I am the Way, the Truth and the Life
The world is troubled by many things and so are our hearts. Life does not present us with constant joy. Jesus’ words at the beginning of the gospel read in our churches this weekend offer us comfort. He says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
The “Life” we are being offered is one where we will no longer be troubled, where we will see the Father and inherit eternal life. Jesus has gone to prepare a home for us. In this going is the suggestion that the life we live now is not the fullness of life for which we are destined. There is another, fuller life for those who believe, who love, who offer the goodness of God to others.
This life in Christ is one we get glimpses of here on earth when we do the work of God, and find ourselves at one with God’s ways. In moments of joy and union with our God and with one another, we see the promise of this new life which Christ offers to us.
Were you to be asked, what is the most important thing in your life today, how might you respond? It might involve those you love, those you care for and possibly what you own. It may be worth spending some time this week asking how key your faith and your relationship with Christ is to your daily life. If it is key, how do you express this? If Christ is “the Way, the Truth and the Life”, how is that reflected in your life
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 slowly recovering from post Covid symptoms and is still advised to rest as much as possible. This considerably reduces what he is able to do. He remains grateful to you for your prayers and understanding.
Celebrations during the coming week.
The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.
- Saturday:(6th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Intentions of all our parishioners
- Sunday: (7th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Catherine Palmer
- Monday: No Mass
- Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Mary Mubby
- Wednesday: No Mass
- Thursday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Patrick and Rose Wright and Patricia Jameson
- Friday: No Mass
- Saturday:(13th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Intentions of all our parishioners
- Sunday: (14th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Brian Quigley
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 and,
- Susan Gilmore who has died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord
Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons
Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.
The Sacrament of Confirmation – Introductory evening, 12th May, 2023
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.
Day of Prayer
Tuesday, 9th May has been chosen by the Bishops’ Conference as a Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse. Further information can be found on the Diocesan website: https://diocesehn.org.uk/news/day-of-prayer-for-survivors-of-abuse/ A Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 12.05pm at the Cathedral to which everyone is welcome.
Thanks
Fr. Patterson wishes to thank those who organised and supported the Coronation Tea Party held in St. Patrick’s parish centre last weekend. It was a most enjoyable afternoon.
The Executive Summary
The Summary of the Canonical Investigation into the resignation of Bishop Robert Byrne which was commissioned by the Dicastry of Bishops in Rome and carried out by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon was published on 3rd May, 2023. It is available for you to read on the Diocesan website.
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
Parish Walk – Saturday 20th May, 2023
Why not join us with your family and friends for an enjoyable easy walk from Monkseaton to South Shields.
It will be a time to relax and enjoy our beautiful coast with great company.
The walk will begin either from Monkseaton or Cullercoats and end at South Shields.
We will use the Ferry to cross the Tyne.
It is a distance of about 6 miles from Monkseaton or 3 miles from Cullercoats. The choice is yours.
We propose to have lunch at North Shields Fish Quay or you may choose to bring your own picnic.
Meeting times:
If you are doing the longer walk please meet at Monkseaton Metro Station for 10.30am
For the shorter walk, please meet at Cullercoats Metro Station for 11.30am.
A Day-saver ticket and the Metro concessionary pass both include the ferry crossing.
Toilets are located at Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth and North Shields.
For more information please contact Terry Grey 07906764697.
News from our School
During May and June, many of our children will be taking exams in phonics, times tables, reading, writing and maths. The children have been preparing well with their teachers but would appreciate your prayers to help them remain calm, have a good memory and do their best. Please ask the Holy Spirit to guide and support them. Thank you.
A stay in Hospital
If you or any members of your family are going into hospital and would like to see the Catholic Chaplain, please ask a member of the ward staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain. Alternatively you can contact the Chaplaincy Department Office directly. For the Queen Elizabeth Hospital telephone 0191 445 2072 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paul Nichol). For the RVI and Freeman Hospitals in Newcastle telephone 0191 282 9322 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paddy Jackson).
In an emergency, please ask the ward sister to contact the on call Catholic chaplain who carries a bleep. Please do not contact your own parish priest who may be unable to respond due to current hospital protocols.
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.
The Parish Newsletter by email
Could you help to offset the cost of printing paper copies of the Newsletter by having it sent to you by email? Many of you have been receiving it electronically throughout the pandemic and continue to do so. If you do not already receive it in this way and would like to receive the Newsletter and other news from the parish by email, please send your request to the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk and you will be added to our contact list.
A few printed copies will still be available from St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches, on the days they are open for Mass, for those of you who do not have access to email.
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.
