Fr Austin's Holy Thought
First Sunday of Lent
Fear of Hot and Cold
Luke 4.1-13
As we watch fear-struck at unfolding events in Ukraine, and pray that a Gaza ceasefire will hold, we know that Lent will not be anyone’s comfort zone this year.
Like Jesus we get a taste of the wilderness when we wrestle with these dark forces in our world. Our struggles may look different from the three temptations of Jesus, but they are variations on common themes.
* Turning stones into bread to fill a hungry belly is a temptation to take the easy way out, and avoid the painstaking work of living in the real world and negotiating life on life’s terms.
* The temptation to rule the kingdoms of the world is about lust for power. Today it permeates the Kremlin, but Putin doesn’t hold a monopoly. Every continent has its share of would-be dictators.
* And the temptation to jump from the temple parapet is about egoism, attention-seeking and vanity projects. Sound familiar?
Jesus rejected these temptations, determined to live as a real vulnerable human being like us, keeping faith with his humble birth in a stable.
For ourselves? The struggle comes mixed with ordinary human crises. Our wilderness comes in the guise of failing health, depression after a failed relationship, or the collapse of family finances.
So it comes as a shock to know that when Jesus entered the wilderness ‘the Spirit drove him there!’ It was part of God’s plan. Trials & struggles are a part of human living for us, as they were for Jesus. And our God is at work, not simply when they are over, but right in the middle. He is there in the heat of the desert and the cold of isolation.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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9th March - 16th March 2025 |
First Week of Lent 2025 |
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1st Sunday of Lent - 2nd March Dt 26:4-10 Rm 10:8-13 Lk 4:1-13 9.00am - People of the Parish 11.00am - Mass Jane Farrell RIP 5.00 pm - Stations of the Cross 6.00pm Mass - Shelia Ratcliffe RIP Exit Collection SCJ Sick & Elderly |
Dear Brothers and Sisters, We have all begun our Lenten journey, with the three pillars of lent: prayer fasting and almsgiving. In our parish opportunities abound for all three! Our Journey in Faith group has also been progressing quietly in the background, with eight candidates preparing for baptism or full reception into the church at Easter. Archbishop Longley will welcome them all this afternoon at Saint Chad's cathedral for the Rite of Election, a way of recognising that these candidates have been chosen by God. Next Sunday at our parish mass we celebrate the ‘scrutiny’, which is the moment when our parish community sees those whom God has chosen and welcomes them into our parish family. +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Jubilee Lenten Pilgrimage Walks: * Sunday 9th March: Walk to Our Lady of the Wayside – leaving respective Churches at 2.00pm ETA 3.00pm. * Sunday 23rd March Walk to Olton Friary – leaving respective Churches at 2.00pm ETA 3.00pm. * Sunday 6 April Walk to St.Augustine’s leaving respective Churches at 2.00pm with ETA 3.00pm. * Sunday 13th April Walk to St. George & Saint Teresa’s – leaving respective Churches 2.00pm. Catching bus or train to St. George & St. Teresa’s and then walking back to respective parishes. During Lent, SVP will collect toiletries to be distributed to refugees at St.Chad's Sanctuary. A box will be left in the narthex each Sunday for your donations. Please give generously. We are looking for: soap, shampoo, paper hankies. deodorant, toothpaste etc. Thankyou ********************* Change of Weekday Mass timing (Monday to Friday) - from the 3rd March the first Mass will be at 7.00 am
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Monday - 10th March Lv 219:1-2,11-18 Mt 25:31-46 7.00am Mass - Marina Doherty RIP 10.15am Mass - . Bernadette Murphy & Cornelius O’Connell RIP |
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Tuesday - 11th March Is 55:10-11 Mt 6:7-15 7.00am Mass Anthony McDonough-Smith 10.15 Mass - Stefan, Danusha & Frania RIP & Frances Bennett RIP 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday - 12th March Jon 3:1-10 Lk 11:29-32 7.00 Mass - Albert Bliss RIP 10.15 Mass - Nick Starmer RIP & Danny C 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (Day Chapel) |
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Thursday - 13th March Est 4:17 Mt 7:7-12 7.00 Mass - John Smith 10.15 Mass - John & Philip Cunningham RIP & Jenny Linsey 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament 6.00pm Evening Prayer & Blessed Sacrament |
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Friday - 14th March Ezk 18:21-28 M t 5:20-26 7.00 Mass - Brenda Galvin RIP 10.15 Communion Service |
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Saturday 15th March Dt 26:16-19 Mt 5:43-48 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass - Sr. Barbara Sandy & Barbara Watters RIP |
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Second Sunday of Lent - 16th March Gn 15:5-12,17-18 Ph 3:17-4:1 Lk 9:28-36 9.00am - People of the parish 11.00am - Dermot & Anna Grogan RIP 5.00 pm - Stations of the Cross 6.00pm Mass Brenda Galvin RIP Exit Collection Lent Fast (Cafod) |
Notices
Dear Brothers & Sisters
We have all begun our Lenten journey, in imitation of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert. The gospel on Ash Wednesday told us not to look sad when we fast or do penance but to do all with a joyful heart.
