What Should I Do if I think a Child or Adult in Vulnerable circumstances is at risk or being abused Expand If a Child or Adult in vulnerable circumstances is in immediate danger you must contact the Police. If you have other concerns and there is no immediate danger, please contact the safeguarding office on 0121 230 6240.
Communication and Media Expand Caroline Bletso and Faye Fawcett are the Press and Media Relations Officers for the Archdiocese, managed by Gerry Dryden, director of HR and Communications. The team supports parishes and schools in all communication matters and responds to media enquiries. Caroline and Faye are responsible for managing the Archdiocese website, social media accounts and producing an e-newsletter. A new printed publication for the Archdiocese is available here: click here Between them Caroline and Faye have extensive experience of working in the communications sector. They are based at Cathedral House and can be contacted on 0121 230 6286 or at [email protected] or [email protected] For urgent communication matters out of office hours the team can be contacted on the following mobile numbers: Caroline Bletso - 074 6467 4630 Faye Fawcett - 078 2378 9457 Gerry Dryden - 074 9643 9043
Marriage Tribunal Expand Birmingham Metropolitan Tribunal Judicial Vicar: The Reverend Joseph P McLoughlin BA STL JCLAssistant: Rev Fr George Grynowski, LLB, Dip LG 1 Fountain Court (Ground Floor)Steelhouse LaneBIRMINGHAMB4 6DRTel: 0121 230 6227 Contact Frances Paisley: [email protected]Mary Boylan: [email protected]Trish Kennedy: [email protected]Tina Ault: [email protected]
Treasurer's Department (Finance) Expand Often referred to as the Finance Office, this department also includes the Gift Aid team. The department has eight staff and is headed up by the Financial Secretary, Steve Roche, who has worked for the Archdiocese for over 17 years. The main functions of the department are to produce the consolidated annual accounts, covering the whole of the Archdiocese - including all of its 227 parishes - and to submit Gift Aid and Gift Aid Small Donations claims to HMRC. The team also manages the central curia budgets and accounts, and administers the bulk settlement of the majority of second collections made for other charities by parishes. As part of those functions, staff provide friendly support and advice to parishes and chaplaincies on a wide range of finance based issues. The department provides a centralised payroll function and undertakes internal audit visits. It also administers the OPAS accounts and Gift Aid system used by all parishes and many chaplaincies. The office also acts as a link to the various bulk purchase schemes approved by the Archdiocese, such as IFM for gas, electricity and fuel oil, Toshiba for copiers and Churchmarketplace for many other supplies including computer software. Birmingham Diocesan Trust Financial Statements 2017 Contacts Gift Aid Co-Ordinators: Wendy Cleary and Helen PerryTel: 0121 230 6219 Financial Secretary: Steve RocheTel: 0121 230 6220 Mob: 07728 540383 Finance Manager: Sue SimkissTel: 0121 230 6283 Accountant: Keith CullifordTel: 0121 230 6222 Parish Payroll & Finance Officer: Emma RandleTel: 0121 230 6226 Ledger Clerk: Kerry McKennaTel: 0121 230 6217 Secretary: Tel: 0121 230 6216
Fundraising (Development Team) Expand Who are the Development team? We support parishes and diocesan projects to access funding through grants, trusts, and other income generation. We will happily come and visit your parish - particularly if there is coffee and cake! The team is led by Steve Baylis, Head of Development – he has a wealth of experience in fundraising and project management and primarily focuses on strategy, large scale applications and legacy giving. Kevin Baugh is the new Funding Officer and has extensive experience working in the voluntary sector. How can the Development team help your parish? It is our role to support parishes across the whole of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. We are paid for through the Parish Levy, so come at no extra cost to you. We can support you in a number of ways including: - coming out to meet with you and discuss your ideas- talking over the phone- identifying funding opportunities for capital projects, feasibility studies and other parish activities- helping write funding applications- speaking to funders on your behalf- helping to develop funding plans and strategies- helping you to development capital projects- providing you with a range of resources to help you fundraise for your parish- signposting you to expert advice- providing training at your parish- supporting you with legacy stewardship- supporting to develop regular giving campaigns; and- helping you with VAT issues. What else do we do? Our team works very closely with other departments based at Cathedral House, including Property and the Historic Churches Committee, and are working on a number of other projects including: - Ecumenical joint events with the Anglican Dioceses of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Lichfield. - Developing strategic partnerships with national funders- Working with other RC Dioceses to share best practice - Community Support: Caritas and St Chad's Sanctuary Why not get in touch? If you think we can help your parish, contact us: Steve Baylis BSc MInstFHead of DevelopmentArchdiocese of Birmingham, Cathedral HouseSt Chad’s QueenswayBirmingham B4 6EX[email protected] 0121 230 624107496 439 090 Kevin Baugh Chartered FCSI, ALIBFFunding OfficerArchdiocese of Birmingham, Cathedral House St Chad’s QueenswayBirmingham B4 6EX [email protected] 0121 230 6280 07496 439 090
