This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 11 July 2024
Dear All,
I am pleased to send you a flyer about the Ethiopian Chaplaincy. Fr Tilahun has arrived recently and has a challenge to reach out to the small Ethiopian Catholic Community in the Archdiocese and to the North. He will celebrate his first Mass in St Francis, Handsworth, Birmingham. If you can assist by distributing the flyers in your Chaplaincies, Parishes and Schools it would be appreciated.
As usual I am sending my Reflection for this weekend; I have picked up on the political situation we see unfolding in the country and elsewhere. I have noted the words of Pope Francis at the recent Italian Catholic Social Week in Trieste, and the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network Intention for August. I hope you find this helpful as you prepare your own Homily for the coming weekend. The Reflection will feature in our Burning Bush vlog which will be on our website from tomorrow, Thursday.
Prayers and all good wishes for your Ministry, Mgr Daniel McHugh
15th Week in Ordinary Time 14 July 2024 Ethiopians Geez Rite Mass-21 July 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 4 July 2024
Dear All, In past years I have sent out details of the National Course for Overseas Ministers about this time of the year. I am pleased to forward details of the Course for September 2024/May 2025 organised by Missio in collaboration with the Missionary Union. If you would like to attend please make contact with the Vicar General. I do recommend it especially for those from overseas in the first years of Ministry in the UK. In the past there was just one week and now, in light of experience, it is spread over two (September 2024 and May 2025). Please note bookings are required as soon as possible, and payment by 1 August 2024.
I am pleased to send you my Reflection for the 14th Week of the Year: I started to draft it yesterday, the Feast of St Thomas, Apostle. This gave me the opportunity to pray for all Blessings on the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Communities, together with the Tamil Chaplaincy and Syrian Catholics too! Thank-you for the vital contribution you are making to witnessing our Catholic Faith – the Faith of St Thomas – in the UK today.
All good wishes, Mgr Daniel McHugh
2024-25 National Course 2024-25 Registration Form National Course Reflection for The 14th Week in Ordinary Time 7 July 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 27 June 2024
Dear All, I am very pleased to forward you information and brochures about Higher Education Courses being offered by Maryvale Institute. As many of you will know I was privileged to have the opportunity, together with others, to found and set up blended distance learning courses at Maryvale Institute between 1980 and 2000. The Higher Education dimension began in 1990, and it is a special joy to see this continue through partnerships now being developed. Bishop David Evans, Vice President of Maryvale Institute, sent a general letter to Diocesan Priests and Deacons this week (copied to you), and, knowing your interest, I was in touch with Fr Michael Cullinan, Director of the Higher Institute of Religious Studies, to congratulate him, and to ask for further details. Deacon Harry Schnitker (Director of Research) responded with the information that would be of particular interest to you.
I am pleased to forward my weekly Reflection for the coming weekend’s Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul. It will be recorded in video as part of the Burning Bush vlog: you will be able to see it on the Ethnic Chaplaincy Our Lady of Good Counsel website.
With prayers and all good wishes,
Mgr Daniel McHugh
BDiv Brochure 2024 BDiv Diaconal 2024 Exciting Developments at Maryvale Licence Catec 2024-25 final draft One page flyer Reflection for The Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul 30th June 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 20 June 2024
Dear All, this week my Reflection incorporates developments in the Chaldean Church in Iraq. Deacon Subhi Zora has shared with me his article on the return of Cardinal Sako to Baghdad after a year in exile. It is pleasing to be able to draw this to your attention and I would be glad if you could keep me in the picture about developments in your homelands that could be of interest to other Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions.
I am sending you a link to the flyer about the Pilgrimage to Hednesford on 7 July. Our fellow Chaplain, Fr Jeremy Howard, would be pleased to see you promote the Pilgrimage which is led this year by Archbishop Bernard.
This week I am including Canon Jonathan Veasey in our mailing; our prayers are with him as he becomes Vicar General on 1 September. Our thoughts and prayers are with Monsignor Timothy Menezes and Canon Richard Walker who have been Vicars General in the recent years as they are ordained Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese in July: both have been very supportive of the Ethnic Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions.
With prayers and all good wishes for your important ministries.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Hednesford Pilgrimage Poster 2024 Reflection for 12th Week of Ordinary Time 23 June 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 13 June 2024
Dear All, I am pleased to send you the notice from the Diocesan Website on the Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes at Hednesford on Sunday 7 July; it is organised by Fr Jeremy, our Francophone Chaplain and Archbishop Bernard is leading the Celebration. Hednesford is not too far from many of you in Birmingham and environs, and it will be a good occasion to join in the Year of Prayer leading to the Jubilee Year 2025 2024 Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hednesford, Staffordshire | Birmingham Diocesan Trust (birminghamdiocese.org.uk). My Reflection for the weekend draws on the Ongoing Formation days we had this week, and the arrival of Taylor Swift. I am not a “Swiftie” but we learn something from her incredible ability to touch the concerns of people and build community! The video recording of the Reflection will be part of the Burning Bush, which will be available later today on Our Lady of Good Counsel, Ethnic Chaplaincies Website. With prayers and all good wishes for your ministry. Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for 11th Week of the Year in Ordinary Time 16 June 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 6 June 2024
Dear All,
In my Reflection this week I have attempted to link the great events making headline news in our country with the current Liturgical celebrations. I hope the Chaplaincy Faithful will find that helpful.
