3rd Sunday of the Year

Dear Parishioners

The rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine has been part of the headline news this week and a topic of conversation in our own community where I know some of you have “had your jab!”

The Bishops of England and Wales are encouraging Catholics to get vaccinated against the Coronavirus.

The development of a vaccine against Covid-19 presents an important breakthrough in protecting others as well as oneself from the virus; a virus which has not only caused a global pandemic and led to a huge loss of life but has also placed a great burden on healthcare workers and systems.

Speaking on behalf of the Bishops of England and Wales, Bishop Richard Moth, pointed out that each person has a duty to protect others from infection with its danger of serious illness, and for some, death. He noted that a vaccine is the most effective way to achieve this unless one decides to self-isolate and therefore Catholics may in good conscience receive any of the three vaccines for the good of others and themselves.

At the same time, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith recalls that “vaccination is not, as a rule, a moral obligation and that, therefore, it must be voluntary.” The morality of vaccination, it notes, depends both on the duty to protect one’s own health and the pursuit of the common good. “In the absence of other means to stop or even prevent the epidemic, the common good may recommend vaccination, especially to protect the weakest and most exposed.” Those who for reasons of conscience reject vaccines must “do their utmost to avoid, by other prophylactic means and appropriate behaviour, becoming vehicles for the transmission of the infectious agent.”

In the light of the Bishops’ statement, I hope you will all feel able to accept the invitation to receive the vaccine when it is offered to you.

Please continue to look after each other and pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe from harm.

May God bless you all

Fr. Patterson

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Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05 pm. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 am on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

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Mass Intentions for the coming week

In keeping with the public health message that the movement and gathering of people should be minimised and that as many people as possible stay at home for the sake of health, life and the Common Good, St. Patrick’s Church will remain closed until the situation improves.

Fr. Patterson will continue to celebrate Mass privately each day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

• Monday – Vin Blackwood
• Tuesday – Bishop Hugh Lindsay
• Wednesday – Peter Sloan
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday – Denis Patrick Lenehan
• Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
• Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with him 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.

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Please keep in your prayers this week:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• Fr. Paul McCourt and Fr. Kevin Daly who are currently unwell
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Bishop Hugh Lindsay, Vin Blackwood and Denis Patrick Lenehan and,
• Patricia Britton who has died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the soul of your servant whom you have called from this life. May she be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united.

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A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life, be with doctors, nurses and carers, as they act as agents of your healing touch. In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving; and when their work is done, be with them in their weariness and in their tears. Amen.

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Sunday of the Word of God

Pope Francis is encouraging us to devote this Sunday, 24th January to the Word of God, so that we can ‘experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world’ (from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Aperuit Illis).

Fr Sean Hall has posted two talks on St Mark’s Gospel (about 12 minutes each) on the diocesan website. As we begin the Year of Mark, these resources may  assist you to read the Sunday Gospel with greater insight.  If you have the facility, you may view the talks on the YouTube channel here: Talk one and Talk two.

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Holocaust Memorial Day

“Be the Light in the Darkness” is a film of remembrance, which will be available from 8.00 on Monday, 25th January to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. The theme, ‘Be the light in the darkness,’ encourages everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide.

This year, the Interreligious Department of the Diocese is releasing a film of remembrance as a resource for schools, and local parish communities. Bishop Robert offers further thought and reflection in remembering with sorrow the victims of the Holocaust, before lighting a candle as we remember the genocides and atrocities that have taking place in recent memory. We can all stand in solidarity. We can choose to be the light in the darkness in a variety of ways and places – at home, in public, and online. If you have the facility, you may wish to view this film of remembrance at Be the Light in the Darkness.

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Parish News by Email

If you are aware of parishioners who would like to receive the Newsletter and other news from the parish by email, please ask them to email Fr. Patterson at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk and they will be added to our contact list.

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Thank you

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for a Gift Aided donation of  £40.00 recently received for St. Patrick’s parish funds.

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Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you for your offerings during these difficult times. He is particularly grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by bank transfer which helps to meet the day to day financial  commitments of our churches.

Whilst we are being urged to “Stay at Home,” it may not be wise to drop your envelopes through the presbytery letterbox, unless your daily exercise route happens to take you past the presbytery. Please be sensible. For security reason, envelopes should not be put through the letterbox of St. Alban’s Presbytery.

The parish is still able to reclaim the tax from Gift Aided offertory contributions made by bank transfer. It would be helpful to enter your name and Gift Aid envelope number as the reference when making the transfer.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:

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

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Dear Parishioner

I suspect many of us may have been struggling this week with the prospect of the Lockdown having to be in place for quite some time, a fact confirmed by the Prime Minister at the Downing Street Briefing on Friday evening.

Staying at Home is the underlying message which we must try to observe, not only for our own well-being but for that of the community and, of course, for the sake of the staff of our local hospitals.

For those of us living on our own, and I include myself in this, I know how difficult it can be at times. However when we hear of the ever growing number of new cases of the virus, along with the increasing number of people dying in our region and throughout the country – the sense of isolation and loneliness we may sometimes feel, fades into the background.

Last Friday, 15th January, 55,761 people tested positive in our country, 108 of those were in Gateshead. In the last 7 days to 10th January, there were 116 people who tested positive living within the boundary of our shared parish.

Throughout the UK, 1,280 people were reported as having died of Covid on 15th January, with 10 people dying in the last seven days in Gateshead. There are 37,282 Covid patients in our hospitals, 74 in the Gateshead NHS Trust.

The Prime Minister also spoke of the importance of Washing our hands regularly as the virus “can be passed on, not just by standing too near someone in a supermarket queue, but also by handling something touched by an infected person.”

