http://www.stjosephshandsworth.org.uk/

St Joseph's Catholic Church, Handsworth, St Joseph's Road, Sheffield (2026)

11/06/2026

Novena to Our Lady Perpetual Succour

Our annual novena continues tonight at 7.00pm.

We will conclude with Mass
at 7.00pm, on the final evening, Thursday, 25 June.

11/06/2026

Day 9 - Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

We're almost done! We do have one more prayer to say tomorrow, but first...

Let's pray today, once more, that we might have hearts that are conformed to Jesus'.

Let's pray that we may have more hopeful hearts - that we may live with the hope of Jesus every day. That we may face every cross and every trial with confident hope.

Here are the prayers for today:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”

Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of…

(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be to the Father…Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of…

(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be to the Father… Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of…

(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be to the Father… Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

https://www.praymorenovenas.com/novena-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus

11/06/2026

Saints Who Studied Law

Saint John of Capistrano
Priest († 1456)
Feast: 23 October

John was born in the little Italian town of Capistrano. He studied law in Perugia, became a respected lawyer, and was made governor of the city when he was only twenty-six years old, in which post he sought to end corruption within the civil government. He also married the daughter of a leading Perugian family. When a powerful Italian leader threatened the city with war, John met with him in hopes of establishing peace. Instead, the man threw John into prison. Imprisonment brought John to his knees, and when he was released, he left behind his position, possessions, and wife (with her permission) to enter the Franciscans.
Despite his previous life of luxury, John adapted to Franciscan poverty and penance. He became famous for his preaching, numerous conversions, and the miracles that occurred through his prayers. When the Franciscan order was being torn apart by factional rivalry, leaders called on John’s wisdom to resolve differing opinions into statutes for the entire order, which were later approved by the pope.
John was sent to various cities to respond to heretics and their teachings, and when an invasion by the Turkish army was imminent, he inspired the Catholic troops. The Christians fought bravely under his own military leadership, obtaining an overwhelming victory. John died soon after the battle.

All-powerful God, be our protector as we seek to bring peace and truth to our troubled world.
Magnificat 2026

11/06/2026

Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time the memorial of Saint Barnabas

Barnabas, the “son of encouragement”, was the first man fully to appreciate the change wrought in Paul, inviting Paul to accompany him to Antioch. Thus began the great mission to the Gentiles. Together Paul and Barnabas preached to the people there and elsewhere in Asia Minor. John Mark joined them, but left halfway through the mission. After the Council of Jerusalem, Paul refused to preach alongside Barnabas over the issue of circumcision and the behaviour of John Mark. Barnabas is considered the patron saint of quarrels for the way he resolved the dispute with Paul, taking John Mark under his wing. He died sometime before the year 63, probably at Salamis in Cyprus.

He was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. (Ac 11:24)

Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Consolation”, was one of those just and faithful servants to whom the success of the Gospel was far more important than his own. He willingly sought and sponsored Saint Paul until the latter outshone him. To serve God is to have a whole new perspective in which our own importance diminishes and we see only what will console and support others.

Collect
O God, who decreed that Saint Barnabas,
a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
should be set apart to convert the nations,
grant that the Gospel of Christ,
which he strenuously preached,
may be faithfully proclaimed by word and by deed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen
Magnificat 2026

10/06/2026

Day 8 - Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Let's pray that we might have hearts that are more and more conformed to Jesus'.

Let's pray that we may have more loving hearts - that we may be like Christ in loving selflessly. That we may love others as much as Christ loves us.

