Fr Austin's Holy Thought
All Saints Sunday
Saved in the Cloud
Matt 5.1-12
An ancient Christian vision speaks of the saints as a cloud of witnesses(Heb 12.1-2) that give us strength & encouragement as we journey towards the promised land of heaven. Non-Christians smile when I speak to them of the cloud, as for them ‘the cloud’ is where they save their documents!
But there are some similarities. The digital cloud is a storehouse of memory, just as the Christian cloud is a store of holy memories, holy people and holy wisdom. More importantly it is also a source of power. The holy witnesses who went before us are a source of grace & strength for us who still journey on the road.
On this feast of All Saints it helps to know that there is no such thing as a ready-made-saint. They were all just ordinary men and women who said ‘yes’ to God’s in their lives and followed him day by day.
Some become outstanding figures, always in the public eye, like Ignatius of Loyola. Others like Teresa of Lisieux stayed in the background and never sought publicity. Some were great intellectuals or great martyrs. Others were just quirky. There really are some odd personalities in heaven!
But whatever their personality, the love of Jesus was the most important thing in their lives.
Today we ask the help of this cloud of witnesses, to give us example and strength so that one day we may join them in that cloud.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
|
2nd November - 9th November 2025 |
All Saints - Week Thirty One |
|---|---|
|
All Saints Day 2nd November Rv 7:2-4,9-14 1Jn 3:1-3 Mt 5:1-12 9.00 Pat Doyle RIP 11.00am Carol Roberts RIP 6.00pm Mass People of the Parish also Elena Walsh Exit Collection Johnson Association for Retired & Infirm Diocesan Clergy |
Dear Brothers & Sisters, All Saints day is the day we honour all the many Saints in heaven who are our role models & intercessors. All Souls day (tomorrow) its younger brother has more emotional pull than All Saints because it concerns those we have loved who’ve gone before us. St.Martin of Peru displaced by All Souls is loved by the disadvantaged, especially those who have known racial abuse. A Dominican lay-brother & descendant of slaves, he was the 1st African-American to be declared a saint and is deservedly popular among black people. St Charles Borromeo (Tuesday) was bishop of Milan after the 16th cent Council of Trent & implemented Trent reforms e.g. good education for clergy & laity. He faced opposition to reforms of the Council (much as Pope Leo today re– Vatican II) but faced it down. Blessed George Napier (Saturday) an English priest working secretly in Oxfordshire in penal times, was martyred in 1610 at Oxford. The Catholic High School in Banbury is named after him. The dedication of the Lateran Basilica Next Sunday fêtes the underground Christian Church in Rome becoming an Overground church after the conversion of Constantine in 313. This church is the cathedral of the Rome Diocese. Our Celebration of Life Mass Saturday is a beautiful prayer for the people of our parish family who died in the last 12 months. Bp. David Evans will preside. Remembrance Sunday next day honours the dead of two world wars. Fine poppy displays in church will reflect this. **************************** Exit Collection today is for retired & infirm Birmingham Diocesan priests. Diocese worries re- growing demands on the fund and asks for generosity, and suggests you might consider a legacy. |
|
Monday - 3rd November All Souls Day 2 Macc 12:43-46 Ph 3:20-21 LK 7:11-17 7.00 Mass Rodney Rodrigues 50th Birthday 10.15 Mass Jacqueline & Martin Lynch RIP also Lynda, David, Daisy, Janet, Juliana, Susan and all Davies family |
|
|
Tuesday - 4th November Saint Charles Borromeo Rm 12:3-13 Jn 10:11-16 7.00am Mass Special Intention GM & Es RIP 10.15 Mass Helen McEllisott also Denis Linehan 7.00pm Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
|
|
Wednesday - 5th November Rm 13:8-10 Lk 14:25-33 7.00 Mass Danny C 10.15 Mass Nora & Francis Mc Greal RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel) |
|
|
Thursday - 6th November Rm 14:7-12 Lk 15:1-10 7.00 Mass Holy Souls 10.15 Mass Graz, Basia, Stepa, Iza, Gill RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
|
|
First Friday - 7th November Rm 15:14-21 Lk 16:1-8 7.00 Mass Denis Linehan RIP 10.15 Mass John Burns also Damien McKernan RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
|
|
Saturday 8th November Blessed George Napier Rm 16:3-9,16,22-27 Lk 16:9-15 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Faithful Departed of our Parish |
|
|
Dedication of Lateran Basilica 9th November Ez 47:1-2,8-9,12 1Co 3:9-11,16-17 Jn 2:13-22 9.00 Peggy & Douglas Coshan 11.00am People of the Parish - Remembrance 6.00pm Mass Intentions of Pope Leo XIV Exit Collection Friary Cemetery upkeep |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“Blessed are the peacemakers” is the cry of Jesus in the gospel today. And how much does our world need peacemakers… in the middle east ... in Sudan … in Ukraine and so many other places where the innocent suffer the consequences of fighting!
The world wants us to take sides in a partisan manner but all nations are neighbours to us, and if we take sides it is simply to defend the poor and the innocent. May the Lord bless all who work for peace today. They are truly the children of God.