On a more positive note he also spoke of the progress of the vaccination programme, encouraging us, “when the call comes, to get a jab but, in the meantime, Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

So we must continue to remain vigilant and do what we can to help to reduce the number of cases and deaths in our community.

Please continue to look after each other and pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe from harm

Fr. Patterson

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Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30am and on weekdays at 12.05pm. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow daily Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00. Mass may also be viewed any time later.

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Mass Intentions for the coming week

In keeping with the public health message that the movement and gathering of people should be minimised and that as many people as possible stay at home for the sake of health, life and the Common Good, St. Patrick’s Church will remain closed until the situation improves.

Fr. Patterson will continue to celebrate Mass privately each day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

• Monday – Annie and John Donald
• Tuesday -Margaret and Brian Pankhurst
• Wednesday – LDM Makepeace and Shanks Families
• Thursday -The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday -Patsy Rafferty
• Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
• Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with him 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.

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Please keep in your prayers this week

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Annie Donald and Patsy Rafferty and,
• Frank McCarron who has died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the soul of your servant whom you have called from this life. May he be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united.”

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A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life, be with doctors, nurses and carers, as they act as agents of your healing touch. In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving; and when their work is done, be with them in their weariness and in their tears. Amen.

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Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you for your offerings during these difficult times. He is particularly grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by bank transfer which helps to meet the day to day financial  commitments of our churches.

Whilst we are being urged to “Stay at Home,” it may not be wise to drop your envelopes through the presbytery letterbox, unless your daily exercise route happens to take you past the presbytery. Please be sensible. For security reason, envelopes should not be put through the letterbox of St. Alban’s Presbytery.

The parish is still able to reclaim the tax from Gift Aided offertory contributions made by bank transfer. It would be helpful to enter your name and Gift Aid envelope number as the reference when making the transfer.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:

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

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The Year of St. Joseph

Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St Joseph.” It began on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2020 and extends to the same Feast this year.  The Pope shares with us these, his thoughts:-

Saint Joseph, expressed his fatherhood by placing himself at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home. In St. Joseph, “Jesus saw the tender love of God,” the love that helps us accept our weakness, because “it is through” and despite “our fears, our frailties, and our weakness” that God’s will for us is realised.

Joseph is also a father in obedience to God: with his ‘fiat’ he protects Mary and Jesus and teaches his Son to “do the will of the Father.” Called by God to serve the mission of Jesus, he “cooperated… in the great mystery of Redemption.”

Joseph is a father who teaches the value, dignity and joy of work. “A carpenter who earned an honest living to provide for his family.” This aspect of Joseph’s character enables Pope Francis to encourage everyone “to rediscover the value, the importance and the necessity of work for bringing about a new ‘normal’ from which no one is excluded.” Especially in light of rising unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pope calls everyone to “review our priorities” and to express our firm conviction that no young person, no person at all, no family should be without work!”

“Fathers are not born, but made,” says Pope Francis. “A man does not become a father simply by bringing a child into the world, but by taking up the responsibility to care for that child.” Unfortunately, in today’s society, children “often seem orphans, lacking fathers” who are able to introduce them “to life and reality.” Children, the Pope says, need fathers who will not try to dominate them, but instead raise them to be “capable of deciding for themselves, enjoying freedom and exploring new possibilities.”

Joseph, says Pope Francis, “knew how to love with extraordinary freedom.  He never made himself the centre of things.  He did not think of himself, but focused instead on the lives of Mary and Jesus.” Joseph stands out, therefore, as an exemplary figure for our time.

Pope Francis offers us the following prayer to St. Joseph:

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil.  Amen

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The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Dear Parishioner

I suspect few of us were surprised at the Government’s decision earlier this week to impose a National Lockdown on our country in the light of the rapid growth in the transmission of the coronavirus, the increasing number of people dying and the threat the spread of the virus poses, not only to ourselves, but to our National Health Service.

The message is very clear. The single most important action we can all take is to Stay at Home, to protect the NHS and to help to save lives.

One of the anomalies in the Government Guidance is that Places of Worship may remain open for communal worship.

Since St. Patrick’s Church reopened in September 2020, we have taken all the appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities, the Bishops’ Conference and the Diocese to ensure our Church is Covid-19 safe.

However we should be aware that when we enter any public space we assume the risk of contracting Covid-19. Our Church is no exception despite the precautions we have put in place which cannot totally eliminate the risk of infection. As the new variant of the coronavirus is more easily transmissible, this risk of infection is heightened which is why we are all being asked to “Stay at Home” and limit our contact with members of other households.

As the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 continues to rise in our neighbourhood, there have been 995 confirmed cases in Gateshead since 1st January, I have consulted with some parishioners, some of our volunteer stewards, fellow priests and I have spoken to Bishop Robert and I feel it would be prudent, until the national restrictions ease, to suspend the celebration of Mass in St. Patrick’s Church with the exception of Funerals. Some of you may be aware that the churches in Washington, and the churches in Penshaw and Birtley have already closed as have some in Sunderland.

I have also taken into consideration the following statement issued by the Bishops of Northern Ireland:

“…we are very concerned at the current serious public health position in which Northern Ireland finds itself: with the extremely high level of transmission of the Covid-19 virus; the continuing escalation of numbers in hospital and intensive care; the number of associated deaths; and, the increasingly unsustainable pressure on our healthcare staff. The clear message from health officials is that this situation is going to worsen significantly over the coming weeks.

We recognise the efforts of so many in our parishes who have been working to ensure that our gatherings for public worship are as safe as possible….. At this time, however, we acknowledge and support the unequivocal message from public health authorities that the movement and gathering of people should be minimised and that as many people as possible stay at home for the sake of health, life and the Common Good.

