Major expenditure forms Expand Major expenditure form template and guidance on filling out the form. This form is required for all works costing £10,000 or more (including VAT). MEA Form
Managing Works Expand As part of regular building maintenance, management and compliance tasks there will be the need to bring contractors onto the parish to undertake works. Larger capital projects and schemes of work will be managed by an architect or other specialist but for smaller maintenance tasks or checks it may be the parish that is the main contact for the contractor. In order to ensure the safety of everyone using your parish buildings and site it is important that you share and receive key information with the contractor. The managing contractors guidance below explains about the different steps to take as a parish when commissioning and managing small scale works and maintenance. The exchange of information form and the guidance template are useful tools in sharing key information regarding the parish site. Fill in the form about your parish and send it in advance to any contractor coming to do works. The contractor questionnaire allows the parish to collect key information from contactors before they undertake work at the parish. Keep a copy of all forms sent and documents received as proof that information was shared and contractors were competent to undertake works. Guidance for Parishes - initial questions and considerations when planning building work Guidance for Parishes - capital projects Exchange of information form guidance Exchange of information form template Managing contractors guidance Contractor questionnaire
Parishes with Property let to third parties Expand Residential Lettings Policy, 2025 Commercial Lettings Policy, 2025 Information sheet for Parishes - Renters' Rights Act 2025 Electrical Safety Standards, March 2021 Carbon Monoxide detectors new regulations, Oct 2022
Quinquennial Inspections (QI) Expand Why a parish should undertake Quinquennial Inspections of their buildings. Every parish has an obligation to take care of, and maintain their properties, which are owned, and/or used by the parish for day-to-day purposes. Each parish has a duty of care to keep their building(s) in a good state of repair, as well-cared for buildings are a part of our patrimony, to be passed on to the next generation. Poorly maintained buildings and sites are demoralising for priests, parishioners and members of the visiting public. Neglected buildings can encourage antisocial behaviour within our communities. This can lead to unnecessary expenditure and in some instances, insurances being invalid. QI specification document QI recommended works document QI guidance notes for parishes QI Policy Parish Maintenance Plan Building Maintenance is an important and regular part of parish life. This plan is a useful template to help map out different maintenance tasks throughout the year and who will undertake them. The template is designed as a initial guide to building maintenance requirements and can be adapted as required by a parish. If you require any further assistance with building maintenance then please speak to a member of the Property Team: [email protected]
Standing Order/Gift Aid Expand Download Standing Order & Gift Aid Declaration form Set up a Standing Order to continue giving NB: If you have internet banking you don’t need to fill in the standing order section of the form, please obtain your parish’s bank details direct from the parish and set up a new standing order online. OTHERWISE: 1 Download the form and print it. 2 Fill in your bank account details and how much you wish to give etc. and sign it. 3 Then either contact your parish for the parish bank account details and add them in and post the form to your bank OR post the form to your parish and they will complete the parish section and will then post the form to your bank. Please ensure you get the correct title of your parish account from the parish, and if asked confirm the account is a business account. Please note you can print stamps at Royal Mail 4 If you post the form to your bank yourself it would be helpful to let your parish know so that they can watch out for your donations to ensure all is well. 5 If you are a tax payer, paying sufficient tax, please consider Gift Aid. In which case please complete the Gift Aid form ensuring that it is dated on or before the date of your first payment. If you don’t need to post your standing order form to the parish, you can scan the Gift Aid form and send it to the parish, or alternatively, just hand it in when we are allowed to go back to Mass. God bless you, THANK YOU and keep safe.