Archbishop Bernard About the Archbishop Expand About the Archbishop Archbishop Bernard Longley was born in Manchester on 5 April, 1955 and was ordained Bishop and appointed as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Westminster, on 24th January 2003. Archbishop Longley was Head of the Diocesan Pastoral Board and had pastoral responsibilities for the Deaneries of Camden, Hackney, Islington, Marylebone, Tower Hamlets, and Westminster. Archbishop Bernard Longley studied at Xaverian College and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and New College, Oxford. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton on 12th December 1981 at St John’s Seminary, Wonersh, and was Assistant Priest at St Joseph’s, Epsom, and Chaplain to Psychiatric Hospitals. From 1987 to 1996 he was on the staff at St John’s Seminary, Wonersh, teaching dogmatic theology. In 1991, he was appointed Surrey Chairman of the Arundel and Brighton Diocesan Commission for Christian Unity and in 1996 became National Ecumenical Officer at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. In 1999 he was appointed Moderator of the Steering Committee of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and also Assistant General Secretary of Catholic Bishops’ Conference with responsibilities for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs. Archbishop Longley authored the Catholic Commentary on the Agreed Joint Statement by the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission – “Growing towards Unity and Mission” (2007). The Archbishop was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2009 and was installed as the ninth Archbishop of Birmingham on Tuesday 8th December 2009. In 2010 Archbishop Longley was appointed by Pope Benedict as a member of the newly erected Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. In 2011 Pope Benedict appointed the Archbishop as the co-Chairman of the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC), with oversight of the third phase of Anglican-Catholic dialogue. Contact Email [email protected] Jennifer DaviesArchbishop's Secretariat Archbishop's House 8 Shadwell StreetBirmingham B4 6EY Email [email protected] Tel 0121 236 9090 Fax 0121 212 0171 Fr Dominic CosslettArchbishop's Secretariat Archbishop's House8 Shadwell StreetBirmingham B4 6EY Email [email protected] Tel 0121 236 9090 Fax 0121 212 0171 Engagements Archbishop Bernard - Episcopal Engagements, September 2019 Archbishop Bernard Episcopal Engagements -October 2019
Archbishop Bernard - Homilies Expand 2018 PALM SUNDAY 2018 CHRISM MASS 2018 GOOD FRIDAY 2018 EASTER VIGIL 2018 Pastoral Letter - Feast of Corpus Christi 2-3 June 2018 Wolverhampton SS Mary John 11th Sunday Per Annum. 16 June 2018 Ordination to the Priesthood Jason Mahoney and Robert Carey 7 July 2018 Stella Maris Mass 15 September Diocesan Celebration Day Homily 14 Oct 2018 Civic Mass 25 November 2018 Walsingham Festival Coventry - 8 December 2018 Christmas 2018 - Midnight Mass at St Chad's Cathedral Pastoral Letter - 29 and 30 December 2018 2019 Guild of St Stephen Mass - February 2019 Ash Wednesday - 6 March 2019 Pastoral Letter - 6/7 April 2019 Pastoral_letter_April_2019.mp3 Your browser does not support the audio element. Please click here to download the file Chrism Mass - April 2019 Easter Vigil - April 2019 Easter Sunday - April 2019 Easter Monday Mass - April 2019 Diaconate Ordination at Oscott - June 2019
Travellers Ministry Expand Barbara Labrosse has been appointed as Traveller Liaison Officer to work alongside Rev Fr Eamon Corduff Barbara can be contacted on:Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07741 900305 Spiritual Support for Travellers and Romanies Introduction
Bishop David McGough Bishop David McGough – Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham Expand Right Reverend David McGough, Titular Bishop of Cunavia, Moderator of the Curia David Christopher McGough was born on 20 November 1944 in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. He attended the Sacred Heart School, Tunstall; St Joseph’s Preparatory School, Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, and Cotton College, North Staffordshire. He studied for the priesthood at St Mary’s College, Oscott - the Diocesan Seminary - from 1963. He also studied at the Venerable English College in Rome and obtained a degree in Theology. He was ordained to the priesthood on 14 March 1970 by Bishop Joseph Cleary in his home Parish, the Sacred Heart, Tunstall. After a year teaching at the Diocesan Seminary he returned to Rome for Post Graduate Studies and gained a degree in Sacred Scripture in 1974. Bishop McGough spent 15 years teaching