By Mark Gannon, Chair of Celebrate Birmingham

“SEE, I AM DOING A NEW THNG” - CELEBRATE BIRMINGHAM

Celebrate Birmingham, the catholic charismatic weekend for families of all ages, took place at St Mary’s College, Oscott, this past weekend.

Around 250 people came together to unfold the prophecy of Isaiah (43:19) amid a tremendous sense of togetherness and friendships.

The worship was beautifully led by Eamonn and Dom, supported by local musicians (Paschal and Dave), and the love of God in all its extravagance and abundance, touched people’s hearts and gave a sense of expectancy.

Sixty young people of school age were served in four age specific streams and God’s love for them, His accessibility and their important role was explained through fun activities, music and dramas.

Three immensely gifted MainStage speakers spoke in the Marquee.

Catherine Smith, now McLoughlin, who is known to many for her work in the diocesan youth service and who now directs the youth service in the Shrewsbury diocese, gave us a beautiful mix of her own story, music and spiritual insights.

Ronan Johnston, Irish Broadcaster, musician and author spoke prophetically of us becoming strangers in a strange land and yet we are the way in which “the new thing” will come to be.

David Wells, accomplished communicator and author, amused us with his self-effacing humour while being right on point in unpacking Pope Francis’ teachings on the love of God and he joy of the Christian life.

There were 15 workshops ranging from Divine Renovation to Living the “peace I leave you” to Welcoming the Stranger, and there was strong artistic and inspired poetic theme led by Rachel Mannix, which many of us found moving.

Bishop Robert Byrne joined us for a rousing, enthusiastic Mass in the beautiful chapel, teaching us on how Jesus is here for the damaged and the marginalised and will heal and revive.

Celebrate Birmingham 2019 will take place on July 6th and 7th at St Mary’s College, Oscott.

If you would like to send us your details please do so at [email protected] and we will be sure to keep you updated.

I hope to see you next July at Oscott.