Here are the prayers for today:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”

Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of…

(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be to the Father…Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of…

(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be to the Father… Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of…

(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be to the Father… Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

https://www.praymorenovenas.com/novena-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus

10/06/2026

Saints Who Studied Law

Saint Thomas de Cantelupe
Bishop († 1282)
Feast: 25 August

Thomas was born into a wealthy, noble family and was educated at Oxford and the University of Paris. He studied both civil and canon law in France and returned to Oxford. When he was appointed chancellor of Oxford, he strictly enforced the university rules—and collected his own small armoury from all the weapons that were confiscated from unruly students.
Despite his reputation as a disciplinarian, Thomas was also known for his charity and zeal for justice. He generously supported poor students at Oxford. When the unjust actions of King Henry III led a group of prominent Englishmen to travel to France for diplomatic help, Thomas was among those men. When Thomas became a bishop, he defied rapacious feudal lords who were stealing the Church’s rights and possessions in his diocese and gradually forced them to respect the rule of law. He was not afraid to correct and even excommunicate public sinners among the rich and powerful. But he did not neglect the little ones among his flock: he frequently asked children he met if they had received Confirmation; if they had not, he remedied that situation immediately.
Sadly, the end of Thomas’ life was embroiled in a feud with the archbishop of Canterbury, and he died on the way to Rome as he sought to clear his name. Hundreds of miracles were reported after his death.

Merciful God, teach us to balance a strict respect for your justice with an awareness of your unbounded charity.
Magnificat 2026

10/06/2026

Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Meditation on Matthew 5:17-19: Why do people tend to view the "law of God" negatively rather than positively? Jesus' attitude towards the law of God can be summed up in the great prayer of Psalm 119: "Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day."

For the people of Israel the "law" could refer to the ten commandments or to the five Books of Moses, called the Pentateuch or Torah, which explain the commandments and ordinances of God for his people. The "law" also referred to the whole teaching or way of life which God gave to his people. The Jews in Jesus' time also used it as a description of the oral or scribal law. Needless to say, the scribes added many more things to the law than God intended. That is why Jesus often condemned the scribal law because it placed burdens on people which God had not intended.

The essence of God's law.
Jesus made it very clear that the essence of God's law - his commandments and way of life, must be fulfilled. God's law is true and righteous because it flows from his love, goodness, and holiness. It is a law of grace, love, and freedom for us. That is why God commands us to love him above all else and to follow in the way of his Son, the Lord Jesus who taught us how to love by laying down our lives for one another.

Reverence and respect.
Jesus taught reverence for God's law - reverence for God himself, reverence for the Lord's Day, reverence or respect for parents, respect for life, for property, for another person's good name, respect for oneself and for one's neighbour lest wrong or hurtful desires master and enslave us. Reverence and respect for God's commandments teach us the way of love - love of God and love of neighbor. What is impossible to humans is possible to God who gives generously of his gifts and the Holy Spirit to those who put their faith in him.

God gives us the grace, help, and strength to love as he loves, to forgive as he forgives, to think and judge as he judges, and to act as he acts with mercy, loving-kindness, and goodness. The Lord loves righteousness and hates wickedness. As his followers we must love his commandments and hate every form of sin and wrong-doing. Do you seek to understand the intention of his law and to grow in wisdom of his ways?

The Holy Spirit transforms our minds and hearts.
Jesus promised his disciples that he would give them the gift of the Holy Spirit who writes God's law of love and truth on our hearts. The Spirit teaches us God's truth and gives us wisdom and understanding of God's ways. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, strengthens us in temptation, and transforms us, day by day, into the likeness of Christ himself. There is great blessing and reward for those who obey God's commandments and who help others, especially the younger generations, to love, respect, and obey the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with a burning love and reverence for God's word so that you may grow day by day in the wisdom and knowledge of God's truth and goodness.

"Lord Jesus, grant this day, to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern our hearts, minds, and bodies, so that all our thoughts, words, and deeds may be in accord with your Father's law and wisdom. And thus may we be saved and protected through your mighty help."

The following reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2026. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.net

09/06/2026

Day 7 - Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Today, let's pray that we might have hearts that are conformed to Jesus'.

Let's pray that we may have more pure hearts - that we may be like Christ in having pure hearts like little children. Let's pray that we may see and treat others with pure hearts while putting all judgement and malice aside.

