On the 27th of July, the African Catholic Stafford Group gathered for their much-anticipated summer barbecue, a day filled with joy, laughter, and cultural celebration. The event, held at a Family home, brought together members of the community for an afternoon of fun, games, and delicious food.

The barbecue was a vibrant display of African culture, with traditional music setting the tone for the day. Attendees enjoyed a variety of games, which brought out the competitive spirit in both young and old. Children were particularly delighted with the playing of games, while adults engaged in lively conversations and shared stories from their homelands.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the food. A sumptuous spread of African dishes, including rice, grilled meats, and an array of flavourful sides, were prepared by the talented cooks within the group. The aroma of the barbecue wafted through the air, drawing everyone to the feast.

Beyond the fun and games, the barbecue served as a meaningful opportunity for the African Catholic Community to express and celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Traditional attire added a splash of color to the event, and many took the opportunity to teach others about their customs and traditions.

The day concluded with a heartfelt prayer and a sense of gratitude for the strong bonds within the community. The African Catholic Stafford Group looks forward to more such gatherings, where they can continue to share their culture and faith with one another. 

Last week, amidst the serene beauty of Lourdes, Bryan Shankleton, a devoted parishioner of St. Austin's Church in Stafford, embarked on a pilgrimage that would touch hearts and kindle hope. The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley, and Bishop David Evans, provided a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

 A Journey of Faith

Bryan's journey began on Monday, May 27, 2024, as he joined fellow pilgrims in this sacred expedition. Lourdes, nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees in Southwestern France, is renowned for its healing waters and its connection to the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.

The pilgrimage program included daily Masses, processions, and moments of quiet contemplation. Bryan, with unwavering faith, immersed himself in the spiritual atmosphere, seeking solace and intercession for the intentions of his beloved St. Austin's Parish community.

Lighting a Candle for St. Austin's

One poignant moment during Bryan's pilgrimage was when he stood before the Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette. Here, surrounded by the flickering candles of countless pilgrims, Bryan lit a candle—a symbol of hope, prayer, and unity.

With each flicker of the flame, Bryan offered heartfelt prayers for the intentions of all St. Austin's Parishioners. Bryan's act of lighting the candle became a bridge connecting the faithful in Stafford to the sacred sanctuary of Lourdes.

In recent months, our parish community has come together to celebrate a significant milestone—the First Holy Communion of our young parishioners. This sacred event has been a source of immense joy for all involved. Here’s a photo's of these beautiful celebrations:

On Wednesday 19th July Bishop Stephen Wright, who is originally from Stafford and attended St Austins Church was installed as the 15th Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle at a Solemn Mass of Installation in St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle.
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Catholic Stafford was represented not only by Bishop Stephens family but also by Canon Micheal and Fr Bob who presented him with a gift from the parish and are schools, which was a Stole and Chasuble with the Crest on Blessed Mother Teresa's primary school which of course Bishop Stephen attended as a Pupil. (please see photo below)
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During his homily he spoke fondly of when he was parishioner here at St Austins, when Bishop Kevin Dunn was Parish Priest here in Stafford, (who also went on to be the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle) Bishop Stephen said : 

“Some of you may know that Bishop Kevin Dunn was my Parish Priest in Stafford when I was in my twenties. I was in seminary and then ordained a priest in 2000. I sense his infectious smile and humour and certainly his prayers. He influenced me a lot. You may get used to seeing me pausing to pray at his resting place in the years ahead. I always knew when Kevin wanted me to do something in the parish, “Stephen, do you fancy a pint?”. If it was bigger job, it would be two pints and possibly even a meal. I confess I am stood here wondering how many pints he has lined up for me now“  ( Read the Homily here or watch it below ) 

During the Mass Bishop Wright was presented with the traditional symbols of a bishop’s ministry: the pastoral staff, the crozier, the ring – in this case St Cuthbert’s ring – and the pectoral cross.​
In a very poignant exchange, Bishop Wright received another gift – the powerful symbol of prayer ribbons representing the God-given dignity of victims and survivors of abuse. These ribbons were then tied to the Bishop’s chair and the congregation heard a short testimony from Maggie – a survivor of abuse.

This Mass was attend by many lay faithful and priests  as well as The Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía was in attendance, as was Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Bernard and many Catholic bishops from the dioceses of England and Wales.

Bishop Stephen has asked for our prayers and a prayer has been published for this occasion 

​A Prayer for Bishop Stephen Wright:
Lord, rock of our hearts,
from a sea swept island
you sent Aidan and Cuthbert
to sow your Word fruitfully
throughout our Northern Land and
you inspired Bede to understand and speak your truth
reflected in our lives and in our history.
Grant your servant, Stephen,
whom you have called to follow them,
a rich share in this heritage –
to speak your Word courageously
to teach wisely
and to lead with love.
Amen.
Photos from the day can be found here:  Click Here 

Please leave your messages for Bishop Stephen below in the comments. 

 On the 19th July 2023 Stafford born Bishop Stephen Wright,  will be installed as the New Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. 

Stephen Wright was born on 9 October 1970 in Stafford, in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. St Austin's is Bishop Stephen's home parish. He was Baptised and Confirmed, here at St. Austin's. He attended  Blessed Mother Teresa Primary School and Blessed William Howard Catholic High School.
He  graduated in Law and qualified to practice as a lawyer.  After a time of discernment he studied for the priesthood at Saint Mary's College Seminary, Oscott in Birmingham and at the Venerable English College in Rome.  He obtained a licentiate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. He was ordained a priest  here in St. Austin's on 9th September 2000.

On 18 March 2020 he was appointed Titular Bishop of Ramsbiria and Auxiliary in Birmingham, receiving episcopal ordination on the following 9 October. On the 14th June Pope Francis appointed Bishop Stephen Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. Although we are sad to see him leave the diocese we give him every prayerful support in his new appointment. 

To watch the live stream of his installation on Wednesday 19th July at 1.00 p.m. please click on the Link below..

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Many Congratulations to the children from St Austins and Blessed Mother Teresa Schools who received their first Holy Communion on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Let us keep them in our prayers