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
Parish Safeguarding Communications - Minimum Standards In order to meet the standards set out by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) all parish communications need to demonstrate clearly the Archdiocese’s commitment to safeguarding. Expand Parish Safeguarding Communications - Minimum Standards The following has been sent to all clergy: In order to meet the standards set out by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) all parish communications need to demonstrate clearly the Archdiocese’s commitment to safeguarding. Could you please take the necessary steps to include this information on all parish communications (newsletters, noticeboard and website). Parish Newsletter For the parish newsletter, please include the following short statement together with contact details for parish safeguarding representatives (PSR) – using their RCAOB email address – this should not include personal telephone numbers: The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the National and Archdiocese's policies & procedures at all times. Our Parish Safeguarding Representative is [xxxxxxxx]. They can be contacted at: [safeguarding email address] or alternatively the Diocesan Safeguarding team can be contacted on 0121 230 6240/ [email protected] if you have any concern. Parish Noticeboard For the parish noticeboard, please print out and display the attached: • Safeguarding Statement• CSSA poster – Needs editing with PSR details and RCAOB email address – not personal phone number.• PSR Photo – optional• Safe Spaces poster• The Isaiah Journey guide Parish Website For the parish website, please include the following: • Safeguarding Statement• Link to Archdiocese safeguarding website• Safe Spaces statement and link to website• The Isaiah Journey - link to website
Treasurer's Department (Finance) Expand Birmingham Diocesan Trust Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 Finance Report 2022 Overview Finance Report Overview 2022 (printable version) Often referred to as the Finance Office, this department also includes the Gift Aid team. The department is headed up by Head of Finance, Steve Roche. 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. Contacts Gift Aid Co-Ordinators: Wendy Cleary and John Nolan Tel: 0121 230 6219 Head of Finance: Steve RocheTel: 0121 230 6220 Mob: 07728 540383 Finance Manager: Sue SimkissTel: 0121 230 6283 Parish Finance Support Manager : Stuart JelfTel: 0121 230 6222 Parish Payroll & Finance Officer: Emma RandleTel: 0121 230 6226 Ledger Clerk: Kerry McKennaTel: 0121 230 6217 IT and Admin Officer: Matthew PuczylowskiTel: 0121 230 6216
Parish Safeguarding Representatives Volunteers in our parishes and chaplaincies who support on safeguarding matters. Expand Parish Safeguarding Representatives are volunteers in our parishes and chaplaincies who support on safeguarding matters. They come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. They ensure parishes and local communities are aware of the importance of protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults, and what is involved in promoting good practice. They support parishes in the safer recruitment of volunteers and ensuring that their parishes and communities and the activities they run are safe for everyone. Parish Safeguarding Representatives Mass, October 2022
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. Paperwork is sent to the Office for Marriage from the parishes or chaplaincies, it is processed, recorded, and then forwarded to the parish / diocese of marriage. Please Read: Marriage Office Privacy Policy Contact Detail:e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0121 230 6242 (voicemail facility available) Hours: Tuesday – Friday 09.00-15.00 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 levy payable by the couple for documentation presented to the Office for Marriage. The levy is £30 for local (own diocese / E&W conference areas and £50 for all other areas / abroad). The couple are to pay this levy directly to the Parish, which in turn will be debited by BACS transfer accordingly.
Safeguarding Training Advice and training for groups and parishes. Expand All Parish Safeguarding Representatives have initial training in their role. We also offer advice and 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 Training Brochure Please email [email protected] if you are interested in accessing the online training providing your name, volunteer role and parish.
Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee Our work is overseen by a Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee which includes representatives from various organisations both Statutory and Voluntary. Expand Our work is overseen by a Safeguarding Trustee Sub-Committee which includes representatives from various organisations both Statutory and Voluntary, as well as those with roles in the Church. The Chair is Professor Deirdre Kelly. Members Professor Deirdre Kelly - Chair / Lead Safeguarding Trustee Vice Chair: vacant Canon Richard Walker - Vicar General Bishop David Evans David Sullivan - Parish Safeguarding Representative Sr Una Coogan- Religious Representatives: Graham Tilby – Birmingham Children’s Trust Police - vacant
Safeguarding Resources and Links Other agencies and services. Expand CSSA - Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency DBS - Disclosure and Barring Service IICSA - Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse NAPAC - National Association for People Abused in Childhood Religious Life Safeguarding Service - Religious Safeguarding Safe Spaces - Safe Spaces England and Wales Survivors Trust - The Survivors Trust Stop it Now A confidential helpline, live chat and secure messaging service for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and its prevention – whether they’re worried about their own thoughts, feelings and behaviour, or about another adult or young person. Stop it Now Clare’s Law This scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. It is often called ‘Clare’s Law’ after the landmark case that led to it. This scheme also allows a member of the public to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member. West Midlands Police: Clare's Law Warwickshire Police: Clare's Law Staffordshire Police: Clare's Law Thames Valley Police: Clare's Law West Mercia Police: Clare's Law Sarah’s Law The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children: has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask us to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders. If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk. You must apply for information about a specific person and a specific child or children they spend time with. You cannot apply for general information about child sex offenders. Thames Valley Police: Sarah's Law Staffordshire Police: Sarah's Law West Midlands Police: Sarah's Law Warwickshire Police: Sarah's Law West Mercia Police: Sarah's Law
Commission for Promoting Christian Unity Dedicated to promoting unity between Christians Expand Archdiocese of Birmingham Commission for Promoting Christian Unity The Commission is dedicated to promoting unity between Christians. The lay and clerical members of the Ecumenical Commission represent designated areas of the Archdiocese. Our aims are to foster the cause of Christian unity across the Archdiocese, and to deepen our relationships with other Christian communities. We aim to enable and encourage ecumenical practice within parishes by sharing good practice; acting as a source of advice and support; and developing ecumenical leaders. Why we support Ecumenism The call to seek Christian unity comes from Jesus himself. He prayed the world may be one, “as I am one with The Father” (John 17:21). Ecumenism (from the Greek word Oikoumene: meaning the whole inhabited world) is not complicated; it is simply witnessing, in unison, with other Christian communities to the salvation of Jesus Christ. Christian unity is not a distant prize at the end of our journey of faith; it is a gift from God that we receive on the journey itself when Christians travel in harmony. All we believe, all we practice, all we love about our faith, has an ecumenical element; instead of doing “ecumenical things” to promote unity, we should seek to do all things ecumenically. If you wish to know more about the role of the Commission, and/or offer support, please contact Deacon David Fairbotham, Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, [email protected] or 07948379545, or contact one of the other Commissioners named below who will be delighted to help. The ways we promote Christian unity Seek and encourage opportunities for shared prayer for unity Develop and champion a vision for ecumenism with the four priorities of the Diocesan Vision, Unfolding God's Plan Act as a source of advice and support to Archbishop Bernard Longley Be a catalyst and empowerer of all involved in ecumenism Provide advice, guidance, and inspiration Develop ecumenical leaders Support diocese-wide and local projects Develop a calendar of annual national and local ecumenical events. February 2024: World Day of Prayer, Friday 1 March A women led, global, ecumenical movement. This year's theme is: “I beg you, bear with one another in love”. In the parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Wolverhampton two services are planned. The first is at St Benedict Biscop church, Wombourne at 2pm and the second is at St Michael's at 7pm. Services will be taking place in locations around the globe on that day too where all Christians will be praying for the women and families of Palestine, the chosen country for 2024. Ann Bayley, a member of the Commission, shares an article with us: