Fr Austin's Holy Thought

Twenty Sixth Sunday

         Life is Short           

Mt 21:28-32

One of the blessings of adult education is that it allows people a second chance if they missed out in their teenage years. So people in their 30’s, or 40’s take up chances that eluded them at 13 because they were dyslexic ... struggled with disability ... tussled with English or had a troubled childhood. Those who teach them now, find it very rewarding.

Today’s parable of two young men asked to go and work in the vineyard is really about second chances. The son who went to work after initially refusing, is like a man who has been given a second chance in life. After some initial reluctance he seizes the opportunity.

The parable, told after Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, was aimed at Chief priests & ‘Holy’ people who talked piety but ignored God’s purpose. They are like the son in the story who piously accepted his father’s will, but then did nothing about it. But it has echoes for us too.

Sometimes we are given the chance to mend a relationship that has soured.. to reshape our life after a serious illness … to make a fresh start after a prison sentence ... to serve the family after finding release from addiction.

       Simmering conflicts in Iran & Ukraine concentrate our minds, as their unpredictable course claims lives both old and young. So the chances to serve our God & our brothers and sisters are to be seized and not ignored. Whatever second chances God gives us, we owe it to Him, to others and to ourselves to make the most of them. 

 

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

27th September - 4th October 2026	Week Twenty Six
Twenty Sixth (Refugee) Sunday 27 September Ez 18:25-28 Phil 2:1-11 Mt 21:28-32 9.00 Mass People of the Parish  11.00 Adriana Wheatley RIP 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass Steve Roper Exit Collection: Father Hudson's Society	Dear Brothers & Sisters, Good King Wenceslaus (Monday) saint of the famous Christmas Carol was king of Bohemia 1000 years ago & renowned for service of the poor. He famously ‘looked out on the feast of Stephen’ and was moved by the plight of the poor. St.Lawrence Ruiz (Monday) was a married layman who gave his life for Christ’s sake in 17th century Japan. St.Michael & all the angels (Tues) Michael was guardian of all Ireland. Along with  Ignatius he is patron saint of our Sacred Heart Congregation. If we are in the midst of a spiritual struggle he is the one to invoke: ‘Holy Michael the archangel defend us in the day of battle ...’ St.Jerome (Wednesday) translated the bible from Greek & Hebrew into Latin, then the common language so his work was known as the ‘vulgate’ and became a benchmark for bible translations. St.Theresa of the Child Jesus (Thursday) a Carmelite nun of Lisieux died of TB at 24 Famed for the counsel given to missionaries from an enclosed convent & a diary The Little Way, she connects with many people of different cultures. When her relics came to the UK in 2009, journalists were astounded that so many prisoners in Winson Green queued up to venerate! The Guardian Angels (Friday) are honoured as the spirits who watch over us & protect us from all harm. St.Thomas de Cantilupe (Friday) is one of 3 ‘St.Thomas’ Chancellors of England (cf. Sts.Thomas Becket & Thomas More). As bishop of Hereford he was known for holiness & service of the poor. His family owned Aston Cantlow village near Henley-in-Arden where St.John the Baptist church honours his memory today.
Monday 28th September   St.Wenceslaus also St Laurence Ruiz & co. Job 1.6-22  Lk 9.46-50 7.00 Mass Sherry White RIP Birthday anniversary 10.15 Mass George Carmichael also Andy Cole
Tuesday  29th  September St.Michael and all the angels Rev 12.7-12a John 1.47-51  7.00 Mass Fenola Whittle RIP 10.15 Mass Bridie Fury RIP (Live streamed)        also David Madgwick RIP anniversary 10.45 Rosary of the unborn 7.00 Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday 30th September  St. Jerome Job 9.1-12, 14-16 Lk 9:57-62 7.00 Mass Harris family 10.15 Mass Ann Elliot RIP also Jane Crouch
Thursday 1st October St.Theresa of Lisieux Job 19.21-27  Lk 10:1-12 7.00 No Mass 10.15 Mass Communion service 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
The Guardian Angels Job 38.1,12-21, 40.3-5 Matt 18.1-4,10 7.00 No Mass 10.15 Mass Tim Desmond also Anne Keane RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Saturday 3rd October St.Thomas de Cantilupe Job 42.1-3, 5-6, 12-17 Lk 10:17-24 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Fr Edward Simpson RIP anniversary also Stella Minihan RIP
Twenty Seventh Sunday 4th October Is 5.1-7  Phil 4.6-9 Mt 21:33-43 9.00 Mass People of the Parish also Patrick Quinn RIP 11.00 Sean Ward RIP 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass Alex Doherty & family Exit Collection: Harvest Fast (CAFOD)

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Sometimes being faithful to Christ means swimming against the stream, doing something or saying something that is contrary to the accepted fashion of the age.

We do this when we defend the unborn. We swim against the stream as we defend the sick and the elderly from the threat of ‘mercy killing’ or assisted suicide.

This week the church defends the Refugee on this refugee Sunday. Refugees rarely have any friends in politics and that is especially true in Britain and Europe.

But Pope Leo insists Jesus was a refugee, recalling that the Holy Family became refugees in Egypt when they had to flee the murderous designs of King Herod after Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 

People will always flee persecution. They will always flee discrimination, abject poverty or the effects of climate change.

