Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Fourth Sunday of Lent
The Man Born Blind
John 9.1-41
‘Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?’ asked the Pharisees, a cri-de-coeur that is echoed so many times in our own day, despite its primitive psychology. We want to find someone to blame. Why did my mother die of cancer? Why do children still die in the Gaza bombings? Whose fault is it that I grew up so neurotic?
And at times there is a human element in the blame game: bombs rain down, without mercy in both Gaza and Tehran. But Jesus was adamant: ‘Neither this man sinned nor his parents’ ...adding mysteriously that ‘he was born this way so that the works of God might be displayed in him’
People often hear this as implying that the man was conveniently placed so that Jesus could work a miracle. But Jesus didn’t work miracles to impress!
The deeper meaning is that even in his blindness the works of God were being displayed in him.
Parents of a disabled child speak on occasion of the blessing of their child. They are honest about the taxing work involved but also very aware of a blessing. A special wonder….a special honesty…..an unaffectedness… a love of simplicity... This is what the pharisees were unable to see.
But it also runs counter to our 21st century culture. We are taught to believe that only the super-fit or super-beautiful or super-intelligent have anything to teach us. Jesus sees things differently. At a deep level we all suffer from disabilities and handicaps. To wake up to this is to give God his window of opportunity and a chance to revive our drooping spirits. In other words, a chance to open the eyes of the blind.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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15th March - 22nd March 2026 |
Fourth Week of Lent |
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Fourth Sunday of Lent 15th March 1Sam 16.1b,6-7,10-13a Eph 5.8-14 John 9.8-41 9.00 People of the Parish 11.00 Niels Larsen RIP 5.00pm Stations of the Cross 6.00pm Mass Fiona Green & Family Exit Collection St Vincent de Paul (SVP) |
Dear Brothers & Sisters, We ask God’s blessing on all mothers in our parish this day, as they continue their witness of bringing life into the world and nurturing it with care. St. Patrick (Tuesday) apostle of Ireland, has a special place in the hearts of Irish people all over the world and we keep this day as special not only for Irish people and their descendants, but for missionaries too, who like St. Patrick left their homeland to spread the good news of Jesus in foreign countries. St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Wednesday) is not the best known of Saints in Britain, But was a 4th Bishop of Jerusalem when Arian heretics denied the divine origin of Jesus. For his patient catechetical explanations in defence of the Son of God he is honoured as a doctor of the church. Our own Fr. Cyril Hazelwood scj who passed away in the Friary in 2006 was named after him. Saint Joseph (Thursday) is honoured as the guardian of Jesus, and as patron saint of all fathers, foster parents & manual workers. Jesus was known as the son of the Carpenter, so on this day we honour all manual workers.
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Monday - 16th March Isaiah 65.17-21 John 4.43-54 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass Paddy & Francis Mc Loughlin RIP |
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Tuesday –17th March St.Patrick Jer 1.4-9 Luke 10.1-12, 17-20 7.00 Mass Special Intention M. W-H 10.15 Mass Seamus Flemming RIP 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday - 18th March St.Cyril of Jerusalem Isaiah 49.8-15 John 5.17-30 7.00 Mass Fr Denis McGillycuddy 10.15 Mass Maria Hartigan & sons Robert & Andrew also Kim, Julie, Peter Baker 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel) 7.30pm Christ in the Home (5 parish venues) |
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Thursday - 19th March St.Joseph husband of Mary 2Sam 7.4-5a,12-14a,16 Rom 4.13,16-18,22 Matt 1.16,18-21,24a 7.00 Mass Michael Curran RIP 10.15 Mass Carmel Joyce 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Friday - 20th March Wisdom 2.1a,12-22 John 7.1-2,10,25-30 7.00 Mass Pat Travers - Intention 10.15 Mass Sue, Mark & Paul Davies 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Saturday 21st March Jer 11.18-20 John 7.40-52 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Mary O’Hora also Roisin Gilligan RIP |
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Fifth Sunday of Lent 22nd March Ezech 17.12-14 Rom 8.8-11 John 11.1-45 9.00 People of the Parish also Mark Mc Garry RIP 11.00 Dr Dermot & Anna Grogan RIP 5.00pm Stations of the Cross 6.00pm Mass Mary & James Mc Namee Exit Collection Church Centenary Fund |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today, Mother’s day at 9.00 mass we will honour all the mothers in our parish and thank them for their loving witness.
St.Patrick’s Day on Tuesday is a special day for many in our parish with Irish heritage, and we give thanks for his missionary spirit.
St.Joseph's feast is on Tuesday, and he is one of the patrons of our Sacred Heart Congregation. Many people in our parish have a particular devotion to him. St. Joseph is patron saint of refugees, manual workers, husbands, fathers and adoptive parents. He is also patron of a happy death, as an old tradition pictures him dying in the company of Jesus & Mary.
Christ in the home takes place this Wednesday 18 March 7.30pm. An evening hour of prayer and meditation with the Blessed Sacrament, in several homes around the parish. Why not invite a neighbour or friend who may be shy of setting foot in church? (See next column for list.)
