Fr Austin's Holy Thought

Thirtieth Sunday

Making Sense of Halloween

 

  For weeks shops have been filled with plastic skeletons, masks, cobwebs, devil costrumes & pumpkins, all for Halloween on Saturday night. Children's Halloween parties and fireworks abound this week

        A kind Hindu neighbour once greeted me with 'Happy Halloween' as she supposed that Halloween was some Christian version of Divali.  Little did she know that Christian evangelicals eschew Halloween as a Pagan custom, or even see it as flirting with the devil, causing mental & spiritual harm.

        Many customs come together here. A Christian 'Eve of all Hallows' was first kept in 9^th century Northumbria. It chimed with Samhain a Celtic harvest festival with its lights & dances and popular fear of evil spirits. Then came the French Danse Macabre when the dead come to life, and more recently the American trick-or-treat games etc...

        All connect with All Saints Day November 1st but more strongly with All Soual Day, November 2nd. Halloween parties may be mostly harmless fun but a Christian angle does help...

        Firstly it is about saints, the holy millions in heaven including some of our own relatives. We honour them all on All Saints Day.

        Secondly we pray for wandering souls who fear to let God's light shine on them. They need our help, and if we do this a little in advance of All Souls Day, no harm done! Halloween lanterns, the ancestors of today's candle lit pumpkins were originally meant to guide wandering souls back home.

       Thirdly we have magnificent good Spirits who are on our side for certain: God's angels...Michael powerful defender against forces of evil...Gabriel bringer of God's messages...Raphael bringer of healing. So let's honour them.

       Why let the devil have all the best tunes?

 

Fr.Austin scj   

Email Fr. Austin SCJ

 

Weekly Diary

25th October - 1st November 2026	Week Thirty
Prisoners Sunday (Thirtieth) 25th October Ex 22:21-27  1 Th 1:5-10  Mt 22:34-40 9.00 Mass People of the Parish also Jo Turner 11.00 Patrick Warren RIP 6.00 Mass Patricia Williams Exit Appeal PACT (for ministry in prisons)	Dear Brothers & Sisters, Prisoners Sunday today - delayed 2 weeks - is chosen by the Church & organised by  PACT (Prison Advice & Care Trust) to  pray for & support prisoners, their families, & affected children. Prisoners have  fewer friends in politics than refugees, so  this ministry is a vital part of our mission. St. Cedd (Monday) isn’t as well known  as his brother Chad our Diocesan patron  (feast March 2). Born in Northumbria &  educated at Lindisfarne he was missionary  to the Saxons and founded a Diocese in  Essex. He died in a 664 AD plague having  witnessed a peaceful accord between  Latins & Celts at the Whitby Synod. Sts. Simon & Jude - Apostles (Wednesday) re two of the not-so-famous apostles. But Simon was known as one of the Zealots, a 1st century guerrilla group, while Jude has a devoted following today as patron saint of hopeless cases.  St Alphonso Rodriguez SJ (Saturday)  was a 16th century, lay brother door-keeper of the Jesuit college in Palma de Mallorca. His humble service was fêted by Gerard Manley Hopkins in the poem ‘Honour’. Olton Companions of Betharram prayed at his tomb in Palma during their 2018 pilgrimage to Mallorcan Holy Places All Saints Day (Next Sunday), is the day we honour all the many Saintsin heaven who are our role models and our intercessors for us. This is a Holy Day with Sunday mass times.  Halloween traditions Saturday Night are not an official part of Christian tradition but they seem to have taken on a life of their own, especially since ‘trick or treat’ games were imported from the USA.  The Johnson Fund (collection next week) is for retired Birmingham Diocesan Clergy ******************************************************** Respoose to today's psalm: I Love you Lord my strength
Monday 26th October Saint Cedd Eph 4:32-5:8  Lk 13.10-17 7.00 Mass  Private Intention 10.15 Mass Aniela Jablonska RIP also Jane Crouch & Maria Hartigan
Tuesday  27th  October  Eph 5:21-33 Luke 13:18-21  7.00 Mass Doreen Margaret Sampson RIP 10.15 Mass Kathleen Comer RIP also Mary Savage RIP 10.45 Rosary of the unborn 7.00 Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday 28th October Saints Simon & Jude apostles Eph 2:19-22 Luke 6:12-19 7.00 Mass Christina Foley RIP 10.15 Mass Pat & Esther Murphy RIP also Maria Hartigan
Thursday 29th October Eph 6:10-20 Luke 13:31-35 7.00 Mass Christopher Grogan 10.15 Mass Fr Austin Hughes SCJ also Graham Smith
Friday  30th October Phil 1:1-11 Luke 14:1-6 7.00 Mass Mary Savage 10.15 Mass Stella Minihan RIP  also Jean Whelan RIP
Saturday 31st October St.Alphonso Rodriguez SJ Phil 1:18-26 Luke 14:7-11 9.30 Confessions 10.15 Marion Smyth also Miles McInerney
All Saints Day 1st November Rev 7:2-4, 9-14 1Jn 3:1-3 Mt 5:1-12  9.00 Mass People of the Parish also Rebecca Lo RIP 11.00 George Carmichael 6.00 Mass Kathleen Comer RIP Exit Appeal: Johnson Fund (diocesan clergy)

