About Us
Parish Information
Serving the Catholic community of Nechells since 1850.
A Home of Faith Since 1850
St Joseph's was founded to serve the growing Catholic population of Nechells in the mid-nineteenth century. For over 170 years our doors have remained open, offering the sacraments, sanctuary and a sense of belonging to generations of families.
Fr Solomon Ghebray
Our parish priest has served the Nechells community for many years, offering the sacraments, pastoral care and a warm welcome to all who come through our doors.
Grace for Every Stage of Life
Baptism
The doorway to the life of grace. Please contact the parish office to arrange.
Reconciliation
Available Saturdays before Vigil Mass or by appointment.
Holy Eucharist
Celebrated at every Mass. Preparation classes for First Communion run yearly.
Confirmation
Preparation for young people takes place each year — please enquire with the parish.
Marriage
Couples should contact the parish priest at least six months in advance.
Anointing of the Sick
Please contact the parish at any time for the sick or housebound.
St Joseph's Parish & Community Today
At present our Parish Priest is Father Solomon Ghebray and he is also Parish Priest of St Vincent's Church, Vauxhall Road, Nechells. The two Churches collaborate so that, together, we can promote our Faith in this area. Father Solomon is also National Chaplain to the Eritrean community in the UK and St Vincent's Church is their National Centre.
Mass Times
Holy Mass is celebrated every Sunday in St Joseph's at 9.45am and in St Vincent's at 11.00am.
Daily Mass in St Vincent's at 11.00am every day apart from Wednesday, when it is celebrated in St Vincent's School at 9.30am and in St Joseph's School at 2.15pm, and in St Joseph's Church at 12.00 noon every Friday. Parishioners and parents are warmly invited to attend.
Prayer & Worship
We have prayer groups in St Joseph's on Friday at 12.30pm and on the first Wednesday of the month in St Vincent's at 7.00pm. All are invited to attend.
Inter-cultural music at St Joseph's on Tuesday at 7.00pm.
Youth & Faith Formation
On most Monday evenings at 6.00pm there is a Parish Youth Group at St Vincent's Community Centre for both parishes, led by a member of St Joseph's Church.
The Journey in Faith sessions are in St Joseph's at present at 12.00 noon on Wednesday, but this time can be changed to suit those who wish to find out more about the Faith.
Community Centre Groups
- Alcoholics Anonymous — Wednesdays at 11.30am, St Joseph's Community Centre.
- Age Concern — Thursdays at 11.00am, St Joseph's Community Centre.
Outreach
Father Solomon, Sister Catherine and other Church members reach out to people who are housebound, isolated or lonely in the area, offering comfort and support.
Laudato Si' Project
St Joseph's Church is involved in a Laudato Si' project in collaboration with Team4Nature to create a sanctuary for Nature and Biodiversity in the five acres of greenery around the Church.
Our Parish Council
The Parish Council work closely with Father Solomon to develop the work of the Church and to promote God's love and goodness in this area of Birmingham — inspired by the example of Mrs Jane Wheatley, who opened her home to the priests from St Chad's in 1850.
May God be continually glorified in St Joseph's Church.