Latin Mass Society: Birmingham

West Heath Mass Alteration

2011-12-20T21:39:00.000Z

Friday, 13 January 2012
18:00 - 19:00
St John Fisher R C Church, 1 Cofton Road, West Heath, Birmingham B313QT

(one week only - Celebrant Fr Jan Nowotnik)

Mass times for this quarter

2011-11-27T08:49:00.000Z

All locations are detailed on the right sidebar

From Sunday 27th November, weekly Sunday Mass at the Birmingham Oratory will change to High Mass at 10:30am.

Also every week:

Wednesday 12 noon in Halesowen*
Friday morning 8am in Winson Green, Birmingham*
Friday night 6:30pm in West Heath, South Birmingham
Saturday morning 9:00am at Birmingham Oratory
* Invariable; check by phone to avoid disappointment

Masses outside the ordinary:
Thursday 8th December 2011 (Immaculate Conception) Low Mass at 5:45pm Birmingham Oratory

-No Mass 9th December at West Heath-

Wednesday 21st December 2011 Low Mass at 6pm at St Michael & the Holy Angels, West Bromwich

Saturday 24th December 2011 (Night Christmas) Low Mass with hymns at 6:30pm at St John Fisher, West Heath

Sunday 25th December 2011 (Christmas) High Mass at 10:30am at Birmingham Oratory

Friday 6th January 2012 (Epiphany) High Mass at 7:30pm at Birmingham Oratory

- N.B. No West Heath Mass on Epiphany -

Mass Cancellation

2011-11-18T23:35:00.001Z

There will be no Mass at West Heath on Friday 9th December 2011.

St Frideswide at West Bromwich

2011-10-20T11:33:00.000+01:00

I gave Fr Chris a bit of a shock last night by announcing I'd set up the Missal for this obscure Birmingham (or rather Oxford) Saint rather than St Peter of Alacantara, which he'd prepared for!

In truth, I had set the Missal up for the latter, having glanced briefly at my LMS wall calendar on the way out the house, with all the General Calendar dates. I then happened to check 1 min before Mass started, in the LMS Ordo on my iPhone, and noticed a special local Feast. I automatically thought this took precedence, although in actual fact they're both 3rd Class Feasts for October 19. So I rushed up to the Missal on the Altar and made some amendments to the markers! (And thanked God St Frideswide wasn't a Martyr or I'd have to change the white vestments to red!)

All quite funny really; If I'd been prepared I could have asked Fr Chris which of the two Feasts he'd prefer to observe. In any event, he took it in good humour and even suggested in his humility that he didn't have enough oil in his lamp, in allusion to the day's Gospel Parable Jesus taught about the ten virgins awaiting Christ the Bridegroom!

It was St Frideswide, herself like a wise virgin with extra oil in her lamp, who founded a convent in the 8th Century. I am unsure whether her Feast remains in the new Calendar (historical doubt and all that). Of particular interest is the idea that her 'double monastery' was the foundation of Oxford University. It therefore seems preposterous that women were ever forbidden from following an education there. It seems gloriously romantic to me that it was the institutional Church which preserved and founded rigorous academic and scientific study. Take note Mr Dawkins!

From the St Andrew's Daily Missal:

"St. Frideswide - or Fritheswith - was born about 665 near Oxford, the daughter of noble parents. She founded a convent at the gates of Oxford - where Christ Church now stands. Aelfgar, prince of Mercia, was determined to marry her for her beauty and her inheritance, but she fled to the forests to avoid his attentions. When she returned to Oxford, Aelfgar beseiged the city, but just at the point of victory he was struck blind.

"For many years afterwards, she presided as Abbess of a double monastery of both monks and nuns. Some say that the origins of the University of Oxford lie in the school she established there. She was well known in her lifetime for effecting miraculous cures, and a well at Binsey - where she latterly retired as a hermitess - became known as a place of healing. She died at Binsey on 19th October 735, and was buried in her monastery."

More Photos can be found at my Flickr page.

Oratory Mass Changes

2011-10-19T21:03:00.000+01:00

The Oratory Fathers, being reduced to 2 active priests (Fr Gregory is no longer able to say Public Masses owing to his mature age; Fr Dermot and Fr Guy are away) leaving Fr Anton (PP and director of Music, and Fr Paul, there has been an alteration in Parish Mass schedule, decided by the Fathers and ratified by the Provost Fr Ignatius and the Archdiocese.

This happens to benefit those who attend the Traditional Form since it's numbers have grown to the point it cannot be cancelled, and so therefore it's being combined with previous Novus Ordo time slots.
From immediate effect the Saturday morning Latin Low Mass will be at the slightly earlier time of 9am AT THE HIGH ALTAR (with English readings) followed by exposition and Benediction at 10.45am.

Commencing the First Sunday in Advent, the Sunday Morning EF Latin Mass will be IN THE SOLEMN FORM at 10.30am. There will only be High Masses using the revised Missal of 1969 for extra Feasts, (except those transferred in the New Calendar, when as is customary, an EF Solemn High Mass is celebrated on the Traditional un-transferred date at 7:30pm weekdays and 11am Saturday)

Holy Souls (November 2nd) will have an EF High Mass at 7:30pm

Please support this opportunity, the first weekly Solemn High Mass in the Archdiocese. Similar endeavours are happening with the Franciscans in Stoke, but the Oratory will of course feature the professional polyphonic choir, which under Fr Anton's direction will probably not have must Plainchant!

We are working on deciding an appropriate translation to use in the Mass sheets. I suggest perhaps the Knox translation which is easier for the congregation to read than the Shakespearean English used in the Douay Rheims. What do you think? How about the RSV or NRSV?

Remaining Masses for 2011

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NOTE EDITED TIMES BELOW:

Signing off, here are the confirmed (*and TBC) Masses outside the ordinary schedule on the sidebar of the main blogsite:

Wednesday 19th October 2011: Low Mass 6pm (St Michael's, West Bromwich)

Tuesday 1st November 2011: Low Mass 5:45pm (All Saints at Birmingham Oratory)

Wednesday 2nd November 2011:High Mass 7:30pm (All Souls at Birmingham Oratory)

Wednesday 16 November 2011: Low Mass 6pm (St Michael's West Bromwich)

Wednesday 21 December 2011: Low Mass 6pm (St Michael's, West Bromwich)

Sunday 25th December 2011: High Mass 10:30am* (CHRISTMAS MORNING MASS)

*= To be confirmed

Additional West Heath Low Mass

2011-09-03T14:12:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 7th September at 8am (St John Fisher, West Heath) Anniversary Requiem

Mass Cancellation

2011-08-16T11:01:00.000+01:00

Low Mass tomorrow at West Bromwich has been cancelled due to illness. The next Mass at West Brom will be 3rd September at 11am.

Revision of published LMS Masses for Birmingham

2011-08-06T14:38:00.000+01:00

Mass on Friday 26th August at West Heath will be LOW not Sung.

Oratory Masses rather than those published are:

1) Feast of Assumption (Mon 15 August) High Mass 7:30pm as in previous years for feasts transferred in the general calendar.

2) There will NOT be a sung Mass on Weds 14th Sep for Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

3) There is the possibility of Low Mass at 5:45pm for All Saints and All Souls (Tues & Weds 1 & 2 Nov) TBC These will not necessarily be advertised beyond the weekly Birmingham Oratory Newsletter published every Saturday on their website.

Mass at St Michael's West Brom on Saturday 3 September will probably be Low, but will be followed by sung Benediction. Due to this event, there will be NO mass on the third Weds in Sept.

Resignation

2011-07-27T10:18:00.000+01:00

It is with no little sorrow that I have to inform you, my readers, that I am taking a break from my charitable activities including the Latin Mass Society and the Guild of Catholic Doctors / Catholic Medical Association.

I will continue to be an active and paid up member of both organizations, and would be happy to continue posting any announcements here until a replacement can be found (please volunteer through the LMS Office for position of Birmingham City & Environs Representative.)

My decision to step down from these busy posts is entirely personal and work-related, and is in no way an indication that I have been 'spooked' in the Catholic world in a Mafiosi way. I say this because as we have learned the hard way through the Birmingham 3 fiasco, anything is possible! I am now looking forward to completing my MRCPsych exams and moving post in August, as well as spending some more time with my lovely family.

God bless you for reading and supporting me these last few years, and I hope you will remember me in your prayers at this difficult time in my life.

Dr Matthew Doyle

Priest & Server Training Day

2011-07-27T10:06:00.000+01:00

Training Day for Priests and Servers Holy Cross Priory, Leicester, Tuesday 23 August 2011

The Latin Mass Society will be hosting a day of training for priests and servers wishing to improve their knowledge of the celebration of Mass in the usus antiquior. It will take place at the Holy Cross Priory in Leicester on Tuesday 23 August from 9.30am till 5pm. A sung Mass will be included as part of the Programme.

The day will be suitable for priests with all levels of ability. Tuition will be tailored to suit the requirements of the priests attending with the possibility of studying Low Mass, Missa Cantata or Missa Solemnis. Similarly, servers will be tutored in the various forms of the Mass, according to their experience. They will also have the opportunity of enrolling in the Society of Saint Tarcisius.

The fee for attending is £5 which includes the provision of lunch. Application forms are available here, and should be returned to:

Paul Waddington
Church House
Main Street
Hemingbrough
Selby
YO8 6QE

West Heath change of Mass time

2011-07-27T09:57:00.000+01:00

This Friday, 29th July 2011, Mass will be at the soon-to-be implemented earlier time of 6:30pm. This is due to a Parish meeting on the new Translation of the 1969 Missal.

West Heath High Mass 2011

2011-07-09T17:14:00.003+01:00

Once again this year, for the third time, Fr George Grynowski invited the Latin Mass Society to his Parish of St John Fisher in West Heath, South Birmingham. The Feast of Ss John Fisher & Thomas More fell on a Saturday this year, which would have otherwise meant a larger turnout. However, today coincided with the Franciscans of the Immaculate second visit to the Birmingham Oratory for their Day with Mary (As well as enjoying a packed congregation, they also benefit from the FI specialty of Sung Mass in the Usus Antiquor).

The Neri Singers sang sang Missa O Quam Gloriosum by Victoria for the mass ordinary, Credo III De Angelis, Exultate Justi by Viadana at the offertory, O Quam Gloriosum by Victoria at communion, and settings of the Gradual and Alleluia to faux bourdons by Ignaz Mitterer. The Organist Mr Oliver Hayes, played the Hymn Rex Gloriose for the chorale prelude before the Introit, and the Bach Little Fugue in G Minor as the voluntary, as well as improvisations on the chant and the polyphony.

Fr George, the Parish Priest, was for the second time Celebrant; with Frs Christopher Miller & Jan Nowotnik as Deacon & Subdeacon respectively. All these three Priests reside in the South Birmingham Deanery, which is fortuitous for Fr George.

In total only about 40-50 people were in attendence, but we know we were also accompanied by the Choir of Heavenly Angels, almost tangible with Victoria's rendition of the Sanctus.

An incense filled Byzantine-style church was as ever grateful for such a beautiful expression of Latin Catholic Worship, beginning with the quiet prayers at the foot of the altar, Judica Me (Ps 42), so the silent and reverent flectamus genua of the Last Gospel according to St John (1:14)... It is a liturgy resplendent in its noble simplicity and reverent decorum. Thanks be to God!

For more Photos see my Flickr Set

The next Sung Mass will be for St Pius X to honour the Modern Feast Day of Pope St Gregory the Great on Saturday 3rd September 2011 at 11am in St Michael's West Bromwich, followed by sung Benediction and refreshments.

There will be NO 7 pm Mass next Friday 15th July 2011 at West Heath; A Low Mass will instead be offered at 6 pm next WEDNESDAY 13th July 2011.

New Mass of Ages Editor

2011-07-08T14:34:00.000+01:00

LMS Appoints New Editor of Mass of Ages

The LMS has appointed Gregory Murphy as its next editor of Mass of Ages magazine. Based in Liverpool, where he works as a freelance editor and PR professional, Mr Murphy is a regular member of the congregation at the Traditional Latin Mass celebrated at St Anthony’s, Scotland Road.

