena runs from Thursday 4 to Friday 12 June. All Masses start at 7pm.

People’s Emergency Briefing Screening, MAC Birmingham

The People’s Emergency Briefing will be screened at MAC (Midlands Arts Centre) Birmingham on Sunday 7 June, at 3pm.

The film brings together leading UK scientists and contributors including Chris Packham and Deborah Meaden, exploring how the climate and nature crisis affects daily life in the UK. Tickets for the screening must be booked in advance and are available on a Pay What You Choose basis. A short community discussion will follow.

After the screening, there will be an optional time of prayer and reflection hosted by the Columbans. Those wishing to attend this prayer gathering will need to register their interest separately.

You are encouraged to look out for other screenings taking place in your local area, and parishes, schools and community groups are invited to consider hosting their own screening as part of ongoing care for Creation.

Retreat at St Paul's Convent, Selly Park, Birmingham

With Canon Luke Smith, Archdiocese of Southwark, Monday 8 to Friday 12 June:

Rejoicing in hearing the voice of the Bridegroom - Spiritual lessons from St John the Baptist

Retreat begins with supper at 6pm and ends after breakfast on the last day.

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. We invite artists, graphic designers and illustrators from across the UK to design a front cover for of 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.

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 31st December 2026.

Register interest and the book(s) you would like to design by 31 July 2026.

Youth Alpha Series

Want to know more about the New Alpha Youth Series?

Kenelm Youth Trust will be hosting an information Zoom meeting for parish leaders who are wanting to know more about the new series and how to run this with young people in their settings.

Join them at 7pm on Wednesday 10 June via Zoom to find out more.

Jewish Life Experience Exhibition

Invitation via Fr Jeremy Howard

As part of Jewish Culture Month there is a Jewish Life Experience Exhibition at Birmingham Central Synagogue, Speedwell Road, Birmingham.

The exhibition is one of the educational resources created by the Board of Deputies of British Jews to encourage a greater understanding of Judaism.

It is an opportunity to learn about Jewish beliefs and culture, including the festivals, life cycle events, traditional clothing, kosher food etc in a hands-on, interactive way. There is also the possibility of seeing Central Synagogue.

On Thursday 11 June, at 2pm, the Birmingham branch of The Council of Christians and Jews is coordinating a group visit.

Please let me know if you would like to join this visit - fr.jeremy.howard@rcaob.org.uk / 07868 542268.

You can also book a visit for yourself at jewishlifeexhibition@gmail.com

World Youth Day, Seoul Information Night

Register for the Information Night with Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) on Monday 11 June on Zoom at 7pm.

An invitation from KYT:

World Youth Day 2027 – Seoul, South Korea

July 26 - Aug 8 (flight dependent). Price £2,500 (approx due to air travel).

Are you a young person aged 18+ by the date of travel? Young people from every corner of the world are heading to Seoul for an unforgettable celebration of faith and you could be one of them! Find out more on the KYT website: Kenelm Youth Trust: World Youth Day 2027

World Youth Day is your chance to experience the universal Church like never before: praying, celebrating, serving and worshipping alongside over half a million young Catholics united as one global family. From days in the diocese to powerful vigils and masses, every moment is filled with energy, joy, and encounter.

Set against the incredible beauty and culture of South Korea, this is more than a trip, it’s an adventure of faith, a chance to grow, to serve, and to discover what it truly means to belong to our universal Church.

Million Minutes: Celebrating Young People – Relaunch

Million Minutes is relaunching its Celebrating Young People: Revival programme for 2026/27.

Join a free online event on 16 June (7pm) or 18 June (2pm) to explore this Catholic Social Teaching-based initiative, supporting young people in schools and parishes with workshops and visits.

Recruitment Day at Father Hudson's Caritas

Looking to work in Adult Care?

Come along to the FHC Recruitment Open Day, Saturday 13 June, to find out more about working in Adult Care, which includes:

St Catherine’s Bungalows

St Joseph’s Care Home

Coleshill Day Services

Supported Living & Domiciliary Care

You’ll have the chance to meet our team, explore your options and make connections.

Platinum Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Rednal.

