Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Corpus Christi
Real Presence of the Body of Christ
Corpus Christi is a new feast. Though we’ve kept it almost 800 years, the church did live happily for a millennium without it! So how did it happen?
A 13th century Belgian mystic, Sister Juliana of Liege, believed the church lacked a feast of the Blessed Sacrament, and for years pestered the local Bishop to keep this feast in Liege. The Bishop soon became Pope Urban IV, and in 1250 he declared Corpus Christi a feast for the whole church.
The background? For years saints, bishops & theologians argued about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Is Jesus present if I come to communion as a sinner? Or will Jesus still be there if the priest is a sinner? Many people (some of them saints!) held that Jesus is only present if priest & people were holy and sinless.
But the church decided that Jesus is present, not because of our personal holiness, but because of the promises Jesus made to us at the Last Supper. Like the apostles we are shaky, but he never breaks his promises. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote prayers & hymns for the feast.
100 yrs ago a Yorkshire Irishman added another angle: Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy was a WWI army chaplain who’d seen terrible things in the trenches: young men dying in a hail of bullets.... exploding shells & body parts flying through the air. So after the war he tried to answer the cry of poor soldiers: Where is God in all this terrible suffering?
A firm believer in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist he argued that the crucified Jesus is right in the midst of human suffering. Where people are in pain, the suffering Jesus is there. The real presence of Christ in the Eucharist must point us to his presence in the pain of men and women in our world.
Sadly in 2026 the tragedy of war is still with us. Can we too learn to reverence his real presence in suffering humanity all around us?
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
|
7th June - 14th June 2026 |
Week Ten |
|---|---|
|
Corpus Christi 7th June Dt 8:2-3,14-16 1Co 10:16-17 Jn 6:51-58 9.00 June & James Eccles 11.00 Caroline Sparling RIP 6.00 Mass People of the Parish also Jason Evans Exit Collection: Organ Restoration Fund |
Dear Brothers & Sisters, St.Columba (Tuesday) came from Ireland in 597AD to Iona by coracle to evangelise the Scots. He started a great tradition of Irish people leaving their native place to spread the Word in other lands. Many of us owe our faith to this movement. St.Ephraim (also Tuesday) a 4th cent singer-songwriter is said to have feigned madness to avoid being ordained as a priest. (cause of many a wry comment since!) A hero of the Syrian church, his many hymns which convey Christian truths in folk idioms have rightly earned him the title ‘Doctor of the Church’. St.Barnabas (Thursday) wasn’t one of the original twelve apostles, but accompanied St.Paul in his mission to the gentiles. A Cypriot by birth, his origins are commemorated in Limassol by a Catholic basilica and an Orthodox cathedral. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a major feast for all of us. After our 10.15 mass today coffee and cakes will be served in the lounge. Everyone is also invited to a feast day Mass at our Sacred Heart church Droitwich at 6.00pm & buffet afterward St. Anthony of Padua (Saturday) a 13th century Franciscan is popular in devotions all over the world. We ask his intercession when things are lost, or for people who need healing, and to be closer to the child Jesus in our lives. Immaculate Heart of Mary (also Saturday) is an ancient devotion, but was made popular in 17th century France by St. John Eudes. It owes inspiration to St Luke’s gospel which twice states that ‘Mary kept all these things in her heart’. Mary points the way for us to listen to the Holy Spirit deep down in our heart and to treasure what we hear.
|
|
Monday 8th June 1Kg 17:1-6 Mt 5:1-12 7.00 Mass Bro.Thang SCJ (birthday intention) 10.15 Mass Martin Hayden also Margaret Myers RIP |
|
|
Tuesday 9th June St.Columba & St.Ephraim 1Kg 17:7-16 Mt 5:13-16 7.00 Mass Gerard Henry RIP 10.15 Mass Requiem Patricia Mary Benger RIP 10.45 Rosary of the unborn 7.00 Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament |
|
|
Wednesday 10th June 1Kg 18:20-39 Mt 5:17-19 7.00 No Mass 10.15 Communion Service 11.00-12.00 Prayer Group (day chapel) |
|
|
Thursday 11th June Saint Barnabus-apostle Act 11:21-26,13:1-3 Mt 5:20-26 7.00 Mass Catherine Oakley RIP 10.15 Mass Nora & Francis Mc Greal RIP 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament 11.30 Funeral Mary Elizabeth O’Brien 5.30pm Vigil David Morgan RIP |
|
|
Friday 12th June The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Dt 7:6-11 1Jn 4;7-16 Mt 11:25-30 7.00 Mass Deceased of Cunningham family RIP 10.15 Mass Mary Eames Special Intention 11.30 Requiem David Morgan RIP |
|
|
Saturday 13th June St.Anthony of Padua--Immaculate Heart of Mary 1Kg 19:19-21 Lk 2:41-51 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Mrs Cath Eagy RIP |
|
|
Eleventh Sunday 14th June Ex19:2-6 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 |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
With great joy in Assam last week we blessed the new wing of the Sacred Heart school in Simuluguri. This school, begun 12 years ago by Fr Pascal, offers education to young people of a tribal background. The new extension was funded partly by very generous people from The Friary parish, for which we give thanks.
