Sudan Bishop Issues Christmas Message of Hope Amid Ongoing War and Humanitarian Crisis
El-Obeid, Sudan — December 2025
As Sudan continues to endure violent conflict, mass displacement, and deep humanitarian suffering, Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of the Catholic Diocese of El-Obeid has delivered a powerful Christmas message calling for faith, solidarity, and hope rooted in the birth of Christ.
Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, Bishop Trille emphasized that the birth of Jesus reveals God’s fidelity and promise of salvation and peace for all humanity. He noted that through Christ’s birth, reconciliation with God becomes possible, even in times marked by fear and destruction.
Drawing a poignant comparison between the manger and Sudan’s current reality, the bishop highlighted the plight of millions who remain without shelter and security. He lamented the severe impact of the war on pastoral life in Kordofan, where parishes have been deserted or desecrated and priests are unable to celebrate the sacraments for the faithful.
Sudan’s civil war, which began in April 2023, has resulted in widespread loss of life, the displacement of more than 14 million people, and unprecedented humanitarian needs. As the nation approaches the 70th anniversary of its independence in 2026, Bishop Trille urged the people of God to remain united in compassion, mourning with those who grieve and standing in solidarity with the most vulnerable.
“Let us make our hearts the manger where the baby Jesus can live,” the bishop said, calling on Christians to become instruments of peace, renewal, and reconciliation amid the suffering.

In the early hours of Saturday, December 6th, 2025, our parish gathered in the soft pre-dawn darkness for a beautiful and peaceful Rorate Mass at 7:30 AM. Celebrated by candlelight, this Advent tradition once again drew our community together in quiet anticipation of the Lord’s coming and in devotion to Our Blessed Mother.
The church, illuminated only by the glow of candles, created a deeply prayerful atmosphere that invited silence, reflection, and a renewed openness to God’s grace.  The gentle chant of the Rorate Caeli, and the stillness of the morning all contributed to a truly moving liturgy.
We thank everyone who joined us, especially those who assisted with preparing the candles and liturgical ministries. Your presence and service made this early-morning celebration a moment of real beauty and unity for our Parish.
As we continue our Advent journey, may the light we shared in the darkness inspire us to welcome Christ more fully into our hearts and homes.

Advent calls us to be ready to expect to see Christ in three different ways. Thinking about the end of time, when Jesus comes in Majesty, then over weeks to see he comes in the everyday in Mystery then in last part of advent we remember what all this is based on - the first time he came in History in stable of Bethlehem.
Majesty – keep focussed on that wonderful image of Isalin – Christ will come in glory to heal all the evils of the world; imagine what it's like and how wonderful it will be.
Mystery - remember truth meaning is a truth so deep always more to discover. Christ coming in mystery means living in faith that every Day Christ is present, smile of a child, someone apologising, break in the clouds – becoming aware of closeness. But most of all in sacraments, the wonder of how he comes in Eucharist.
History in the most irrelevant but strife ridden region of Roman empire, insignificant migrants sheltering in stable in Bethlehem – that’s where the fullness of God chose to make his dwelling. That’s why we do not give up hope, that’s why we are called to be awake – that’s why we are called to be part of the solution.
Make advent happen this year - Majesty, Mystery & History

We were honoured to welcome our Archbishop Bernard Longley to the parish on Tuesday for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Forty-six of our young people were confirmed during a reverent and uplifting Mass, marking an important step in their faith journey.
The Archbishop Bernard Longley spoke encouragingly to the candidates about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the call to live their faith with courage and joy. Families, sponsors, and parishioners gathered to support the young people, creating a warm and prayerful atmosphere throughout the celebration.
We congratulate all those who were confirmed and thank everyone who helped prepare them for this special day. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they grow in faith and commitment to Christ.

The St Carlo Parish Christmas Fayre came to life on Saturday 22nd November, filling St Michael’s Hall with festive colour, lively conversation, and a wonderful spirit of community. From the moment the doors opened at 2pm, parishioners from all three of our churches streamed in, eager to explore the stalls and share in the celebrations.
Thanks to the volunteers who spent the previous week sorting and arranging the many donated items, the hall was transformed into a cheerful Christmas marketplace. Tables overflowed with books, toys, gifts, and seasonal treasures, while the Tombola and chocolate stalls quickly drew excited queues. The Cake & Bake table—laden with homemade delights—proved irresistible to visitors of all ages.
Throughout the afternoon, the hall buzzed with warmth and friendliness as people greeted old friends, met fellow Parishioners from other Churches, and enjoyed the rare chance to gather as one united community. 
Beyond the enjoyment, the purpose of the Fayre shone brightly: raising funds to support the Parish, our Sudan Charity, and local foodbanks. The generosity shown—through donations, volunteering, and attendance—was a testament to the kindness and commitment of our Parish family.
The event closed with smiles, full bags, and a shared sense of gratitude. Heartfelt thanks go to everyone who contributed in any way to making the Christmas Fayre such a joyful and memorable occasion.

