2nd Sunday of Easter
The majority of the risen appearances of Jesus occur when his disciples are gathered together. Even before he appears, they find a sense of safety in their companionship; and after the Lord ascends to his Father, as the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles read in our churches this weekend relates:-
The faithful all lived together and owned everything in common; they sold their goods and possessions and shared out the proceeds among themselves according to what each one needed. They went as a body to the Temple every day but met in their houses for the breaking of bread; they shared their food gladly and generously; they praised God and were looked up to by everyone. Day by day the Lord added to their community those destined to be saved.”
(Acts 2: 42-47)
Their two practices of going to the Temple for prayer and then meeting in their own homes for the breaking of bread would become fused in time into what we now do in the Mass together. The Liturgy of the Word is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but they are both acts we share together, and it is out of that that we are empowered to bring the peace and mercy of Christ into the troubled world of today.
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.
A message from Fr. Patterson
Fr. Patterson is making slow progress recovering from post Covid systems. He is still advised to continue to rest as much as possible. He remains grateful to you for your prayers, kind wishes, understanding, patience.
Celebrations during the coming week.
The following celebrations will take place during the coming week:
- Sunday (16th) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Makepeace and Shanks Families
- Monday: No Mass
- Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Margaret Barnes
- Wednesday: No Mass
- Thursday: 10.15am Funeral Service in St. Patrick’s Church for Moyra O’Brien
- Friday: No Mass
- Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
- Sunday (23rd): 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Paul Hughes
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 Paul Hughes and,
- Moyra O’Brien (Mackey) and Michael Connolly who have died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.
St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s Social Evening
Join us for a fun filled vibrant evening of Bingo with a twist. St. Patrick’s parish centre, this Friday, 21st April from 7pm. A suggested donation of £1.00 per person may be made for St. Patrick’s parish funds Please bring your own drinks and snacks.
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.
Some dates for your diary – with more news to come.
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 this weekend, 15th and 16th April, 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.
Thank you
Fr. Patterson is grateful for two donations of £40.00, one of £10.00 and another of £5.00 for St. Patrick’s parish funds received during Easter time. Thanks to everyone for your ongoing generosity in these difficult times for us all. Although we do not take a collection at Mass by passing round a basket, we do hope you will feel able to make an offering towards the upkeep and running costs of our churches in one of the boxes you will find at the entrances to our churches. Your offerings are our sole source of income. Should you wish to make your offering by standing order the details are:
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