No one person has all the answers to these issues, but that must not prevent us proclaiming what we do know for certain, which is that every man woman & child is a child of god and must be treated as such.

Our diocese has several projects that support refugees including Saint Chad’s Sanctuary in the city centre and Brush Strokes in Smethwick. Several people in our parish have supported these projects over the years. May God bless their ongoing work. They swim against the stream.

May Jesus, Mary and Joseph, who fled as refugees to Egypt, watch over us this week and keep us safe.

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News

Ibarre, Basque country:  In the French Basque region Basque-speaking pilgrims made their annual pilgrimage to Ibarre birthplace of St.Michael on August 26. Fr. Joseph Ruspil SCJ celebrated a 7.00am Mass.

Pilgrims then spent time in personal prayer entrusting their intentions via a small candle placed before the statue of Saint Michael Garicoïts. Guest speaker was Bro.Jean-Michel Bortheirie, a Benedictine monk from Belloc, the only abbey in the world where Divine Office is celebrated daily in Basque.

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Friary Snippets 

 A big thankyou  to all who joined the SCJ sponsored walk at Droitwich last Saturday. Please pass on any outstanding sponsor money to a member of the SCJ community, or place in an envelope marked ‘sponsored walk’ and leave in the Sunday collection.

Last week we also thanked ZÖe Beavon our community cook for nearly 20 years who retires this week. May God bless her and all her family.

CHILDREN’S VOICES at 9.00am MASS

* We invite all children aged 7+ to join our choir at 9:00 am Family Mass, a wonderful way to encourage a child's faith via music

* Short rehearsal 2^nd Sunday of month, immediately after Mass. 

* Just speak to any of our leaders, Anne,

 Claire, or Rose, after Mass, or email Rose holysingalong@gmail.com.

Season of Creation Our Harvest Festival will be on Sunday 4^th October at 9am Mass.

Gifts of non-perishable foods will be brought and offered at mass, then later distributed to people in need locally.

A Centenary Celebration Concert led by parish choir this Saturday 3 Oct 7.30pm

* Celebrating music from the last 100 years,

 * in aid of the Organ fund

* guest organist Pavlos Triantaris,

* Olton Friary Choir, and dance cabaret.

* Tickets £12 per person...on sale after Mass. or email geraldine.gnych@oltonfriary.org.uk  

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Marriage Matters: Twenty Sixth Sunday

Ezek18: 25-28 Phil 2: 1-11 Matt 21: 28-32

Remember our courting days and the long, thrilling conversations we had about our future together? They were part of falling in love & forming a common purpose in married life. St Paul recalls the mark of a Christian: “Be united in your convictions & your love with common purpose & mind.”

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Big thanks to our secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 27^th September: Group F

Please pray for Charlotte Rose Angelina Severn-funeral 9 October & Patrick Quinn ++++ May they rest in peace ++++

Parish Hall Refurbishment... Total raised  to date is £109k so we’re nearly there!

* The new hall roof cost £69.5k and the

* Hall Refurb £50k (incl. new floor)

* so we just need a final £10.5k.

* Fr Biju gives huge thanks to everyone for their prayers, donations, fundraising and time given to complete this project.

 Upcoming Parish hall events……...

* Bingo Night Saturday 17^th October 7pm 

* Christmas Market 11am-2pm Sat 14 Nov

 * HCPT Concert Night also November 14 

* Christmas Flower Workshops

Friday 27^th November, 6pm to 8pm

Saturday 28^th November 11am to 1pm.

Parish Council…. Mike Murphy our PPC Chair been re-elected for one more year – Congratulations and thanks to Mike.

St.peter’s School seeks new head….A new headteacher is sought for our school from September 2027 as our current head takes up a new challenge. We’re a popular, outstanding, oversubscribed Catholic High School. Applicants please follow link: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/148094/EDV-2026-SPCS-33226  Deadline October 6

Thanks to all who showed interest in the other recent domestic & safeguarding job adverts. Selections to take place soon. 

Cluster Parishes to gather at the Friary this Saturday Oct 3: 10.15am Mass in church to start. Meet then in the hall till 12.30pm. All invited to join esp. parish group leaders

Monday Meditation at Holy Souls: 1pm in Parish Meeting Room, Oct 5 & 19, Nov 2, 16 & 30, Dec 14. All welcome

Journey in Faith our programme for those seeking to join the Catholic church resumes tomorrow Monday 27 Sept 7.30pm in the Friary library. We tune in to the Holy Trinity, something of a puzzle to other faiths, as it is God’s way of adopting us, and bringing us into his family.

Blessed are those who mourn:

* Our Friary Bereavement support group meets each month for all who are seeking support after a loss.

* All are welcome no matter the kind of loss or  how long ago.
* We gather 1^st Sunday of each month for prayer, conversation & encouragement of one another as we journey together.
* We aren’t a counselling group but promise good listening skills, respect for confidentiality and of course a cuppa.

* Next Meeting next Sunday.. 4^th October 3.00pm to 4.30 in the Friary Lounge
* For info call parish Office 0121-706-0505 or Noleen Walsh on 0121-706-5184

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.