The Annual Collection for The Johnson Association takes place in all churches and parishes of the Archdiocese on the weekend of Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November 2024. The Johnson Association provides financial help and support to the retired, sick and infirm clergy of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Our priests rely on this support after devoting their lives to furthering the mission of the church and bringing people closer to Christ. Please give what you can. You can give as part of the parish collection, online or using a QR Code. See the Johnson Association website for more details
The Johnson Association - Home

At times of humanitarian crisis overseas, the Disasters Emergency Committee brings together 15 UK aid charities - including CAFOD - to raise money quickly. They are currently appealing for help amid the deepening crisis in the Middle East. Update from CAFOD:

In the last few weeks, a significant escalation of the conflict in the Middle East in Lebanon has seen over 1 million people flee their homes and over 2,000 people killed (as of October 10, 2024). This marks the latest chapter in a devastating year for the region. Over 1,000 public schools have been allocated as shelters for displaced people. This is seriously affecting education for students whose schools have been transformed into shelters. As of 10 October, it was confirmed that two strikes had hit shelters for internally displaced people. Lebanon’s Ministry of Education said that Israeli airstrikes have forced about 40 per cent of Lebanon's 1.5 million pupils from their homes and postponed the start of the school year for public schools from 14 October to 4 November. Moreover, five hospitals have been targeted, rendering them out of service, 22 ambulances have been attacked, and over 94 health personnel have been killed by Israeli airstrikes. Our partners have been providing much-needed emergency aid services, comprising hot meals, hygiene kits, blankets and emergency healthcare services for those in need.

Since the escalation of the conflict in September, CAFOD's partners have mobilised and are providing support in Lebanon to those who have fled their homes. CAFOD supporters played a crucial role in kick-starting emergency food distribution for people fleeing the south of Lebanon and other areas targeted by airstrikes. Additionally, our local partners are reaching hundreds of thousands of displaced people with basic relief items such as blankets, pillows and mattresses. As of 29 September, Association Najdeh was able to utilize CAFOD funding to provide emergency food parcels and non-food items including mattresses and bedding for over 1,600 households in six Palestinian camps of Shatila, Borj El Brajneh, Dbayeh, and Mar Elias (Beirut), in addition to Beddawi and Nahe El Bared camps in northern Lebanon. Caritas Lebanon have distributed over 428,000 hot meals, 6,500 pillows and blankets, and 2,500 emergency health services (such as diagnostic tests, medication and consultations).

A key aspect of the work funded by donations from CAFOD supporters includes psychosocial assistance for people experiencing trauma and grief from the horrific violence they’ve been exposed to. The trauma of conflict is intensified for young people because there is little-to-no access to safe spaces for education and recreation. Thankfully, CAFOD-funded partners are helping young people continue to study maths, Arabic and English. They are offering reading sessions and organising entertainment so children can experience brief moments of joy and relief, and they are celebrating important holidays, like Eid, so young people don’t lose their sense of culture. Recently, CAFOD granted an additional £100,000 towards these vital efforts. With this extra funding, our partners are helping even more children through these challenging times.

If you are able to donate please visit Middle East conflict explained (cafod.org.uk)  You can also donate into the 'Starving World' box by the Sacred Heart Altar at Holy Trinity to support the work of CAFOD. 
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From the Holy Father’s homily for the Feast of the Guardian Angels and the Opening of the Second Session of the Synod:

Brothers and sisters, we begin anew our synodal path with an eye toward the world, since the Christian community is always at the service of humanity in order to announce the joy of the Gospel. In such a dramatic time in our history, when the winds of war and the flames of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations, there is need for this message.
 
In order to invoke the intercession of Mary Most Holy for the gift of peace, I will recite the holy rosary and make a heartfelt plea to the Virgin in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major this coming Sunday. If possible, I ask all members of the Synod to join me for this occasion.
 
The following day, 7 October, I ask everyone to participate in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world.
 
Let us walk together. Let us listen to the Lord and allow him to guide us by the “breath” of the Spirit.

On Sunday 6 October there will be Rosary & Benediction at Holy Trinity at 4.30pm. This will be a wonderful opportunity to come and unite your prayers with those of Pope Francis.