Next week in Thailand we have the ordination of Peter Hung scj who will be our first Vietnamese priest. His first mass in Vietnamese will be in Ho Chi Minh city a few days later. Thanks be to God.
Later this month at Olton we shall witness the solemn profession of Bro.Thang on 26 June. God willing, he will be our second priest from Vietnam. This week Bro.Thang will be away on his pre-profession retreat.
The feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, comes on Friday, and Friary parishioners have been invited to join the festive 6.00pm mass at the Sacred Heart Church Droitwich. A light buffet will follow, so please let Fr.Austin know if you plan to go, so we can give Fr.George an idea of numbers.
Meanwhile at the Friary our 10.15 mass on Friday will be a feast day mass, followed by coffee & cakes in the Friary Lounge.
Plans for our Summer Fayre on June 28 are well advanced, and organisers have been working hard behind the scenes. It is still not too late to offer your services as a helper on the day. And donations of many different kinds are still needed.
Looking ahead...our Annual PPC AGM will be held in the parish hall on Thursday 25th June at 7pm. All are welcome
The Immaculate Heart of Mary feast is on Saturday, an option alongside St.Anthony of Padua. May Mary our Mother guide us and watch over us this week and keep us safe from all harm.
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
**********************
Pope leo’s message to the world We found Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas his message to the world about the wonder of modern technology, too long and wide- ranging to summarise in one week. So we shall drip-feed key points over the next few weeks. It’s the first message from a pope whose first draft was in English, and the first to come from a pope with a science degree.
**********************
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.
Many thanks to organisers & parishioners who supported Pentecost Afternoon Tea for our centenary. We raised a good £1130 for hall renovation fund. Thankyou!
Our Parish & School Summer Fayre will take place on 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
Bereavement Support Group meets each month for all seeking support after loss. All welcome no matter the kind of loss or when * Meet 1st Sunday each month for prayer conversation & encouragement of each other as we journey together.
**** Meeting Today Sunday 7th June ****
We aren’t a counselling group but promise good listening skills, respect for confidences and of course a cuppa. 3.00pm- 4.30 Friary Lounge. Info? call parish Office 0121-706-0505 or Noleen Walsh
**********************
Marriage Matters: Corpus Christi
Deut 8:2-3, 14-16 1 Cor 10:16-17 John 6:51-58 Without food we die! Our wedding vow was to nourish each other so that we bring life to our marriage. We feed each other in little countless ways, but particularly in our tender lovemaking, our talking & listening, support & encouragement, particularly in times of doubt and uncertainty. In these ways our marriage will grow and shine.
**********************
Big thanks to the secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 7th June: Group B
Please pray for Paddy Benger-funeral 10.15 June 9; Mary Elizabeth O’Brien-funeral Thurs 11 June 11.30am; David Morgan-funeral June 12, 11.30 Vigil 5.30; Elsa Valentini-funeral-Thurs 18 June 10.15. Pray too for Moira Kiely & Julie Agnew RIP
+++++ May they 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
+ train as teacher with Bp Challoner school
+ 100 trainees a year in West Midlands.
+ 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 01214416175
Fr Hudson’s CARITAS Recruitment Open Day Sat 13 June, 10am-3pm for Adult Care services based in Coleshill. See website https://www.fatherhudsons.org.uk/
Mary’s Fund Raiser Afternoon Tea for her Arctic Challenge for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Join Mary on Sunday June 21st and Sunday 12th July from 3pm to 5pm at 136 Ulverley Green Road in the back garden. RSVP to reserve your bookings @ 07963 011 142.
Football’s coming home! 3rd annual inter-parish football tournament will be on Sunday 5th July at 2pm at The Friary.
Holy Souls scraped a 2024 win...Our Lady of the Wayside by luck in 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 Bernard's in Bloom June 28...1-5pm
* 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 the famous Pimms garden
* Friary grounds & church open
* In 2024 1,400 visited & raised £11,000.
* Entry £5 adult..children free.
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.