October 28, 2020
This year’s Thanksgiving Mass for Marriage will be celebrated virtually from St Chad’s Cathedral on Sunday (1 Nov).Although the celebration cannot accommodate large numbers due to the pandemic, dozens of couples from across the Archdiocese will be joining online.The 12noon Mass will be celebrated for all married couples - especially…October 26, 2020
This year’s long-awaited ordination of three new permanent deacons in the Diocesan family will take place on Sunday 1 November. All are welcome to join the ceremony virtually as it will be live streamed from St Chad’s Cathedral at 3pm. We are blessed to welcome John Garvey, Dirk Hermans and…October 22, 2020
News from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference: £3m grant funding for repairs to outstanding Catholic churches and cathedrals announced Following the award of a grant of £3m from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, the Patrimony Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference is delighted to announce that funding has been offered to…October 9, 2020
Homily of Archbishop Bernard Longley: We have received the Spirit that comes from God, to teach us to understand the gifts that he has given us. Today’s celebration is truly notable on several counts. It is a moment of exceptional joy for the life of our Archdiocese to receive from…October 9, 2020
Homily of Archbishop Bishop Bernard Longley: No one takes this honour on himself but each one is called by God. Dear friends, we are celebrating the ordination of Sean and Benedict in highly unusual circumstances and having to observe the current restrictions on gathering together for the health and wellbeing…
October 6, 2020
This special, extra large, issue is now available to buy. Please contact the Editor, Anne Symonds on 0121 249 1487 or annets103@hotmail.co.uk. The cost is £5 plus £2 p&p The magazine contains many interesting articles, including an opening article by Archbishop Bernard Longley and others by Cathedral Dean, Mgr Timothy…September 19, 2020
Archbishop Bernard's homily: In the extraordinary circumstances of this year the joy that we feel today at the Ordination of two priests to serve the people of the Archdiocese is heightened. When we are surrounded by so much uncertainty and concern because of the coronavirus pandemic we are given a…
September 7, 2020
A joint statement by the Right Rev David Urquhart, the Anglican Bishop of Birmingham, and the Most Rev Bernard Longley, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, following the incident in the city centre. ‘Our thoughts and the thoughts and prayers of many people are with those who have died or…September 7, 2020
Four new priests are due to be ordained by Archbishop Bernard Longley at St Chad’s Cathedral this September, with two new bishops ordained the following month. Seminarians Alex Taylor, Clive Dytor, Benedict Skipper and Sean Gough (pictured l-r) were ordained as transitional deacons last year as they completed their final…September 7, 2020
Eight members of the Kenelm Youth Trust Mission Team have recently been commended for their efforts by a national charity for their work in promoting the common good in our local community. Rebecca Palsar (19), Lucas Weaver (19), Beth Mitchell (20), Jair Jesus de Paulo Jr (23), Felicity Hawley (19),…July 8, 2020
Have you a flair for writing? Passionate about the written word?Then the Basilican magazine needs you!The official magazine of St Chad’s Cathedral, published twice a year, is packed full of interesting articles and has readers from as far afield as the USA and New Zealand!The editorial team is currently on…July 6, 2020
In celebration of Birmingham’s two cathedrals reopening to the public Ecumenical Prayers were held this morning (Monday).Archbishop Bernard Longley, head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, and The Right Reverend Bishop David Urquhart, The Bishop of Birmingham, prayed together in St Chad’s Cathedral then walked to Birmingham Cathedral (St Philips)…June 30, 2020
Catholic Voices is collaborating with researchers as part of a major survey assessing responses to the Covid-19 crisis among Catholics in the UK. This survey, which will form part of a wider survey of UK Christian responses to the present crisis, is intended to capture Catholic experience and help us understand…June 25, 2020
Metropolitan Archbishops' Message
June 23, 2020
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales said: I welcome the statement by the Prime Minister earlier today, that places of worship are now able to resume collective acts of worship from 4 July. This is welcome news for members of all religions in England.…June 19, 2020
Messages from the National Mass, St Chad's Cathedral, Thursday 18th June, 7pm: MessagesJune 19, 2020
Do this and life is yours. On many occasions in recent weeks I have thought – and other people have said to me – we shall never forget 2020. We are not quite halfway through the year, yet we know that this is true. It is a year like no…June 18, 2020
