29th Sunday of the Year
Dear Parishioners
We live in a world that appears to offer us quick answers to our problems along with quick responses to our needs. Think of all of the “time saving” devices that surround us. With smart phones we can communicate with others anywhere in the world with the touch of a few buttons. Any number of products can be purchased on line, paid for with a credit card.
Amidst all of this, prayer and spending time with God can be an uphill battle. The world has shaped us into being impatient people. In the Gospel, read in our churches this weekend, we hear Jesus speaking of the woman who continually calls on the judge to hear and answer her petition.
St Paul, in the second reading, writing to Timothy explains why it is important to pray continually:- “You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true. Ever since you were a child, you have known the scriptures – from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be holy. This is how the person who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.”
So when the Son of Man comes again, will he find any faith on earth?
May God bless us all.
Fr Patterson
All are welcome
Everyone is welcome to join us for the celebration of Mass in St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches. In recent times, it has been a joy to welcome people of other faiths or none who have come to join us in worship.
Currently, only baptised Catholic people are able to receive Holy Communion and we ask that when you approach the altar you extend your hands towards the minister who will place the sacred host in your hand which you should then consume immediately before returning to your place.
If you are not a Catholic or are indisposed to receive Holy Communion, you are invited to come forward at the appropriate time and receive a blessing, indicating your desire by folding an arm across your chest.
As Covid cases rise in Gateshead…
Some of you may have seen Alice Wiseman, the Director of Public Health in Gateshead, on the television this week. She spoke of her concern that Gateshead has the second highest number of new Covid cases in the UK as of the week ending 1st October with 286 new cases and an infection rate of 141 cases per 100,000 people. She urges us to be prudent in our behaviour especially if we have any cold or flu like symptoms particularly a cough, when she hopes people would wear a face covering if they are in a crowded situation. She also spoke of how the rate of hospital admissions is rising. There were 307 new cases in the week leading up to 8th October. So please think of others in the choices you make.
Mass Intentions
Mass will be celebrated for the following Intentions during the coming week.
- Monday – No Mass
- Tuesday – No Mass
- Wednesday – No Mass
- Thursday: No Mass
- Friday – No Mass
- Saturday: 6pm in St Alban’s Church – Margaret and Brian Pankhurst
- Sunday: 10am in St Patrick’s Church – For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Mass to view on line
Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday. Visit the Cathedral website.
Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.
When you are unable to celebrate Mass in Church, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:-
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Please keep in your prayers:
- all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
- all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time and,
- John Southern who has died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the soul of your servant whom you have called from this life. May he be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united. Amen
A Prayer for those who are ill or have Covid
Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that your everlasting arms are here to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for those who care for the sick
Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for cures to the world’s illnesses. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for Ukraine
Father, hold the people of Ukraine deep in your heart. Protect them from violence, political gamesmanship and from being used and abused. Give the nations of the world the courage and wisdom to stand up for justice and the courage to care generously. Take from us those traits that see us pursuing our own needs and wants before those of others. Teach us to live in love, dignity and respect, following your ways. We ask this in your name and for your sake. Amen.
Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons
Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.
Refreshments after Mass
Thanks to a few more offers of help and the generosity of our existing volunteers, we will be able to offer refreshments in St Patrick’s parish centre after Mass every Sunday.
Are you aged 50+?
From the morning of Friday 14th October, anyone aged 50 or over will be offered the extra protection of an Autumn Covid Booster vaccination. Anyone aged 50 or over can book their jab online or by calling 119.
Short and Sweet
The Parish Newsletter is briefer this week and unfortunately it will not be possible to provide you with a reflection and prayers this Sunday.
