There is no doubt about it, life has changed for everyone these past fourteen months or so. The Covid Pandemic has seen us isolated from one another, living under lockdown and life as we knew it changed. We ask ourselves, What has happened? What does all this mean? There are no easy answers to these questions. 
During this time we have all reassessed our lives. Perhaps some of our priorities have changed and we find ourselves searching for deeper meaning and hope as we see how fragile our lives can be. Many people have thought again about faith and the presence of God and what the Catholic Church offers to those who seek him. 
Here in Acocks Green we are embarking on a new and exciting programme of a journey in faith beginning on Monday 7th June at 7pm in the Parish Meeting Room at Sacred Heart and Holy Souls Church. It's designed for anybody who wants to know and experience what the Catholic faith is about and too discern if God is calling them to share in his life this way. In the weeks and months ahead there will be opportunities to share in this journey of faith through regular meetings and opportunities to experience the faith and faith of this Catholic parish.

What does it involve? Regular meetings with presentations and discussions about the Catholic faith, opportunities to learn and experience what it means to live as a Catholic Christian, discovering the place of prayer and worship in our lives. The meetings will be lively and interesting.
Can I bring someone with me? Sure, anybody else who is interested in the Catholic faith and or or a Catholic who might accompany you through this programme.
Do I have to commit there and then to become a Catholic? Certainly not. This is a journey of discovery that may lead you to finding life and happiness in our Catholic community.

Want to know more? Contact Fr Jonathan or Fr Alex 0121-706-0800 or [email protected]
or simply come along on to the first meeting on 7th June. You will be made very welcome. 

The Pentecost edition of the diocesan magazine is available to download by clicking on the picture below. We hope to have a delivery of the magazine before the Masses this coming Sunday.

‘That God may raise us up’
Now as he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up to heaven. (Lk 24:51)
Lift us up with you, Lord Jesus Christ,
from the sickness, suffering, fear and grief of these last months.
Bless all that your body, the Church, has achieved through her worship of God
and her care of God’s children.
Renew the Holy Spirit among us,
that, sent like your apostles, to the people of our diocese,
all may contribute to the proclamation of God’s word
and to the growth of God’s kingdom.
Amen

From the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord the Church now prepares to celebrate the coming of the Paraclete, the Advocate who came down upon the disciples of the Church at Pentecost. The Bishop's Conference has produced these resources to assist us in the days ahead as we approach the Birth of the Church and the end of the Easter Season on 23rd May.

In the parish we are praying each day to receive the Spirit anew:

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. 

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.