In light of…. the current serious and worsening situation, and in line with clear public health guidance that people should stay at home, we have decided that for a limited period….. the celebration of Mass and other liturgies should take place without the physical presence of the faithful.

We make this decision reluctantly, conscious that not being able to gather for public worship can cause pain for all the faithful, but in the hope that this limited period of sacrifice will be for the protection of life and health and for the greater good of all.”

It has not been an easy decision for me to make, but I do this with your spiritual and physical well-being in mind and that of our local community. I also have to consider the well-being of our volunteer stewards and their families. A team of five must be present for any service held in the Church to ensure your safety and to sanitise the Church afterwards and I am anxious about having to place them in a potentially vulnerable environment.

As the situation in our own country is similar, if not worse, than the situation in Northern Ireland, St. Patrick’s Church will be closed from 12 noon on Monday, 11th January, for all acts of communal worship with the exception of funerals until the situation eases. I will monitor the situation on a regular basis and keep you informed via the Newsletter.

In the meantime I urge all of you to:

Stay at home | Protect the NHS | Save lives

May the Lord continue to watch over us and protect us from harm.

Fr. Patterson

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Mass to view on line over the Christmas period

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05 pm. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow daily Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 am. Mass may also be viewed any time later.

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Mass Intentions for the coming week

• Monday – Emma Hindes (Private Funeral Mass by invitation only due to Covid-19 restrictions)
• Tuesday – Brian Quigley
• Wednesday – Vincent McCormack
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday – Kathleen and Bill Harland
• Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
• Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me 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.

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Please keep in your prayers this week:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly and,
• Fr. David Milburn, one of our retired priests, Ralph Curry and Emma Hindes who have died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the souls of your servants whom you have called from this life. May they be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united.

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A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life, be with doctors, nurses and carers, as they act as agents of your healing touch. In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving; and when their work is done, be with them in their weariness and in their tears. Amen.

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Your financial support

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you for your offerings during the Christmas season and continues to be grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds either by bank transfer, bringing their offerings to Mass or by dropping  their envelopes  through the presbytery letterbox. This helps to meet the day to day financial  commitments of our churches.

For security reasons, please do not put any envelopes through St. Alban’s Presbytery door. Envelopes for St. Alban’s parish should be posted through St. Patrick’s Presbytery door only.

If you Gift Aid your offertory contributions and choose to make a bank transfer, the parish can still reclaim the tax on your offering. It would be helpful to enter your name and Gift Aid envelope number as the reference when making the transfer.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:

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

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The Second Sunday of Christmas

Dear Parishioners

With the promising news this week of the approval of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, might I take this opportunity to wish you a New Year filled with hope!

At the same time we have been reminded by our Government that we must not drop our guard as the new variant of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly through the country putting a great strain on the NHS and resulting in more people dying.

As such, might I encourage you all to follow the Tier 4 Restrictions which were placed on our region last Thursday especially the 2 metre social distancing rule.

The basic message of these restrictions is “you must not leave or be outside of your home or garden except where you have a ‘reasonable excuse.’ These are listed on the Government’s website.

Attending communal worship is deemed to be a ‘reasonable excuse,’ to leave your home, but the Restrictions stress that “we must not mingle with anyone outside of our household or support bubble and should maintain strict social distancing at all times.”  Places of Worship may remain open for communal worship so long as they continue to follow the established guidelines they already have in place.

With the agreement of our stewards, Mass in St. Patrick’s Church will be celebrated on Tuesdays at 10.00 am and on Sundays at 10.30 am. You must reserve a place for Sunday Mass. Information on what you need to do is on page 2 of the Newsletter.

However, in the light of the Tier 4 Restrictions, I would urge you to give serious consideration as to whether or not you should be attending Church at this present time especially if you are in any of the vulnerable categories and you should not attend Church if you are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable.

We are all becoming tired of yet more restrictions and the next few months will continue to challenge us. Whilst we hope the vaccine will gradually help to relieve the situation, we must remain ever watchful and not drop our guard – even those of you who have already received your first “jab.”

May God continue to bless us all and keep us safe now and throughout the coming year

Fr. Patterson

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Mass to view on line over the Christmas period

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow daily Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 am. Mass may also be viewed any time later.

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Mass Intentions for the coming week

• Monday – Pat McDonough
• Tuesday: 10.00 in Church – In Thanksgiving (MS)
• Wednesday – Carol Belton
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday -Paul Hughes
• Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
• Sunday: 10.30 in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking is necessary

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with me 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.

In case you were not aware, a parish priest is obliged to celebrate Mass for the “Intentions of the Parishioners” every Sunday or Holyday, which prevents him from fulfilling personal intentions on those occasions.

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Please keep in your prayers this week:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly and,
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially

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 A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life, be with doctors, nurses and carers, as they act as agents of your healing touch. In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving; and when their work is done, be with them in their weariness and in their tears. Amen.

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Should I come to church?  Tier 4 update

If you have been confirmed as clinically extremely vulnerable the government is advising under Tier 4 Restrictions that you should stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend health appointments as outlined in the Government Guidance.

Some people, including those aged 70 and over, are described as being clinically vulnerable, meaning that they are at a higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus. Individuals who fall within this group are advised to be especially careful to follow the rules and minimise their contact with others.

If you fall into either of these categories, you need to consider the wisdom of attending Mass.

Please remember, you are not obliged to attend Mass. Sunday obligation is suspended.

You must not come to Church……..if you are feeling unwell or if you suspect that you have Covid-19, (high temperature, new persistent cough, change or a lack of taste or smell) or if you are living with someone who has or is suspected of having Covid-19. You MUST self-isolate in accordance with HM Government guidance and arrange for testing.

