3rd Sunday of Easter
We are often led to believe that “new must be better” until we discover that the new gadget, which seemed more attractive when we didn’t actually have it, leads to a sense of disappointment because our lives are not changed by it as we imagined they might be. If we experience such feelings, the best thing to do is consider what it was we really wanted.
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus, in the gospel read in our churches this weekend (Luke 24:13-35), said they had hoped that Jesus would be “the one to set Israel free.” They were probably thinking in political terms. Yet the freedom of Christ is much greater than any political freedom. Israel would indeed be free in Christ, but, in his words, “You will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.”
We might, at times, be disappointed in our faith. That is why many Christians fall away from belief. If they do, they tend to seek some other form of happiness. Without realising it, deep down, they seek the truth, and the truth is something that we can only find in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit that he promised us
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 and patience.
Celebrations during the coming week.
The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.
- Monday: No Mass
- Tuesday: 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church for Michael Connolly
- Wednesday: No Mass
- Thursday: No Mass
- Friday: No Mass
- Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Brian Grace Snr and Brian Grace Jnr
- Sunday (30th): 10am Mass 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 whose memories we cherish at this time, especially Brian Grace Snr, Brian Grace Jnr and Paul Hughes and,
- Fr John Reid, Michael Connolly and Stephen Nee who have died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.
St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s Coronation Tea Party
Join us in a traditional afternoon tea in St. Patrick’s parish centre, next Saturday, 29th April from 2-4pm to celebrate the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III. Bring along your family, friends and neighbours. All are welcome.
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, 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
Thank you
Fr. Patterson is grateful for donations of £45.00 received for St. Patrick’s Church from mourners attending the Funeral Service for Moyra O’Brien. They will help meet the running costs of the church
Little Sisters of the Poor
Next weekend, 29/30 April, there will be an opportunity for those of you who wish to support the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Donations may be placed in an envelope marked Little Sisters and put in the collection boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those of you with boxes of envelopes will have an envelope in your box.
No collection taken
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. Alternatively you may consider making your offering by Standing Order the details of which are above.
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
The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project
Thanks to your support, each month over 400 people who are seeking asylum in our area benefit from this project. Should you wish to support the project, donations of sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, tins of tomatoes, chick peas, toiletries and shampoo may be left on the table to your right as you enter the front of St. Patrick’s Church or on any table if you enter by the rear door. A basket is also available in the porch of St. Alban’s Church and in our school.
Archbishop McMahon wrote to the clergy this week with the following update:-
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency has confirmed it is in the process of drafting a report which will be published in due course. Similarly, after a robust and thorough process, the final interviews in the investigation for the Dicastery for Bishops took place in the last few days of March, with further submissions being received within the last week. Carol Lawrence has collated all of the information and is currently drafting a report for Archbishop McMahon. As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, we ask you to remember in your prayers those currently preparing the reports. We pray for their work and for renewal in the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle as we move forward, learning from their findings and recommendations
Third World Group
Thanks to those who continue to support our parish Third World Group who recently help raise £80.00.
Parking in our church car parks
Please be aware that the Trustees of the Diocese cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage to third party property, vehicles and their contents whilst left in the church car parks