Gregory Murphy comes to his new role with over twenty years’ experience behind him as a professional journalist, editor and PR consultant. He learned his trade on local newspapers and Catholic publications, such as the Catholic Pictorial, until, in the mid-1990s, he joined the staff of the Catholic Times where he was News Editor and subsequently Editor. He then spent five very valuable years as Corporate Communications Publications and PR Manager for the Littlewoods Organisation, before deciding to go freelance. Mr Murphy now provides journalistic and editorial services to a range of commercial, public and voluntary sector clients around the UK.

Mike Lord, LMS General Manager said: ‘We were fortunate to have several strong candidates at interview, but were particularly impressed by Gregory’s professional experience, his grasp of what is required in revamping the magazine and by his personal commitment to the Traditional Mass and Faith. We are delighted to have Gregory on board and look forward to seeing the first issue of Mass of Ages under his editorship in November.’

Gregory Murphy will take over from John Medlin, who retires from the editor's post in August after eight years in the job. Next month's edition of the magazine will be John's last and his presence in the LMS will be much missed.

The appointment of a new editor and the forthcoming redesign and relaunch of Mass of Ages is the last of a series of major changes that have taken place at the LMS over the past two years. The move to new offices, the appointment of a new General Manager, the launch of a new and much-praised website, the use of social media such as Facebook, the adoption of a new constitution and other changes are part of a longer term strategy to enable the LMS to promote the Traditional Mass and the orthodox Faith that accompanies it more effectively following Pope Benedict’s liberation of the traditional liturgy four years ago.

. . . . ENDS . . . .

For further information, please contact John Medlin, Publicist, or Michael Lord, General Manager, on (T) 020 7404 7284; (F) 020 7831 5585; (E mail) info@lms.org.uk

Oratory & Maryvale join forces for Liturgical Music

2011-07-08T01:40:00.000+01:00

We've been interested in the Birmingham Oratory for some years, so it takes us great pleasure to announce the new Blessed John Henry Newman Institute for Liturgical Studies. Apparently it will get us all singing together, so I'm all for it!

Fr Guy Nicholls CO is director to the project. For more go to : http://www.oratorymusic.org.uk/

Successful 2011 AGM

2011-07-07T17:11:00.000+01:00

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LATIN MASS SOCIETY

For Immediate Release
LMS AGM High Mass and AGM at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, London Saturday 2 July 2011
The Latin Mass Society was warmly welcomed to St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, London on Saturday 2 July by the Cathedral Dean, Canon John O’Toole and the Administrator, Mr Alex Scott for its Annual General Meeting and AGM Mass. The LMS is grateful to all the cathedral staff for their help and encouragement in making our AGM arrangements.
The day commenced at 11.00am with High Mass of the Visitation of Our Lady celebrated by Fr Andrew Southwell, LMS National chaplain, assisted by Fr Michael Cullllinan as Deacon and Fr Gregory Kilaja as Sub-deacon.

The men of the Cathedral Choir sang Victoria’s Missa Quam Pulcri Sunt. The Gloria was taken from the Missa de Angelis, the Creed was Credo I and the Offertory motet was Victoria’s Ave Maris Stella.

After lunch, the LMS AGM convened in the cathedral’s Amigo Hall to hear reports from the Secretary, Mr David Forster, the Treasurer, Mr Paul Waddington and the Chairman, Dr the Hon. Joseph Shaw. The LMS’s National Chaplain, Fr Andrew Southwell, had opened the proceedings with a prayer and after the reports gave an address in which he discussed Pope Benedict’s XVI admirable work in the fields of doctrine and the liturgy.

The meeting then sang ‘God Bless Our Pope’ to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of Pope Benedict’s ordination to the Sacred Priesthood and closed with the singing of the Credo.

This year’s AGM was relatively low-key and in a new venue. However, Dr Shaw, in particular, was able to update those present on the increasing level of work being carried out throughout England and Wales by the LMS and its local representatives. The LMS is now more focussed on providing support to those many priests and faithful throughout the country who are gradually reintroducing the Extraordinary Form into their parish life. Its aim is to publicise the liturgical initiatives of Pope Benedict and to support and encourage the growing number of young people and young families who are discovering the Old Rite.

For photographs of the High Mass and the AGM go to our Flickr page here.

. . . . ENDS . . . .

For further information, please contact John Medlin, Publicist, or Michael Lord, General Manager, on (T) 020 7404 7284; (F) 020 7831 5585; (E mail) info@lms.org.uk

LMS Holywell a great success

2011-07-07T17:07:00.000+01:00

Press Release: Another Great Success for the LMS with the National Pilgrimage to Holywell – But We Need a New Organiser, So Please Volunteer
7 JULY 2011

David Lloyd, LMS Vice-President and main organiser of the Holywell Pilgrimage for many years, has sent this report:

The Latin Mass Society’s pilgrimage to the shrine of St Winefride in Holywell, North Wales took place on Sunday 3 July. Father Simon Henry of the Archdiocese of Liverpool was celebrant at a Solemn Votive Mass of a Virgin Martyr and was Assisted by Fr Agnellus FI from the parish of St Joseph, Burslem, Stoke on Trent as Deacon and Fr Ian O’Shea of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool. The sermon was preached by Fr Henry. A number of clergy sat in choir, including Canon Bernard Lordan of the Diocese of Wrexham, and Fr Patrick Hayward of the Archdiocese of Westminster. The MC for the Mass was Mr James Pennington, the LMS’s Representative in Liverpool. Over 170 faithful assisted.

The choir, drawn from the Manchester area, was under the direction of Christian Spence, conductor of the Yorkshire-based Rudgate Singers. They sang Monteverdi’s Messa a quarttro voci da cappella, polyphonic motets at the Offertory and Communion and the Proper of a Virgin Martyr Me Expectaverunt pecccatores from the Liber Usualis.

Following Mass, the congregation gathered outside the church and, led by the cross bearer, acolytes and clergy, processed to St Winefrides’ Shrine and well reciting the Holy Rosary led by Canon Bernard Lordan, former parish priest at Holywell. In the well crypt the Litany to St Winefride was recited and during the veneration of the relic of part of her little finger the hymn “Thee we hail o sainted maid” was sung by the choir. The day’s events concluded back in the church with solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament given by Fr Simon Henry.

The LMS’s Holywell Pilgrimage has taken place now for about twenty-five years - in the beginning on a Saturday afternoon in the form of a Missa Cantata followed by Vespers and Benediction. It was organised then by Mr Edmund Waddelove, the LMS’s Representative in the Diocese of Wrexham. It is worth noting that in the Society’s early years Edmund represented it in the combined dioceses of Menevia, Shrewsbury and Wrexham. He is still alive and living in Ruthin and is in need of your prayers.

I have been responsible for the continuation and expansion of the pilgrimage for twenty years and early in my tenure also provided the music, drawing on a number of church musicians from as far afield as London, Sheffield, Liverpool, Shrewsbury and the University of Bangor to augment the small Traditional choir in Holywell. I always managed to find sufficient priests to support a Solemn Mass and among the many celebrants were The Rt Rev. Michael Gallagher O Praem, the Rt Rev. Mgr Gilles Wach Prior General of the ICKSP, Canon William Hudson ICKSP, Fr Anton Guizel, Fr Andrew Southwell, Fr Nicholas du Chaxel FSSP, Fr Andrew Wadsworth, Fr Antony Dykes and this year, Fr Simon Henry.

Altar servers from the length and breadth of England and Wales have travelled to Holywell to assist. I have always expected the very highest standard of music for worship and I am grateful to all those musicians who have assisted at this pilgrimage, in particular I must mention Anthony Dickinson who has formed small choirs of the very highest calibre to assist in Holywell on many occasions.

Canon Bernard Lordan who I think has never missed a single pilgrimage deserves a special mention, as does Graham Moorehouse who has for some years brought a coach of about fifty pilgrims from London, who are a welcome addition t our congregation.

Unfortunately, due to advancing years I am no longer able to continue to organise this pilgrimage and have now retired. The LMS has previously appealed for someone to accept this responsibility but so far without success. However, to ensure the future continuation of priestly assistance at Holywell, I have offered the pastoral care to Fr Agnellus Murphy FI who has very kindly accepted and will in future provide the sacred ministers for the pilgrimage and will also try to put in place a master of music.

It is vital that a secretary and sacristan can be found and we appeal for a member or members to volunteer for this work. Please contact Michael Lord, LMS General Manager, in the LMS office on Michael@lms.org.uk or telephone the office on 020 7404 7284.

Published by Blogpress for my iPhone

Coming Soon...

2011-07-07T12:41:00.002+01:00

Latin Mass Society of England & Wales

For the Promotion of the Traditional Latin Rite

Calendar 2012

Plans are well underway for the next LMS Calendar, showcasting some of the big events of 2010-11 as well as illustrating the good work the LMS is helping achieve. It is always a very popular product and sells out fast.

This year we are introducing a new A3 spiral bound format which will give more room for the excellent photos we are in the process of choosing from. If you have any photographs of Latin Masses that you've attended in England & Wales over the last 12 months, please email them to the LMS head office immediately for inclusion in the calendar.

Guild of St Clare

2011-07-06T15:01:00.000+01:00

The Guild of St Clare was started by Lucy Shaw in Oxford last year. It has since secured the support of the Latin Mass Society and the St Catherine's Family Trust.

It also has branches in London and Birmingham, with my wife running two sessions, one of which Lucy joined. They meet in local lady's houses.

The eventual aim is to help make and restore sacred vestments for use at the Traditional Latin Mass.

West Heath High Mass this Saturday

2011-07-06T12:44:00.000+01:00

Fr George Grynowski will be offering Solemn High Mass for the great Feast of St John Fisher & St Thomas More; the Patron of his West Heath parish. Please make every effort to support this event!

St John Fisher RC Church
West Heath, Birmingham
Saturday, 9th July 2010 at 12 noon
(followed by Buffet Lunch)

Fr George Grynowski would like to welcome everyone to a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Use of the Roman Rite at his Parish Church in West Heath, South Birmingham, for its Patronal feast (which differs in the old calender and therefore gives his parishioners the chance to celebrate it twice!) From the website:

Dominating the 45 bus terminus at West Heath, Birmingham is the Catholic Church of St. John Fisher. Even though it rises from below road level, the lofty octagonal building is impressive from every angle, even from the nearby Lickey Hills. The predominant feature is a large octagonal dome surmounted by a large bronze cross. This copper dome has now toned to a soft green tint, a pleasing contrast to the honey coloured brickwork. Over the main entrance the large statue of St. John Fisher offers a blessing to all who enter, pass by or are waiting for the bus!

Parish of St. John Fisher, West Heath was founded on 30th September 1956. The first parish priest, Fr. Philip Smith, celebrated Mass at Turves Green School and later at Archbishop Masterson School for Girls. Work on the new church building commenced on 5th March 1962 with Fr. Smith cutting the first sod. The foundation stone was laid by Archbishop Grimshaw on 25th June that year.The church was opened on 31st March 1964 and consecrated by Archbishop Dwyer on 22nd June 1972, the [new rite] feast of St. John Fisher.

I hope you will be able to attend and support this great celebration, but also important initiative: a Traditional Latin Mass in a normal Parish Church, with all ministers being parish priests from the Deanery. This is the 4-year anniversary of Summorum Pontificum, and the Holy Father's wish for the faithful to benefit from the full riches of this Mass. It will be a time of reflection and what better way to show our support for the Pope than by attending this Mass!

Directions to St John Fisher, West Heath
1 Cofton Road,
West Heath
Birmingham
West Midlands
B31 3QT

SsJohnFisher

Holywell Pilgrimage 2011

2011-07-06T12:38:00.002+01:00

Unfortunately, despite many last-minute phone-calls of interest, we were unable to secure a coach trip to Holywell this year due to a lack of response to my original advertisement.

However, I still drove my family up along with a newly-wed LMS member, and we were with another 170 or so Pilgrims for a splendid 2-hour long High Mass. The music was sublime, despite whatever grumblings there were to the contrary. I generally find that excellent Polyphony doesn't always go hand in hand with brilliant plainchant. I guess thats why there is a need for more, good training.

You can see my pictures here. We didn't stay for the Rosary procession down to Holywell itself, but at least these photos of the Mass will wet your appetite for next year, as well as this Saturday's Red Vestment Extravaganza down at West Heath.

