Fr Austin's Holy Thought

Fifth Sunday of Lent

This Stinks!

 John 11.1-45

The old King James Bible used to put it so bluntly: when Martha tried to stop Jesus going into the tomb to see the dead Lazarus she said simply “Lord, he stinketh!” 

There are many things that stink today besides dead bodies. When we see corruption in business, Government, or local politics, we often say “something stinks”.    

And if a politician casually starts a war that is spinning way out of control, we say ‘something stinks’. And if a friendship turns sour, people seem to treat us as if we smell.

Or if we become locked into a condition that cuts us off from others (depression … drugs … self pity ..) we feel like Lazarus in the tomb, unattractive, unreachable, stale and stinky.

      Into this human ‘stink’ Jesus comes calling, often through the loving touch of people who never gave up on us, sometimes through total strangers who understand our suffering and isolation because they have been through it themselves, and sometimes through brave honest voices in public life who refuse to be silenced. Lazarus is all around us today, but so is Jesus who comes to unbind us and let us go free.         

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

22nd March - 29th March 2026	Fifth Week of Lent
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	Dear Brothers & Sisters, The raising of Lazarus is the focus of today's gospel, and looks both to past & future. It echoes today’s words from Ezekiel about the day when God will open our graves & bring us back to life. But it also looks ahead because it is a sign of the resurrection, not only for Jesus but also our own personal rising when we’ll see the Lord face to face The gospels this week are from St John, telling of mounting tension between Jesus and those who oppose him that is going to lead to the dramatic events of Palm Sunday & Good Friday. Saturday’s gospel (11.45-56) tells how Jesus and disciples retired to Ephraim, a village north of Jerusalem for prayerful respite before the confrontation of Palm Sunday. Could we find time this week for our own prayerful respite? On Palm Sunday we shall bless palms and distribute them at all masses. Why not take a palm home for a neighbour? Our Holy Week leaflet gives times of all services, including confessions, stations of the cross and Easter Triduum. Please take a copy home. You will see that we have our Penitential Service on Monday at 7.00pm. Please take a leaflet home with you. On Good Friday morning we have our inter-church Way of the Cross starting at Dovehouse Parade at 10.30, finishing at Claridge House Warwick Rd. Our own Children’s Way of the cross begins 10.45 On Holy Thursday at the mass of the Lord’s Supper, the priest washes the feet of 12 disciples, as Jesus did. Three more volunteers are needed for this beautiful ceremony. So why not become one of them? Just call our parish office during the week to give your name and contact number.
Monday - 23rd March Daniel 13.1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62 65.17-21 John .1-11 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass  Mary Galvin RIP also for Peace
Tuesday –24th  March Numbers 21.4-9  John 8.21-30 7.00 Mass Special Intention J.F 10.15 Mass Ray O’Brien RIP 10.45 Rosary for the unborn 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday - 25th March Anunciation of the Lord Isaiah 7.10-14,8.10c heb 10.4-10 Luke 1.26-38 7.00 Mass Roisin Gilligan RIP 10.15 Mass Mary’s & St Michael’s Servants of the homeless also Jo &Tim Mc Aleenan 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel) 6.30pm Stations of the Cross (day chapel)
Thursday - 26th  March     Gen 17.3-9 John 8.51-59 7.00 Mass Edward Mc Govern RIP 10.15 Mass Monica, Stefan Piotr Sawicki 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Friday - 27th March Jer 20.10-13 John 10.31-42 7.00 Mass Ann O’Leary 10.15 Mass  Andrew Lockington RIP - 60th birthday
Saturday 28th March Ezek 37.21-28 John 11.45-56 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Maureen McCallam special birthday
Palm Sunday 29th March Matt 21-1-11 Isaiah 50.4-7 Phil 2.6-11 Matt 27.11-54 9.00 Patricia Ganderton RIP 11.00 People of the parish also Helen & Derek Price (Ruby wedding) 5.00pm Stations of the Cross  6.00pm Mass  Kathryn Gilkes RIP Exit Collection Easter Flowers

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

There are signs of spring in the air at last after a long cold & wet winter, as we look to British Summer Time next w/e. It is the season of new life, and we look ahead to Easter to celebrate the life of the risen Lord and the new hope for humanity.

Hope in time of war is our precious gift to the world. And as we look forward to events of Holy Week we look to Jesus who broke the cycle of violence

Many sincere thanks to the families who hosted ‘Christ in the Home’ last Wednesday night, in half a dozen venues around the parish. Many were grateful for this time of prayer in a domestic setting. This made it more real for many people, for it is primarily in our own homes and families that we find the living Jesus.

