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 at Every Stage of Life
Baptism
The doorway to the life of grace. Please contact the parish office to arrange.
Reconciliation
Available before Mass or by appointment
Holy Eucharist
Celebrated every Sunday at 9.45 am and Friday at 12.00 noon. 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
Two Churches Working Together
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
- Sunday9.45 amHoly Mass — St Joseph's
- Sunday11.30 amHoly Mass — St Vincent's
- Every day11.00 amDaily Mass — St Vincent's — except Tuesday and Wednesday
- Tuesday9.30 amPrayer & Worship — St Vincent's School
- Wednesday2.00 pmDaily Mass — St Joseph's School
- Friday12.00 noonDaily Mass — St Joseph's Church
Parishioners and parents are warmly invited to attend.
Prayer & Worship
- Friday11.45 amRosary — St Joseph's
- Friday12.30 pmPrayer group — St Joseph's
- 1st Wednesday7.00 pmPrayer group — St Vincent's — first Wednesday of the month
- Tuesday7.00 pmInter-cultural music — St Joseph's
All are invited to attend.
Youth & Faith Formation
- Monday6.00 pmParish Youth Group — St Vincent's Community Centre — most weeks, both parishes
- Wednesday12.00 noonJourney in Faith — St Joseph's
The Journey in Faith sessions are for adults who want to join the Church or to renew their Faith. The time can be changed to suit those who wish to find out more about the Faith.
Community Centre Groups
- Wednesday11.30 amAlcoholics Anonymous — St Joseph's Community Centre
- Thursday11.00 amAge Concern — St Joseph's Community Centre
Alcoholics Anonymous is a two hour meeting led by volunteers, where participants experience group therapy through mutual sharing and support. They follow the “12 Step Programme.” The participants attain sobriety by abstaining from alcohol for life, reaching out to and supporting others. About 16 people attend each week.
Outreach — 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. A core group of five people from the Parish co-ordinate this project together with Chris Millward from the charity Team4Nature.
Apprentices in the Church Grounds
In Spring 2026, apprentices from McDermott Construction and Civil Engineering Ltd (B6 5RS) were among twenty apprentices who worked in the Church grounds, ready to implement the Management Plan for St Joseph's Church Grounds. Chris Millward from Team4Nature wrote the Plan and helped the Apprentices to implement it.
A sign of how rich a habitat the grounds have become: Chris photographed 19 species of butterflies in St Joseph's Church grounds — there are only 25 recorded in the whole of Birmingham.
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.