World Day of Prayer August 2023: A Reflection on the Good Friday Walk of Witness One of the four themes of the Diocesan Vision is Evangelisation, encouraging others to know God’s love for them. A powerful witness to the love Jesus has for his people is made annually by thousands of Christians in the Good Friday Walk of Witness. In this public sign of Christian unity, in the heart of their communities, people from different denominations retell the crucifixion story, and attest to the sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation. Read article in full September 2022: Journeying Together A Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Chapel of Unity, Coventry Cathedral. DOWNLOAD booklet An address from Pope Francis on Ecumenism, May 2022 "one cannot think of journeying on the path of faith without the company of brothers and sisters from other Churches or ecclesial communities." Read full address Please contact us The Commission exists to support and encourage anyone involved in this mission. If you would like to discuss anything connected with this, or an ecumenical project, please contact one of us. We will be delighted to help. The Catholic Church in England and Wales is a member of Churches Together. This is a national ecumenical instrument supporting and encouraging churches from a wide range of traditions to work together in unity. The Ecumenical Commission operates within this framework. We work with a wide range of contacts in all the major Church communities. Commission Members and contact details Chair: Deacon Nick St. John Email: [email protected] Phone: 07450 294036 Secretary: Deacon David Fairbotham Email: [email protected] Phone: 07948 379545 Birmingham Churches Together Deacon Peter Middleton Email: [email protected] Phone: 07752 229704 Deacon David Fairbotham Email: [email protected] Phone: 07948 379545 Black Country Churches Engaged Ann Bayley Email: [email protected] Phone: 01902 421567 Coventry and Warwickshire Janet Wiltshire Email: [email protected] Phone: 07794 249097 Janet Ward Email: [email protected] Phone: 07802 413887 Chapel of Unity, Coventry Cathedral: contact Janet Ward, above. Churches together in Oxfordshire Deacon Nick St John Email: [email protected] Phone: 07450 294036 Churches Linked Across Staffordshire and the Potteries (CLASP) Barbara Davies Email: [email protected] Phone: 07401 201272 Churches Together in Worcestershire Dr Christine Dodd Email: [email protected] Phone: 07596 557368 Other Members Fr Kevin Kavanagh Email: [email protected] Phone: 01675 463939 Write to the Ecumenical Commission Deacon David Fairbotham, Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, St Dunstan’s Church, 6 Kingsfield Rd, King's Heath, Birmingham B14 7JN. Or email: [email protected]
History and Archives Commission Expand Purpose The purpose of the Commission (founded 2021) is to enhance appreciation and understanding of the history of the Archdiocese in our parishes and communities, to support the Archdiocesan Archivist in building awareness of the archives in the life of the Archdiocese, and to offer resources and guidance to individuals and groups seeking to deepen their understanding of the history of the Archdiocese. It aims to: • produce online and printed information, including guides to resources, maintaining a parish archive, and compiling a parish history; • arrange events in parishes and schools to inform, and to stimulate local projects;• develop workshops for researchers and parish history groups; • arrange ongoing formation opportunities for clergy on the history of the Archdiocese, parish archives, and their responsibility for historical records;• collaborate with schools, institutions and university departments across the Archdiocese. Enquiries to [email protected] Members Professor Judith Champ (Chair)Naomi Johnson (Archdiocesan Archivist) Mrs Judith SmeatonMrs Margaret Harcourt Williams Ms Joanna Terry Fr Simon Baker Fr Michael Miners Fr Julian Booth Deacon Paul O’Connor Dr Malcolm DickMrs Elaine JoyceMr Vincent BurkeAbbot Geoffrey Scott
Historic Churches Committee Committee for Art and Architecture Expand Committee for Art and Architecture Read the Historic Churches Committee Guide on the ‘Care of Churches’ The Committee meets on the third Thursday of January, March, May, July, September and November. Applications for work in Listed Churches should be sent to the Executive Secretary at least six weeks before the meeting. Faculty applications for works in unlisted churches should be sent at least two weeks before the meeting. Chairman Right Rev Mgr Patrick Kilgarriff St George’s Presbytery1 Sansome PlaceWorcesterWR1 1UG [email protected] 01905 22574 Executive Secretary Reverend Paul O’Connor, BA (Hons), BPL, MRTPIHead of Planning Archdiocese of BirminghamSt George’s Catholic Church1 Sansome PlaceWorcester, WR1 1UGTel: 07944 803701/ 0121 230 6270
Inter Religious Dialogue Commission Expand Who we are Chair Patricia Whitney Tel: 0121 406 3650 [email protected] Members of the Diocesan Commission Mark Van Beeumen, Rev Ray Collier, Rev Bernard Kelly, Rev John Nicholas Latham (observer), Barbara McGowan, Rev Jan Nowotnik, Sister Anna O'Connor, Bill Ozanne (consultant), Erik Pearse, Revd Stephen Pimlott, Cathy Wattebot, Patricia Whitney.