Scripture to students for the Catholic Priesthood at Oscott College from 1974 until 1989. In 1986 he was appointed as Parish Priest at Christ the King, Kingstanding, Birmingham. He has been Parish Priest at Our Lady and All Saints, Stourbridge, since 1990. His other responsibilities in the Archdiocese of Birmingham have been as Dean of the Dudley Deanery and Canon of St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham. He was appointed Episcopal Vicar for Walsall, Wolverhampton, the Black Country and Worcestershire in 2004. His hobbies are photography and heritage railways. He follows Stoke City Football Club from a distance. He was ordained Bishop by Archbishop Nichols in St Chad’s Cathedral on 8 December 2005. Pastoral Areas (Northern Deaneries): Dudley, Lichfield, North Staffordshire, Stafford, Walsall, Wolverhampton. Key responsibilities: -Affirm & strengthen Catholic life in the Pastoral Area-Represent the Archbishop locally-Facilitate initiatives to strengthen and encourage the life of deaneries and parishes-Carry out formal visitations to parishes-Celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation Residence: The Rocks106 Draycott RoadTeanStaffordshireTel & Fax: 01538 722433Email: [email protected] Engagements Bishop David - September 2019 Bishop David McGough Episcopal Engagements - October 2019
Bishop William Kenney Bishop William Kenney - Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham Expand Right Reverend William Kenney CP, Titular Bishop of Midica Bishop Kenney studied sociology and psychology at the universities of Växjö and Gothenburg and obtained a Fil kand (the same as a BA). He worked as a parish priest and academic sociologist within the Catholic Church in Sweden, before pursuing doctoral studies at the London School of Economics from 1977 to 1979. He then lectured in the Sociology of Religion and was Director of Studies at the Department of Religious Studies in the University of Gothenburg between 1979 and 1982 and from 1984 to 1987. He was a General Councillor of the Passionist Congregation, resident in Rome, from 1982 to 1984. Bishop Kenney was ordained bishop on 24 August 1987 and appointed Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the diocese of Stockholm. One of his major concerns has been to build up the Caritas organisation of the diocese. Caritas is responsible for the pastoral-social work of the Church on both a national and international basis. In 1991 he was elected President of Caritas Europe for a four-year term. The major part of this work concerned the problems of refugees and immigrants within Europe and the building up of the Caritas organisations in the eastern part of our continent. He was re-elected for a further four-year term in 1995. He served for three terms on the Legal Affairs Commission of Caritas Internationalis that has its headquarters in the Vatican. In 1988 Bishop Kenney was awarded an honorary doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Gothenburg for his work in encouraging immigrant students to attend University. Besides his duties as Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, he lectures extensively, both in Sweden and abroad on social issues and on ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue. He is also internationally known as a retreat-leader, particularly for religious.He has taken part in three Episcopal synods: in 1991 on Europe; 1994 on Religious Life; in 1999 the Second European Synod. Through a Papal appointment in 2013, he is also co-chair of the international conversations between the Lutheran and Catholic Churches. He is a member to the International Department of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales (CBCEW) and represents the Conference in COMECE (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community), and also has responsibility for the Conference’s work in Iraq, Sudan and South Sudan.Bishop Kenney was elected Diocesan Administrator of the Archdiocese of Birmingham by the Cathedral Chapter. His term of office ended on the installation of Archbishop Bernard Longley, in December 2009. He is a member of the Las Casas Advisory Board which promotes critical reflection on questions of human dignity in the light of Catholic social teaching and theology; a trustee of the Newman Trust, Oxford since 2012; a member of the diocesan Justice & Peace Commission and most recently, the Chair of the Pastoral Planning Group, which coordinates planning for the future of the Southern region of the diocese. Pastoral Areas (Southern Deaneries): Banbury, Coventry, Oxford (North & South), Rugby, Warwick. Key responsibilities: -Affirm & strengthen Catholic life in the Pastoral Area -Represent the Archbishop locally -Facilitate initiatives to strengthen and encourage the life of deaneries and parishes -Carry out formal visitations to parishes -Celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation Residence: St Hugh’s House27 Hensington RoadWoodstockOxfordshireTel & Fax: 01993 812234Email: [email protected] PA to Bishop Kenney:Mrs Tanina BruceTel: 01993 812234Email: [email protected] Engagements: September 2019 engagements for Bishop Kenney Bishop William Kenney Episcopal Engagements - October 2019
