Fr Austin's Holy Thought

Fifth Sunday of the Year

Sharing the Light

Mt 5.13-16

Like the Antiques Road Show, the church finds old treasures hidden in the attic of her memory that suddenly become valuable in a new age.

For many centuries Christian wisdom about caring for the earth (so important to Saint Francis of Assisi) lay half-forgotten, but today that sense is being rediscovered as we face the crisis of climate change.

Similarly St. Ignatius’ words about attending to the desires  God has planted in our hearts, is heard with fresh ears in a world that cherishes personal hopes.

Jesus’ famous lines today about salt of the earth and light of the world are a call to bring the wisdom of our Christian heritage out of the closet and let the world share in our treasures.

Some do need a ‘make-over’ so that they can connect more easily with the spirit of the age. Hence ancient Christian meditation practice has been repackaged as mindfulness; and the wisdom of the desert fathers has been repackaged in the 12-step programme of recovery from addiction.

A makeover might seem like a gimmick to some, but for others it is the precious route through which they have come to know a healing wisdom.

Many of us are thankful to people who have made that wisdom real for us: a parent, a friend, a priest, a counsellor, a sponsor or a teacher. May God bless those who have been lights to us, so that we in turn can be lights to other people.

     Perhaps our family members are among them? Neighbours & friends as well? For all these witnesses who have helped  us to access the  hidden treasures of our tradition, we give thanks & praise to God.

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

1st February - 8th February 2026	Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Fourth Sunday 1st February   Zep 2:3,3:12-1st1Co 1:26-31 Mt 5:1-12 9.00 People of the Parish 11.00 Jean & George Carmichael RIP 12.30 Baptism  6.00pm Mass  Bridget Green Exit Collection Catholic Association for Racial Justice	Dear Brothers & Sisters, Racial Justice Sunday today is stressed by our bishops to bring justice between races, and a fairer world for all ethnic groups. Exit collection supports the Catholic Association for Racial Justice. We are proud that a Friary parishioner, the late Basil Hylton, was a founder member of this group. Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) is tomorrow, 40 days after Christmas and the official end of the long Christmas season. Our Christmas Crib will be taken down after the feast. St.Blaise (Tuesday) is the patron saint of ailments of  the throat, and after mass Tuesday we offer blessing of St. Blaise. St.Werburgh (Tuesday) a 7th cent. Anglo Saxon abbess is considered a local saint, as she was in charge of several midlands monasteries. She was buried originally at Hanbury Staffs, and is patron saint of the church at Clayton where Fr Anton scj has served since 2010. St.Ansgar (Tuesday) was the 9th century apostle of Denmark & Sweden, where people who had once been Viking raiders became fervent Christians. St.Agatha (Thursday) was martyred in 4th cent Sicily and is named in the first Eucharistic Prayer, our tradition’s way of honouring those who life  details are not well known. St. Paul Miki (Friday) was a Japanese Jesuit who gave his life for Christ's sake along with 25 others 400 years ago, the first Saints from East Asia to be canonized On Friday we have Confirmation with Bishop David Evans, and celebrate this important step in the journey in faith of our young people. God bless all our loyal catechists who support them.
Monday - 2nd February Presentation of the Lord-Candlemas Day Mal 3:1-4 or Heb 2:14-18 Lk 2:22-40 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass Bridget Dillane also Andrew Holliday 7.00 Mass people of the Parish 7.45 Vigil Bernadette McCormack
Tuesday –3rd  February St.Ansgar-St.Blaise-St.Werberg 2Sam 18:9-10,14,24-25,30-19:3 Mk 5:21-43 7.00 Mass Holy Souls 10.15 Mass Anne Claveirole RIP 12.15 Requiem Bernadette McCormack RIP 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday - 4th February 2Sam 24:2,9-17 Mk 6:1-6 7.00 Mass Mrs Gabriella Cooke 10.15 Mass Joe Aleenan also Kevin Horgan  11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel)
Thursday - 5th  February St.Agatha     1Kg 2:1-4,10-12 Mk 6:7-13 7.00 Mass Holy Souls 10.15 Mass Zara Justine Hegarty RIP also Friary Flower team    11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Friday - 6th February St.Paul Miki & Companions Sir 47:2-11 Mk 6:14-29 7.00 Mass Maurice & Trudie Perry RIP 10.15 Mass Anna Traynor also Piotr Jan Sawicki RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament 7.00pm Confirmation mass
Saturday 7th February 1Kg 3:4-13 Mk 6:30-34 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Tony Mc Skeane RIP
Fifth Sunday 8th February Is 58:6-10 1Co 2:1-5 Mt 5:13-16 9.00 People of the Parish 11.00 Catherine & James Murphy RIP  6.00pm Mass  Kathryn Gilkes  Exit Collection Parish Hall Roof

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The rain poured down on us all on Friday night, but then so did the Holy Spirit, as Bishop David Evans confirmed our young people, sealing them with the spirit and making them full members of the church.

Please pray for our young people especially that they might be true to their vocation, and follow the pathway of love that our God has marked out for them. And may God bless our teachers & catechists who help prepare them for this sacrament.

We are blessed by some fine Altar Servers in this parish, who regularly serve at our weekend masses. The Diocese is running a residential retreat for servers at Alton Castle 27 Feb-March 1 (info further down) and our young servers are invited to attend.

