Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Sixteenth Sunday
An Enemy Has Done This
Mt 13:24-43
Like the puzzled Farmer in the parable many of us have been upset when our best efforts haven't produced the best results. The farmer was upset at the appearance of unexplained weeds, when all that he had planted was good seed. And as his servant remarked: ‘an enemy has done this’.
Can you identify with this? Think of the troubled parent who is so dismayed to find that their 18-yr-old deals in drugs. They did not plan this. They tried to plant the best values they could in the heart of their child, and yet somehow the evil one planted something else in their fragile spirit.
The temptation of many is to deal harshly with miscreants. But while firmness is necessary (to protect ourselves as much as anything) so too is the wisdom of this parable: act with discernment so as not to make a bad situation worse.
People who are trapped in addiction (Gambling? ...Alcohol? ...Drugs? …Spending? ..etc) need conversion of heart, and someone who will guide them to a programme of recovery. When we see this dynamic at work we know that God's kingdom is close at hand.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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19th July - 26th July 2026 |
Week Sixteen |
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Sixteenth Sunday 19h July Ws 12:13,16-19 Rm 8:26-27 Mt 13:24-43 9.00 Mary Gateley RIP 11.00 Tony Mc Skeane RIP 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass People of the Parish Exit Collection: Venezuela Earthquake Emergency Appeal (Cafod) |
Dear Brothers & Sisters, St. Apollinaris (Monday) an early disciple of St Peter himself was 1st century Bishop of Ravenna & a martyr like many of his time. His time as bishop was an age of severe persecution of the church. St.Lawrence of Brindisi (Tuesday) was a 17th century Italian Franciscan famed for his preaching in many languages.. Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Czech, Spanish & French. He was ‘guru’ to many popes. St.Mary Magdalene (Wednesday) an early disciple of Jesus, was among the Galilean women who supported Jesus & disciples out of their own pocket. She was the 1st witness to the resurrection. Magdala today is a small fishing kibbutz on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Later tradition that she’d once been a prostitute has no biblical foundation whatever. St Bridget of Sweden (Thursday) had visions of Christ crucified from her early childhood, which drove her loving support for the poor & downtrodden. Wed to King Magnus II, she bore 8 children & lived a strict life after her husband died. Campaigning against abuse of ecclesiastical power she made pilgrimage to Rome and then the Holy Land. St. John Paul II declared her a patron saint of Europe St.Charbel Makhlouf (Friday) was a 19th Lebanese Maronite monk & priest. In his day he had a reputation for holiness, and for uniting Christians, Muslims & Druze. The Lebanese know him as a miracle worker, and many favours and healings are attributed to his intercession. How this healing is needed in Lebanon today. St.James (Saturday) was one of the 12 Apostles, and the brother of John. He was the first apostle to be martyred, and is patron saint of Spain and of several Spanish speaking countries. His remains are in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, a great centre of Pilgrimage today.
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Monday 20th July St.Apollinaris Mc 6:1-4,6-8 Mt 12:38-42 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass Eileen Richardson RIP also Thomas Henry RIP 11.00am Burial of Ashes - Pansy Rita Pascoe |
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Tuesday 21st July St.Lawrence of Brindisi Mc 7:14-15,18-20 Mt 12:46-50 7.00 Mass Patricia Ganderton RIP & family 10.15 Mass Peace also Noel McMahon (special birthday) 10.45 Rosary of the unborn 5.00pm Vigil Julie Agnew RIP 7.00 Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday 22nd July St.Mary Magdalene SoS 3:1-4 or 2Co 5:14-17 Jn 20:1-2,11-18 7.00 Mass Caroline Louise Sparling 10.15 Requiem Julie Agnew 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel) |
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Thursday 23rd July St.Bridget of Sweden Ga 2:19-20 Jn 15:1-8 7.00 Mass James Fay also Ann Edge 10.15 Mass Forgotten Souls in Purgatory also Mary Gateley RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Friday 24th July Saint Charbel Makhlouf Jr 3:14-17 Mt 13:18-23 7.00 Mass Holy Souls also Frank Dunn RIP 10.15 Mass All Gaffey family & Laura Barlow RIP |
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Saturday 25th July St.James Apostle Jr 3:14-17 Mt 13:18-23 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Margaret Mary Mc Cheskey also Special intention (birthdays) |
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Seventeenth Sunday 26th July 1Kg 3:5-6,7-12 Rm 8:28-30 Mt 13:44-52 9.00 Peggy & Douglas Coshan RIP 11.00 Annette & Steve Howell 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass People of the Parish Exit Collection: Parish Hall Refurbishment |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This warm weather is a time for holidays and summer breaks for many. So for those who go away, I wish you safe journey, safe return, & a time of refreshment.
There are also many openings this summer for spiritual refreshment too……...
* Oscott College again hosts ‘We Believe’
Festival 24-27 July 2026. Come & join 600 campers in the grounds or the 2500 day visitors for a festival of the True, the Good & Beautiful, discovering traditions & charisms that flow through the Church. Many people at last year’s say that they found direction in their life here.
