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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​Pope Leo XIV has called a Consistory of Cardinals for June 13th. On this day they will decide the new date for the canonisation of Carlo. At the Council of Priests of the Archdiocese of Birmingham last Wednesday, the canonical permission was given for our parish name to be changed to St Carlo, Wolverhampton. Let’s pray cardinals choose a date that is very soon so that we can reorganise our celebrations!

​OUR SHRINE FOR SAINT CARLO is nearly finished. All we are waiting for now is the red carpet to be delivered that will go under the altar. The shrine is the result of months of hard work from local artisans, and it is wonderful that they all live in our parish! Many thanks to Peter Pennington, Barry Owen, Daryl Hill, and two other parishioners who have crafted the shrine so beautifully. The altar cloth is made of very precious material and if we had ordered it to be made by an ecclesiastical fabric company, it would have literally cost us thousands!
It has been designed to represent our three church communities and to show Saint Carlo’s great love for the Eucharist and for the two great saints of Assisi. He loved Assisi so much that he asked to be buried there and now his tomb is in the Church of the Renunciation, halfway between the churches of St Francis and St Clare.
Let us pray that when pilgrims come to pray at our shine they will also be led to devotion of St Francis and St Clare, so that all three saints will accompany them through life.

​On May 18, 2025, at 3 p.m., the Clergy, Religious, and Parishioners of the Parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis gathered at St. Benedict Biscop's Anglican church to commence the Rosary Procession in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The service began with a short introductory prayer, followed by a scripture reading and reflection. The procession then moved through the surrounding streets, with the flower crown, crucifix, and altar servers leading the way. Together, the assembled sang hymns to the Virgin Mary, meditating on the Mysteries of the Rosary and praying for the intentions of Pope Leo XVI and for world peace. The procession concluded near the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary at St. Bernadette's Church in Wombourne, where all in attendance paid beautiful homage to the Blessed Mother by offering flower petals and a flower crown.
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The Conclave of Cardinals has chosen Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new Pope who has taken the name as pope Leo XIV.

Cardinal Robert Prevost was born on September 14th, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in the nearby suburb of Dolton. He became a friar of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained as a priest in 1982. His service includes extensive missionary work in Peru in the 1980s and 1990s, where he served as a parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and administrator. Elected prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013, he returned to Peru as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and made him a cardinal the same year.

As a cardinal, he emphasized synodality, missionary dialogue, and engagement with social and technological challenges. He also engaged with issues such as climate change, global migration, church governance, and human rights, and expressed alignment with the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
 
Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope on May 8, 2025, the second day of the conclave, on the fourth ballot. White smoke appeared from the Sistine Chapel at 18:07 , signifying to the public that a pope had been chosen.

A citizen of the United States by birth, Leo XIV is the first pope to have been born in North America, the first to hold Peruvian citizenship (having been naturalized in 2015), the second pope from the Americas (after his predecessor Francis), and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. His papal name was inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who developed modern Catholic social teaching amid the Second Industrial Revolution. Leo XIV believes the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly advances in artificial intelligence and robotics, poses "new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice, and labour".
 

Pope Francis served as the 265th successor of St Peter from his election on 13 March 2013 to 21 April 2025.At 9:45am, Rome time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
 
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, said:
“The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen. Pope Francis was called to priesthood through his experience of the mercy and compassion of God. This remained the core of his ministry, as Priest, Bishop and Pontiff. Only in understanding the love and mercy of God towards each one of us can we fashion societies and communities that bear the mark of the ‘kingdom of God’. This same focus and emphasis lay at this desire to see membership of the Church as being rooted in ‘missionary discipleship’, a dynamic and powerful vision for every Christian and every community. “Now we pray for the repose of his soul, that he may know, in full measure, the merciful and loving embrace of the Father, of the one God to whom he gave his life in unstinting service. “May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.”
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Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard to decorate our churches for Christmas, to our musicians, servers and readers. We were greatly blessed in our celebrations this year! See all our churches beautifully decorated below.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this essential talk on Assisted suicide has had to be changed form Monday to WEDNESDAY 6th November. Please remember you can watch it on zoom if you cannot make it to St Joseph's.