Fr Austin's Holy Thought

First Sunday of Advent

Hope & Happiness

                                          

Is 2:1-5  Rom 13:11-14  Matt 24:37-44

          St.Paul’s warning today about drunken orgies, decadence & debauchery, is not an old-fashioned rant against joyful living. It is simply an honest look at how easily we fragile human beings turn to distractions when coping with anger, grief or pain. His prayer for us is that we ‘stay awake’ and tune in to the good things Our Lord offers us.

      And though Jesus’ scary words about the end of the world, with talk of random death & disaster, could be echoed by many things in our own day….Bombs in Ukraine? Fire in Hong Kong? Hunger in Gaza? ...his word isn’t to hide away but to be awake & ready for his coming.

      Isaiah’s message of hope sets the tone for this Advent, with his famous dream of ‘turning swords into ploughshares’ imagining the day when nations will unite...and enemies eschew their weapons, and whole economies will be geared to peaceful production.

      In the upheavals around us, whether in foreign conflict or in our domestic economy, the hand of God is surely at work, but we will only see it if we ‘stay awake’ and pay attention to what goes on in our hearts. And our aim is not to be judgemental or smug, but ‘to live in the light…with Jesus as our protection’ (Romans 13)

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

30th November - 7th December 2025	First Week in Advent
First Sunday  of  Advent 30th November   Is 2:1-5 Rm 13:11-14 Mt 24:37-44 9.00 William  Jones 11.00am Brian, Billy & Frank Gaffey 12.30 Baptism   6.00pm Mass  People of the Parish Exit Collection Friends of the Holy Land	Dear Brothers & Sisters, Advent starts today Churches Together Olton Advent Service is at St.Margaret’s church 4pm today, timed to avoid clash with our 6pm Mass. Come share this Advent prayer with our fellow Christians. Refreshments follow. In Advent we also have Thursday night reflections in the Day Chapel styled ‘Getting to know Pope Leo’, on the new message of Pope Leo on the love of Jesus in our lives: Dilexi Te. 7.30pm. Followed by Night Prayer... Ends 8.45. Fr.Austin will share over 3 Thursdays. St Edmund Campion (Monday) was a martyr of reformation times. As fervent member of the C.of E. he initially took the oath of supremacy, but later regretted it. He became a committed Catholic and was ordained a Jesuit priest for the secret English mission. He was finally captured & martyred at Tyburn  1581. Saint Francis Xavier, (Wednesday) was an early friend & follower of Ignatius Loyola & founder member of the Jesuits. He is famous for missions to the Far East, where he died on the island of Shangchuan, off the Chinese mainland in 1551. He is patron Saint of India. St.Birinus (Friday) not our best known Saint, was sent as apostle to England by Pope Honorius in 634. He baptised the Saxon King & founded the diocese of Dorchester. He died in 650. St Nicholas (Saturday) Bishop of Myra in 4th century Turkey, was said to have secretly given money to a poor man who couldn't afford dowries for his 3  daughters. The original secret Santa? Confirmation 2026: Programme for Y6 children not at Catholic School or Y7 & Y8 children who’ve missed previously * 5 Sunday sessions after 9.00am mass * starts in 2 weeks; December 7 10.00am * to enrol your child, email Sarah Wood sarah.wood@oltonfriary.org.uk * Confirmations  Friday 6th Feb at 7pm
Monday - 1st December St.Edmund Campion 2Ch 24:18-22 2Mac 6:18,21,24-31 Mt 10:17-22 7.00 Mass  Private Intention 10.15 Mass Nora & Francis Mc Greal
Tuesday - 2nd  December Dn 2:31-45 Lk 21:5-11 7.00 No mass 10.15 Communion Service 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday - 3rd December St.Francis Xavier Dn 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28 Lk 21:12-19 7.00 Mass  Special Intention N.D. 10.15 Mass Pat & Esther Murphy 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel) 18.30 Mass Fr.Biju Antony SCJ Thanksgiving
Thursday - 4th  December St.John Damascene   Dn 6:12-28Lk 21:20-28 7.00 Mass   Holy Souls  10.15 Mass Barry Hodges  11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
First Friday - 5th November St.Birinus Dn 7:2-14 Lk 21:29-33  7.00 Mass Special Intention  D.C 10.15 Mass Mrs Ann Whelan 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Saturday 6th December St.Nicholas Dn 7:15-27 Lk 21:34-36 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass  Mary Gilligan
Second Sunday  of  Advent 7th December   Is 2:1-5 Rm 13:11-14 Mt 24:37-44 9.00 Fr Peter Eccles 11.00am People of the Parish also Peter Noonan 12.30 Baptism   6.00pm Mass  Mr & Mrs Sheehan & Family Exit Collection Poor Parishes of Diocese Fund

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We plan ‘A feast for Advent’ these next 4 weeks, as we look forward to the coming of the Saviour and re-light the flame of faith in our heart & the hearts of all around us.

Today all Olton Christians  are invited to begin Advent in prayer together in St. Margaret’s church 4.00pm, a time agreed so as not to clash with our 6.00pm Mass.

Thursdays we have ‘Advent Reflections’ in the day chapel 7.30pm to hear the message of our new Pope Leo XIV.

Welcome the New Born King, a simple family-based Advent prayer service we’ve kept annually for 40 years, hosted in various homes around the parish. This year: December 10^th  7.30pm. Could you host a gathering this time? Please call me.

Mary Immaculate Feast Day is on Monday December 8, not officially a Holy Day, but as it is our parish feast day we shall have three Holy Day Masses.