Live streaming: How to get your church online Expand By Con McHugh Last updated 10th June 2020 The outbreak of coronavirus has seen a large increase in the number of churches that are now live streaming online. This has been achieved in many different ways with some clearly better results than others. It has provided a connection to the church for viewers to join Mass and other services online both locally and from far afield. However, for many churches, there is a lack of knowledge on how to livestream or the costs are prohibitive. “Even an absolute layman can produce his own live broadcasting. The only thing you need is an internet connection” This article is intended to provide basic information on what the available options and providers are. A pre-requisite is a good broadband connection in terms of speed and reliability, available where the streaming source will be. Getting this right enables use of internet in the church too. For live streaming an upload of at least 2 Mb/s is recommended. Audio is also a key factor. A feed from the church PA is ideal whether it is direct or derived. There are several options for live streaming. Each with advantages and disadvantages depending on what you require. This is an area that is rapidly changing with equipment, availability of streaming platforms and companies who provide dedicated services. There are at least three approaches to live stream online: Basic solution Easy and quick to start. Often a temporary installation. No upfront costs, quality not great but it lets you connect. It uses the camera and the microphone in your device (external microphone is sometimes used). Video/audio quality is often not great in a church but good in a smaller environment. Real time information on number of watchers. Stream from your mobile device (e.g. phone) using Facebook or other 3rd party such as YouTube/Zoom /Microsoft Teams. It’s free. Stream from web camera on laptop, desktop, Mac etc. to Facebook/YouTube/Zoom/Microsoft Teams. This solution has been very popular due to the coronavirus but once churches are open, the positioning/installation of the equipment may need to change. Hybrid solution Dedicated camera and audio, often a permanent installation. No phone or computer needed. The quality can be the same as the dedicated solution below. Real time information on number of watchers. Costs from a few hundred pounds to less than £2,000 for a high spec fixed camera. A Pan/Tilt/Zoom camera will be more. No yearly charge. Higher quality camera streaming direct to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo Live, Dacast, your own Wowza, etc. Mevo Start Live Event Camera available from Amazon £399. Example using Mevo: St Marys Harborne Axis – P13 (Box) series or V59 (PTZ) series. These have the advantage that they can stream direct to YouTube with Camstreamer ($299) which can be downloaded to the camera. Typically P13 series (£700) to V5915 (£2,000). A value added with these cameras is that you can fit a memory card to use as a back up for your recordings. PTZOptics 30X Zoom £1,800 from Amazon. Will stream direct. See live streaming setup for small churches video. Example church streaming to YouTube using Axis cameras: Christ the king Coventry St Gregory the Great Stratford Recordings. These can be setup for YouTube. Remote access to camera is a good idea for remote support. This is possible with a dns provider such as noip/dyndns and some configuration on the device providing broadband. Video mixing. Use of 3rd party S/W to mix video as required. One of the best examples is Walsingham with livestream made available to Church services, YouTube, Facebook. Dedicated Solution for equipment and streaming service Providing that compatible equipment has been used for the hybrid solution it should be possible to use one of the following providers. The converse is also true in that you can change to a hybrid solution if you are not happy or indeed change provider below.Initial costs (£3k to £5k including first year streaming) dependant on type / number of camera’s. After the first year there will be yearly charge. The following is a list of known providers: MCN Media Church Media Church Services Please ensure you confirm what is included in price i.e. camera type (ideally make/model), how are recordings set up, how are viewer statistics provided, is there Facebook/YouTube integration, how do I get the app for TV sticks like Roku. Is there a user interface available to setup and modify site details. How do I turn the stream on/off. Any extra charges? What is the annual charge for ongoing streaming? Also consider references. How is support provided and what is the turnaround time for assistance including onsite if required. Who is your contact (ideally name/contact number)? Copyright issues with live streams All live YouTube broadcasts are scanned for matches to third-party content, including copyrighted music content. When third-party content is identified, a placeholder image may replace your live broadcast until the system no longer detects third-party content. Three copyright strikes and your channel will be taken down. More information is available on YouTube. It is worth continuing to research this as there is a lot of information out there. More information There is lot of information on YouTube - for example see Churchfront. Search the internet, there is a lot of information out there. Signage to consider using to alert visitors when live streaming: Newsletter Parish website (also show viewing area) Within Church – add visible signage Archdiocese Guidelines Read the Archdiocese live streaming guidelines before proceeding as these consider safeguarding and GDPR.Live streaming guidelines Once online CPAS Everybody Welcome Online resource.