Today February 8^th is also the feast day of St.Josephine Bakhita victim of trafficking & racial injustice. Enslaved & trafficked as a young girl, she is intercessor for all victims of trafficking, and is patron saint of one of the 4 ‘houses’ at St.Peter’s School.

On Saturday we have our annual mass of anointing of the sick, close to the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, patron of the sick and suffering. We invite anyone who experiences sickness or frailty in any way to come and celebrate the sacrament.

Some of our vulnerabilities are not visible, to others, and we might not like to talk about them, but this should not be a barrier to receiving this beautiful sacrament, so come & join us at 10:15 mass on Saturday.

May our Lady of Lourdes, patron of the sick and vulnerable keep us close to her Son Jesus as we try to imitate her son’s obedience to the will of his father.

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News: 

Holy Land: next week there is a Council of the Congregation in Bethlehem, where heads of Provinces (incl. Fr.Wilfred) meet with our General Council to reflect on our life and mission, and our presence in 15 different countries.

Separately Fr Austin will also be in the Holy Land helping to look after our novices for the month. This year we have 1 from Thailand, 1 from India, 1 from Vietnam, 1 from Ivory Coast & 1 from Central African Republic.

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Friary Snippets 

i) Irish Night March 7 at 7.00-11.00pm. Tickets £20 (include supper) from today.

(ii) HCPT concert in support of the Lourdes Special Needs Children's Pilgrimage, Saturday March 21^st. Tickets on sale soon.

(iii) HCPT Fast Supper Ash Wednesday after evening mass, also Fast Breakfast after early mass. Both in support of Lourdes Pilgrimage

Called to serve:  Altar Servers retreat at Alton Castle for young altar servers Y5-Y13 who come as a parish group, with adult leaders. Limited number of places available for young people not part of a group.

Fri 27 Feb 6:00pm - Sun 2.00pm 1 March.

Cost? £109 per young person. Adult leader places (age 19+) are £39. Bursaries available. email claire.williams@kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk

Kenelm Youth Trust & Diocesan Vocations Office work together on this retreat.

Friends of the Holy land Pancake Lunch on Pancake Tuesday 17^th February. With ongoing conflict in the Holy Land our brothers & sisters there need your support more than ever.

* Please come & enjoy homemade pancakes & a pot of tea. Suggested minimum donation £5…...from 11.00 am-1.00pm.                  

* All donations go direct to Kenilworth HQ then quickly dispensed to those in dire need via staff & volunteers in the Holy Land.

* For Friends of Holy Land info see website www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk

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Marriage Matters: Fifth Sunday

Isaiah 58:7-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Matt 5:13-16

When we married, a new flame was lit in our Church, signified by the lighting of a new candle as we made vows and became “Little Church” together. Now, as we think of our life up to now, we can see how our love has been reflected in our children, our family & our Church community.

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Wedding Jubilees 2026 If any couples are marking  25th, 30th, 40th 50th (or more!) wedding anniversaries in 2026, please pass info to Fr Biju or our Wedding Team.. weddings@oltonfriary.org.uk

Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 8^th February: Group C

Please pray for  Philip Cannell-funeral 9  Feb 10.15am;  Roisin Gilligan-funeral 9 Feb (St.Thomas More)  Brenda Anderson-funeral 10 Feb 10.15am; John Joseph O'Kane 'Jack' Funeral -23 Feb 10.15 Vigil 22 Feb 7.15pm; Seamus Fleming funeral 24 Feb 12.00, Vigil Mon 23 Feb 6.00pm; Peter Hawthorne. ++++++ May they rest in peace +++++

Meditation Group at Holy Souls parish meeting room 1pm: Feb 9^th & 23^rd: March 9^th & 23^rd April 13^th & 27^th; May11^th & 25^th; June 8^th & 22^nd  & July 6^th. All welcome.

Ministers & Readers invited to the retreat led by Fr Allan Morris here on Sat, 28 Feb.

* Retreat begins with Holy Mass at 10.15am

* coffee in hall & first conference follows.

* lunch at 1:00 pm & continue with session

* Evening Prayer at 3:30pm, ends the day.

* Fr.Biju writes: I strongly encourage all Ministers & Readers to attend this retreat without fail, a vital day for reflection, renewal, & growth in ministry. I look forward to seeing you.

Diocesan LOURDES PILGRIMAGE Monday 25 May to Saturday 30 May 2026.  

* led by Archbp Longley & Bp David Evans

* By Air. 5 nights from £986pp incl flights, accommodation, transfers & meals.

* By Coach 4 nights from £716pp incl transport, accommodation, & meals.

* Single Room Supplements both sections.

* Apply for info to Kath White: admin.lourdes@rcaob.org.uk 0121 230 6288

Father Hudson’s Race Night – a fun, social evening to raise funds our projects.

* Tuesday 10^th March 2026,7.00- 10.30pm

* Coleshill Town Hall £20 per person  

* Fish & chip supper included

* Free parking at Chantry House

but no racing on our campus!  

(i) Please observe a 5mph limit on site. We do not want any accidents to occur.

(ii) Please also observe one-way system in the car park, clearly marked by arrows.

OLC SCHOOL began ‘It Takes a Village’

Fund last year to help families in financial straits to help their children have the best educational & extra-curricular experiences. Families are invited to support the Fund as much (or little) as they can- when they can

* donations only to support OLC families

* Fund is set up via school on ParentPay and also via Friary Dona card system.

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.