Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Second Sunday of Lent
Truth and Light
Luke 9.28-36
The light of Tabor today is overshadowed by the dark suffering of the people of Ukraine, and Palestinians in Gaza. But then it always was. In Jesus' day a brittle peace was kept by the dark hand of the Roman army. Rome kept 4 legions of soldiers in Palestine. (Roman Britain only ever had 2 max)
It is distressing to see innocent civilians die in the bombing, with 1,000s made homeless. Almost as distressing to see a Russian president claim backing of Christian tradition, based on warped memories of St.Vladimir distorted to suit political ends. To atheists this is ‘proof’ of the folly of religion. And as always in war, truth is the first casualty.
What happened on Mount Tabor was part of the quest for truth amidst so much fake news. Peter, James & John had confused feelings about who Jesus really was. They loved his company, stories & miracles, but were puzzled he upset so many ‘holy’ people, and they were scared when the same ‘holy’ folk spread rumours of him being a traitor and wanted to kill him.
The answer came on Mount Tabor, where they saw Jesus as Son of God, the person he really was, and it touched their inner spirit.The voices of tradition (Moses & Elijah) were the assurance that Jesus did not betray his Jewish roots.
But most of all, the Father himself reassured them: ‘This is my Son the chosen one’.
Reassurance rarely comes to us on a mountain-top! But it does come if we listen in prayer, and are ready to trust.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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16th March - 23rd March 2025 |
Second Week of Lent 2025 |
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Second Sunday of Lent - 16th March Gn 15:5-12,17-18 Ph 3:17-4:1 Lk 9:28-36 9.00am - People of the parish 11.00am - Dermot & Anna Grogan RIP 5.00 pm - Stations of the Cross 6.00pm Mass Brenda Galvin RIP Exit Collection Lent Fast (Cafod) |
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today at 11.00 mass we celebrate the ‘scrutiny’, the moment when our parish community sees all our Journey in Faith pilgrims, whom God has chosen, and welcomes them into our parish family. St.Patrick (Monday) is honoured as the patron of Ireland and all missionaries. He is also patron saint of Nigeria. St.Cyril of Jerusalem (Tuesday) born in Judea was 4th century Jerusalem Bishop famed for his disputes with Arians who denied the divinity of Christ. Arians, powerful in politics exiled him for 17 yrs. His catechism instruction still has a very modern ring nearly 1700 years on Saint Joseph (Tuesday) is honoured as the guardian of Jesus, and patron of all fathers, foster parents & manual workers. Jesus was known as the son of the Carpenter, so today we honour all who work with their hands. St.Cuthbert (Thursday) was the hero of the Celtic church in 7th cent Northumbria St.Bede tells how he became bishop of Hexham and then succeeded to the see of Lindisfarne, and became a beacon of light and hope in an unstable world. He is saint of Hexham & Newcastle Diocese +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Jubilee Lenten Pilgrimage Walks: * Sunday 23rd March Walk to Olton Friary – leaving respective Churches at 2.00pm ETA 3.00pm. * Sunday 6 April Walk to St.Augustine’s leaving respective Churches at 2.00pm with ETA 3.00pm. * Sunday 13th April Walk from St.George & St.Teresa’s: Take bus or train from our own church to reach G & T by 2.00pm. Then walk back to respective parishes. ********************* Change of Weekday Mass timing (Monday to Friday) - from the 3rd March the first Mass will be at 7.00 am
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Monday - 17th March St.Patrick, Patron of Ireland Jr 1:4-9 Lk 10:1-12,17-20 7.00am Mass - William Gaffey 10.15am Mass - Soul of baby John Walford & Phyllis Rumgay |
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Tuesday - 18th March St.Cyril of Jerusalem (optional) Is 1:10,16-20 Mt 23:1-121 7.00am Mass Carol Allen 10.15 Requiem Nuala Butler RIP 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday - 19th March St.Joseph, husband of Mary 2S 7:4-5,12-14,16 Rm 4:13,16-18,22 Lk 2:41-51 7.00 Mass - In thanksgiving Mary Eames 10.15 Mass - Mary’s honour prayer group & Fr Dominic Innamorati SCJ 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (Day Chapel) |
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Thursday - 20th March St.Cuthbert (optional) Jr 17:5-10 Lk 16:19-31 7.00 Mass - Toni Guest 10.15 Mass 1. Diamond wedding anniversary Anne & Philip Cannell 2. Eddie & Jane Crouch 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament 6.00pm Evening Prayer & Blessed Sacrament |
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Friday - 21st March Gn 37:3-4,12-13,17-28 Mt 21:33-43,45-46 7.00 Mass - Bro Andrew Ferris SCJ 10.15 Mass Archie McMahon RIP & Jo Kirby RIP |
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Saturday 22nd March Mi 7:14-15,18-20 Lk 15:1-3,11-32 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass - Mark Singal RIP |
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Third Sunday of Lent - 23rd March Ex 3:1-8,13-15 1Co 10:1-6,10-12 Lk 13:1-9 9.00am - Mary Galvin 11.00am - People of the parish 12.30 Baptism 5.00 pm - Stations of the Cross 6.00pm Mass Marina Doherty RIP Exit Collection Our Lady of Walsingham shrine |
Notices
Dear Brothers & Sisters
This week we have two big feasts
St.Patrick (tomorrow) is patron of the people of Ireland and their descendants. He is also patron saint of Nigeria, and important in India too where many churches are dedicated to him (e.g. Bangalore). His great missionary spirit is fêted the world over.
St.Joseph comes on Wednesday and we will specially celebrate the humble willingness of St.Joseph to play his part in nurturing the Christ-child and his mother. Joseph the carpenter is patron of all manual workers.
