Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Seventh Sunday of Easter
That they all may be one!
John 17.20-26
Back in 1960 Pope John adopted Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper as the prayer for Christian Unity:
‘Father may they all be one. May they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me’.
And since then people have come to see this not only as hope for divided Christians but as a hope for divided humanity too.
For disunity among the followers of Jesus is mirrored by disunity among races, faiths and nations all over the world. None of us will solve this by Tuesday, but we could make a little contribution to unity by asking God to change some of our own habits rather than praying for those disunited people over there.
We could try to imagine how we would work with others who are also seeking unity. e.g. We could try to understand what inspires other faiths, and ask God help us listen respectfully. This is not saying (as lazy pundits do) that “all religions are the same,” but rather a quest to work with Christians of other traditions, and followers of other faiths in acts of prayer, works of mercy and action for justice. We can work with those of different political hues to understand the needs of the poor in our own country. All who have practised these simple prayer-actions have learnt that valuing what is different is difficult & costly, but also rewarding, and absolutely necessary for the good of the human race.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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1st June - 8th June 2025 |
Seventh Week of Easter 2025 |
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Seventh Sunday of Easter 1st June Ac 7:55-60 Rv 22:12-14,16-17,20 Jn 17:20-26 9.00am -People of the Parish 11.00am-George Everard RIP 12.30 Baptism 6.00pm Mass – James Hayden RIP Exit Collection Catholic Communications |
Dear Brothers & Sisters Sts. Marcellinus & Peter (Monday)- martyrs who died 304, beheaded in Rome under emperor Diocletian. Reputedly members of the Roman clergy, they are held in special honour in Rome itself, as a basilica was built over their tombs. St.Charles Lwanga & Ugandan Martyrs (Tuesday) included teenage converts, put to death in a savage persecution of the 1880’s. Pope Paul VI declared them saints in 1964 apologizing that it was beyond his remit to canonise the Anglican martyrs who also died with them. St Boniface (Thursday) a Benedictine monk from Crediton, Devon, preached in Germany and later was consecrated bishop. He then was able to organise the Church in Germany and was martyred preaching among the Frisians. St Norbert (Saturday) was born in 12th cent. Xanten, Germany. He turned away from a worldly life & retired to found an order of priests at Prémontré (France) combining prayer life & pastoral work. In England they were known as White Canons & today have a priory in Peckham ********************** On Saturday we have the youth football tournament hosted by KYT on our lawn. begins with 1015 mass in church. Next Sunday is Pentecost the day the Spirit came on the apostles & began the early church. We have a candidate, Roberto, to be confirmed this day. Second collection next Sunday goes for Brushstrokes the church project in Smethwick to help refugees. Many recall the inspired presentation of Lucy Clark of Brushstrokes at our 2024 PPC AGM. Refugees in the UK have no friends in politics. Only the church supports, recalling that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were once refugees in Egypt.
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Monday - 2nd June Sts. Marcellinus & Peter Ac 19:1-8 Jn 16:29-33 7.00am Mass - Private Intention 10.15 Mass Mrs Pauline Vince RIP |
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Tuesday - 3rd June St.Charles Lwanga & the Uganda martyrs Ac 20:17-27 Jn 17:1-11 7.00am Mass Special Intention P.C. 10.15 Mass Dolly Bridget Mc Call 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday - 4th June Ac 20:28-38 Jn 17:11-19 7.00 Mass - Late of Ward & O’Donnell families 10.15 Mass Peter J Vince 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (Day Chapel) |
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Thursday - 5th June St.Boniface Ac 22:30,23:6-11 Jn 17:20-26 7.00 Mass Pope Leo X1V 10.15 Mass Ms.Roma Ferundopalla (birthday) 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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First Friday - 6th June St.Norbert Ac 25:13-21 Jn 21:15-19 7.00 Mass - Special intention P.C 10.15 Mass - Fr Dominic Innamorati SCJ RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Saturday 7th June Ac 28:16-20,30-31 Jn 21:20-25 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Mrs Jenny Roper |
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Pentecost Sunday 8th June Ac 2:1-11 1Co 12:3-7,12-13 Jn 20:19-23 9.00am -Patrick Mc Manus RIP 11.00am-People of the Parish 12.30 Baptism 6.00pm Mass – Mervyn Darling RIP Exit Collection Brushstrokes |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our Friary Lourdes Pilgrims came home this weekend after a time of great blessing, and we thank God for their safe return.
Also back is Our Lady’s School Pilgrimage from Kitt’s Green, accompanied by Bro. Andrew scj. OLAAS chief Peter Davies has praised this trip citing it as the first primary school pilgrimage to Lourdes. He probably didn’t know that Mr.Emery, our OLC head did this regularly at his previous school!
On Saturday we have our youth football tournament on the Friary lawn, hosted by KYT. Starting with 10.15 mass in our Friary church. (see opposite page) & kicking off at 11.00. A spiritual start to the day should guarantee no foul play or bad feeling on the pitch!
Fr.Anton’s Golden jubilee comes on July 4 at Corpus Christi church Nottingham. Many have fond memories of his devoted service & wisdom here back in the 1990’s.
