Sacramental Preparation & Celebrations

Parents who wish to have their children baptised should contact Father Srinu on 0121 453 3452 or Deacon John on 0121 448 8954 - please click on the document below

Couple who wish to marry should contact Father Srinu on 0121 453 3452.

Baptism Preparation Meeting The next meeting will take place on Saturday, 31st October 2026 at 5.30 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church on B45 9BQ.

Changes from 1/1/2026

Dear Parishioners and Families of St Columba, St James and St John Fisher Schools, as part of the Archdiocesan Plan for 2030 and the formation of the New Area Cluster of five parishes, we will be reorganising and restructuring our Baptismal preparation and the celebration of the Sacraments. Our parishes are now part of the Northfield Cluster, working closely together with:

          •                     Our Lady's Parish - Rednal 

          •                     St Brigid's Parish - Northfield

          •                     St John Fisher Parish - West Heath

          •                     St Peter's Parish - Bartley Green

          •                     St Rose of Lima Parish - Weoley Castle

This shared approach allows us to follow the same structure across the cluster and to support one another through the cooperation and encouragement of all the priests involved. I would like to share that this is the model already being used by Fr Cecil and Canon Gary Buckby, and they have found it to be very positive and fruitful. They have seen encouraging numbers, parishioners uplifted by the presence of new young families, and a genuine sense of joy and positive energy within parish life. Both Fr Cecil and Canon Gary have strongly encouraged and supported me in promoting this approach, having witnessed its many benefits firsthand.

New Baptismal Preparation Structure

From 2026 onwards, Baptism will be celebrated in three stages:

          •                     Families who wish to have their child baptised in one of our parish churches will be asked to attend three Sunday Masses, or to participate every Sunday, as part of their preparation.

          •                     This allows families to receive the Sacrament in stages, walking through this wonderful journey of faith with their child, alongside the wider Parish Family.

          •                     On the third stage, families may invite relatives and friends to join them.

          •                     The Baptism will take place during the Sunday Mass, without adding extra time to the celebration.

This approach reminds us that Baptism is not simply a private occasion, but a joyful moment celebrated within the life of the Church community. It also gives families the opportunity to grow in faith, form relationships, and feel truly welcomed into parish life. We hope and pray that this new structure will encourage more young families to join us regularly, helping our parishes to grow in faith, participation, and vitality for the future. Thank you for your understanding, prayerful support, and cooperation as we move forward together in this new chapter of parish life.

Confirmation Children/young people attending non-Catholic schools are invited to attend a course at SJF Parish which will prepare them for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The course will start in July 2026.  Parents/carers who would like to enrol their child in the course are asked to contact the Parish Office (01214533452) so that your details can be forwarded to the Catechists in charge

Confirmations at Our Lady’s.  The Sacrament of Confirmation for the Year 6 children of St Columba's School will be on Wednesday 9th June 2027 at 5 pm. Please remember the pupils, their parents and teachers in your prayers after they prepared for this momentous event in their spiritual lives.

First Holy Communion at Our Lady's. The Sacrament of First Holy Communion for our Year 3 children of St Columba's School - Date TBC