Canon David Evans - Episcopal Vicar Canon David Evans - Episcopal Vicar Expand Pastoral Areas: Birmingham and Worcestershire Key Responsibilities: -Affirm & strengthen Catholic life in the Pastoral Area-Represent the Archbishop locally-Facilitate initiatives to strengthen and encourage the life of deaneries and parishes-Carry out formal visitations to parishes-Celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation Residence: Our Lady of Perpetual SuccourLeach Green LaneRednalBirminghamB45 9BQ 0121 453 3452
St Edmund’s Catholic Academy, Wolverhampton - Mathematics Teacher Expand Closing Date: March 20, 2018 Teacher of Mathematics Advert -St Edmunds Teacher of MathematicsJD Teacher of MathematicsTHE MATHEMATICS FACULTY DESCRIPTION 2018 (3 documents)
Planning Dept Expand Reverend Paul O’Connor, BA (Hons), BPL, MRTPIHead of Planning, Archdiocese of Birmingham 0121 230 627007944 803701 [email protected] As a qualified town planner, Deacon Paul can provide advice on how to progress planning matters and can assist parishes when there is proposed development near to them. Where parishes are considering repairs or alterations to listed churches they can gain support and resources from the Historic Churches Committee. Alternatively for repairs or alterations to non-listed churches advice is available from the Art and Architecture Committee. Deacon Paul can provide advice on approvals required and procedure to follow. Deacon Paul can provide advice on burial ground issues, including columbariums.
Chief Operating Officer Expand David Brooks is the new Diocesan Chief Operating Officer, having been appointed by His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley. A former general manager of the National Trust, David joined the organisation on March 1. He is a parishioner at Saints Peter and Paul in Brailes, near Banbury, and has been involved with the life of the Church for many years. Before his four-year role at the National Trust, David was a senior manager for 30 years with BP, working in a variety of roles including Director of Asset Development and Head of Business Services in the UK, and Director of National Operations in South Africa. David joins a growing number of Chief Operating Officers already in place at other Diocese’ across the country. In his new role he will consider and direct the implementation of the Diocesan Trustees’ Strategy as it seeks to meet the challenges posed by changes in society, and by the need to reallocate resources to engage the laity more in the life of the Church. This will enable priests and deacons to focus their ministries on teaching, sanctifying, evangelising and offering pastoral care and leadership.
Order Forms (Intranet) Expand 2017-GENERAL-ORDER-FORM.pdf 2017-GOLD-MEDAL-APPROVAL-AND-ORDER-FORM.pdf 2017-SILVER-MEDAL-APPROVAL-AND-ORDER-FORM.pdf 2017-SILVER-MEDAL-OF-MERIT-APPLICATION-AND-ORDER-FORM.pdf
What is the Safeguarding Commission? Expand Our work is overseen by a Safeguarding Commission which includes representatives from various organisations both Statutory and Voluntary, as well as those with roles in the Church. The Chair of the Commission is Elisabeth Fisher. Commission Members Fr. Stephen Wright - Vicar for ReligiousFr. Richard Walker - Parish PriestSr. Teresa Billington - ReligiousAngela Randle - Parish Safeguarding RepresentativeMichelle McLoughlin - NHSDawn Williams - Wolverhampton SafeguardingFr. Evarist Sunday AJ - ReligiousStuart Bill - West Midlands PoliceJanet Tibbits - Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) In attendance: Mgr. Timothy Menezes- Vicar General/Clergy Safeguarding Lead
What training is available? Expand All Parish safeguarding representatives have initial training in their role. We also offer advice workshops/ training for groups and parishes if they are requested - if your parish or group would like training please let us know and we will try to meet your needs. In addition to this there is online training available, in the form of educare. If you have a role working with children, young people or adults who may be vulnerable, or if you are a parent who wants to understand on-line safety read the e-learning safeguarding brochure. This explains what training is available via e-learning and how to access any training that interests you. This e-learning package is part of the Church’s commitment to safeguarding, recognising we all have a role to play in creating a safe environment. Download now If you are interested please contact the Safeguarding Team on [email protected]
What is the Safer Recruitment process? Expand The safeguarding team are also responsible for the safe recruitment of volunteers in the Archdiocese. This system is largely managed by Parish Safeguarding Representatives who will provide the necessary forms for those who take responsibility for or who have significant regular contact with children or vulnerable adults. The forms are available on the Diocesan Intranet. Any enquiries about the recruitment process of the Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure system should be addressed to the office on 0121 230 6240.