 

 

Notices

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We had a blessed gathering on Thursday with Bishop David Evans for our annual OLAAS mass for the new academic year. The readers, servers and singers did us proud, and it was good to say so many teachers and governors present. Bishop David was as always, so encouraging.OLAAS (Our Lady And All Saints) will soon become part of the much larger MAC of 
Saint Michael the Archangel covering almost half the Archdiocese of Birmingham. MAC = Multi Academy Company the umbrella body for all the Catholic schools in the region.
Today is Prisoners Sunday when we pray for prisoners and try in practical ways to support their families and dependents. 
Prisoners have no friends in politics especially as the recent Early Release Scheme was awkwardly handled. But we cannot ever forget that Jesus was a prisoner on Holy Thursday & Good Friday, bound in chains and helpless before his captors. 
St Paul was also a prisoner for three years before his execution, and some of his famous letters were written from prison. So support for PACT today Is very much part of the Church’s ministry, and is one way of fulfilling Jesus gospel command today ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
Looking ahead, next Sunday is All Saints day, we celebrate all the Saints in heaven, those well known and those lesser known. 
It’s younger brother All Souls Day the following day has perhaps more emotional traction, as it concerns people in our own families that we have lost and still mourn. Cemetery blessings will continue throughout November. Dates overleaf.
May Mary our mother keep us all safe this week and keep us close to her son Jesus.

Fr.Biju Parish Priest

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SCJ News

Italy: Upcycling for Mission. Our large Italian province has downsized in recent years, and they have creatively repurposed large surplus formation buildings for use by the poor and the needy. (i) Albvilla once a large Formation House has been refurbished to accommodate 30 adults with 
disabilities both mental & physical. (ii) Albiate once the house of studies, has been re-ordered into flats for social housing. (iii) Monteporzio the former Novitiate, now runs as a home for people suffering AIDS related conditions. 
New students now, are housed in much smaller communities.

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Friary Snippets 

THE DIOCESE IS NOW IN CHARGE of projects on Friary campus. Any helpful input? see Tom Stockwell rcaobproperty@rcaob.org.uk or Eric Kirwan eric.kirwan@rcaob.org.uk 0121 230 6221

HOLY SHROUD: SVP invite us to an illustrated talk on the Shroud of Turin upstairs in the Friary Library 7 pm Wednesday Nov 4th Please sign your name on the sheet at back of the church so we can plan for seating.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN 

•  The Friary bereavement support group is a monthly gathering for anyone seeking support following a loss. 
•  All are welcome, regardless of how long ago the loss, or what kind of loss we face. 
• We meet 1st Sunday of the month for prayer conversation & encouragement of one another as we continue our grief journey. 
•  We aren’t a counselling group but promise good listening skills, respect for confidentiality and of course a cuppa. 
• Next meeting Sunday 1st November. For this month’s meeting please bring a photo of your loved one. 
• Time : 3pm – 4.30pm, Friary Lounge. 
• For info: Friary Office  0121 706 0505 or Noleen Walsh 

Journey in Faith:our programme for those seeking to join the Catholic church resumes after ½ term Monday 2 Nov 7.30pm

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Marriage Matters: Thirtieth Sunday

Exodus 22:20-26 1 Thess 1:5-10 Matt 22:34-40
In today’s gospel Jesus says love should be at the centre of our lives, so we must ask ‘How can I best love my partner today?’ To know how our partner experiences our love best, we need to explore together if it is via compliments, time together, presents or acts of service, or just hugging & kissing.