Friday Low Mass

2011-06-25T04:01:00.000+01:00

For well over a year Fr George has celebrated weekly Low Mass at West Heath. Yesterday Fr Philip Cleevely kindly offered Mass for the Nativity of St John the Baptist, one of the only Saints to have a 'Birthday' other than the Feast of their rising to Heaven.

Fr George is thinking of bring the Mass forward to 6pm. What do you think?

Mass Listings June - August 2011

2011-06-19T12:07:00.001+01:00

Thurs 23rd June - Solemn High Mass for Corpus Christi - Birmingham
Oratory 7.30pm

Weds 29th June - Low Mass for Ss Peter & Paul - Birmingham Oratory
5.45pm

Sun 3rd July - *** Pilgrimage to Holywell *** coach N. Wales - £15
Solemn High Mass

Sat 9th July - Sung Mass for Our Lady - Birmingham Oratory 11am

Sat 9th July - Solemn High Mass for Ss John Fisher & Thomas
More (MM) at St John Fisher, West Heath for 3rd Patronal Solemn High
Mass - 12 noon, followed by refreshments.
Contact Fr George 0121 475 3194 if you can help with food.

Weds 20th July - St Michael's West Bromwich (Monthly 3rd Wednesday)
Low Mass 6pm

Mon 15th August - Low Mass for Assumption of BVM - Birmingham
Oratory 5.45pm

Weds 17th August - St Michael's West Bromwich (Monthly 3rd
Wednesday) Low Mass 6pm

LMS Newsletter June 2011_web

Provision of Extraordinary Form Latin Mass at St John Fisher, West Heath

2011-06-18T16:50:00.000+01:00

Solemn Patronal High Mass 9th July 2011 at 12 noon
Photo is of the first Mass in 2009

Since the summer of 2009, Mass has been celebrated on First Fridays at 7 pm. Last year the decision was taken to provide a Low Mass every Friday at 7 pm, and that is the current provision, plus occasional Solemn Masses.

Attendance at the Low Masses fluctuates somewhat, with an average attendance of about 12-14. The question has arisen whether it would be better, especially during winter, to celebrate this Mass earlier.

Requests have also been made for the provision of a Sunday Mass. Because of Fr’s workload and current agreements in the Deanery about Sunday Mass times, it would not be possible to provide a Sunday Mass earlier than 5.30 pm.

A desire has been expressed that a Sunday Mass be a Missa Cantata.

Consequently, you are invited to let Fr have your views on the following questions:

1. Would you prefer the Friday evening Mass to be celebrated at 6 pm instead of 7 pm? This might encourage people to come straight from work without going home first.

2. Would you be prepared to support a Mass on Sundays at 5.30 pm?

3. Would you be willing to sing in a schola at a Missa Cantata at 5.30 pm on Sundays?

4. If you have expertise in chant, would you be prepared to train a small schola to sing at a Sunday evening Mass?

5. Would you be willing to serve at a Sunday evening Mass?

Fr George would be prepared to say a Sunday evening Mass if upwards of 15 people are prepared to commit themselves to assist at it. Initially it would be on an experimental basis for say two months.

Thank you: your views are appreciated.

Fr George Grynowski

Parish Priest, St John Fisher West Heath

Friday, 10 June 2011.

Please leave your comments or email Father George at grynowski -at- aol -dot- co -dot- uk

2nd Guild of St Claire meeting

2011-06-18T02:32:00.001+01:00

Next Thursday, there is the 2nd guild of st claire meeting. We will be meeting in a private home of one of our group in edgbaston

We will be starting at 7.30 with the rosary, then a intro by Lucy shaw, followed by the craft, which will be to begin our bunting! I have got hold of the tape to attach the bunting to but please try to bring- 1-2 meters if a fabric you like for your bunting, I will bring spare you can purchase off me if you don't get the chance to buy some. Sharp fabric scissors. A piece of cardboard for the triangle template.

Looking forward to seeing you all
Comment any questions
Wendy

St Joseph's, Burslem

2011-06-05T21:23:00.000+01:00

The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate took over this poor parish church a couple of years ago, and now offer a sung Latin Mass (EF) every Sunday at 6pm.

On the first Sunday of the month there is a family afternoon preceding it at 2pm with lots of refreshments and activities for the whole family (today three age groups).

I would heartily recommend any Catholic Family to make the trip to Staffordshire once per month. This afternoon we had Adoration and Benediction with the Novena to the Holy Ghost for Pentecost.

V./ Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary,
R./ Bless up and keep us.

For Pentecost Sunday it will be a Solemn High Mass.

West Heath Supply Priests

2011-06-04T14:34:00.000+01:00

Many thanks to the Reverend Fathers J Nowotnik and C Miller who enabled the Friday Latin Mass to continue whilst the Parish Priest Fr George Grynowski was away.

Fr George is currently reviewing the Latin Mass provision at St John Fisher, West Heath; so if you have any opinions now's the time.

West Heath will have it's fifth annual Solemn High Mass for it's Patron St John Fisher, & St Thomas More, on Saturday 9th July 2011 at 12 noon. It will as ever be followed by food, in the new garden weather permitting.

LMS Newsletter May - Aug 2011

2011-05-21T00:20:00.000+01:00

LMS Newsletter May 2011_blog

Birmingham St Clare

2011-05-06T19:40:00.001+01:00

Guild of St Claire- Birmingham group
Proposals:
. First meeting will be on Thursday 9 June 2011, 7.30pm in Edgbaston. Mrs Lucy Shaw (founder of the Guild of St Claire) will attend to introduce us to the purpose of the guild- and organise membership (£2.50 annually)
. The meetings will be every other week, on a Thursday.
. We will alternate the venue between two of our founding members.
. The meetings will begin with prayer (rosary), the activity will run 7.45-9. Followed by refreshments. The house we are at will provide drinks, with myself (or another) bringing cakes/biscuits.

We will all bring different skills and interests; the idea is that we learn together, help each other out and enjoy our time together. For each craft a 'lead' will be assigned who can bring the necessary materials (I suggest we divide this cost between us each week) or advise everyone what they need to bring.
I hope to have 'guest experts' for some of the crafts.
Here is my proposal of crafts we can cover. And a suggestion (hope this is ok!) of who might take the lead.

Some may take 1 week others, several sessions:
. Decorative sewing kit holders.- J Gosling
. Quilt cushion covers- K Miller
. Simple mantillas- W Doyle
. 'Name sake' bunting- W Doyle
. Basic knitting-E Leahy
. Mass bags for children- W Doyle
. Introduction to vestment repair- K Miller, and J Tunnicliffe (TBC)
. Lavender pillows- W Doyle
. Children's clothing, such as a girls dress- J Gosling.
. Bags- W Doyle
. Jewellery making- guest TBC (M Doyle with Rosaries?)

Possible future plans....
.Banner making
.Baptismal gowns
.Making liturgical items

All other suggestions very welcome!

Lucy plans for the Oxford, London and Birmingham groups to do a day course in London together. I also hope we can do some courses- for example, at Winterbourne gardens (Uni of Birmingham botanical gardens) they do lots of craft courses, such as crochet and rag-rugging.

Below is a link to Lucys' St Claire blog
Here

Please email wendhouse at gmail.com if you are interested in coming and joining in!

LMS Oxford Greyfriars-Littlemore Bl JH Newman Pilgrimage

2011-05-06T11:30:00.000+01:00

For the first time the Latin Mass Society of England & Wales are having a Pilgrimage to Littlemore with the Traditional Mass, in honour of Bl John Henry Newman.

It starts with Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Greyfriars at 2.30pm, sung with polyphony provided by the Schola Abelis, and celebrated by Fr Anthony Conlon.

This will be followed by a walk from Greyfriars to Littlemore, via the site of the Church of St Ignatius, the first Catholic Church built in Oxford since the Reformation,

It served the Oxford area from 1795 until it was closed in 1911 (when the Jesuits moved to St Edmund & St Frideswide, now Greyfriars).

The church building is still standing. This was where Bl John Henry attended his first public Mass after his reception at Littlemore. From there we will retrace his steps back to Littlemore, where we will have Vespers with the Sisters of the Work, according to the 1962 rules, at about 5pm.

Bl. John Henry was said to be a great walker, but this particular walk is not very long!

Please support this interesting and important event. It will be the first Traditional Mass in Greyfriars, as far as I know, since 1970 and the first collaboration between the LMS and the Sisters of the Work at Littlemore. The pilgrimage is joint with Juventutem Oxford and the Oxford University Newman Society.

The following Saturday, 14th, we will be walking a little further, from the site of Abingdon Abbey in Abingdon to the Oxford Oratory, in honour of Our Lady of Oxford. We are setting off from Abingdon at 11am (meet at the statue of Queen Victoria in the Abbey gardens), and there will be Sung Mass in the Oxford Oratory at 3.30pm. Again, this is a new initiative and is joint with the Oxford Juventutem group. I'm told the walk is about 12 miles long. If you can't make the walk, do join us for the Mass!

With best wishes for the season of Easter,
---------------------------------
Dr Joseph Shaw

[Ed: Not far? 12 miles?!

The "Liturgical Creed"

2011-04-25T18:15:00.001+01:00

I believe that the Traditional Rites of East and West contain within themselves so many elements of Apostolic origin that it is impossible to separate these from the elements added by post-Apostolic ecclesiastical tradition.

I believe no man here on earth (Pastor Aeternus, IV, 6) can rightfully determine the complete abrogation, full substitution, or substantial derogation of any received Traditional Rite, of East and West, which contains inextricable Apostolic elements.

I believe Ecclesiastical History continuously proves that the rights of the liturgical rites "established by long and immemorial prescription" have always been respected by the Holy Roman Church, even in ages of great liturgical crises and heresies (Quo Primum; Quod a Nobis).

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Famous FSSP on NLM!

2011-04-25T16:39:00.001+01:00

check it out over at New Liturgical Movement, who deigned to check out my Blog and publish one of my photos and linked to me, in accordance with my Creative Commons License. So why not pop over there and boost their stats!

It was fabulous Good Friday Liturgy. Some of us in the congregation were very old-fashioned in our postures with pre-'55 rubrics!

God bless the FSSP in their Reading Apostolate. But what a shame we can't have something like that in Birmingham for the Triduum.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T20:09:00.001+01:00

Good Friday

2011-04-22T23:31:00.001+01:00

My photos of todays Solemn High Liturgy at Reading by the FSSP

Not that I'll be going, but...

2011-04-15T20:21:00.002+01:00

Picture: from recent Pontifical EF Mass in Amsterdam. Not going is also avoiding occasions of sin, but this photo is a truly beautiful example of the fullest expression of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Faith is Christ Jesus truly present in the Mass!

Also being advertised by Joe Shaw:

The Association Youth and Tradition

And the Sodality Priestly Friends of Summorum Pontificum

Rome, 13-15 May 2011

Present

The Third Conference on the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum of

the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI

“Hope for the entire Church”

St Catherine's Trust Family Retreat

2011-04-11T21:51:00.000+01:00

The annual family retreat took place last weekend at the The Oratory School in Berkshire. It featured traditional Latin Mass and Office, spiritual talks, activities for youngsters, and a Gregorian Chant Course running alongside led by the composer Colin Mawby.

The weekend is structured around the Church's Traditional Liturgy. This year, because Easter is a lot later than normal, it fell on the weekend of Passion Sunday (the fifth Sunday in Lent). There was daily sung Mass, Compline (night prayer), Solemn Vespers on Saturday evening, daily communal Rosary and a Marian procession.

Despite the sombre tone to the liturgy, which culminated in the statues, crucifixes and images being veiled on Sunday; we were basked in glorious sunshine for the whole duration. This was particularly splendid for the Marian Procession on Saturday afternoon around the grounds of the school, which the children had made beautiful little banners for. Despite the retreat taking place during Lent this year, the children were not deprived of their Easter egg hunt!

It has always been an important weekend for us to unwind and address our spiritual concerns, pulling our lives firmly into focus. The abundance of small children there help with this; injecting real joy and laughter into our time there. It is quite easy to stand back and realise one is looking at the future of the Catholic Church in these Isles. Deo Gratias!

