Fr Austin's Holy Thought

Easter Sunday

News That Energises

Jn 20.1-9; Lk 24.1-12

       When news of war and killing, or corruption in politics dominate the airwaves it is easy to tire of current affairs and just switch off.

        Bad news makes us weary.

        And for the first disciples 2,000 years ago Good Friday was really bad news. It drained the energy from the apostles. But Mary of Magdala was first to realise what had happened, but it didn’t come to her like a news flash or a text message; it came slowly to a grieving heart, and it took some time to sink in. Peter and the others followed soon afterwards, but they too were slow to get the point. Why so?

      Because Jesus risen is a truth that only the broken could perceive. When you see a family feud healed by the power of forgiveness then you know that Jesus is alive. When you see a wasted life rebuilt on Christ after a decade of hopeless addiction then you know that Jesus is alive.

     When you see people in ethnic conflicts become a community after finding their common humanity, then you know that Jesus is alive .

     We cannot get hold of this kind of truth as though it were a mathematical formula. In fact we have to let the truth take hold of us!  Mary, Peter and the others slowly began to see this Easter Sunday morning and let the mystery of Jesus risen take hold of their broken hearts. For proof we only have to see how their lives were energised and changed.

 

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

 

20th April - 27th April 2025	Easter Week 2025
Easter Sunday - 20th April Acts10.34a,37-43 1Cor 5.6b-8  Jn 20:1-9 9.00am - Margaret Troth RIP 11.00am - Grazia De-Feo RIP  6.00pm Mass People of the parish  Exit Collection Annual gift to SCJ community	Dear Brothers & Sisters Easter is our greatest feast so everyday this week is Easter.TV ads styled yesterday as Easter Saturday but we know differently: Easter Saturday is April 26th! St. George’s Day (23rd) as a result is deferred to next week, Monday 28 April. So also is Shakespeare Day. This week is a time for immersing ourselves in the mystery of the risen Jesus. The scriptures at mass each day tell us of different appearances of Jesus to his disciples after rising from the dead. They happen in different situations, but they all have four things in common. (i) for some reason, the disciples don’t recognise him at first. (ii) Then Jesus says something, or does something to jog their memory. (iii)  Their eyes are suddenly opened and they understand who he is. (iv) The joy of Jesus risen fills them with energy and they run to tell each others all about it. Wednesday is Emmaus Day in our SCJ Congregation, as the gospel tells of the disciples who recognise Jesus in the ‘breaking of the bread’ in the Inn at Emmaus after walking with him. Holy land Pilgrims will know that there are 3 contenders for the real Emmaus site: 1 owned by Franciscans, 1 by Benedictines and the third by ourselves. Ours is the only one that corresponds to the distance from Jerusalem given by St.Luke, verified by Codex Sinaiticus in the British Museum, the oldest copy of St. Luke’s gospel in existence. In the 1967 Six-Day-War the Israeli army planned to shell Emmaus due to heavy resistance in Amwas the local village. Mediation with Israeli General Moshe Dayan by SCJ Superior Fr. Medabielle, saved the site from destruction.
Monday - 21st March Ac 2:14,22-23 Mt 28:8-15 7.00am Mass - Special Intention RIP 10.15 Mass Teresa Collins & Frances Bennett RIP
Tuesday - 22nd April Ac 2:36-41 Jn 20:11-18 7.00am Mass Mr Jones  10.15 Mass Special Intention  &            Gavin Morrice RIP 1st Anniversary  7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday - 23rd April Ac 3:1-10 Lk 24:13-35 7.00 Mass - Shirley Finn 10.15 Mass – Wendy Cleary (retirement)      Beatrice Williams RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (Day Chapel)
Thursday - 24th April Ac 3:11-26 Lk 24:35-48 7.00 Mass Margaret Berry RIP 10.15 Ros Sherman (birthday intention) &  Amanda Street
Friday - 25th April Ac 4:1-12 Jn 21:1-014 7.00 Mass Sean Holland  10.15 Mass Patrick Byrnes RIP               & John Cowman RIP
Saturday 26th April Ac 4:13-21 Mk 16:9-15 9.30 Confessions 10.15 mass Danielle Mc Skeane RIP         & Fr Paul Johnson
Second Sunday Easter-Divine Mercy-27th April Ac 5:12-16 Rv 1:9-13,17-19 Jn 20:19-31 9.00am - Gerry Eustace RIP 1st Anniversary  11.00am - People of the Parish 12.30 Baptism 6.00pm Mass Elizabeth (Betty ) Hayden Exit Collection Friends of the Holy Land FHL

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers & Sisters

Our Sacred Heart community wishes you all a very happy Easter, and all the blessings for your family & friends this Easter season. This is a time of blessing, when the power of the risen Jesus becomes more real in our lives. This mystery becomes very real when we admit our brokenness to God.

We were blessed during Holy Week by the work of all our wonderful readers, musicians, servers, Eucharistic ministers, stewards, welcomers and collectors who all worked so hard to make our Holy Week ceremonies both worthy and reverent.

We were blessed at the Easter Vigil by the nine people who were received into the Catholic Church & confirmed at the vigil. May God bless the catechists & sponsors & all who helped in their journey in faith.

Our Sacred Heart Community was blessed by the kind wishes, cards, prayers & gifts that came to us this Easter. We are grateful for the appreciation show us these days. Our community is also blessed by your kind Easter offerings this weekend. These go to fund personal needs like clothes, shoes, cars, books, holidays, room furnishings, as well as care of our elderly.

