Parish newsletter

Posted on 1 April 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 2 April 2023

Palm Sunday

Lent at Home

We hope your “Personal Pilgrimage” through Lent is proving to be a fruitful experience, especially for those of you who feel unable to come to Church, knowing that your fellow parishioners are remembering you in prayer.

This week, more than any other, is an invitation to join with Jesus in his personal journey to Jerusalem, then on to his death on the Cross from which he rises to offer us the gift of the new life of the Resurrection.

Try to set aside some extra time each day for prayer and reflection whether that be in the “solitude” of your own home or room, or coming together for our Holy Week services. Try to avoid falling into the trap of taking the approach “been there, got the T-shirt” and welcome each day of Holy Week anew. Our Share a Prayer sheet may help you in this regard.

If you would like to share a prayer with other parishioners over Easter, please email your prayers to adventcafe@icloud.com by Thursday.

A thought for Holy Week

According to St. Matthew, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil. Not much has changed since then. Today our world is in turmoil. Our country is in turmoil. Some of us may feel the turmoil in our own lives. It’s in the news. It’s in the air. It’s in our hearts.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem the whole city was asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus of Nazareth.” But did anyone realise Jesus is the Son of God sent because God “so loved the world;” the one who says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying burdens, and I will give you rest;” the one who says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”

Jesus is the one who says, “I am the light of the world; the resurrection and the life.” and “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Whatever your Holy Week brings you, takes from you, or asks of you, do not close your eyes or turn away from the one who enters the turmoil of Jerusalem, the “one who comes in the name of the Lord.” For this is the one who will rise to new life on the third day and he plans on taking you with him.

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.

Covid 19

Fr. Patterson is making little progress recovering from post Covid systems. He continues to be advised to rest as much as possible. He remains grateful for your prayers, kind wishes, understanding and patience.

Celebrations during the coming week.

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Funeral Mass for Thomas Conway
Wednesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: A Reflection on the journey of Jesus to his crucifixion
Thursday: 6pm Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Bill Harland
Friday: 3pm in St. Patrick’s Church: The Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Sunday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: George Owens

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:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital and Fr John Reid, one of our retired priests, who is currently unwell
all those whose memories we cherish at this time, especially Jimmy Connolly and Pat Donald and,
Thomas Conway who have died. May he rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.

Holy Week and Easter Services

As the Solemn Celebration of the Vigil of Easter takes place in St. Patrick’s Church, Fr. Patterson had hoped to be able to celebrate Mass on Easter Sunday in St. Alban’s Church. Unfortunately his slow recovery from the effects of Covid, which considerably limit his strength and energy, will prevent him from doing so.

The following services, with the exception of Wednesday, will take place in St. Patrick’s Church.

Wednesday 5th April at 10am: A Reflection on the journey of Jesus to his crucifixion (Stations of the Cross) – St. Patrick’s parish centre
Holy Thursday 6th April at 6pm: The Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Good Friday 7th April at 3pm: The Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday
Holy Saturday 8th April at 6pm: The Solemn Celebration of the Vigil of Easter
Easter Sunday 9th April at 10am: The Mass of the Resurrection

In the neighbourhood

As well as Mass in St. Patrick’s on Easter Sunday at 10am, Mass will also be celebrated in St. James, Hebburn at 9.15am and in St. Aloysius, Hebburn at 11am. There is no Mass on Easter Sunday in St. Augustine’s, Leam Lane.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on the Feast of Christ the King (Youth Sunday) , 26th November, during the 10am Mass.

There will be an introductory evening for all those who are interested in being confirmed, along with their parents, on Friday, 12th May, in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6.30pm. This will be followed by a special celebration during Mass on Sunday, 28th May in St. Patrick’s Church which is the Feast of Pentecost.

Confirmation is open to young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who will be in Year 8 and above from September, 2023. Prospective candidates should be regularly attending Mass and will need to take part in a period of preparation which will be outlined at our introductory gathering on 12th May.

If you haven’t already registered to be part of the programme please email your details to the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

Holy Communion under Both Kinds

The Bishops’ of England and Wales have decided that, given the current situation regarding the spread of Covid and the fact that most people have had three or four vaccinations, now would be a suitable time to grant permission for the resumption of the distribution of Holy Communion under both species.

Please note that this is a permission and not a requirement. The decision as to whether or not to reintroduce this custom rests with each parish priest.