More Images: Flickr

Mass News Apr-July 2011

2011-04-04T20:32:00.002+01:00

We have 3 High Masses coming up in Birmingham. Two at the Oratory for the customary transferred-obligation Feast Days of Ascension and Corpus Christi. Fr George will be Celebrant of the Third West Heath Ss John Fisher & Thomas More Solemn High Mass (Red) on a Saturday this year, which will be followed by refreshments.

Last Month the First LMS Pilgrimage to York took place, and our coach was packed with 53 people, including six under-12s, and three Priests. Fr Anton even gave us a short conference on the coach and led us in the Rosary. Therefore I propose we have a further TWO coach trips, in May and July for the annual Downside Abbey High Mass and Holywell Pilgrimage.

Please register your support NOW so I can confirm this with the Coach Company Midland Glowbelle. Pick-ups from West Heath, Edgbaston and West Bromwich. Buying both tickets for each event together I will give a discount. Final price TBA Approx £15

I will embed a .pdf of the Newsletter in due course.

MASS DATES:

Weds Apr 20 - St Michael's West Bromwich (Monthly 3rd Wednesday) Low Mass 6pm
Sun 24 April - EASTER SUNDAY - Birmingham Oratory (Weekly Sunday) Low Mass 9:30am
Sat 14th May - ***Pilgrimage to Downside Abbey*** coach approx £15 cost TBA Solemn High Mass
Weds 18th May - St Michael's West Bromwich (Monthly 3rd Wednesday) Low Mass 6pm
Thurs 2nd June - Solemn High Mass for the Ascension - Birmingham Oratory 7.30pm
Weds 15th June - St Michael's West Bromwich (Monthly 3rd Wednesday) Low Mass 6pm
Thurs 23rd June - Solemn High Mass for Corpus Christi - Birmingham Oratory 7.30pm
Sun 3rd July - *** Pilgrimage to Holywell *** coach N. Wales - approx £15 cost TBA Solemn High Mass
Sat 9th July - Solemn High Mass for Ss John Fisher & Thomas More (MM) at St John Fisher, West Heath
for 3rd Patronal Solemn High Mass - 12 noon, followed by refreshments.
Contact Fr George 0121 475 3194 if you can help with food.
Weds 20th July - St Michael's West Bromwich (Monthly 3rd Wednesday) Low Mass 6pm

Next Coach Trips

2011-04-04T19:34:00.001+01:00

After the overwhelming success of the Birmingham & Black Country trip to the First National LMS Pilgrimage to York, when 50 lay and 3 clerical pilgrims took part in the some-700 people there present....

I may be organising TWO further Coach Trips. Please let me know immediately, (even if just by commenting) of your interest, so I can confirm it with Midland Glowbelle.

The events are:

1) Solemn High Mass at Downside Abbey
Sat, 14th May 2011

2) LMS Pilgrimage to Holywell
Sun, 3rd July 2011

Reduced prices if you book both these Events together. Prices TBA

Deo Volente

Lætare Sunday

2011-04-03T21:08:00.001+01:00

North Nottingham LMS don't have a website, so I'm happy to report on this. This video was recorded today at Corpus Christi Church on the Clifton Estate in Nottingham. The singing I thought was particularly good, and the ritual pretty well executed. Couldn't get any photos unfortunately!

Laetare, Jerúsalem: et convéntum fácite, omnes qui dilígitis eam: gaudéte cum lætítia, qui in tristítia fuístis: ut exsultétis, et satiémini ab ubéribus consolatiónis vestræ

Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together all you that love her; rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation.

Rubrics

2011-04-03T19:43:00.002+01:00

During Lenten Ferias, High Masses in the Extraordinary Form have slightly different rules of posture. Rather than standing; the servers in the sanctuary, Priests in choir, and therefore the congregation, should KNEEL from the Dominus Vobiscum of the Collect, Secret and Post-Communion. This is a more restrained posture of prayer for this penitential time, since standing adds a joyful gravitas to these important 'proper' prayers.

Fr Leo Chamberlain criticises the LMS and Joe Shaw

2011-04-03T12:56:00.001+01:00

The Latin Mass Society got too much "party spirit"? Criticism of the Novus Ordo "will not do"? I'd say both these characteristics make the LMS as strong as it is today. Otherwise all the volunteer workers, including me, simply wouldn't bother!

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York Pilgrimage Report

2011-03-28T20:45:00.003+01:00

Over 700 Catholics committed to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (Traditional Latin Mass) converged on York Minster on Saturday 26 March to attend the first celebration of a Catholic Mass in the Minster since the Reformation. Sung Mass in the ancient Latin Rite, complete with beautiful vestments, ceremonial and incense, was celebrated at the High Altar by Fr Stephen Maughan of the Catholic diocese of Middlesbrough. (The Mass was a Votive Mass of a Holy Woman Martyr Not a Virgin).

Afterwards, the huge congregation processed through the streets of York in public witness of the Catholic Faith to the Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow in York’s historic Shambles before completing a memorable day with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at the Catholic Church of the English Martyrs.

The occasion was the Latin Mass Society’s first annual York pilgrimage in honour of St Margaret Clitherow, one of the LMS’s patron saints. The day was organised by Paul Waddington, National Treasurer and local Representative for the LMS who said: “I am overwhelmed by the response of so many hundreds of faithful Catholics. The number of young families with children in buggies was particularly encouraging”.

Permission for the Mass was given by the Dean, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, and Chapter of York Minster; the Dean and the Precentor, Canon Peter Moger, sat in choir during the Mass.

The Latin Mass Society had originally hoped to celebrate the Mass in the nearby Catholic parish Church of St Wilfrid’s, but unfortunately it was not available; however, the parish’s loss was York Minster’s gain.

The massive choir of York Minster was completely packed and over 150 people had to be accommodated in the nave with extra seating brought in. The music was provided by the Rudgate Singers, a local choir who specialise in the Latin Mass and who sang William Byrd’s polyphonic Mass for Five Voices.

Saint Margaret Clitherow, (1556-1586) who lived in York was an ordinary wife and mother who refused to renounce her Catholic faith and who was martyred by being pressed to death in the reign of Elizabeth I. She was executed on Good Friday 1586 and was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

Following the Mass, there was a procession from York Minster through the city streets to St Margaret Clitherow’s shrine in the Shambles, and then across Ouse Bridge, the place of her execution. The sight of so many Catholic pilgrims publicly processing and praying the Rosary drew the notice of Saturday afternoon shoppers, and a respectful silence fell as the procession passed.

The procession finished at the Catholic Church of the English Martyrs where a relic of St Margaret Clitherow, on loan for the occasion from York’s Bar Convent, was venerated and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was conferred by Fr Michael Brown, the LMS’s Northern Chaplain.

The occasion was widely covered by TV, radio and local press.

Michael Lord, LMS General Manager, said: “Something special happened in York on Saturday. Hundreds of Catholics gathered in this historic centre of northern Christianity to honour one of England’s bravest women in a quite extraordinary way. Indeed, some people travelled from as far away as London, Oxford and Dublin.

“This Mass in the ancient Roman Rite demonstrates quite clearly the suppressed level of interest in the Latin Mass, particularly amongst the young. I’m afraid many English and Welsh bishops are still very grudging in helping to organise celebrations of the Latin Mass but our huge congregation today shows that hundreds of people want to stand alongside Pope Benedict in his efforts to restore beauty and dignity to Catholic worship and to restore Christianity in its ancient European heartland.

“The LMS is already making plans for an even bigger celebration in honour of St Margaret Clitherow next year”.

The LMS offers its grateful thanks to the Dean and Chapter of York Minster, the Bar Convent, the Church of the English Martyrs and all those volunteer members of the LMS who co-ordinated the day’s events, and without whom such a happy and successful occasion would not have been possible.

[As a post-script, I just wanted to add what a success Birmingham's own pilgrimage was. Fr Anton Guziel led us in Rosary and a talk on St Margaret Clitherow whilst aboard the coach, and a great day was had by all 53 of us, including three Priests in choir from each of our respective 'Latin Mass Parishes'.

I noticed particularly the Thurifer and boat-boy file down the quire at the offertory and incense the Dean and Precentor with clerical attributes; a truly ecumenical gesture! A head usher told our party there were upwards of 600 present, but it seems there are other estimates being quoted. I wish dearly that there could be such an event in this part of the country.]

En Route

2011-03-26T11:49:00.001Z

Fifty-three people are currently en route from Birmingham & the Black Country to York for the Latin Mass Society's new national Pilgrimage on the Feast of St Margaret Clitherow. It will be the first time the Roman Rite has been celebrated in York Minster, since the Use of York was the Latin Mass there before the reformation. We are excited and full of expectation!

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LMS Chairman on Direction in the Society

2011-03-24T20:37:00.001Z

"When I became Chairman there was a lot of talk about the 'direction' the LMS was going in. The talk was a little baffling because no one seemed to know what this direction was, despite having very strong views about it being a good or a bad thing. I've come to realise that this seeming paradox was quite natural: because people didn't know what was going on, they began to think something sinister was being cooked up behind closed doors. It's been a while since I've heard that kind of talk now: if you want to know what direction the LMS is going in, have a look at the website and you'll see all our initiatives and activities. Not only are we actually doing things, but they are all in the open; there's no need for cloak-and-dagger stuff after Summorum Pontificum. God bless the Pope!"
Dr Joseph Shaw: 24/03/11

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Upcoming Day of Recollection

2011-03-22T11:55:00.001Z

The Latin Mass Society's annual Day of Recollection is taking place as customary in St Edmund's College Ware, Herts. The College boasts one of the finest chapels of E.W. Pugin in the country, and the only one never to have been reordered.

The LMS always has distinguished priests preaching these days of recollection; this year they will have Fr Michael Cullinane, a long-term friend of the LMS and a scripture scholar. He is the head of the theology department at Maryvale Institute in Birmingham.

The Day of Recollection will be held at St Edmund’s College, Ware on Saturday, 9th July 2011 at 11.00 am.

Father Cullinane will celebrate High Mass in the Traditional Rite at 12 noon. The day will conclude with Solemn Vespers and Benediction at 3.30 p.m.
The cost of the Retreat will be £5.00. Participants should bring their own lunch, although tea and coffee will be provided.

For those wishing to attend, more information is available from Eric Caudle (e mail: egthebm@btinternet.com) or Mike Mason on 01983 567996 or (M) 07810 778160.

Annunciation

2011-03-21T22:57:00.001Z

Friday 25th March 2011: Low Masses:
St John Fisher, West Heath 7pm
Birmingham Oratory 5.45pm

St Marie's, Rugby

2011-03-21T22:35:00.000Z

A few weeks ago, on the same weekend as a High EF Nuptual in Oxford, Miss C Bister, LMS Member and Oratory Parishioner; married in her Groom's home town of Rugby. The Church is AWN Pugin (1846-7) and represents a time of reduced productivity, before his death in 1852. The sanctuary, the Hibbert Chantry, had Rood Screen (removed 1962) and stalls to seat twenty. His son EW Pugin continued (1863-4) the work to include a larger nave with the older becoming the Lady Chapel.

The impressive tower and spire (1871-2) was by the younger Pugin's pupil RL Boulton who later became a Rosminian. The Church has always been run by the Institute of Charity, and is to this day. The past Parish Priest, Rev Fr Philip Sainter, was a good friend to me as school chaplain in the 90s, and married us in 2003.

The magnificent high altar is by Donnelly, a Coventry artist, and carved by Boulton. As well as with many other Pugin churches, apse wall paintings are by Hardman & Co, another West Midlands company.

The Mass was Low and the celebrant was Rev Fr Anton Guziel CongOrat. Newly installed parish priest of the Birmingham Oratory. He is very helpful for me, being Oratory link to the Birmingham LMS. He is even giving us a spiritual conference on the Seven Dolours of the Blessed Virgin in our recently organized coach trip to the York Minster national LMS Pilgrimage. I think I'm right in saying there will be three priests coming on our coach.

The Nuptial Mass is special in the extra blessings for the bride and groom, who kneel close to the altar throughout. Organ music accompanied the service at various points.

Ad Multos Annos!