What are the policies and procedures for safeguarding in the Archdiocese of Birmingham? Expand The Archdiocese of Birmingham follows the ‘one church’ approach to safeguarding as set out nationally. The CSAS procedures manual details the national procedures. The Safeguarding team is responsible for the implementation and management of these Safeguarding policies and procedures throughout the Archdiocese. For queries in relation to this please contact the team directly on 0121 230 6240.
Property Expand The main role of the property team is to provide advice and guidance for management of parish property. The property team also manages all property held centrally by the Archdiocese. The team can advise you on the upkeep, maintenance and development of parish properties, health and safety compliance to ensure the effective running of buildings for parishes and communities. The department supports with planning, inspections and surveys, lettings, maintenance and refurbishment. Where parishes are considering repairs or alterations to listed churches they can gain support and resources from the Historic Churches Committee. Alternatively for repairs or alterations to non-listed churches advice is available from the Art and Architecture Committee. Contacts Geoff Taylor Head of Property 0121 230 6282 For general advice and issues with the property team. Lewis Massey Property Administrator 0121 230 6221 For general enquiries. (For existing cases please contact the appropriate member of the property team directly) Heidi Davies Senior Surveyor 0121 230 6248 Joan Diamond Senior Surveyor 0121 230 6232 For lettings, sales and acquisitions, title issues, work related leases - rent reviews, renewals etc., boundary disputes, maintenance obligations, rating Council Tax. Tarnia McAlester Surveyor 0121 230 6221 For maintenance plans, building maintenance, repairs, advice on Quinquennial Inspections and subsequent Project Management, Accessibility Audits, asbestos and legionella issues. Tom Stockwell Listed Building Support Officer 0121 230 6289 As Tarnia above, for listed churches and associated parish buildings.
Legal Expand Clare O’Brien is the Diocesan Solicitor and helps parishes with legal queries, particularly about property or data protection issues. She also assists any parish which receives a legacy with the necessary legal formalities. Clare is the first port of call for any other legal queries from parishes. She provides legal support to the trustees and to the curial office and assists the Diocesan Education Service with any legal issues they have. Tel 0121 230 6231 [email protected]
Ad Clerum Additional Information Expand Multi Faith Chaplaincy Team Leaflet The God Who Speaks Campaign Themes Missio's APF-Mill Hill Red Box Parish Results 2018 Diocesan Justice and Peace Assembly, 12 October 2019 - Registration Form Diocesan Justice and Peace Assembly, 12 October 2019 - Poster Revised New Jerusalem Bible World Day for Migrants and Refugees, 29 September 2019 Understanding Islam, September 2019 2019_Parish_Pastoral_Statistics_Form_for_Return_in_2020_.pdf Diocesan Intercultural Mass, 26 October 2019 Catholic Association of Preachers Conference, 16-20 March 2020 CARJ Conference, 16 October 2019 Extraordinary Mission Month Vigil and Mass, 19 October 2019 Season of Creation Survey 2019 Canonisation Celebrations, Birmingham Oratory Walking Retreat for Priests in the Sahara, 3-15 February 2020 In Plain Sight Conference, 15 October 2019
Bishop Philip Pargeter Retired Expand Philip Pargeter was born in Wolverhampton on 13 June 1933. He was educated at St Hilda’s Primary School, Northenden, Manchester and at St Bede’s College, Manchester. He studied for the priesthood at Grove Park (1951 to 1952) and at St Mary’s Seminary, Oscott (1952 to 1959). He was ordained priest on 21 February 1959. Bishop Pargeter served at Cotton College from 1959 to 1985 as a member of staff, Housemaster (1975 to 1984), Rector (1982 to 1985) and as parish priest for the local community (1984 to 1985). In June 1985 he was appointed Administrator of St Chad’s Cathedral. He was made a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 1986. A keen ecumenist, Bishop Pargeter became Chairman of the Birmingham Council of Churches in 1988. In this capacity he has worked to forge stronger ecumenical links in the Birmingham area. He was ordained as titular Bishop of Valentiniana and auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham by Archbishop Couve de Murville 21 February 1990. On 31 July 2009, Pope Benedict XVI accepted Bishop Pargeter’s resignation as Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham in accordance with canons 411 and 401§1.
