Fr Austin's Holy Thought

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Signs of Healing

John 3.3-17

       Signs and symbols have a life of their own and frequently cross cultural boundaries. The bronze serpent on a pole made by Moses (first reading) has a counterpart in Greek culture, where the serpent around the pole is the sign of Asklepios the God of healing, son of Apollo. (Aesculapius to the Romans)        People recognise it today as the symbol that adorns many a pharmacy, or institute of healing…..or even your package of prescription medicines.

       Jesus’ point about Moses and the serpent in the desert, is that just as in the past people found healing by looking at the raised serpent, so in the future people would find healing by looking at Jesus raised up on the cross.

       But our ‘look’ is not just a passive gaze. It is the look of faith that sees a Son of God who took the route of human suffering to bring us life and love.

       And the ‘look’ is a look that energises, giving us strength and hope, and  courage to follow that same pathway...that will take us on the road to calvary and the cross as well. 

      One such cross that calls us all today is the chasm of misunderstanding between cultures and ethnic groups... often wilfully exploited by ambitious politicians for personal gain.

     Could we the followers of Christ find new signs and symbols that speak across cultural boundaries? Signs that say to those marked out as ‘different’ that we belong together, and are all sons & daughters of the one Father in heaven?                       

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

14th September - 21st September 2025	Week Twenty Four
Exaltation of the Cross 14th September Num 21.4b-9  Phil 2.6-11  John 3.13-17 9.00am -Heidrun Ros Tempel RIP 11.00am-Pauline O’ Dowd RIP Anniversary 12.30 Baptism 6.00pm Mass  People of the parish Exit Aid: Catholic Education Service	Dear Brothers & Sisters On this feast of the Holy Cross we have veneration of the cross at all masses Our Lady of Sorrows, (Monday) is the counterpart of the Exaltation of the Cross, often called Mater Dolorosa. Saint Cornelius (Tuesday) was Pope at the time of the novation heresy, a puritanical current denying God's mercy to anyone who’d buckled in persecution & denied their faith. St Cyprian (also Tuesday) an African of the Berber tribe became Bp of Carthage where he stoutly defended the guidelines of Cornelius in extending God's mercy to those who had previously denied their faith. Both were martyrs under the Emperor Valerian c. 258 AD. Today many Berbers in Morocco & Algeria are still faithful Christians. St. Robert Bellamine (Wednesday) a 16th cent Italian Jesuit cardinal vigorously defended the church against the attacks of the Protestant reformers St.Hildegard of Bingen (also Wednesday) Abbess of Disobodenberg Germany won fame 900 years ago as theologian, musician & scientist, unique for a woman then. Today her heritage has been ‘rediscovered’ her music offered on CD, popular even with atheists & agnostics. St.Theodore of Tarsus in Turkey (Friday) a studious monk ordained priest at 65, was amazed when Pope Vitalian made him Archbp of Canterbury 3 yrs later. He came as peacemaker. A great linguist, he spent the next 20 yrs healing divisions between Celtic & Latin groups & died Sept 19th 690 St.Andrew Kim Taegon (Sat) & the 103 martyrs of Korea represent thousands of Korean Christians put to death for the Catholic faith in 18th & 19th centuries. The fervent Church of Korea was evangelised almost entirely by laypeople.
Monday - 15th September Our Lady of Sorrows 1Tm 2:1-8 Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35 7.00am Mass -  Private Intention 10.15 Mass Edward Crouch  also  Deborah Mulvale & family
Tuesday - 16th  September Saints Cornelius & Cyprian 1Tm 3:1-13 Lk 7:11-17 7.00am Mass Fr Gerry Bowen 10.15 Mass  Pope Leo X1V 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday - 17th September St.Robert Bellarmine St. Hildegard of Bingen 1Tm 3:14-16 Lk 7:31-35 7.00 Mass - Andrew Lockington 10.15 Mass Mary Bourke
Thursday - 18th  September 1Tm 4:12-16 Lk 7:36-50 7.00 Mass  Thanksgiving -  Midhun 10.15 Mass Bro. Raphel (Bham Oratory) also Alison Collins & family 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Friday - 19th September St.Theodore  of  Tarsus 1Tm 6:2-12 Lk 8:1-3 7.00 Mass - Robert Douglas 10.15 Mass Fraser Crouch also  Una Mc Skeane Birthday    7.00pm Mass Vocations in Life
Saturday 20th September St.Andrew Kim Taegon & martyrs of Korea 1Tn 6:13-16 Lk 8:4-15 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Michael Fernando RIP
Twenty Fifth Sunday 21st September Am 8:4-7 1Tm 2:1-8 Lk 16:1-13 9.00am -Fr David Barry 11.00am-People of the parish also  Jim & Peter Noonan 12.30 Baptism 6.00pm Mass  Mary & Sheamo RIP Exit Aid:  Catholic Evangelisation

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s feast The Exaltation of the Cross, was loved by our founder St. Michael, who knew that any disciple of Jesus would have to take up their own cross and follow him.

But he said that nobody had to invent any great sacrifice to carry the cross. He told us that if we are faithful to our calling and sincerely care for the people that God has put into our lives, then the cross will come our way automatically. Anyone who has raised a family will know the truth of this.

So today we will venerate the cross at each mass after the homily, much as we do on Good Friday. Today’s feast has been called a ‘Feast of Good Friday’ in happy times.

Today is also Education Sunday, and we have a recorded message from our Archbishop, which commends the wonderful work our teachers and governors do. It  ends with a special plea for volunteers for the role of governor.

