Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Twenty Seventh Sunday
More Than a Good Bloke
Luke 17.5-10
Most people in Britain don’t belong to a church so we know that as practising Christians we are a minority. Moslems are a slightly smaller minority, while Jews, Buddhists and Hindus are smaller still.
And the majority who have no faith? What do they think of Jesus?
If they think of him at all, most accept that he was ‘a good bloke’ who had some smart ideas for a better world, but later fanatics like Peter and Paul messed the whole thing up with rules and ‘religion’.
So today’s gospel words about a faith that can uproot trees and plant them in the sea sound suspiciously like the words of a religious fanatic! What is going on here?
Firstly when the Apostles asked Jesus for more faith they thought faith was about putting a little more effort into believing against the odds.
But for Jesus faith is about a relationship. The most faithful people are not those with the most will-power but those who are on fire with love of the Lord.
Then if we are aflame with love, we will be inspired to serve with love, and not for our own glory.
Hence the mini-parable about service, using a homely image of work on the farm: We love, therefore we serve. Husbands & wives who have served each other and their children will know this by their own experience.
Then finally, only Jesus’ love could motivate us to serve.
A ‘good bloke’ could not inspire this kind of service, but the Son of God who shared our humanity and gave his life for us surely could. And when we ask for an increase of faith we are asking to grow closer in love with him. This kind of faith can indeed work miracles.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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5th October - 12th October 2025 |
Week Twenty Seven |
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Twenty Seventh Sunday 5th October Ha 1:2-3,2:2-4 2Tm 1:6-8,13-14 Lk 17:5-10 9.00 Fr.Biju Antony SCJ & People of the parish 11.00am-Sean Walsh RIP Anniversary 12.30 Baptism 6.00pm Mass Michael Mc Menamin RIP 7.30pm Vigil Dennis Linehan RIP Exit Collection Harvest Fast (CAFOD) |
Dear Brothers & Sisters Sister Faustina Kowalska would have been celebrated today (Oct 5) but the Sunday took precedence. She died of TB in 1938 aged only 33. But the devotion to Divine Mercy she inspired (because of revelations given) stir millions all over the world. She was canonised by Pope John Paul II in 2000. St.Bruno (Monday) scandalised by messy church politics in 1084, founded the Carthusians, a commune of hermits in bleak hill country to protest against power politics. But he was much in demand from bishops & popes as adviser. A later generation of monks earned a living by making Chartreuse. Our Lady of the Rosary (Tuesday) marks October as month of the Rosary. We always have rosary daily in chapel before 10.15 mass. St. John Henry Newman (Thursday) who was often maligned by jealous contemporaries, but whose goodness & clear mind gave the church a precious legacy. Against prevailing winds of the day, he insisted that catholic doctrine should develop to be faithful to Christ and that lay people must have a voice in this movement. St.Paulinus (Friday) 1st Bp. of York was sent by Pope Gregory in 601 as apostle to Anglo-Saxons. He baptised King Edwin of Northumbria King Edwin, & also the future St.Hilda of Whitby. St.John XXIII (Saturday) was only pope for five years, but God used him to let fresh air into the church, & begin a process that still continues. Blessed William Howard (also Saturday) grandson of St.Philip Howard was like him a martyr of penal times. The present Duke of Norfolk is a descendant.
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Monday - 6th October St.Bruno Jonah 1.1-17; 2.10 Luke 10.25-37 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass Beverley Baker also Andrew Lockington RIP 11.00 Requiem Dennis Linehan RIP |
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Tuesday - 7th October Our Lady of the Rosary Jonah 3.1-10 Lk 10:38-42 7.00am No Mass 10.15 Communion Service 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday - 8th October Jonah 4.1-11 Lk 11:1-4 7.00 No Mass 10.15 Mass Communion Service |
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Thursday - 9th October Saint John Henry Newman 2 Tim 4.1-5 John 15:9-17 7.00 No Mass 10.15 Communion Service 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Friday - 10th October St.Paulinus Joel 1:13-15; 2.1-2 Lk 11:15-26 7.00 No Mass 10.15 Communion Service 6.00pm Mass Jubilee of Hope |
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Saturday 11th October St.John XXIII Blessed William Howard Joel 3.12-21 Lk 11:27-28 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Rosaleen O’Brien also Mike Russell |
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Twenty Eighth Sunday 12th October 2 Kings 5:14-17 2Tm 2:8-13 Lk 17:11-19 9.00 Barry Taylor RIP 11.00am-Leslie Wasdell RIP 12.30 Baptism 6.00pm Mass People of the parish also Mary Fallon RIP Exit Collection Flower Festival |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
A big thankyou to all who took part in the ‘Wonderful World’ organ concert last night. The music and the dance was a joy to see. As well as the money raised towards our church organ repairs, there was a big harvest of good will & good spirit. Thanks to all.
Today we give thanks for the harvest, and our 9.00 mass will celebrate the fruits of the earth. Food visible on the sanctuary today was given by families in the parish and will be distributed to needy people over the next seven days.