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St Joseph's Retreat

2011-03-21T19:30:00.000Z

Latin Mass Society Celebrates St Joseph’s Day with an Overflowing Morning of Recollection Followed by a Successful Solemn Mass in Westminster Cathedral

The sun shone on the Latin Mass Society’s (LMS) Morning of Recollection on the theme of St Joseph and Lent and its afternoon Solemn High Mass in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 19 March (St Joseph’s Day).

Fr Andrew Southwell, the LMS's National Chaplain, gave the Morning of Recollection at St Vincent's Convent, Carlisle Place, close to the cathedral. Nearly 60 people attended the event, exceeding the seating capacity of the meeting room so that extra chairs had to be brought in for those who arrived slightly late.

Many aspects of St Joseph and the Season of Lent were covered in the hour-and-a-half talk which concluded with the Litany of St Joseph in Latin and several people commented afterwards that they very much appreciated the insights given by Fr Southwell on Our Lady’s husband and foster-father to Our Lord.

Father Southwell was also the celebrant at the High Mass in Westminster Cathedral in the afternoon. Father Martin Edwards was deacon and Fr Patrick Hayward was sub-deacon; the Mass attracted a congregation of some 300 people.

Music was provided by members of the Cathedral Choir, which centred on Mozart's Coronation Mass. There were blue skies outside and the sunshine streamed in through the windows high in the Sanctuary sending beams of light through the clouds of incense rising from the altar. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the Feast of St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church.

More pictures on the LMS Flickr page here.

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Sidcup Healthcare Conference

2011-03-19T22:44:00.000Z

Our Lady of the Rosary is hosting a spiritual and learning conference built upon faith and clinical excellence for healthcare workers, arranged by the Catholic Medical Association (Kent Branch.)

The Conference will take place on Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 March 2011. for medical professions, this will gain 6 hours of CPD: Certificates of attendance will be available.

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Email Halesowen Mass

2011-03-19T21:57:00.002Z

I didn't attend the Halesowen Sung Mass today, courtesy of Fr Bruce Dutson. Although today would normally be Ember Saturday in Lent and particular strict fasting; it was March 19th and so therefore the first class Feast of St Joseph, and a chance to break the Lenten Fast. We had a culinary feast from my mother, and I drank wine and coke: 2 things I have fasted from. I hope someone took pictures.

St Joseph is the Patron Saint of Fathers; so in a sense a particularly important feast for me. It is also the Patron of protecting the Sancta Ecclesia Holy Church, so a time to pray for the Pope and all Clergy. I particularly want to thank fathers:

George Grynowski
Philip Cleevely
Chris Handforth
Christopher Miller
Jan Nowotnik
Anton Guziel
Fr anonymous

A Priest who was in choir sent the following report:

The Missa cantata was lovely. There was a full complement of servers and an excellent choir who sang well. I was in Choir, in training for Saturday. I would say there were about 30 faithful present. There was some lively conversation after mass in the Parish Room!

More on St Joseph, Spouse of the BVM from Bulters' Lives of the Saints

ST. JOSEPH was by birth of the royal family of David, but was living in humble obscurity as a carpenter when God raised him to the highest sanctity, and fitted him to be the spouse of His Virgin Mother, and foster-father and guardian of the Incarnate Word. Joseph, says the Holy Scripture, was a just man; he was innocent and pure, as became the husband of Mary; he was gentle and tender, as one worthy to be named the father of Jesus; he was prudent and a lover of silence, as became the master of the holy house; above all, he was faithful and obedient to divine calls. His conversation was with angels rather than with men. When he learned that Mary bore within her womb the Lord of heaven, he feared to take her as his wife; but an angel bade him fear not, and all doubts vanished. When Herod sought the life of the divine Infant, an angel told Joseph in a dream to fly with the Child and His Mother into Egypt. Joseph at once arose and obeyed. This sudden and unexpected flight must have exposed Joseph to many inconveniences and sufferings in so long a journey with a little babe and a tender virgin, the greater part of the way being through deserts and among strangers; yet he alleges no excuses, nor inquires at what time they were to return. St. Chrysostom observes that God treats thus all His servants, sending them frequent trials to clear their hearts from the rust of self-love, but intermixing seasons of consolation. "Joseph," says he, "is anxious on seeing the Virgin with child; an angel removes that fear. He rejoices at the Child's birth, but a great fear succeeds: the furious king seeks to destroy the Child, and the whole city is in an uproar to take away His life. This is followed by another joy, the adoration of the Magi; a new sorrow then arises: he is ordered to fly into a foreign unknown country, without help or acquaintance." It is the opinion of the Fathers that upon their entering Egypt, at the presence of the child Jesus, all the oracles of that superstitious country were struck dumb, and the statues of their gods trembled and in many places fell to the ground. The Fathers also attribute to this holy visit the spiritual benediction poured on that country, which made it for many ages most fruitful in Saints. After the death of King Herod, of which St. Joseph was informed in another vision, God ordered him to return with the Child and His Mother into the land of Israel, which our Saint readily obeyed. But when he arrived in Judea, hearing that Archelaus had succeeded Herod in that part of the country, and apprehensive that he might be infected with his father's vices, he feared on that account to settle there, as he would otherwise probably have done for the education of the Child; and therefore, being directed by God in another vision, he retired into the dominions of Herod Antipas, in Galilee, to his former habitation in Nazareth. St. Joseph, being a strict observer of the Mosaic law, in conformity to its direction annually repaired to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Our Saviour, now in the twelfth year of His age, accompanied His parents thither. Having performed the usual ceremonies of the feast, they were returning with many of their neighbors and acquaintances towards Galilee; and never doubting but that Jesus was with some of the company, they travelled on for a whole day's journey before they discovered that He was not with them. But when night came on and they could hear no tidings of Him among their kindred and acquaintance, they, in the deepest affliction, returned with the utmost speed to Jerusalem. After an anxious search of three days they found Him in the Temple, discoursing with the learned doctors of the law, and asking them such questions as raised the admiration of all that heard Him, and made them astonished at the ripeness of His understanding; nor were His parents less surprises on this occasion. When His Mother told Him with what grief and earnestness they had sought Him, and asked, "Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold Thy Father and I sought Thee in great affliction of mind," she received for answer, "How is it that you sought Me? did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" But though thus staying in the Temple unknown to His parents, in all other things He was obedient to them, returning with them to Nazareth, and there living in all dutiful subjection to them. As no further mention is made of St. Joseph, he must have died before the marriage of Cana and the beginning of our divine Saviour's ministry. We cannot doubt that he had the happiness of Jesus and Mary attending at his death, praying by him, assisting and comforting him in his last moments; whence he is particularly invoked for the great grace of a happy death and the spiritual presence of Jesus in that hour.

Reflection.--St. Joseph, the shadow of the Eternal Father upon earth, the protector of Jesus in His home at Nazareth, and a lover of all children for the sake of the Holy Child, should be the chosen guardian and pattern of every true Christian family.

Ember Wednesday

2011-03-16T19:46:00.001Z

At St Michael's, West Bromwich tonight:

Gospel: when an unclean spirit is gone out of a man he walketh through dry places seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith: I will return into my house from whence I came out. And coming he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then he goeth, and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is made worse than the first.

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Possible Personal Parish in England

2011-03-15T14:26:00.001Z

Latin Mass Society's Response to the Announcement of Negotiations Between Bishop Mark Davies of Shrewsbury and the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest

Bishop Mark Davies of Shrewsbury has announced that he is negotiating with the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, an international order of priests who solely celebrated the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, for them to take control of the landmark Church of SS Peter and Paul, New Brighton, on the Wirral. The church is commonly known as ‘the Dome of Home’ for its prominence and visibility, even from sea.

In response, the Latin Mass Society has announced that it warmly welcomes the news that Bishop Mark Davies is negotiating with the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (ICKSP) to enable the ICKSP to assume responsibility for the much-loved Church of SS Peter and Paul on the Wirral and for it to become a centre for Eucharistic devotion. The local membership of the LMS has been campaigning for the church to be reopened and for the Traditional Latin Mass to be regularly celebrated there.

This initiative is sure to promote Church renewal in Shrewsbury diocese to the great benefit of all Catholics regardless of which Form of the Rite they are attached to. The LMS will offer every help and assistance to Bp Davies and the Institute to bring their plans to fruition and invites all those attached to the Extraordinary Form to pray for Bishop Davies’ intentions.

Doctor Joseph Shaw, LMS Chairman, said: ‘This initiative is a clear expression of the harmonious reintegration of the Extraordinary Form into the life of the Church which Pope Benedict XVI so patently desires. It is a wonderful idea to have a centre for Eucharistic devotion in Shrewsbury diocese and the ICKSP are second to none in their devotion to Our Blessed Lord in the Sacrament of the Altar’.

The LMS provides regular financial support both to the Institute of Christ the King (ICKSP) and the Fraternity of St Peter (FSSP) for their missions in England and Wales to reintroduce use of the Extraordinary Form; further financial support is given to English and Welsh seminarians at ICKSP and FSSP seminaries.”
--

This link goes to the LMS’s press release on its website:
http://www.lms.org.uk/news-and-events/news-blog#press-release-icksp-bp-davies

In Pulverum Reverteris

2011-03-13T12:18:00.000Z

The Ash Wednesday Mass at St Michael's, West Bromwich, included the traditional blessing and imposition of Ashes, followed by a Low Mass. There were 26 penitents in attendance. This was an extra Mass in addition to the regular third Wednesday (which is next week). The prayers for this in the Extraordinary Form are particularly beautiful and, I imagine, ancient.

Oremus. Deus, qui humiliatione flecteris, et satisfactione placaris: aurem tuae pietatis inclina precibus nostris; et capitibus servorum tuorum, horum cinerum aspersione contactis, effunde propitius gratiam tuae benedictionis: ut eos et spiritu compunctionis repleas, et quae iuste postulaverint, efficaciter tribuas; et concessa perpetuo stabilita, et intacta manere decernas. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Let us pray. O God, who art moved by humiliation, and appeased by satisfaction: incline the ear of Thy goodness to our prayers and mercifully pour forth upon the heads of Thy servants sprinkled with these ashes the grace of Thy blessing: that Thou mayest both fill them with the spirit of compunction, and effectually grant what they have justly prayed for: and ordain that what Thou hast granted may be permanently established and remain unchanged. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Oremus. Concede nobis, Domine, praesidia militiae christianae sanctis inchoare ieiuniis: ut contra spiritales nequitias pugnaturi continentiae muniamur auxiliis. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Let us pray. Grant us, O Lord, to begin with holy fasts the campaign of our Christian warfare: that, as we do battle with the spirits of evil, we may be protected by the help of self-denial. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Halesowen Sung Mass

2011-03-12T12:27:00.000Z

There has been some confusion about the time of the Sung Mass for St Joseph at Our Lady & St Kenelm (Saturday 19th March). Mass will begin at 12 noon. (Not 10am as previously stated, mea culpa!) It is not often that Fr Dutson has such events, so it will be wonderful if people can make the effort and attend.

The Fr Z Effect

2011-03-07T15:45:00.000Z

Thanks so much for all the recent interest in my local little blog, in connection with my report on Fr George's school Mass of last week. It seems to really have sparked popular interest, and I'm glad so many Pastors (including the indefatigable Fr Tim Finigan) have become inspired by it.

Perhaps it's more common for these sort of Masses to be dumbed down; kids are clearly capable of understanding more than people give them credit. I remember from my youth finding the bog-standard Novus Ordo boring, so perhaps we may as well present the Faith in all it's glory.

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Successful West Heath School Mass

2011-03-03T21:04:00.007Z

Today Fr George Grynowski said a Votive Low Mass for the Blessed Sacrament for the school children of his local primary school, ages 8-11. Over 120 people were in attendance;

Fr George remarks:

The Mass started out as a casual comment from myself to Melanie Bullivant. I said something like "wouldn't it be great if the school had the opportunity of experiencing the Extraordinary Form so that they can appreciate something about the richness of the Church's traditional liturgy, which is after all part of their heritage". This would have been as recently as about December last year. I didn't expect much to come from it, certainly not in the immediate future. Melanie mentioned it to the headteacher, and to my great joy I was told that she was quite happy for one of the regular scheduled school Masses to be in the Extraordinary Form. We decided on today, 3 March, to give time to prepare for it.