Lent is a joyful season not a dismal one, for all our prayers and practises are designed to set us free, and allow us to be happy joyous and free in God’s service.
Today’s gospel told how Jesus was hungry but rejected easy or quick solutions, as if to feed himself by magic tricks. It is important for us to know the Jesus really did struggle with temptation, just as we do today.
Our Catholic tradition rests on three pillars of lent: prayer fasting and almsgiving. And many people in our parish have already organised disciplines & practises for all three
So I just highlight two items for attention. The first is Christ in the home, a simple prayer service for families friends and neighbours in a dozen homes around the parish on March 26th at 7.30pm. Why not make your own home a venue this year? It’s a simple way in which family & friends can support one another in the Lenten journey.
The second is Cafod Family Fast Day, this coming Friday, when we do with less and use what we save to give to the needy. The exit collection next Sunday is for this.
The change of early Weekday Mass time - to 7.00am should also make it possible for people to come to daily mass during lent before going to work or school or college.
Could this be the opportunity you seek?
May Mary our Mother watch over us as we imitate her son in his 40 day journey.
Fr.Biju scj Parish Priest
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SCJ News: Fr.Wilfred is in Chiang Mai this month, visiting our Thai communities, along with Fr Gusatvo our Superior General. Fr.Gustavo will then be coming to visit us here in England just before Easter.
Olton : Fr.Dominic went peacefully to his heavenly reward last Saturday at St.Bernards Care Home. Many thanks are due to the staff there, and also to several parishioners who frequently visited Fr Dominic over the last few years. May he rest in peace ++++
We have not yet decided on a date for a funeral, as we are trying to accommodate the timetables of Fr Wilfred & Fr Gustavo as well as Fr Dominic’s relations.
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FRIARY SNIPPETS
Many thanks to all who organised the hugely successful Irish night. The craic was good & so the music. And over £1500 was raised towards a new roof for the parish hall.
FHL would also like to thank all those who supported this year’s pancake lunch on Shrove Tuesday. Some £422 was raised on the day, with over a 100 pancakes made. All proceeds go to FHL HQ in Kenilworth for our brothers and sisters in the Holyland.
Thanks too to all who came to Ash Wednesday Fast supper. £150 was raised for HCPT Lourdes pilgrimage-special needs children.
Like to sing in the shower? Why not sing with our 11.00 choir as well? Like to know what a choir rehearsal looks like? Come & see! The 11.00 Parish choir invites you to a sample open rehearsal: Tuesdays 11,18 & 25 March. Rehearsals 7.30 in Church. Ring bell at Boys' Sacristy door. Try a session or two?
New tables: Tables in the parish hall have seen better days. So we’d like to buy new ones. Each new table will cost £135.46 and carries a 5-yr warranty. We need 12 tables. (Total £1625.52) Like to sponsor a table? Please contact the parish office. Already three have been sponsored, but any contributions gratefully received!
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Marriage matters: First Sunday of Lent
Deut26:4-10; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13
Today’s Gospel recalls that there’s more to our life as married couples than we see. Our desire for each other has a deeper yearning: to be loved & accepted for who we are. In this time of Lent let us be led by the Spirit to resist the temptation to lead individual & separate lives in our marriage
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Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy during the year: Week starting 9 March. Group C
Rest in Peace John Lunn 6th March at 2.30pm Robin Hood, Mary Noleen Butler 18th March and Fr Dominic Innamorati.
Meditation Group, Holy Souls join us 1.00 Mondays in parish meeting room: March 10 & 24; April 7 A chance to be still, & know how much we are loved by God
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025 Jubilee Year Our Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage runs Sat 24 –Fri 30 May 2025. www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/lourdes
Better still… join our parish contingent by calling Jim Noonan 07593 298704 to join Diocesan pilgrimage with Friary Group!
Parish Finance Committee met Feb 25:
* Complete 2024 Parish Accounts given (summary to be given to all next week)
* Gift Aid to be greatly encouraged, as huge amounts still not gift-aided. Parish would benefit from the tax advantage.
* Fundraising report for the current year,
* Staff pay review to follow Diocese rules
* Hall letting Wedding & Funeral fees for the next year agreed
* Report on the new Parish Database,
* repairs & maintenance highlighted ( Parish Hall refurb. a priority),
* Health & Safety - no major issues but security of premises under constant review
Justice & Peace: next Forum Tuesday 11th March at 7pm on Zoom. Andrea Speranza CAFOD Campaigns Engagement Manager to speak on CAFOD’s Campaign for Debt Justice in this Jubilee Year, and lead discussion and answer questions. Please follow link to book onto this forum: https://bit.ly/JandPForum2025
Solihull Choral Society presents: Durufle requiem & motets, and Vaughan Williams' five mystical songs, Solihull school chapel Saturday March 29 2025, 7.30pm tickets from www.solihullchoral.org or on the door. conductor David Rice, organist Callum Alger, baritone soloist Theo Perry.