Justice and Peace Commission Expand Birmingham Justice and Peace website [email protected] Justice & Peace Administrator Janet Vaughan701 Earlsdon ParkAlbany RoadCoventryCV5 6NB Chairman Rev Gerard Murray STLSacred HeartAlwyn RdBiltonRugbyWarwickshireCV22 7QTTelephone: 01788 813263
Liturgical Commission Expand Chairman Rev Paul McNally, S.T.LOscott CollegeChester RoadSutton ColdfieldB73 5AA
Social and Racial Justice Commission Expand Contact C/OSt Francis of Assisi Church and Centre101 Hunters RoadHandsworthBirminghamB19 1EB
Women of the Diocese Women of the Diocese is a group for all women of the Diocese, supporting each other in their ministries across parish, home and work. Expand Women of the Diocese is a group for all women of the Diocese, supporting each other in their ministries across parish, home and work. Sr Margaret Walsh and Suzanne O'Malley - [email protected] Women's Day of Reflection 2018 Women's Day of Reflection 2019
Harvington Pilgrimage 2024 - Sunday 1 September Expand Harvington Pilgrimage Committee Chair: Fr Richard Sharples Treasurer: Vacant Address for Correspondence: Fr Sharples, St Mary’s Presbytery, Harvington, Kidderminster, DY10 4LR Any queries related to the Pilgrimage should be directed to: [email protected] Pilgrimage 2023, Sunday 3 September In 2023 the Hall celebrated one hundred years of ownership by the Archdiocese. To mark this milestone in our history His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley was the principal celebrant of the Pilgrimage Mass. Principal Celebrant: The Most Reverend Bernard Longley Archbishop of Birmingham 2023 Pilgrimage - story and photos
Hednesford Pilgrimage 2024 - Sun 7 July - A pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Expand Hednesford Pilgrimage Committee Chair: Fr Jeremy Howard Liturgical advisor: Mgr Timothy Menezes Hednesford Pilgrimage 2023 - Sunday 2 July Hednesford - Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady - Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage 1 pm - Refreshments available2.15 - 3.45 pm - Confessions2.15 - 3 pm - Private Devotions in the Grotto3 pm - Rosary with local schools4 pm - Mass with Anointing - Chief Celebrant and Preacher Bishop Stephen Wright. Pilgrims... 1. Please bring a chair.2. If anyone would like to say a Hail Mary in another language they are encouraged to make themselves known before the rosary starts at 3pm.3. Are welcome to bring a posy of flowers to lay before the statue of Our Lady during the rosary. Watch! An invite from parish priest, Fr Jeremy Howard, also the Director of the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage For further information please contact: Fr Jeremy Howard, 07868 542268 or email [email protected] Grotto Mass 4pm on Sunday 3 July, 2022 Rosary Grotto Mass
Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Next pilgrimage TBA Expand The last pilgrimage was led by Bishop David McGough from 3 - 11 September 2019, with Canon Mervyn Tower as Spiritual Director. It was an opportunity to join the family of the Archdiocese on pilgrimage to the Holy Land with four nights in Bethlehem and three nights in Tiberius. This included a full spiritual, scriptural and educational programme, daily Mass at different Shrines and all entrance fees. For details of future pilgrimages please contact Canon Mervyn Tower on 01865 762433.
Littlemore (Oxfordshire) Where Saint John Henry Newman lived, and was received into the Church. Expand LITTLEMORE (Oxfordshire) Newman Friends International ‘The College’ where Saint John Henry Newman lived from 1842 to 1846, and was received into the Church, is open from Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 12noon and from 2pm to 5pm, on Saturdays from 2pm to 5pm, and on the 1st and 3rd Sunday (May - October) from 2pm to 5pm. Visitors are welcome to Newman’s room and oratory and to a museum and library for Newman studies and research. For further details and other arrangements - celebration of Mass, guided tours and/or talks for groups, school parties, private retreats (four rooms available), use of the library for academic purposes, information and arrangements for visiting places connected with Newman in Oxford - please contact: The International Centre of Newman Friends, c/o The Society of the Work, Ambrose Cottage, 9 College Lane, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4LQ. Tel: 01865 779743 email: [email protected] website: Newman Friends International There is a regular Mass in the Newman Chapel on Fridays at 9am and a Holy Hour on Wednesdays from 7.45pm to 8.45pm.
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024 - Monday 27 May to Saturday 1 June Expand Lourdes Pilgrimage Committee Chairman: Bishop David Evans Vice-chair: Fr Anthony Rohan Pilgrimage Director: Fr Jeremy Howard Treasurer: Mr M Williams Birmingham Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024 Monday 27 May to Saturday 1 June. The annual Diocesan pilgrimage will be returning to Lourdes under the leadership of His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David Evans. Please pray for all those considering joining the pilgrimage to Lourdes, as they will be praying for you. Lourdes Information and Sign Up to Mailing List Lourdes Pilgrimage Office:Tel: 0121 230 6288Address: Lourdes Pilgrimage OfficeCathedral HouseSt Chad’s QueenswayBirminghamB4 6EXEmail: [email protected] Please Note: Any enquiries relating to booking a place as an assisted pilgrim staying in the Accueil should be made to the Lourdes office at either [email protected] or [email protected]