Taking into account the views of our Eucharistic Ministers from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, who would be involved in the distribution of the Precious Blood and having to consume what remained after Holy Communion and considering the demographics of our parishes along with the high transmission rate of Covid, Fr. Patterson does not feel it is appropriate to reintroduce this custom at the present time.

Please remember that the Doctrine of Concomitance, which we were all taught at school, affirms that Jesus is entirely present, body, blood, soul and divinity under the form of both bread and wine. It is also worth noting that Holy Communion under both kinds was only reintroduced into the Mass during the 1970s after having been discontinued in the thirteenth century.

Lenten Booklet of Reflections

The Diocesan Vicariate for Faith & Mission has produced the second booklet of Lenten reflections for this year. The reflections have been contributed by a range of clergy, religious and lay people to express the richness and variety of our Diocesan community. Unfortunately the booklet is only available online.

The Holy Places Collection

This collection was originally taken on Good Friday but in recent times has been taken on Palm Sunday (next Sunday, 2nd April). Should you wish to contribute to this collection, please place your offering in an envelope marked “Holy Places” and deposit it in one of the collection boxes at the entrance to our churches. Those of you with boxes of envelopes should find an envelope in your box.

Lenten Alms Appeal

The Appeal this year will help St. Cuthbert’s Care raise funds to purchase a small vehicle to be used across their two nursing homes. If you wish to support this appeal, please place your donation in an envelope marked “Lenten Alms” and place it in one of the collection boxes at the entrance to our churches.

Your Weekly Offering by Standing Order

Fr. Patterson has had several requests recently for the details required to make your weekly offering by Standing Order. They are set out below:-

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

You are still able to Gift Aid your offering by Standing Order. If you are not already in the Gift Aid scheme and would like to join, please email John, the Gift Aid organiser for both of our churches who will send you the necessary form. You must be a tax payer to Gift aid you contribution. John’s email is stpatrick.giftaid@outlook.com.

Petitions for Lourdes

One of our parishioners will be going on pilgrimage to Lourdes in Easter week and has offered to take any prayer petitions people may wish to send to be placed in the Grotto at Lourdes. Should you wish to send a prayer petition please place it in an envelope marked “Lourdes petition” and deposit it in one of the collecting boxes at the entrances to our churches before Good Friday. Please do not put money in your envelope as these are prayer petitions not Mass offerings. Your petitions are not opened in Lourdes and are burnt after a suitable period of time.

Some dates for your diary – with more news to come.

Friday, 21st April: A Parish Social Evening taking the form of “Bongo Bingo” at 7pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre
Saturday, 29th April: A Coronation Afternoon Tea Party from 2 – 4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre
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

Serving those who have served us well -The Northern Brethren Fund

The annual collection for the Sick and Retired Priests of the Diocese will be taken on the weekend of 15th and 16th April 2023, and the Fund will remain open until 5th May for donations. This collection goes to support our Sick and Retired Priests who have served our diocese over many years. The “Superiors” of the Fund who are priests of the Diocese wish to ensure that this Fund is also there for future retired priests. Recent years have been very difficult and income has drastically declined. The Superiors invite you to consider donating £5.00 or £10.00 (and if possible Gift Aid your donation) in recognition of all the priests who have served in our parishes over many years. For further information on Gift Aid, one-off larger donations, or a bequest in your Will, please do not hesitate to contact Fr. Ian Jackson on 0191 586 4319. Should you wish to make a donation please place your offering in an envelope marked “NBF” and place it in one of the collections boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those with boxes of envelopes should have an envelope.

Download newsletter – 2 April 2023

Parish newsletter

Posted on 25 March 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 26 March 2023

5th Sunday of Lent

Lent at Home

We are striving to reach out to everyone during Lent inviting you to engage in a “Personal Pilgrimage” in your own homes knowing that your fellow parishioners are doing the same.

It is a time to reflect and identify with Christ’s forty days of solitude in the wilderness; his personal journey to Jerusalem, then on to his death on the Cross from which he would rise to offer us the gift of the new life of the Resurrection. Our “Personal Pilgrimage” will prepare us to celebrate and enjoy that new life at Easter.

Do try to set aside some extra time each day for prayer and reflection in the “solitude” of your own home or room, knowing that we do so as a parish family and that praying apart can help to bring us together.

