Welcome to our Parish

Dear Friends, in today's Gospel for the 18th Sunday of the Year (Cycle A) (Mt 14:13-21) we are reminded that God cares about all His people and their needs. Jesus has returned to His home town of Nazareth. He has become famous as a great preacher and miracle worker. I'm sure He must have been looking forward to seeing His folks and neighbours again and spending time with His own; how disappointed He must have been that the welcome He received was indifference and disinterest from His townsmen. It's no wonder that He remarked, "A prophet is never accepted in his own  country or in his own house"!  If that wasn't enough, He was also given the news that His friend, John the Baptist, had been executed in prison. That was a lot to take in, so He did what most of would do on hearing bad news - He took himself and His disciples off across the lake to a quieter place where He could pray and think.
Some people had other ideas, 'though, and they quickly followed Him, to learn more and to seek His help, which He readily gave. And when the crowd remained and grew hungry, he saw their plight and fed them. He managed to work a miracle with the little He had to work with, the little they gave Him, just 5 loaves and 2 fish, and He is happy to accept us with the little we have. He's not looking for greatness or mighty deeds from you or from me. All He's asking is for us to bring to Him what we can, however little it may be, and offer it to Him to use in service of God and His people.
As I write this, it's very hot and it's sunny. The news however is not as bright, and it appears that the Coronavirus is making a resurgence in many parts of the world, and in our own country too. Our Lady and St Kenelm's remains open for Mass and please be assured that every precaution is being taken to safeguard you and your family if you wish to attend. Mass this week will be as follows:
Saturday 1st August:    6.30pm
Sunday 2nd August:  10.00am
Tuesday 4th August:  10.00am
Thursday 6th August: 10.00am
Our permitted number of persons at Mass remains at 33. We have not yet quite reached that maximum number. You're all welcome to come to Mass, but you should only come if you are healthy and feel safe to do so. Please note: To help with virus tracing (if needed) you are required to give your name and a contact telephone number as you enter the church. These will be destroyed after 21 days.
Remember to wash your hands regularly, wear your mask in the shops, avoid crowded places, and Stay Safe. I've been praying to St Roche, the Patron Saint of Contagious Diseases, for an end to this pandemic; Please God our prayers will be heard.
Fr Gerry x

Bulletins
You can keep up to date with the latest Weekly Bulletin and the more recent ones here.

Photos
Gallery

Music
​Please use the link below to listen to music generously provided by Paul Hodgetts 
​Passiontide,Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday and Corpus Christi

New Worshippers -  Please help us to keep our records up to date by completing this form. Thank you.

Russells Hall Hospital Chaplain 
Deacon Tom Tranter, Roman Catholic Chaplain for Russells Hall Hospital
Tel: 01384 393784 Mobile: 07415 211098

Contact
The Parish address and location map are given here. The Parish email address is: olskhalesowen@virginmedia.com.

St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) in the Parish and at School
To find out more about the mission of the SVP please use this link.
To request assistance please click here
Details of the SVP in the Parish can be seen here.
We have a Mini Vinnies' Group for children at Our Lady and St Kenelm Catholic School and you can learn more about the Group here.

Offertory Giving
You can find out more about about supporting the Parish financially through weekly Offertory giving or monthly standing orders and gift aid here.

Legacy Giving
​The Parish has a short guide to making a legacy gift to the Parish. ​

Parish Directory
​The Parish Directory provides a guide to our activities and parish helpers. If you are interested in volunteering then please take a look here at our range of activities.

St Kenelm's Day
We celebrate the feast of St Kenelm on 17th July each year. You can see a copy of St Kenelm's Litany here

Links
Here are links to Our Lady and St Kenelm Catholic Primary School and Hagley Catholic High School.
Details of neighbouring parishes are given.
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There are also links to the wider Catholic community in this country and abroad. These links are of special relevance to Parish endeavors