PARISH NEWS
Pope's Prayer Intention for January: For prayer with the word of God
Parish News & Events
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.”
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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 avaliable at other times by appointment.
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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.
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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.
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The Piety Stall
The Piety Stall, located in the hall, is open after all Masses including the Saturday 6pm, and has a full range of goods and greetings cards for sale.
This Weekend
This weekend we welcome Fr Laurence and Fr Dominic Op from Blackfriars, Oxford, as they celebrate Mass for us whilst Fr Michael is away on his Christmas holiday.
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First Holy Communion Classes
First Holy Communion classes continue on Thursdays from 4pm - 4:45pm in the Parish Hall until 12th Feb. To help cover the cost of the books and the Communion Breakfast a donation of £10 is suggested, which should be given to Fr Michael as soon as possible. Communion ties for boys can be ordered at: ps.stjoseph.thame@rcaob.org.uk
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White Flower Appeal 2026
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will be holding its annual appeal next weekend. SPUC exists to transform culture so that abortion is not only abolished but becomes unthinkable. The Society is actively leading the fight in courts, classrooms and culture to achieve this mission. Through these efforts we will restore a respect for the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death. This year’s appeal postcards allow supporters to join the fightback campaign against current threats in Parliament to expand abortion and allow assisted suicide. Your support means everything to us. Please be as generous as you can to help SPUC at this critical time for our country.
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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 over the festive period. No perishables please!
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The First Five Saturdays Devotion of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
8 years after the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima, she returned with the Child Jesus to Lucia, asking that we make reparation for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart. She said, "I promise to assist at the hour of death with the graces necessary for salvation all those who, on the First Saturday of five consecutive months: 1) Go to confession; 2) Receive Holy Communion; 3) Recite five decades of the Rosary and 4) Keep me company for 15 minutes, while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary; 5) All with the intention of making reparation to me". Please see the prayer leaflets in the narthex for more information.
Events within the Local Area and Diocese
Greyfriars Catholic School
On behalf of the Trustees of Pope Francis Academy, the Governors of Greyfriars Catholic School are consulting on a proposal to alter the criteria used in allocating places for entry to the school from September 2027. The Consultatation Document and Proposed Admissions Policy can be viewed here: www.greyfriarsoxford.org.uk. To respond please email office@gfcs.uk with the email heading GFCS Admission Policy consultation by 16th Jan.
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Youth 2000: The London Retreat 2026
Youth 2000: The London Retreat 2026 takes place on Sat 24th Jan at Sacred Heart Church, Wimbledon, London SW19 4LU, to explore faith, build relationships & find hope! Cost is £30 which includes lunch & dinner: www.youth2000.churchsuite.com
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Struggling after abortion?
You are not alone. Call 0345 603 8501 to speak to one of our volunteer Befrienders who will listen with compassion and without judgement. More information and support is available at: www.archtrust.org.uk
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Upcoming Public Tours of St Mary’s College, Oscott
The schedule for upcoming public tours of St Mary’s College, Oscott is now available. Please see the poster in the narthex. The next Organ recital will be on Sun 8th Feb at 3pm. Book online: https://www.oscott.org/events or pay on the door.
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Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026
Booking is now open for those who would like to join us on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes from Mon 25th to Sat 30th May 2026 under the leadership of His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David Evans. After answering the call of Our Lady, pilgrims find that they receive many graces at the Shrine. Pilgrims are invited to make initial enquiries about the pilgrimage via the Lourdes Administrator, Kath White: admin.lourdes@rcaob.org.uk or call (0121) 230 6288.
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Could you be a Healthcare Volunteer in Lourdes?
Are you a doctor, nurse or carer? Would you consider donating your time and expertise on next year’s Lourdes Pilgrimage? Every year sick pilgrims are able to make the journey to Lourdes thanks to the support of a dedicated Healthcare Team. If you are a healthcare professional and would like to try something new and rewarding, please consider joining us. You will make a real difference. For more information please visit: https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/lourdes-pilgrimage
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, Lucy Wood, Edward de Rivera, Zaria Peecock, Heather Helgesen, Harry & Bobby Stevens & Teresa Ferrara.
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Rest in Peace
Craig Capin, John Tulloch, Fr Tony Rohan, Fr Paul Johnson, Roger Sykes, Fr Simon Hall, Indranee Jeevaratnam & Mgr Vaughan Morgan CBE.
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Anniversaries of deaths this week
Madeline Hiney, Brigitta Horgan, Marie Judge & Edmund Ryan.
Offerings
Totals (4th January)
£490.91, many thanks.
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Upcoming Second Collections
18th January: White Flower Appeal (SPUC) 2026.
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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.
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Other Methods of Giving
DONA Website
Our DONA website can be found here.
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Direct Payments
Name - RC Birmingham St Joseph's
Sort Code - 60-21-21
Acc - 69377065
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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 conventient. 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.