Many thanks too for the efforts of people in the parish who have raised funds for our parish hall roof, including recent events like the Irish Night on March 6 and other events yet to come.

The roof repair is almost finished ….weeks ahead of schedule, and we plan to refurbish the interior over the summer holidays.

The feast of the Annunciation on Wednesday honours Mary’s response to the request to become the mother of God. It was the most crucial “yes” in world history making possible the birth of the saviour.

We ask Mary, mother of Jesus and our mother too, to guide the steps of our leaders into a pathway of peace, and to give us her blessing and maternal protection.  

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News: 

Thailand-This week our Regional Council meets in Chiang Mai to focus on the needs of our Region’s member countries: India, Thailand, Vietnam & England. So Fr Biju & Fr Wilfred will both be taking part.

Bethlehem: Fr.Stervin reports that the missile attacks continue, and that explosions shake doors and windows several times a day. He affirms that Bethlehem itself is not a target, but debris from intercepted missiles can fall anywhere. On Wednesday twisted rocket parts fell on the Shepherds Field nearby.

Nazareth: Fr.Gaspar reports that even more bangs and explosions can be heard in Galilee as missiles rain down from Lebanon. As with all wars, refugees multiply all the time. There are over 100,000 displaced persons in Israel and over a million in Lebanon. The constant pleas of Pope Leo for leaders to negotiate a peace seem to fall on deaf ears at present.

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Friary Snippets 

 Washing of the feet Holy Thursday….

Volunteers needed for this beautiful part of the Holy Thursday rite. Please call the parish office or Fr Biju to help take part.

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 yesterday has been postponed till November, later this year. Apologies for 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: Fifth Sunday of Lent

Ezekiel 37:12-14 Romans 8:8-11 John 11:1-45

Ezekiel’s words apply to us when we are going through tough times in our relation-ship, when intimacy, physical or otherwise seems impossible. At such times Jesus weeps for us as He did for Lazarus. He will bring us back together if we ask Him and are willing to be vulnerable enough to explore together the changes we need to make.

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Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 22^nd March: Group C

Please pray for  Matthew Gallagher RIP Funeral 17^th April  May he rest in peace ++

Funeral of Professor JJ Scarisbrick to be held Friday 27 March 12 noon at St Peter’s  Leamington Spa. All welcome for funeral & refreshments (Vigil 5.00pm- family only)

Meditation Group at Holy Souls parish meeting room 1pm: March 23^rd ; April 13^th & 27^th; May11^th & 25^th; June 8^th & 22^nd  & July 6^th. All welcome.

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 recently due to a large van!  Thankyou in advance for complying.

A new vicar at Olton Last Monday night St.Margaret’s church saw the induction of their new vicar Rev. Louise Beasley. Local community reps were 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 30^th march at 7.00pm. Several local priests involved will give opportunity for individual confessions..

2026 Walsingham Diocesan Day Pilgrimage Saturday 9^th May: Pilgrims invited to arrive at the Shrine by 11am.  Visit Slipper Chapel & Chapel of Reconciliation & Shrine shop & café before Mass 1.30pm in Chapel of Reconciliation. 3pm Procession to Priory ruins in village ending with time of prayer at the site of the Holy House. Depart 5pm

Solihull Downs Syndrome Support Group

* Annual Friends & Family Fundraising Fun Night Friday 17 April, Shirley British Legion

* 6.30 Junior Disco 7.45 Main Event Bingo

* Fun Quiz, Disco, Giveaways, Raffle, Bar. Tickets Adults £6 Under 18s Free. Contact Patrick 07305 330940. 

200 CLUB winners January 2026 1^st £125

126 Mrs C Butler; 2^nd £50 77 Miss E Green  3^rd £25 36 Mr R Evans.

February 2026 winners: 1^st £125 67 Mrs C Nicolson; 2^nd £50 118 Mrs Devolle; 3^rd £25 73 Mr and Mrs Gray.

The Fatima Saints in Birmingham

* Relics of St.Jacinta & St.Francesco, Fatima children, are coming to the UK this year.

* World Apostolate of Fatima will bring them for veneration to St.Chad’s June 28.

* The children were only 9 & 11 when they died in the 1919 flu epidemic

* despite popular opinion then, the Vatican declared them too young to be canonised.

* But Pope Francis waived this in 2017  and  canonised them 100yrs after the apparitions

Gift Aid boxes available in the narthex for the new tax year. Please collect your box.

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.