Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Fourth Sunday of Advent
A Man of Honour
Matthew 1.18-24
Not much is said in the bible about St.Joseph except that he was a ‘man of honour’. Not smart or rich, just a man of honour. How we might love to have such a description on our tombstone! Christmas cards focus on angels, kings & shepherds but rarely Joseph.
But Joseph is a symbol of our age, for the plight of Joseph & Mary, at Bethlehem, homeless and adrift, is echoed by 1000’s of families in Gaza this Christmas. For them there is no room at the Inn.
Like Joseph they are displaced by forces they can’t control. And very soon Joseph would have to flee for his life into Egypt, and seek asylum.
He had no idea what Egypt might hold, or that he’d one day return to Nazareth, or what might become of the boy Jesus.
Many Christians today feel that fragility, when secular voices query the church’s right to be here, or Christians are maligned in the market place. Like Joseph we simply don’t know what the future may hold.. for our church .. the parish.. or ourselves
The assurance given to Joseph Emmanuel God-is-with-us doesn't mean God is with us against others, but rather God is on the side of struggling humanity. This means folk of all faiths & colours, refugees, single parents & the wounded.
Joseph took this word to heart and it gave him strength to be protector of the Son of God. This man of honour, often missing from our Christmas cards is a teacher for our times.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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21st December - 28th December 2025 |
Fourth Week in Advent |
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Fourth Sunday of Advent 21st December Is 7:10-14 Rm 1:1-7 Mt 1:18-24 9.00 Andrew Cunningham RIP 11.00am Catherine & James Murphy RIP 6.00pm Mass People of the Parish Exit Collection Christmas Flowers |
Dear Brothers & Sisters, Today so near to feasting Jesus’ birth we pray for all expectant mothers and ask the Lord’s blessing on them for a safe delivery and good health for both mother and child. St.John of Kety (Tuesday) was a Polish priest of the 15th century who excelled in both science & theology, but remembered especially for love of neighbour. Christmas (Thursday) is a material feast, because we celebrate the Son of God taking shape in the flesh & blood we are made of. So it is right to make a big feast out of God becoming one of us! The Christmas Day Collection* is the annual offering to the SCJ community. It supports personal material needs like clothes, shoes, & breaks, all the things that do not come from parish funds. *Special gift aid envelope in narthex. St.Stephen’s Day (Friday) the feast of our first martyr, is also the day we bless our altar servers, at 10.15 mass this day. New medals to be given to new servers St.John the apostle (Saturday) the only evangelist among the 12, gave us the poem that begins his gospel, with its powerful line near the end: ‘The Word became flesh, and he lived among us’ Holy Family Sunday: we feast wedding jubilees & thank God for his presence in all our families. Blessing for Infants and Children at 9.00am. Blessing for Jubilee couples at 11.00am.
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Monday - 22nd December Zep 3:1-2,9-13 Mt 21:28-32 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass Ewa Sawicka (in church) 10.45-11.30 Confessions |
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Tuesday - 23rd December St.John of Kety Zep 3:1-2,9-13 Mt 21:28-32 7.00 Mass Vicky Colwill 10.15 Mass Steve Liddard (in church) 10.45-11.30 Confessions 7.00pm Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday - 24th December Christmas Eve Gn 49:2,8-10 Mt 1:1-17 (No morning Mass) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 5.00pm Carols 5.30pm Mass of Christmas People of the Parish 7.30pm Carols 8pm Mass of Christmas People of the Parish |
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Thursday - 25th December Christmas Day Jer 23:5-8 Mt 1:18-24 9.00 Mass People of the Parish 11.00 Mass People of the Parish |
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Friday - 26th December St.Stephen Jd 13:2-7,24-25 Lk 1:5-25 10.15 Mass Guild of St Stephen |
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Saturday 27th December St John the Evangelist Is 7:10-14 Lk 1:26-38 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Rita Vranch also Mary Johnson |
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Holy Family Sunday 28th December Is 7:10-14 Rm 1:1-7 Mt 1:18-24 9.00 People of the Parish also Jess McKee 11.00am George Everard RIP 6.00pm Mass Michael Brennan Exit Collection Parish Roof Fund |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Christmas Day on Thursday is the joyful feast of the birth of Jesus, who brought joy not only to Joseph and Mary in humble conditions, but a new beginning for every family in the whole world.
Rich people were born in palaces and laid in luxury cots, but the king of heaven was born in a stable and laid in a Manger.
So no matter what clouds may cast their shadow over our families this year… a recent bereavement?… an illness?… a financial misfortune?… Christmas Day is the day we mark a new beginning for our own families and the whole human race.
The baby in the Manger had no wealth, no army, and no political muscle, but this child had the power to move hearts and minds in a way that the wealthy could not.
So we rejoice with glad hearts at God’s wonderfully mysterious way of working, and give thanks that at Bethlehem the God who made heaven and earth became one of us, and took shape in & blood like ours
The child who was to be the future of the human race was entrusted to Joseph, the ‘just man’ of today’s gospel who trusted his dreams, and to Mary who trusted the angel who brought God’s message.
