News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

“Deacons are the guardians of Service of the Church”

- Pope Francis

Ordination of Paul Milton
“Deacons are the guardians of Service of the Church” (Pope Francis)

On Sunday afternoon at St Chad’s Cathedral, family man and solicitor Paul Milton, from St Peter Apostle and Our Lady’s, Leamington Spa, will be ordained a Deacon by Archbishop Bernard.

Paul’s ordination will be the culmination of a very personal vocational journey of discernment and formation; a journey throughout which he has been accompanied by the loving support of his wife Yvonne.

But, most importantly, it will be the start for Paul, strengthened by sacramental grace, to serve the People of God in the three-fold Diaconal ministry of the liturgy, of the word and of charity.

At the Jubilee of Deacons in Rome in February this year I was blessed to be among an English language group of Deacons and wives who were addressed by Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost OSA. Little did we know that some eight weeks later he was to chosen as Pope Leo XIV.

Cardinal Robert spoke to us about "Concrete signs of hope in the diaconal ministry" and he quoted at length from an address that Pope Francis had given to Deacons in June 2021.

He told us that Pope Francis expects three things from his deacons:
“They should be humble, without showing off like a peacock or putting themselves at the centre.”

Secondly, “by being good spouses and fathers or grandfathers, they will give hope and consolation to couples in difficulties who will find in their “genuine simplicity an outstretched hand.”

Finally, “he urged them to be “sentinels” who know not only how to spot those far away and the poor but who also to help the Christian community spot Jesus in the poor and the distant, as He knocks on our doors through them.”

Furthermore, the Holy Father had said: “Please let us remember that for the disciples of Jesus, to love is to serve and to serve is to reign. Power lies in service, not in anything else. Deacons are the guardians of service in the Church.”

May Deacon Paul, be granted the grace and fortitude to humbly serve the Church as the late Pope Francis envisaged.

Deacon Leo B Poole, Diocesan Director of the Permanent Diaconate

Pope Leo XIV appoints Archbishop Bernard Member of two Vatican Dicasteries.

The Holy Father has appointed Archbishop Bernard as a member of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (DPCU) and as a member of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue (DID).

Archbishop Bernard is already co-Chairman of the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC), with oversight of the third phase of Anglican-Catholic dialogue. He is also Chair of the Bishops’ Conference Department of Dialogue and Unity.

Archbishop Bernard also sits on the Mixed Commission of the Conference of Religious.

On his appointment, Archbishop Bernard said:

"I regard it as a privilege to serve the Holy See as a member of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

"I am immensely grateful to our own diocesan Commission for Promoting Christian Unity and our Commission for Interreligious Dialogue for all that they undertake to promote such good relations between the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese and churches and other faith communities – work that is vital in a world where there are so many divisions and misunderstandings.

"I look forward to participating in meetings of these two Dicasteries in the years ahead."

Schoolsigns.co.uk presents cheque to CAFOD from orders made by Catholic schools and churches

On Monday 7 July, Steve Martin from schoolsigns.co.uk met with Bishop Timothy Menezes and Sylvester Mutsigwa from CAFOD to present a cheque for £2,000.

Steve said:

"Each year we choose a charity for both Easter and Christmas. This Jubilee Year we chose CAFOD and decided to donate a percentage of all orders received from Catholic schools and churches for both our Jubilee Year and Catholic Social Teaching products.

"The offer ran throughout Lent and we were delighted with the response. An amazing £2000 was generated and we were delighted to meet up with Bishop Timothy and Sylvester from CAFOD to present the cheque."

Father Hudson's Caritas Launches Lottery

Father Hudsons Caritas has announced it's new lottery, saying:

"We’re thrilled to launch our Lottery in proud partnership with Unity.

"By supporting our Lottery you are helping to make a real difference to everyone who we support.

"For just £1 per week, you can be in with the chance of winning up to £25,000 every Friday!"

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.

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.

Live out your faith through service: Could you be a Foundation Governor or Director?

Invitation from Archbishop Bernard

The Archdiocese of Birmingham has 236 Catholic schools and 16 Multi-Academy Companies, all in need of Foundation Governors and Directors.

We are seeking practising Catholics to help shape the future of Catholic education by supporting and challenging school leaders, and upholding the Archbishop’s vision.

Watch a video to hear from Archbishop Bernard, school leaders, and current governors and directors about how rewarding the role can be.

Opportunities are available across the Archdiocese, and all skills and backgrounds are welcome.

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.

This week: Join the North Staffs Eucharistic Congress

Thursday 10 - Saturday 12 July - “Come to the Eucharistic Heart”

What is a Eucharistic Congress? It is not just a conference, but it is an event in the life of the Church, and elements of the Congress will be taking place across the North Staffs Deanery.

The Congress will open on Thursday evening with a Deanery Station Mass, celebrated by His Grace Archbishop Bernard Longley, beginning at 7pm at Sacred Heart Church in Tunstall.

There will be representatives from all the schools in the Deanery, and as many parishioners as possible are also invited, so that this is a great celebration.

This Mass brings together the celebration of the Jubilee Year, the gift of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, as well as thanksgiving in the year of the centenary of the federation of the City of Stoke-on-Trent.

More events are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, including a Eucharistic Procession.

Please register your attendance for Saturday.

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.

National Churches Trust Survey: Deadline extended to Sunday 13 July

The National Churches Trust (NCT), a major grant funder for places of worship, has launched a survey to better understand the challenges that churches face, and to highlight the vital work which our churches do.

This survey has the support of denominations, faith, and heritage groups across the country and we wish to encourage all churches throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham to take part.

Your response will provide essential evidence to build a clearer picture – to tell a stronger, more informed story about your church, and others like it, so that NCT can try to address some of the biggest challenges facing churches and help ensure their future.

It’s really important that Catholic churches respond to this survey. Indeed the more of our churches which participate, the better. If we can show strong support for this survey, it may possibly also strengthen our case for grant funding support in the future.

Therefore, the more churches that take part, the more impactful it will be. The survey is live until Sunday 13 July.

All welcome: Mass for Children and Young People with special needs and disabilities

Saturday 12 July at St Thomas More, Sheldon.

11am followed by refreshments.

Support Sea Sunday, 13 July

A day when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea, and for the ministry of Stella Maris, the Catholic Church's agency that looks after seafarers and fishers.

Please join in Sea Sunday in your parish and pray for seafarers, fishers and their families.

Stella Maris have produced a range of resources to help parishes celebrate Sea Sunday, including a parish resource booklet, a poster and an appeal talk.

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

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.

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.

Jobs and Volunteering

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.

York and the North: Heartland of Faith and Hope

Booking now open for ACN Pilgrimage, Monday 21 - Saturday 26 July

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is inviting bookings for the July Pilgrimage.

York and Yorkshire are at the heart of the English story of Christianity and Catholicism. In exploring York and its surroundings towns: Ripon and Beverley, and the site of the Cistercian Monastery at Fountains we will deepen our understanding of why our faith had such deep roots in this area.

Society of St Gregory Annual Summer School 2025

30 July – 2 August

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.

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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