The Path to Jerusalem
Since Ash Wednesday many of us have taken our steps and tread the “Path to Jerusalem” as individuals and as a parish family. Hopefully we will arrive with the Lord in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to accompany him on his final steps during Holy Week through his suffering and death on the cross to the glory of the new life of his Resurrection.
The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.
- Saturday: (23rd) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
- Sunday: (24th March) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Joan Makepeace
- Wednesday: (27th Mar) 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: John Johnson
- Maundy Thursday: (28th March) 6pm Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Brida and Ken Clay
- Good Friday: (29th March) 3pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in St. Patrick’s Church
- Holy Saturday: (30th March) 5.30pm Solemn Vigil of Easter in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
- Easter Sunday: (31st March)
– 9.30am Mass in St. Alban’s Church: In Thanksgiving (Garbarino)
– 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Desmond Costelloe - Tuesday: (2nd Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Jimmy Connolly
Mass to view on line
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 Ken and Brida Clay, Jimmy Connolly, Pat Donald and Brian Gilmore
Congratulations
Our prayerful good wishes go to Alexander who, supported by his family, friends and parish family, celebrated the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time last weekend. We assure him and his family of our ongoing prayers.
Cleaning of St. Alban’s Church
We would be very grateful for volunteers who would be able to help with the cleaning of St. Alban’s Church on Monday, 25th March at 9am.
School News from Mrs Robinson
To conclude our Lenten Journey, we will be praying the Stations of the Cross in St Alban’s Church at 2.30pm on Thursday 28th March. All are welcome to join us.
Places available in our Nursery
Please spread the word to all families with young children that we have a few places left in our lovely nursery for children who are 3 or 4 years old. Arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 0191 469 3251 and find out why we are the best school in Pelaw!
Petitions for Lourdes
Alan Egdell would be happy to take any petitions you may have to Lourdes as he accompanies the HCPT Pilgrimage in Easter week. Should you have any petitions, please place them in an envelope marked “Lourdes Petitions” and deposit them in our collection boxes by Palm Sunday, 24th March. Please do not put any money in your envelopes as the petitions are eventually burnt, unopened by the Lourdes Authorities.
Holy Places Collection
Next weekend there will be an opportunity, for those of you who wish, to contribute towards the “Holy Places” collection for the Catholic Community in the Holy Land. Donations may be placed in an envelope marked “Holy Places” and deposited in the collection boxes at our church doors.
All are welcome
Everyone is welcome to join us for our celebrations 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.
If you are bringing your child(ren) up for a blessing at Holy Communion, would you please ensure they cross their arms over their chest before approaching the minister to avoid any possible confusion. Thank you so much.
Gift Aid Scheme
Are you aware that if you are a UK tax payer and make an offering to our church collection you could join the Gift Aid Scheme enabling our parishes to gain an extra 25% of your offering, at no extra cost to you. If you feel you could be a part of the Gift Aid Scheme, please email the Parish Gift Aid Organiser, John Gillum at stpatrick.giftaid@outlook.com for further details or have a word with Fr. Patterson.
New envelopes for those who require them will hopefully be available for you to collect next weekend.
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