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Big thanks to our secret army of cleaners who keep our church tidy all year round: Week starting 25^th October: Group D

Please pray for : Jacqueline Sparling RIP; Wayne Johnson RIP & Alan Spruce RIP 

+++++May they rest in peace+++++

Upcoming Parish hall events……...

* Christmas Market 11am-2pm Sat 14 Nov. To book a table email bkobic@aol.com

* HCPT Concert Night also 14 Nov 7.00pm

•for Special Need Children Lourdes Pilgrims

•talented local musicians

• entertainment & Bring your own drinks

•Chilli Con Carne (with a veg. option).

• Community Singalaong.

•Tickets a mere £12 incl. supper.

* Christmas Flower Workshops Friday 27^th Nov. 6pm to 8pm, Saturday 28^th Nov. 11am to 1pm. Sign up for workshops after mass! Don’t miss out on this popular event! Limited spaces left for both days. Please pay soon if you have signed up!

Parish & School Christmas Fayre at OLC

• on Saturday 5 December
• Raffle tickets on sale after each Mass
• Gifts of Raffle prizes, bottles, unwanted gifts, sweets/chocoloates, teddies & toys requested. Volunteers welcome.

Monday Meditation at Holy Souls: 1pm in Parish Meeting Room, Nov 2, 16 & 30, Dec 14. All welcome

JOB OPENING (i)St.Paul’s School for Girls seek Examinations Officer Full-time £34k+ Application form:  www.stpaulgl.bham.sch.uk

 

JOB OPENING (ii) of Finance Officer for Columban Missionaries at Widney Manor

* Finance Officer for day-to-day ops

* invoice processing, reconciliations,

budgeting, reporting & compliance etc.

* Experience of Sage, Excel & CRM needed

* 12-month contract 22½ hrs p.w. 3 days

* Deadline: Midnight, Tues 10 Nov 2026

www.columbans.co.uk/mission/19140/finance-officer/

Apply with CV to HR@columbans.co.uk

Jesuit Retreats at Stonyhurst 2026-7

 (i) BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD,

led by Fr Roger Dawson SJ 20-23 Nov 2026 Weekend includes talks, walks, adoration contemplative prayer, Mass, and time to reflect in peaceful Stonyhurst estate.  Info? https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god/.

(ii) MARRIAGE PREP WEEKEND 8-10 Jan 2027 Led by Stefan & Eleonora Kaminski,

Offers engaged couples time & space to explore the beauty of Christian teaching on Marriage. Scripture-based spiritual reflection & prayer, conversation and practical exercises for couples. book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/marriage-preparation/

(iii) MEN’S RETREAT: ignatian EXERCISES  26 Feb-3 March or 5-10 March 2027
5-day silent retreat for men (lay & clergy), led by Benedictine monks from St Joseph’s Abbey, Flavigny. Guided meditation, daily Mass, prayer and spiritual direction. Info https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-retreat-spiritual-exercises-of-st-ignatius/

Blessing of Graves in November

(All at 2.00pm unless otherwise signed)
* November 1 - Brandwood End, 
* November 7 Oscott Cemetery 3pm
* November 7 Olton Friary after 10.15 mass the annual mass for our dead, this year celebrated with Bishop David Evans.
* November 8 - Widney Manor (part 1) Lawn 001-673, Lawn 674-1411 Lawn 2353-3433 & children's graves i.e. from car park to roundabout by children's area.
* November 15 Widney Manor (part 2)- Lawn 3450-3525, Lawn 3530-ongoing i.e. from the roundabout to railway line.
* November 22 - Robin Hood. 
* Info for other places yet to be announced
 

Gift AID...Pennies from heavne!

* 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.