PARISH NEWS
Pope's Prayer Intention for July: For formation in discernment.
Parish News & Events
Diocesan Vision
"To be a Catholic diocesan which is faithful to the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ, full of missionary desciples 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 wish 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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How did this happen?
“It’s tough raising daughters today. Sure, my girls have opportunities that my mother and grandmother simply didn’t have. And I’m very grateful for that. But overall, I feel like I spend way too much of my time trying to protect them from, and prepare them for, a culture that’s quite toxic for women. I mean, have you seen the videos and Instagram posts and ads the young women are fed these days? It’s craziness. The objectification of women is by far my biggest concern as a dad. … That’s what got me interested in the history of the revolution [in the 1960s]. I looked around and asked: how did we get here?” At 7:30pm on Fri 11th Jul the DVD Unprotected will be shown in the hall (80 mins long). Come along and see what you think! NB – this video (15+) is not suitable for young children. Preview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNqlF-rGQ68
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St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School seeks to appoint up to 5 Foundation governors to form the core of a new board of governors to take up position in September. Meetings are held approximately every six weeks and a full programme of induction and training will be provided. This is an opportunity to help guide the futures of our young people in an incredibly interesting and critical way. For more information, speak to Fr Michael, or our Chair of Governors, Ian Courtney, at ICourtney@pfmac.org.uk or watch the video here:
https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/News/could-you-be-a-foundation-governor-or-director-at-your-local-catholic-school
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After Mass Refreshments
Join us in the parish hall for tea or coffee after the Sunday Masses – biscuits included - and whilst doing so, please spare a thought for those who serve you! We currently have six teams who prepare and serve refreshments after the 9am Sunday Mass, but two of these are now ready for a rest and therefore we need some additional volunteers. Training will be provided. Please speak to Fr Michael or Jim on 07721 922644.
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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.
Events within the Local Area and Diocese
Internship at Worth Abbey
Open to men aged 18-35 for approximately 2 months, this is an opportunity for up to 5 men at a time to live alongside the monastery, following a way of life like that of the monks. Find out more at: https://worthabbey.net/interns/
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What do I say?
We may have been dismayed by the recent votes in parliament, but the charity Life has resolved to make a positive difference by the publication of a new guide: Bridges to Parenthood - Empowering you to have great conversations about unexpected pregnancy. Too often, we don't know what to say in these situations or even how to open the conversation. Using real- life examples and many years' experience in this field, this guide shows how to open doors to a positive future! Take a look at https://online.pubhtml5.com/alhz/qvzg/
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Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the English Martyrs
The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to the shrine of the English Martyrs at Harvington Hall, Kidderminster, takes place on Sun 7th Sep. The Mass at 3pm will be celebrated by Archbishop Longley. Confessions 1:45 - 2:30pm. Bring your own chairs and a packed lunch. Free tours of Harvington Hall are available to pilgrims on the day and can be booked on arrival.
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2025 Spirituality Summit
In a world that often feels uncertain, St Thérèse’s message of hope shines brighter than ever. Join online or at the Carmelite Priory, Oxford, for the 2025 Spirituality Summit on Fri 11th & Sat 12th Jul to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of her Canonisation and explore how her "little way" can transform our lives. An opportunity to deepen your faith, connect with a global community, and rediscover the power of hope: https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/Event/2025-spirituality-summit-at-the-carmelite-priory-oxford
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2025 SPUC Residential Conference
The 2025 SPUC residential conference will run from Fri 19th - Sun 21st Sep at Yarnfield Park Training & Conference Centre, Staffordshire. Speakers will include Obianuju Ekeocha, a UK-based biomedical scientist and founder of Culture of Life Africa, a pro-life organisation defending the sanctity of life in Africa, Jonathon Van Maren, a pro-life activist, author and journalist, who will be joining from Canada and Professor David Albert Jones, Research Fellow in Bioethics at St Mary's University, Twickenham and the Director of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, Oxford. SPUC's Public Policy Manager, Alithea Williams, will also be speaking, after what has been a particularly busy period for her Campaigns team! All of the speakers will have much to say about beginning and end of life issues! For more information and to book go to: www.spuc.org.uk
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.
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Rest in Peace
Pat O’Connor, Vincent Gillespie, Sr Mary Benedict Jouning RJM, Patrick Devereaux, Marion Wierszycki, Pope Francis, Gemma Smith & Craig Capin.
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Anniversaries of deaths this week
Paul O’Brien, Phyllis Kinch, Veronica Anderton Webster, John Monaghan, Gloria Tong, Jessica Andrews & Eileen Gabb.
Offerings
Last Weekend Totals
Last Week: £297.34
2nd Collection Last Weekend - For Peter's Pence: £152.59
2nd Collection Next Weekend: Stella Maris - Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. On Sea Sunday, the church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate in church, by envelope, by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate, or by texting SEA to 70460 to donate £5. This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work, so please give generously. Thank you.
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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.