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!
New Apologetics Book Club
Starting with Mere Christianity, chapters 1-2, 7:30pm on Sun 6th Sep in the Parish Hall and every other Sunday after that. Open to everyone. For more information, contact Julia Fensom: jvfensom@gmail.com
Thinking of becoming a Catholic?
Do you know someone who might be interested? 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.
Prayer Week
Prayer Week for Thame and the surrounding area takes place from 6th - 13th Sep at Christ Church, High St, Thame. Opening and closing celebrations take place at 7pm each Sunday. For more details and to book, visit the website: www.urHome.church
Code of Conduct
A reminder to all parish volunteers that the Diocese's Code of Conduct applies to everyone who volunteers in the parish. It is available on the Safeguarding section of the parish website and a paper copy is displayed on the Safeguarding noticeboard in the narthex. Thanks for taking the time to read it. If you have any questions, please contact Sue McGarry: sg.stjoseph.thame@rcaob.org.uk
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.
Bumper crop of Grapes
We have a bumper crop of grapes on the Presbytery vines which we are unable to send away for wine making this year. The grapes can therefore be shared with parishioners so look out for grapes for you to take home. If you are interested in a large amount of grapes please contact Claire Harris on 07818425550.
Guidance on Dogs in Church
Events within the Local Area & Diocese
Stop assisted suicide from being legalised
Right To Life UK has launched an EasyAction tool to help you email your MP to ask them to vote NO to assisted suicide in the vote in the House of Commons on 11th Sept. Please take 30 seconds to email your MP today to ask them to vote NO: https://righttolife.org.uk/sept11vote
Not Dead Yet UK
Not Dead Yet UK have provided postcards you can send to your MP to ask them to vote NO to assisted suicide in the vote in the House of Commons. Take action now - collect a red and white postcard, fill out your details, add a stamp and post it to your MP today!
Better Off Dead?
A documentary presented by Liz Carr, actor, comedian and disability rights activist. Includes fears of disabled people being seen as better off dead and evidence of euthanasia laws in other countries resulting in a "slippery slope", where euthanasia is disproportionately used for disabled people, as well as interviews showing that some in the UK already want to expand the eligibility criteria in the Leadbeater Bill. It also includes evidence in Canada of euthanasia being used as a remedy for those suffering from poverty and homelessness. Find on BBC iPlayer by searching for "Better Off Dead?"
Season of Creation
From 1st Sep to 4th Oct, the theme of this year’s Season of Creation is "Living Water", inspired by the vision of God's life-giving water bringing renewal and healing to creation. A range of resources is available here: www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/listing/category/season-of-creation
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
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
Oxford Gospel Choir
Love to sing? Join Oxford Gospel Choir, a friendly, inclusive community choir for adults (18+), meeting on Tuesdays, 7.30–9.30pm at New Road Baptist Church, Oxford city centre. The first two rehearsals are free. No auditions, no previous singing experience necessary & you don’t need to read music – just come along and give it a go. Find out more here: www.oxfordgospelchoir.co.uk or contact Jules on 07519 668137.
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 on 8th September at 2pm in the Parish Hall.
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
Jeremiah Deasy, Brian Little, Marie Meehan, Charles Thom, Kathleen Hughes & Damian Steele.
Offerings
Totals for 29th/30th August
£291.54, many thanks.
2nd collection next 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.