We pray that more men will respond with courage to the Lord’s personal invitation to follow Him as priests and deacons for our Archdiocese. |
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| Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Deacon Gerard Bowen For Christ not only adorns with a royal priesthood the people he has made his own, but with a brother’s kindness he also chooses men to become sharers in his sacred ministry through the laying on of hands. Every year at the Chrism Mass, I am struck by these words from the Preface – words that are prayed at every ordination. Through the Laying on of Hands and the Prayer of Ordination, the man kneeling before the Altar is conformed to the image of Jesus, as his whole life reflects His love for us. This weekend, we look forward to the second ordination in our Archdiocese this year. Last Sunday, the Cathedral was the setting for the ordination of Paul Milton to the Permanent Diaconate. We pray for Rev Gerard Bowen as he prepares for ordination to the sacred priesthood this Saturday. An ordination, like a marriage or religious profession, is always a moment to rejoice. But more than that, it is a profound moment when we witness God powerfully at work among us. Every July, I am mindful that this month marks the ordination anniversaries of many of our priests, deacons and bishops. Whatever month an anniversary falls – be it marriage, religious profession, or ordination – it is occasion to celebrate: a moment to look to the past with thanksgiving and to the future with great hope. As Vocation Director, it is always a joy to witness the ordination of men to the priesthood and diaconate and their years of formation. I invite you to join me in praying the Diocesan Prayer for Vocations as we pray for an increase in vocations to the single life, married life, consecrated life and particularly that more men will respond with courage to the Lord’s personal invitation to follow Him as priests and deacons for our Archdiocese. Rev. Fr Craig Szmidt - Vocation Director Heavenly Father, we ask you to send labourers into your harvest. Inspire, in the hearts of your people, vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life. Bless our families with a spirit of generosity, so that those whom you call have the courage to give themselves to your Church in faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. | |
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| Book now with special discount code! WeBelieve Festival at St Mary's College, Oscott | |
| Friday 25 to Monday 28 July | |
| A celebration of Catholic life. WeBelieve is a project created and funded by The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom in collaboration with St Mary's College, Oscott. This festival is a bringing together of Catholic ministries and creatives from across the UK to mark the 2025 Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis, with a celebration of Catholic life. Archbishop Bernard and Bishop Timothy are joining the line-up, which features a diverse range of Catholic musicians, creatives and speakers, including Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray, Msgr Michael Nazir-Ali, AnMari, Fr Toby Lees and many more. SPECIAL OFFER for the Archdiocese of Birmingham We're so grateful to be holding the WeBelieve Festival in the Archdiocese of Birmingham and we want you to know that this event is for you. The festival is for everyone but has been designed with parishes and families in mind. If you live in the Archdiocese and want to come along, we've generated a unique discount code for you and the people of your parish! By entering the code BIRMINGHAM50 you can get a 50% discount on any festival ticket. | |
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| Burning Bush Vlog: Listening and Learning | |
| Available to watch now Reflection for the 16th Week of the Year, Sunday 20 July, "Blessed are those who hold fast to the Word of God” by Mgr Daniel McHugh, the Co-ordinator for Ethnic Chaplaincies in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. 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. | |
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| ADoRE spiritual mini-retreat "PILGRIMS OF HOPE – PROVISION FOR THE JOURNEY.” | |
| | Including Mass, Adoration, Praise, Prophecy, Prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and inspiring talk from guest speaker John Hesketh.. Please register for the free Zoom meeting in advance. | |
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| | 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. | |
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| A story of courage, danger, and deep faith. | |
| In this Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope, the Chaplaincy Ambassadors team from St Peter’s RC High School, Gloucester had the privilege of going on pilgrimage to Harvington Hall. They said: "Harvington Hall is a beautiful Elizabethan manor house in Worcestershire but what makes it truly special is the story the house tells: a story of courage, danger, and deep faith. "As students in a Catholic school, we are lucky. We can speak openly about our beliefs. We can go to Mass. We can walk into a chapel without fear. But visiting Harvington Hall reminded us that this freedom wasn’t always there - and it shouldn’t be taken for granted." Read More You can book your own pilgrimage for your school or parish. Also, don't miss out! Harvington History Festival starts next week, with limited tickets still available. | |
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| 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 It is essential that you bring your own chairs and packed lunch. Parishes bringing a coach: it is essential we 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. | |
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| 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 2025 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. | |
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| Free Guided Tours at St Chad's Cathedral | |
| 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 2025 - 10.30am - 11.30am Friday 8 August 2025 - 10.30am - 11.30am Friday 22 August 2025 - 10.30am - 11.30am Meeting at the entrance to the Cathedral.
