TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A, 13TH SEPTEMBER 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.

CAFOD Event at St Chad's Cathedral

Join us on Saturday 19 September from 10am in the Masterson Room, St Chad's Cathedral, to learn more about CAFOD's work. Prayer will be led by Archbishop Bernard. Guest speaker Teamrat Belai, Country Director for CST Ethiopia, will share insights into the challenges facing communities in Ethiopia and the impact of CAFOD's work. Email birmingham@cafod.org.uk for more information. We look forward to seeing you.

Thinking of Becoming a Catholic?

If you are thinking about becoming a Catholic or would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, I am now taking names for the RCIA programme for adults preparing to join the Church.

Interested persons can pick up a registration form the church porch and return it as soon as possible.

The first session will begin on Thursday 24 September 2026 at 7pm. Please encourage anyone who may be interested to take this opportunity to find out more.

Join HCPT – Lourdes Pilgrimage

The annual HCPT children's pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place next and every Easter, taking disabled and disadvantaged children on a holiday pilgrimage with Our Lady to Lourdes.  Students in sixth-form, college or university are invited to join Group 712, the Midlands Regional service group which support our children's groups in giving the best care and most joyful experience.  Please contact Deacon Tim Anthony (group712@hcpt.org.uk) for more information, or to be put into contact with a local children’s group."

Parish Celebration of St. Francis’ 800^th Anniversary

As a parish dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, we are preparing to mark the 800^th anniversary of his Transitus. This is a special moment for our parish family – an opportunity to give thanks for his life and renew our commitment to living the Gospel in his spirit. Throughout September, our parish programme will include:

Reflections on the life and works of St Francis of Assisi, with a special focus on his love and care for creation and a parish-wide collection and outreach, supporting those in need within our local community

Everyone is warmly encouraged to participate and become involved. Let us make this a parish-wide celebration of prayer, service and fellowship.

Notice of Funeral Arrangements

In your charity, please pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of Theresa Smith, whose funeral will take place on Monday 14 September 2026, followed by burial at Sutton New Hall Cemetery, and Rita Rogers of Hudlow Avenue, Hockley, whose funeral will take place on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 12 noon, followed by burial at Streetly Cemetery.

May they rest in peace. Amen.

200 Club – Support Your Parish

The 2025/26 200 Club has now concluded, with three lucky members each winning £125.

We are now launching the 2026/27 200 Club and invite you to support this valuable parish fundraiser. Membership is £60 per year, with half of the proceeds supporting the Parish and the other half paid out in monthly prizes.

If you would like to join, please see Fr James, Veronica Middleton, or Ray Gormley. We hope to begin the new 12-month draw in September, subject to sufficient entries.

Thank you for your continued generosity, support, and participation.

Legion of Mary

There will be a Legion meeting immediately after the 9:30 a.m. Mass in the Fatima Room. All members are encouraged to attend.

Gift Aid Envelopes

Parishioners who have completed a Gift Aid form are kindly informed that their Gift Aid envelopes are available for collection from today. A member of the Finance Committee will be available in the church porch to distribute them.

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.

Citizens UK Birmingham

Holds their surgery in our Parish on the second Sunday of every month at 10:30am -11:30 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.

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/