3rd Sunday of Advent
The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead:
- Saturday: (16 Dec) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Birdie Cooper
- Sunday: (17 Dec) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
- Tuesday: (19th Dec) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Paul Hughes
- Thursday: (21 Dec) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Brian Quigley
- Saturday: (23 Dec) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Norah Lagan
- Sunday: (24 Dec) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Nellie Armstrong
- Christmas Eve: 5.30pm First Mass of Christmas in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
- Christmas Day: 9.30am Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Andrew Sloan
- Tuesday, (26th Dec) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre : Maurice Brown
- Thursday: (28th Dec) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Desmond Costelloe
Mass to view online
Mass is live streamed 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,
- all those whose memories we cherish at this time especially Gerry Toberty, Nellie Armstrong and Jim Murray
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.
Christmas Services
| Saturday 23rd December | 6pm Mass in St Alban’s Church for the 4th Sunday of Advent |
| Sunday 24th December | 10am Mass in St Patrick’s Church for the 4th Sunday of Advent 5.30pm (Christmas Eve) The First Mass of Christmas with carols in St. Patrick’s Church |
| Monday 25th December | 9.30am Mass in St Alban’s Church Christmas morning Mass |
Advent Cafe
Last week, our “Café” callers explored the Advent theme of Joy. A thought provoking time was had by all over a cup of tea and rather nice cakes.
We continue our reflections this coming Wednesday in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6pm. Do come along as we ponder the Advent theme of “Love” in preparation for the coming of the Lord.
Advent Alms
Advent is the season when we offer our financial support to the work of St. Cuthbert’s Care in our Diocese. If you feel able to make a contribution to “Advent Alms” please place your donation in an envelope marked Advent Alms and place it in one of the boxes at the doors of our churches.
A busy week ahead
Amidst everything you and your families have to do during the next few days, try to spend a minute or two making this prayer your own:
Lord Jesus, help me to prepare for your coming;
to wish for you and to watch for you,
so that at your coming you may find me ready.
Advent Reflections
The Diocesan Vicariate for Faith and Mission has produced an online booklet of Advent reflections, which can be found here: Advent Reflections
Northern Catholic Calendar
The 2024 edition of the Diocesan Year Book is available for sale at the back of St. Alban’s church and on the front table in St. Patrick’s priced at £3.00. There are a limited number of copies available – so first come first served.
School News from Mrs Robinson
Dear Parishioners, there are some Christmas cards for our prayer sponsors to collect from the back of both of our churches. The children, families, staff and governors are all very grateful for your continued prayers.
Year 6 will lead our final Advent service to help us imitate Mary when she said, ‘Let it be to me’. You are welcome to join us on Friday 22nd December 9.15am in St Alban’s Church.
Mobile phones and hot drinks
If you are attending any services in St. Alban’s Church or St. Patrick’s Church, including those hosted by our school, you are asked to ensure that your mobile phones are “turned off” as silent mode is not always silent. It is not our custom to bring hot drinks into our churches – nor is it safe from a Health and Safety point of view, as there is a potential risk of scalding if a cup is accidently knocked over. Please be considerate of each other at all times.
A Prayer for the troubled world
Prince of peace, in a world of conflict and violence
we pray that the peace you came to bring may
become a reality in the world of our own time. Amen.
Your offerings are our sole source of income
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. Alternatively you may consider making your offering by Standing Order the details of which are below.
For St. Alban’s: Account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 92010984
For St. Patrick’s: Account name: DHN Felling St Patrick: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52010453
Covid Autumn Booster Vaccinations and Flu Vaccinations are now available
Everything you need to know may be found here Getting a COVID-19 vaccine