I am sending the link to the Guidelines for the Election on July 4 from the Bishops’ Conference: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/election24/
I have also had a request from the Communications Department in the Diocese that Chaplains let us have their RCAOB addresses. Can you please check your email address if you are based in the Archdiocese and advise accordingly.
Prayers and best wishes for your important contribution to our Mission in the Diocese.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
CBCEW-Election24-A4-Poster Guidelines for the Election on July 4 from the Bishops’ Conference Reflection for 10th Week of the Year in Ordinary Time 9 June 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 31 May 2024
Dear All, I am pleased to forward my weekly Reflection: this time I have attempted to draw into one the great Solemnities of Corpus Christi and the Sacred Heart. I hope you find it helpful for your own Homily on one or other of these Feasts.
I am also sending you the link from the Diocesan website for the Novena of the Sacred Heart of Jesus beginning at Maryvale this evening 30th May, and ending on the Feast Friday7th June.
Annual Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 2024 | Birmingham Diocesan Trust (birminghamdiocese.org.uk)
With prayers and best wishes for all you do in service of our many ethnic communities.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 23 May 2024
Dear All, I hope you are keeping well as we prepare for some big Feasts, especially Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi and Sacred Heart. I am pleased to send you my Reflection for the Most Holy Trinity and to forward again the flyer about the Catechist Training Day in June.
I am pleased to let you know Archbishop Bernard is supporting a special Intercultural Mass and Promotion of Vocation to Priesthood which is being planned for May next year (Jubilee Year) at Oscott College. Please put 10 May in your Diary, and let me know if you would like to be involved in planning for it: a meeting will take place at Oscott College on Monday 14 October.
All good wishes and prayers for the celebration of the Most Holy Trinity.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Day for Catechists-St Ambrose Barlow Church-June 2024 Reflection for The Most Holy Trinity–26 May 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 16 May 2024
Dear All, This week I am forwarding the Invitation from Archbishop Longley to Parishes and Chaplaincies to the ongoing Formation event for Priests at Woodland Grange. If you are not in one of the parishes you may not have received this; I hope you will consider attending 11-13 June.
I am also sending you the flyer I am circulating about a Day for Catechists which I am setting up for the Deanery I am part of in Birmingham. I am sure it will be useful for any new or existing Catechists you would like to take advantage of training/formation.
My Reflection for Pentecost Sunday is attached: I hope you will find it helpful; it draws on the Papal Bull, which has been issued for the coming Jubilee Year 2025.
With prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit on your vital work.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Day for Catechists-St Ambrose Barlow Church-June 2024 Synod for Priests, 11-13 June 2024 Reflection for Pentecost Sunday–19 May 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 9 May 2024
Dear All, Just this morning I have been invited to preside and preach on Pentecost Sunday at a parish cluster where an “African Mass” is being celebrated to mark the day when the Church opened up to the whole world. It is encouraging to see this development taking place in a number of areas in the Archdiocese; it is a wonderful way of celebrating the increasing diversity of the Church in terms of the many “peoples and languages” we now see among us. It is also an opportunity to consider the witness to the world we are being called to in the Gospel for the Seventh Sunday of Easter: the ‘world’ may be opposed to what we proclaim because of the actions of the “evil one”, but with Mary alongside us, we do not refuse the invitation we have received to witness to Jesus our Risen Lord.
I am sending you a link to my Reflection which will form part of Burning Bush which will be produced tomorrow morning. Prayers for the success of your Ministry.Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for the 7th Week of Easter12 May 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 2 May 2024
Dear All, I am pleased to forward my Reflection for the Solemnity of the Ascension which we celebrate Thursday coming, 9 May. It has been impacted on by the Requiem of my friend and fellow student in Rome, Father David Standley, which took place in Southwark Cathedral on Thursday last 25 April. Fr David’s life influenced many; you can read a moving Obituary in last week’s Tablet Journal.
I am taking the opportunity of the Newsletter to send you:
1. An updated message and Bidding Prayer from the Catholic Bishops Conference for the International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians, 5th May (sent by Archbishop Bernard’s Office).