Value Added Tax (VAT) Expand Value Added Tax, or VAT as it is commonly referred to, is paid on most items and services including those used within the maintenance and repair of parish buildings. There are some instances when particular works or specific buildings may be entitled to a different VAT rate than the current 20%. There is also the opportunity for listed churches to apply for a grant against the VAT cost of certain works. This guidance document seeks to outline when this might be the case and how to go about ensuring your parish can benefit. VAT relating to Building Works
Sunday 21 May 2023 Blessing of Hands Mass at St Chad's Cathedral Expand A special Mass was held at St Chad’s Cathedral on Sunday 21 May to celebrate the forthcoming Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. People representing the various groups which are travelling to Lourdes attend the Blessing of Hands event to have their hands blessed for whatever ministry they may be involved in. Sunday’s Mass was celebrated by Bishop David Evans and Fr David Hartley, Chaplain of the Sick whilst in Lourdes, delivered the Homily. “Surely our Lourdes pilgrimage helps us to express all the pillars of our Diocesan Vision - Evangelisation, Formation, Liturgy and Worship and Social Outreach - and Young People - yes! This is biggest event in the life of our diocese and we’re all glad to be part of it- we live the life of the Church in a concentrated way- we will journey together and build each other up in love. “And that journeying together is how the Church works all the time even when we are not seeing it so clearly- it’s how Synodality needs to work- walking together- and all that goes with that- we’ll be driving together or even flying together, sharing rooms (sick pilgrims and helpers), helping and encouraging- walking together. “There will be lots of doing, but also time for sharing- reflecting, opening up. Make the most of the gaps- the times when even if you hardly know how to pray other people are praying with you and for you and carrying you along. Be aware of the prayers of Our Lady, and St Bernadette, and many pilgrims who have travelled to Lourdes before us.” Read Homily in full Mass Booklet Photo Gallery Lourdes Daily Schedule
Sunday 28 May 2023 Lourdes Pilgrimage Day 1 Expand Welcome to Lourdes Opening Mass – Sunday The beginning of the Lourdes pilgrimage happens at different stages: leaving home, the journey itself and arrival in the town of Lourdes and then the opening liturgy of our pilgrimage. Today, the Church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit on this great Solemnity of Pentecost. We bring to this Mass the intentions of our pilgrimage: all that we bring as individuals and all that we bring as pilgrims together from the Archdiocese of Birmingham and beyond. So much to pray for, so many people that we represent here. Joyfully, we come on pilgrimage to pray, to do penance and to seek God’s blessing on our life’s journey. In a special way this year, we take up the Lourdes theme ‘…to build a chapel here’. This week, launched as we are from Pentecost, we reflect on our place in the Church, the People of God. As we do so, we ask for the Holy Spirit’s ongoing guidance for Pope Francis and the Synod Process and for our Diocesan Plan and Vision. Let us keep as the focus of our prayer throughout this week, our sick pilgrims and all those who come to Lourdes at this time with any particular need. We also celebrate the presence among us of so many young pilgrims and we ask God’s blessing on them as a sign of joy and hope on our pilgrimage. Today's Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley, and the Homily was given by Bishop David Evans. "The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord. Though Jesus had prepared the apostles for his resurrection at the same time as he had prepared them for his death, the apostles did not understand what he was talking about until they had become absolutely certain of his death and then could not doubt their eyes when they saw him standing before them, recognisably himself, in his glorious body." Read Homily in full After our Mass, there will be a first opportunity as a pilgrimage to walk through the Grotto, as our Diocesan Candle is placed alongside many other pilgrimage candles. It is always important to observe silence as we walk through the Grotto, a place of reflection and prayer. Photo Galleries Opening Mass Procession through the Grotto and lighting the Diocesan Candle
Lead Trustee for Safeguarding Archdiocese of Birmingham Expand The Trustees of The Birmingham Diocesan Trust are looking to recruit a skilled and committed Catholic volunteer with professional experience of safeguarding to join the Board of Trustees and Chair the Safeguarding Sub-Committee. We are looking for a Chair to lead and inspire who brings: • Extensive experience of safeguarding in a professional capacity.• Experience of operating at strategic leadership level.• A solid understanding of good governance practices. • A commitment to supporting the Church’s mission and who shares our values and vision as well as our passion and commitment to those we support. Advert for Lead Trustee for Safeguarding