Weddings (Office for Marriage) Expand OFFICE FOR MARRIAGE The work of this office is the processing of marriage papers – worldwide - for couples where the Catholic party, at least, is resident within the Archdiocese of Birmingham. The aim is to help and assist priests, deacons and couples in the preparation of marriage documentation. You can contact this office; preferably by e-mail or letter:E-mail: [email protected]Post: Office for Marriage, Cathedral House, Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6EU Tel: 0121 230 6242 (voicemail facility available) Hours: Tuesday – Friday 09.00-16.00 Frequently Asked Questions Q: What paperwork do I need to submit to the Office for Marriage? A: A fully completed pre-nuptial inquiry form and additional supporting documentation depending on the couple and the type of marriage. See ‘Documents’ section of this site for all relevant paperwork. Q: When should I contact the Office for Marriage? A: For marriages within the Archdiocese please forward documentation as soon as it is completed. Marriages taking place outside the Archdiocese of Birmingham need particular attention so you are asked to submit all documentation as soon as possible. Q: Should I include original documentation? A: Unless requested please only send in photocopies of original documentation. Photocopies of the following are acceptable, Civil notice of marriage (blue papers), all certificates, ie - baptism, marriage, divorce, marriage-prep, dissolution/nullity, death, etc as appropriate. Q: How is permission for a marriage between a Catholic and a baptised Christian obtained? A: In the Archdiocese of Birmingham permission for a mixed marriage is given either by the Archbishop’s Delegate for Marriage or the Dean, Parish Priest of the Catholic party. Please complete the section relating to mixed marriage in the pre-nuptial inquiry form. Q: How is permission for a marriage for a Catholic and an un-baptised person obtained? A: This is an impediment to marriage. So for validity a dispensation from disparity of cult must be granted by the Archbishop’s Delegate for Marriage. Q: What happens if there is doubt about the baptism of the non-Catholic party? A: Please submit the doubt to the Archbishop’s Delegate for Marriage. Q: Are there any other impediments to marriage? A: Yes, these are listed in the Code of Canon Law (canons 1083-1094). NB: The impediment of prior bond is of Divine Law and applies to all persons. It cannot be dispensed; in other words a person is only free to marry if their previous spouse is deceased or a tribunal has issued a dissolution or annulment of that union. Q: Before whom should the couple marry? A: In accordance with canonical form and for validity a couple must marry before the local ordinary or by the parish priest. With the appropriate delegation a couple you may marry before another priest or deacon provided delegation is granted by the parish priest. To be valid this delegation must be given expressly to a named person indicated on the pre-nuptial inquiry form. The Archbishop’s Delegate for Marriage also has competence to grant this delegation if needed. Q: Must couples marry in their parish church? A: Ordinarily marriages are to be celebrated in the parish of the Catholic party. The parish priest can request a dispensation from this canonical form which would enable the couple to marry elsewhere. This dispensation is required for the validity of the marriage. In all circumstances a request for this dispensation is made to the Archbishop’s Delegate for Marriage. Q: Can invalid marriages be rectified? A: A marriage may be invalid because of a defect of consent, form or some other impediment which existed at the time of the marriage. The parish priest can request that such marriages be validated. For validity, such convalidation is granted by the Archbishop’s Delegate for Marriage. Q: Are there extra requirements for marriages outside of the Archdiocese of Birmingham? A: Marriages outside of the Archdiocese require additional information and therefore the pre-nuptial inquiry form, along with supporting documentation (see Documents section) should be sent to the Archbishop’s Delegate for Marriage as soon as possible. Q: Are there any costs? A: These will be discussed with you by your parish priest. As from 1st April 2015 there will be a charge, payable by the couple directly to the parish, for documentation presented to the Office for Marriage. The charge will be £30 for local/UK marriages. However, if the paperwork is to be processed for an overseas marriage the cost will increase to £50. Click here for Office for Marriage Privacy Notice