(more details overleaf)
* St.Columbans has an eco-friendly spiritual
Open Day at their Widney Manor campus
For all the family, Wednesday- August 19
* For young people (12-18) KYT invites you to a summer camp at Alton Castle, August 16-20, a week of fun, adventure & space for prayer, adoration & exploring faith.
(more details overleaf)
*Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference on theme “Return. Receive. Rejoice.” runs August 10-14 at St John’s
Hotel, Solihull. 5 days of worship, teaching, healing & renewal in the Holy Spirit.
...a rich rhythm of prayer, worship, teaching, sacraments, and healing ministry.
(more details overleaf)
* Then we have Flame of Love here at The Friary, September 18-19, a time of prayer, praise & fellowship with workshops. With evangelists Derek Williams & Mark Mclean
* House Mass or Blessing..If you would like to have a Mass celebrated in your home or a House Blessing during the school summer break, please speak to me after mass.
May Mary, Mother of the church continue to shower the ‘rain’ of Jesus on all of us, in these times of dryness.
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
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SCJ news Droitwich
Members of the England Vicariate met at Droitwich for their special Assembly, July 2 to focus on progress since the last General Chapter, a day of good spirit and humour. Separately Fr Biju was appointed as head of the England Vicariate by our Superior General for another term of three years.
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Friary Snippets
Congratulations to Sophie Victoria Hughes & Liam Robert Alexander O’Keeffe who were married at The Friary yesterday.
Parish hall refurbishment news
Phase 1 roof complete & paid for at £69.5k
Phase 2 total interior refurb. Estimate £80k So far £40k raised. Still seeking grant aid.
4-week work due to start in school holiday but may be delayed due to Diocesan hiccups.
Fr.Biju is working with Diocesan reps to cure these hiccups. So please keep up the prayers.
Thanks for ongoing support. Still needed!
Blessing of Graves: Our Annual cemetery mass will by outside (weather permitting) on Saturday 1st August 10.15. Blessings to follow.
GIFT AID ENVELOPES please would holders of green envelopes numbered 11 & 16 call Parish Office 0121 706 0505 & speak to the Secretary
Journey in Faith: our programme for those seeking to join the Catholic church starts Monday 14 September at 7.30pm. Why not bring a curious friend?
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Marriage Matters: Sixteenth Sunday
Ws 12:13,16-19 Rm 8:26-27 Mt 13:24-43
Gospel parables today question us about our ability ‘to listen’. We easily hear criticism in a comment, or question that puts us at odds with each other. But if we listen with our hearts, in the way Jesus commanded us to do, we are enabled, in all our relationships, to follow His command “...listen, anyone who has ears”.
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Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 19th July: Group B
Please pray for Julie Agnew funeral 10.15 July 22 Vigil 21 July 5.00pm; Stella Minihan-funeral July 27 at 11.30am; Patricia Ann Hastie-funeral August 13.
For Burial of Ashes (i) Pansy Rita Pascoe 20 July 11.00 (ii) Tony Davies 31 July 11.00
+++++ May they rest in peace +++++
St. Columban’s Summer Family Open Day
Wed 19 August 2026, 10.30am – 2.30pm.
* We make eco-spirituality a priority.
* Includes pond dipping, nature activities
* arts & crafts, games, beekeeping talks
* stories of mission from Columban priests
* explore rewilded grounds & solar plant
* bring picnic & enjoy a day of creation.
Info: https://columbans.co.uk/justice-peace/18567/join-us-for-our-st-columban-summer-open-day/
We Believe Festival Oscott 24-27 July 2026
* come join 600 campers & 2500 visitors
* festival of the True, the Good & Beautiful * discover the traditions & charisms that flow through the Church
* find authentic community
* encounter the transforming love of God. Day tickets & group savers still available, see www.webelievefestival.com/tickets
Adoremus National Eucharistic Congress 10 & 11 October. Our bishops ask us mark Adoremus with Adoration in our parish.
Annual sponsored walk for SCJ Missions
* Come and join for a fun afternoon in the Worcester countryside on September 19th
* Meet 1.00pm Gateway car park by canal Hanbury Rd. Droitwich and bring picnic!
* 2-hour walk on easy footpaths
* Good company with Fr.Biju & Fr.Austin
Kenelm and Life Teen UK host a summer camp for people aged 12-18 Aug 16-20.
*camp lasts a week with exciting activities.
*Based at Alton Castle, using outdoor activities visiting theme park Alton Towers
* variety of places for fun and adventure!
* spaces & times for prayer, adoration and exploring faith, connecting & gathering.
* So if you’re aged 12-18, and you’d like to join, we can't wait to see you there!
Birmingham Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference: “Return. Receive. Rejoice.” August 10-14 at St John’s Hotel, Solihull.
* Mass with Bishop Timothy Menzies
*Special guest deacon Larry from USA
* Time for prayer, praise, healing ministry
* Workshops & confession time
* groups for the young
Book via https://www.bccrc.org.uk/New Booking Form 2026 Double.pdf
Monday Meditation Group At Holy Souls parish room: To resume after summer break in September 7 & 21 at 1pm. All welcome.
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.