Palm Sunday
Lent at Home
We hope your “Personal Pilgrimage” through Lent is proving to be a fruitful experience, especially for those of you who feel unable to come to Church, knowing that your fellow parishioners are remembering you in prayer.
This week, more than any other, is an invitation to join with Jesus in his personal journey to Jerusalem, then on to his death on the Cross from which he rises to offer us the gift of the new life of the Resurrection.
Try to set aside some extra time each day for prayer and reflection whether that be in the “solitude” of your own home or room, or coming together for our Holy Week services. Try to avoid falling into the trap of taking the approach “been there, got the T-shirt” and welcome each day of Holy Week anew. Our Share a Prayer sheet may help you in this regard.
If you would like to share a prayer with other parishioners over Easter, please email your prayers to adventcafe@icloud.com by Thursday.
A thought for Holy Week
According to St. Matthew, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil. Not much has changed since then. Today our world is in turmoil. Our country is in turmoil. Some of us may feel the turmoil in our own lives. It’s in the news. It’s in the air. It’s in our hearts.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem the whole city was asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus of Nazareth.” But did anyone realise Jesus is the Son of God sent because God “so loved the world;” the one who says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying burdens, and I will give you rest;” the one who says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
Jesus is the one who says, “I am the light of the world; the resurrection and the life.” and “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Whatever your Holy Week brings you, takes from you, or asks of you, do not close your eyes or turn away from the one who enters the turmoil of Jerusalem, the “one who comes in the name of the Lord.” For this is the one who will rise to new life on the third day and he plans on taking you with him.
All are welcome
Everyone is welcome to join us for the celebration of Mass in St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches. It is a joy to welcome people of other faiths or none who 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.
Covid 19
Fr. Patterson is making little progress recovering from post Covid systems. He continues to be advised to rest as much as possible. He remains grateful for your prayers, kind wishes, understanding and patience.
Celebrations during the coming week.
The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.
- Monday: No Mass
- Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Funeral Mass for Thomas Conway
- Wednesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: A Reflection on the journey of Jesus to his crucifixion
- Thursday: 6pm Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Bill Harland
- Friday: 3pm in St. Patrick’s Church: The Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
- Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
- Sunday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: George Owens
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 and Fr John Reid, one of our retired priests, who is currently unwell
- all those whose memories we cherish at this time, especially Jimmy Connolly and Pat Donald and,
- Thomas Conway who have died. May he rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.
Holy Week and Easter Services
As the Solemn Celebration of the Vigil of Easter takes place in St. Patrick’s Church, Fr. Patterson had hoped to be able to celebrate Mass on Easter Sunday in St. Alban’s Church. Unfortunately his slow recovery from the effects of Covid, which considerably limit his strength and energy, will prevent him from doing so.
The following services, with the exception of Wednesday, will take place in St. Patrick’s Church.
- Wednesday 5th April at 10am: A Reflection on the journey of Jesus to his crucifixion (Stations of the Cross) – St. Patrick’s parish centre
- Holy Thursday 6th April at 6pm: The Mass of the Lord’s Supper
- Good Friday 7th April at 3pm: The Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday
- Holy Saturday 8th April at 6pm: The Solemn Celebration of the Vigil of Easter
- Easter Sunday 9th April at 10am: The Mass of the Resurrection
In the neighbourhood
As well as Mass in St. Patrick’s on Easter Sunday at 10am, Mass will also be celebrated in St. James, Hebburn at 9.15am and in St. Aloysius, Hebburn at 11am. There is no Mass on Easter Sunday in St. Augustine’s, Leam Lane.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on the Feast of Christ the King (Youth Sunday) , 26th November, during the 10am Mass.
There will be an introductory evening for all those who are interested in being confirmed, along with their parents, on Friday, 12th May, in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6.30pm. This will be followed by a special celebration during Mass on Sunday, 28th May in St. Patrick’s Church which is the Feast of Pentecost.
Confirmation is open to young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who will be in Year 8 and above from September, 2023. Prospective candidates should be regularly attending Mass and will need to take part in a period of preparation which will be outlined at our introductory gathering on 12th May.
If you haven’t already registered to be part of the programme please email your details to the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.
