Fr Austin's Holy Thought

Twenty Ninth Sunday

The Things That are Caesar's

Matt 22.15-21

        “Good master, is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?” This was the $64,000 question of the ancient world, and posed a trap for Jesus. Saying ‘yes’ would darken his name before Jewish patriots. Saying ‘no’ would mark him as a rebel to the Romans. A no-win situation!

        But Jesus' reply put the onus back on his questioner. By asking about the image on the coin, he harked back to Genesis & creation where men & women are made in the image of God.

        Just as Caesar has a claim on the coin because it bears his image, God has a claim on us because we bear His image! Give-to-Caesar-what-is-Caesar’s-and-to-God-what-is-God’s means our whole lives belong to God. It is not a recipe for divided loyalties!

        Jesus often reframed the question when people tried to force a Yes-or-No reply, (as journalists do with church leaders today!) So when a lawyer asked ‘Who is my neighbour?’ or Peter asked ‘How often do I forgive my brother?’ Jesus changed the question, and made them think again.

        This is exactly what Pope Francis did in 2013. A reporter asked him about homosexuality in a yes-or-no fashion as journalists often do, so he re-framed the question to make his listeners think again: ‘If a gay man earnestly seeks God, who am I to stand in the way?’

        A decade later Pope Leo has also tried to liberate us from polarised thinking and culture wars… refusing to look at Islam as ‘the enemy’ and even refusing to see his own critics in demonic terms. Jesus sets us free from polarised thinking, in order that our hearts may be set free to love.

 

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

18th October - 25th October 2026	Week Twenty Nine
Mission Sunday (Twenty Ninth) 18th October Is 45.1,4-6  1 Thess 1.1-5b  Mt 22:15-21 9.00 Mass Norah Phillis Sherlock  11.00 Stella Minihan RIP 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass People of the Parish also Peggy Green Exit Appeal Annual MISSIO Collection	Dear Brothers & Sisters, Today is World Mission Sunday Pope Leo invites us to support Missio his fund for world mission–through a special collection. To donate, use Missio envelopes or see missio.org.uk to give a gift, set up Direct Debit & Gift Aid donation. Saints John de Brebeuf & Isaac Jogues (Monday) along with 6 other fellow Jesuits headed the 17th cent mission to Mohawk & Huron tribes of N America. They are fêted martyrs of USA & Canada Pope John Paul II (Thursday) had his inaugural mass as pope this day in 1978, refusing the usual coronation. He helped hasten the collapse of communism & the end of the cold war. In 2014 he was canonised by Pope Francis.. Our 10:30 Mass Thursday  is the OLAAS mass to begin a new school year. Bishop David Evans will preside, and delegates from all 15 Solihull schools will attend. * NB change of mass time for today only John of Capistrano (Friday), was a 15th century Franciscan who died of bubonic plague in Croatia. His courage in suffering still inspires us. Antony Mary Claret (Saturday) was a missionary bishop from Barcelona to Cuba 150 yrs ago. Dedication to the poor & opposing corruption made him enemies, and he survived 11 murder attempts! He founded the Claretian Order of priests & brothers who carried on his ministry by educating the clergy & the young and using modern media. *********************************************************   Prisoners Sunday paused till next Sunday is chosen by the Church and organised by PACT (Prison Advice & Care Trust) to pray for and support prisoners, their families, and affected children.
Monday 19th October Sts. John de Brebouf & Isaac Jogues Eph 2:1-10  Lk 12.13-21 7.00 Mass  Mary & Brendan 10.15 Requiem Meryl Ashcroft RIP
Tuesday  20th  October  Eph 2:12-22 Luke 12:35-38  7.00 Mass Holy Souls 10.15 Mass Alistair Plummer RIP also Olive Pitt RIP 10.45 Rosary of the unborn 7.00 Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday 21st  October Eph 3:2-12 Luke 12:39-48 7.00 No Mass 10.15 Communion Service (in church today)
Thursday 22nd October St.John Paul II Eph 3:14-21 Luke 12:49-53 7.00 Mass Mary Savage 10.30 MAC Mass (in Church) George Carmichael also Dawn Thompson *
Friday  23rd October St.John of Capistrano Eph 4.1-6 Luke 12.54-59 7.00 Mass Rosemary Patterson 10.15 Mass Andy Cole RIP  also David Malcolm Weston
Saturday 24th October St.Anthony Mary Claret Eph 4:7-16 Luke 13:1-9 9.30 Confessions 10.15 All of the Wasdell family 12:30 Baptism
Prisoners Sunday (Thirtieth) 25th October Ex 22:21-27  1 Th 1:5-10  Mt 22:34-40 9.00 Mass People of the Parish also Jo Turner 11.00 Patrick Warren RIP 6.00 Mass Patricia Williams Exit Appeal PACT (for ministry in prisons)

