Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Saints Peter and Paul - Apostles
The Cost of Love
Matthew 16.13-19
Many of us have friends who describe themselves as ‘spiritual but not religious.’ They believe in a power greater than themselves and may even pray often but can't bring themselves to take part in any organised faith.
This is certainly better than nothing. It's better to have people humble enough to see that they are not Masters of the Universe or even their own destiny. Someone else has that role! The flaw in claiming to be spiritual but not religious is that they can opt out of anything really challenging. And they would never have the passion to become martyrs like Peter and Paul.
Belonging to a church is challenging! ..a tradition that’s challenging ..a community that's challenging ...and people that are challenging, quite simply because the gospel is challenging and Jesus is challenging. And by negotiating the challenge we gain spiritual growth and maturity in Christ.
But there are others who are Religious but not Spiritual! These are more dangerous, as these are the people to whom Jesus spoke his harshest words, often verbally blasting scribes, pharisees and chief priests into the bargain. They can be outwardly religious, but have no spirit of love or compassion in their hearts.
Politicos noisily claiming to champion our Judaeo-Christian tradition today (without a clue what this really means) might fit this description!
Peter & Paul were spiritual and religious and they were unafraid to wrestle with issues of tradition, personality and community. Their love of the Christian community taught them compassion, tolerance and forgiveness. Giving their lives for Christ’s sake was a direct consequence of the way they lived. And for their brave witness today we give heartfelt thanks to God.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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28th June - 5th July 2026 |
Week Thirteen |
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Saints Peter & Paul - Sunday 28th June Act 12:1-11 2Tm 4:6-8,17-18 Mt 16:13-19 9.00 People of the Parish also Peggy & Richard Stacey RIP 11.00 John Byrne 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass John Larkin RIP Exit Collection: Peter’s Pence |
Dear Brothers & Sisters, Saints Peter & Paul are 2 pillars of the early church, who stand for 2 traits we hold in tension to be true to ourselves. Firstly we must be faithful to tradition (Peter) while secondly we must always reach out to others who may seem strange, & question our tradition (St.Paul) The first martyrs of Rome (Tuesday)were not famous, but simply faithful men and women who gave their lives for the sake of the gospel St.Oliver Plunket (Wednesday) 17th century bishop of Armagh worked to strengthen the Irish church in time of persecution. Hung in London on July 1st 1681, the last martyr of Reformation times. St.Thomas (Friday) is famously recalled as ‘doubting Thomas’ when Jesus rose from the dead. Like us today he wanted proof! He later became the apostle of the East travelling through Syria, Iraq & to India where strong ancient tradition connects him to the founding of local churches. He gave his life for Christ’s sake at Mylapore near Chennai, and is honoured today as patron saint of India. St Elizabeth of Portugal (Saturday) was a Franciscan tertiary like St.Elizabeth of Hungary her aunt. With similar history of service of the poor, her image is in our church in the Franciscan side altar. ============= Mass on Thursday 10.15 will actually be a communion service as the SCJ community will be engaged holding a Vicariate Assembly all day on Thursday. Mass on Friday at 10.15 is offered on the 50th wedding anniversary of Jane and Peter Farrell. Jane, who passed away 2 years ago, was parish secretary and weddings secretary at The Friary for many years. This offering is a thankyou to God for her years of loyal service
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Monday 29th June Amos 2.6-10, 4.11-12 Mt 8:23-27 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass Rose Jones RIP |
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Tuesday 30th June First martyrs of Rome Amos 3.1-8 13-16 Mt 8:18-22 7.00 Mass Patricia Burns 10.15 Mass Eric Richards RIP also Mary Martin (special birthday) 10.45 Rosary of the unborn 7.00 Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday 1st July St.Oliver Plunket Am 5:14-15,21-24 Mt 8:28-34 7.00 Mass Special intention M. Mc C 10.15 Mass Aine Bunn also Mr Michael Geraty 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel) |
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Thursday 2nd July Am 7:10-17 Mt 9:1-8 7.00 Mass Eileen Parkinson RIP 10.15 Communion service 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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First Friday 3rd July Saint Thomas the Apostle Eph 2:19-22 John 20:24-29 7.00 Mass Eileen Slevin RIP 10.15 Mass Peter & Jane Farrell (Golden wedding) 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Saturday 4th July St.Elizabeth of Portugal Am 9:11-15 Mt 9:14-17 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Flo Hughes (Special birthday) 1.00 pm Wedding Grace Kenny & Matthew |
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Fourteenth Sunday 5h July Zc 9:9-10 Rm 8:9,11-13 Mt 11:25-30 9.00 People of Parish also Joseph Mc Neill RIP 11.00 Ann Letts RIP 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass Mary Savage Exit Collection: Gardening Group Equipment |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It was a joy to celebrate the final vows of Bro.Thang on Friday, the second candidate from Vietnam to make profession in our SCJ Congregation. His niece came down from Liverpool for the occasion, as did a Carmelite friend from his home town. The rest of his family in Vietnam watched via livestream. We hope that next year he will be our 2nd Vietnamese priest. Praise God!
Saints Peter & Paul are 2 pillars of the early church. Temperaments as different as chalk & cheese and often divergent views, they showed how Christians could disagree & live in harmony. They were totally united in love of Jesus & his people on earth.