Holy Communion under Both Kinds
The Bishops’ of England and Wales have decided that, given the current situation regarding the spread of Covid and the fact that most people have had three or four vaccinations, now would be a suitable time to grant permission for the resumption of the distribution of Holy Communion under both species.
Please note that this is a permission and not a requirement. The decision as to whether or not to reintroduce this custom rests with each parish priest.
Taking into account the views of our Eucharistic Ministers from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, who would be involved in the distribution of the Precious Blood and having to consume what remained after Holy Communion and considering the demographics of our parishes along with the high transmission rate of Covid, Fr. Patterson does not feel it is appropriate to reintroduce this custom at the present time.
Please remember that the Doctrine of Concomitance, which we were all taught at school, affirms that Jesus is entirely present, body, blood, soul and divinity under the form of both bread and wine. It is also worth noting that Holy Communion under both kinds was only reintroduced into the Mass during the 1970s after having been discontinued in the thirteenth century.
Lenten Booklet of Reflections
The Diocesan Vicariate for Faith & Mission has produced the second booklet of Lenten reflections for this year. The reflections have been contributed by a range of clergy, religious and lay people to express the richness and variety of our Diocesan community. Unfortunately the booklet is only available online.
The Holy Places Collection
This collection was originally taken on Good Friday but in recent times has been taken on Palm Sunday (next Sunday, 2nd April). Should you wish to contribute to this collection, please place your offering in an envelope marked “Holy Places” and deposit it in one of the collection boxes at the entrance to our churches. Those of you with boxes of envelopes should find an envelope in your box.
Lenten Alms Appeal
The Appeal this year will help St. Cuthbert’s Care raise funds to purchase a small vehicle to be used across their two nursing homes. If you wish to support this appeal, please place your donation in an envelope marked “Lenten Alms” and place it in one of the collection boxes at the entrance to our churches.
Your Weekly Offering by Standing Order
Fr. Patterson has had several requests recently for the details required to make your weekly offering by Standing Order. They are set out below:-
St Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984
St Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453
You are still able to Gift Aid your offering by Standing Order. If you are not already in the Gift Aid scheme and would like to join, please email John, the Gift Aid organiser for both of our churches who will send you the necessary form. You must be a tax payer to Gift aid you contribution. John’s email is stpatrick.giftaid@outlook.com.
Petitions for Lourdes
One of our parishioners will be going on pilgrimage to Lourdes in Easter week and has offered to take any prayer petitions people may wish to send to be placed in the Grotto at Lourdes. Should you wish to send a prayer petition please place it in an envelope marked “Lourdes petition” and deposit it in one of the collecting boxes at the entrances to our churches before Good Friday. Please do not put money in your envelope as these are prayer petitions not Mass offerings. Your petitions are not opened in Lourdes and are burnt after a suitable period of time.
Some dates for your diary – with more news to come.
- Friday, 21st April: A Parish Social Evening taking the form of “Bongo Bingo” at 7pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre
- Saturday, 29th April: A Coronation Afternoon Tea Party from 2 – 4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre
- Saturday, 20th May: A Parish Walk from Monkseaton to South Shields with lunch
- Saturday, 27th May: A “Forget Me Not” Afternoon Tea Party from 2 – 4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre
These events are open to everyone from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, along with friends and neighbours.
More details coming soon
Serving those who have served us well -The Northern Brethren Fund
The annual collection for the Sick and Retired Priests of the Diocese will be taken on the weekend of 15th and 16th April 2023, and the Fund will remain open until 5th May for donations. This collection goes to support our Sick and Retired Priests who have served our diocese over many years. The “Superiors” of the Fund who are priests of the Diocese wish to ensure that this Fund is also there for future retired priests. Recent years have been very difficult and income has drastically declined. The Superiors invite you to consider donating £5.00 or £10.00 (and if possible Gift Aid your donation) in recognition of all the priests who have served in our parishes over many years. For further information on Gift Aid, one-off larger donations, or a bequest in your Will, please do not hesitate to contact Fr. Ian Jackson on 0191 586 4319. Should you wish to make a donation please place your offering in an envelope marked “NBF” and place it in one of the collections boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those with boxes of envelopes should have an envelope.