You are warmly invited to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee (70 years) of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Rednal.

A Thanksgiving Mass will take place on Saturday 27 June at 4pm, with His Grace Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, as the main celebrant.

The celebration will give thanks for 70 years of faith, community life and shared memories, and all parishioners, along with past and present families and staff of St James and St Columba School communities, are very welcome to attend.

Invitation to Training Day from Restore

St John's Church, Harborne, Birmingham on Saturday 13 June

Could you befriend a refugee?

This course is for anyone interested in learning more about refugees, or those considering volunteering as a befriender with Restore.

Session 1 - Introduction to Restore and the global refugee situation

Session 2 - The asylum process in the UK and resettlement schemes

Session 3 - Guidelines and boundaries in befriending relationships.

Restore, a project of Birmingham Churches Together, works with refugees and asylum seekers in Birmingham, Solihull and Smethwick.

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:

Head of Finance. Closing date 1 June.

Relief Reception and Administrative Assistant. Closing date 25 June.

Relief Support Worker. No closing date.

Foster Carers. No closing date.

St Joseph's Residential Care Home, Relief Care Assistants. No closing date.

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.

St Michael the Archangel CMAT Board Members

This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact on Catholic education.

The CMAT will serve schools across South Birmingham, Solihull, Chelmsley Wood and Worcestershire, bringing together Emmaus, Lumen Christi and Our Lady & All Saints Multi-Academy Companies (MACs) and additional voluntary aided schools.

Closing date: Friday 5 June.

Several other opportunities are also advertised on our website including:

Laudato Si Volunteers. Following on from the success of the programme of retreat days for primary school groups launched in 2025, St Mary's College, Oscott is now looking to recruit more volunteers to support the roll out to secondary school pupils in Autumn 2026.

Join KYT's Mission Team

An opportunity for 18 - 25 years olds at the Kenelm Youth Trust.

Train and Volunteer as a Relationship Counsellor with Marriage Care.

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.

Holy Mass for the Celebration of Life of Br Michael Strode

Friday 5 June, 2.30pm, St David's Cathedral, Cardiff

This joyful occasion is planned by HCPT and CBMC (Committee for Brother Michael's Cause) as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations that began in Lourdes at Easter.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Refreshments will be served afterwards at Cornerstone, Charles Street, opposite the Cathedral.

For catering purposes please let them know by 31 May if you can come at:

secretary@brothermichaelstrode.org

In-person day retreat: Joy of Limits

Saturday 6 June, 10am-4pm (Optional Vigil Mass at 4:30pm). FCJ Centre for Spirituality and EcoJustice, Somers Town, London.

“Unless these things are appreciated artistically they are not appreciated at all.” G.K. Chesterton

The retreat will be a day full of contemplation, talks, discussion, observational and imaginative drawing and sharing some simple food. There is no need to be an accomplished artist to enjoy the day, even those who think they can only draw a stickman will find a day of calm reflection and fellowship.

"The Joy of Limits” is led by Sr MaryAnne Francalanza, a Faithful Companion of Jesus and director of the FCJ Centre for Spirituality and EcoJustice, and John Paul de Quay who is an illustrator and director of the Ecological Conversion Group charity.

In case you missed us earlier this year, we are excited to offer a second opportunity to explore the materials from our debut ‘Art of Limits’ retreat held in February.

Heart to Heart

19 - 22 June. A three-day retreat for women in any state of life, based on principles of Ignatian spirituality.

Guided by Fr Bernard Murphy, CFR and Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, the retreat will seek to draw participants closer to the Lord through a greater attentiveness to His will.

Run by the Christian Heritage Centre at Clitheroe, Lancashire.

Gregorian Chant Day

Portsmouth & Quarr Abbey – Saturday 6 June

Following the successful completion of the three-part Gregorian Chant Course earlier this year, participants and others with an interest in Gregorian Chant are warmly invited to take part in a full day of chant singing.

This special one-day event offers the opportunity to sing Gregorian Chant in both parish and monastic settings, with practical, hands-on coaching and the chance to sing together as a large group. Attendance at either part of the day, or both, is welcome.

CELEBRATE Festival 2026 Announced

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.

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