2. A Newsletter from Aid to the Church in Need highlighting the wonderful work of ACN in raising awareness in the UK Parliament of the atrocities being waged on Christians in Nigeria. You will note again the important initiatives ACN is responsible for in places like Ukraine, and you may be able to draw them to the attention of Missions, Chaplaincies and Eparchies. Here is the link to the Newsletter: UK: Catholic charity shines light on Nigeria massacres in UK Parliament (activehosted.com)
With all good wishes. Mgr. Daniel McHugh
Reflection for The Ascension of the Lord 9 May 2024 International Day of Prayer for Christians of the East, 5 May 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 25 April 2024
Dear All, I am pleased to send you my Reflection for this weekend – the 5th Sunday of Easter. I have made a link to the Feast of St Joseph the Worker (1 May) a favourite Memorial of mine. It will form part of the Burning Bush Vlog, which will be on Our Lady of Good Counsel, Ethnic Chaplaincy website on Friday.
I am sending you notice of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham from Father Philip Griffin in case you have missed it. I am sure he would like to see Ethnic Chaplaincies represented.
All good wishes and prayers for your important ministry in the Church.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Day Pilgrimage to Walsingham 11 May 2024 Reflection for the 5th Sunday of Easter28 April 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 18 April 2024
Dear All, I am attaching my regular Reflection for the coming weekend: the focus, as you would expect, is on the Good Shepherd. I hope you find it helpful with preparations for your Homily.
I am also attaching the list of Clergy Training Days on Safeguarding. As some of you are outside the Archdiocese it is important for you to know that priests coming regularly for Ethnic Chaplaincy Masses are expected to attend one of the Clergy Training Days. Deacons, who are working, please note weekend extra training days are being arranged for you in case you cannot make the weekdays already arranged. If you want further information, please contact Safeguarding on 0121 230 6240.
With prayers and all good wishes for your ministry as we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. Please note the forgotten Feast of Our Lady, Mother of the Good Shepherd: it could be celebrated as a Votive Mass this Saturday or next!
Mgr Daniel McHugh
MANDATORY SAFEGUARDING TRAINING 2024 Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Easter–21 April 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 11 April 2024
Dear All, I hope you have had a break after the Holy Week and Easter Ceremonies. As you will note in my Reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (attached) I enjoyed a few days in Norfolk: this has led me to include references to St Julian of Norwich. The Reflection will be part of the Burning Bush vlog on our website tomorrow Friday 12 April.
A special note of appreciation to those who were able to join us for the Catholic Men’s Easter Monday Mass in St. Chad’s Cathedral. I received warm thanks from Archbishop Bernard and Monsignor Timothy for your contribution to the Liturgy on that day: I gather you also enjoyed being there and I hope it can be an annual date for your diary.
There are two important matters I wish to consult you about:
The Jubilee Year of 2025: I am proposing that we mark this as Ethnic Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions united in the Archdiocese. Your thoughts on what we do and when are most welcome, so please come back to me. My thought is that we expand the Annual Intercultural Mass which has been supported by all of you, and give it a special focus such as Vocations. I have thought of the month of May for this rather than February so that it can be celebrated in better weather. I will talk with Archbishop Bernard about this, so please let me know soon what you think.
The financing of Chaplaincies: This varies depending on when and how Chaplaincies were set-up. It would be advantageous to have Diocesan guidelines, that respect your situation, but include basic principles on accountability etc. I have been speaking with Eric Kirwan, CEO and started to consult some of you. I am aware of course that the Eparchies and Missions have their own systems in place, so these ‘guidelines’ will not be interfering in anyway. If you have ‘guidelines’ in place already it would be good to hear from you, so please be in touch.
I have been asked by the Cameroonian Women’s Association to help organise a Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. This is now underway and bookings are requested by 15 May. We have managed to secure a very good price and excellent Hotels for the week long Pilgrimage at the end of October, beginning of November. Please see the Flyer attached.
Prayers for the wonderful season of Eastertide. Mgr Daniel McHugh
Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi 2024
This week’s Reflection: Reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter–14 April 2024
Older news Archive
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 28 March 2024
Dear All, I am pleased to send you my Reflection for Easter Sunday. Amid all you have to prepare for the Triduum, I hope this will be a help in composing your Easter Sunday Homily. The Reflection will form part of Burning Bush, the vlog which will be on our website tomorrow, Good Friday.
A big ‘thank-you’ to those who are participating in the Easter Monday Men’s Mass. If you are coming personally to concelebrate or your people are attending please be sure to let me know so that your Chaplaincy can be acknowledged.
Next week I will not be sending you my usual Reflection and Newsletter as I will take a few days break.