Lead Trustee for Property Archdiocese of Birmingham Expand The Trustees of the Birmingham Diocesan Trust are seeking to appoint a skilled and committed Catholic volunteer to serve as Lead Trustee for Property and Chair of the Property Sub-Committee. This is a significant stewardship role, supporting the Archdiocese in ensuring its extensive property portfolio is managed effectively, responsibly, and in alignment with the mission of the Church. We are looking for a Chair to lead and inspire who brings: • Extensive professional experience in property, estates, construction, development, surveying, or a related field.• Experience of operating at a strategic leadership level.• Strong understanding of governance, regulatory frameworks, and risk management.• A commitment to supporting the Church’s mission and who shares our values and vision as well as our passion and commitment to those we support. Advert for Lead Trustee for Property
ACN Volunteers, and Parish Appealers, needed in our Archdiocese Can you assist Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)? Expand Can you assist Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)? The charity needs help with: Sharing our mailings with your parish Including us regularly in parish prayers Fundraising to support projects Supporting our school projects Leading a parish Red Wednesday event Download, print and display in your Parish Recruiting Parish Appealers: Would you like to earn a little money while doing something powerful to support persecuted Christians and Christians in need in 2026? Join the ACN self-employed parish appealer team and share stories in parishes while you raise much needed funds and prayers. Find out more and apply
Marriage Care are looking for new Trustees Marriage Care have three active volunteer centres in our Archdiocese - in Birmingham, Coventry and Oxford. Can you help? Expand Marriage Care are looking for new Trustees to strengthen their board and support the organisation’s continuing growth and development. Marriage Care are the largest faith-based relationship support charity in the UK providing marriage preparation, support, and low-cost relationship counselling to those in need. Our work makes a vital difference to couples, individuals, and families. ‘‘This has definitely saved our marriage. We had reached a point of dysfunction that we could not resolve without help. We now have the tools to try to avoid this in future and build on what we have achieved together with your help.’’ – counselling client. Trustees must be fully committed to Marriage Care’s Catholic ethos and values, to contributing time and energy for at least a three-year term, and to working together with a team of trustees to provide good governance and support for the charity’s staff and volunteers. If you have the passion and skills to be able to help Marriage Care continue its vital work and would like to be part of a dynamic organisation that moves quickly in response to changes and opportunities, please get in touch. More information and apply Read article in full
Train and Volunteer as a Relationship Counsellor Opportunities available with Marriage Care Expand Train and Volunteer as a Relationship Counsellor with Marriage Care Would you like to train in relationship counselling and provide couples with professional, effective support, that makes a real difference?Benefits: • Full training with certified trainers• Ongoing supervision and CPD• Be part of a community of like-minded relationship professionals within a historic and diverse organisation. Marriage Care’s next Certificate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) training course will begin in March 2027 with a deadline of Tuesday 30 June for applications. Marriage Care believe that supporting couple relationships is a matter of social justice. Their relationship counsellors enable those in need to access professional counselling – regardless of their ability to pay – by providing two counselling sessions per week on a voluntary basis. Marriage Care are looking for those who are empathetic, understanding and have an enthusiasm for supporting adult relationships. Whilst you do not need experience as a counsellor for this role, self-awareness and having the time and space to commit to all that the training and role entails is essential. Please note that there are costs associated with training on the CRC, including a non-refundable registration fee of around £175. These costs, which are outlined on the website below, are subject to minor changes and are far lower than with alternative training providers. In line with Marriage Care’s ethos as a charity, no one is excluded on the basis of their ability to pay. For more information please visit the website or email: [email protected]
Various roles available at Father Hudson's Caritas Paid roles and Trustees Expand Father Hudson’s Caritas provides social care throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Roles currently available include: Head of Finance Relief Reception and Administrative Assistant Bungalow Care Manager Domestic/Laundry role Support Workers Night Concierge, Tabor Living Foster Carers Relief Support Worker Family Support Worker (Maternity Cover) Relief Care Assistants, St Joseph's Residential Care Home View current vacancies at FHC Father Hudson’s Caritas Trustees Father Hudson’s Caritas is looking for committed individuals to become voluntary Trustees. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and faiths. Father Hudson’s works across the Archdiocese of Birmingham within our five themes: homelessness; refugees and migrants; disability; older people and children and families. We are looking for Trustees who:• Support our Catholic ethos and core values• Will support us in achieving our Vision and Mission• Reflect and represent the diverse people and communities we serve If you have senior level or lived experience in one of our five themes or our support areas we would love to hear from you. Find out more and apply Or contact our CEO, Joanne Watters on 07464 496734 or via [email protected] or our Chair of Trustees, Fionnuala Hegarty, via [email protected]
