Parish News
Our Diocesan Vision
“To be a Catholic diocese which is faithful to the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ, full of missionary disciples who work together co-responsibly in vibrant communities of faith, joyful in their service of God and neighbour.”
News & Events within the Parish
The Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation is offered on Saturday mornings after Mass and evening from 5pm to 5:30pm. Also available at other times by appointment.
PVS
The Parish Volunteer Service is a small group of volunteers offering lifts to anybody who may be experiencing difficulty getting to Mass, the Thursday Group, or other appointments. For more information, contact Jane Stevens: 01844 216076 / 07984 778687.
Live Streaming of Masses
Please note that our parish live streams the Sun 9am Mass and at other occasions on request, e.g. funerals. If you do not want to be seen on the live stream, please avoid the first two pews closest to the altar and ask for Holy Communion to be brought to you.
Food Bank
Please remember that you can donate tinned and other items to the food bank in the narthex as a way of supporting those in the parish and beyond who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. No perishables please!
Education Sunday - An Invitation from Archbishop Bernard Longley
Today we give thanks for the gift of Catholic education. Our schools have a mission to form Christ-centred pilgrims of hope, with kind hearts, questioning minds, a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for justice. There is a real need for more foundation directors and governors to help guide our schools and keep Christ at the heart of their mission. This is not simply an administrative role; it is a true vocation and a practical way to serve Christ and His Church. If you are a practising Catholic, committed to our mission, and willing to share your time, skills and faith, you can make a lasting difference for thousands of children and young people. No prior experience is required, as full training and support are provided. God’s unconditional love and readiness to forgive our sins remind us that service is not always easy, but it is always fruitful when rooted in love. Please speak to your parish priest or visit the Diocesan Education Service website for further details and to download an online application form: https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/news/could-you-be-a-foundation-governor-or-director-at-your-local-catholic-school and https://www.bdes.org.uk/governor-online-application-forms.html.
Youth Choir & Adult Choir
A reminder that Youth Choir sings on the 1st & 2nd Sundays of the month at 11am Mass. Rehearsal 10:30am. New members welcome.
Adult choir sings on the 3rd & 4th Sundays of the month. Rehearsal on Tuesday evenings 7:30pm - 9pm. New members welcome and total commitment as far as possible is desired.
CAFOD Harvest Fast Day Soup Lunch
CAFOD Harvest Fast Day soup lunch on Fri 2nd Oct, 12:30pm - 2pm in the Parish Hall. Offers of homemade soup and/or bread or help gratefully received. Friends also welcome. RSVP to ensure we will make enough soup for everyone. Please contact Theresa Buchanan on 07563 222807 or email theresabuchanan1@gmail.com
Thinking of becoming a Catholic?
The RCIA programme for adults who want to become Catholics at Easter will be starting this September. If interested, please see Fr Michael or email the office.
Confirmation & First Holy Communion Dates 2027
Advance notice – Confirmation will take place at 11am on Sun 16th May & First Holy Communion will take place at 11am on Sun 23rd May 2027. Please see Fr Michael for a form if interested.
Events within the Local Area & Diocese
Safeguarding Advisor for the Diocese
There is a vacancy for a Safeguarding Advisor for the Diocese and the closing date is 21st Sep. For more information see the poster in the narthex or www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk
Caritas Parish Ambassador
Could you be a Caritas Parish Ambassador? People from across the Archdiocese of Birmingham are invited to act as a link between their parish and Father Hudson’s Caritas. Interested? Information session on Tue 15th Sep at 7pm online. Contact Emily Pugh: emilypugh@fatherhudsons.org.uk or 07385 472924 for the link to join.
Retrouvaille
Communication failure is a major cause of marital breakdown - 1,000's of couples have found Retrouvaille helped their relationship. Retrouvaille is not counselling but a programme to help married couples work through conflicts more effectively. We focus on helping restore trust and hope. www.retrouvaille.org.uk / 07887 296983.
D-Weekend
D-Weekend, for those in school years 7–9, takes place from 6th–8th Nov at the Frontier Centre, Irthlingborough, Northants, NN9 5UH. It promises to be a fantastic weekend of faith, friendship and adventure! Deadline for registration is 11th Oct: www.sioncommunity.org.uk
Groups
Thursday Group
Thursday Group takes place at 12:30pm in the Parish Hall on Thursdays.
Prayer Group
Prayer Group resumes at 5:30pm on Tues 15th Sep.
Walking in Faith
The next Walking in Faith group will next be meeting TBD.
Bible Study Evening
The Bible study evening runs every other Thursday from 6:30pm - 7:30pm in the Parish Hall, studying the Gospel of Matthew. The next session will be on 17th September & all are welcome.
Church Gardeners Group
Join our growing group of church gardeners who gather on Monday mornings from 10am – 12pm. Get to know other people in our church community and keep active. There is always plenty to do. No skills needed – just a bit of faith and enthusiasm!
Please Pray for the Sick of our Parish
The sick of our Parish
Molly McVasey, Jon White, Kieron Carberry, Thomas White, Alexander Sparkes, Beryl Long, Veronica Smith, Ellen Mongan, Andrzej Geppart, David Harbour, Maria Crane, Edward de Rivera, Zaria Peecock, Heather Helgesen, Teresa Ferrara, Rita Tulloch, Peter Long, Christina Jacobs & Tony Durkin.
Rest in Peace
Roger Sykes, Fr Simon Hall, Indranee Jeevaratnam, Mgr Vaughan Morgan, Peter Evans, Elsie Hubery, Stuart Dawson, Lucy Wood, Patrick Moynihan, Peter Sparkes, Prof Judith Champ, Helen James, Marie Byrne & Pat Phillips.
Anniversaries of deaths this week
John Judge, Albert Harbour, Dipak Desai & Brigid Stevens.
Offerings
Totals for 5th/6th September
£371.60, many thanks. 2nd collection this week for St Joseph’s School & the Catholic Education service.
Gift Aid
To keep giving regularly to support the Parish, please give standing orders, with Gift Aid where possible. The forms are always avaliable in the Sacristy for Gift Aid or standing order set-up, or talk to our treasurer, Jim.
Other Methods of Giving
DONA Website
Our DONA website can be found here.
Direct Payments
Name - RC Birmingham St Joseph's
Sort Code - 60-21-21
Acc - 69377065
DONA
Just use your contactless debit/credit card or smartphone/device to make a donation. Simply choose the amount you wish to donate and hold your card onto the reader. Contactless donations are simpler to administer, secure and convenient. Please opt in for Gift Aid if you are a UK Tax Payer, it means we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 received.