Fr Austin's Holy Thought
Twenty Fourth Sunday
Pay Me What You Owe Me!
Matthew 18.21-35
It is so tempting to fit modern labels to the characters in today’s parable of debt and forgiveness! The King who forgave the servant’s debt is like our Government that bailed out the banks back in 2008, writing off billions in bad debt. But as with the servant in the story, the Banks show slight mercy to little people! Or could the servant be a modern drugs dealer demanding money with menaces from vulnerable young people?
Or can we compare it to politicians whose refugee forebears found a safe haven in Britain a few decades ago, but who now like to talk really tough on immigration? Jesus was an acute observer of social conditions, so his hearers would have been familiar with this scenario.
But the parable is less about shekels or settlers and more about solidarity. We are all in debt to one another because of the multiple offences against our own brothers & sisters. Many of these are accidental, like treading on someone’s toes in a crowded lift. We don't mean to hurt, but the pain for them is very real.
And the Father in heaven who loves us all, does not hold our offences against us whether they are deliberate or accidental. He is the ‘king’ in this parable and we are the servants. To hold grudges and resentments against our fellow servants is not just stupid and illogical, it actually cuts us off from the flowing stream of forgiveness. We all live by forgiveness and we start to wither if we don’t.
Fr.Austin scj
Weekly Diary
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13th September - 20th September 2026 |
Week Twenty Four |
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Twenty Fourth Sunday 13th September Sir 27:30-28:7 Rm 14:7-9 Mt 18:21-35 9.00 Mass Fr Peter Eccles 11.00 Mass Alistair Plummer RIP (anniversary) 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass People of the Parish also Robert Hardy RIP Exit Collection: Catholic Education Service |
Dear Brothers & Sisters, The feast of the Holy Cross (Monday) is a day of thanksgiving for the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus, and the day his triumph over hatred brought us hope. Our Lady of Sorrows, (Tuesday) is the counterpart of the Triumph of the Cross, often called Mater Dolorosa, and is the feast day of our parish school Our lady of Compassion. Saint Cornelius (Wednesday) was Pope at the time of the novation heresy, a puritanical current denying God's mercy to anyone who’d buckled in persecution & denied their faith. St Cyprian (same day) an African of the Berber tribe became Bishop of Carthage where he stoutly defended the guidelines of Cornelius in extending God's mercy to those who had previously denied their faith. Both were martyrs under the Emperor Valerian c. 258 AD. Today many Berbers in Morocco and Algeria are still faithful Christians. St. Robert Bellamine (Thursday) a 16th cent Italian Jesuit cardinal vigorously defended the church against the attacks of the Protestant reformers St.Hildegard of Bingen (also Thursday) Abbess of Disobodenberg Germany won fame 900 years ago as theologian, musician & scientist, unique for a woman back then. Today her legacy has been re-found her music offered on CD, popular even with atheists & agnostics. St.Theodore from Tarsus in Turkey (Saturday) was a studious monk ordained priest at 65, amazed when Pope Vitalian made him Archbp of Canterbury 3 yrs later. He came as peacemaker. A great linguist, he spent the next 20 yrs healing divisions between Celtic & Latin groups & died Sept 19th 690
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Monday 14th September Triumph of the Cross Nu 21:4-9 or Phil 2:6-11 Jn 3:13-17 7.00 Mass Private Intention 10.15 Mass Mrs Julie Agnew RIP |
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Tuesday 15th September Our Lady of Sorrows 1Co 12:12-14,27-31 Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35 7.00 Mass Forgotten souls in purgatory 10.15 Mass Mrs Stella Minihan RIP 10.45 Rosary of the unborn 7.00 Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament |
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Wednesday 16th September St.Cornelius & St.Cyprian 1Co 12:31-13:13 Lk 7:31-35 7.00 Mass Holy Souls 10.15 Mass Kathleen Comer also Beverley Wilkes |
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Thursday 17th September St.Robert Bellarmine & St.Hildegard of Bingen 1Co 15:1-11 Lk 7:36-50 7.00 Mass Mary Anto RIP 10.15 Mass Mary Bourke RIP also Sean C 11.00-12.00 Prayer before Blessed Sacrament |
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Friday 18th September 1Co 15:12-20 Lk 8:1-3 7.00 Mass Ray Howden 10.15 Mass Denise & Gerry Poole Golden wedding |
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Saturday 19th September St.Theodore of Tarsus 1Co 15:35-37 Lk 8:5-5 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Mass Michael Fernando RIP |
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Twenty Fifth Sunday 20th September Is 55:6-9 Phil 1:20-24,27 Mt 20:1-6 9.00 Mass People of the Parish also Gaynor & Kevin Mc Garry & family 11.00 Mass Pauline O’Dowd 12.30 Baptism 6.00 Mass Carol Badrick RIP Exit Collection: Catholic Evangelisation Fund |
Notices
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our Archbishop Bernard Longley today writes in his pastoral letter of the good that is done by our schools up and down the diocese. And he congratulates our students for their dedication and our teachers for their devotion.
He also commends school governors, and he recalls that last year when he appealed for new school governors, 150 new governors resulted! He repeats that call today, and asks for suitable volunteers to give themselves to this form of service, and help shape the lives of the young in a way that challenges the unconscious values of the world around us, and puts Christ at the centre of our lives.