Walsingham Pilgrimage 2024 - Saturday 11 May Expand Pilgrimage committee Pilgrimage Director: Fr Philip Griffin [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 01384 395 308 2024 Pilgrimage Saturday 11 May Theme - Mary, Intercessor and model of prayer With Principal Celebrant and preacher, Canon Paul McNally, Episcopal Vicar for the Pastoral Area of North Staffordshire, Stafford, Lichfield and Walsall and Dudley and Wolverhampton. More details to follow. The 2023 Pilgrimage was Saturday 13 May. Principal Celebrant - Bishop David Evans Programme 12 noon - Arrival at Shrine 1.30pm - Mass in the Chapel of Reconciliation 3pm – Procession to the Priory ruins, and prayers at the site of the Holy House, 5pm – Depart followed by procession to the Priory Grounds for prayer at the site of the Holy House. The Shrine website provides detailed information about Walsingham and its significance as the National Shrine to Our Lady and a place of pilgrimage in pre-reformation England. 2023 Pilgrimage Photo gallery Enquiries Fr Philip Griffin Our Lady and All SaintsNew RoadStourbridgeWest MidlandsDY8 1PJ 01384 395308 [email protected]
Sunday 26 Lourdes Day One Expand Sunday opening Mass 6th sunday of easter Theme: Good News to the Poor- we come in our poverty to experience a taste of the kingdom, here in Lourdes We begin our pilgrimage on Sunday, the Lord's Day, and the Day of the Resurrection. In fact, our whole pilgrimage this year takes place in the joy of the Easter Season and will include the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord on Thursday and the Visitation of Our Lady to her cousin Elizabeth on Friday. This year's theme in Lourdes, Blessed are the Poor, will be a time for us to reflect on our own awareness of poverty around us especially in our own communities at home, and the call to see Christ most of all in those who are in need. But on this week of pilgrimage, we are also invited to recognise the areas of poverty in our own lives, and to seek the riches of the life of heaven to influence our daily lives. With the joy of the redeemed children of God, let us begin our pilgrimage week. Bishop David McGough Homily Filling Eglise St Bernadette Cote Grotte for Opening Mass Processional for Welcome Mass Thanks to our young people Lucy Mitchell Student Nurse Ethan Jennings Aged 17 Photo Gallery
Monday 27 Lourdes Day Two Expand Grotto Mass Theme: Good News to the Poor- The Kingdom of God is Near You To gather for Mass at the Grotto is always a most privileged moment on our pilgrimage. We do so with our own Bishops, with Bishops Terence Drainey and Peter Brignall and their respective dioceses of Middlesborough and Wrexham and other English speaking pilgrims. Today is the Feast Day in England of St Augustine of Canterbury who in 597 AD was sent by Pope St Gregory the Great to evangelise the people of the British Isles. This is an important Feast recalling the many years of faith which is part of our national heritage. It can also be a renewed call to evangelise our country anew today. To be at the Grotto at Lourdes surrounded by people of faith is such a different experience from our living out of the life of faith at home in England. So let us draw strength from this celebration, under the watchful gaze of Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception, and gathered around the altar of God, to draw strength for the mission to which God calls us. Photo Gallery Grotto Mass Holy Hour and Anointing The Anointing of the Sick is one of the Seven Sacraments, seven signs of God's power and love in our lives. It is given by the Church, through the ministry of priests, to those who are sick in mind or body, a serious sickness or the increased frailty of advanced age. It is a Sacrament that can be given more than once, but its value is seen in a special way when those who are seriously ill are surrounded by the prayerful support of the Church, the People of God. Lourdes is a place of healing. Lourdes is a place that welcomes those who are sick. In a special way. So it is a particular privilege for us to witness this Sacrament in such a place of healing, just as we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation which is a Sacrament of healing too. The Sacrament is given through prayer, the laying on of hands and the anointing on the forehead and the palms of the hands with the Oil of the Sick. The prayer assures those who are sick of the loving concern and the intercession of their brothers and sisters; the laying on of hands is a sign of the calling down of the Holy Spirit; the anointing is a sign of the healing and strength that God gives through human signs and nature's gifts. We celebrate the Anointing of the Sick in the context of a Holy Hour. We gather in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament - the Body of Christ in the Monstrance on the Altar. As we adore Christ present among us, we show reverence to the Body of Christ which we so often receive in Holy Communion, but we witness to the abiding presence of Christ. Our actions of genuflecting or reverently bowing remind us that to be in Christ's presence in this way is a profound moment where we touch the life of heaven, and the power of God touches our hearts and our lives. During the Holy Hour, we offer our praises in song, we listen to the word of God proclaimed, and we spend some moments in silent reflection, as we try to remember that all our concerns, all of our troubles, all of life's pre-occupations are offered up in awe and wonder to the God who heals, who transforms, who leads us to heaven. Photo Gallery Holy Hour Photo Gallery Accueil and Candlelight Procession Listen: Audio Interviews Tamzyn, Libby and Melissa, Student Nurses Leo Rudd