Peter & Paul had their differences ..... and disagreed openly with each other (see Acts & Galatians), but they resolved them in a Christian fashion without insults, grudges or splinter groups. Pope Leo recently called for unity in the church and for all Christians to be models of reconciliation.
Our Parish Pastoral Council AGM – met on Thursday night in a spirit of harmony, with a willingness to listen and dialogue.
We spoke about:
* the pastoral accomplishments of 2025/6 highlighting the hard work of catechists
* the outreach of the SVP to people on the edges, and a word about the SVP junior section: Minni-Vinnies
* hard work of people in the background like gardeners, cleaners and H & S workers
* how parish finances aren’t going through easy times, but people respond generously to a specific need like Hall roof repairs.
* work of the fundraising/social group.
* Fr.Wilfred shared about the Betharram school project in Assam, which Olton parishioners have generously supported.
An account of the meeting should soon be ready for anyone who would like a copy.
May Mary our Mother watch over us this week & keep us close to Jesus.
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
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SCJ News: Bro.Thang Nguyen made his final profession at Olton Friary church on June 26 with all members of the Vicariate present, along with 60 Olton parishioners. Fr.Wilfred presided & received the vows.
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Friary Snippets
Phase 1 roof complete & paid for at £69.5k
Phase 2 total interior refurb. Estimate £80k So far £24k raised. Still seeking grant aid.
4-week work due to start during school hol. May be delayed due to Diocesan hiccups.
Thanks for ongoing support. Still needed!
Friary Garden Group Plant Sale- Got weeds in your garden? Replace with Friary plants! The gardening team have surplus Perennial plants to sell after each mass Sunday 5th July- (proceeds to Friary funds) plants to include Delphiniums, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Verbena.
Blessed are those who mourn
Bereavement Support Group meets each month for all seeking support after loss. All welcome no matter the kind of loss or when
* Meet 1st Sunday each month for prayer conversation & encouragement of each other as we journey together.
**** Meeting Next Sunday 5th July ****
We aren’t a counselling group but promise good listening skills, respect for confidences and of course a cuppa. 3.00pm-4.30 Friary Lounge. Info? Parish Office ( 0121-706-0505
* Harvington History Festival 22-26 July
talks, tours, & events at Harvington Hall, the historic moated manor house, known for its priest hides. Info harvingtonhall.co.uk
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Marriage Matters: Saints Peter and Paul
Acts 12:1-11 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-18 Matt 16:13-19 Peter who denied, & Paul who persecuted, were both familiar with failure but bowled over by the power of love to give up their own lives. Let’s rejoice in our calling to love as Jesus did, lay down our lives for one an-other willingly & gladly. Our lives may be the only Bible that some folk will ever read!
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Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 28th June: Group E
Please pray for Peter Congdon-funeral 10.15am 7th July Vigil 7.30pm 6th July; Maeve Isla Mary Bevan (baby) funeral 14th July 10.15; Julie Agnew & Stella Minihan
+++++ May they rest in peace +++++
Monday Meditation GroupAt Holy Souls parish room 1pm: July 6. All welcome.
Opportunities for service
Columban Missionaries seek volunteers to support school groups using their grounds for Laudato Si'- themed retreat days.
* DBS checks and training given
* commit to 4-6 days, over a year.
* might suit ex-teacher who loves nature! More info? education@columbans.co.uk
Stella Maris Apostleship of the Sea seeks volunteer from this parish for Sea Sunday 12 July in our parish. We pray for seafarers & families. Collection then helps work of Stella Maris. Helper needed to read appeal at end of Mass. If you can help, please contact roland.hayes@stellamarismail.org
Mary’s Fund Raiser Afternoon Tea for Arctic Challenge for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Join Mary 12th July 3pm to 5pm 136 Ulverley Gn Rd in back
garden. Please reserve @ 07963 011 142.
Football’s coming home! 3rd annual inter-parish football Cup will be on Sunday 5th July 2pm at The Friary. Holy Souls won 2024. Our Lady of Wayside 2025 2026 is our year! Please sign-up in narthex if you’d play. Spectators welcome. Refreshments aplenty Irish Hot Dogs and Ice Cream for sale.
Train to teach with Bishop Challoner - + Primary & Secondary post-grad courses
+ PGCE as well as QTS with all courses.
+ Future Catholic Leaders Programme.
See https://www.bctsa.org/1275/directors-welcome
email: bctsa-admissions@bctsa.org or call
Sarah, Elizabeth, Becky & Sabrin 0121 441 6175
March for Life Solihull/Shirley coach annual March for Life London Sat 5th Sept.
* Age-appropriate sessions for children & youth all morning. 14 bishops attending!
* Coach pick-ups: Holy Souls Church 6.50. Olton Friary 7.10. Our Lady of Wayside 07.30. Adults: £25. Under 16: £10.
* Must book : call Ray 07827 894446 or Jacinta 07837 501044 ray@extendaline.com More info: marchforlife.co.uk
Need a summer cultural trip?
* Three Choirs Festival Gloucester cathedral from July 25-August 1.
* varied menu of choral music to suit all
* incl. serious, sacred, comic & commercial
* Dream of Gerontius- last night-music by Edward Elgar-text St.John Henry Newman
* ( 01452 768928 email info@3choirs.org
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.