Friday 8th June 2018

Today on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Archdiocese of Birmingham has decided to dedicate a year of thanksgiving, prayer and celebration for the priests of the diocese, in preparation for a national celebration of priesthood. This year also marks the 450th anniversary of the foundation of the English College, Douai, the first institution to form priests for the mission in England after the Reformation. From Douai, colleges were founded across France, Spain, Portugal and in Rome. These colleges trained the priests, without whom Catholicism would almost certainly have died out in England and Wales. This year is a time to thank God for the priests of today, as well as to celebrate the past. We also celebrate and give thanks for those who have gone before us, and for our present generation of priests, and to support them with our prayers. We pray ever more fervently that young men in our parish will hear the call to priesthood. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, bless the priests and people of our parishes, and fill our hearts with your mercy.

Today thousands of pupils in playgrounds across the UK will have kicked, bounced or carried a ball around an obstacle course which they've designed themselves. The Play Leaders in Year 5 have designed a course for KS1 and KS2. This sporting fun is all in the name of Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2018 - a game like no other, where Usain Bolt's World XI will take on Robbie Williams' England Team to help save the lives of children around the world. The UK government is matching every donation made to this year's appeal up to £5 million. Money raised will go towards ending preventable disease in children, saving the lives if new born babies and helping to end child hunger. For example, just £1.70 could provide vaccines to protect a child from deadly disease and £322 could buy a water pump for a school or whole village. Thank you for your donations to support our brothers and sisters around the world, so far we have raised £189.80 with more donations due to be returned on Monday.

Congratulations to Leo (Year 3) and his fellow u8 team mates who won the final of the West Midlands Junior Champions League at Aldersley Stadium in Wolverhampton on 26th May. This competition saw 60 teams from across the West Midlands compete in a first round stage which determined the league - Champions or Europa. His team played a total of 11 other teams during the competition beating Kewford Eagles in the final 3-2. Well done to Leo and his team mates.

There are some big family events taking place during June & July for Under 5's and also for the whole family to enjoy, so I have outlined some of these below for you to view:

Under 5's Events:

•Tuesday 12 & Wednesday 13 June - Barnardo's Big Toddle 2018 At Dudley Zoo: http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/barnardos-big-toddle-2018/

•Wednesday 27 & Thursday 28 June - Under 5's Day Picnic Party At Dudley Zoo: http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/events/whats-on-at-dzg/under-5s-day/

•Friday 29 June - Himley Under 5's Fun Day: http://www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/under5s

•Wednesday 11 July - Baby Festival Under 5's Day at Baggeridge: http://www.lovefromsedgley.co.uk/who-s-who/event/baby-festival-under-5s-day-2018

Events for the Whole Family

•Sunday 1 July - Armed Forces Day at Himley: http://www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/armedforcesday

•Saturday 23 June - Saturday 29 July - The Black Country Festival 2018 Events: http://www.black-country-festival.co.uk/whats-on

All other events can be found on our website, if you click on the 'Events - what's on' section, the information will be on there. Any further activities and events we hear throughout the year will be uploaded onto our directory, so it's always worth checking this out on a regular basis.

http://fis.dudley.gov.uk/fsd/

Pupils at St. Joseph's are growing to be attentive to their experience and to their vocation; and discerning about their choices they make and the effects of those choices.

God, our Father, we are brothers and sisters in Jesus your Son, one family, in the Spirit of your love. Make us patient and kind, gentle and generous, welcoming to those in need. Protect all families with your loving care. Amen.

Universal: Social Networks. That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.