Next Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, and we celebrate the devotion and the insights into the mercy of Jesus made popular by two Polish saints of modern times: Sister Faustina Kowalska and Pope John Paul II. The Novena of the feast began Good Friday

St.George patron saint of England because of Easter is postponed till next Monday. He is popular not only in England but also in India, where he is invoked for defence against snakes. In fact he is a patron of  Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Aragon, Catalonia, Palestine, Portugal, Germany, Greece, and Moscow too!

And may Mary our Mother who stood by  the cross Good Friday, stand by us as we embrace the risen Jesus. God bless you all.

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News: Paraguay: On March 19, in the Parish dedicated to St Joseph, patron of the Church & our Congregation, his feast was celebrated with a procession beginning at the tower of "Colegio San José”, presided over by Bp.Ignacio Gogorza SCJ, Betharram Bp.Emeritus of Encarnación, assisted by Bp. Claudio Silvero SCJ, also Bp Emeritus of Encarnación & new PP Fr.Crispín Villalba SCJ

Many faithful took part, especially former students of the College celebrating 60, 50 and 25 years of graduation. A historic event was held prior: the school & parish neighbourhood was dedicated to St Joseph.

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FRIARY SNIPPETS

Journeying in Hope: Parishioners Francis & Helena Madden continue their 2000km cycle pilgrim run to Compostela, having covered 300+ km so far. They are somewhere north of Limoges at present, and you can follow their progess on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/francis.madden.399

Why not consider an Easter gift to the local charity they support which helps refugees?

https://www.justgiving.com/page/francis-madden-vezelay-santiago

Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage 2025

Married couples keeping a major anniversary (& those to be wed 2025) are invited to the annual Diocesan Mass for Marriage, St.Chad's Cathedral, celebrated by Bp Richard Walker, 12.00 Sat May 3, followed by refreshments. See www.vocations.org.uk/marriage-mass and confirm attendance to cathedral asap.

St Peregrine Prayer Group Join us this Friday 25 April for our 2pm meeting in the Day Chapel, and for tea & chat afterwards.

Gift Aid Envelopes: a slight slip-up …… The new 2025/6 Gift Aid envelope boxes wrongly included one for Easter Offertory. Please ignore it as today’s Easter envelope is the SCJ community envelope. Not got an SCJ one? Ask a welcomer in the narthex today.

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Marriage matters: Easter Sunday

Acts 10:34, 37-43; Col 3:1-4; John 20:1-9

Today’s theme is new life. It reminds us of our promise to be a source of life to each other each day in tenderness, understanding reassurance & praise, yet also in forgiving our spouse when they are vulnerable and full of  self-doubt.  Today’s a good day to thank God for all the life we’ve received.

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 Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 20 April. Group C

Rest in Peace:  3 former parishioners who died recently Diana Turnbull (Wales), Barry Taylor (Derbyshire) and Peter Cullen (Lincs.) 

Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025 Jubilee Year Diocesan Pilgrimage Sat 24–Fri 30 May www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/lourdes 

Better still… join our parish contingent by calling Jim Noonan 07593 298704 to join Diocesan pilgrimage with Friary Group!

UK PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE : 57 years since the Abortion Act was implemented in UK March for Life UK will hold a candlelight vigil next Sunday 27 April at 7.00pm in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Organisers will supply all candles & posters. A quiet time of prayerful reflection & input from religious leaders. Finish by 8.30pm. Though a Christian prayer evening, those without religious beliefs welcome. For info see: info@marchforlife.co.uk  

Jubilee year: Sincere thank s to Pat Bishop for the Symbols of Hope by the baptism font, made by the children. Thanks too, to Siobahn Brassil for the new Jubilee banner in church, and thanks also to Andrew Lockington for Jubilee prayer cards

Guild of St.Stephen National Mass for Altar Servers Saturday 17 May 12.15pm at Lancaster cathedral

coincides with 100yrs of Lancaster Diocese & the Holy Year. Light refreshments after, and chance to meet servers from different Dioceses. Confirm attendance by Sunday 27 April

Pilgrimage to Pentecost: A new course to be launched by the Southwark Diocese on Zoom after Easter. Aim? To follow in foot-steps of Mary & the Apostles and come to a deeper relationship with Christ. Starts week beginning 27 April. For more info: https://aec.rcaos.org.uk/p2p  

Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6Q4uv_76zLiUHOjoALWzhUP0DlAYunjZxQ_4mG_P-achr7A/viewform

Assisted Dying Bill.. Now the next reading of the Bill has been postponed till May, it is still very important to write to your MP to express an opinion, especially as nearly all the original promised safeguards have been dropped. Your MP’s address is simple: House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA 

WeBelieve 25-28 July 2025 Jubilee festival for Year of Hope, for parish & family

* 4 days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship, at St Mary’s College, Oscott

* Dr.Gianna Emanuela Molla (St.Gianna’s daughter) Fr Paul Murray, singer AnMari, Fr Toby Lees,  Mgr Michael Nazir-Ali etc 

* Come whole w/e or day. Camp out.. ..

Early Bird rate £70 for w/e or £40 per day Tickets at www.webelievefestival.com

My old man’s a dustman: From April 2025

Catholic church in the UK pays a minimum wage of £12.72 per hour to all employees. Refuse collectors in Birmingham & Solihull start on less than this..……..

(NB Priests are not included in this deal!)

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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.