Here are the prayers for today:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”

Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of…

(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be to the Father…Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of…

(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be to the Father… Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of…

(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be to the Father… Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

https://www.praymorenovenas.com/novena-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus

09/06/2026

Saints Who Studied Law

Saint Raymond of Penyafort
Priest and religious († 1275)
Feast: 7 January

Raymond was born into a noble family in Spain. By the age of twenty he was teaching philosophy, and he became a doctor of canon and civil law in his thirties. The bishop of Barcelona made Raymond his archdeacon, but several years later, Raymond felt called to enter the Dominican order. His Dominican superiors were impressed with his humility and fervour. Because of his prior experience with the law, he was asked to write a document for confessors summarising cases of conscience to assist them in making moral decisions—one of the first manuals of its kind.
Although Raymond became famous for his preaching, other clergy continued to call upon him for his wisdom and insight in legal matters. Pope Gregory IX ordered him to collect all the papal and council decrees issued over the previous eight decades and create a compilation of canon law for the entire Church. When Raymond was elected Master General of the Dominicans, he clarified and simplified the constitutions of the order. Saint Thomas Aquinas composed his famous Summa Contra Gentiles at Raymond’s request.
But Raymond was a priest, first and foremost, and he probably considered his ability to bring many people—from slaves to nobles—to conversion as his greatest gift to God, and from God.

Heavenly Father, give us the grace to make decisions that are worthy of children of God.
Magnificat 2026

09/06/2026

Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Mass today at 10.15 - Requiem

Meditation on Matthew 5:13-16:
Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and light, to convey extraordinary truths that transform our minds, hearts, and lives. What does salt and light have to teach us about God and the transforming power of his kingdom? Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. People traded with it, like we trade with valuable goods, such as gold and stock. Salt also served a very useful purpose, especially in warmer climates before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave rich flavour to food, it also preserved food from going bad and being spoiled.

God's power at work within us purifies and enriches our lives.
Jesus used the image of salt to describe the transforming effect of God's work in our lives - and how the Holy Spirit wants to work in and through us to bring the power and blessing of God's kingdom to others. As salt purifies, preserves, and produces rich flavour for our daily food, we, too, as disciples of Jesus, are "salt" for the world of human society. The Lord wants to work in and through us to purify, preserve, and spread the rich flavor of God's kingdom everywhere - his "kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).

Don't lose your saltiness.
What did Jesus mean by the expression "if salt has lost its taste... it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot" (Matthew 5:13)? Salt in the ancient world was often put into ovens to intensify the heat. When the salt was burned off and no longer useful it was thrown out on the ground where it would get stepped on and swept away (Matthew 5:13).

How can we lose our "saltiness" - the power of God's rich grace and strength at work in us? If we allow the world (which is opposed to God's truth and moral goodness), and sinful habits, and Satan's lies and deception to corrupt our minds and hearts, then we will lose the rich flavour and strength of God which preserves us from moral and spiritual corruption. The Lord wants us to preserve and enrich our "saltiness" - through Godly living and the rejection of sin - not only for our own sake but also for the sake of others who will be impacted by our witness and behaviour.

Paul the Apostle reminds us that we are called to be "the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ). Do you allow the fragrance of Christ's love, truth, and holiness to permeate every area of your life, your thoughts, words, actions, and relationships?

Let the light of Christ shine brightly in and through you for all to see.
Jesus used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration of God's transforming work in and through us. Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as symbol or expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God's grace not only dispels the darkness in our lives, it also fills us with the light of Christ's truth, wisdom, joy, and peace.

Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illuminates the darkness and enables one to see cleary, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom (Ephesians 5:13-14). Our mission is to be light-bearers of Jesus Christ so that others may see the truth of the Gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.

There is great freedom and joy for those who live in the light of God's truth and goodness. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light?

"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed"

This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager © 2026. Don's website is located at Dailyscripture.net

St Joseph's Catholic Church, Handsworth

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