On Tuesday 18th November, our parish community gathered at the Shrine of St Carlo for the monthly Mass at 11.00am. Mgr. Canon Mark Crisp our Parish Priest was the main Celebrant, lead a prayerful and uplifting liturgy. This month’s Mass was offered especially for our Confirmation candidates, and the prayer intentions placed in the St Carlo boxes over the weekend were brought to the altar and remembered during the celebration.
After the Mass, the candidates took part in a special Confirmation retreat. The afternoon included moments of prayer, guided activities, and short films that helped them explore themes such as The Spirit of the Saints, The Spirit at Work, and The Spirit in Me. Dan and Emily led the sessions, encouraging reflection and sharing among the young people as they prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The retreat concluded with a peaceful closing liturgy, Come, Holy Spirit, bringing the group together in prayer and anticipation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It was a blessed and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Following the presentations from the Finance Committee members this weekend, please find all relevant documentation.
​The purpose is to support the parish priest in stewardship of assets, budgeting, and financial planning.
• Review and advise on expenditures, income, and financial reports.
• Ensure accountability and compliance with diocesan norms and civil regulations.
• Promote transparency in financial matters to foster trust within the parish community.

The Names of the Finance Committee are as follows:
Iain Shorthouse (Chair), Bill Finnegan, John Haden, Peter Ricketts, Marie Yeo (Secretary),
​Sr Lydwin (Treasurer), Mgr. Canon Mark Crisp.

On Saturday, 13th September, the Catholic Women’s League organised a special Stations of the Cross devotion, thoughtfully aligning with two deeply significant themes in the Church’s calendar—the Season of Creation and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
This reflective prayer service invited participants to journey alongside Christ as He carried His cross, meditating on His passion and sacrifice with renewed faith and devotion. In the context of the Season of Creation, this ancient devotion took on additional layers of meaning. The faithful were encouraged to contemplate not only Christ’s suffering but also the urgent need to care for our common home—the Earth—which is experiencing its own hardships due to environmental challenges. The Stations of the Cross thus became a powerful reminder of our call to stewardship, compassion, and prayer for the healing of creation.

On Saturday, 13th September 2025, young people from across the Birmingham Diocese came together to take part in a special youth pilgrimage. With great enthusiasm and spiritual devotion, they journeyed on foot from St Chad’s Cathedral in Birmingham to our very own Shrine of St Carlo.
This pilgrimage was not only a physical walk but a deeply spiritual experience, offering the young participants a chance to grow in faith, reflect on their personal relationship with God, and connect with one another as a community of believers. Bishop Timothy Menezes graciously accompanied the young people on the walk, journeying alongside them as both a shepherd and fellow pilgrim—an act that was deeply appreciated and inspiring to all.
Upon arriving at the shrine, the pilgrims were welcomed into a time of reflection and learning. They were shown a moving video presentation about Saint Carlo Acutis, the teenage saint-in-the-making who used technology to spread devotion to the Eucharist. His life and testimony continue to resonate powerfully with young Catholics, and the video gave the pilgrims a deeper understanding of his message and mission.
Following the video, the group received a Solemn Blessing through the Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis, led by Mgr. Canon Mark Crisp, the Parish Priest. This sacred moment allowed each pilgrim to venerate the relic prayerfully and seek Saint Carlo’s intercession in their lives, especially as they strive to live out their faith with courage and joy.
The day culminated in the celebration of the 5:30pm Vigil Mass, presided over by Bishop Timothy Menezes, whose presence served as a powerful reminder to the young people of their essential role in the life of the Church today.
We give heartfelt thanks for the dedication, faith, and joyful witness of all the young pilgrims who participated in this grace-filled day. Their presence brought great hope and energy to the Parish, and we pray that this experience will continue to bear fruit in their hearts as they walk their own paths of discipleship—always inspired by the example of Saint Carlo Acutis.

​​THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! to everyone who worked so hard over the last few months to prepare for our Canonisation Celebration last Sunday. It was a truly blessed occasion that will bear much fruit for the parish in years to come. Particular thanks to those who designed and produced the information boards, the woodworkers and seamstresses who built the shrine, the flower ladies, the youth group and those who produced the shrine video, the altar servers, readers, the singers and musicians, the offertory and thanksgiving procession, the technicians working in the background, the teachers from our primary academies, the working party members, the cake makers, the church cleaners, the gardeners who tidied the grounds (twice!), the Knights of Saint Columbus, the stewards, the staff from St Edmunds who hosted us in the afternoon, Those working on the website, the sisters always working behind the scenes, and those organising the foodbank. Thank you to all of you who attended the Mass and participated with so much enthusiasm. It truly was a joint effort and was a beautiful occasion. Finally thank you to Bishop Timothy for his inspirational celebration of the Mass.