In conclusion, I am sending you a link to ‘Lift Your Soul with Chant’ which came to me from Fr Shafiq, our Chaplain to the Melkite Community. I find the Russian Chant uplifting and I hope you do too: https://youtu.be/zFd-iQA0grc?si=-5Jsom5OpwSVATZF
Prayers and all good wishes for the Blessings of Eastertide.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for Easter Sunday–31 March 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 21 March 2024
Dear All,
As we enter Holy Week, I am more conscious than ever of how little space there is for the central celebration of our Christian Faith in society today. Will Good Friday, a Bank Holiday, make much difference to the usual “business” all around us? I suspect the Good Friday celebration of the Passion of the Lord will be even more squeezed this year!
I hope my Reflection for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord will be a help in your preparation of your Homily which is especially important to help our Community to focus on the Paschal Mystery, the heart of our Faith in Holy Week.
The Reflection will feature in Burning Bush which will be on our website later this evening.
With prayers and all good wishes for a Blessed Holy Week
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for Palm Sunday of the Passion–24 March 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 14 March 2024
Dear All, I am pleased to forward the updated flyer for the Easter Monday Men’s Mass: it is celebrated in Sacred Heart, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent and St Osburg, Coventry, as well as in St Chad’s Cathedral. I was not sure of the details until this week, and my focus has been on St Chad’s Cathedral. I hope, if it is more convenient for your Community, that you will consider supporting the Mass in your Episcopal Area. Chaplains will be welcome to concelebrate, and people are encouraged to wear traditional dress + take a flag/banner to highlight their presence. In St Chad’s the different Communities will be named and welcomed (as the Pope does at the Sunday Angelus in St Peter’s Square!).
This year the St Patrick’s Day Parade returns to Digbeth/Deritend in Birmingham after the Covid years. The Parade (one of the largest in Europe) will have a Diocesan Mass, celebrated by Bishop David Evans, in St Anne’s, Digbeth (the Irish Quarter) at 10 am before the Parade begins at 12 noon. Fr Eamonn Corduff, Irish Chaplain, Fr Robert, Parish Priest and myself will concelebrate. As you will see from the Parade website you don’t have to be Irish to attend! Website: https://www.stpatsparade.co.uk
Many of you will have received details of upcoming Diocesan ‘Safeguarding Days’. I am sending this information to you as the Days are intended for Ethnic Chaplains active in the Diocese even if they live elsewhere. You will need to book in, please.
I am attaching Archbishop Bernard’s Pastoral Letter for the 5th Sunday of Lent as some of you are from outside the Diocese. I am not sending my usual Reflection.
Finally, if you would like to have a key member of your Community included in the Ethnic Chaplaincy mailing, please let me know. Frequently a lot of the organisation of your Mass and other events is done by lay people or religious sisters and it may help to keep them informed. I list them under “Associates”.
Prayers and all good wishes, Mgr Daniel McHugh
Easter Monday Men’s Mass 2024 New Series of Clergy Safeguarding Training Days Pastoral Letter – Fifth Sunday in Lent (16-17 March 2024)
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 9 march 2024
Dear All, You may recall I drew your attention to the Easter Monday Men’s Mass at St Chad’s last year. I went along to concelebrate and I noted a good representation of the Eritrean Chaplaincy there. This year I am hoping we can increase the presence of Ethnic Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions. The tradition goes back over 100 years to a time when the Real Presence in the Eucharist was publicly questioned by a senior figure in another Church (not something you would expect in these Ecumenical times!). The result was a public affirmation of the Real Presence led by the Catholic Men’s Society: so it became known as the Easter Monday Men’s Mass. It is a tradition unique to this Diocese, and it would be sad if it was lost: it is an opportunity for us to become part of the tradition, proclaim our Faith in the “Real Presence” and commit ourselves to the Mission of the Church in this Archdiocese. Though the men (grandfathers, sons, grandsons) take a lead, it is of course open to the whole community. In St Chad’s refreshments will follow the Mass and there will be an opportunity to share your story if you wish!
I am attaching a flyer for you to use in promoting the Easter Monday Mass. It would help if you could let me know if you are going to be represented. I am sure Archbishop Bernard would like to highlight those present at St Chad’s.
Also attached is my weekly Reflection; I draw attention to the importance of the Eucharist in the Mission of the Church, and how the tradition of the Easter Monday Mass supports the Mission to hand on our love of the Eucharist to future generations.
Prayers and all good wishes.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Easter Monday Men’s Mass 2024 Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Lent 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 29 February 2024
Dear All,
I am happy to thank all who made our Annual Day with Archbishop Bernard on Tuesday last, 20 February, such a success. There is a Report and pictures on our website Our Lady of Good Counsel Ethnic Chaplaincies. And we were delighted at the wonderful celebration of the Annual Intercultural Mass at St Mary the Mount, Walsall, on Saturday 24 February. Again, there is a Report and pictures (taken by Cousin Con) on the website. Many thanks to all the Communities who supported this, both at the Mass and the Social – with special food afterwards. Now we are looking forward to the Easter Monday Men’s Mass (Dads, Grandads and boys do the work!! And women are invited). A flyer will be available next week.