This Christmas we ask the blessing of Jesus Mary and Joseph on all our homes and families, to help us put our trust in the God who took our flesh & blood on that first Christmas day in Bethlehem.
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
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SCJ News:
News Nazareth: Nazareth in Israel proper is less affected by the war than Gaza or the West Bank, but tensions still affect the arab population. Fr.Jacob one of our young Indian priests has been there these last few months as chaplain to the Carmelite sisters with whom we have historic links. He is to be joined soon by Fr.Chan from Thailand. Despite the daily pressures on Palestinian Christians, there is a large ‘expat’ community of Christians from Thailand & South India who work in the hospitals & nursing homes.
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Friary Snippets
Congratulations to Edel Leydon & Jack Lynch who were married here on Friday 19 Dec. They are assured of our prayers.
Wednesday Prayer Group takes a Christmas break till Wednesday 7th January 2026.
Carlo Acutis Friday Night Youth Club also takes a break till Friday 13th January 2026. But today they are having a cake sale after 9.00mass, and thank you for your support.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS 2025 many thanks: As this year ends, we thank our fundraising group & their helpers for hard work and untiring dedication throughout the year, & share the amounts raised in recent months:
* Organ Recital, 4 October £598.00 (in aid of the Organ Fund)
* Flower Festival 10-12 October- £3146.56 (Parish Hall Roof fund)
* Quiz Night, 18 October £105.00 (Parish Hall Roof fund)
* Classical Music Night 8 November £941.50 (Parish Hall Roof fund)
* Christmas Market, 22 November £579.30 (Parish Hall Roof fund)
* Bingo Night 22 November- £235.00 (Parish Hall Roof fund)
* Christmas Wreath Workshops & Grave Posies, 28 & 29 November - £1130.00 (Parish Hall Roof fund)
* Christmas Fayre, 6 December (split between school and parish) - £5688.00 (Parish Hall Roof fund)
* Santa Sleigh event 18 December £250.00
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Marriage Matters: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-14 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 The Gospel relates how Joseph overcame serious doubts about Mary ‒ and married her! She too had faced her own fears about the future and said ‘Yes!’ We too can have doubts & lack confidence in the future, but like them we can take courage from our love for each other & God’s love for us too.
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Jubilee Mass Next Sunday 28 December, feast of The Holy Family.
* Jubilee Mass 11.00a.m. for couples with a significant Wedding Anniversary 2025.
* 1st anniversary? 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th, 55th, 60th ? ……….Please let us know.
* Spouse deceased? Can still mark the day.
Please call Fr.Biju, parish office or WeddingTeam weddings@oltonfriary.org.uk if you’d like to attend & receive a special blessing.
Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 21st December: B
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Please pray for Elizabeth Kelly-funeral 5 Jan, Ron Rollason-funeral 14th Jan, Doris Carroll –funeral 20th Jan and Philip Thomas.
May they rest in peace +++++++++++
GIVING TREE The Hudson Care Team were overwhelmed by your great generosity & support for those in need in the Diocese. All gifts have been gratefully received.
Friends of the Holy Land would also like to thank parishioners for £369.21 raised for Christians in the Holy Land, who are extremely vulnerable. Please remember our work in your prayers, giving our brothers and sisters strength to continue. Despite a shaky ceasefire in Gaza our brothers and sisters are still suffering.
Journey in Faith: takes a Christmas break till January 5th, eve of the Epiphany.
Could you be a Healthcare Volunteer in Lourdes? Are you a doctor, nurse or carer? Can give time to 2026 Lourdes Pilgrimage?
* sick pilgrims can go to Lourdes thanks to a dedicated Healthcare Team.
* If you’re a healthcare professional please consider joining us.
* info https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/lourdes-pilgrimage
Hospital Chaplaincy Chaplains in hospitals have to work to strict hospital rules today. They are only allowed to see patients who have identified themselves as catholic on admission, or patients who specifically ask to see a priest. Please remember to identify as catholic on admission, as otherwise the chaplain will not be allowed to visit you.
FATIMA 2026 Fr.Andrew at Our Lady of the Wayside, plans a 2026 Fatima pilgrimage: Sept 11-15: days in prayer & companionship
° estimated cost around £1000 p.p.
° includes flights & full board at 4* Hotel & trip to Aljustrel & Valinhos (birthplaces)
° comprehensive travel insurance
° group Masses during our stay.
° Minimum of 20 needed to make it viable
° email Maggie foxvinedesigns@gmail.com
GIFT AID…. Pennies from heaven!
* We can reclaim tax on all gifts to parish
* Each £1 given nets the parish an extra 25p
* No charge or extra tax. Just complete a Gift Aid Declaration in narthex
* Give by standing order, weekly envelope or DONA card reader.
* If you no longer pay tax, just alert the office
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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.