Fr Austin's Holy Thought

Baptism of the Lord

 Matthew 3.13-17

Can you still remember the day you first started school? The day you started work? The French exchange visit to Cholet when you were 14? Your first trip to Weight Watchers? Or your first time at Gamblers Anonymous? 

Can you remember how awkward you felt? And do you recall the clumsy but well-meaning attempts to make you feel at home?

Something like this happened the day that Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan. Strictly speaking he had no need to be there, but in spite of any feelings of awkwardness he insisted on a soaking like everyone else. For him this was the logical consequence of having been born in a stable rather than a palace.

He started life on the same level as us, and his outreach was to be on our level too. He identified with suffering mixed-up men and women, and was not going to talk down to anyone. 

John the Baptist vaguely grasped what was happening and tried rather clumsily to make Jesus feel at home.

The Father in heaven knew exactly what was going on, and His voice was heard from the skies: “You are my Son, my beloved!” This was the ‘outing’ of Jesus, his ‘coming out’ and the moment his real work began.

Only someone who came down to our level could speak to our hearts, and invite a response from the heart, a response that with the power of the Holy Spirit, could sweep away the debris, mistakes and the grudges of the past.

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

11th January - 18th January 2026	First Week in Ordinary Time
Baptism of the Lord 11th January Is 42.1-4, 6-7 Acts 10.34-38 Matt 3.13-17 9.00 Pauline & Geoff Hayward  11.00am Anne Murphy RIP (anniversary)  6.00pm Mass  People of the Parish   also Maggie Hase & family Exit Collection SCJ Mission school Assam	Dear Brothers & Sisters, Today the feast of Jesus’ baptism, marks the day he showed solidarity with weak humanity by accepting baptism just like the other sinners who went to John. From this day his mission began and he became important to people outside the family. Later in Acts when they chose a disciple to replace Judas they said ‘we must have one who was with us from the start, from when John baptised’ Tomorrow fêtes St. Aelred of Rievaulx the Trappist monk a generation after St Bernard who expanded the great Yorkshire Abbey of Rievaulx. He is celebrated as a spiritual writer who exalted  friendship as a pathway in the Christian life. St.Hilary of Poitiers (Tuesday) Bishop of Poitiers & Doctor of the Church, was sometimes referred to as the "Hammer of heretics" or "Athanasius of the West.” His name comes from the Latin word for happy. Pagan-born, his wife too became a Christian. Their daughter was St.Abra of Poitiers, famed for her charity Saint Anthony of Egypt (Saturday) is venerated worldwide as the father of monastic life. He lived in 3rd & 4th cent Egypt, so Orthodox monks honour him everywhere. The tiny Orthodox monastery near Church Stretton beyond the Long Mynd is dedicated to St.Anthony. (Not to be confused with Anthony of Padua) Peace Sunday comes next Sunday, and the exit collection goes to Pax Christi, the Catholic peace movement that educates people into finding non-violent ways of resolving differences. Every pope for the last 100 years has pleaded for nations to settle differences by non-violent means, and today the need is no less urgent. Older Friary parishioners heard Saint John Paul II in 1982 speak at Coventry of the folly of war and plead for war to be consigned to the history books.
Monday - 12th January St Aelred of Rievaulx Monday 12th   1Sam 1:1-8 Mk 1:14-20 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15  Mass Mrs Ann Whelan
Tuesday - 13th  January St.Hilary of Poitiers 1Sam1:9-20 Mk 1:21-28 7.00 Mass Holy Souls 10.15  Mass Mary Lennon also John Sweeney (prayer also for safe surgery: Joaquin Carter Adlington) 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday - 14th January 1Sam 3:1-10,19-20 Mk 1:29-39 7.00 Mass Special Intention J.H 10.15 Requiem Ronald Rollason RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel)
Thursday - 15th  January   1Sam 4:1-11 Mk 1:40-45 7.00 Mass Mr & Mrs J. J. Gallagher RIP  10.15 Mass Colette Ryan RIP      also   Srs. Regina &Therese, Divine Love community  11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Friday - 16th January 1Sam 8:4-7,10-22 Mk 2:1-12 7.00 Mass Sarah Smith  10.15 Mass Ellen Wilkinson also Philip Thomas
Saturday 17th January St.Anthony of Egypt 1Sam 9:1-4,17-19,10:1 Mk 2:13-17 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Fr Biju SCJ
Second Sunday Ordinary Time 18th January Is 49:3,5-6 1Co 1:1-3 Jn 1:29-34 9.00 Norah Donnelly RIP  11.00am Charles Bernoski RIP  6.00pm Mass  People of the Parish Exit Collection: Pax Christi

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the short Christmas season. The long season continues to Candlemas Day February 2, and in line with the Diocese of Rome, we keep our crib till Candlemas.

We welcomed children back to school last week. Our teachers who had only a short break over Christmas have been going above and beyond the call of duty in trying to respond to needs of the children. May God bless & support their work.