Please find attached my weekly Reflection, which will be recorded on our Burning Bush vlog later this evening. I pick up on matters to do with our Church Funerals in the light of recent celebrity “celebrations”. Also attached is an important link I received from ‘Right to Life’ regarding a proposal to reduce the time limit for Abortions given advances in science: https://righttolife.org.uk/littlefighters Also, a link to the recent Aid to the Church in Need Newsletter focusing on its initiatives for Ukraine, 2 years on, and the Holy Land (Israel and Gaza). Our own Bishop Nowakowski is quoted extensively on a project to help priests who are facing horrific trauma every day in the war. Please see if there is anything you can do to help! UKRAINE: Two years on… (activehosted.com)
Finally, welcome to Father Tilahun Tenkir who has arrived in Birmingham to start a Chaplaincy for the Ethiopian Community. We assure him of our prayers for his new ministry.
All good wishes and prayers for your good work. Mgr Daniel McHugh.
This week’s Reflection. Reflection for the 3rd Week of Lent 2024 (002)
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 22 February 2024
Dear All, I am very pleased to confirm we had a very successful Ethnic Chaplaincy Conference with Archbishop Bernard based at Fr Hudson’s Care on Tuesday 20th this week. I will write up a short Report to go with pictures on our website, Ethnic Chaplaincies Our Lady of Good Counsel. Now we look forward to the Intercultural Mass on Saturday 24th February at St Mary the Mount, Walsall. We are delighted to have such a good response from Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions together with local Parishes and Deaneries. I am sure you will be able to see the Mass livestream if you are unable to attend, and Con McHugh is planning to have it recorded so that you can also see it on our website afterwards.
Archbishop Bernard made a point of inviting Ethnic Communities to be present at the Easter Monday Mass in St Chad’s and other parts of the Diocese; it is a wonderful tradition that I would like to see us helping to enrich and sustain alongside the Catholic Men’s Society who originally promoted it and continue to be involved.
I am pleased to attach my Reflection for the 2nd Week of Lent; it will be part of the Burning Bush vlog on our website from tomorrow morning. I am pleased to say a good number of people use it for 10 minutes of Reflection and Prayer each week.
Prayers and all good wishes for your good work this coming week.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent 2024
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 15 February 2024
Dear All, I am returning from my post-Christmas break today. On my mind has been confirmations of attendance at :
Annual Day with Archbishop Bernard on Tuesday coming 20 February which this year is taking place at Fr Hudson’s Care in Coleshill. If you have not confirmed your attendance, please do so by tomorrow Friday 16 February. We have to let Fr Hudson’s know about numbers for lunch etc.
Annual Intercultural Mass on Saturday 24 February: again we are still awaiting confirmation from some expected participants. Please do be in touch so that the programme can be completed.
I am attaching the message from Pope Francis for Lent which has been forwarded by Archbishop Bernard. I am sending this in case anyone has not received it by another route.
And, especially for those not in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, I am attaching material for the Year of Prayer from the Office for Mission in the Archdiocese. I am sure you will find this helpful, especially in Lent.
With all good wishes and prayer for your good work,
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Lent Message 2024 WeDareToSay_resources
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 9 February 2024
Dear All,
I am pleased that we are making progress with participation in the Intercultural Mass 24 February.
1. I am attaching the rundown of the Mass and social
2. Please email Anysia Fung at: anysiafung@gmail.com regarding your Community’s part in singing, music etc. And confirm with Fr. Jobin the Parish Priest at St Mary the Mount, Walsall re. food being bought/taken; his email is: fr.jobin.kollappallil@rcaob.org.uk
I am sending you the Programme for our day with Archbishop Bernard on 20 February. Please confirm your attendance and advise me of any contribution you would like to make to the ‘Around the Ethnic Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Mission’ session in the afternoon.
As usual I am attaching my Reflection for the Sixth Sunday and the Season of Lent; I have taken the opportunity to speak briefly about “Assisted Dying” there. Also, I am attaching the article from the online Catholic Herald, which I refer to. I hope you find it useful.
I will not be sending you the usual mailing next week, Thursday 15 February, but I will be keeping in touch about our upcoming events: the Day with Archbishop Bernard 20 February, and the Intercultural Mass.
With all good wishes, Mgr Daniel McHugh
Attachments:
2024 Annual Intercultural Mass Rundown
2024 Programme_Ethnic Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Mission
Reflection for Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time and the Season of Lent 11th and 14th February 2024
The terrible truth about assisted dying_Lessons from Canada and Australia_Catholic Herald Article
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 2 February 2024
Dear All,
This week I am pleased to forward the email/letter from Fr Jeremy Howard re the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage upcoming in Spring Holiday week at the end of May.
