Blessed Robert Grissold Catholic Church
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Welcome to the website of Blessed Robert Grissold Catholic Church in Balsall Common. Here you can find details of the parish, our latest newsletter, services and sacraments offered by the Church and, in our parish archive, the events we have held. As a parish we value your privacy. Please follow the link here to learn more about the privacy policy that covers all catholic churches in the Archdiocese of Birmingham,
Father Frank writes
In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus sending out his Apostles to share in his mission of spreading the Good News of the
Kingdom of God and Jesus still sends us out today. Christ’s missionary mandate is still in force. We ascend with Christ in and
through the Mass to the heavenly places where we worship the living God with angels and Archangels and all the hosts of heaven.
After having fed on heavenly things, shared in the Holy Spirit and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,
we are sent out at the end of the Mass for the life of the world. Christ’s missionary mandate to his Church still stands. The
Church on earth is missionary by nature - the Church exists for others - in order that they might be drawn into the communion of
love which exists between God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and that love, revealed fully in the Cross of Christ, urges us on.
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Safeguarding
The Parish follows the safeguarding standards advised by The Archdiocese of Birmingham. You can view these standards by following the link here.
A link to the Archdiocese safeguarding website can be found here.
Safespaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales. If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger. To contact Safespaces, please follow the link to their website here.
The Isaiah Journey The Isaiah Journey is a working group of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales which has grown out of the need for a pastoral-spiritual response to the suffering of victims and survivors of abuse in the Church. It provides A Guide for Survivors of Abuse that can be found here.
The Safeguarding Rep for our Parish is Monica Green and she can be contacted via email at sg.brg.balsallcommon@rcaob.org.uk.
The Parish follows the safeguarding standards advised by The Archdiocese of Birmingham. You can view these standards by following the link here.
A link to the Archdiocese safeguarding website can be found here.
Safespaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales. If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger. To contact Safespaces, please follow the link to their website here.
The Isaiah Journey The Isaiah Journey is a working group of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales which has grown out of the need for a pastoral-spiritual response to the suffering of victims and survivors of abuse in the Church. It provides A Guide for Survivors of Abuse that can be found here.
The Safeguarding Rep for our Parish is Monica Green and she can be contacted via email at sg.brg.balsallcommon@rcaob.org.uk.
Parish Events
Looking for the rest of the Parish Event List? We have archived the list from our old site but you can still view them here.
Date
| Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 25.07.2025 | WeBelieve | WeBelieve is a Catholic festival celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope taking place from 25-28 July at Oscott College, Birmingham. It will be a mixture of talks, praise, worship, family activities, workshops and opportunities for mass, reconciliation and adoration. There are day tickets as well as weekend tickets available and looks to be a great event catering for everyone, from practising Catholics to those curious about the faith and wanting to know more. https://www.webelievefestival.com/ |
| 09.07.2025 | Parish Coffee Morning | The next parish coffee morning will take place in the Narthex on Wednesday 9th July at 10:30 – tea, coffee, scones, cake and good conversation in abundance – everyone welcome to join us. |
| 08.07.2025 | Weekday mass | Midweek mass will be held at 7pm Tuesday evening in Blessed Robert Grissold. |
| 06.07.2025 | Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Hednesford | Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Hednesford on Sunday July 6th: Confessions (2:15-3:45); Rosary (3pm); Mass & Sacrament of the Sick (4pm) - Celebrant Bishop Timothy Menezes. Please bring your own chairs. For further information contact: Fr Jeremy Howard, 07868 542268 or email fr.jeremy.howard@rcaob.org.uk |
| 06.07.2025 | Maureen Carroll (RIP) | The Parish has suffered the loss of the much loved Maureen Carroll – one of the founding members of our Parish and a shining example and witness to faith in Christ. Maureen’s kindness and generosity touched many lives in the community, and she will also be remembered for her years of dedication as Group Leader for Group 83 HCPT. She passed away peacefully at St Joseph’s Care Home, Coleshill on July 1st aged 93. Maureen will be greatly missed, our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends at this sad time. Maureen’s funeral will take place at Blessed Robert Grissold, with her Reception into church on Wednesday 23rd at 4:30pm, and her Requiem Mass taking place on Thursday 24th July 11:30 am. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen |
| 05.07.2025 | Wedding of Simon Bagshaw and Rebekah Smith | Fr Frank and Sandra are delighted to share that their daughter Rebekah married Simon at Blessed Robert Grissold on Saturday 5th July. It was such a blessed and special occasion. Thank you to everyone who helped support and wish the family well. Please pray for Rebekah and Simon as they begin their married life together. |
| 05.07.2025 | Churches together coffee morning | The Churches together coffee morning takes place first Saturday of each month (5th July) – 10:30-12:00 at the Jubilee Centre. |