Please note, that while we will attempt to take all appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities to ensure our Church is Covid-19 safe, parishioners should understand that they assume the risk of contracting Covid-19 any time they enter a public space, since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection.

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Mass in St. Patrick’s Church during this coming week:

Thanks to the generosity of our volunteer stewards whose presence is necessary if we are able to open the St. Patrick’s Church for Mass we will be able to return to our pre-Christmas programme namely:

• Tuesdays at 10.00 am- no booking is necessary
• Sundays, at 10.30 am- for which booking is necessary

To reserve a place for Mass on Sunday, 10th January, please telephone:

07526 232124

on either Wednesday, 6th January between 10 am and 12 pm or on Friday, 8th January between 5.30 pm and 7 pm.

This number will be unavailable outside of these booking times.

Bookings can’t be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be asked to provide your name and telephone number to comply with the NHS Test and Trace system and also the number in your family if you are attending as a household. Under Tier 4 Restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble—the rule of six being the limit in any one bench.

For Masses where booking is not required please bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in Church.

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Parish finances and offerings

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you for your Christmas Offerings.

He continues to be grateful to those parishioners who are able to regularly contribute to parish funds, either by bank transfer or by dropping  their  weekly offering envelopes  through the presbytery letterbox. This helps to meet the day to day financial  commitments of our churches. Thank you for your Christmas Offerings too.

For security reasons, please do not put any envelopes through St. Alban’s Presbytery door. Envelopes for St. Alban’s parish should be posted through St. Patrick’s Presbytery door only.

If you Gift Aid your offertory contributions and choose to make a bank transfer, the parish can still reclaim the tax on your offering. It would be helpful to enter your name and Gift Aid envelope number as the reference when making the transfer.

Alternatively, you might wish to put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church when you feel able to come.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:

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

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The Feast of the Holy Family

Dear Parishioners

I do hope your celebration of Christmas brought you peace, joy and hope.

I would like to thank you for your cards and gifts but more especially for your understanding and support as we have journeyed together throughout this year with all the frustrations and uncertainties of the Coronavirus pandemic. I don’t think any of us are finding these current times easy!

A special word of thanks must go to those parishioners who volunteer to act as stewards and cleaners in  St. Patrick’s Church. They are essential if a church is to open for the celebration of Mass to take place. Their commitment and dedication is no mean achievement.

As the restrictions will go on well into 2021, if there are any of you who would like to join our team of volunteers, please email me on felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. It is preferable that you are not in a vulnerable category. Anyone who is extremely clinically vulnerable is unable to act as a steward. Training will be given.

I am particularly grateful to those of you who have access to the internet for printing off copies of our parish Newsletters and passing them on to those who can’t receive them by email. It is a most valued method of keeping one another informed. Should you wish to receive the Newsletter by email, send your request to the email address above. Please remember that  the Newsletter is also published on our parish website and I wish to thank our “parish webmaster” for uploading it each week.

I am also grateful to those of you who ring from time to time to ensure that I am “still in one piece” and for your emails enquiring of my well-being. They mean a great deal to me and help to brighten up the occasional dark day.

The next few months will continue to challenge us and whilst we hope the vaccine will gradually help to relieve the situation, we must remain ever watchful and not drop our guard – even those of you who have already received your first “jab.”

May God continue to bless us all and keep us safe now and throughout the coming year.Happy New Year

Fr. Patterson

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Mass to view on line over the Christmas period

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.05. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow daily Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00. Mass may also be viewed any time later on the Holy Name website.

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Mass Intentions

• Monday – Peter Sloan
• Tuesday:  10.00 am in Church – Gerry Toberty
• Wednesday – Tom and Kathleen McKenna
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• New Year’s Day:  10.00 am in Church – Allan Lavin
• Saturday: Fr. “P’s” Intentions
• Sunday: 10.30 am in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking is necessary .

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with me 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.

In case you were not aware, a parish priest is obliged to celebrate Mass for the “Intentions of the Parishioners” every Sunday or Holyday, which prevents him from fulfilling personal intentions on those occasions.

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Please keep in your prayers this week

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly and,
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Allan Lavin and Gerry Toberty.

---

 A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life, be with doctors, nurses and carers, as they act as agents of your healing touch. In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving; and when their work is done, be with them in their weariness and in their tears. Amen.

Fr. Patterson will offer Mass on Christmas morning for all those who are sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers and all who have died of Covid-19.

---

Should I come to church?

If you have been confirmed as clinically extremely vulnerable the government is advising that you do not need to shield at the moment, but if you are in this category, you should still try to keep your overall social interactions low, as outlined in the Government Guidance.

Some people, including those aged 60 and over, are described as being clinically vulnerable, meaning that they are at a higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus. Individuals who fall within this group are advised to minimise contact with others outside their household.

If you fall into either of these categories, or if you feel unsure about returning to Mass, you need to consider the wisdom of doing so. Please remember, you are not obliged to attend Mass. Sunday obligation is suspended.

You must not come to Church if you are feeling unwell or if you suspect that you have Covid-19, (high temperature, new persistent cough, lack of taste or smell) or if you are living with someone who has or is suspected of having Covid-19. You MUST self-isolate in accordance with HM Government guidance and arrange for testing.

Please note, that while we will attempt to take all appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities to ensure our Church is Covid-19 safe, parishioners should understand that they assume the risk of contracting Covid-19 any time they enter a public space, since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection.