A number of our Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions have healthcare professionals among their members, and it would be good for them to know that they are invited to take part assisting sick Pilgrims – so, please circulate Fr Jeremy’s email (he is Chaplain to the Francophone Community too).
I am sending the link to my weekly Reflection which has a special focus on the World Day of Prayer for the Sick, while relating this to the Sunday Gospel.
Please note the Annual Day for Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Mission with Archbishop Bernard is on Tuesday 20th February at Fr Hudson’s Care Board Room and Chapel, Coleshill and the Annual Intercultural Mass is at St Mary the Mount, Walsall on 24 February: Archbishop Bernard is main Celebrant.
All good wishes and prayers for your pastoral work.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 25 January 2024
Dear All,
This week I am forwarding two notices from the Bishops’ Conference:
1. On Racial Justice Sunday this weekend 27/28 January
2. On the proposed Job Description for a National Catholic Chaplain for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers
These have come from Bishop McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Racial Justice, via Archbishop Bernard. On the second I have been asked to comment for accuracy, so do be in touch if you would like to make any observations.
In my Reflection for the Fourth Sunday I have made a link to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. I hope you find it helpful: it has been prepared in the context of Racial Justice Sunday, and a recent media publicity about Racism in Football. The Reflection will feature in the Burning Bush vlog in audio on the Ethnic Chaplaincies website tomorrow, Friday.
Please note the second meeting preparing for the Annual Intercultural Mass (24 February 2024) will take place on Tuesday 30th January at 11.30am in St Mary the Mount, Glebe Street, Walsall WS1 3NX. This is the entrance to the Church and Hall, rather than the Presbytery given in the Directory. You are most welcome to join and help with preparations.
Prayers and all good wishes, Mgr Daniel McHugh
2024.01.19 – Racial Justice Sunday – Letter and Links Job Description for position of National Catholic Chaplain for GRT
This week’s Chaplaincy Newsletter: 18 January 2024
Dear All,
This week I am forwarding two flyers. I hope you will note especially:
1. One in the form of a letter from Archbishop Bernard regarding the Annual Easter Monday Men’s Mass in St Chad’s Cathedral. I hope you can circulate this to your Community – it would be nice to see them having a part in this tradition going back to the First World War. Maybe you could come personally with a group.
2. The second is promoting the Annual Intercultural Mass which takes place this year on 24 February in St Mary, The Mount, Walsall. I hope you can bring a group from your Chaplaincy, Eparchy or Mission. Archbishop Bernard is Principal Celebrant this year.
Finally, I am giving you the link to my Reflection for the 3rd Sunday. I hope you find it useful; it will be recorded as part of our Burning Bush vlog which will be on the website tomorrow.
With prayer and all good wishes for the coming week. Mgr Daniel McHugh
Ethnic Chaplains – Easter Monday Men’s Mass Intercultural Mass Flyer 2024
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 11 January 2024
Dear All,
In my Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of the Year 14 January I refer to the Year of Prayer in preparation for Jubilee Year 2025. Basically, I am suggesting people take the opportunity to hear the Lords’s call as Samuel does in the First reading, and link this to our Diocesan Programme. The Cantonese speaking community is arranging a Day of Prayer in April with a visiting priest from Hong Kong: this will be done in the context of the Diocesan Programme which you can find on the website of the Archdiocese. It is under the leadership of Paul Northam, who I am sure, will be pleased to hear from you. I am happy to share the outline of the Cantonese Day of Prayer with you, if you wish to consider one for your Community.
The Reflection for the 2nd Sunday is attached and will be part of the Burning Bush Vlog from tomorrow, Friday, on Our Lady of Good Counsel Ethnic Chaplaincy website
With prayers for all Blessings on your ministry this coming year, 2024
Mgr Daniel McHugh
2nd Sunday of the Year 14 January 2024
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 4 January 2024
Dear All,
My thoughts and prayers are with you for all Blessings as you begin the New Year 2024.
I would like to remind you of The Annual Day with Archbishop Bernard which takes place on Tuesday 20 February 10:30am to 3:30pm in the Board Room and Chapel at Fr Hudson’s Care, Coventry Road, Coleshill B46 3EA. Please put this in your Diary.
Then on Saturday, 24 February The Annual Intercultural Mass will take place at 12 noon in St Mary’s the Mount Church and Centre, Walsall WS1 3NF. We hope to see all Ethnic Communities represented at the Mass and social gathering afterwards. A preparatory meeting is taking place on Tuesday 16 January at 11:30am in St Mary’s the Mount Presbytery – you are warmly invited to participate.