Tomorrow’s feast of Our Lady of Sorrows also called Our Lady of Compassion, a special feast day for our own parish primary school. So tomorrow the whole school will celebrate a mass of Our Lady of Compassion in the afternoon in the school hall.

We also have a Vocations Mass this Friday: The Deanery along with the Carlo Acutis Youth Group invites you to the Vocations Mass this Friday 19^th Sept in our Friary Church at 7.00pm. Come & see who God is calling us to be.

Our lady of Compassion was the first teacher of the child Jesus in ways of faith & prayer. May she be with us all this week and keep us safe and close to Jesus her son.

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

**********************

SCJ News: 

San Bernadino, paraguay From July 15-16, ELAB (Latin American Betharram forum) was held in San Bernardino Paraguay. Religious & laypeople from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay & Uruguay all took part, along  with Superior General, Fr. Gustavo Agín SCJ

A cultural evening was also held, and each Vicariate presented music & dance typical of its own culture. The meeting concluded with a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Caacupé, Patroness of Paraguay.

**********************

Friary Snippets 

SCJ Sponsored Walk will be on Sat 27 Sept. Meet 1.00pm Our Lady & St.Patrick's church 7 Robin Hood Way, Nottingham NG2 1HJ See notice & sponsor forms at back of church

Prayer Groups have resumed in day chapel

(i) Wednesday 11. 00-12.00

(ii) Tuesday 11.00 Rosary of the unborn

Heartfelt Thanks from the Gardening Team for the generosity of our fellow parishioners. Your kind donations help us continue caring for & beautifying the church grounds, ensuring they remain a welcoming & peaceful space for all who visit. We are so grateful for your support and encouragement.

Veneration of the Holy Cross will take place after the homily today 14 Sept at all Masses.

Coffee with a Copper: all invited to drop in to parish hall for a “Coffee with a Copper” session on Saturday 20 Sept  10.30am to 12.30pm. Local bobbies here to chat and answer questions about local issues.

St Carlo Acutis youth group resumes every Friday evening (term time) Junior (Y4 & Y5) in OLOW hall 6.30pm - 8pm. Senior (Y6+) meet Olton Friary hall 6.30pm - 830pm.

Vocation youth mass - Friday 19 Sept - 7pm Info: Dan McHale 07391 889268 email danmchale27@gmail.com

Bingo Night – save the date, Sat 27 Sept.

Our parish social team is always at work planning events to suit all tastes!

**********************

Marriage Matters: Twenty Third Sunday

Numbers 21: 4-9; Philip 2: 6-11; John 3: 13-17

When worries assail us we can have courage to take a lead from Jesus; the paradox of the cross can be a sign for us. When we are at our weakest & most vulnerable, the love of a spouse can lift us up, make us whole again & strong enough to continue the beautiful life we have been given.

**********************

Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 14^th September: Group F

Rest in Peace Jean Barrile-funeral Fri 26 Sept 12.00; Dr Luciano Petrucci-funeral service Mon 29 Sept 10.45; Denis Linehan-funeral Oct 6 at 11.00am. Vigil Oct 5 at 7.30pm May they rest in peace     +++++++++

St Peter’s Open Evening Year 6 parents, upcoming Open Evening on Thursday 18^th September, 5:30pm-8:00pm

St Paul’s School for Girls Open Evening Thursday 18 September 5:00pm – 8:00pm Head’s Presentation at 5:15pm & 6:15pm

Safeguarding  The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) is making a survey of the experience of people hurt by the church in the Birmingham Archdiocese. Contributors are invited to respond via: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SSQzRY2fT0OpJmB_Xy63KLBEXoG2tlVAm_9UYqKjMSFUOTc5TzlLTEdTWkUySjhaTlU0QURaOU05SC4u

Saints & Heroes presentation: Sunday 21 Sept, 2pm: Fr Toby Lees OP presents 'Saints & Bible Heroes Who Stood for Life - Inspiration for Today's Mission'. Birmingham Oratory, Upper Hall, 141 Hagley Rd, B16 8UE. This is a 40 Days for Life event but all are welcome. Free entry. Call Isabel for more details 07773 501721 izzyvs@gmail.com

Friary flower festival October 10-11-12

Calling all participants!

* Church plan for the displays will be displayed in narthex today.

* Please know your ‘space’ via the identity number on the accompanying list.

* Pew end decorations can be sponsored in memory of a loved one. Numbers limited so please see memorial cards in narthex

* Place card in envelope plus £10 and pass to parish office.

* Volunteers needed to serve tea during ‘set up’ (wed-thur-fri) please sign list

* Volunteers also needed to be on duty during festival opening times. (3 hr slots). List also in narthex.

Olton Friary Presents: A Wonderful World Saturday 4th October, 7.30pm

* A concert in aid of our Organ fund

* Guest organist Pavlos Triantaris,

* Our own fabulous Gerry Poole,

* Olton Friary Choir,

* Dance cabaret.

* Tickets £12 on sale after Mass all Sept. or email geraldine.gnych@oltonfriary.org.uk

Journey in Faith: our programme for those seeking to join the church begins Monday 22 Sept 7.30pm. Why not bring a curious friend for this first taster session?

Holy communion programme 2025-26 starts  soon. Is your child in Y3 in Sept, at a non-Catholic school? Wish to join our holy communion program? Contact Sarah Wood  sarah.wood@oltonfriary.org.uk

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

**********************

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

**********************

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.

**********************

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.