Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Eleventh Sunday
Compassion for the Helpless...
Matt 9.36-10.8
Healing the sick was always central to the ministry of Jesus, and his compassion for people who suffered knew no bounds. Today we hear how he sent Apostles out specifically to heal the sick, aware also of the sickness of confusion and lack of direction. He had compassion for the crowds because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.
Last month Pope Leo showed his compassion for humanity with a blockbuster of a papal encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. Keenly aware that human beings can become harassed and helpless when affected by rapid technological change, his message is that science is beautiful, but humanity is infinitely more beautiful. Why? Because we are made in God’s image.
Moreover, men and women are more important than microchips or computer programmes, so any progress in science that forgets this has lost its way. Pope Leo, the first pope ever with a science degree, greatly admires what modern technology has given to the world.
But he is adamant that technology is never neutral. e.g. those who devise, control and finance Artificial Intelligence have a built-in agenda. And that agenda isn't always marked by the spirit of the beatitudes!
Focusing on the technocrats’ wish to ‘optimise the human condition’
he insists that imperfections are what make human beings great. Microchips never fall in love, know sorrow, disappointment or failure, but men and women do, and these experiences lift us up and teach us wisdom. They teach us empathy and unite us to the rest of the human race.
‘Humanity’s fulfilment in all its magnificence and woundedness, does not come via “technological divin-ization,” but through God’s grace received in Christ’ (Pope Leo)
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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14th June - 21st June 2026 |
Week Eleven |
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Eleventh Sunday 14th June Ex 19:2-6 Rm 5:6-11 Mt9:36-10:8 9.00 Patrick Mc Manus RIP 11.00 Linda Miller & family 6.00 Mass People of the Parish also Jenny & Steve Roper Exit Collection: SCJ Sick and Elderly |
Dear Brothers & Sisters, Refugee Week begins tomorrow, not a popular subject in UK politics today. But Pope Leo insists in Magnifica Humanitas that we of God’s family can never forget that the Holy Family Jesus, Mary & Joseph were once refugees in Egypt. And we must never forget that our earthly home is only temporary. St.Richard (Tuesday) revered in his home town Droitwich where our Sacred Heart Church has beautiful mosaic scenes of his life, became bishop of Chichester. Many today use his prayer: “Day by day O dear Lord three things I pray: To see thee more clearly; Love thee more dearly; Follow thee more nearly day by day” Thursday is the dedication feast of Saint Chad's cathedral. Each Diocese has a day for their own cathedral. St.Romuald (Friday) 11th cent monk from Ravenna was famed as a hermit & sage whose counsel was much sought. Saint Alban (Saturday) our 1st English martyr, was put to death in the Roman town of Verulamium around 305 AD. His story his told by St. Bede. §§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§ Day for Life Fund collection next Sunday (June 21) funds those who work to protect human life (total budget £200k p.a.) … from conception to natural death … How? projects re- life issues.. education workshops ..advocacy campaigns, practical support services… and research. Grants also provide mothers & children with basic necessities of life. Next Sunday is also Father’s Day (June 21) In March we kept Mothers day & we honoured the mothers in our parish. Next week we honour our Fathers on their special day, & grandfathers too, plus those who like St.Joseph have taken on the role of step-father or foster-father or guardian.
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Monday 15th June 1Kg 21:1-16 Mt 5:38-42 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Requiem Kathleen Hogan |
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Tuesday 16th June St.Richard 1Kg 21:17-29 Mtn5:43-48 7.00 Mass Danny C 10.15 Mass Barbara Tony Eames RIP also Sean Ward RIP IP 10.45 Rosary of the unborn 7.00 Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday 17th June 2Kg2:1,6-14 Mt 6:1-6,16-18 7.00 No Mass 10.15 Communion Service 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel) |
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Thursday 18th June Dedication of St.Chad’s Cathedral Sir 48:1-14 Mt 6:7-15 7.00 Mass John Doody RIP 10.15 Requiem Elsa Valentini RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Friday 19th June St.Romuald 2Kg 11:1-4,9-18,20 Mt 6:19-23 7.00 Mass Special Intention C.L 10.15 Mass Rory O’ Connell RIP also Mrs Martina Flaherty |
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Saturday 20th June St.Alban 2 Chr 24:17-25 Mt 6:24-34 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Mary Gateley RIP |
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Twelfth Sunday 21st June Jr 20:10-13 Rm5:12-15 Mt 10:26-33 9.00 Margaret Rose Walsh RIP 11.00 Mark Jan Hurley RIP 6.00 Mass People of the Parish also Matthew Gallagher RIP Exit Collection: Day for Life |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Yesterday in Thailand we had the ordinations of Peter Hung scj (our first Vietnamese priest) & Fr.Prapad from Chiang Mai. Both had been my students in India 10 yrs ago, so it was joy to witness this day.
