Fr Austin's Holy Thought

First Sunday of Lent

Fighting with our Demons

 Matt 4.1-11

All of us can identify with Jesus in his struggle with the desert temptations. For even if we have never wanted to turn stones into bread like a ‘quick fix’ we still struggle every day with diets, appetites, & compulsions.

And if we’ve never been inclined to take a flying leap from a temple parapet, we still know what it is like to show off or play the big shot, so easily recognisable in other people.                      

Likewise the offer to possess ‘all the kingdoms of the world’: this is the urge to manipulate or control, and its presence is felt in the lives of everyone who has ever suffered from bullying.      

Think Putin and the people of Ukraine? No wonder the gospel links it to worship of Satan.

With the help of the Spirit, Jesus drove these temptations away, because he saw them as running away from the limitations of the human condition. Having only just recently demonstrated his solidarity with humanity by accepting baptism in the Jordan, he was not going to betray his humanity by taking easy short cuts.

But the struggle to be truly human is a struggle. It is not an easy path. And many are the temptations to take ‘short cuts’ and avoid the limitations of our humanity. The gospel cites power mania, showing off and quick fixes, but we could make our own personal list! And in the forty days of Lent we ask god’s help and his blessing in the struggle.              

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

22nd February - 1st March 2026	First Week of Lent
1st Sunday of Lent - Sunday 22nd February Gn 2:7-9,3:1-7 Rm 5:12-19 Mt 4:1-11 9.00  Mass - Bridget (Babbie) Smith RIP 11.00 Mass  Marie Laughrane 12.30 - Baptism 5.00 pm - Stations of the Cross  6.00pm Mass - People of the Parish Exit Collection: HCPT 7.15 pm Reception John Joseph O'Kane 'Jack'	Dear Brothers & Sisters, Rite of Election will take place this Sunday at St Chad’s and 17 candidates will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church over Easter  and Pentecost. Christ in the Home Wednesday 18th March 2026 at 7.30pm. Please let Fr Biju know if you would like to host Christ in the Home. ************ St Polycarp (Monday) was converted to Christianity by St John the Evangelist. He was later ordained bishop of Smyrna (now Izmir, Turkey). He was about eight-six when the Roman pro-consul urged him to renounce Christ and save his life. St Polycarp replied, ‘For eighty-six years I have served him and he has never wronged me. How can I renounced the King who has saved me?’ He was executed and his body burnt; his followers collected his relics and wrote an account of his life and martyrdom. St Gregory of Narek (Friday) Gregory was born in Armenia around 950. educated by his uncle, he entered the monastery of Narek, where he spent the rest of his life. Greatly devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he attained the heights of holiness and the mystical life. He composed several theological and mystical works, including ninety-five meditations on the Book of Lamentations. He died about the year 1005. Bereavement Support Group. Blessed are those who mourn. Our bereavement support group is a monthly gathering for anyone seeking support following a loss. All are welcome, regardless of how long ago the loss has occurred or what kind of loss one is facing. We gather the first Sunday of the month for prayer conversation and encouragement of one another as we continue on our grief journey. We are not a counselling group but promise good listening skills, respect for confidentiality and of course a cuppa. Next meeting Sunday 1st March, 3pm to 4.30pm, Friary Lounge. For information you can contact Friary Office on 7060505
Monday- 23rd  February St Polycarp Bishop & Martyr Lev 19:1-2,11-18 Mt 25:31-46 7.00 Mass  Private Intention 10.15 Mass Requiem John Joseph O'Kane 'Jack' 6.00pm Reception Seamus Flemming RIP
Tuesday –24th February Is 55:10-11 Mt 6:7-15 7.00 -  Holy Souls 10.15 - Marie Horgan & Pay Palin 10.45 Rosary of the Unborn (day chapel) 12 noon Requiem Seamus Flemming RIP 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday - 25th February Jon 3:1-10 Lk 11:29-32 7.00 Mass -  Jennifer & Mark Powell 10.15 Mass -  Julie Sharpe & Anita Giblin & Family   11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel) 7.30 pm Stations of the Cross
Thursday - 26th  February   Est 4:17 Mt 7:7-12 7.00 Mass - Kathlenn Brennan RIP   10.15 Mass - Pauliner Samathan RIP & Roisin Gilligan RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Friday - 27th February Eze 18:21-28 Mt 5:20-26 7.00 Mass  -  Brenda Anderson RIP 10.15 Mass - Stanislawa & Leon Dochon RIP Marie Horgan & Kathleen  Hopcroft RIP
Saturday 28th February St Oswald Bishop of Worcester Dt 26:16-19 Mt 5:43-48 9.30 am - Confessions 10.15 Mass– Carol Foster
2nd Sunday of Lent—1st March Gn 12:1-4 2 Tm 1:8-10 Mt 17:1-9 9.00  Mass - People of the Parish 11.00 Mass - Fr Domonic Innamorati SCJ 12.30 - Baptism 5.00 pm - Stations of the Cross  6.00pm Mass - Thresa Green & Family Exit Collection: Fast (CAFOD)