ST CARLO PRAY FOR US
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​Relive the joy of the Canonization ceremony on YouTube through this link ​youtu.be/HdZKz4XiGSI, cherishing the memories with heartfelt gratitude.
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Following the Canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis as a Saint, students and staff from St. Martin’s and St. Peter’s Schools made their first official pilgrimage to our Saint Carlo Acutis Shrine.
The visit began with a visual presentation about the life and mission of Saint Carlo, highlighting his deep love for the Eucharist and his use of technology for evangelization. This was followed by a walk through the informative display boards at the Church, which provided valuable insights into his life, miracles, and path to Sainthood.
A deeply spiritual moment was the prayer with the relic of Saint Carlo followed by a time of Eucharistic Adoration, allowing everyone to reflect silently in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
The pilgrimage concluded with the Holy Eucharistic Celebration, during which our Mgr. Canon Mark Crisp the Parish Priest encouraged the students to follow the example of Saint Carlo in living a Holy and Christ-centered life.
This visit was a faith-enriching experience for all, inspiring the students to grow in their love for the Eucharist and to walk the path of Holiness in their daily lives.

 The CANONISATION Mass at St. Michael's will only be held once, on Sunday, September 7th, at 9:00 a.m. This is thirty minutes earlier than what was initially stated. For those who can't make it, the Mass will be streamed live. Bishop Timothy Menezes will celebrate Mass. Please be seated at 8:45 a.m. We will watch the announcement of the canonisation in Rome on a big screen that will be erected in the church. After about thirty minutes, we will begin our Mass's Entrance Hymn.

On June 29, 2025, St. Michael's Church joyfully commemorated its 102nd anniversary, while the church hall celebrated its 100th anniversary. The special occasion began with a heartfelt Holy Mass, followed by a lively BBQ that brought the community together.

The celebration was a beautiful reflection of the parish's enduring faith and commitment to community. The Holy Mass was a poignant reminder of the Church's rich history and the many blessings it has received. The BBQ that followed was a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and gratitude, with parishioners, friends, and family coming together to share in the joy of the occasion.

This dual celebration marked a significant milestone in the life of St. Michael's Church, highlighting its dedication to faith, community, and service. The event was a testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together to give thanks and celebrate.

 Miracle Okwulehie's  Lourdes experience: A reflection of Gratitude 
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported, donated, and prayed for us during our fundraising for the Lourdes pilgrimage. Your generosity made it possible for me to take part in this beautiful journey, and I will always be grateful.
Going to Lourdes was an experience I’ll never forget. It opened my eyes and heart in a completely new way. Being there gave me the chance to reflect deeply on my faith and to grow in my relationship with God. I learned that helping others doesn’t always mean doing something big sometimes, simply being present and kind can make all the difference.
One of the most special parts of the trip for me was spending time with the pilgrims and seeing their strength and faith, even in the face of challenges. It reminded me how important it is to be patient, compassionate, and grateful in everyday life. I also felt so lucky to be surrounded by people who shared the same values and love for God.
This pilgrimage helped me realise how much of a difference a community can make, and I feel incredibly blessed to be part of one that is so caring and supportive. Thank you again for giving me this opportunity, it truly touched my heart and has changed how I see the world and how I want to live my faith.
 * Miracle Okwulehie

Gloria Mensio's Jouney to Lourdes - Personal journey of gratitude
I sincerely want to thank all those that bought and donated during mine and miracle's fundraiser. Thanks to you we were able to assist the pilgrims and go on the pilgrimage ourselves. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The pilgrimage definitely changed the way i see people- even if they look like they need help, it doesn't mean they want it or actually need it, so the most important thing is to not be invasive and respect them at all times. It 100% made my belief stronger, and allowed me to strengthen my bond with God and increased my faith that everything is possible through God that guides us.

The most memorable moment was lighting my candle and putting it in the chapel of lights. Despite looking like the least entertaining or fun thing you can do, it made me extremely emotional and made me truly understand how lucky i am to be born with my family, at this time, to have met the people i encountered throughout my life and to be able to participate in assisting the pilgrims.

Once again thank you so much for helping me reach the fund needed to go to such an important experience that truly left a mark in how i act today towards everyone.
* Gloria Mensio
 
 

Pope Leo has declared that the canonization of the first Catholic saint of the millennial generation, Carlo Acutis, is scheduled for September 7, 2025. This announcement was made on Friday, June 13, 2025. Acutis, an Italian born in Britain, passed away from leukemia in 2006 at the young age of 15. He was initially slated to be canonized on April 27; however, the event was postponed following the death of Pope Francis. Blessed Carlo Acutis, intercede for us.

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