---

Mass in St. Patrick’s Church during this coming week:

• Sunday, 27th December – booking is now closed
• Tuesday, 29th December at 10.00 – no booking is necessary
• Friday, 1st January at 10.00 – no booking is necessary
• Sunday, 3rd January 2021  at 10.30 – booking is necessary

To reserve a place please telephone:

07526 232124

on either Wednesday, 30th December between  10.00 am – 12.00 pm or on Friday, 1st January between 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm.

This number will be unavailable outside of these booking times.

Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be asked to provide your name and telephone number to comply with the NHS Test and Trace system and also the number in your family if you are attending as a household. Under Tier 3 Restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble—the rule of six being the limit in any one bench.

For Masses where booking is not required please bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope with you and place them in the box in Church.

---

Parish finances and offerings

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you for your Christmas Offerings.

He continues to be grateful to those parishioners who are able to regularly contribute to parish funds, either by bank transfer or by dropping  their  weekly offering envelopes  through the presbytery letterbox. This helps to meet the day to day financial  commitments of our churches. Thank you for your Christmas Offerings too.

For security reasons, please do not put any envelopes through St. Alban’s Presbytery door. Envelopes for St. Alban’s parish should be posted through St. Patrick’s Presbytery door only.

If you Gift Aid your offertory contributions and choose to make a bank transfer, the parish can still reclaim the tax on your offering. It would be helpful to enter your name and Gift Aid envelope number as the reference when making the transfer.

Alternatively, you might wish to put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church when you feel able to come.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:-

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

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Diocesan Website

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

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4th Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners

Although we are celebrating the Fourth Sunday of Advent this weekend, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Christmas filled with peace, joy and hope.

I urge you to make considered decisions as to how you will celebrate the time with family and friends. Remember the coronavirus does not know it is Christmas and thrives in situations where we get close to others.

When planning your Christmas celebrations please consider Professor Chris Whitty’s advice given on Wednesday at a Downing Street Briefing: “Keep it small, keep it short, keep it local and think of the most vulnerable. The smaller the number of households that meet, the less transmission there will be. The shorter the period that people are together, the less risk there is of transmission. Keep it local because people travelling from high incidence areas to lower incidence areas have the risk of passing on the virus. Nobody has hidden that there is a risk at Christmas but if we do this, we can reduce the risk for everybody.”

These two images remind us of Christmas past when we were able to celebrate Mass together in both of our churches.

Sadly it is not possible to celebrate Mass in St. Alban’s Church at present as we are unable to make it Covid secure and Mass in St. Patrick’s Church will be very different due to the protocols we must have in place to keep you safe and well.

As a result of these restrictions we have had to ask you to reserve a place should you wish to come to Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as we are limited to 70 people at a Mass in our Church.

Mass on Christmas Eve is fully booked. So please do not come to Mass unless you have reserved a space as we will be unable to welcome you into our Church.

There are still a few places available for Mass on Christmas morning at 9.45 am. You may reserve a place by telephoning:

07526 232124 

on Monday, 21st December between 5.30 pm and 7:00pm.

Mass will be celebrated on Boxing Day at 10.00 am for which you do not have to book.

Should you wish to attend Mass on Sunday, 27th December at 10.30 am, you will need to reserve a place if you haven’t already done so, by telephoning

07526 232124

on Monday, 21st December between 5.30 pm and 7.00 pm

Thanks to the generosity of our stewards, as well as Mass at 10.00 am on Tuesday, 29th December, Mass will also be celebrated on New Year’s Day at 10.00 am. You do not need to book for these Masses. Seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

May God bless you and your friends and families at Christmas and in the year ahead and may he keep you safe in his care.

Fr. Patterson

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Mass to view on line over the Christmas period

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on:

• Sunday at 11.30 am
• weekdays at 12.05 pm
• Christmas Eve at 7.30 pm
• Christmas Day at 11.30 am.

These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow daily Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 am each day. Mass on Christmas Eve will be live streamed at 5.00 pm and on Christmas Morning at 10.00 am. Mass may also be viewed any time later.

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Mass Intentions

• Monday – Margaret Freeman & LDM Foster & Freeman Families
• Tuesday: 10.00 am in Church – Jim Murray & LDM Murray & McCabe Families
• Wednesday – Ellen Farrell
• Christmas Eve: 5.30 pm in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – fully booked
• Christmas Day: 9.45 am in Church – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers and all who have died of Covid-19 – booking is necessary
• Saturday: 10.00 am in Church – Nellie Armstrong
• Sunday: 10.30 am in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking is necessary

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with me 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.

In case you were not aware, a parish priest is obliged to celebrate Mass for the “Intentions of the Parishioners” every Sunday or Holyday, which prevents him from fulfilling personal intentions on those occasions.

---

Please keep in your prayers this week:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly and,
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Nellie Armstrong, Ellen Farrell, Margaret Freeman, Pat McDonagh, Jim Murray and Gerry Toberty.

---

A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life, be with doctors, nurses and carers, as they act as agents of your healing touch. In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving; and when their work is done, be with them in their weariness and in their tears. Amen.

Fr. Patterson will offer Mass on Christmas morning for all those who are sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers and all who have died of Covid-19.

---

Should I come to church?

If you have been confirmed as clinically extremely vulnerable the government is advising that you do not need to shield at the moment, but if you are in this category, you should still try to keep your overall social interactions low, as outlined in the Government Guidance.

Some people, including those aged 60 and over, are described as being clinically vulnerable, meaning that they are at a higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus. Individuals who fall within this group are advised to minimise contact with others outside their household.

If you fall into either of these categories, or if you feel unsure about returning to Mass, you need to consider the wisdom of doing so. Please remember, you are not obliged to attend Mass. Sunday obligation is suspended.