Active Participation in EF Low Mass

Melanie and I did the preparation for it. I concentrated on the commentaries, of which there were three: one given before the first hymn, one after the homily and one after the people's communion. We followed the guidelines given in "Musica sacra" (1958). They were given from a lectern in front of but outside the altar rails.

Latin mass commentary

Three hymns were sung: one at the beginning of Mass, one at the offertory, and one at the end, after the Last gospel. Melanie prepared a beautiful Mass booklet with traditional illustrations.

I went to the school and spoke with the children last Monday to explain the main differences between this form and the Ordinary form, and why those differences exist.

Traditional Latin Mass

The Mass went well: there was a beautiful atmosphere in Church and the children were reverent and attentive. One of the boys, an 8 year old, had been trained to serve, and he did well. Many parents and governors and other parishioners also assisted. The Mass was well publicised at school and in the parish. I have not, as yet, received a single adverse comment, but several praising the initiative. The idea for the future is that there will be one or maybe two of these Masses each school year. It goes to show that children can appreciate the beauty of the Extraordinary form: its not something high-brow or sophisticated and only for liturgical or antiquarian geeks!

Today has, I think, been one of the most rewarding days I have had in my life as a priest. I just felt such a tremendous uplift in spirit that I had the privilege of celebrating Mass for those children and, I pray and hope, helping to open their eyes to a different, older and yet refreshingly new way of worship. Its been one of those days when its really felt that God's been at work! Thank you to the LMS!

Melanie Bullivant, teacher at the Primary School and a regular at Fr George's Friday Evening Low Mass;

I was so pleased with the children's behaviour - they really seemed to enter into the spirit of the liturgy, so to speak! I have asked lots of the children what they thought of the Mass and there has been 90% positive feedback! A few said things like it was a bit loo long or they didn't like all the kneeling. But a hugh majority say they really liked it. I asked why and they said things like, they enjoyed listening to the Latin and they liked joining in with some of the reponses. Some said they liked the quiet because they felt close to Jesus and one girl said she really liked kneeling for Holy Communion because it was more special! One of the children said she wants to learn more Latin! Staff feedback has also been positive, they seemed to enjoy the Mass and were pleased with the children's behaviour.

Halesowen

2011-03-03T14:36:00.002Z

I don't know Fr Dutson, but have attended his weekly Noon Low Mass on occasion. Don't forget to support his Missa Cantata Sung by the Neri Singers;

St Joseph Sat March 19th 2011 at 12 noon

Our Lady & St Kenelm,

Packed School Mass

2011-03-03T11:05:00.002Z

One hundred and twenty-two people were present for Fr George's School Mass at St John Fisher, West Heath; a Church most recently as 1965 designed for the Traditional Mass. There was a small pulpit in the centre aisle used at certain points in the Mass of the Catechumens for instruction in the liturgy. These allowances were granted by the 1958

instruction.

I was not able to stay for the whole thing, but will give a further report, as well as proper photos, soon.

Landmark School Mass

2011-03-02T23:44:00.001Z

Tomorrow Thurs 3rd March:

Fr George will say a Low Mass at 09:30am for years 4/5/6 of his local primary school. The Mass is open to all. Children will sings hymns and read commentary at certain points in the Mass. The Epistle & Gospel will be in English. It will be a votive Mass of the Blessed Sacrament.

Fr George has already met with the head of RE who is very keen on the idea. Fr George also spoke to the children about the Old Mass, teaching them some Latin & Greek responses so as to have a dialogue Mass.

Not many people have heard of this sort of thing; but it seems such an obvious thing; to acquaint children with part of their Catholic heritage that they are unlikely to experience with their parents and would otherwise just hear dark misleading rumours about.

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Ash Wednesday 2011

2011-03-01T22:20:00.002Z

Wednesday 9th March

To mark the beginning of Lent with Imposition of Ashes

in the Traditional Rite

Birmingham Oratory, 5:45pm
St Michael's, West Bromwich, 6pm

All Low Masses

Ash Wednesday

I wish you all a blessed Advent penance...

Saturday 26th March

2011-02-27T13:12:00.002Z

Assuming payments all arrive, the coach is now full for the York Pilgrimage. Thanks to everyone for supporting this LMS national initiative which is being organised by Paul Waddington. The Minster is a large church and I'm glad we're helping to fill it!

Due to the coach trip there will likely be no 9:30am Mass at the Oratory on that day

UPDATE: The Order of Service is now on-line. Although there will be copies available on the day in B&W, the organisers have recommended you print your own just in case there is a mad rush!

Birmingham LMS Flickr Map

2011-02-19T22:19:00.002Z

Sadly I cannot yet embed it along with the calendar on the side-bar, but here is my Flickr Map showing where and when all my Latin Mass photos were taken.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/birmingham-lms-rep/map/

West Heath Low Mass Photos

2011-02-18T22:38:00.003Z

Feria (6th Sunday after Epiphany)

Harvington Hall Photos

2011-02-18T22:37:00.000Z

5th Sunday after Epiphany

School Mass

2011-02-13T12:57:00.001Z

Fr George Grynowski at St John Fisher, West Heath, is undertaking a bold thing; introducing the Traditional Latin Mass to his local school children; Thursday March 3rd at 9:30am. It will be a Low Mass served by one of the school pupils and will be a votive Mass for the Blessed Sacrament. There will also be commentary at various points, as suggested by De Musica Sacra (1958). It is open to the public.

Funeral

2011-02-11T15:19:00.001Z

Graeme le Monnier, one time representative of the LMS in Birmingham and continuous supporter of the Traditional Liturgy, died last week.

His funeral will be Wednesday 16th February at 11.30am and may be a Missa Cantata. The coffin will be received into Birmingham Oratory the night before. Let's pray for him.

Requiescat in Pace

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Blessing of the Throats

2011-02-05T09:48:00.004Z

"Per intercessionem Sancti Blasii, episcopi et martyris, liberet te Deus a malo gutturis,
et a quolibet alio malo. In nomine Patris, et Filii +, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen."

Yesterday evening, in addition to the First Friday Mass for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr George Grynowski kindly gave the Blessing of the Throats. This is usually a blessing reserved to 3rd February for the commemoration of St Blase. Here is an extract of the blessing, although the first part was done in the sacristy before Mass:

O God most powerful and most kind, Who didst create all the different things in the world by the Word alone, and Whose will it was that this Word by Which all things were made should become incarnate for the remaking of mankind; Thou Who art great and limitless, worthy of reverence and praise, the worker of wonders; for Whose sake the glorious Martyr and Bishop, St. Blaise, joyfully gained the palm of martyrdom, never shrinking from any kind of torture in confessing his faith in Thee; Thou Who didst give to him, amongst other gifts, the prerogative of curing by Thy power every ailment of men’s throats; humbly we beg Thee in Thy majesty not to look upon our guilt, but, pleased by his merits and prayers, in Thine awe-inspiring kindness, to bless+this wax created by Thee and to sanc+tify it, pouring into it Thy grace; so that all who in good faith shall have their throats touched by this wax may be freed from every ailment of their throats through the merit of his suffering, and, in good health and spirits, may give thanks to Thee in Thy holy Church and praise Thy glorious name, which is blessed for ever and ever. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee lives and reigns, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

A translation of the Blessing used on the throats is ; "Through the intercession of Saint Blase, Bishop and Martyr, may God deliver you from sickness of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." I'm sure it's a blessing always welcome at this time of year!

Low Mass Training

2011-01-30T22:02:00.000Z

On Saturday I helped two young men learn to serve the Low Mass of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. They are both parishioners of St John Fisher, West Heath; where there is a Low Mass every Friday as well as two High Masses per year. One was 18 years old, the other 8 years old. Both showed extraordinary zeal, care and attention. Although Low Masses are usually at a side altar in this Church, its lack of altar steps meant using the high altar was preferable, as you can see from the photos

Since Low Mass is best learned just by doing it, Fr George (Parish Priest) kindly offered a Low Mass for St Francis de Sales shortly after 11am so that what was learned could be implemented. The biggest difficulty for a new server is the recitation of Latin responses, and so I stayed in the Sanctuary to help them along during Mass whilst they shared the major roles.

Although it is usually just one server per Priest in a Latin Mass, for solemnities two are often used. It is also a great way to teach the Low Mass since a more experienced server can be paired with a 'trainee'. This is the case each Sunday at the Birmingham Oratory. One server is in charge of moving the Missal, and always stays on the opposite side of it. The other server is charged with ringing the bell. They also serve in the same way as Acolytes at a Missa Cantata by assisting the Priest with the water and wine at the Offertory, Lavabo and Ablutions.

It is useful to have a basic knowledge of the differences in the Novus Ordo with this type of training. The younger lad in particular had prior experience of serving at Sunday Masses, and therefore was curious about the differences. For instance there are two ablutions, both using wine as well as just water. This server is particularly honoured to be chosen to serve Fr George's school Masses, where he will expose the children to the Latin Mass for the first time. Please pray for these fine young men.

To read about the LMS's latest initiatives for training Altar Servers, see the Society of St Tarcissius website

Candlemas

2011-01-30T09:54:00.001Z

Feast of the Purification of Our Lady
Low Mass Birmingham Oratory
Wednesday 2nd February 2011
5.45pm

National LMS Pilgrimage to York

2011-01-28T19:30:00.000Z

NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE IN HONOUR OF

ST. MARGARET CLITHEROW (Patroness of the LMS)

SATURDAY 26TH. MARCH

MISSA CANTATA YORK MINSTER 1.30P.M.

TO BE FOLLOWED BY PROCESSION AND BENEDICTION AT 4.00P.M.

This is a rare opportunity; a Catholic Latin Mass from the High Altar of York Minster, an ancient Church dating from the 13th Century, and showing signs of Christian Worship on the site from even earlier. I am arranging a contingent from our region, which will include arrival for about 11am, allowing time before the Mass to have lunch and a look around the city. Following Mass I am also arranging a guided tour around the Minster. The day will end after a Procession to the Bar Convent for Benediction and veneration of St Margaret Clitherow's relics.

I am arranging a coach which will depart from our region in three locations:

St John Fisher, West Heath
Birmingham Oratory
St Michael's West Bromwich.

Cost will be £15 per seat (usually twice this price)

I will be offering child discounts for families of three children and over. Infants on laps (0-2) will be free.

I will publish further details as I finalise them. In the meantime, get in touch to reserve a seat! Email matthewdoyle -at- hotmail.co.uk. There is a lot of interest so be quick!

Poster for advertising

Mass Prayer Card for Altar steps

2011-01-28T19:25:00.000Z

I have made myself a card for Priest and Server to say both the introductory prayers and, on the reverse, the Leonine Prayers. Feel free to print, laminate, and use.
Altar Step Card

LMS Newsletter Jan - April 2011

2011-01-27T16:51:00.000Z

Please see below the latest newsletter with Mass times for the next quarter. All Masses are confirmed.
LMS Newsletter Feb 2011_blog

Priests' Training Conference 2011

2011-01-25T22:25:00.004Z

Benediction at Downside Abbey
August 2010

The Latin Mass Society has announced its seventh residential conference for priests who wish to learn the Extraordinary Form of Mass. The conference will take place at Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, Devon from Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th May.

Tuition will be given in small groups selected according to ability, and will cover Low Mass, Missa Cantata and Missa Solemnis. It is also hoped to provide tuition in the sacraments of baptism and marriage. Only rudimentary Latin is required.

There will also be a residential course for laymen wishing to learn to serve the Extraordinary Form.

The conference will begin late morning on the Tuesday, although there will be the opportunity for those travelling long distances to stay at Buckfast Abbey on the Monday night. The conference will end after lunch on the Friday.

Learning High Mass at Downside Abbey
August 2010

There will be sung Mass in the Extraordinary Form each day; parts of the Office will also be sung.

The inclusive fee is £85 which covers all tuition, accommodation and board.

Application forms for both priests and servers training are available from the LMS office (020 7404 7284) or the LMS website (www.lms.org.uk).

LMS Chairman, Doctor Joseph Shaw said: “The LMS’s training conferences are now well-established in the Church’s calendar of activities. We have already trained over a hundred priests and many more Extraordinary Form Masses are being offered around the country due to our training activities”.

Extra West Heath Mass

2011-01-24T16:37:00.000Z

This coming Saturday, January 29th, there will be an 11am Low Mass for the feast of St Francis de Sales (today in the modern calender).