Our Parish Carol service comes Saturday December 13 at 6.00pm, a family-friendly Advent service led by our parish choirs.

Carols at the Station All the Olton churches are joining to sing carols at Olton Station December 16 from 4.30pm-6.30pm. No collection, just cheering commuters!

Bible Sunday comes next week, and we invite all our parish readers to renew their commitment at their usual Sunday mass.

Bambinelli Sunday 14^th Dec is when we bless the crib figures of the infant Jesus. Bring yours along..any Sunday Mass for blessing.

Finally please join me in giving thanks this Wednesday for 20 years of priesthood, 25 years of vows and a special birthday too! Thanksgiving Mass 3 December at 6.30pm. Mass followed by tea, coffee & cakes in the parish hall. All most welcome.

We think of our Mother Mary in Advent, and how she looked forward with love to giving birth to Jesus. We bathe in her maternal care as we too look forward to our Saviour’s birth.   

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News: 

INDIA: New appointments in our communities were made this month.

* In Karnataka Fr. Jesuraj became superior of our parish houses in Adigondanahally & Yadavanahally &Tiptur.

* In Tamil Nadu Fr. Valan was put in charge of parish communities of Chennai & Salem.

* In  Bangalore Fr.Jose Kumar became head of house with Fr Pascal in charge of students

* In Mangalore Fr. Biju Alappat became head of  Mangalore house.

* In Assam Fr.Jestin became head of Hojai-Langting community, while Fr Pobitro became head of Simaluguri community. May God bless all their ministries.

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Friary Snippets 

Children’s Christmas crafts display will be today after 9:00 am Mass in the Hall.

The Christmas Fayre is at OLC school, Sat 6 Dec 12-3pm. Please bring in advance, donations of bottles, sweets & chocolate, unwanted gifts, good quality toys & teddys. Raffle tickets on sale today after each mass.

Our Lady of the Wayside hosts a free Advent Concert next Sunday 7 Dec 2pm

* Our Lady of the Wayside School Choir  

* Love To Sing Choir

* Solihull Got2Sing Choir

* Guest soloist Rosemary Robinson

* wide range of popular festive music

* optional gifts to Albaraca Nursery Gambia & St. Mary’s Education Trust India.

Blessed are those who mourn : Our Friary bereavement support group meets monthly for all seeking support after a loss. All wel-come no matter the kind of loss or when.
* Meet 1^st Sunday each month for prayer conversation & encouragement of one another as we journey together.

* Next Meeting Sunday 7^th December
* 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 

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Marriage Matters: FIrst Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 2:1-5 Rom 13:11-14: Matt 24:37-44

God’s Word is clear –we can only be sure of each current moment in our day-to- day lives. To live more often as couples in the present moment, we need to heed today’s call from Jesus to “stay awake”. St.Paul too tells us “the time has come: you must wake up now”, because now is all we have.

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Jubilee Mass Sunday 28 December 2025,  feast of The Holy Family this year.

* Jubilee Mass 11.00a.m. for couples with a significant Wedding Anniversary 2025. 

* 1^st anniversary? 25^th, 30^th, 35^th, 40^th, 45^th, 50^th, 55^th, 60^th ? …Please let us know.

* Spouse deceased? Can still mark the day. Please call Fr.Biju, parish office or Wedding  Team weddings@oltonfriary.org.uk if you’d like to attend & receive a special blessing.

Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 30^th November: E

Please Pray for Jacqueline O’Keefe -funeral December 4 at 10.15am.

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Is there Autism in your family? or ADHD or Dyslexia or Dyspraxia or Tourette’s?

* Our bishops are trying to discern pastoral needs helped by Newman University via:

* ‘Neurodiversity & Catholic Faith Survey’ Adult neurodivergent Catholic? Caregiver?

* Your experience helps us become a more inclusive and responsive church.

* Aims: to know what helps or impedes neurodivergent Catholics.

* These short anonymous online surveys take 10-20 mins. Deadline 11.59pm 12 Jan.

* separate surveys for Adults & Caregivers

* more info? email Dr Magdalena Smusz – m.smusz@staff.newman.ac.uk or Fleur Dorrell  fleur.dorrell@cbcew.org.uk or Neurodiversity and the Catholic Faith | Birmingham Diocesan Trust

Many thanks to our parish flower team for the enjoyable Christmas flower work-shops this w/e. Real community events!

Christmas Grave Posies can still be ordered from the flower team @ £10. 

GIVING TREE Please select a gift label from the tree & buy a gift returning it by Sunday 7^th December at the latest so that the gifts may be distributed in time for Christmas.

Journey in Faith: our programme for those seeking to join the church or just seeking continues tomorrow Mon  7.30pm

Could you be a Healthcare Volunteer in Lourdes? Are you a doctor, nurse or carer? Can give time to 2026 Lourdes Pilgrimage?

* sick pilgrims can go to Lourdes thanks to a dedicated Healthcare Team.

* If you’re a healthcare professional please consider joining us.

*  info https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/lourdes-pilgrimage

Thankyou from Mary Doherty to Fr.Biju for letting me speak in the parish Hall last Saturday, and also to the folk who listened to my Sahara Challenge experience

* amazing 50km trek in Moroccan Sahara helped support Acorns Children Hospices.

* We sweltered in 37°C day temperatures and slept under magical star-studded skies.

* No electricity, running water or internet, just beautiful silence of solitude. 

* to donate https://www.justgiving.com/page/mary-doherty-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

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.