Like an invitation? just contact me and we can give Fr Anton an idea of numbers.
Our Jubilee Flower Festival October 11 & 12 honouring the Jubilee & Season of Creation is in full planning. ‘Pilgrims in Hope’ is the theme, and parish groups will be invited to mount displays. (call parish office to help)
Mary Mother of Jesus waited with the apostles for the day of Pentecost. Trusting in her loving presence these days we ask her to bless us, & keep us close to her Son Jesus
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
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SCJ News: India: Africa: Bro. Aurelien Emeric who spent 6 months with us at Olton last year will be ordained priest on July 12 in Ivory Coast along with fellow SCJ student Salomon Currently Bro. Aurelien is in Saint Palais in the Basque country, where he has learned to speak Basque, (the first non-Basque in our Congregation to do so) and also master Basque cuisine. Last month he welcomed our two intrepid Friary cyclists Francis & Helena on their way to Santiago. Both cyclists returned safely to Olton last week!
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Friary Snippets
The Parish & School Summer Fayre will be held on Saturday 21 June in the Friary Grounds. If you would like to be involved, please contact Emma or Annette via the parish office. Donations for Prize draw needed also. Please support if you can!
Football 2025 by KYT diocesan youth service will take place on The Friary lawn this Saturday June 7, 10.00am-4.00pm (remember 2024’s successful tournament?) This one will see teams from 2 age groups (Y6-8 & Y9-12) compete in friendly fashion starting with mass and meditation at 10.15am. Six teams already signed up. To register your own team: https://www.tfaforms.com/5178172
Blessed are those who mourn: Our Friary bereavement support group meets every month for all seeking support after a loss. All are welcome no matter what kind of loss or how long ago.
* We gather 1st Sunday of the month for prayer, conversation & encouragement of one another as we journey together.
* We aren’t a counselling group but promise good listening skills, respect for confidentiality and of course a cuppa.
* Meeting Today Sunday 1st June
3.00pm to 4.30 in Friary Lounge
* For info call parish Office 0121-706-0505 or Noleen Walsh on 0121-706-5184
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Marriage matters: Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts7:55-60; Rev22:12-14,16-17,20; Jn17:20-26
‘That the love with which you loved me may be in them and so that I may be in them’-the prayer of Jesus before returning to the Father. God made us to be channels of His love – wife to husband, vice versa, parents to children. Openness to His love enables it to flow out through us to others
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Please remember in your prayers, Thomas Elliot Mellows & Emily O’Shea married on Friday. Congratulations to the couple, and we wish them every happiness.
Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 1st June: Group C
Rest in Peace: Joseph Walker funeral 20 June Also John Larkin, a former parishioner and choir member ….May they rest in peace.
WeBelieve, 25-28 July 2025, a festival for Jubilee Year of Hope, for parish & family
* 4 days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship, in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s College, Oscott, Sutton Coldfield
* Dr.Gianna Emanuela Molla (St.Gianna Molla’s daughter) Fr Paul Murray, AnMari, Fr Toby Lees, Mgr Michael Nazir-Ali etc
* Come for whole w/e or day. Camp out.. ..stay local.. or come from home
Early Bird rate £70 for w/e or £40 per day Tickets at www.webelievefestival.com
Holy Souls Centenary Beer Festival this Saturday 7 June 2.00 - 10.00pm
* 20 Cask Beers, 6 Ciders & wine bar
* Pig Roast, BBQ and Samosa stall
* live music through the day.
* Raffle prizes include 2 nights for 2 at Crowne Plaza Stratford on Avon ½ board , * Tickets on the day £14 or £10 online https://www.trybooking.com/uk/eventlist?aid=14474
Day for Life 2025 The Church in England, Wales, Scotland, & Ireland always marks a Day for Life: this year 15 June Trinity Sunday
Right-to-life organisation alerted us last week to a possible amendment to the Crime & Policing Bill before parliament to allow abortions right up to the time of birth for any reason. Please contact your MP about this. MPs do take notice of their mailbag.
Prayer Day for Victims & Survivors of Abuse was held at St.Chad’s 10 days ago, with Mass celebrated by Bp. Timothy Menezes.
* Safeguarding work items on display
* Angels Creative Project, an ecumenical venture to assist healing from abuse
* ‘The Empty Chair’ recognising many don't feel at ease at Church, due to abuse.
* Radio interview of Bp Timothy & Claire Reay, available at Radio Maria England. https://radiomariaengland.uk/
The Parish & School Summer Fayre will be held on Saturday 21 June in the Friary Grounds. If you’d like to be involved just contact Emma or Annette via the parish office. Donations for Prize draw needed. Please support if you can!
GIFT AID……... Pennies from heaven!
* This simple system reclaims tax on all your donations to the parish via Gift Aid. * For every £1 you give, the parish gets an extra 25p back from the government.
* No charge to you, nor extra tax to pay
* All you need do is complete a Gift Aid Declaration form, available in the narthex.
* Give by standing order or via weekly envelopes or via our DONA card reader
* or give online via QR code (see paper newsletter)
* Should life change and you no longer pay tax? Just alert parish 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.