Churchmarketplace Expand Churchmarketplace is a co-operative purchasing system to help Catholic organisations reduce their costs through high volume discounts for the Catholic Church with key suppliers. Initially launched in England and Wales, the Financial Secretaries are working closely with School Commissioners and the Bishops. Find out more on the Catholic Bishops' Conference website: ChurchMarketplace
Join KYT's Mission Team An opportunity for 18 - 25 years olds at the Kenelm Youth Trust Expand Unlock an Extraordinary Opportunity with KYT's Mission Team! Are you (or someone you know) aged 18–25 and ready to make a difference? KYT's Mission Team invites you to embark on a journey of impact and transformation! This is your chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Whether it’s leading outdoor activities, empowering the next generation, or simply exploring your faith journey, there’s a place for you on the Mission Team. See below and apply DOWNLOAD flyer Join the KYT Mission Team
Community Fundraiser for the Midlands area With Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Expand Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) are recruiting for a Community Fundraiser. Working from home, covering the Dioceses of Birmingham, Northampton, Hallam, Nottingham and Shrewsbury. Full time/Permanent role to include evenings and weekends. The post is to work in parishes, schools and the wider Christian community. The post holder will be part of a thriving, positive Community Outreach team culture. Working collaboratively across the team and the freedom to make full use of individual experience and specific skill sets will be the norm. This post is ideal for a creative, enthusiastic fundraiser who is self-motivated, willing to learn from others and keen to make a real difference in the lives of suffering and persecuted Christians around the world. ACN Community Fundraisers To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV to: [email protected] Deadline for applications: Interviews will be held as suitable candidates are shortlisted, so please don’t delay.
Volunteer Taster Sessions - at a time to suit you Tabor Living, Birmingham Expand Volunteer Taster Session Are you interested in making a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness? Join us for a Volunteer Taster Session at Tabor Living, where you'll get a chance to learn more about our work, meet the team and explore how you can get involved. What to Expect:-An introduction to Tabor Living and our mission-A tour of the facilities-Insights into different volunteer roles-A chance to meet current volunteers and ask questions-Light refreshments provided Who Should Attend:Anyone curious about volunteering with us - no previous experience necessary! Please get in touch to arrange your session by calling 0121 647 5106. Volunteers are at the heart of Tabor Living and have helped change the lives of homeless individuals in Birmingham since we opened in September 2017. Visit Tabor Living website
Become a Faith Rep - volunteer with Mary’s Meals Opportunities available in our Parishes Expand Mary’s Meals is a charity serving school meals to over three million children in some of the world’s poorest communities, enabling them to gain an education that we hope will lead to a brighter future. We are looking for volunteers in the Archdiocese of Birmingham to help promote our work amongst local parishes. Our Faith Reps volunteer in their faith communities to be the main point of contact for Mary’s Meals, helping us to share information about our work and key prayer information. What difference will you make? · You will be the link between your parish and Mary’s Meals, keeping your community updated about news, events and appeals. · You’ll share the mission and help bring people into the Mary’s Meals family. · You will be helping us to keep our promise to the more than three million children that we feed every day. There are also opportunities to share about Mary’s Meals with other parishes in the Archdiocese and to help our volunteer team with fundraising activities. For more information contact Hannah Moore on 07706 353 755 or via email [email protected] Or visit the Mary's Meals website
Saturday 30 May 2026 Lourdes Pilgrimage Day 6 Expand Today is Departure Day for our pilgrims travelling by air. Those on coaches left last night (Fri). We have said our goodbyes as we travel home after a wonderful pilgrimage. Holy Mass was due to be celebrated in the Underground Basilica of St Pius X by Fr Craig Szmidt, Diocesan Vocations Director, in the morning for those able to attend. Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us.