I am sending you the link to my Reflection for the Solemnity of the Epiphany: 7 January. This will be incorporated into the Burning Bush vlog Friday 5th January. I hope you find it helpful as you prepare your Homily for this wonderful Feast, which is the high point of Christmas for many of us.
All best wishes,
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord January 7 2024
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 29 December 2023
Dear All,
I am pleased to forward you Archbishop Bernard’s Pastoral Letter for the Feast of the Holy Family this coming weekend. If you are not in this Diocese you may like to have it for your Parish or Chaplaincy.
I am also forwarding my Reflection for 1 January the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God and World Peace Day. On New Year’s Eve there is a tradition of holding a Watchnight Service in the West Indies. I was happy to adopt it when I was Chaplain to the West Indian Community, holding a Mass at night on New Year’s Eve. I had this Mass for the Solemnity in mind as I prepared this Reflection.
I hope you will find it helpful as you prepare Mass for New Year.
With prayers and all good wishes for 2024,
Mgr Daniel McHugh
pastoralletter-feastoftheholyfamily30-31december2023 Solemnity of Mary Mother of God-Queen of Peace-1 January 2024
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 21 December 2023
Dear All,
A brief note to wish you all the Blessings of the Nativity of the Lord. I am happy to be returning to my former Parish for Christmas Midnight Mass; I pray you will enjoy being with your own Communities at this special time.
I am attaching my Reflection as usual; this one for Christmas Midnight. I hope it will be of assistance to you as you prepare your Christmas Homily.
Next weekend we look forward to Archbishop Bernard’s Pastoral Letter for the Feast of the Holy Family. I will forward it to you next week in case, not being in the Archdiocese, you do not receive it.
I will be preparing a Reflection for New Year’s Day, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and for Peace as we begin 2024 on 1 January.
With prayers and all good wishes,
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord 25 December 2023
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 14 December 2023
Dear All,
I pray you are keeping well as the challenges of the last Advent and then Christmas Services are upon us. I have enjoyed putting some thoughts together for my weekly Reflection focusing on Gaudete Sunday. I hope you find it helpful in what is a busy time; it will feature in the weekly vlog Burning Bush, which will be on the Ethnic Chaplaincies Our Lady of Good Counsel website tomorrow, Friday.
Looking towards the Annual Intercultural Mass on Saturday 24 February 12 noon at Our Lady of the Mount, Walsall, please note there will be a preparatory meeting on Tuesday 16 January at 11:30 am hosted by Father Jobin SDV. The Deaneries of Lichfield and Walsall, and Dudley and Wolverhampton, will be represented by their Deans Father Malcolm Glaze and Monsignor Mark Crisp. I hope Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions from the Deaneries will be represented too, please, though the meeting is open to everyone.
All good wishes and prayers for the coming week,
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for 3rd Week of Advent Sunday 17 December 2023
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 7 December 2023
Dear All,
Last week I focused on migration in my Reflection as it was “Migrants’ Sunday.” I try to bring Church teaching to bear on the issues of the day when possible in Homilies. This week I’ve focused on “Environment” in the context of COP28. Again, I hope you find some points that are useful for your Homily preparation. The Reflection is attached as usual and will be recorded in the Burning Bush vlog tomorrow morning and posted on our Ethnic Chaplaincies website. Do please forward it to your Community if you feel it will be of interest.
It is nice to hear from you and to be invited to your Masses and Celebrations. Last weekend I was at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Coventry for the Blessing of a new Crucifix in the grounds of St Volodymyr Church. I plan to post a video of the occasion on our website in the coming days. The people of Ukraine, like many of our Ethnic Communities, continue to suffer oppression. The Crucifix is a wonderful symbol of the Lord being with us in our pain.
Prayers and all good wishes for a Blessed Advent,
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for 2nd Week of Advent and Our Lady of Guadalupe 10 and 12 December 2023
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 30 November 2023
Dear All
Paul Northam is our Diocesan Jubilee Co-ordinator: preparations for this begin on the First Sunday of Advent when the Year of Prayer is launched.
I am sending you the link ( Year of Prayer Poster) to Paul’s material; if you are not in the Archdiocese you will find this helpful.
My Reflection is also attached. I hope you will find the focus on migration helpful; the International Day is in September, but is replaced by Thanksgiving for the Harvest.
With all good wishes for a Blessed Advent,
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent (Year B) and St Nicholas of Bari 3 + 6 December 2023
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 23 November 2023
Dear All,
As I write this weekly Newsletter for the Solemnity of Christ the King, I already look forward to next Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, when I will be present for the Blessing of a new Cross in the grounds of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St Volodymyr the Great, in Coventry. As it happens, my Reflection (attached) for this coming Sunday, Christ the King, focuses on Jesus crucified, our King.
