The Holy Father asks that Monday 7 October, the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, should be a day of fasting and prayer for peace in the world. The Holy Father wants as many as possible can participate in this action, calling for the gift of peace wherever there is conflict.
In addition, the Holy Father will recite the Holy Rosary on Sunday at the Basilica of Sta Maria Maggiore. It may be opportune to invite your parishioners to do the same this coming Sunday, invoking Our Lady Queen of Peace, and uniting their prayer with that of the Pope.
 

Deanery Forum: It is now 14 months since we met together to hear the Visitation Report of our Deanery. At that time, it was recognized that ongoing reflection and discernment were a necessary part of future planning. As part of that process, it has been suggested that we meet again as a Deanery for a Deanery Forum. The invitation for this event is open to all but it would be good if all parish key workers; clergy, administrators/secretaries, church wardens, MCs and senior servers, choir masters, members of parish groups and sodalities, finance committee members, etc. could attend. The Forum will take place at Holy Trinity Parish Centre, Newcastle on Tuesday 22nd October at 7pm. It would be good to see as many people as possible attend.

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

Marriage Care Trustees The board of Catholic Marriage Care are seeking new members to join them in enabling the vital relationship support services they provide to the Catholic Community and beyond. Marriage Care are the largest faith-based relationship support charity in the UK - providing marriage preparation, support, and low-cost relationship counselling to those in need and making the world of difference to couples and families.  

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Live Simply

Enjoy your surroundings. As we journey through spring and into the summer, trees are starting to blossom, flowers are opening up and days are longer. So make the most of it and go outside and appreciate the wonders of God’s creation. You could try bird watching or have a go at identifying plants. Alternatively just make a lovely cup of tea, find a bench and enjoy the view!

Live Sustainably

Reduce your use of aeroplanes. Aviation is the most polluting mode of transport. As you plan your holidays for the summer and the rest of the year, why not challenge yourself to avoid planes? You could make your trip into a roadtrip with stops along the way. Alternatively, consider using trains or coaches or holiday within the UK to reduce your environmental footprint.

Live in Solidarity

Become a better listener. We can get so caught up in the busyness of our lives that we fail to listen attentively to the needs of others and the needs of the planet. Make a conscious effort this month to listen to people like they are the only person in the world. And listen actively to news that you hear with a fresh mind.

For more information or to get involved in climate action in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, please contact climateaction@rcaob.org.uk

Preparing for the new edition Lectionary this Advent 

Booking now open for online refresher programme for Ministers of the Word 

A new edition of the Lectionary will come into use in England and Wales on the First Sunday of Advent, 1 December.

To prepare for Advent, it will be helpful for ministers to explore and become familiar with what is ‘new’ in the new edition - for example, the translation and layout, and also consider some of the Lectionary’s less familiar resources that can help with the more effective ministry of the Word in our parishes, schools and other communities.

 A (free!) refresher programme for ministers is being offered online in two sessions from 3-4pm on Sunday 13 and Sunday 20 October. It is limited to 40 participants.

 The first session focuses on ministry and the Word and the second focuses on the Lectionary itself and strategies to promote Scripture in parish life. ­