Friday 29 May 2026 Lourdes Pilgrimage Day 5 Expand The Annunciation Closing Mass This morning the Closing Mass of the Pilgrimage was held at St Bernadette (Grotto) and celebrated by Bishop David Evans. Once again our young pilgrims welcomed everyone into Mass, sharing prayer cards and tiny replicas of Our Lady. This is the last Mass of the Pilgrimage and the last time pilgrims all gathered together. Some have already started their journey home, with the three coaches - carrying most of our young pilgrims - leaving Lourdes this evening. Judging by the many comments people are sharing with each other it has been a blessed and fruitful pilgrimage. Although it has been very hot all week pilgrims have embraced the daily programme and made the most of this spiritual journey. Our young pilgrims once again played a key role in today's Mass, offering prayerful reflections, supporting our Assisted Pilgrims, helping clergy at Holy Communion, and generally being on hand to serve. They are to be congratulated on their work this week, as are all who have volunteered. Archbishop Bernard Longley gave today's Homily and opened with: Nothing will be impossible to God It’s hard to believe that this is our last day together in Lourdes - and although a part of us is looking forward to seeing our homes again, yet we also feel some sadness at the thought of leaving Lourdes and saying goodbye to one another for the time being. It has been a memorable pilgrimage - not least because of the exceptional weather - and as we say au revoir to Lourdes we want to thank our Lady for the welcome we have received here and for all the friends, new and old, with whom we have shared these precious days. We have shared many experiences during the last five days, and we have stored up many memories - the things we will be able to recall over the coming years. Such memories and experiences help us to make sense of our daily lives once we have returned home. Read Homily in full During today's Mass long service awards of five and 10 years were handed out to those who have come on pilgrimage to Lourdes by Archbishop Bernard and Bishop David. Two altar servers were also awarded for their long service under the Guild of St Stephen (international organisation of Altar Servers) and two of our nurses were handed special awards for the continued care they provide. Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us. St Bernadette, Pray for Us. The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes is open to everybody. Please consider joining us in future years. You will be most welcome. Photo Gallery Stations of the Cross In the afternoon our Assisted Pilgrims, and others, had the chance to follow the way of the cross in the Underground Basilica. Two small groups took the Stations of the Cross journey. Visitors to the Underground Basilica can also follow the Apparitions and Mysteries. Photo Gallery Blessed Sacrament Procession Held in the Underground Basilica this evening due to the continuing hot weather. Once again clergy and pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Birmingham played significant roles. All those gathered were invited to join a period of Adoration, with prayers and musical accompaniment. Watch! Entry Procession Photo Gallery
Thursday 28 May 2026 Lourdes Pilgrimage Day 4 Expand Our Lord Jesus Christ the Eternal High Priest Holy Mass – Hospitalite This morning's Mass was held at St Bernadette (Grotto) and was an opportunity to celebrate the continuing work of the Birmingham Lourdes Hospitalite. It was also the first Mass in Lourdes as a Diocesan family, as previous events have been shared with others, and once again our young pilgrims played a significant part in the Mass. All pilgrims who have been called to serve, and have given up their time to help others this week, were thanked wholeheartedly for their contribution by principal celebrant Archbishop Bernard Longley. Fr Jeremy Howard, Pilgrimage Director, opened with some initial reflections, including remembering Lourdes pilgrims who have passed away, and sharing the wonderful news that Sophia, a young pilgrim who comes every year with her mum Alice, would be receiving her First Holy Communion at today's Mass. The Homily was delivered by Bishop David Evans, who opened with: It is unusual that the Letter to the Hebrews is not identified by the name of the person who wrote it. Its author is anonymous. That is the way in which we ordinarily think; but there being no name at the beginning of the Letter allows us to see more clearly and more accurately that its author is not a human being, but the Holy Spirit. The human being