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This week the Church in England and Wales welcomed the new Archbishop of Westminster. Archbishop Richard Moth Installed the Twelfth Archbishop of Westminster, please keep him in your prayers. He served as Private Secretary to Archbishop Michael Bowen from 1992 until 2001. In 2001 he was appointed Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese. He was ordained Bishop of the Forces on 29 September 2009 in Westminster Cathedral, until his appointment as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton on 21 March 2015.   

Lent Devotions: I do encourage you to attend any of the below services

Monday - Saturday Rosary 9.45 am

Tuesday - Rosary for the unborn after 10.15 am Mass

7.00pm Adoration

Wednesday Prayer Group after 10.15 Mass

7.30pm Station of the Cross

Thursday After 10.15 Mass until Midday Adoration

Sunday 5.00pm Stations of the Cross

A helpful web-site for Lent is https://brucedownes.org/lent2026/

This Lent, Pope Leo XIV invites us to look beyond giving up things and instead transform our hearts, words, and relationships. 

“Disarm Our Language” Key Points:

* Fast from hurtful speech and choose words that heal, unite, and inspire hope.

* Listen more deeply to God and to one another, especially those who are vulnerable.

* Avoid judging or divisive language and cultivate kindness, respect, and compassion.

* Make space for Scripture and prayer, participating more fully in the life of the Church.

* Let fasting awaken mercy, opening our hearts to those who suffer. May this season help our communities’ become places of reconciliation, love, and peace.

Parish Hall Roof and Refurbishment This is due to start week commencing 2 March 2026 with scaffolding being erected the previous week. The hall roof has been leaking for sometime and is at the end of its life and following diocesan survey, the urgent work was commissioned. We do not anticipate any interruption to use of the hall and more information will follow.

May our Lady bless each one of us as we continue our Lenten observances. 

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News: 

 Holy land: Fr. Wilfred is in Bethlehem this week for the Council of the  Congregation, the  annual gathering of SCJ leaders that reflects on our life and mission.

Our Bethlehem house has been there since 1878, and it was once our house of studies. Now it is a pilgrimage hospice, and had been refurbished over the last 12 months.

When the political climate settles a little, they will gladly welcome pilgrims from the UK.

Separately Fr. Austin is in Nazareth this week as temporary chaplain to the Carmelite sisters. He will join the Novices in Bethlehem soon. 

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Friary Snippets 

i) Irish Night March 7th  at 7.00-11.00pmTickets £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.

Bingo Night Eyes down in the parish hall on Saturday 28^th February 2026 at 7pm. Everyone welcome!

Floodlights of the church in memoriam of a relative or friend would you like to take advantage of lighting the church? The names of the deceased will be published in the newsletter. Please contact the parish office to check available dates and then complete the form with the £10 donation and send to the parish office.

The Chosen , this drama series of the life of Christ is now available on ‘Prime tv’ to watch all episodes of all series 1-5 . Well worth watching during Lent.

Friends of the Holy Land would like to thank all who donated or attended the pancake lunch on Tuesday , a total of £311 was raised to help and support Christians in The Holy Land.

Important notice - If you know of any family members or neighbours who are housebound or living alone and would like to receive Holy Communion, please kindly contact the parish office.

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.

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Marriage Matters: First Sunday of Lent

(Genesis 2:7-9; 3: 1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11)  Avoid independence Today, both Eve and Jesus are tempted to become independent, to turn away from the love of God. In marriage, we can think we have a right to fulfil our own desires without considering our partner, but we need to share these deepest hopes and dreams, and be prepared to hear the impact on our loved one and our relationship.

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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 22nd February: Group E

Please pray for  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. Paul Torpey – Wed 4 March 12.30pm and Patricia Wood  - 5th March 1.30 Robin Hood.

++++++ May they rest in peace +++++

Meditation Group at Holy Souls parish meeting room 1pm: 23^rdFebruary, 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  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.