The Cross in the grounds of St Volodymyr goes back the First World War and is being donated by Canon Tom Farrell of Christ the King Church in Coventry. Monsignor David Senyk marks 19 years of his time in Coventry on the occasion, and he writes: “this Cross will stand the test of time for generations to come, continuing to inspire and guide all who visit our Church.” At this time when the people of Ukraine continue to suffer the horror of the ongoing war, we pray that their Faith in the Crucified Lord, who came in love for us, will inspire all Ukrainians. Next Sunday is “Migrants Day”: may many who come to us as refugees and asylum seekers from different parts of the world, come to know Christ our King through our witness in love and service.
With prayers for all blessings on your Ministry,
Mgr Daniel McHugh
Reflection for Solemnity of Christ the King 26 November 2023 “The Lord will bless his people with peace”(Psalm 28).
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 16 November 2023
Dear All,
Next weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. It is also National Youth Sunday, and in the Archdiocese we promote the work of the Kenelm Trust, our Diocesan Youth Service. I am sending you an email I received from Father Chris Yule, the Chaplain at Alton Castle and the Soli Centre, seeking our support for the work of the Trust. Having recently arranged a visit by Hong Kong Youth to Alton Castle for an overnight, I want to support Fr Chris and the Team there. Our young people had a wonderful experience: if you would like to speak with Francis and Louisa who accompanied the Youth Group, please get in touch. It is really worthwhile thinking of arranging a Youth overnight to the Castle; I am happy to give you contact numbers etc.
As usual I am forwarding my Reflection for this weekend’s Masses. I hope you find it helpful. You will find it included in our Burning Bush vlog from tomorrow, Friday, 17 November.
With prayers for your important ministry, God Bless
Mgr Daniel McHugh
33rd Week of the Year and the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary WYS Letter
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 9 November 2023
Dear All,
I have been thinking further about the content of our Day for Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions with Archbishop Bernard on 20 February 2024. There are topics that it will help us to have input on and I have some in mind e.g. the varied and developing work of St Hudson’s Care. That will be of interest to our communities now and in the future. Then especially with visiting priests coming from abroad, there are matters to do with visas and safeguarding that could do with addressing and updating. Finally, there have been events, really worthwhile sharing, from different Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions. Could you consider developments in your own Community that could be shared with others. I have been very encouraged to see what is happening across our different communities in the past year.
I am forwarding my Reflection for this weekend. This will be recorded tomorrow morning on the Burning Bush vlog which will be on our website: https://ourladyofgoodcounsel.org.uk
With prayers and all good wishes, Mgr Daniel McHugh
32nd Week of Ordinary Time and the Feast of St Hilda of Whitby
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 2 November 2023
Dear All,
I am writing this as I leave Rome today, 2 November, after some days here and in Assisi. I came partly to look at preparing for a Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi next year requested by the Cameroonian Catholic Women’s Association, and partly to prepare a Sunday Reflection introducing the Holy Father’s latest Apostolic Exhortation on Climate Change and the Environment. I am attaching this, and as you will see, it draws on the inspiration Pope Francis found in life of the great St Francis of Assisi. I hope you find it helpful as you prepare your own weekend Homily.
I was in St Peter’s Square yesterday for the Angelus: Pope Francis marked All Saints Day with a special blessing from the Apostolic Palace; he asked us all to continue to pray for Palestinians, Israelis and Ukrainians in the present wars going on there, and elsewhere in our troubled world. Today 2 November he is celebrating Mass at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Rome. I mentioned in last week’s Reflection plans in the Deaneries to remember in prayer our parishioners and loved ones at our cemeteries. I hope you can draw this to the attention of those attending Masses in Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions.
See link for the latest appeal from ACN for Gaza Christians: link.
Wishing you all Blessings in the coming week.
Mgr Daniel McHugh
31st Week of the Year and Laudate Deum 2023
Chaplaincy Newsletter: 26 October 2023.
Dear All,
Further to my last Newsletter I am pleased to confirm venues
For the Annual Ethnic Chaplaincies, Eparchies and Missions Meeting with Archbishop Bernard on 20 February 2024 10.30am which will take place in the Board Room and Chapel at Father Hudson’s Care,
St George’s House, Gerards Way, Coleshill B46 3FG
For the Annual Intercultural Mass on 24 February 2024 12.30 St Mary the Mount, Vicarage Walk, Walsall WS1 3NF
I am pleased to forward the link to this weekend’s Reflection, which I hope you will find useful, especially as it focuses on our visits to Cemetries during November. I am sure Deaneries would welcome your assistance with Blessing of Graves when possible.
All good wishes and prayers for the coming week.
Mgr. Daniel McHugh
Reflection for 30th Week of Ordinary Time and the Solemnity of All Saints 2023 “You broke with idolatory when you were converted to God, and became servants of the real living God” (1 Thes 1:5-10)