PARISH NEWS
Pope's Prayer Intention for April: For the use of the new technologies
Parish News & Events
Diocesan Vision
"To be a Catholic diocesan which is faithful to the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ, full of missionary desciples who work together co-responsibly in vibrant communities of faith, joyful in their service of God and neighbour."
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The Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation is offered on Saturday mornings after Mass and evening from 5pm to 5:30pm. Also avaliable at other times by appointment.
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Live Streaming of Masses
Please note that our parish live streams the Sun 9am Mass, and at other occasions on request, e.g. funerals. If you do not wish to be seen on the live stream, please avoid the first two pews closest to the altar and ask for Holy Communion to be brought to you.
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Patrick Devereaux RIP
Please remember in your prayers, the soul of Patrick Devereaux, his family and
all who mourn his loss. His Requiem will take place on Thu 1st May at 1pm, here at St Joseph’s.
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Repose of the soul of Sr Mary Benedict Jouning RJM
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sr Mary Benedict Jouning RJM who passed away recently. She was the first and founding head of our school and served for many years until her retirement. With the support of the other Sisters of Jesus and Mary, she was instrumental in building up the parish as well as growing the school.
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Apologies
Apologies for a recent mis-spelling of a name on the deceased list, which was then read out incorrectly
during the bidding prayers. If you spot a mistake on the deceased list or the sick list, please inform the parish office so a correction can be made.
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Parish Retreat
A guided retreat by Fr Stephen Kimani, St Patrick’s Missionary Society, took place on Sat 15th March. As part of this, Fr Stephen provided a talk on the Parables of Mercy, which can be found here.
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Parish Pilgrimage
We are encouraged by our Archbishop in this Jubilee Year to take part in a pilgrimage to a Jubilee Church. This one-day pilgrimage on Sat 17th May to the Jubilee Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Caversham will provide parishioners with an opportunity to fulfil this request and to enjoy a day out together. Details to follow, but please put it in your diaries.
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PVS
The Parish Volunteer Service is a small group of volunteers offering lifts to anybody who may be experiencing difficulty getting to Mass, the Thursday Group, or other appointments. For more information, contact Jane Stevens: 01844 216076/07984 778687.
Events within the Local Area and Diocese
Diocesean Walsingham Pilgrimage
Pilgrims are invited to join the diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham, "England's Nazareth", on Sat 10th May.
"Pilgrimage is an important aspect of the Jubilee Year, and I’m sure the day pilgrimage will be a joyful and spiritually rewarding experience for everyone", says Fr Philip Griffin, pilgrimage organiser. Pilgrims are invited to arrive at the Shrine from 11am. There will be time to visit the Slipper Chapel, as well as the Shrine shop and café before Mass at 1:30pm, in the Chapel of Reconciliation, celebrated by Bishop Richard Walker. At 3pm, the procession to the Priory ruins in the village takes place, which will conclude with a time of prayer at the site of the Holy House. Most pilgrims aim to depart at 5pm.
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Fr David's Installation
Fr David's Installation as a Canon will take place on Tue 3rd Jun at St Chad's Cathedral and parishioners are invited both to the Mass and the celebration buffet afterwards. Sign-up sheet in the narthex.
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The Candlelight Prayer Vigil for Life
The Candlelight Prayer Vigil for Life organised by March for Life UK takes place at 7pm on Sun 27th Apr. This event will be held in Victoria Square, Birmingham to remember the 57th anniversary of the implementation of the Abortion Act. Please come and join in this peaceful, prayerful time of reflection with speeches from Christian leaders as we recall the lives lost and wounded from the legalisation of abortion. For more info go to marchforlife.co.uk
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Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage 2025
An invitation is extended to married couples, those celebrating a milestone anniversary and those preparing to marry this year, to the annual Mass for Marriage at St Chad's Cathedral on Sat 3rd May at 12noon, followed by light refreshments. Please visit www.vocations.org.uk/marriage-mass to confirm your attendance.
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Impact Thame Holiday Club
Impact Thame Holiday Club takes place at 9am - 12:30pm from Wed 23rd Jul - Fri 25th Jul at for children in Reception - Year 6. Come and join the team to bring the Good News of Jesus to the children of
Thame! There are spaces for both adults and teens in varied roles such as stewards, small group leaders,
helping in Craft, Sport or our Chill Zone. This year again, we are using St Mary's Church, the Barns Centre and the Cricket Field and hope to welcome 120 children. If you can help in any way to make a difference, for more information please contact sue.civval@impactthame.org.uk
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WeBelieve
WeBelieve, a festival of Catholic Life celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope, with parishes and families in
mind, takes place from 25th - 28th Jul in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s College, Oscott, Sutton Coldfield. It’s four days of music, keynotes, conversation and worship. Pilgrim-attendees can choose to come for the whole weekend (camping, staying locally or coming from home) at an adult Early Bird rate of £70, or for a day for £40. Early Bird Tickets available now at www.webelievefestival.com
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Assisted Suicide Bill
Committee Stage of the assisted suicide Bill has ended. It is now weaker and less safe than it was before. 300+ amendments that sought to strengthen safeguards in the Bill and protect vulnerable groups were rejected by Bill supporters, including protection for people with disabilities and domestic abuse victims. Please take action now - collect a red and white postcard available in the narthex, fill out your details and post it to your MP today!
Please pray for the sick of our Parish
The sick of our Parish
Molly McVasey, Jon White, Kieron Carberry, Marion Wierszycki, Thomas White, Alexander Sparkes, Beryl Long, Veronica Smith, Ellen Mongan, Andrzej Geppart & David Harbour.
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Rest in Peace
Len Chapman, Ken Babington, Vararia Kasasa, Fr Jacob Lewis, Ann Hyde, Pat O’Connor, Vincent Gillespie, Sr Mary Benedict Jouning RJM & Patrick Devereaux.
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Anniversaries of deaths this week
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Offerings
Last Weekend Totals
Last Weekend: £479.31
This week: For CAFOD Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, your donations will provide essentials such as water, food, solar lights and mosquito nets. Please give to the Appeal in church, donate online at cafod.org.uk/myanmar or call 0303 303 3030. You can also text EARTHQUAKE to 70450 to donate £10.
Good Friday: For the Holy Places in the Holy Land
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Gift Aid
To keep giving regularly to support the Parish, please give standing orders, with Gift Aid where possible. The forms are always avaliable in the Sacristy for Gift Aid or standing order set-up, or talk to our treasurer, Jim.
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Other Methods of Giving
DONA Website
Our DONA website can be found here.
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Direct Payments
Name - RC Birmingham St Joseph's
Sort Code - 60-21-21
Acc - 69377065
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DONA
Just use your contactless debit/credit card or smartphone/device to make a donation. Simply choose the amount you wish to donate and hold your card onto the reader. Contactless donations are simpler to administer, secure and conventient. Please opt in for Gift Aid if you are a UK Tax Payer, it means we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 received.