| 05.07.2025 | Wedding of Simon Bagshaw and Rebekah Smith | Fr Frank and Sandra are delighted to announce that their daughter Rebekah and future Son-in-Law Simon will be getting married at Blessed Robert Grissold on Saturday 5th July at 12.30pm. Please pray for Rebekah and Simon, and all their family and friends as they prepare for this very special occasion and that they live a married life with much love, joy and happiness. |
| 01.07.2025 | Parish Prayer Group | Prayer Group: 4pm to 5pm Thursdays - Everyone is most welcome. |
| 29.06.2025 | Father Hudson’s Caritas altar talk | Following mass on Sunday June 29th Father Hudson’s Caritas will give an informative talk on their extensive work in the community |
| 29.06.2025 | First Holy Communion | Last Sunday was the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and we had many children receiving their first Holy Communion. It was such a wonderful occasion and lovely to see so many people gathered to celebrate this important moment in the Communicants’ faithful journey. Thank you to everyone who helped to make it such a special time. Congratulations to all the first Communicants. To see the photos, please click on the link |
| 24.06.2025 | Kenilworth Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes | The Kenilworth Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes is on 24th-28th June 2025. For further details and booking contact Peter Rand on 01926 852163 or peter.rand@btinternet.com. Bookings and deposits required by 9 March to guarantee flights. |
| 20.06.2025 | Third Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill | Third Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, will likely take place on either the 13th or 20th of June. Catholics, and all people of goodwill, are urged to contact their MP and ask them to vote against this bill. You are also asked to pray that our representatives choose to protect the most vulnerable citizens of this country when they vote later this month. |
| 15.06.2025 | Foundation Governor or Director at one of our Catholic schools | Become a Foundation Governor or Director at one of our Catholic schools: The Diocesan Education Service has launched a new promotional video to support recruitment. Opportunities are available across the Archdiocese, and all skills and backgrounds are welcome. Visit the diocesan website for more information: https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/ |
| 15.06.2025 | Day for Life | Day for Life, 15th June 2025 acts as a reminder of the need to respect and protect the inherent value and dignity of each life. This year, it is celebrated today Trinity Sunday, the 15th of June. The faithful are invited to join in prayer and promotion of the Day. More details available on: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/day-for-life/. The Second Collection today is for the Day for Life Fund. Every year, the fund allocates over £200,000 in grants, to organisations that promote the Christian respect for life from conception to natural death, in various ways. This has made a significant impact in local communities in England and Wales, by for example, providing mothers and children with necessary means. This is only possible through your generous support to the fund, you can donate to the collection or by scanning the QR code on the Day for Life 2025 poster in the church, or online via the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales’ website https://www.cbcew.org.uk/day-for-life/, where you will find out more on the Fund. |
| 11.06.2025 | Parish Coffee Morning | Parish Coffee Morning will take place Wednesday 11th June at 10:30 am in the Narthex. Tea, coffee, scones, cake and good conversation in abundance – everyone welcome to join us. |
| 08.06.2025 | Kenelm Youth Trust | KYT have a number of vacancies: Digital Development worker, Retreat leader, Housekeeping vacancy and Art Curator for application details please visit their website: www.kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk/kenelmvacancies.html or call to discuss 01538 703 224. |
| 07.06.2025 | Quiet Morning at Temple Balsall | “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” Mark 6 v 31. Meet at the Old Hall, Temple Balsall (adjacent to the church). Coffee will be available at 9.30am as you arrive for a prompt 10am start, finishing at 12 noon. Revd Jenny Dyer, Methodist Minister, will help direct our thoughts before we find our ‘own individual space’ within the beautiful grounds and buildings. 30 places only, please submit your name to Doug Timmis (01676 534346) as soon as possible. |
| 01.06.2025 | CAFOD - Thank you (Part 2) | I have received another £75 to add to the recent CAFOD collection total! So we actually raised about £480, which is amazing! With gift aid this will come to about £550. Thank you so much everyone! Chris |
| 29.05.2025 | Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord | Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord will be celebrated at St.Francis at 9.00am mass on Thursday 29th May |
25.07.2025
WeBelieve is a Catholic festival celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope taking place from 25-28 July at Oscott College, Birmingham. It will be a mixture of talks, praise, worship, family activities, workshops and opportunities for mass, reconciliation and adoration. There are day tickets as well as weekend tickets available and looks to be a great event catering for everyone, from practising Catholics to those curious about the faith and wanting to know more. https://www.webelievefestival.com/
|
09.07.2025
The next parish coffee morning will take place in the Narthex on Wednesday 9th July at 10:30 –
tea, coffee, scones, cake and good conversation in abundance – everyone welcome to join us.
|
08.07.2025
Midweek mass will be held at 7pm Tuesday evening in Blessed Robert Grissold.
|
06.07.2025
Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Hednesford on Sunday July 6th: Confessions (2:15-3:45);
Rosary (3pm); Mass & Sacrament of the Sick (4pm) - Celebrant Bishop Timothy Menezes. Please bring your own chairs.