‘Come and See Weekends’ Sisters at Holy Cross Abbey …..opportunity to discern a Cistercian vocation. In this Jubilee Year 2025, they host 2 Come & See Weekends, Friday 30 May to Monday 2 June and Friday 8 - Monday 11 August. See poster in the narthex.
Day of Renewal Saturday 22 March 2025 at The Abbey Hall, Sutton Rd, Erdington. Speaker: Jenny Baker, bring own lunch. Info: www.bccrc.org.uk Ray 07818 851 964
Diocesan Day Pilgrimage to Walsingham Saturday 10th May 2025. Please see www.walsingham.org.uk for further info.
Kenelm Youth Trust Opportunity Knocks! * Age 18–25 & want to make a difference? * Join the KYT Mission Team, & Inspire young people through youth ministry.
* Develop leadership & teamwork skills while growing in faith & sharing your faith * Be part of a dynamic team, exploring and developing your gifts.
* Gain qualifications in outdoor education. * Lifelong friendships & precious memories
See website www.kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk
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Prayer for Pope Francis
Almighty and Eternal God, you are the everlasting health of those who believe in you. Hear our prayers for your sick servant Francis for whom we implore the aid of your tender mercy, through Christ
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REGULAR ACTIVITIES IN OUR PARISH HALL
Monday Zumba 1.30 - 2.30 & 7 - 8pm
Tuesday Latin & Ballroom Dancing 10.30 -12 noon & 7.30 - 9.30pm. Yoga 5:45 - 7:00pm
Tuesday U3A (2nd Tuesday, monthly)
Wednesday Stroke Club 9am - 1.30pm. Slimming World 2.30 - 8.30
Thursday Zumba 11am - 12 Noon. U3A Quiz (2nd Thursday monthly) Fitness Pilates (term time) 6.30 - 8.30pm
Friday Yoga 10.45am - 12.00 noon
PARISH CENSUS: Please fill in details online or manually. Info? Email:
martin.hayden@oltonfriary.org.uk or call office 0121 706 0505.
https://forms.office.com/e/dHWqGN3HG2
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Safeguarding: Our Parish follows correct safeguarding policy & practice at all times. Safeguarding Parish Reps: Carol Foster & Maureen Treanor: sg.oltonfriary.solihull@rcaob.org.uk Diocese Rep: Claire Reay: safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk Call 0121 230 6240 for any concern or query
The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Archdioceses policies & procedures at all times. Our Parish Safeguarding Representative is Carol Foster and Maureen Treanor. They can be contacted at: sg.oltonfriary.solihull@rcaob.org.uk or alternatively the Diocesan Safeguarding team can be contacted on 0121 230 6240
safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk if you have any concern.
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PARISH GROUPS—Please check your information posted on the Parish website. Any updates/corrections/alterations, please email the parish office.
SOLIHULL/HEARTLANDS HOSPITAL Please ask hospital Switchboard for on-call Catholic Priest 0121 424 2000, & they will call the duty Priest. Catholic Chaplain at Solihull & Heartlands is Fr Roger Raven. Data Protection law means visit from priest must be actively sought. He doesn't have access to patient files.
CAR PARK - Please be considerate when parking/manoeuvring your car and please note the disabled parking bays are for the use of those with disabled badges, there is no parking in either the Community and Staff designated areas and the front & rear of The Friary Residential block. When parking on a Sunday, please do not park on or drive over the grass adjacent to the gate leading into the graveyard. Only authorised cars to park at other times, by arrangement with the Parish Priest.
GOING TO HOSPITAL -Please let your parish priest know if you’re going into hospital. On admission ask for the Catholic chaplain as Chaplains no longer receive names of Catholic patients unless they opt in.
SECURITY NOTICE - Please ensure Friary doors are kept closed & locked when necessary. If you attend a meeting please make sure that the last one out has secured the outside doors. The front door should not be left on the hook unattended. Besides Church security, the Friary is home to priests & brothers who need to know they are safe.
FLOODLIGHT DEDICATION—You are able to have the Church floodlit in memory of someone. A suggested donation is £10 a week, the name of the person in whose memory it is in would appear in the newsletter. Forms are available in narthex, or from parish office.
THE SICK OF OUR PARISH - If your name or the name of a friend or relative was on the parish list of prayers for the sick, and you would like that name to remain on the list, would you please contact the Parish Office on 0121 706 0505. Data protection law obliges us to ensure that you or your friend or family member has consented to being on the list, as it can be seen by many, (e.g. church notice board) and is available for anyone to pick up. We make great efforts to ensure the church abides by new data protection and privacy law.
VEHICLE CRIME ALERT - The neighbourhood Policing Team would like to draw your attention to an increase in vehicle crime in the area. 5 crime reduction tips—ALWAYS close the windows and doors in your vehicle, DON'T leave any valuables on display and where possible do not leave ANY valuables in the vehicle such as Satnavs, Mobile Phones, Wallets, Purses, Bags or iPods, ENSURE your registration plates are fixed using 'anti tamper screws', KEEP your car keys in a safe place in your house.
KEEP YOUR VALUABLES SAFE - Please do not leave bags unattended in Church, even at Communion time. Bags and valuables should not be left on display in cars as this can present a target for thieves.