Looking ahead …. Bp David Evans will be with us this Saturday November 8 at 10.15 for our Celebration of Life mass as we commemorate those who’ve died during the past year. We welcome Bishop David Evans who is keen to be with us for this.
Next Sunday, Remembrance Day we will honour the sacrifice of all who died in the tragic two world wars of the last century, and say the Remembrance at 11.00 mass
Advent begins November 30 this year so St.Andrew’s feast is overlooked this year(apologies to Scottish Parishioners) and we will soon publish our Advent programme. On Advent Thursdays Fr.Austin will lead three prayerful reflective evening sessions: ‘Getting to know Pope Leo’ with special focus on his most recent message Dilexi Te (I have loved you).
Our Lady of Palestine feast was kept all over the Middle East last Sunday, as both Christians and non-Christians prayed for a fragile peace to hold
We ask Mother Mary, a true daughter of the Holy Land, to bring peace where there is conflict and watch over all her children this week
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
**********************
SCJ News:
ITALY The communities lost two elderly members in October (i) Father Ennio Bianchi (85) who stayed three months in our UK community back in the 60’s and (ii) Fr. Ernesto Colli (97) who used to come to our Droitwich house years earlier. Companions of Betharram recall Fr.Colli as our Italian/English interpreter at the international lay associates gathering at Albavilla in 2003.
**********************
Friary Snippets
Christmas Market will be held Saturday 22 Nov 2025 in the parish hall. 11.00-3.00, Entrance £1.00, children free. Teas, coffee & mince pies & burger baps for purchase.
All tables now fully booked!
The Christmas Fayre will take place at OLC school on Saturday 6 December. 12-3pm. Please can you bring in advance, donations of bottles, sweets & chocolate, unwanted gifts, good quality toys & teddys.
Raffle tickets on sale after each mass.
Blessed are those who mourn : Our Friary bereavement support group meets monthly for all seeking support after a loss. All are welcome no matter the kind of loss or when.
* Meet 1st 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.
* For info call parish Office 0121-706-0505
**** Meeting today 2nd November **** 3.00pm to 4.30 in the Friary Lounge
MISSIO RED BOX NEWS
* Thanks to all who’ve returned boxes & received envelopes for future use.
* Still have a red box needing emptying? Return to church via Welcomers or Sacristans
* Those with envelopes can return them with contents of boxes this time.
* Missio Mag & annual report in Narthex
* Thanks to all who back & help collections. Annette Eames ameames57@gmail.com
**********************
Marriage Matters: All Saints Day
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1John 3:1-3; Matt 5:1-12
Are we married couples among the saints? St Paul called members of those churches he visited, ‘saints’; he also compared union of husband & wife with that of Christ & the Church (Eph 5:22-33) Are we poor in spirit? gentle? those who mourn? those who hunger & thirst for what is right? merciful? pure in heart? peacemakers for each other?
**********************
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.
* 1st anniversary? 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th, 55th, 60th ? ….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 2 November: A
Please Pray for Marion Mullen, Sheila Griffin Anthony James Bower-funeral 13Nov 10.15 Charles Bernoski-funeral 21 Nov 10.15 am May they rest in peace
Tradition of blessing the graves of our loved ones continues through November.
+ November Blessing of Graves +
* 2 November 2pm: Erdington Abbey, Brandwood End, New Hall Cemetery
* 9 Nov 2 pm: Lodge Hill, Quinton, Witton Cemetery, Widney Manor: Lawn nos. 001 -673; 674-1411; 2353-3433 & children's graves (car park to roundabout by children's area, including 2353-3433)
* 16 Nov 2pm: Kings Norton , Widney Manor: nos-3450-3525; 3530-ongoing, i.e. roundabout to railway line
* 23 Nov 2pm: Wythall, Robin Hood, & St Nicholas
Our own Friary Cemetery blessing will take place tomorrow Monday Nov 3 after 10.15am Holy Mass in church.
November Prayers for the Deceased Please take a leaflet from the Narthex and add the names of your those you wish to pray for in November and place them in the Remembrance box in church or chapel.
Exit Collection next Sunday is for our own cemetery upkeep. Materials used only. (the grounds team give their labour free)
Christmas Grave Posies can be ordered from the flower team @ £10.
Journey in Faith: our programme for those seeking to join the church takes a break for school half term and continues Monday 3rd November at 7.30pm.
Candlelit Concert in the Friary Church
‘Lest we forget’ ..back by popular request a classical concert from Trio Capriccio. This Saturday 8th November 7.30pm with refreshments. Tickets £15 after all masses.
Christmas workshops Parish Hall 6-8 pm Fri Nov 28 & Sat 11.00am-2.00pm Nov 29
Limited space so please sign list in narthex.
Solihull Choral Society
concert Nov 5th 7.30pm with
* Sinfonia of Birmingham
* TO AN UNKNOWN SOLDIER -Jonathan Dove
and REQUIEM – Bob Chilcott.
* Choristers of Derby Cathedral, & tenor Ryan Vaughan Davies & soprano Rosamund Elias Turner. Solihull School Chapel
* Tickets from www.solihullchoral.org.uk
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
**********************
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
**********************
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.
**********************
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.