FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, 1 FEBRUARY 2026

We continue to have many unassigned masses in the coming weeks - this is a beautiful way to pray for your loved ones, living or deceased. If you would like to request a Mass intention, please speak to me or contact the Parish office.

Confessions

Thursday from 7:10 – 7:25 pm and on Saturday from 10:15 to 10:45 am and from 4:30 – 4:50 pm.

Thank You- Parish Round Table Meeting

I would like to sincerely thank all parishioners who attended the parish meeting on 29th January for their time, prayer, thoughtful contributions, and love for our parish. Your presence and shared reflections are deeply appreciated

Racial Justice Event:

The West Indian Chaplaincy invites all parishioners to join this event on Saturday 7 February, 10.30am–1pm, at Our Lady of the Caribbean Chaplaincy, Bayswater Road, Birchfield, Birmingham B20. featuring inspiring talks on Black spirituality and racial justice.

Weekend Mass Time Change

Following our parish meeting on 29th January, and after prayerful reflection, it has been agreed that from the First Sunday of Lent, 22nd February 2026, St Francis Parish will move from four weekend Masses to two, in line with diocesan guidance and our current parish reality.
New Weekend Mass Times:
Saturday (Vigil): 5.00 pm
Sunday: 9.30 am
This means that the 8.00 am and 10.30 am and 5:00pm  Sunday Masses will now become one single Mass at 9.30 am.
We thank parishioners for their understanding, cooperation, and continued support as we move forward together in faith.
St Francis Parish

Newman College Celebration

Newman College will mark the celebration of Saint John Henry Newman’s elevation as a Doctor of the Church on 17th February, from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Parishioners are welcome to attend and are invited to apply online.

Empowering Our Youth for Leadership

Last week, the Bethsaida Youth Leadership Training Course began with its first online session, marking the start of an exciting leadership journey for our young people. The remaining sessions will continue from 7:00pm–9:00pm on 4th February, 11th February, 25th February, and 4th March. Participants are encouraged to ensure they are registered and prepared for the upcoming sessions. Registration can be completed using the QR code or link provided by the Diocesan Youth Trust. This programme is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to grow in faith, confidence, and leadership skills. For any questions or further information, please contact the parish office.

Come Pray the Rosary with us

We invite everyone to join us in praying the Holy Rosary on Thursdays at 7:00pm before the Novena Mass, and on Saturdays at 10:30am before the morning Mass.

Let us use this opportunity to honour Our Lady and seek her intercession for more vocations, and for peace within our families and throughout the world.

Could You Be a Healthcare Volunteer in Lourdes?

Are you a doctor, nurse, or carer? The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes depends on healthcare volunteers who support our sick pilgrims — without them, many could not make the journey. If you can offer your time and skills next year, please consider joining the Healthcare Team. Your help will make a real difference.

For more information and the volunteer pack, visit:

www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/lourdes-pilgrimage

Citizens UK Birmingham

Holds their surgery here on the second Sunday of every month from 9:00am -10:30am in the ‘Fallon Room’. They offer free and confidential advice on housing, benefits, employment and public services.

Tap to Give

Our card payment machine in the porch of the Church is now working. You can now make your offering or donation by tapping your card before or after the Mass. Its quick, secure, and easy to use. Your generosity helps our Parish community to grow and serve. Thank you for your kindness and support.

Piety stall

Please remember to visit the Piety stall for any special religious items for yourselves, family members or for your home.

200 Club

Membership are still available at £60. Call the Parish office to get yours and be eligible to win in the remaining draws

Funeral Arrangements:

-Fr. Simon’s funeral will be at 11am on Tuesday 3 February at St. Mary’s Church, Vivian Road, Harborne B17 0DN.

-Mary Gibson – Funeral Mass on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, at 12:00 noon, followed by burial at Witton Cemetery at 1:30 pm.

-Theresa D’Silva – Funeral Mass on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at 11:00 am, followed by burial at Oscott Cemetery at 12:30 pm.

-Patrick Freeman – Funeral Mass on Friday, 6 February 2026, at 11:00 am, followed by cremation at Perry Barr Crematorium at 1:30 pm.

-Patrick Joseph Dolan- Funeral Mass on Wednesday 18 February 2026, at 10:00am followed by burial at Oscott Cemetery at 12:00 pm

-Kathleen Mary McQuillan- Funeral on Thursday 19 February 2026, at 10:00am followed by burial at Handsworth Cemetery at 12 noon.

Safeguarding

The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Archdiocese's policies & procedures at all times. Our Parish Safeguarding Representative and email address is noted in the header of the newsletter. They can be contacted or alternatively the Diocesan Safeguarding team can be contacted on 01212306240 or if you have any concern.

(Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

The Parish is part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham Charity Number 234216

Archdiocese Website  – for news and events. https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/Pages/News/