We welcome children for baptism every Sunday. Praise God for our catechists, helpers & stewards who assist.

We welcome engaged couples at 9.00 mass in 2 weeks time (Sunday 25 Jan) the day we hear of Jesus calling the disciples. May God bless them all as they answer the call to commit themselves  to one another and prepare for their weddings this year.

We welcome many kinds of mourners, at our monthly bereavement group. Part of Christian witness is simply to do as St. Paul said: ‘Mourn with those who mourn’ (Rom 12.15) It is a way to assure people that God hears them. Newcomers are welcome to join on the first Sunday of every month.

All Ministers & Readers are warmly invited to attend the annual retreat for Ministers & Readers, to be held here at Olton Friary on Saturday, 28th February.

* 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.

* The retreat to be led by Fr Allan Morris,

* I strongly encourage all Ministers & Readers to attend this retreat without fail, as it is an important opportunity for reflection, renewal, and growth in our ministry.

I look forward to seeing you.

May our Mother Mary who welcomed the Magi at Bethlehem draw us all closer to the child Jesus this new year to worship in awe & wonder.    

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News: 

Bethlehem: In just six weeks time our Council of the Congregation will meet in Bethlehem for a week. This Council which usually meets annually in Rome, will gather in Bethlehem as a sign of solidarity with the suffering people of the Holy Land.

Our Council of the Congregation consists of  the five General  Councillors, plus the heads of Regions– which includes Fr Wilfred.

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Friary Snippets 

Our Wednesday prayer group restarts this week in the Day Chapel at 11.00am.

Carlo Acutis Friday Night Youth Club also resumes this Friday 16^th January .

We welcome genuine seekers to our parish Journey-in-Faith programme, now in its sixteenth week running on Monday night. Please pray for the ‘seekers’.

LOST PROPERTY the Lost Property drawer in the Sacristy, is full! If you think you may have lost an item in church, please check with one of the Welcomers and look in the drawer in the Sacristy before Monday 19^th January when the drawer will be emptied.

Recent wintry weather has exposed us to austere conditions in Day Chapel & Lounge as flooding damaged the heating system. Repairs are in hand, but may take a while. Meanwhile we shall use fan heaters whenever we have events in chapel or lounge.

Ancient church tradition bids us announce dates of moveable feasts at Epiphany:

* Ash Wednesday falls on February 18

* Easter Sunday is on April 5

* Ascension Day is on May 14

* Pentecost is on May 24

* Corpus Christi is on Sunday June 7

* Sacred Heart feast is on Friday June 12

* Advent begins November 29

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Marriage Matters: Baptism of the Lord

Is 42:1–4, 6-7 Acts 10:34-38 Matt 3:13-17 Today, Isaiah and Matthew talk of Jesus being ‘the Chosen One’ & ‘the Beloved’. So often, we are aware of times when our partner annoys us. We need to develop a sensitivity so that, when we are tempted to be critical, we remember that this is my ‘chosen one’ and look for ways to affirm our partner, our ‘beloved’.

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Engaged Couples: On Sunday January 25  at 9.00 Mass, we welcome all engaged couples to be married in 2026 at the Friary to receive a special blessing. Short meeting after Mass in the Lounge will follow.

Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 11^th January: E

Please pray for Ron Rollason-funeral 14^th Jan, Doris Carroll funeral 20^th Jan, Michael Anthony Bernard O’Reilly-funeral 30 Jan: Robin Hood 1.00pm, Philip Thomas Roisin Gilligan, Philip Cannell & Brenda Anderson. ++May they rest in peace ++

Meditation Group Upcoming 2026 dates at Holy Souls parish meeting room.

* Mondays: 1pm:  January 12^th & 26^th; February 9^th & 23^rd: March 9^th & 23^rd; April 13^th and 27^th; May11^th and 25^th; June 8^th & 22^nd and July 6^th. All welcome.

Justice and Peace This year the Justice & Peace Retreat is on Saturday 28 February at St Paul's Convent, Selly Park, B29 7LL . More info will be circulated nearer the time when you will be able to book.

The West Indian Catholic Chaplaincy: Birmingham Racial Justice week event: Saturday 7^th Feb 2026 10:30 for 11am start. Rev Dr Carlton Turner, Tutor in Contextual & Mission Studies at Queen's Foundation, Birmingham, will speak about Black Spirituality and Theology in Everyday Life. There will be time for discussion and sharing from our own experience.

Christian Unity Week starts next Sunday a time of prayer that divisions among Christians will cease, and stronger witness be given to the healing truth of the gospel.

* Olton churches take it in turns each year to host a joint service.

* this year Olton Baptist Church will host at ‘The Branch’ on Warwick Road.

* It will be a ‘drop-in’ event Friday 23 Jan

* The church will be open 2.00pm–6.00pm so that people can call in for half an hour whenever they want, to pray for unity.

* It ends with a short prayer rite at 5.30

MATCHED GIVING If any parishioners have a donation matching scheme through their employer, please consider making a match for the events fundraising in the parish!

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.