Please continue to join our parish Lenten endeavours: Here are some of our regular items in lent:
Sundays: Stations of the Cross in church at 5.00 pm. Everyone welcome
Tuesdays: Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament 7.00-8.00pm
Wednesdays: Stations of the Cross 6.30 pm
Thursday: Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament 11.00-Midday
Christ in the home is our annual simple prayer service before the Blessed sacrament for families friends & neighbours in a dozen homes around the parish on March 26th at 7.30pm. It’s not too late to offer your own home as a venue this year. It’s a simple way in which family & friends can support one another in their Lenten journey.
Fr.Gustavo, our Superior General will be coming to visit us in a fortnight (April 1) and will be happy to meet people. This is his third visit since taking on this role in 2017. His native tongue is Spanish but he understand English fairly well.
May Mary our Mother watch over us as we imitate her son in his 40 day journey in Lent.
Fr.Biju scj Parish Priest
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SCJ News: Fr.Biju & Fr.Austin attended a safeguarding conference last week, where alarm was raised about the Assisted Dying Bill before parliament. Some points:
* this Bill is being progressed at breakneck speed. Whereas the 2004 Foxhunting Bill was given 700 hours of parliamentary time, this bill has been given just 8 hours.
* Christian carers and Christian Care Homes will not be given an opt-out
* If this bill becomes law it will be too late to protest
* write to your own MP spelling out the consequences for people you know.
Olton : Fr.Dominic went peacefully to his heavenly reward on March 1 at St.Bernards Care Home, tenderly cared for by the staff. His funeral will be here on April 7 led by Bishop David Evans, with a burial at Droitwich at 4.00pm. A vigil will be at 4.00pm the day before at Balsall Heath where he served 22 years as parish priest. Many thanks are due to parishioners who frequently visited Fr Dominic over the last few years. May he rest in peace ++++
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FRIARY SNIPPETS
Like to sing in the shower? Why not sing with our 11.00 choir as well? Like to know what a choir rehearsal looks like? Come & see! The 11.00 Parish choir invites you to a sample open rehearsal: Tuesdays 11,18 & 25 March. Rehearsals 7.30 in Church. Ring bell at Boys' Sacristy door. Try a session or two?
9.00 am Choir Do you have any children’s percussion instruments? If so, the 9am choir are looking for donations for their percussion box. If so, please deliver to 9am choir.
New tables: Tables in the parish hall have seen better days. So we’d like to buy new ones. Each new table will cost £135.46 and carries a 5-yr warranty. We need 12 tables. (Total £1625.52) Like to sponsor a table? Please contact the parish office. Already six have been sponsored, but any contributions will be gratefully received!
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Marriage matters: Second Sunday of Lent
Gen 15:5-12. 17-18; Phil 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28-36. Jesus was transfigured & was in communion with His Father. His companions were over-whelmed, hearing the Father’s voice. We can hear the voice of Jesus now – but can we listen to Him? Let’s start by listening to each other, not just ears, but eyes, hearts, our whole being, becoming really present to each other, ‘a real presence’, every day.
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Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy during the year: Week starting 16 March. Group D
Rest in Peace Mary Noleen Butler-funeral 18 March; Marjorie Benton-funeral 24 March; & Fr Dominic Innamorati-funeral 7 April.
Meditation Group, Holy Souls join us 1.00 Mondays in parish meeting room: March 24; April 7. A chance to be still, & know how much we are loved by God
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025 Jubilee Year Diocese Lourdes Pilgrim Sat 24–Fri 30 May www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/lourdes
Better still… join our parish contingent by calling Jim Noonan 07593 298704 to join Diocesan pilgrimage with Friary Group!
Parish Finance Committee met Feb 25:
* Complete 2024 Parish Accounts given (summary given to today in free sheet)
* Gift Aid to be greatly encouraged, as huge amounts still not gift-aided. Parish would benefit from the tax advantage.
* Fundraising report for the current year,
* Staff pay review to follow Diocese rules
* Hall letting Wedding & Funeral fees for the next year agreed
* Report on the new Parish Database,
* repairs & maintenance highlighted ( Parish Hall refurb. a priority),
* Health & Safety - no major issues but security of premises under constant review
Day of Renewal Saturday 22 March 2025 at The Abbey Hall, Sutton Rd, Erdington. Speaker: Jenny Baker, bring own lunch. Info: www.bccrc.org.uk Ray 07818 851 964
Diocesan Day Pilgrimage to Walsingham Saturday 10th May 2025. Please see www.walsingham.org.uk for further info.
Kenelm Youth Trust Opportunity Knocks! * Age 18–25 & want to make a difference? * Join the KYT Mission Team, & Inspire young people through youth ministry.
* Develop leadership & teamwork skills while growing in faith & sharing your faith * Be part of a dynamic team, exploring and developing your gifts.
* Gain qualifications in outdoor education. * Lifelong friendships & precious memories
See website www.kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk
200 CLUB January: 1st £125 165 Mrs C Camp-bell; 2nd £50 40 Mr N Travasso; 3rd £25 185 Hannah O’Dwyer
February: 1st £125 69 Mr H Bradley; 2nd £50 13 Mr G Poole; 3rd £25 194 Mrs V Lines
Gift Aid Envelopes Gift Aid envelopes for the new tax year now available to collect in Narthex. After 6th April, please dispose of any envelopes from previous tax year. NB your individual box number may have changed as we have streamlined the system
Pilgrims of Hope Please remember to bring your photographs for the ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ collage and any ‘Symbols of Hope’ items that you have made for the display in church. There is a box in the narthex for their collection. Thank you
Next Sunday after 9.00 Mass, in the hall, there will be activities for the children to make hope symbols for the display. Special thanks to those who have offered to help on that Sunday.
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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.