who produced the first physical text is rather a scribe or a secretary. Like the Gospels and other New Testament writings the Letter to the Hebrews is of divine origin. This is what allowed its scribe to survey not only the history of Israel, the happenings that made the Israelites a people, and the events and purpose of Jesus’s life, but also what gave him both access to the realm of eternity and also knowledge of a conversation between God the Father and Jesus that was to bring into being a course of action that was to lead to the forgiveness of sins and to the gift of divine life offered by Jesus to humanity. Read Homily in full After Holy Communion a number of medals (three, five and 10 years) were handed out to those who have served in the Hospitalite to rapturous applause. And after Mass Archbishop Bernard personally addressed our young people to thank and encourage them. The Birmingham Lourdes Hospitalite is a religious confraternity affiliated with the Hospitalité Notre Dame de Lourdes. It is committed to supporting pilgrims, especially those staying in the Accueil, by providing meaningful experiences and financial assistance to those in need. Photo Gallery Holy Hour and Anointing A very moving service was held this afternoon at St Bernadette (Carmel). As always everyone was warmly welcomed by young pilgrims on the door. The principal celebrant was Bishop Richard Walker and Bishop Timothy Menezes delivered a Reflection: I wonder what your expectations might have been in coming on this pilgrimage. I wonder for what you were hoping. And at this stage on our pilgrimage, I wonder whether those expectations and hopes have been fulfilled, or whether there have been some surprises, unexpected blessings along the way. In our Scripture Reading, we see the Apostles of Jesus, once mindful of their inadequacy, now confident in their capacity to heal in the name of the risen Jesus. It is so often said of this holy place of pilgrimage, that people have - over many generations - come here in search of a miracle. They don’t always receive the miracle they had in mind, but they do receive many graces. Answers to prayer, but not the ones they expected. Read Reflection in full Pilgrims had the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, whereby blessed oil is used to anoint the head and hands. There was also a period of Adoration and prayer. Photo Gallery
Wednesday 27 May 2026 Lourdes Pilgrimage Day 3 Expand International Mass Today the International Mass was celebrated at the Underground Basilica of St Pius X. Several thousand Catholics, on pilgrimage from across the world, gathered to remember the universality of the church and to pray together. Clergy from the Archdiocese of Birmingham concelebrated at the Mass, and we had pilgrims delivering a Bidding Prayer, taking part in the Offertory and processing with diocesan flags. Watch! Today's International Mass Photo Gallery Diocesan Photograph Taken at each pilgrimage by the professional photographers at Lourdes. The below are photos taken by the diocesan communications team and include some group shots (Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School, Healthcare Team and Senior Team). Youth Vigil Tonight a Youth Vigil was held at St Bernadette (Carmel side). Bishop Timothy Menezes opened the gathering and thanked all the young pilgrims for the work they are doing whilst in Lourdes. He referenced this year's pilgrimage theme, 'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee' and discussed how Mary had embraced the path chosen for her, even though it was not her choice - "let's try and do the same," said Bishop Timothy. He urged those in attendance to "live in the moment this week" and "allow it to be a life-changing experience for you". He said when pilgrims return home there will be things they just can't explain to others, and so people are encouraged to visit Lourdes to experience Lourdes themselves. We also heard a personal testimony of faith from Séan Jones, currently part of the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) Mission Team. Plus Adoration, prayers, music and the opportunity to speak privately to members of the clergy. The youth teams do so much at our pilgrimage - supporting our assisted pilgrims, putting together presentations, delivering the readings and more - giving a lot of themselves. The Youth Vigil is a time for them to gather together and was followed by an Open Mic session. School groups attending Lourdes, together with the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT) team, are essential to the continued success of the Pilgrimage. Photo Gallery