Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Nineteenth Sunday
That Still Small Voice
1 Kings 19.9,11-13
John Greenleaf Whittier was a 19th century Quaker poet but also a Massachusetts politician who campaigned for 40 years against slavery. For decades he persisted, refusing to take no for an answer even when they told him he was naïve, and knew nothing about politics or economics.
Feelings ran high when a racist mob ransacked his offices and wrecked his Meeting House. But in the aftermath of this apparent disaster he penned a hymn so familiar to us at The Friary and popular at funerals:“Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways….”
The verses echo gospel scenes & psalms, but the poignant lines are in the last verse which echo today’s reading about Elijah. (1Kings 19). Elijah, on the run from the soldiers of Queen Jezebel, feared for his life, even toying with suicide. His mission had been a disaster, and he hid in the cave.
God pledged to appear & strengthen him but God wasn't found in the earthquake or hurricane (signs of God’s presence in the bible). Emerging from the cave Elijah found God instead in the gentle breeze: ‘a still small voice’
Let sense be dumb let flesh retire;
speak through the earthquake,
wind and fire?
O still small voice of calm!
O still small voice of calm!
Whittier always listened to that ‘still small voice’ & lived to see the abolition of slavery. Could it be that in our own journey through life, God's presence is more often made known as a gentle breeze than a hurricane? And can we listen to that gentle breeze?
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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9th - 16th August 2026 |
Week Nineteen |
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Nineteenth Sunday 9th August 1 Kings 19.19a, 11-13a Rm 9:1-5 Mt 14:22-33 9.00 People of the Parish also Rose & Mike Murphy Golden Wedding 11.00 Ann Letts RIP 6.00 Mass Graine Mc Cabe Exit Collection: Parish Hall Refurbishment |
Dear Brothers & Sisters, St. Lawrence (Monday) patron saint of deacons was martyred in 258 AD. When officials demanded that he surrender the treasures of the church, he famously produced the sick & elderly saying “these are the treasures of the church” St.Clare (Tuesday) follower of St.Francis of Assisi was inspired by his simple lifestyle. So as Francis gathered followers around himself, she also gathered followers who became the ‘Poor Clares’ St. Jane Francis de Chantal (Wed) was a happy mother of 4 children till her husband died in an accident. Aided by St. Francis de Sales she founded the Visitation nuns to work with the poor & sick. St.Hippolytus (Thurs) a theologian in 3rd century Rome in penal times, was a critic of the pope, and set himself up as anti- Pope. But when sent to a hard labour camp met the real Pope. Reconciled in prison he wrote Eucharistic Prayer II. Blessed William Freeman (Thurs) though born in Yorkshire, worked secretly as a priest in Warwickshire in penal times and was executed at Warwick in 1595. St.Maximillian Kolbe (Friday) an educated Franciscan embraced new media & was known for radio work. In WWII he was an early target for the Nazis who sent him to the Auschwitz death camp. Fellow prisoner Franciszek Gajowniczek married with children, faced execution so Kolbe opted to take his place, dying by lethal injection. Gajowniczek survived Auschwitz, and was in Rome in 1982 to see Kolbe declared a saint. The Assumption of Our Lady is transferred to the Sunday this year. Assumption into Heaven is tradition’s way of saying that the grace of Christ was so effective in Mary, that death no longer had power over her.
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Monday 10th August St Laurence the deacon 2 Cor 9.6-10 John 12.24-26 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass Mark Singhal RIP also Mr Mike Finnegan RIP |
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Tuesday 11th August St.Clare Ezek 2.8-3.4 Mt 18:1-5,10,12-14 7.00 Mass Caroline Louise Sparling RIP 10.15 Mass Alistair Plummer RIP (Anniversary) 10.45 Rosary of the unborn 7.00 Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday 12h August St.Jane Frances de Chantal Ezek 9.1-7; 10.18-22 Matt 18.15-20 7.00 Mass Brother Thang SCJ 10.15 Mass Tony Holland (birthday) also Rita Cullen 11.00 Burial of ashes Brian Hobbs RIP |
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Thursday 13th August Saints Pontian & Hippolytus Blessed William Freeman Ezek 12.1-12 Mt 18:21-19.1 7.00 Mass Brian Sidney 10.15 Requiem Patricia Ann Hastie RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Friday 14th August St.Maximillian Kolbe Ezek 16.1-15,60,63 Mt 19:3-12 7.00 Mass Margaret Kiernan 10.15 Mass James Fay also David Horton 12.30 Wedding Louis Roche & Clara Ashmore |
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Saturday 15th August Ezek 18:1-10,13b,30-32 Mt 19:13-15 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Nuala Jones RIP 11.00 Burial of ashes Patricia Benger |
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Assumption of Our Lady 16th August Rev 11.19a, 12.1-6a,10ab Rm 9:1-5 Luke 1.39-56 9.00 John & Nora Eccles 11.00 John Larkin RIP (Anniversary) 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass People of the Parish also Agnes Keane Exit Collection: Parish Hall Refurbishment |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As you will see from the comings & goings of decorators, hall refurb interior is underway and is planned to be finished by the end of August. Thank you everybody for generous contributions.
Thanks too for the support for the new scj school in Assam. This is an ongoing Project, and Fr Wilfred plans to be there for the official opening in September.