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| Self Guided Pilgrimage of Hope, Birmingham | |
| 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 Philips 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. | |
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| Saints Depicted in Your Parish | |
| A Working Group is presently exploring ways of promoting familiarity with and devotion to the Blesseds and Saints in the Archdiocesan calendar. A revision of the calendar is proposed which, in addition to those in the current calendar, will include St Charles of St Andrew; St Richard of Chichester; Bl Thomas Maxfield; St John Henry Newman and St Edmund of Abingdon. It would be a great help to know of any statues, windows and the like in the Archdiocese or elsewhere that depict these men and women of faith - both those newly featured and those long present in our calendar. The intention is to use images from our own Archdiocese on-line and in print publications. Any information or photos will be gratefully received – please email fr.allen.morris@rcaob.org.uk. So that we can make best use of what you can send please, where possible, give the location of the image and any copyright details related to the image sent. | |
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| Your Invitation to Holy Trinity Catholic School's 50th 'Birthday' | |
| Holy Trinity Catholic School, Small Heath, Birmingham, Wednesday 24 September.
To mark this key milestone and moment of great celebration in the life of Holy Trinity Catholic School, His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley, will be celebrating a Mass in school on Wednesday 24 September. We very much look forward to welcoming Archbishop Bernard here to celebrate with our current school community. Later that day, at 5.00pm there will be a second Mass in school celebrated by our School Chaplain, Father Peter Conley. This Mass will welcome a range of guests including former pupils, former staff members and both current and former parents. If you have an association with Holy Trinity, you are most welcome to attend! Following Mass, there will be food, drinks, entertainment and a small gift to take home for all! If you would like to attend, please confirm via the following email address info@holytrc.bham.sch.uk by no later than Friday 12 September. In addition, if you know of anyone who has an association with the school, please extend this warmest invite to them. Again, please ask all to confirm attendance using the email address above and in advance of the same deadline. If you have any old photographs gathered from Holy Trinity over the years, please send them through to us on the same email address as above in order for us to use them in a piece of historical work that pupils are producing to mark this occasion. We very much look forward to September 24 and give thanks to God for the blessing of being able to celebrate this wonderful occasion together. | |
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| 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. | |
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| Applications now open for the One Hope Academy | |
| The OHP Academy is a six-month online worship school for aspiring worship leaders, musicians and songwriters who are seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus while developing their practical gifting to serve within their local context. One Hope Project has over a decade of experience in worship, songwriting and equipping others for ministry, rooted in a lifelong journey of following Christ. We’re excited to be launching our fifth cohort this year, having already graduated over 70 participants from 13 countries worldwide. Applications for the 2025/26 intake are now open. | |
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| | Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations | |
| Father Hudson’s Caritas provides social care throughout the Archdiocese. A number of roles are currently available including: Family Support Workers Supervising Fostering Social Care Worker Day Service Support Worker Foster Carers Relief Support Worker Community Fundraiser - Aid to the Church in Need Working from home, covering the Dioceses of Birmingham, Northampton, Hallam, Nottingham and Shrewsbury. Full time/Permanent role to include evenings and weekends. The post is to work in parishes, schools and the wider Christian community. The post holder will be part of a thriving, positive Community Outreach team culture. This post is ideal for a creative, enthusiastic fundraiser who is self-motivated, willing to learn from others and keen to make a real difference in the lives of suffering and persecuted Christians around the world. Deadline for applications: Interviews will be held as suitable candidates are shortlisted, so please don’t delay. 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.
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Events and retreats beyond the Archdiocese |
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| Society of St Gregory Annual Summer School 2025 | |
| | Liverpool Hope University. Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope. The theme of Jubilee and Hope will be reflected in our liturgies and music, providing us with an opportunity to reflect on what we have learned and to consider how we might take the message of hope back to our parish communities.
Keynote Speaker – David Wells, a pastoral leader and well known speaker encouraging and inspiring people to share the joy of the gospel, through the lens of building parish life.
Director of Music – Martin Barry, a parish musician, composer and former Cathedral Director. He is President of Universa Laus, the international study group for liturgical music.
We welcome both Residential and Day Delegates and Bursary Funding is available.
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| 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! | |
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| Pilgrimage of Reparation & Prayer for the Sanctity of Life | |
| Saturday 2 August at Walsingham | |
| All welcome to join the Pro Life Pilgrimage. To be led by Rt Rev John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley. To come together to make reparation for the sins against life; to intercede for a change of heart across every part of society; and to refresh ourselves in the peace and beauty of this Shrine, remembering Our Lady’s words, “All who come here will find help in their need”. | |
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| 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. | |
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| 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. | |
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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.
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Archdiocese of Birmingham Cathedral House Queensway Birmingham B4 6EU |
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