For further information contact: Fr Jeremy Howard, 07868 542268 or email fr.jeremy.howard@rcaob.org.uk
|
06.07.2025
The Parish has suffered the loss of the much loved Maureen Carroll – one of the founding
members of our Parish and a shining example and witness to faith in Christ. Maureen’s kindness and generosity
touched many lives in the community, and she will also be remembered for her years of dedication as Group Leader
for Group 83 HCPT. She passed away peacefully at St Joseph’s Care Home, Coleshill on July 1st aged 93. Maureen
will be greatly missed, our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends at this sad time. Maureen’s funeral
will take place at Blessed Robert Grissold, with her Reception into church on Wednesday 23rd at 4:30pm, and her
Requiem Mass taking place on Thursday 24th July 11:30 am. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light
shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen
|
05.07.2025
Fr Frank and Sandra are delighted to share that their daughter
Rebekah married Simon at Blessed Robert Grissold on Saturday 5th July. It was such a blessed and special occasion.
Thank you to everyone who helped support and wish the family well. Please pray for Rebekah and Simon as they
begin their married life together.
|
05.07.2025
The Churches together coffee morning takes place first Saturday of each month (5th July) – 10:30-12:00 at the Jubilee Centre.
|
05.07.2025
Fr Frank and Sandra are delighted to announce that their daughter Rebekah and future Son-in-Law Simon will be getting married at Blessed Robert Grissold on Saturday 5th July at 12.30pm. Please pray for Rebekah and Simon, and all their family and friends as they prepare for this very special occasion and that they live a married life with much love, joy and happiness.
|
01.07.2025
Prayer Group: 4pm to 5pm Thursdays - Everyone is most welcome.
|
29.06.2025
Following mass on Sunday June 29th Father Hudson’s Caritas will give an
informative talk on their extensive work in the community
|
29.06.2025
Last Sunday was the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and we had many children receiving their first Holy Communion. It was such a wonderful occasion and lovely to see so many people gathered to celebrate this important moment in the Communicants’ faithful journey. Thank you to everyone who helped to make it such a special time. Congratulations to all the first Communicants. To see the photos, please click on the link
|
24.06.2025
The Kenilworth Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes is on 24th-28th June 2025. For further details and booking contact Peter Rand on 01926 852163 or peter.rand@btinternet.com. Bookings and deposits required by 9 March to guarantee flights.
|
20.06.2025
Third Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, will likely take
place on either the 13th or 20th of June. Catholics, and all people of goodwill, are urged to contact their MP and ask
them to vote against this bill. You are also asked to pray that our representatives choose to protect the most vulnerable
citizens of this country when they vote later this month.
|
15.06.2025
Become a Foundation Governor or Director at one of our Catholic schools: The Diocesan Education Service has
launched a new promotional video to support recruitment. Opportunities are available across the Archdiocese, and all
skills and backgrounds are welcome. Visit the diocesan website for more information:
https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/
|
15.06.2025
Day for Life, 15th June 2025 acts as a reminder of the need to respect and protect the inherent value and dignity of
each life. This year, it is celebrated today Trinity Sunday, the 15th of June. The faithful are invited to join in prayer and
promotion of the Day. More details available on: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/day-for-life/. The Second Collection
today is for the Day for Life Fund. Every year, the fund allocates over £200,000 in grants, to organisations that
promote the Christian respect for life from conception to natural death, in various ways. This has made a significant
impact in local communities in England and Wales, by for example, providing mothers and children with necessary
means. This is only possible through your generous support to the fund, you can donate to the collection or by
scanning the QR code on the Day for Life 2025 poster in the church, or online via the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
England and Wales’ website https://www.cbcew.org.uk/day-for-life/, where you will find out more on the Fund.
|
11.06.2025
Parish Coffee Morning will take place Wednesday 11th June at 10:30 am in the Narthex. Tea, coffee, scones, cake and good conversation in abundance – everyone welcome to join us.
|
08.06.2025
KYT have a number of vacancies: Digital Development worker, Retreat leader, Housekeeping vacancy and Art Curator for application details please visit their website: www.kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk/kenelmvacancies.html or call to discuss 01538 703 224.
|
07.06.2025
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” Mark 6 v 31.
Meet at the Old Hall, Temple Balsall (adjacent to the church). Coffee will be available at 9.30am as you arrive for a
prompt 10am start, finishing at 12 noon. Revd Jenny Dyer, Methodist Minister, will help direct our thoughts before we
find our ‘own individual space’ within the beautiful grounds and buildings. 30 places only, please submit your name to
Doug Timmis (01676 534346) as soon as possible.
|
01.06.2025
I have received another £75 to add to the recent CAFOD collection total! So we actually raised about £480,
which is amazing! With gift aid this will come to about £550. Thank you so much everyone! Chris
|
29.05.2025
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord will be celebrated at St.Francis at 9.00am mass on Thursday 29th May
|
Parish Calendar
