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
The Gospel today speaks of persecution for Christ’s true followers and Jesus makes it clear that in time of trial it is profitable for us to endure this suffering for the sake of Christ. The Lord says: ‘By patient endurance you will win life for yourselves.’ To patient endurance in every trial we suffer, in every affliction, whether this is insolent and contemptuous treatment, humiliations, bodily weakness or the attacks of Satan, or any trial whatsoever caused either by people or by evil spirits, must be added wholehearted thanksgiving, prayer and humility. For, it is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give God thanks, for he disposes all things, good or otherwise, for our benefit.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| 20.12.2025 | Christmas Mystery Prize Competition | A Christmas fund-raiser with a difference. Please donate Christmas themed gifts, for adults and children, and leave in the labelled bag in the Narthex. Aim of the Competition; to guess how many gifts are in the bag(s)! The closest number will win the bag!! Collections will be in November, and the Competition will open in December - results announced Sunday 20th December |
| 10.12.2025 | 100 Club | The next draw of the 100 Club will be on 10th December. There will be more opportunities to sign up after mass in late November – early December. Please watch the bulletin for further details. |
| 30.11.2025 | Parish Planned Giving | Further to the introduction to the Archdiocesan Planned Giving Campaign that Father Frank introduced in his sermon last Sunday, there will be a short presentation on our parish’s response immediately after Mass on Sunday 30th November. This presentation will explain the financial challenges we face as a parish and how you can help to maintain our church for future generations. Further information will also be available after the presentation. We look forward to your support. |
| 29.11.2025 | Quiet Morning | Churches Together in Balsall and Berkswell are holding a Quiet Morning, led by Rev’d Kathryn Darby, Methodist Minister on Saturday 29th November, 10am to 12 noon (coffee available from 9.30 am) at The Old Hall, Temple Balsall (adjacent to the church). If you wish to attend, please contact Doug Timmis on 01676 543346 – limited places available. |
| 23.11.2025 | Second Collection on 23rd November | There will be a second collection on 23rd November for the Catholic Youth Service |
| 22.11.2025 | Quiz Night | Kathy and Bob will be taking names and money after mass today and next Sunday for the quiz night which is on 22nd November. The cost is £10 which includes hot dogs and mince pies. Teams of 6 or less or join others on the night. Kathy will also be taking names of those willing to help with the food. |
| 22.11.2025 | Save the Children Christmas Fayre | This will be held in our Parish Room on Saturday 22nd November from 10.00am to 2.30pm. Hand-crafted items and gifts will be on sale. Refreshments available. Entry is free. If you would like to donate cakes, raffle or tombola prizes (or help in any way), please contact Julia Greensall on 07855 843 914. |
| 17.11.2025 | Weekday mass | Weekday Mass at BRG: Tuesday 18th November 7.00 pm |
| 16.11.2025 | Holy Souls | Throughout November Masses for the Holy Souls will be offered, and we will pray for those whose names have been placed before the altar. |
| 12.11.2025 | Parish Coffee Morning | Our next Coffee morning will be in the Narthex at 10.30am on 12th November with coffee, buns and good conversation available in abundance. If you haven’t been before, give it a try - you will be made very welcome! |
| 10.11.2025 | Jubilee Tour to Westport, Knock & Co Mayo | £799.00 pps. Price includes flight from Birmingham, 10kg hold luggage, 4 nights’ in 4* Castlecourt Hotel, Westport with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Full use of leisure facilities. All entertainment, excursions and transport included. Visit Knock Shrine, Ballintubber Abbey, Fr. Peyton Centre & Kylemore Abbey. Irish music nightly. Single supplement on Enquiry. Contact 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com. |
| 09.11.2025 | Remembrance Sunday | Today is Remembrance Sunday when we pray for the repose of the souls of all those who have lost their lives because of war, praying especially for local residents who died serving our country. The silence we keep presents us with an opportunity to remember, honour and give thanks to God for all those courageous men and women who have laid down their lives for the sake of others and in defence of what is right and good. |
| 09.11.2025 | Church Deep Clean | Many, many thanks to all who participated in the much-needed deep clean of the church. I was a wonderful turn-out |
| 06.11.2025 | Carols at Hilliers Garden Centre | Berkswell choir will be singing carols at Hilliers Garden Centre on Thursday 6th November between 5.30 pm & 7.00 pm. Please come and join the choir. Contact Emma Bratton on 07977593017. |
| 03.11.2025 | Bereavement Sessions | St Peter’s Church, Balsall Common, is running sessions for anyone bereaved anytime, starting on Monday 3rd NovemberSave the Children Christmas Fayre 1.15pm to 2.45pm. Further details on our church notice board. To book a place please contact Rev’d Suzy Pearson on 07443345584 or email vicar@spcbalsall.org.uk. |
| 02.11.2025 | Change to weekday Mass | There will be no Mass on Tuesday 4th November. This is because Fr Frank has transferred his day off this week in order that we can celebrate All Souls Day on Monday 3rd November, there will be a 6.30pm Mass offered for All the Faithful Departed. |
| 01.11.2025 | Churches together coffee morning | Churches Together Coffee Morning is held the first Saturday of each month (1st November) at the Jubilee Centre, 10.30-12.00. All Welcome. |
| 26.10.2025 | Book of Remembrance | We will be updating the Book of Remembrance in the church and on our website in preparation for All Souls. If you would like anyone to be added, please complete one of the forms in the book and leave it on the lectern. Alternatively, you can email the full name of the person along with the date and month of their anniversary to iehclarke@btinternet.com. |
| 23.10.2025 | St. George & St. Teresa Primary School | St. George & St. Teresa Primary School, Bentley Heath will be having open mornings at 9.15am on the 23rd October and 4th November. |
| 20.10.2025 | Advanced Notice | Fr Frank will be away from the Parish from Monday 20th October until Friday 24th October. There will be no midweek Masses that week. |
20.12.2025
A Christmas fund-raiser with a difference. Please donate Christmas themed gifts, for adults and children, and leave in the labelled bag in the Narthex. Aim of the Competition; to guess how many gifts are in the bag(s)! The closest number will win the bag!! Collections will be in November, and the Competition will open in December - results announced Sunday 20th December
|
10.12.2025
The next draw of the 100 Club will be on 10th December. There will be more opportunities to sign up after mass in late November – early December. Please watch the bulletin for further details.