TRUST SECRETARY (PART-TIME VOLUNTARY ROLE) The Archdiocese of Birmingham is seeking to appoint a Trust Secretary for the Birmingham Diocesan Trust, the Registered Charity (234216) through which the Catholic Church operates in the Archdiocese. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, as Trust Secretary you would liaise with the Trust…June 10, 2020
We’ve been working hard to develop our God who Speaks website - https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/ with some exciting new features, including Education and Our Dioceses sections. If you’d like to sign up to our e-newsletter (which comes out 6 times a year) please do so here – godwhospeaks.uk/scripture-newsletter-sign-up Your old web-links will…June 7, 2020
Cardinal thanks Catholics for their patience as churches prepare to re-open on 15 June for private, individual prayer Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ Statement I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his decision that our churches may now open again for individual prayer. I thank the Secretary of State for Communities,…May 22, 2020
Written by Mgr Timothy Menezes, Dean of St Chad's Cathedral, and voiced by young people of the Archdiocese. The animation is the work of the Kenelm Youth Trust, which oversees and brings together the wide variety of youth work that is undertaken in various settings throughout the Archdiocese. The photo…May 12, 2020
A spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference said: "The timing and the manner of the opening of churches touches profound sensitivities and spiritual needs. The Government's document and statements fail to recognise this. "The Government's position, established today, includes these steps aimed at opening churches as soon as possible: the…May 3, 2020
For Letter and Audio please click hereMay 2, 2020
Bishops proclaim that our hope is in the risen Lord as they recognise the pain of Catholics who cannot pray in Church or receive the Sacraments Writing on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, the five Metropolitan Archbishops have addressed the COVID-19 pandemic and, specifically, the measures taken…May 1, 2020
Feast of the English Martyrs 2020 Litany of the English Martyrs associated the Archdiocese of Birmingham: English Martyrs whose names are associated with the life of our Diocese St Ambrose Barlow Pray for usBlessed Thomas BelsonSt John BosteSt Alexander BriantBlessed Edward BurdenSt Edmund CampionSt Thomas of CanterburyBlessed William DaviesBlessed Robert…April 27, 2020
Lord Jesus, explain the scriptures to us. Make our hearts burn within us as you talk to us. As we continue our journey through the Easter season today’s Gospel puts a new spring into our steps. St Luke offers us a very vivid account of the experience of the two…April 24, 2020
My first encounter with Bishop Leo McCartie was when I was ten years old, a new boy at Cotton College, and he was Captain of the School. We must have been on some work detail in the valley and I fell and cut my leg. He picked me up and…April 24, 2020
Please pray for the Repose of the Soul of Bishop Leo McCartie, who has died at the age of 94.Patrick Leo McCartie, titular bishop of Elmhama and auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, then tenth bishop of Northampton, died in St Joseph’s Home, Harborne, Birmingham, on St George’s Day,…April 24, 2020
These sufferings bring patience…and patience brings perseverance, and perseverance brings hope. It is a blessing for us today that in the midst of all the anxieties and uncertainties that currently surround and affect us we still have the consolation of celebrating the Feast of St George – and that we…April 22, 2020
Before Pope Francis was Pope Benedict, and for the 27 years before that our Pope was John Paul the Second (JPII).As with all Popes, he was an incredible human being and there are so many things about him that brought joy to my faith and which I would like to…April 22, 2020
Speaking ahead of a series of special Thursday evening Masses for the sick, their families, NHS staff, and those working in Social Care, Cardinal Vincent Nichols has expressed his “deep appreciation” for all those caring for others during the coronavirus pandemic. Acknowledging the community solidarity behind the ‘Clap for our Carers’…April 17, 2020
The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales recognise that this time of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every person in our countries. Those who are sick, and their families, are suffering many hardships of isolation from contact with those they love. Our front-line workers in hospitals and in care homes…April 1, 2020
Many people are asking how we will observe Easter this year in these difficult times. Here’s some guidance from Rome in the form of a decree. Confession As we approach our most important week of the year – Holy Week – the way we follow Christ – from his triumphant entrance…March 27, 2020
For the first time from this Sunday, 29 March, Masses at St Chad’s Cathedral will be live streamed on a daily basis. The launch Mass of this new live streaming facility will be at 11am for the Rededication of England to Mary. Archbishop Bernard Longley will celebrate this Mass, concluding…March 18, 2020
