Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), reflects on safeguarding the dignity of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence. It highlights the importance of the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, justice, dialogue, and shared responsibility as guiding principles for our rapidly changing world. 
All parishioners are warmly encouraged to read, reflect upon, and discuss this important teaching of the Church as we consider the opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies. Please open the link below and take some time to read through the encyclical and its accompanying resources, which offer valuable insights for our faith and daily lives. www.cbcew.org.uk/category/vatican/pope/encyclical/

Blessings and congratulations to all the children of SSPP,SB and SM church on receiving their First Holy Communion.
May your lives be filled with love, faith, and countless blessings from above.
May this special day always remain a cherished memory in your hearts.
Congratulations and God bless you all

We are grateful to share that a candle has been lit at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, in the City of Lights, for all parishioners of St Carlo Acutis Parish and their intentions.
Thank you to Deacon Mick for arranging this special act of prayer and remembrance.
May Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for all our needs.

Cherishing the blessed and memorable moments of Mgr Canon Mark Crisp recent visit to the Vatican and his meeting with Pope Leo. It was a truly special occasion filled with joy, prayer, and gratitude.
These precious moments reflect a deep sense of faith and unity within the Church and will remain a treasured memory for  Mgr Canon Mark Crisp  and our Parish Community.
We continue to give thanks to God for this wonderful opportunity and pray for the Holy Father, Pope Leo, and for the ongoing mission of the Church throughout the world.

The School Uniform Swap Shop is back this summer at St Columba’s URC. Families are welcome to visit on selected Fridays and Sundays to pick up good-quality uniform, or request items via email for collection.
Donations of clean school uniform and PE kit are also gratefully received during opening times.
📍 St Columba’s URC, Castlecroft Road WV3 8BZ
📧 [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who came to our May Procession .
It was beautiful to see so many gather at St Bernadette’s Church to pray for peace in the Middle East and for our Holy Father. The children from First Holy Communion did a wonderful job with the flower petals for Our Lady’s crowning.A blessed start to Our Lady’s month.
God bless all.

Day of fun, faith and friendship with young people from across the Deanery.
Exploring the mysteries of Saint Francis & the Easter story through Games, Input & Prayer! 2pm – 4pm @ St Peter & St Paul Church.

We remember with gratitude the life and work of Desmond Williams, who died on 30 March 2026 at the age of 93, and who designed our church at St Michael’s.
A gifted architect of modern Catholic churches, Williams embraced the spirit of renewal following the Second Vatican Council, creating spaces that placed the congregation at the heart of worship. His vision for St Michael’s reflects this approach, fostering a sense of community, participation and shared prayer.
Our church stands as a lasting testament to his thoughtful and inspiring design, and we give thanks for the legacy he leaves to our parish community.

​www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/mar/30/desmond-williams-obituary

I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Deacon Jonathan for his generosity, encouragement, and dedicated support towards the youth sponsorship initiative. His commitment has been a great source of inspiration to our community. I pray that God abundantly blesses him for his kindness and continues to strengthen him in his ministry.
I am also deeply grateful to all who have contributed towards sponsoring our young people for the upcoming youth retreat in August 2026. Through your kindness and sacrifice, several of our youth will have the opportunity to participate in this enriching and faith-filled experience.
This opportunity has been made possible not only through your financial support but also through your prayers.I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your generosity and for keeping our youth in your prayers.
As we look forward to the retreat, I kindly ask that you continue to pray for our young people—that this experience may be fruitful, transformative, and filled with God’s grace.
May God bless you all for your kindness and continued support.
​

On 22-02-2026 some of our catechumens and candidates gathered at St Chad’s Cathedral to take part in the Rite of Election.
The Rite of Election is a significant and joyful step in their journey of faith. During this special liturgy, those preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation were formally presented and affirmed as they continue their preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at Easter.
It was a prayerful and uplifting occasion, shared with parishes from across the Diocese. We are very proud of our catechumens and candidates for their commitment and openness to God’s call.
Please keep them in your prayers during these final weeks of preparation, that the Lord may strengthen them and fill them with His grace as they look forward to receiving the sacraments this Easter.

Following the request of the Archbishop in his 2024 Pastoral Letter, we have prepared a new draft Constitution for our Parish Pastoral Council, using the guidelines provided by the Diocese. This revised draft places a renewed emphasis on bringing together all active parish groups, helping us to work more closely and effectively towards a shared mission and common purpose within our parish community. The full draft Constitution is attached below as a PDF, and there is now a revised version underneath as a result of feedback to Fr Mark. We warmly encourage all parishioners to read them carefully. We greatly value your feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email:[email protected]. There will also be a Parish Meeting for all parishioners on: Saturday 21st March at 3.00pm St Michael’s Hall. This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the proposed Constitutions and reflect together on this new way forward for our parish. All are very welcome.

Mental Health Support – 24-Hour Text Service for Birmingham & Solihull If you live in Birmingham or Solihull and are feeling sad, worried, or lonely, free and confidential mental health support is available 24 hours a day. Please use the link to access the content and complete the necessary action www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8deqvvd3g4o
A safe space is available where you can chat by text with a trained mental health professional.
How to get support

• Text ‘SPACE’ to 85258
• Free and confidential
• Available 24/7

After sending your text, you will receive a small number of automated messages. As soon as a mental health professional is available, they will introduce themselves and ask how you are feeling. You can share as much or as little as you wish.
They will listen, talk through what you’re experiencing, and help you make a plan for after the conversation ends. Conversations usually last 45 minutes to one hour and end when you feel calmer.
Your conversation will remain in your messages if you ever want to look back, and Shout is available 24/7 if you ever want to text again.
On behalf of Bev Lewis, Deputy Head of Safeguarding

A Youth Prayer Vigil for Vocations was held on 6 February 2026 at SS Mary & John’s Catholic Church, Wolverhampton, bringing young people together for an hour of prayer, reflection, and quiet adoration. Inspired by Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati and his motto “Verso l’alto!” (“To the heights!”), the vigil invited participants to reflect on God’s call in their lives and to pray for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and holy Christian living. The candlelit atmosphere created a space of reverence and hope, encouraging hearts to listen more deeply to where the Lord may be leading them. Sincere thanks are extended to all who participated and helped make the vigil a prayerful and meaningful experience.

  THANK YOU NOTE FROM SR LYDWIN
​ As I come to the end of my mission here in the UK, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you — truly lovely people of deep faith. Your commitment, warmth, and generosity have deeply touched me. To the priests particularly Fr Mark, Fr Gerry, Deacon Mick, Deacon Jonathan, Fr Alex, Fr Sean, Fr Garry, Fr Brendan, our dear Sisters at the Carmelite Monastery, and the Brothers of St John of God and all who have journeyed with me: thank you for your dedication, your guidance, and your unwavering support. You have given profound meaning to my religious life and helped me live my commitment with renewed focus and purpose. Your encouragement enabled me to face challenges with courage, and your joyful celebrations lifted my spirit, strengthening my hope and joy to continue serving in the mission. My sincere thanks to Sr Sophia and Sr Ancita who have stepped forward to continue the mission in the parish. I wish them all the best and God’s blessings. May God bless you all abundantly. Though I may be leaving physically, I remain united with you in prayer and spirit as we continue our faith journey together. With gratitude and affection, Sr Lydwin

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.