You must not come to Church if you are feeling unwell or if you suspect that you have Covid-19, (high temperature, new persistent cough, lack of taste or smell) or if you are living with someone who has or is suspected of having Covid-19. You MUST self-isolate in accordance with HM Government guidance and arrange for testing.

Please note, that while we will attempt to take all appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities to ensure our Church is Covid-19 safe, parishioners should understand that they assume the risk of contracting Covid-19 any time they enter a public space, since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection.

---

The celebration of Mass during the coming week

We are all aware that Christmas is going to be very different this year, socially and spiritually. The Tier 3 Restrictions which we must follow, to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus, will impact on us all. What is important is that we continue to adhere to them for the sake of the common good – a message which lies at the heart of our Christian faith.

As our numbers are restricted to 70 people at each Mass, you will need to book a place to be able to attend Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The following Masses will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church during the coming week:

• Sunday, 20th December at 10.30 am – booking is now closed for this Mass
• Tuesday, 22nd December at 10.00 am – no booking is required
• Christmas Eve – fully booked – please do not come to Mass unless you have reserved a space as we will be unable to welcome you into our Church
• Christmas Day at 9.45 am – there are a few places still available – you must reserve a place following the procedure outlined below
• Boxing Day, the Feast of St. Stephen at 10.00 am – no booking is required. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis
• Sunday, 27th December at 10.30 am – booking is required. Please follow the procedure below.

You may reserve a place for Christmas Morning and Sunday, 27th December by telephoning:

07526 232124 

on Monday, 21st December between  5.30 pm – 7.00pm.

This number will be unavailable outside of the above booking time.

Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be asked to provide your name and telephone number to comply with the NHS Test and Trace system and also the number in your family if you are attending as a household. Under Tier 3 Restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble—the rule of six being the limit in any one bench. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

The Church doors will open 20 minutes before Mass is due to begin. Please do not come any earlier but do allow yourself sufficient time to complete the necessary health and safety protocols. You may have to form a socially distanced queue outside. The attached document “Attending St. Patrick’s Church during Tier 3 Restrictions”  will help you.

Whilst we would always wish to welcome families back to Church, due to the Covid-19 Health and Safety requirements, we would suggest that children should only be brought to Mass if they are old enough to be able to adhere to the guidelines and can remain seated in their place at all times

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Sincere Thanks

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank our volunteer stewards and cleaners whose presence is necessary for St. Patrick’s Church to be open for the celebration of Mass at any time including the Christmas period. Without their dedication and commitment we would not be able to open the Church for Mass as they ensure all the protocols for your safety and well-being are in place on every occasion. Thank you. Thanks also to our telephone booking operator who gives of her time to ensure we do not breach our limited seating capacity.

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Northern Catholic Calendar

Copies of our Diocesan Year Book will be available to collect after Mass on Sunday at a cost of £3.00. Please bring the correct money in an envelope and place it in the box provided.

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Message from Bishop Robert

As we approach Christmas, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work for your parish and the diocese in this time of pandemic. To those who have helped to keep our churches open for Mass and those who have reached out to the less fortunate I want to say a big thank you. It is by our faith and unity that we can be a sign to the world of the love Christ showed us in becoming one of us in the holy season. I would like to wish you and your family a happy and peaceful Christmas and a blessed New Year.

---

Advent Alms 2020

Moira Ashman, the Chief Executive of St Cuthbert’s Care has sent the following note:

“This year, due to the very trying ongoing circumstances, St Cuthbert’s Care has been invited to deliver an online Advent Appeal via the Diocesan website. If you would like to support our charity’s work, the diocesan link can be accessed St Cuthberts Care   I am mindful of the financial pressures the pandemic has placed on many, so please, only support us if you feel able to do so. Thank you.”

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On leaving the Church – Please be responsible and adhere to the law.

Under Tier 3 Restrictions, you must not mingle outside the Church after Mass. Parishioners are asked to disperse immediately on leaving the Church. Fr. Patterson urges those of you who come to Mass to follow this advice and in doing so set an example for others to follow and, of course, prevent the possible transmission of the coronavirus.

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Parish News by Email

If you are aware of parishioners who would like to receive the Newsletter and other news from the parish by email, please ask them to contact Father Patterson at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk and they will be added to our contact list.

Parish finances and offerings

Fr. Patterson continues to be so grateful to those parishioners who are able to regularly contribute to parish funds, either by bank transfer or by dropping  their  weekly offering envelopes  through the presbytery letterbox. This helps to meet the day to day financial  commitments of our churches.

For security reasons, please do not put any envelopes through St. Alban’s Presbytery door. Envelopes for St. Alban’s parish should be posted through St. Patrick’s Presbytery door only.

If you Gift Aid your offertory contributions and choose to make a bank transfer, the parish can still reclaim the tax on your offering. It would be helpful to enter your name and Gift Aid envelope number as the reference when making the transfer.

Alternatively, you might wish to put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church when you feel able to come.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:

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

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Donation

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for a Gift Aided Donation of £100.00 recently received for St. Patrick’s parish funds. 

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Protect your loved ones

If you have downloaded the NHS App, it may be used to register your track and trace details when coming to Mass in St. Patrick’s Church. Simply scan the QR Code which is displayed in the Church and is specific to St. Patrick’s Church only. Please have your phone ready and the App open before entering the Church so that you do not create a “pinch point” by having to search for your phone in your pocket or bag.

Should you choose to “sign in” using the App, you should leave your phone switched on whilst you are in the Church, but please ensure it is in silent mode! You may of course continue to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place it in the box at the front of the Church. The choice is yours to make.

Those who choose not to download the App or are unable to, should continue to bring their Test and Trace details in the usual way by means of an envelope.