The reason for this is to allow the training of two new altar servers in the Parish. Deo Gratias.

New Midlands Chaplain

2011-01-16T21:06:00.002Z

With the departure of Fr Philip Cleevely from the country for the time being, the LMS committee have elected a new Chaplain to assist with regional issues; Fr Thomas Crean OP. I have put a picture of him on the sidebar; click on it to see the website for the Holy Cross Priory in Leicester where he is based, an impressive Church from the mid-20th Century. Here is a stylised photo of Fr Crean saying Mass this afternoon.

Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ

2011-01-08T17:02:00.001Z

On Thursday the Birmingham Oratory celebrated its now customary Mass for the Epiphany, on its original untransferred Twelfth Night!

Vidimus stellam eius in Oriente, et venimus cum muneribus adorare Dominum

We have seen His star in the East, and are come with gifts to adore the Lord

Of particular note was the Subdeacon, Br Richard Duncan, who is the newest member of the Birmingham Oratory community. He has previously trained at Wonersh receiving the ministry of Acolyte, which in the modern Church is the highest 'minor order' and thus places him in the obvious role for Subdeacon of the Mass. Although he has taken this role in the Oratory's Ordinary High Mass, this was the first time he had done so for the Extraordinary Form. The Celebrant was former Provost Fr Paul Chavasse and the Deacon was Fr Anton Guziel, former diocesan Priest but now a full member of the Oratory Congregation.

Another feature was the singing of the moveable Feasts of the New Year, which was done by a European Deacon staying at the Oratory. It is sung to a very interesting and ancient chant, and gives the dates for Ash Wednesday (March 9th), Easter Day (April 24th), Ascension (June 2nd), Pentecost (June 12th), Corpus Christi (June 23rd) and Advent (November 27th).

The Oratory choir sang Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli, the same as this time four years ago when the Oratory started their regular EF High Masses, which was even before Summorum Pontificum.

A full collection of photos can be found here.

Notice

2011-01-07T17:49:00.000Z

There will unfortunately NOT be a Mass this evening at West Heath. Normal service will hopefully resume next week.

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Ember Wednesday of Advent

2011-01-04T23:54:00.001Z

Christmas Masses

2010-12-24T14:13:00.001Z

There are three ways you can fulfill your Christmas (Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ) Obligation. Despite being on a Saturday this year, the Bishops of England & Wales have not transferred it to the Sunday.

Friday 24th December: 4pm "Midnight Mass" (Missa Cantata) at the Birmingham Oratory
Friday 24th December: 7pm "Midnight Mass" (Low Mass with English readings and Hymns) at St John Fisher, West Heath
Saturday 25th December: 9.30am "Dawn Mass" (Low Mass) at the Birmingham Oratory

P.S. The total numbers attending these three Masses combined was 300 - which is therefore the number of people in this region choosing to observe this obligation in the Old Rite. A significant number indeed!

May I wish you all a Blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year! 2011 Ordos and Calenders are available from the LMS.

Servers Wanted!

2010-12-11T08:06:00.002Z

Fr George Grynowski says Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form every Friday at 7pm in his Parish of West Heath in South Birmingham. It has been the case recently that there has been no one able to serve; therefore I appeal to anyone who is willing so spare the odd Friday night and living close by, please help! This is an excellent opportunity to learn to serve this noble Mass, and a wonderful personal incentive to grow in holiness.

Applicants need only be of the male gender!

St Hugh of Lincoln

2010-11-17T15:29:00.002Z

Tonight's Low Mass at West Bromwich will be for the local feast of St Hugh of Lincoln. For more about this Saint, see the Catholic encyclopaedia entry. It is observed on this day in the Traditional Calendar in Nottingham, Westminster, Birmingham, Clifton and Northampton.

St Hugh

Newman on the Mass

2010-11-15T17:05:00.002Z

Many people look at the Latin Mass and think it absolutely pointless and unintelligible. A common criticism of the Mass pre-Vatican II was that it was rushed and garbled. I must say that because the Latin Mass is only said nowadays by Priests who love and cherish it, there is undoubtedly greater care taken in observing the Rite. Perhaps previous abuses were part of the problem resulting in wholesale reform?

However, Blessed John Henry Newman provides his own enthusiastic analysis of this criticism in his work of fiction Loss and Gain. When asked by his sceptical Protestant friend, in a final attempt at dismissing Romanism, how he could justify the garbled Mass, when it was said in a manner which ignored the presence or even understanding of the congregation, the zealous Catholic answers:

"...it will be faith which will enable you to bear the ways and usages of Catholics, which else might perhaps startle you. Else, the habits of years, the associations in your mind of a certain outward behaviour with real inward acts of devotion, might embarrass you, when you had to conform yourself to other habits, and to create for yourself other associations...

"to me nothing is so consoling, so piercing, so thrilling, so overcoming, as the Mass, said as it is among us. I could attend Masses for ever, and not be tired. It is not a mere form of words,—it is a great action, the greatest action that can be on earth. It is, not the invocation merely, but, if I dare use the word, the evocation of the Eternal. He becomes present on the altar in flesh and blood, before whom angels bow and devils tremble. This is that awful event which is the scope, and is the interpretation, of every part of the solemnity. Words are necessary, but as means, not as ends; they are not mere addresses to the throne of grace, they are instruments of what is far higher, of consecration, of sacrifice. They hurry on as if impatient to fulfil their mission. Quickly they go, the whole is quick; for they are all parts of one integral action. Quickly they go; for they are awful words of sacrifice, they are a work too great to delay upon; as when it was said in the beginning, 'What thou doest, do quickly.' Quickly they pass; for the Lord Jesus goes with them, as He passed along the lake in the days of His flesh, quickly calling first one and then another. Quickly they pass; because as the lightning which shineth from one part of the heaven unto the other, so is the coming of the Son of Man. Quickly they pass; for they are as the words of Moses, when the Lord came down in the cloud, calling on the Name of the Lord as He passed by, 'The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.' And as Moses on the mountain, so we too 'make haste and bow our heads to the earth, and adore.' So we, all around, each in his place, look out for the great Advent, 'waiting for the moving of the water.' Each in his place, with his own heart, with his own wants, with his own thoughts, with his own intention, with his own prayers, separate but concordant, watching what is going on, watching its progress, uniting in its consummation;—not painfully and hopelessly following a hard form of prayer from beginning to end, but, like a concert of musical instruments, each different, but concurring in a sweet harmony, we take our part with God's priest, supporting him, yet guided by him. There are little children there, and old men, and simple labourers, and students in seminaries, priests preparing for Mass, priests making their thanksgiving; there are innocent maidens, and there are penitent sinners; but out of these many minds rises one eucharistic hymn, and the great Action is the measure and the scope of it... And you ask me whether this is not a formal, unreasonable service—it is wonderful! Quite wonderful. When will these dear, good people be enlightened? O Sapientia, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia, O Adonai, O Clavis David et Exspectatio gentium, veni ad salvandum nos, Domine Deus noster."

New LMS website

2010-11-07T21:15:00.000Z

The Latin Mass Society Head Office have overhauled their website which can be found at the memorable address of www.lms.org.uk. It features an improved interactive map of all the Latin Masses in the country, so that wherever you may be you can see at a glance where the nearest one is. As well as all the usual features and resources, there is lots to explore, with updated photo galleries linked into the new Flickr environment.

There are exciting new links to umbrella organisations; the Gregorian Chant Network and the Society of St Tarcisius, which is a new Sodality of Altar Servers trained exclusively in the Extraordinary Form.

Mass of Ages Report: November 2010

2010-11-07T21:05:00.000Z

News from the Dioceses

(Birmingham & Black Country)

Mass of Ages Magazine

November 2010

It has been a continuing steady trickle of Masses in the region; our monthly Low Masses at West Heath and West Bromwich continue. In early July the feast of St John Fisher & Thomas More was celebrated with a High Mass at St John Fisher Church in West Heath for the second year running. This year Fr George Grynowski, Parish Priest, was accompanied by Fr Christopher Miller and Fr Jan Nowotnik.
The excellent choir ensemble 1685, sung Jean Richafort’s setting for our annual High Requiem at St John Fisher, West Heath on Friday 5 November. For the rest of November Fr George will have a weekly Friday Low Mass at 7.00pm.
On 17 July the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate decided upon an Extraordinary Form Missa Cantata for their ‘Day with Mary’ at the Birmingham Oratory which meant a packed Church with lots of people new to the Traditional Mass. Also at the Oratory, the usual Saturday Low Mass has been postponed in recent months due to refurbishment of St Philip’s Chapel. Now the work is complete. The Holy Father was the first to pray in the new Shrine to Blessed John Henry Newman, where there is an Extraordinary Form Mass said every Saturday at 9.30am.
On Saturday 2 October we had our first Chant and Server training event culminating in a Missa Cantata for the Holy Angels at West Bromwich. About twenty-five people participated, with a congregation of about fifty at the Mass.

Annual Requiem 2010

2010-11-06T10:27:00.002Z

High Masses being sufficiently rare is perhaps the reason I still have a sense of Euphoria after last night's Solemn High Requiem. But I like to think that it is something particularly special and powerful about the Rite itself, and how it was conducted on this occasion.

Once again ensemble 1685 offered to sing Richafort's polyphonic Requiem, as well as Chant the Graduale, Tractus, Dies Iræ, Libera Me and In Paradisum. The Propers of the Mass were from the Daily Mass for the Dead with prayers for deceased Brethren, relatives and Benefactors. The Mass was said at St John Fisher in West Heath, a church built in, and designed for the liturgy of, 1962. The Parish Priest Fr George Grynowski was Celebrant, with fellow South Birmingham Priests Frs Christopher Miller & Jan Nowotnik as Deacon and Subdeacon. Three other Priests from Birmingham were also present, with one sitting in choir.

After some intensive study and attending the Society of St Tarcissius Master Class, I was able to MC the Mass. This in itself is a great honour for me, commonly being the role of a cleric, and something I never imagined I'd be able to do this time last year. God must have graced me with a certain composure which I otherwise wouldn't have had under such circumstances! By all accounts things went very well, especially as a Requiem has so many 'oddities' compared to a normal High Mass, to demonstrate a sombreness and austerity of mood.

For instance, the Acolytes don't carry torches at the Gospel; no-one receives a blessing; there is neither Gloria nor Creed; the Sacred Ministers omit the solita oscula or reverent kisses when handing the celebrants liturgical objects. The Subdeacon has a different role, and instead of using a humeral veil and holding the Paten throughout the Canon, he instead incenses the Sanctissimum at the consecration.

But the most noticeable difference at last night's Mass for the 80 people present was the presence of the Catafalque and the ceremony associated with it at the end of Mass. An empty coffin was borrowed from the local funeral parlour, and the faithful were able to place inside it petitions written on paper, for dearly beloved who have passed out of this life. It is common to have November dead lists in Catholic Parishes, at which time we pray for the faithful departed. What better way to incorporate this into an 'All Souls' type Mass than to combine it with the Traditional ceremonial of the Catafalque, which takes the place of a body. The coffin was draped with a beautiful Pall commissioned by AWN Pugin, which is on loan from the recently closed Parish at Cotton.

It requires great pastoral sensitivity to introduce customs such as this into a Catholic world which no longer has any knowledge of them. For me it was a beautiful fruitful expression of grief and prayer, which no doubt stirs us to greater love and sacrifice for the Holy Souls in Purgatory who are destined for an eternity with the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of the World. Requiéscant in Pace. Amen.

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Solemn High Requiem Booklet

2010-11-03T13:03:00.000Z

This Friday, November 5th 2010 at 7pm, we will have our annual Requiem for deceased Priests, Relatives and Benefactors. This year it will be at St John Fisher, in West Heath. ensemble 1685 will once again sing Richafort's Polyphonic Requiem. Please come and donate generously to the upkeep of this fabulous modern Church designed for the Traditional Liturgy, and undergoing extensive repairs at present.

P.S. Is anyone with a camera available to take photos?

Annual Solemn High Requiem Booklet

Calendar 2011

2010-10-21T12:22:00.002+01:00

Get the 2011 Calendar now!