Archbishop Longley has sent a pastoral letter for us next Sunday as we hear the gospel story of the raising of Lazarus. He invites us to come alive and help others walk in the sunlight of the spirit.
Palm Sunday is only 2 weeks away, and already we look forward to ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter. Churches Together Olton always organises a joint procession of witness on Good Friday, carrying a cross in procession along the Warwick road. Why not join this year and help carry the gospel message to the ‘market place’?
On this Mother’s Day we honour Mary mother of the church and invoke her protection for all her children here in this world, especially where mothers fear for the safety of their children in war-torn lands.
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
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SCJ News:
Thailand-Next week our Regional Council will meet in Chiang Mai to focus on the needs of our member countries: India, Thailand, Vietnam & England. So Fr Biju & Fr Wilfred will both be taking part.
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Friary Snippets
CHRIST in the home: comes on Wednesday in 5 homes around the parish. Come and join at a venue near you for this time of prayer with the Blessed Sacrament.
*Mona & Rafik 263 Streetsbrook Rd B91 1HE
0121 711 1789
*Stephanie Pyne 188 St Bernards Rd B92 7BJ
*Shirley, 9 Tudor Grange House, Blossomfield Road, B91 1FN
*Siobhan Brassil 2 Bourton Road, B92 8AX
07771 458 853
*Micky & Antony 73 Broad Oaks Rd B91 1HY
07701 072 444
Washing of the feet Holy Thursday….
Volunteers needed for this beautiful part of the Holy Thursday rite. Please call the parish office of Fr Biju to help take part.
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Lenten Devotions:
Stations of the Cross in the Day Chapel during Lent on Wednesdays at 6.30pm.
Stations of the Cross on Sundays during Lent will be in Church at 5pm.
Holy Hour during Lent on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8pm in the Day Chapel, also on Thursdays after 10.15am Mass until 12 Noon and on first Fridays
Daily Rosary before Mass 9.45am & Rosary of the Unborn, Tuesdays after 10.15 Mass.
The Chosen drama series on life of Christ is now available on ‘Prime TV’ to watch. All episodes of all series. Worth seeing in Lent.
HCPT concert scheduled for next Saturday has been postponed till later in the year. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Easter and Spring. Memorial Bulbs - Please take a bulb from the basket at back of the church and take it home with you to plant in memory of your loved one.
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Marriage Matters: Fourth Sunday of Lent
1 Sam 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 Eph 5:8-14 John 9:1-41
God was aware of David’s adultery with Bethsheba, Uriah’s wife, and how he fixed Uriah’s death to hide his sin. Amid political and business ‘cover ups’ in today’s world, it’s important to ‘stop & see’ ‒ the beauty of nature, the beauty and goodness of your spouse. Don’t be too busy to recall the joys you have brought to each other.
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Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 15th March: Group B
Please pray for Matthew Gallagher RIP Funeral 17th April May he rest in peace ++
Meditation Group at Holy Souls parish meeting room 1pm: March 23rd ; April 13th & 27th; May11th & 25th; June 8th & 22nd & July 6th. All welcome.
Our Health & Safety group met in February: The Key items included ...
Church Kneelers + Rubbish in the car park, + Hall roof work + Hall safety + Max nos for hall for events + Main building issues + Car park Speed limit + Dogs in cemetery + Risk assessments for various events.
Safety in our car park is a major issue!
Please don’t park big vans or long vehicles in the front car park (St.Bernards Rd side) as it imperils other cars parking in narrow gaps or reversing after Mass. Some near misses last Sunday due to large van! Thankyou in advance for complying.
Upright Acoustic Piano in good working order, recently fully tuned. If interested, please contact Gerry Poole 07557 964 081
A new vicar for Olton Tomorrow night St.Margaret’s church will see the induction of the new vicar Reverend Louise Beasley.
Local community reps will be there, along with Annette McKenzie Mayor of Solihull
Holy Week penitential Service:This year the penitential service for our local parishes will take place here at The friary, Monday 30th march at 7.00pm. Several local priests involved will give opportunity for individual confessions.
SVP are collecting baby items for a charity that supports women, who are pregnant or with young babies while escaping abusive relationships. There’ll be a box in the narthex after all Sunday masses for the next few weeks. We seek items expectant mothers may need for a new baby including nappies, (newborn to six months), baby wipes, shampoo, baby clothes & toiletries for Mothers. Thankyou.
Parish Secretary for Chelmsley Wood Serving the Divine Mercy Partnership
Job: Parish Secretary Health & Safety Rep
Terms: Permanent/part-time all year round 12 hrs per week £14.50 per hour (3 hours a day, 4 days p.w. fixed days negotiable)
Location: Parish Office, St Anne’s Church, Chelmsley Wood. Reporting to Parish Priest
Passing of a local hero: Jack Scarisbrick: Professor John Joseph “Jack” Scarisbrick co-founder of Life died peacefully at home with his two daughters, Emma and Sarah by his side on Saturday 28 Feb. Funeral to be held on Friday 27 March at 12 noon at St Peter’s church Leamington Spa. All welcome for funeral plus refreshments afterwards. (Vigil 5.00pm for family only)
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.