Weekly Newsletter - Olton Friary Church

Fr Austin's Holy Thought

Second Sunday of Advent

Speaking Truth to Power

Matthew 3:1-12

What might you feel if you’d heard John the Baptist blasting both Pharisees & Sadducees for their hypocrisy? Back then the Sadducees were roughly the right wing of politics and Pharisees the left wing. But John slated them all: ‘brood of vipers’.

And how would you cope if John dropped by for dinner? The stink of his uncured camel skin? Smell of the unwashed? Diet of locusts? The demand you confess your sins?

The Baptist was weird & wonderful so you might feel a twinge of sympathy for his aged parents Elizabeth & Zechariah!

The church has to be in ‘Baptist-mode’ at times, and speak truth to power and expose the shame of our age

..the gap between super rich & struggling poor …. the

economy skewed to make weapons... refugees despised & Life demeaned...

But it isn't our default mode, and we use it sparingly. Why?

Firstly it can be bad for us, as judging others feeds a creeping egoism and makes us think we are better than our neighbours. Outsiders then get the impression that ‘the church is always condemning things’

Secondly the world is messy. Economies are messy, as are politics and human relations. So unless we live isolated as Carthusian monks we are all implicated in this world’s mess.

Thirdly John told us: ‘He will baptise you with Holy Spirit’ So it’s not enough to know what’s wrong with world. We need a power greater than ourselves to heal it...the Spirit Jesus came to bring. And that is the treasure we carry among us….with all our mistakes & messiness.

Fr.Austin scj

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

Weekly Diary

7th December - 14th December 2025	Second Week in Advent
Second Sunday of Advent 7^th 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 6.00pm Mass Mr & Mrs Sheehan & Family Exit Collection Poor Parishes of Diocese Fund	Dear Brothers & Sisters, Bible Sunday Today readers renew their commitment at their usual Sunday Mass The Immaculate Conception tomorrow is our parish feast, and acclaims Mary’s freedom from Original Sin, God’s way of preparing her to be Jesus' Mother. St.Juan Diego (Tuesday) & his wife became Christians in 16^th cent. Mexico. He shocked Spanish rulers by saying in 1531 that Our Lady appeared to him at Guadelupe & spoke his own Aztec tongue St.Edmund Gennings (Wednesday) from Lichfield was martyred as a catholic priest at the age of 24. He was canonised as one of the 40 martyrs in 1970. Our Lady of Loreto (Wednesday) was made patron of air travel in 1920 by Benedict XV when air travel was v. new Saint Damasus (Thursday) a pope of the tumultuous 4^th century was famed for a synodal consultative style of rule. Our Lady of Guadalupe (Friday) is patron of Mexico & all the Americas. St.Lucy (Saturday) was an early Roman martyr. Her life story is scarcely known but she is named in the 1^stEucharistic prayer, the early church’s way of honouring forgotten heroes. She is patron saint of good eyesight. 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 to share next 2 Thursdays. 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 today December 7^th at 10.00am * to enrol your child, email Sarah Wood sarah.wood@oltonfriary.org.uk * Confirmations Friday 6^th Feb at 7pm
Monday - 8^th December Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary Gen 3.9-15, 20 Eph 1.3-6, 11-12 Luke 1.26-38 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass Fr Biju Antony SCJ 7.30pm Mass People of the Parish
Tuesday - 9^th December St.Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoazin Isaiah 40.1-11 Matt 18. 12-14 7.00 Mass Holy Souls 10.15 Mass Maria Hartigan also Barry Hodges 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday - 10^th December Our Lady of Loreto St.Edmund Jennings Isaiah 40.25-31 Matt 11.28-30 7.00 Mass Desmond Mc Kinley RIP 10.15 Mass Monika & Stefan Sawicki RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel)
Thursday - 11^th December St. Damasus (Pope) Isaiah 41.13-20 Matt 11.11-15 7.00 Mass Paula Mallon RIP 10.15 Mass May Fagan also Bernadette McGhie RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament
Friday - 12^th December Our Lady of Guadalupe Isaiah 48.17-19 Matt 11.16-19 7.00 Mass Brother Liam Finucane SCJ 10.15 Mass Shelia Griffin RIP also Michael Cottam
Saturday 13^th December St.Lucy 2Cor 10.17-11.2 Matt 25.1-13 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Archbp Mario, Mario Paul & Noel Minihan
Third Sunday of Advent 14^th December Is 36:1-6a,10 James 5.7-10 Mt 11:2-11 9.00 Piotr Sawicki 11.00am Brendan Mc Inerney RIP 6.00pm Mass People of the Parish Exit Collection Prison Support Ministry

7th December - 14th December 2025

Second Week in Advent

Second Sunday of Advent 7^th 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

6.00pm Mass Mr & Mrs Sheehan & Family

Exit Collection Poor Parishes of Diocese Fund

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Bible Sunday Today readers renew their commitment at their usual Sunday Mass

The Immaculate Conception tomorrow is our parish feast, and acclaims Mary’s freedom from Original Sin, God’s way of preparing her to be Jesus' Mother.

St.Juan Diego (Tuesday) & his wife became Christians in 16^th cent. Mexico. He shocked Spanish rulers by saying in 1531 that Our Lady appeared to him at Guadelupe & spoke his own Aztec tongue

St.Edmund Gennings (Wednesday) from Lichfield was martyred as a catholic priest at the age of 24. He was canonised as one of the 40 martyrs in 1970.

Our Lady of Loreto (Wednesday) was made patron of air travel in 1920 by Benedict XV when air travel was v. new

Saint Damasus (Thursday) a pope of the tumultuous 4^th century was famed for a synodal consultative style of rule.