Fr.Hung’s first mass in Vietnamese will be in Ho Chi Minh city a few days later, and Fr.Wilfred and myself with be there. I will be back in Olton on Saturday.
In two weeks time at The Friary we shall witness the solemn profession of Brother Thang on 26 June. God willing, he will be soon be our second priest from Vietnam.
Our Summer Fayre is on Saturday June 20 and the team have been working hard behind the scenes. It is still not too late to offer your services as a helper on the day.
Looking ahead………..
* Our Annual Parish Council AGM will be held in the parish hall Thursday 25th June at 7pm. If there is anything to be added to the agenda please contact our parish secretary this week. All are welcome
* St.Bernards in Bloom ..open gardens up and down St.Bernards Road happens on June 28th, 1.30-5.00pm.A £5 ticket covers all the gardens including our own Friary. Proceeds go to the Stroke Association
* Inter-parish football tournament happens on July 5th at 2.00pm on our lawn
May our Mother Mary, protector of Thailand and Vietnam, protect us all this week
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
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SCJ News: Fr.Austin made a small personal pilgrimage last week to St.Mary-the-Virgin church Gosport, where he made his final religious profession 50 years ago, to give thanks to God for innumerable blessings.
St.Mary-the-Virgin is actually a 12th century Anglican church with a modern extension, and was shared with the local catholic parish for Sunday mass back then. Worth a visit!
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Friary Snippets
Parish Hall Refurbishment Update
Phase One — new hall roof now complete & paid for at £69.5k…£2k under budget.
Phase Two major refurb of whole interior
Cost estimate of Phase Two: £80k (& VAT)
• (Hall & toilet £60k Hall floor £20k)
• So far £24k raised thanks to your gifts We’re actively seeking grants to help us.
* Thanks for your ongoing support. We do still need it!.
Many thanks to organisers & parishioners who supported the Pentecost Afternoon Tea for our centenary. We raised a good £1130 for the hall renovation fund. Thankyou!
Our Parish & School Summer Fayre will be next Saturday 20th June 12.00-3.00
* Raffle Prizes still needed
* Donations still wanted for bottle stall
* Chocolates & Sweets needed
* Good quality toys & surplus gifts welcome
* Teddies for the tombola needed
* volunteers & helpers needed. Like to help? Call Emma or Annette via the parish office
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Marriage Matters: Eleventh Sunday
Ex 19:2-6 Romans 5:6-11 Matt 9:36-10.8
Priests offer sacrifice, and are ‘mediators’ between God & humanity. Jesus was both Priest & ‘mediator’ sacrificing Himself on the Cross, pleading, “Father forgive them”. Baptism made us sharers in Christ’s Priest-hood. At Mass, as a Priestly people, we join in His sacrifice praying for ourselves & others. So ‘serve the Lord with gladness’, counting our blessings.
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Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 14th June: Group C
Please pray for Elsa Valentini-funeral-Thurs 18 June 10.15. Pray also for Moira Kiely & Julie Agnew RIP ++ Rest in peace ++
Monday Meditation Group At Holy Souls parish room 1pm: June 8 & 22 & July 6. All are 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
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
200 CLUB APRIL 1st £125 59 Ms F.O’Keefe; 2nd £50 24 Mrs M Cunningham; 3rd £25 9 Mrs J Bowen MAY 1st £125 146 Ms C Poole; 2nd £50 125 Mrs M T Coulson; 3rd £25 111 Mrs M Devolle
Mary’s Fund Raiser Afternoon Tea for her Arctic Challenge for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Join Mary Sunday June 21st & 12th
July - 3pm to 5pm 136 Ulverley Gn Rd in back garden. 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 scraped a 2024 win.
Our Lady of the Wayside won by luck 2025
2026 could be our year! Please sign-up in narthex after mass if you’d play. Spectators welcome. Refreshments available – Irish Hot Dogs and Ice Cream for sale.
St Bernards in Bloom June 28 1.30-5pm
* gardens in St.Bernards Rd open and raising funds for the Stroke Association.
* Display of Classic Cars plus children’s quiz, plant sale & raffle. Live music..
* Tea, cakes & samosas and Pimms garden
* Friary grounds & church open
* In 2024 1,400 visited & raised £11,000.
* Entry £5 adult..children free.
Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) seeks a volunteer from this parish to help with Sea Sunday (12 July) in our parish.
We pray this day for seafarers & families. Collection then helps work of Stella Maris. Volunteer needed to read the appeal at end of Mass. If you can help, please contact roland.hayes@stellamarismail.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.