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Diocesan Website

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

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3rd Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners

Whilst it is welcome news that we are able to celebrate a public Mass in those of our churches that are able to reopen, we must still follow the Government and Diocesan guidelines which are in place for your safety and well-being.

For St. Patrick’s Church, this involves adhering to the maximum capacity of 70 people for a parish Mass and the need to provide a team of five volunteer stewards, to welcome you, look after you whilst in the Church and clean the Church afterwards.

I am afraid we are still unable to reopen St. Alban’s Church as we cannot at present provide a Covid safe environment which is deemed essential by the Government and the Diocese before a church can open. The situation will continue to be reviewed.

For the foreseeable future we are able to offer you Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on:

Tuesday mornings at 10.00 (no booking required)

Sunday mornings at 10.30 (booking is required)

Booking for this Sunday, 13th December is now closed, so please do not attend unless you have been assured of a place as we will be unable to welcome you into the Church.

You must reserve a place for Sunday Mass in advance

To ensure your health and safety and to prevent breaching our maximum capacity of 70 parishioners in the Church for a parish Mass, we will follow Government and Diocesan Guidelines and ask parishioners, who wish to attend Mass on a Sunday, to reserve a place in advance. This should prevent anyone having to be turned away, which I am afraid would have to happen if our capacity is reached. This system has been adopted in many parishes in our Diocese and seems to work satisfactorily.

To reserve a place for Mass next Sunday, 20th December, telephone

07526 232124 

on

• Tuesday, 15th December between  5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
• Wednesday, 16th December between 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
• Thursday, 17th December between 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
• Friday, 18th December between 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm

This number will be unavailable outside of the above booking times.

---

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.05. These services may be viewed live or anytime later at

Alternatively, you may like to follow daily Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 or which may also be viewed any time later.

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Mass Intentions

With the exception of Tuesday and Sunday, when there is a public Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, I continue to celebrate Mass privately each day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

• Monday – Joan and Eddie McAtominey
• Tuesday: 10.00 in Church – Hughes, Knock and Kelly Families
• Wednesday – LDM Brannigan Family
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday – George, Molly & Lindsay Bradley
• Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
• Sunday: 10.30 in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with me, 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 this week

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Kathleen Hughes and Joan McAtominey and,
• Peter Morley who has died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the soul of your servant whom you have called from this life. May he be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united.

---

A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life, be with doctors, nurses and carers, as they act as agents of your healing touch. In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving; and when their work is done, be with them in their weariness and in their tears. Amen.

---

Should I come to church?

If you have been confirmed as clinically extremely vulnerable the government is advising that you do not need to shield at the moment, but if you are in this category, you should still try to keep your overall social interactions low, as outlined in the Government Guidance.

Some people, including those aged 60 and over, are described as being clinically vulnerable, meaning that they are at a higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus. Individuals who fall within this group are advised to minimise contact with others outside their household.

If you fall into either of these categories, or if you feel unsure about returning to Mass, you need to consider the wisdom of doing so. Please remember, you are not obliged to attend Mass. Sunday obligation is suspended.

You must not come to Church if you are feeling unwell or if you suspect that you have Covid-19, (high temperature, new persistent cough, lack of taste or smell) or if you are living with someone who has or is suspected of having Covid-19. You MUST self-isolate in accordance with HM Government guidance and arrange for testing.

Please note, that while we will attempt to take all appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities to ensure our Church is Covid-19 safe, parishioners should understand that they assume the risk of contracting Covid-19 any time they enter a public space, since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection.

---

Planning for Christmas

We are all aware that Christmas is going to be very different this year, socially and spiritually. The Tier 3 Restrictions which we must follow, to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus, will impact on us all. What is important is that we continue to adhere to them for the sake of the common good – a message which lies at the heart of our Christian faith.

As you are aware no Mass nor Service can take place in any Church without the presence of stewards to ensure all the guidelines for your safety and well-being are in place and being followed. After each service the Church must also be sanitised. A team of six stewards must be present for Mass to take place safely in St. Patrick’s Church.

Having consulted with our volunteer stewards about their willingness and availability to assist us over Christmas, we are able to offer :

Mass on Christmas Eve at 5.30 pm

Mass on Christmas Morning at 9.45 am

As our numbers are restricted to 70 people at each Mass, you will need to book a place to be able to attend Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The facility to book for this period is outlined below. To enable as many people to attend as possible given the restrictions imposed on us, you may only book for either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, not both.

There is a possibility that we will not be able to accommodate everyone who wishes to attend on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If that is the case, the Bishops of England and Wales urge those who cannot be accommodated to attend Mass on Boxing Day (The Feast of St. Stephen) or on Sunday, 27th December.

Once again, thanks to the generosity of our stewards, we will be able to offer Mass on Boxing Day, the Feast of St. Stephen, at 10.00 for which booking will not be necessary—but seating will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Booking will be necessary for Mass on Sunday, 27th December.

Remember too our Christmas Masses will be very different. As for every Mass currently celebrated in our churches, the restrictions mean that there will be no singing of carols or hymns, no offertory procession, no sign of peace, no readers nor servers and no children’s liturgy. The protocols you are asked to follow are in the attached document “Attending St. Patrick’s Church during Tier 3 Restrictions.”

Unfortunately it will not be possible to celebrate a Mass in St. Alban’s Church this Christmas. Fr. Patterson is still unable to reopen St. Alban’s Church as we cannot at present provide a Covid safe environment which is deemed essential by the Government and the Diocese before a church can open. The situation will continue to be reviewed.