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Heartfelt thanks to those who supported our bingo night in the parish Hall last night. Now the hall is beautifully refur-bished It can be used for all sorts of events from classical concerts to birthday parties.

Next month we host a Christmas market on November the 14th and also our HCPT concert the same evening, with Christmas decoration workshops to follow at the end of November..27th & 28th.

Our HCPT concerts used to be a regular feature at The Friary till the Covid Crisis put them on hold. They were a showcase for the talents of young musicians in the parish as well as supporting special needs pilgrims going to Lourdes. They also en-gendered a sense of community. Come and join this one on November 14th .

Looking ahead, the feast of Christ the King is weeks away, last Sunday of the church’s year. It is also Youth Sunday when we pray for our young people, and for the Good Shepherds who are their pastors.

Our Carlo Acutis youth group is planning an adventure retreat in Italy next summer, and plans are well advanced for this. Field games and water sports will combine with prayer & meditation. Please keep the good shepherds and their sheep in your prayers.

Our schoolchildren now are all too young to remember Pope John Paul II (now saint) the Polish pope who helped to end com-munist rule, and close the cold war. On his feast this Thursday OLAAS the umbrella for our Solihull catholic schools, celebrates mass here for the new academic year, with Bishop David Evans to preside. May God bless our children and all who support them.

May Mary our mother keep us all safe this week and keep us close to her son Jesus.

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News

Bangalore: This week Fr.Wilfred is in Bangalore for Regional Council, where he will be joined by Fr.Luke Kriangsak (Thai), Fr.Jose Kumar (India) and Fr.Biju (England)

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Friary Snippets 

THE DIOCESE IS NOW IN CHARGE of projects on Friary campus. Any helpful input? see Tom Stockwell rcaobproperty@rcaob.org.uk or Eric Kirwan eric.kirwan@rcaob.org.uk 0121 230 6221

HOLY SHROUD: SVP invite us to an illustrated talk on the Shroud of Turin upstairs in the Friary Library 7 pm Wednesday Nov 4th Please sign your name on the sheet at back of the church so we can plan for seating.

SOLIHULL STROKE CLUB - needs volunteers. For Wednesdays in the parish hall to run board games, crafts & bingo & make lunch Helpers needed for the above or admin. Call Terry Terry.lloyd6@btopenworld.com

CHRISTMAS FAYRE COMING SOON

* Parish-School Christmas fayre December 5

* Donations needed for raffle & stalls

* Tickets on sale now

Children's  Voices at 9:00am Mass

* We invite all children aged 7+ to join our choir at 9:00 am Family Mass.

* Singing with Childrens Voices encourages faith via music, builds confidence & teamwork

* rehearse 2nd Sunday of month after Mass.

* speak to Anne, Claire, or Rose after Mass, or email Rose holysingalong@gmail.com.

BAFFLED BY AI ?? !! Fr. Prem Fernando at St.Augustine’s is hosting teach-ins for Advent Thursdays linking AI to Pope Leo’s insights. December 3rd, 10th & 17th at 7.00-8.00pm

OSCOTT BLESSING OF THE GRAVES 7 Nov 3pm Family & friends of those buried at Oscott Cemetery invited to join seminary community for annual Service of the Blessing Graves.

