St. Benedict Mission

Introduction

Saint Benedict Mission in Birmingham began its service on 2 September 2018 at Our Lady of the Rosary & Saint Terese of Lisieux Roman Catholic Church on Parkfield Road, Saltley.

Architecture and furnishings

The mission was officially declared on 30 November 2018. The church was designed in the Lombard Romanesque style by George Drysdale and built in 1932-4. The west front was rebuilt after bomb damage in 1942-43. The church has a nave, aisles, a crossing with a tower, transepts, and an apsidal sanctuary. The interior has a parquet floor, plain plastered walls, and clear-glazed windows.

Music and liturgy

Saint Benedict Mission is part of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Great Britain, the 3rd eparchy outside India. The Syro-Malabar Church traces its origin to Saint Thomas the Apostle, who landed at Cranganore in 52 AD and founded seven Christian communities in Kerala.

The church choir is a joyful ministry dedicated to glorifying God through music, leading the congregation in worship. Friday evening includes Rosary, Holy Qurbana, and Adoration.

Parish life

CML aims to spark and nurture missionary zeal in children and youth through prayer, personal sacrifice, and active service. SMYM aims to equip and empower the next generation through worship, service, Bible study, travel and fun events.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children's First Holy Communion in the mission is scheduled for 24 May 2025, with preparation classes held on Sundays after Holy Qurbana. The parish holds a Word of God Challenge exam on the Word of God verses sent during Lent, with winners awarded. The parish holds a Marian procession on 18 May, with red and white roses offered to decorate the statue of Mother Mary. The parish holds an annual pilgrimage to Aylesford on 31 May, with a coach arranged.

Visiting

The annual pilgrimage to Walsingham on 19 July has a coach arranged for transportation. The church features a carillon bell tower with 23 bells covering two octaves, made by Gillett & Johnston in 1932, played using a keyboard similar to a piano, one of only twelve carillons in the United Kingdom.