It is with some sadness that we note that so many families in Solihull & Birmingham need to depend on food banks. In a fairer world this would not be necessary. But we will show by our actions that we do not forget our neighbour. And we will continue to work for a world of fairness.
Our Friary Flower Festival opens this Friday 10th of October. We keep the Jubilee theme Pilgrims into Hope offering hope to a world that often despairs of the futility of human existence. So our festival spreads the gospel message through the beauty of our displays Many groups in the parish are mounting beautiful displays, and the talent & artistry this will unleash will be a wonderful window for the creativity within our parish.
Bishop David Evans will lead the opening mass this Friday at 6.00pm and the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie will attend the 11.00 am mass on Sunday. Let us welcome them both to our parish.
The festival will be open all day Saturday after the morning mass, Sunday from Midday to evening mass.
October is the month of the Holy Rosary, and we continue our practice of praying the rosary before each 10.15weekday mass.
May our Mother Mary lead us to a deeper prayer, love & faith, these days, month of the holy rosary.
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
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SCJ News: Paraguay-One more new priest-Sunday August 10: Óscar Alberto Mendoza Jiménez SCJ was ordained priest at the Parish of St Joseph, Spouse of Mary, in the city of San José de los Arroyos, Diocese of Coronel Oviedo, a small city in central Paraguay, where they are approaching summer now, and daily temperatures average 30°C.
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Friary Snippets
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 every 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.
3.00pm to 4.30 in Friary Lounge
* For info call parish Office 0121-706-0505 or Noleen Walsh on 0121-706-5184
** Meeting Today 5th October 3.00pm**
Quiz Night Join us Saturday 18 October for a Quiz Night in the parish hall starting 7pm.
A Christmas Market will be held Saturday 22 November 2025 in the parish hall. Anyone who would like a table, please contact the Parish Office info@oltonfriary.org.uk or call 0121 706 0505 during office hours.
Friary Badminton Group are looking for new players to join them on Wednesday evenings at St. Peter's School. Message Jo for more details 07952 819262.
SCJ mission sponsored walk was a great success last w/e in Nottingham. Thanks to walkers & sponsors. Please pass remaining sponsorship to community or parish sec.
Friary flower festival starts Friday 6pm
* Pew end decorations can be sponsored in memory of a loved one. Numbers limited so please see memorial cards in narthex
* Place card in envelope plus £10 and pass to the parish office.
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Marriage Matters: Twenty Seventh Sunday
Hab 1.2-3,2:2-4; 2 Tim 1.6-8,13-14; Luke 17.5-10
Today St. Paul reminds us “you have been entrusted to look after something precious, guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us”. For us this means we are the guardians of each other! We live that out by always striving to be tender lovers, gentle and kindly friends, and courageous, loyal supporters of each other.
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Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 21st September: Group c
Rest in Peace Dennis Linehan-funeral Oct 6 11.00. May he rest in peace
Diocesan Justice & Peace Assembly
Saturday 18 Oct 10:30am to 3:45pm
Grimshaw Room, St. Chad’s Cathedral
“Preparing our Parishes for Social Action”
Speakers: Paul Northam Co-ordinator for Jubilee Year & Emily Pugh Caritas/FrHudson
Book on now bit.lyAssemblyOctober2025
Find out more about this assembly: https://www.birminghamjandp.org.uk/annual-assemblies.html
CAFOD Family Fast Day Appeal today: Please donate to Family Fast Day parish collection to share God’s abundant gifts with our neighbours. Your generosity offers “signs of hope” in this Jubilee Year, helping build more water tanks in places like Waré’s in Ethiopia where women have to walk for hours to get water. Use the CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030. You can also text CAFOD to 70560 to donate £10.
Journey in Faith: our programme for those seeking to join the church continues tomorrow Monday 6 Oct 7.30pm.
Birmingham Archdiocese has 236 Catholic schools and 16 Multi-Academy Companies. All need Foundation Governors & Directors
Interested? See video on Diocesan website, & call Diocesan Education Service 01675 464755 or email governance@bdes.org.uk
Holy communion programme 2025-26 starts soon. Is your child in Y3 in Sept, at a non-Catholic school? Wish to join our holy communion program? Contact Sarah Wood sarah.wood@oltonfriary.org.uk
Prisoners Week Sunday 12 - Sat 18 Oct Prisoners’ Sunday is the first day of an ecumenical Prisons Week of prayer which raises awareness of issues faced by those affected by the criminal justice system. The theme this year: ‘Jesus looked at him and loved him’ (Mark 10:21), and he looks at you and loves you too. Please pray daily during Prisons Week and consider a practical way you or your church can support those you’re praying for.
Sunday 12 Oct – World Mission Sunday Pope Leo invites us all to support Missio – his charity for world mission – through a special collection. This day of prayer, solidarity and giving unites Catholics worldwide to share the Good News of God’s love. To donate, use the Missio envelopes, call 020 7821 9755 or visit missio.org.uk to give a gift, set up a Direct Debit and Gift Aid your donation if poss.
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.