BLESSINGS OF GRAVES will take place at all our local cemeteries in November. Dates and times to follow in next week’s newsletter.

OUR CELEBRATION OF LIFE mass when we re-call all who’ve died in 2026 will be on Nov 7.

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Marriage Matters: Twenty Ninth Sunday

Isa 45:1, 4-6 Thess 1: 1-5 Matt 22:15-21

The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus: He told them ‘give to Caesar what belongs to him, and to God what belongs to God’. The world tells us to look after ourselves & not to need others. As couples we know we’re made by God for one another, not needy but needing to give of ourselves entirely.

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Big thanks to our secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 18^th October: Group C

Please pray for : Meryl Ashcroft-funeral 10.15 Monday 19th October. Jacqueline Sparling RIP; Wayne Johnson RIP & Alan Spruce RIP. +++++May they rest in peace+++++

OSCOTT COLLEGE TOUR: 21 October. Come and see College chapel, museum, library, grounds & more, with tea & cake to end. Also today 18 Oct Join students & staff at 5.45pm for Sunday Holy Hour with sung Vespers & Benediction. No booking needed our programme for those seeking to join the Catholic church resumes tomorrow Monday 19 Oct 7.30pm with The Apostles Creed part II

Upcoming Parish hall events……...

* Christmas Market 11am-2pm Sat 14 Nov. To book a table email bkobic@aol.com

* HCPT Concert Night also 14 Nov 7.00pm

•for Special Need Children Lourdes Pilgrims

•talented local musicians

• entertainment & Bring your own drinks

•Chilli Con Carne (with a veg. option).

• Community Singalaong.

•Tickets a mere £12 incl. supper.

* Christmas Flower Workshops Friday 27^th Nov. 6pm to 8pm, Saturday 28^th Nov. 11am to 1pm. Sign up for workshops after mass! Don’t miss out on this popular event! Limited spaces left for both days. Please pay soon if you have signed up!

Monday Meditation at Holy Souls: 1pm in Parish Meeting Room, Oct 19, Nov 2, 16 & 30, Dec 14. All welcome

JOB OPENING (i)St.Paul’s School for Girls seek Examinations Officer Full-time £34k+ Application form:  www.stpaulgl.bham.sch.uk

 

JOB OPENING (ii) of Finance Officer for Columban Missionaries at Widney Manor

* Finance Officer for day-to-day ops

* invoice processing, reconciliations,

budgeting, reporting & compliance etc.

* Experience of Sage, Excel & CRM needed

* 12-month contract 22½ hrs p.w. 3 days

* Deadline: Midnight, Tues 10 Nov 2026

www.columbans.co.uk/mission/19140/finance-officer/

Apply with CV to HR@columbans.co.uk

Jesuit Retreats at Stonyhurst 2026-7

 (i) BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD,

led by Fr Roger Dawson SJ 20-23 Nov 2026 Weekend includes talks, walks, adoration contemplative prayer, Mass, and time to reflect in peaceful Stonyhurst estate.  Info? https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god/.

(ii) MARRIAGE PREP WEEKEND 8-10 Jan 2027 Led by Stefan & Eleonora Kaminski,

Offers engaged couples time & space to explore the beauty of Christian teaching on Marriage. Scripture-based spiritual reflection & prayer, conversation and practical exercises for couples. book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/marriage-preparation/

(iii) MEN’S RETREAT: ignatian EXERCISES  26 Feb-3 March or 5-10 March 2027

 5-day silent retreat for men (lay & clergy), led by Benedictine monks from St Joseph’s Abbey, Flavigny. Guided meditation, daily Mass, prayer and spiritual direction. Info https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-retreat-spiritual-exercises-of-st-ignatius/

Journey in Faith our programme for those seeking to join the Catholic church resumes tomorrow Monday 12  Oct  7.30pm.

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.