He asks that committed lay catholics with experience in education or finance, law, HR, estates management, or any field that could strengthen our schools, volunteer for this important ministry. Our schools could not work without them.
Meanwhile our SCJ school in Assam was blessed 11 days ago and flourishes, thanks to the generosity of people in this parish. Yesterday’s afternoon tea at Tudor grange house was yet another in a series of very generous parish activities that helped raise funds for this project.
Our Lady of Compassion School, our own parish school, keeps its patronal feast day on Tuesday, the day after the feast of the Triumph of the Cross.
May this compassionate mother watch over all her children this week.
Fr.Biju Parish Priest
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SCJ News
India: Our Students in Bangalore made their annual 20km walking pilgrimage to St. Mary’s Basilica, Shivajinagar, Bangalore, on 1 September, praying the rosary as they went. A 6ft-tall statue of Mother Mary holding the Child Jesus attracts pilgrims of all different faiths. It is quite usual to see both Hindus & Moslems praying for healing there.
Days earlier they kept the feast of Onam the harvest festival of Kerala, highlighting its values of joy, unity, sharing, and gratitude. Fr. Wilfred led the occasion.
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Friary Snippets
Next PPC meeting will be this Wednesday 16th Sept 7.30pm in Garicoits Room. Like to join PPC? Just speak to Fr Biju or Mike Murphy or fill in a form found in the Narthex.
sponsored walk for SCJ Missions is in Droitwich this Saturday: Sept 19 1.00pm
* Come and join Fr.George & Fr.Austin this year for a 2 hr stroll around the local canals.
* meet at Droitwich Gateway Car Park WR9 7DX Hanbury Rd. B4090, halfway between the Motorway bridge & the Eagle & Sun Inn.
CHILDREN’S VOICES at 9.00am MASS
* Does your child love to sing?
* We invite all children aged 7+ to join our choir at 9:00 am Family Mass.
* Singing with Childrens Voices is a wonderful way to encourage a child's faith via music
* builds confidence & teamwork.
* Short rehearsal 2nd 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.
A Centenary Celebration Concert Saturday 3rd 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 Fourth Sunday
Eccles 27:30-28:7 Rom 14:7-9 Matt 18: 21- 35
How can I love my spouse and bring life? We are called to set aside resentment, to listen gently to our beloved, seeking under-standing. In today’s gospel the servant who is forgiven refuses to forgive the man who owes him. God forgives us everything, but are we willing to let go of the hurts we have experienced via our spouse?
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Big thanks to our secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 13th September: Group D
Please pray for Noel McMahon, Dennis Moloney, Charlotte Rose Severn & Patrick Joseph Quinn +May they rest in peace+
Monday Meditation at Holy Souls: 1pm in Parish Meeting Room, Sept 21, Oct 5 & 19, Nov 2, 16 & 30, Dec 14. All welcome
JOBS FOR THE BOYS! AND THE GIRLS!
(i) JOB at THE FRIARY (as cook soon to retire)
* Involves cooking & some house-keeping
* part for SCJ community & part for parish
* 18 hours per week 9.30-1.00 Mon-Fri
* Diocesan living wage £13.45 per hour
* begins October 1st 2026
* More info? Please contact parish office.
(ii) JOB for SCJ PROVINCE (not parish)
* Safeguarding Planner for SCJ UK members
* approx. 40 hours per month flexi-time
* church living wage plus all expenses
* work 80% from home
* would suit someone with experience in education or social work or healthcare
* training courses given. Info? from Fr.Biju.
(iii) Diocesan Job Safeguarding Advisor, 35 hrs per week. Salary plus benefits. Closing date: 21st Sept2026, See Diocesan website and notice in Narthex for details. Info? Claire Reay claire.reay@rcaob.org.uk
200 CLUB winners SEPTEMBER 1st £125 95 Mrs M Henson; 2nd £50 187 Mrs P Brett; 3rd £25 83 Mr C Jones.
Cluster Parishes to gather at the Friary October 3 starting with 10.15am Mass in church & then in the hall until 12.30pm. All invited to join esp. parish group leaders
Flame of Love here this Fri/Sat Sept 18-19
* Come enjoy fellowship-talks-prayer-praise-healing service-worship-workshops
* Guest speakers Fr.Lawrence Carney (USA), Derek Williams, Mark McLean & others.
* come learn of the Flame of Love
Parlez-vous celtic? Conversational Irish classes for beginners or intermediates, start Wed 9 Sept, Holy Cross & St.Francis B76 2RS or Wed 16 Sept. Intermediates at 7.10pm. Beginners 6.00pm. (Gerard 07929 873828
Journey in Faith our programme for those seeking to join the Catholic church starts tomorrow Monday 14th Sept @ 7.30pm
Why not bring a curious friend? You’d both be blessed. Tomorrow is the feast of the triumph of the cross.
Carlo Acutis Youth Club resumed in our parish hall each Friday @ 6.30pm. God bless and protect our young people.
CAFOD Event at St Chad's Sat 19 Sept from 10am in Masterson Room, St Chad's
* learn more about CAFOD's work.
* Prayer led by Archbishop Bernard.
* Guest speaker Teamrat Belai, Ethiopia,
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.