Many prayerful congratulations to Fr Steven Fleming and Fr Toby Duckworth on the occasion of there ordination to the Sacred Priesthood for our diocese. We look forward to welcoming back to Sacred Heart and Holy Souls, Fr Toby on the weekend of 6th and 7th August to offer mass.

PHOTOS
See more pictures from the ordination mass here.

WATCH THE ORDINATION AGAIN

Pope Francis has chosen the theme of the Second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be celebrated on Sunday 24 July. The verse from Psalm 92, "In old age they will still bear fruit", to emphasise how grandparents and the elderly are a value and a gift both for society and for ecclesial communities. On this day we recognise the great contributions they make to our lives and to the life of the Church.

Today we rejoice in our families and parish community in the gift of grandparents and the elderly. They make a huge contribution to our lives. Let us intercede for them all today and, at the same time thank God for the many blessings that come from the senior members of our families and parish.

​Prayer:

1. I give thanks to you, Lord, For the blessing of a long life For, to those who take refuge in You,
Grant always to bear fruit.

2. Forgive, O Lord, Resignation and disillusionment,
But forsake me not
When my strength declines.

3. Teach me to look with hope To the future you give me,
To the mission you entrust to me
And to sing your praises without end.

4. Make me a tender craftsman Of Your revolution,
To guard with love my grandchildren
And all the little ones who seek shelter in You.
​
5. Protect, O Lord, Pope Francis And grant Thy Church
To deliver the world from loneliness.
Direct our steps in the way of peace.
Amen.

Please pray for Martin Casey, from St Dunstan's parish in Kings Heath, who is a teacher at Archbishop Ilsley School and Andrew Lansberry from St John Vianney Parish in Coventry who were both recently ordained at St Chad's Cathedral to the permanent diaconate by His Grace Archbishop Bernard.

Both men have been in our parish and supported special Masses and ceremonies during their formation. Please keep them, their families and parish communities in your prayers as they begin a life of ministry and service.

More pictures, with thanks to Con McHugh are available here.

July is the month of prayer for the elderly, grandparents and those burdened by years.

Many prayerful congratulations to the confirmandi of 2022, who received on Tuesday 5th July the Sacrament of Confirmation from His Grace Archbishop Bernard. Congratulations go to them, there families and the school teachers and parish catechists who have instructed our young disciples enabling them to reach this important milestone in their faith journeys. Come Holy Spirit fill these young people with the Spirit of you love and joy. May they have confidence in what you call them to do and to be. Amen.