Solemn High Requiem

2010-10-13T14:36:00.002+01:00

Friday 5th November 2010 at 7pm

St John Fisher Church, 1 Cofton Road, West Heath

Parish Priest Fr George Grynowski will this year offer our Anniversary Requiem Mass for deceased Parishioners and LMS Members. If you would like a loved one's name to be included in the Absolutions at the Catafalque, please leave as a comment.

Last year our first High Requiem was offered at West Bromwich, and for this occasion ensemble 1685 sung a stunning renaissance setting by Jean Richafort, which was a UK first. This year they have kindly offered to return for a repeat performance, which will raise our hearts and minds to God once again.

Jean Richafort (1480-1547)
This polyphonic setting of the Ordinary of the Requiem Mass was composed in honour of the composer's teacher, Josquin Desprez, following Josquin's death in 1521. Richafort held several posts in the Low Countries but also appears to have been attached to the French Court. The Requiem uses fragments of the older composer's work hidden in the rich texture of 6-part writing.

Please support this wonderful opportunity. Full Mass books will be provided and Frs Jan Nowotnik and Christopher Miller from neighbouring parishes will also assist as Deacon and Subdeacon.

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LMS Newsletter Oct 2010 - Jan 2011

2010-10-07T13:07:00.000+01:00

LMS Newsletter Nov 2010_internet

Black Country Training Day

2010-10-02T22:17:00.000+01:00

It is not often that we put together a Missa Cantata in Birmingham. The main limiting factor is availability of singers for the Latin Plainchant, which often takes an exclusive place in professional choirs due to its complexity.

Today was an initiative encouraged by the Latin Mass Society, to train singers and servers for the Traditional Mass. I feel it has created a good grounding for the future, and demonstrated keen local interest in the Latin Mass.

The training took place at St Michael's Church in the busy centre of West Bromwich on a Saturday afternoon. I began at 1.30pm with a brief introduction to the Gregorian Mass, in particular its unique aesthetic features which have been passed down through the centuries and the attention to the Latin text in the Missal, contrasting it with the changes in modern worship fashions.

Mr Oliver Hayes ably led the Chant rehearsal, with Mr Vincent Byrne providing organ accompaniment for Missa de Angelis. Full musical notation was provided, but the hour training only gave time to focus on the Ordinary, with the common tones of the Mass and Mass VIII. There were 19 present for this stream, with about a third from local Anglican communities completely new to Chant in the Latin language, raising concerns about pronunciation. The eager willingness was a real inspiration to me.

The second stream consisted of six of us rehearing the ceremonial of the Mass, serving in the sanctuary alongside the Choir practice. We began the afternoon with prayer, and our work was based on reverence for the Blessed Sacrament and the privilege of acting in clerical positions during Mass. Besides myself, there was one other server who was in the Society of St Tarcissius, with the other servers familiar only with the New Rite. My intention was to familiarise everyone with the roles below MC (Acolyte, Thurifer and Torchbearers) but in practice time was a limiting factor and we managed to at least perform a thorough run-through, with actual Mass being served reasonably well.

Fr George Grynowski from West Heath sang Mass for the Feast of the Guardian Angels, and was very impressed with the accompanying singing. Despite having sung High Mass, it was his first Missa Cantata since refining his skills at the latest LMS Priest's Training conference in Downside Abbey. He joined us for the last portion of the server's training and gave us appropriate encouragement and correction. He used the Missal's rubrics of incensation of a free-standing altar which took advantage of the reordered sanctuary of St Michael's!

There were several more people of course who joined us for the Mass itself at 3pm. I estimate there were a total of about 50, which was good considering the quick arrangement and limited advertising I gave it. Unfortunately the spacious choir loft was not utilised on this occasion due to the position of the organ at the front of church.

Refreshments were had afterwards in the church hall, and Fr George blessed the children's craftwork Guardian Angels which are keeping them safe in bed tonight (you might say this was a third stream for the afternoon with the younger age group and mother-cathecists!)

It seems the general consensus was a successful day, and something positive to build upon. If you would like to partake in any future activities, which will rotate around different areas of the West Midlands, please get in touch. It is a ground-up initiative to inject Tradition into our parishes, and a passion shared by many.

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Tomorrow's Chant Training

2010-10-01T16:08:00.000+01:00

As well as Sung Mass Booklets and complete choir booklets, I thought I'd share these Mass sheets for the congregation to participate in the prayers and chants of the Mass for the Feast of the Holy Angels. Missa de Angelis is a very common Mass setting, and although some die-harders may tire of it, your can't say it isn't appropriate for this wonderful Feast!

Chant and server training will commence at 1:30 (beginners and experienced alike welcome), with the Mass starting at 3pm.

Holy Guardian Angels With MassVIII

Sung Mass Missalette

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Generic Sung Mass Booklet

Mass Listings November 2010 - January 2011

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WEEKLY LOW MASSES:

Every Wednesday 12 noon (Our Lady & St Kenelm, Halesowen – Check 0121 6021972 before travelling)

Every Friday 7pm (St John Fisher, West Heath – Provisional beyond November)

Every Saturday 9.30am (Newman Shrine, Birmingham Oratory)

Every Sunday 9.30am (Birmingham Oratory)

OTHER LISTINGS OUTSIDE WEEKLY SCHEDULE:

Monday 1st November All Saints High Mass 7.30pm Birmingham Oratory
Tuesday 2nd November All Souls Low Mass 5.45pm Birmingham Oratory
Friday 5^th November Anniversary Requiem High Mass 7pm St John Fisher, West Heath
Friday 12^th November St Martin Low Mass 7pm St John Fisher, West Heath
Wednesday 17^th November St Hugh of Lincoln 6pm Low Mass St Michael & the Holy Angels, West Bromwich
Friday 19^th November St Elizabeth Low Mass 7pm St John Fisher, West Heath
Friday 26^th November St Sylvester Low Mass 7pm St John Fisher, West Heath
Friday 3^rd December St Francis Xavier 7pm Low Mass St John Fisher, West Heath
Wednesday 8th December Immaculate Conception Low Mass 5.45pm Birmingham Oratory
Wednesday 15^th December Ember Day Low Mass 6pm St Michael & the Holy Angels, West Bromwich
Friday 24th December Nativity "Midnight Mass" Sung Mass 4pm Birmingham Oratory
Saturday 25th December Nativity Low Mass 9.30am (Newman Shrine) Birmingham Oratory
Thursday 6th January 2011 Epiphany High Mass 7.30pm Birmingham Oratory
Friday 7^th January 2011 Epiphany Low Mass 7pm St John Fisher, West Heath
Wednesday 19^th January 2011 St Wulstan Low Mass 6pm St Michael & the Holy Angels, West Bromwich

Missa Cantata and Training

2010-09-25T12:10:00.000+01:00

Saturday 2 October at 1:30pm

Gregorian Chant Training

& Altar Servers Training

(Two streams, beginners and experienced welcome)

Followed by Missa Cantata at 3pm

Feast of the Guardian Angels

Ending with Refreshments

St Michael & The Holy Angels RC Church

260 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8AQ

Happy 3 years!

2010-09-15T23:15:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and therefore the third anniversary of the implementation of Pope Benedict XVI's Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, which basically makes it possible for me to do the work I do. It has enabled several new Masses to take place around Birmingham, principally in West Heath and West Bromwich.

Tonight Fr George Grynowski from West Heath's Parish (down the road from Cofton Park) came to West Bromwich to celebrate the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Last year this was actually a High Mass in his Parish. This year, a Low Mass with about 15 in attendance (plus, briefly, a drunk man looking for some money).

Fr George preached on the celebratory nature of such a sad event as the Crucifixion, since it gives us new life in Christ, and the great part our Lady took in this act of salvation. He then went on to talk about our Holy Father's great act of liberating the Latin Mass and affirming Pope St Pius V from 500 years ago, that it is the Mass of Ages that can never be abrogated or abolished.

In these days leading up to the Holy Father's visit, we pray for a spiritual revolution in this country both within the Church and outside it. The Holy Father may have made it easier to have the Latin Mass, but it has also served to make certain people more panicky than ever! As the Holy Father said in his covering letter, "make room for all the Faith itself allows", and I would urge everyone to remember that this includes not only reverent and beautiful worship, but integral and complete orthodoxy in Faith and Morals, as the Holy Father teaches.

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Sunday 19 September

2010-09-12T09:02:00.000+01:00

Of course in a week the Holy Father will beatify Cardinal Newman. Despite the Birmingham Oratorians being very busy, they will kindly offer Low Latin Mass at 8am. Please note the car park will not be available for use.

Juventutem Retreat UK

2010-09-10T20:20:00.001+01:00

Young Catholic Adults is the English branch of Juventutem which draws together young people attached to the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Mass. It has its presence both at World Youth Days and the Chartres Pilgrimage.

Every year Damian Barker organises a weekend retreat here at Douai Abbey. This year we are fortunate to have several clerics from FSSP present, and will have a Solemn High Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary tomorrow at 11am followed by a procession in the Abbey grounds.

Fr Armand de Mallery FSSP is the retreat giver, and after Low Mass for the feast of St Nicholas of Tolentino, followed by a hearty supper, is tonight launching the retreat with a conference entitled "How God is present in the Holy Eucharist".

St Pius X

2010-08-30T17:34:00.000+01:00

This Friday at West Heath, the Mass at 7pm will be for the Feast of St Pius X (seen on the left celebrating Mass in the Sistine Chapel):

Joseph Sarto was born at Riese in Venetia on June 2, 1835. He was successively curate, parish priest, bishop of Mantua, patriarch of Venice. He was elected Pope on August 4, 1903. As chief pastor of the Church he realised to the full the value of the liturgy as the prayer of the Church and spared no effort to propagate the practice of frequent and daily Communion. In his encyclical Pascedi Dominici Gregis, he exposed and condemned the modernist heresy with force and clarity (1907). He died on August 20, 1914, and was canonized on May 29, 1954

St Pius X

Successful Summer School

2010-08-28T22:36:00.000+01:00

The St Catherine's Trust for Traditional Catholic Education held its sixth Annual Summer School from Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 August at Ardingly College in West Sussex. It was attended by forty enthusiastic students aged from 11 to 18, and a volunteer staff of sixteen, including a chaplain, Fr Andrew Southwell.

The students studied a range of subjects covering every aspect of Catholic belief, history and culture, and heard a piano recital by the professional pianist Matthew Schellhorn, and a talk from the Catholic journalist Dominic Scarborough.

There was daily Sung Mass in the Extraordinary Form, including Mass in Arundel Cathedral, by permission of Bishop Kieran Conry.

As part of the Summer School, the Latin Mass Society held its first ever residential Latin course, directed by Philip Goddard, the LMS's adviser on Latin, which made use of the LMS's teach yourself Latin primer, Simplicissimus. The course was based on the Latin of the liturgy, and examples and exercises were taken from liturgical texts. Students were divided into 'beginners' and 'intermediates', although all joined together for lectures on psalmody and liturgical poetry, the history of liturgical texts, and Latin in Philosophy. Students were delighted with the amount of Latin they were able to absorb, describing the course as 'transforming’ and ‘enriching' their engagement with the liturgy of the Church.

Doctor Joseph Shaw, Chairman of the LMS, said: “The Summer School is always exhausting but exhilarating; it is inspiring to see so many children being so prayerful. This is surely what Pope Benedict wants as part of the re-evangelisation of Europe”.

The St Catherine’s Trust Summer School is financially supported by the Latin Mass Society and other benefactors, and accepts students regardless of their ability to pay. Next year it will be held in Ushaw College in Co. Durham, from Sunday 23 July to Saturday 30 July: see www.stcatherinestrust.org for more details.

Clarification

2010-08-22T12:57:00.000+01:00

I seem to have made all sorts of mistakes in my last newsletter! I upset the Provost of the Birmingham Oratory, who would like to clarify that Fr Philip and any other Oratorians have not been exiled. The word 'exiled' is "untrue, unkind and unhelpful".

Therefore I would like to go on record as saying a more appropriate phrase would be "gone on holiday" in which case please pray that they're having a jolly time.

When I have time I will amend the online newsletter, but it has already been sent out so therefore the 'damage' must have already been done and I hope this clarification will act some way to make amends for such a slur on the Congregation's intentions.

God bless