|
30.11.2025
Further to the introduction to the Archdiocesan Planned Giving Campaign that Father Frank introduced in his sermon last Sunday, there will be a short presentation on our parish’s response immediately after Mass on Sunday 30th November. This presentation will explain the financial challenges we face as a parish and how you can help to maintain our church for future generations. Further information will also be available after the presentation. We look forward to your support.
|
29.11.2025
Churches Together in Balsall and Berkswell are holding a Quiet Morning, led by Rev’d Kathryn Darby, Methodist Minister on Saturday 29th November, 10am to 12 noon (coffee available from 9.30 am) at The Old Hall, Temple Balsall (adjacent to the church). If you wish to attend, please contact Doug Timmis on 01676 543346 – limited places available.
|
23.11.2025
There will be a second collection on 23rd November for the Catholic Youth Service
|
22.11.2025
Kathy and Bob will be taking names and money after mass today and next Sunday for the quiz night which is on 22nd November. The cost is £10 which includes hot dogs and mince pies. Teams of 6 or less or join others on the night. Kathy will also be taking names of those willing to help with the food.
|
22.11.2025
This will be held in our Parish Room on Saturday 22nd November from 10.00am to 2.30pm. Hand-crafted items and gifts will be on sale. Refreshments available. Entry is free. If you would like to donate cakes, raffle or tombola prizes (or help in any way), please contact Julia Greensall on 07855 843 914.
|
17.11.2025
Weekday Mass at BRG: Tuesday 18th November 7.00 pm
|
16.11.2025
Throughout November Masses for the Holy Souls will be offered, and we will pray for those whose names have been placed before the altar.
|
12.11.2025
Our next Coffee morning will be in the Narthex at 10.30am on 12th November with coffee, buns and good conversation available in abundance. If you haven’t been before, give it a try - you will be made very welcome!
|
10.11.2025
£799.00 pps. Price includes flight from Birmingham, 10kg hold luggage, 4 nights’ in 4* Castlecourt Hotel, Westport with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Full use of leisure facilities. All entertainment, excursions and transport included. Visit Knock Shrine, Ballintubber Abbey, Fr. Peyton Centre & Kylemore Abbey. Irish music nightly. Single supplement on Enquiry. Contact 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com.
|
09.11.2025
Today is Remembrance Sunday when we pray for the repose of the souls of all those who have lost their lives because of war, praying especially for local residents who died serving our country. The silence we keep presents us with an opportunity to remember, honour and give thanks to God for all those courageous men and women who have laid down their lives for the sake of others and in defence of what is right and good.
|
09.11.2025
Many, many thanks to all who participated in the much-needed deep clean of the church. I was a wonderful turn-out
|
06.11.2025
Berkswell choir will be singing carols at Hilliers Garden Centre on Thursday 6th November between 5.30 pm & 7.00 pm. Please come and join the choir. Contact Emma Bratton on 07977593017.
|
03.11.2025
St Peter’s Church, Balsall Common, is running sessions for anyone bereaved anytime, starting on Monday 3rd NovemberSave the Children Christmas Fayre 1.15pm to 2.45pm. Further details on our church notice board. To book a place please contact Rev’d Suzy Pearson on 07443345584 or email vicar@spcbalsall.org.uk.
|
02.11.2025
There will be no Mass on Tuesday 4th November. This is because Fr Frank has transferred his day off this week in order that we can celebrate All Souls Day on Monday 3rd November, there will be a 6.30pm Mass offered for All the Faithful Departed.
|
01.11.2025
Churches Together Coffee Morning is held the first Saturday of each month (1st November) at the Jubilee
Centre, 10.30-12.00. All Welcome.
|
26.10.2025
We will be updating the Book of Remembrance in the church and on our website in preparation for All Souls. If you would like anyone to be added, please complete one of the forms in the book and leave it on the lectern. Alternatively, you can email the full name of the person along with the date and month of their anniversary to iehclarke@btinternet.com.
|
23.10.2025
St. George & St. Teresa Primary School, Bentley Heath will be having open mornings at 9.15am on the 23rd
October and 4th November.
|
20.10.2025
Fr Frank will be away from the Parish from Monday 20th October until Friday 24th October. There
will be no midweek Masses that week.
|
Parish Calendar