Two afternoon tea events will soon be hosted by generous parishioners in aid of this project. (see next column)
Please enjoy this summer time with its unusually fine weather, and if you are going away somewhere please travel safely and come back safely too.
Looking ahead our parish will be hosting a spiritual weekend in September. (Sept 18-19) The Flame of Love, a movement of Marian devotion from the USA, will put on a weekend of prayer, meditation and workshops. Please see the back page and also posters around the Friary for more info.
Next weekend the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (normally 15th August) is moved to Sunday the 16th. So next Sunday we keep a feast which tells us something about our own human destiny. And in this age of AI, and things we're not quite sure if real or not, it is reassuring to know that Mary Mother of Jesus really does have a place in heaven, and is our guarantee that we shall find a place too.
May our mother Mary Queen of Heaven, watch over us all this week, and keep us safe.
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
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SCJ News
Chiang Mai On July 29 all our SCJ priests in Thailand attended the consecration of the new Bishop of Chiang Mai: + Peter Suphot Roeksujarit 5th Bishop of the diocese. The ordination took place at the Sacred Heart College of Chiang Mai, just by the cathedral, as the cathedral itself was not large enough to accommodate everyone. The bishop presiding was + Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok, a great friend of our Betharram communities. The very first bishop of the diocese in 1952 had been our own Fr.Lucien Lacoste, who ended up in Thailand after escaping from the Red Army in China, along with other SCJ missionaries.
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Friary Snippets
Next PPC meeting will be on Wednesday 16th Sept 7.30pm in Garicoits Room. Like to join PPC? Just speak to Fr Biju or Mike Murphy or fill in a form found in the Narthex. We hope some new folk will join.
Parish hall refurbishment news: Phase 2 Interior refurb well under way! (ceiling.. floor..toilets..electrics..etc) so hall will be out of use till end of August. Alternative arrangements have been made for some regular groups to use the Lounge or Library.
Afternoon Tea Charity Event organised by Mona & Maureen for SCJ Assam School Project Sat 29 Aug 2pm-4pm £20.00 per ticket. At 263 Streetsbrook Rd. Places limited-please call Mona on 07796 772993 by 26 August.
Journey in Faith our programme for those seeking to join the Catholic church starts on Monday 14th September at 7.30pm. Why not bring a curious friend? You would both be blessed. Sept 14 is the feast of the triumph of the cross. If anything is counter cultural, the triumph of the cross surely is!
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Marriage Matters: Nineteenth Sunday
1 Kings 9:9, 11-13 Rom 9:1-5 Matt 14:22-33
Peter got out of the boat but with fear of sinking, took his eyes off Jesus. Life today is like travelling in a small boat on a rough sea of secularism that mocks religion and threatens marriage. But life’s storms can change into a gentler breeze when we get out of our boat and walk with Jesus.
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Please pray for Please pray for Louis Roche & Clara Ashmore to be married Friday 14thAugust at 12.30pm. Congrats to the happy couple & good wishes for future happiness
Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 9th August: Group E
Please pray for Patricia Ann Hastie funeral August 13 10.15am; Susan Christine Byrne- Funeral 20 Aug 10.15am, Vigil 19 Aug 4.30; Peter Christopher McNaughton- Funeral Friday 21 August 10.15am and also Henry O'Leary-burial of ashes Sept 9 Robin Hood, also Patrick Warren & Kathleen Comer RIP
+++++ May they rest in peace ++++++
St. Columban’s Summer Family Open Day
Wed 19 Aug, now completely sold out!
But to get on the waiting list see: https://www.ticketsource.com/columban-missionaries-britain/st-columbans-summer-open-day/e-rpmpgl
Kenelm Youth trust & Life Teen summer camp for people aged 12-18 Aug 16-20.
*camp for a week at Alton Castle, with fun & adventure! Explore prayer & faith
* 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.” This week Aug 10-14 St.John’s Hotel Solihull
Adoremus National Eucharistic Congress 10th & 11th October. Our bishops ask us mark Adoremus with Adoration in our parish.
Flame of Love here at The Friary Sept 18-19
* Come and enjoy fellowship, talks, prayer praise, worship & workshops
* Guest speakers Fr.Lawrence Carney (USA), Derek Williams, Mark McLean & others.
* come learn of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
* spiritually uplifting with a healing service
House Mass -Blessing Like a Mass in your home or blessing during school summer break? Just speak to Fr.Biju after mass
Pilgrimage to Ignatian Places lent 2027.
* Fr Toby from Holy Souls to lead Ignatian places pilgrimage in Spain & Italy.
* explore the life of Ignatius, learning his lessons & spiritual wisdom
* see https://pilgrimagepeople.org/book or email fr.toby.duckworth@rcaob.org.uk
* If you can climb a flight of stairs & amble church to church that’s enough mobility
Meditation on Mondays at Holy Souls in Parish Meeting Room 1pm, Sept 7 & 21, Oct 5 & 19, Nov 2, 16 & 30, Dec 14, Jan 11 & 25 Feb 8 & 22, Mar 8, Apr 5 & 19, May 3, 17 & 31, Jun 14 & 28, July 12. All parishes & parishioners welcome
March for LIFE in London Sat. September 5 Coach from Holy Souls - 6.50am Friary - - 7.10am. Our Lady of the Wayside -7.30am
Parking at all churches Call Ray 07827 894446 or Jacinta 07837501044 to book
Coach fare Adult- £25 Child - £10
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.