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Friday) is patron of Mexico & all the Americas.

St.Lucy (Saturday) was an early Roman martyr. Her life story is scarcely known but she is named in the 1^stEucharistic prayer, the early church’s way of honouring forgotten heroes. She is patron saint of good eyesight.

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 to share next 2 Thursdays.

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 today December 7^th at 10.00am

* to enrol your child, email Sarah Wood

sarah.wood@oltonfriary.org.uk

* Confirmations Friday 6^th Feb at 7pm

Monday - 8^th December

Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary

Gen 3.9-15, 20 Eph 1.3-6, 11-12 Luke 1.26-38

7.00 Mass Private Intention

10.15 Mass Fr Biju Antony SCJ

7.30pm Mass People of the Parish

Tuesday - 9^th December

St.Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoazin

Isaiah 40.1-11 Matt 18. 12-14

7.00 Mass Holy Souls

10.15 Mass Maria Hartigan also Barry Hodges

7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament

Wednesday - 10^th December

Our Lady of Loreto

St.Edmund Jennings

Isaiah 40.25-31 Matt 11.28-30

7.00 Mass Desmond Mc Kinley RIP

10.15 Mass Monika & Stefan Sawicki RIP

11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel)

Thursday - 11^th December

St. Damasus (Pope)

Isaiah 41.13-20 Matt 11.11-15

7.00 Mass Paula Mallon RIP

10.15 Mass May Fagan also Bernadette McGhie RIP

11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament

Friday - 12^th December

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Isaiah 48.17-19 Matt 11.16-19

7.00 Mass Brother Liam Finucane SCJ

10.15 Mass Shelia Griffin RIP also Michael Cottam

Saturday 13^th December

St.Lucy

2Cor 10.17-11.2 Matt 25.1-13

9.30 Confessions

10.15 Mass Archbp Mario, Mario Paul & Noel Minihan

Third Sunday of Advent 14^th December

Is 36:1-6a,10 James 5.7-10 Mt 11:2-11

9.00 Piotr Sawicki

11.00am Brendan Mc Inerney RIP

6.00pm Mass People of the Parish

Exit Collection Prison Support Ministry

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Bible Sunday is today, and we invite all our parish readers to renew their commitment at their usual Sunday mass.

Mary Immaculate Feast tomorrow is not officially a Holy Day, but as it is our parish feast day we have 3 Holy Day Masses.

Our Christmas Fayre was a happy occasion yesterday and the weather merciful. Many thanks to all our volunteers in parish and school who make this wonderful event possible every December.

Many thanks too for all the kindness shown to me for my birthday last Wednesday. I give thanks to God to be a part of such a faithful and generous parish community.

Welcome the New Born King, comes this Wednesday December 10^th at 7.30pm, a simple family-based Advent prayer service we’ve kept annually for 40 years in eight different homes around the parish.

(NB Venues in the next column)

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

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

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!

Three feasts of Mother Mary this week: Immaculate Conception

Our Lady of Loreto and Our Lady of Guadalupe We beseech Mary our our mother, friend of the poor & desolate, to bring peace to a world divided, and peace to our homes and families.

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News:

Bethlehem:

Our Novices in Bethlehem last week had personal experience of the desert of Judea, the wilderness where John the Baptist lived. Led by Mr. Issa a former Bétharramite they visited the ‘Temptation Mount’ where Jesus was tempted for 40 days. They also energetically harvested Olives from the 300 trees on our campus, and also welcomed Fr. Chan scj from Thailand.

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Friary Snippets

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.
** 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 or Noleen Walsh on 0121-706-5184

*** Meeting today Sunday 7^th December***

Welcoming the Newborn King Venues:

Wednesday 10th December at 7.30pm

• Mona, 263 Streetsbrook Rd, B91 1HE.

• Anthony & Micky 73 Broad Oaks Rd B91 1HY

•Nija & Binoy, 220 Streetsbrook Rd B91 1HF

•Stephanie, 188 St Bernards Rd, B92 7BJ. •Siobhan, 2 Bourton Rd, B92 8AX.

•Shyni and Sebi, 18 Rothwell Drive B91 1HG

•Shirley, 9 Tudor Grange House B91 1FN

•Jane 24 Brookwood Ave B28 0DA 8.30pm

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Marriage Matters: Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12

Advent is a time to discover new ways to help our partner trust us and share them-selves. Our prayer can be that we drop our defences, become more vulnerable and have courage to open ourselves to be able to really listen, to share & to change.

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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 7^thDecember: F

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Our Lady of the Wayside hosts a free Advent Concert today 7^th December 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.

Solihull Choral Society presents:

¶Christmas Carol Concert at St Alphege’s

¶Angels from the realms of glory

¶ Next Saturday Dec 13^th 5pm.

¶Soloist Anna Chester

¶Conductor Oliver Walker

¶Info & Tickets www.solihullchoral.org.uk

Christmas Grave Posies All orders are now complete. To be collected from the Choir.

GIVING TREE ..Last orders! Please select a gift label from the tree & buy gift & return it by today 7^th December 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

FATIMA 2026 Fr.Andrew at Our Lady of the Wayside, hopes to run a Fatima pilgrimage in 2026, September 11-15 a chance spend a few days in prayer, & companionship.

° Will there be enough to make it viable?

° estimated cost around £1000 p.p.

° includes flights & full board at Hotel Steyler & transfers from Lisbon

° day trip to Aljustrel & Valinhos (birthplaces of the Fatima children)

° Tangney Tours courier

° comprehensive travel insurance

° group Masses during our stay.

° Minimum of 20 needed to make it viable

° Interested? Please email Maggie

foxvinedesigns@gmail.com

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.