The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux, 1873-1897, Doctor of the Church, were venerated by more than 11,000 pilgrims during their visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral and Minor Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham, the Mother Church of the Diocese. At no time were there less than 200 people in the Cathedral even through the two all night vigils.

2009 was another wonderful year for Father Hudson’s Society’s Good Shepherd Masses. 133 schools were part of this years celebrations as they attended one of the seven Masses, which took place throughout the Diocese. Over 3,000 people were part of these joyous and uplifting occasions. It was wonderful to see so many children joined together in worship.

Once again St. Chad’s Cathedral was packed to capacity with altar servers and their families for the annual Guild of St. Stephen Mass.

This year’s Mass on September 20 was celebrated by Bishop Philip Pargeter with priests from the diocese and beyond. These included the National director of the Guild, Fr Dennis Touw and the Diocesan director, Fr. Jan Nowotnik. Three members of the Guild’s central council travelled from London to be at the celebration. Boyce and Stanley provided the music for the Mass and servers from Our Lady and All Saints, Stourbridge were chosen to be the servers of the Mass and assisted with dignity on the sanctuary. Other servers from across the diocese helped with the offertory procession and the readings.

A congregation of over six hundred worshippers, including fifty priests attended the ordination of John Peyton at Sacred Heart & Holy Souls Church, Acocks Green on Saturday 19th July. Pictured are Fr John's sister-in-law and nephews, from L-R, James, Thomas, Joseph, Christine and Philip.