---

You will need to reserve your place at the following Masses over the Christmas period:

• Sunday, 20th December at 10.30 am
• Christmas Eve, 24th December at 5.30 pm
• Christmas Day, 25th December at 9.45 am
• Sunday, 27th December at 10.30 am

Reserving places for Masses during the Christmas period

To book your place, please call:

07526 232124 

Please note, the booking line is only open for calls at the following times:

• Tuesday, 15th December between 5.30 pm – 7pm
• Wednesday, 16th December between 10.00 am – 12.00 noon
• Thursday, 17th December between 5.30 pm – 7 pm
• Friday, 18th December between 5.30 pm – 7 pm

This number will be unavailable outside of the above booking times.

Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be asked to provide your name and telephone number to comply with the NHS Test and Trace system and also the number in your family if you are attending as a household. Under Tier 3 Restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble—the rule of six being the limit in any one bench. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

The Church doors will open 20 minutes before Mass is due to begin. Please do not come any earlier but do allow yourself sufficient time to complete the necessary health and safety protocols. You may have to form a socially distanced queue outside.

Whilst we would always wish to welcome families back to Church, due to the Covid-19 Health and Safety requirements, we would suggest that children should only be brought to Mass if they are old enough to be able to adhere to the guidelines and can remain seated in their place at all times.

Please enjoy Christmas by Staying Safe and behaving sensibly

As we are aware, from 23rd to 27th December, people are allowed to form a Christmas bubble of three households.

At a recent Downing Street Press Conference, Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, who revealed he would be “on the wards” over Christmas said: “Would I want someone to see their family? Of course, that’s what Christmas is about. But would I encourage someone to hug and kiss their elderly relatives? No, I would not.”

“It’s not against the law – and that’s the whole point. You can do it within the rules that are there, but it does not make sense, because you could be carrying the virus and if you’ve got an elderly relative, that would not be the thing you’d want to do in the period where we are running up to a point where we actually might be able to protect older people. So I think people just have to have sense. The fact that you can do something – this is true across so many other areas of life – doesn’t mean you should.”

Professor Whitty also said it was “not a secret” that Christmas would increase the risk of transmission. “Take it really seriously during Christmas. Don’t do stupid things. Don’t do unnecessary things just because the rules say you can. Think sensibly.”

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News from our School

This week, we would like to share a prayer with you written by Jude, aged 8.

Dear God,  I am so happy that Jesus is coming this Christmas.
He will show us how to forgive, care and love each other.
He will bless the sick and teach us to treat others with kindness.
I hope that the poor and homeless, will be fed and have shelter this Christmas.   

Advent Alms 2020

Moira Ashman, the Chief Executive of St Cuthbert’s Care has sent the following note:

This year, due to the very trying ongoing circumstances, St Cuthbert’s Care has been invited to deliver an online Advent Appeal via the Diocesan website. If you would like to support our charity’s work, the diocesan link can be accessed St Cuthberts Care. I am mindful of the financial pressures the pandemic has placed on many, so please, only support us if you feel able to do so. Thank you.

---

On leaving the Church – Please be responsible and adhere to the law

Under Tier 3 Restrictions, you must not mingle outside the Church after Mass. Parishioners are asked todisperse immediately on leaving the Church. Fr. Patterson urges those of you who come to Mass to follow this advice and in doing so set an example for others to follow and, of course, prevent the possible transmission of the coronavirus.

---

Northern Catholic Calendar

Copies of our Diocesan Year Book will be available to collect after Mass next Tuesday at a cost of £3.00. Please bring the correct money in an envelope and place it in the box provided.

---

Parish News by Email

If you are aware of parishioners who would like to receive the Newsletter and other news from the parish by email, please ask them to contact Father Patterson at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk and they will be added to our contact list.

---

Volunteers

A church can only reopen or stay open if there are sufficient volunteers to assist as stewards and cleaners at every celebration.

It is very easy to “sit back and let others do the work” but no church can fulfil the Government and Bishops’ Guidelines without an adequate number of volunteers.

If you would be able to help as a volunteer, and haven’t already done so, please email Fr. Patterson at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. Ideally you should not be in a vulnerable category to assist as a volunteer and must not be deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable. The more volunteers we have, the less demanding it will be on your time, as it appears these  restrictions are going to be with us well into next year.

---

Parish finances and offerings

Fr. Patterson continues to be so grateful to those parishioners who are able to regularly contribute to parish funds, either by bank transfer or by dropping  their  weekly offering envelopes  through the presbytery letterbox. This helps to meet the day to day financial  commitments of our churches.

For security reasons, please do not put any envelopes through St. Alban’s Presbytery door. Envelopes for St. Alban’s parish should be posted through St. Patrick’s Presbytery door only.

If you Gift Aid your offertory contributions and choose to make a bank transfer, the parish can still reclaim the tax on your offering. It would be helpful to enter your name and Gift Aid envelope number as the reference when making the transfer.

Alternatively, you might wish to put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church when you feel able to come.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:-

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

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Donation

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for a Donation of £40.00 recently received for St. Patrick’s parish funds. 

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Protect your loved ones

If you have downloaded the NHS App, it may be used to register your track and trace details when coming to Mass in St. Patrick’s Church. Simply scan the QR Code which is displayed in the Church and is specific to St. Patrick’s Church only. Please have your phone ready and the App open before entering the Church so that you do not create a “pinch point” by having to search for your phone in your pocket or bag.

Should you choose to “sign in” using the App, you should leave your phone switched on whilst you are in the Church, but please ensure it is in silent mode! You may of course continue to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place it in the box at the front of the Church. The choice is yours to make. Those who choose not to download the App or are unable to, should continue to bring their Test and Trace details in the usual way by means of an envelope.

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Diocesan Website

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

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