Video of His Grace speaking about the Coronavirus and its impact on our lives today. Written message from His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley, to all Clergy and Parishioners Public Letter from the Presidency of the Bishops Conference Liturgical Advice to BishopsMarch 18, 2020
The Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Canon Stephen Wright and Canon David Evans to be the new Auxiliary Bishops to serve our Archdiocese. These appointments come following Bishop Robert Byrne’s appointment to Hexham and Newcastle in March 2019 and Bishop David McGough’s retirement on reaching the age of 75.…March 18, 2020
Coronavirus update The Lourdes Pilgrimage has been cancelled. Please visit here for more information.March 11, 2020
Hundreds of altar servers and their families from across the Archdiocese gathered on Saturday 7 March for the Guild of St Stephen Annual Mass of Thanksgiving. Rt Revd Bishop David McGough celebrated the Mass, which was served by St. Mary and St Modwen, Burton-on-Trent. The gifts were presented by Our…March 5, 2020
On Monday 2 March, the Feast Day of St Chad, Fr Stephen Wright, Vicar General for the Archdiocese, was installed as a canon of the Cathedral in the presence of the relics of St Chad. Becoming a canon means Fr Stephen is now part of the Chapter of Canons, who…March 2, 2020
Candidates and catechumens from across the Archdiocese gathered at St Chad's Cathedral to make a significant step towards their reception into the Catholic Church. The Rite of Election service was held on the First Sunday of Lent (Sunday 1 March) and celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley. This special Mass marked…February 28, 2020
Come and join us for the 2020 Annual Flower Festival of St Chad’s Cathedral Throughout 2020, the Catholic Church in England and Wales, in partnership with the Bible Society, is focusing on meeting Christ in the Scriptures with their exciting new campaign – ‘The God Who Speaks’. 2020 is the…February 26, 2020
An early morning Ash Wednesday service at St Chad’s Cathedral attracted dozens of people. The 7.45am Mass, led by cathedral Dean Mgr Tim Menezes, marked the start of three Ash Wednesday services today (Wed 26 Feb). At 12.15pm Archbishop Bernard Longley will celebrate Mass, and at 6pm the Cathedral Choir…February 24, 2020
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Fr Jan Nowotnik, a priest of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, as the National Ecumenical Officer and Secretary to the Department for Evangelisation and Discipleship at the Conference Secretariat in London. Fr Nowotnik is a…February 3, 2020
The annual Day for Religious was held at St Chad's Cathedral on Saturday 1 February.Keynote speaker Fr Martin Newell CP, a Religious himself, spoke about the climate emergency.An ecumenical Mass later in the day saw religious brothers and sisters renew their commitment to the service of Jesus Christ, the Light…December 12, 2019
On Monday 9th December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Cathedral filled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Archbishop Bernard’s installation as Archbishop of Birmingham. The Mass was attended by children from St Chad’s Primary School and St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School. Fr Dominic Cosslett, Archbishop’s secretary gave the…December 12, 2019
The magnificent organ at St Chad’s Cathedral is once again in tip-top condition following a major restoration project. During the summer months the organ, considered one of the finest modern instruments in the country, underwent a major overhaul, including repairs and cleaning. But it’s now back at its best and…November 29, 2019
This General Election is profoundly important to the United Kingdom. Catholics cannot simply “watch from the balcony.”[1] Conscious of the common good of every person and our society as a whole, we ask everyone to engage with the election and vote. Honest political activity depends upon integrity. We urge all…November 26, 2019
Hundreds gathered at St Chad’s Cathedral for the annual Civic Mass, on the occasion of The Feast of Christ the King. His Grace, The Most Rev Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, was Celebrant and Preacher at today’s (Sun 24 Nov) service.This is a special occasion in the Cathedral calendar as…November 15, 2019
The Catholic Church’s network of Marriage and Family Life ministry in England & Wales (MFL) are collaborating with the adoption and fostering charity Home for Good to find more families for children in need of loving and supportive homes. The new project was launched yesterday at the annual Diocesan Marriage…October 22, 2019
Hundreds gathered at St Chad’s Cathedral on Sunday 20th October to join in joyful celebration of Saint John Henry Newman. The ecumenical vespers (evening prayer) was also the unveiling and blessing of a new icon of Saint John Henry Newman, by iconographer Mrs Noreen Thornhill from Coventry. The service was…