You may also like to “Share a Prayer” with other members of the parish, so that although we pray and read in private, we know we share our prayers with one another. Thanks to those who are sending us prayers. If you would like to share a prayer with other parishioners please email your prayers to adventcafe@icloud.com or drop them through the letterbox of St. Patrick’s presbytery by Thursday. We will produce our own prayer sheet based on the prayers that you send, which will be published on line and also included as printed copies with the Parish Newsletter in our churches.

Please let us have your prayers for Palm Sunday by Thursday.

Becoming more fully alive in God – a thought for Lent

Lent is an old English word for spring. In the life of the Church it is a time which calls us to seek out and receive again God’s grace that we need so that we can flourish and grow and become more fully alive in God.

Often our sins, our weaknesses, frailties, anxieties and addictions entomb us – we become like Lazarus. Christ who is the ‘resurrection and the life’ calls us forth from the tomb to do some personal spring cleaning and to consider what needs changing in our lives so that charity and kindness and gentleness can replace those dry bones and dry hearts that can obscure the light of God shining within us.

So let us try, in this fifth week of Lent to take to heart the words of St Paul from the second reading read in our churches this weekend: ‘If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit who dwells in you.’

All are welcome

Covid 19

Fr. Patterson is making little progress recovering from post Covid systems. He continues to be advised to rest as much as possible. He seeks your understanding and patience and remains grateful for your prayers and kind wishes.

Celebrations during the coming week.

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church – Funeral Mass for Pat Maddison
Wednesday: No Mass
Thursday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre – In Thanksgiving (IW)
Friday: No Mass
Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church – For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Sunday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church – Jimmy Connolly

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:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital and Fr John Reid, one of our retired priests, who is currently unwell
all those whose memories we cherish at this time, especially Ken and Brida Clay, Jimmy Connolly and Brian Gilmore and,
Pat Maddison and Thomas Conway who have died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.

Holy Week and Easter Services

The following services will take place in St. Patrick’s Church.

A Reflection on the journey of Jesus to his crucifixion (Stations of the Cross) on Wednesday, 5th April at 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday (6th April) at 6pm
The Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday (7th April) at 3pm
The Solemn Celebration of the Vigil of Easter on Holy Saturday (8th April) at 6pm
The Mass of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday (9th April) at 10am.

In the neighbourhood

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on the Feast of Christ the King (Youth Sunday) , 26th November, during the 10am Mass.

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.

Holy Communion under Both Kinds

Please note that this is a permission and not a requirement. The decision as to whether or not to reintroduce this custom rests with each parish priest.

Diocesan Review – Closing date Monday, 27th March

The investigation commissioned by the Dicastery for Bishops has issued a survey to be completed by parishioners. This is an anonymous survey, all answers are provided in complete confidence, and you are asked to give your own individual views.

The survey will run until Monday 27th March, 2023 and can be accessed at https://forms.gle/wevQ6zrj1t8SCxNq5 or through the Diocesan website. Please complete the survey only once, even if you hold more than one role in the Diocese. A paper copy of this survey, for those without internet access, is available from the sacristy after Mass.

Lenten Booklet of Reflections

Love the Stranger

Last week the Bishops of England and Wales launched a booklet entitled “Love the Stranger”. It is a remarkably radical statement of Catholic Social Teaching on refugees and migrants. The booklet places the human being at the heart of our pastoral outreach, looking beyond statistics and policies to the person – each with a name, a face and a story.

The Holy Places Collection

Lenten Alms Appeal

Your Weekly Offering by Standing Order

Fr. Patterson has had several requests recently for the details required to make your weekly offering by Standing Order. They are set out below:-

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

Petitions for Lourdes

Download newsletter – 26 March 2023

Parish newsletter

Posted on 18 March 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 19 March 2023

4th Sunday of Lent

Lent at Home

We are striving to reach out to everyone during Lent inviting you to engage in a “Personal Pilgrimage” in your own homes knowing that your fellow parishioners are doing the same.

Please let us have your prayers for the 5th Sunday of Lent by Thursday.

Give them something to eat – a thought for Lent

In November, 2013, Pope Francis issued his first proclamation to the Church and the world called the “Joy of the Gospel.” In it he set out his vision for a missionary Church, active in the modern world. He wrote: “My hope is that we will be moved by a fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: ‘Give them something to eat’ (Mk 6:37).”

Ten years later, how far have we come in making this Church a reality? How many of us still hold on to “structures which give us a false sense of security.” If our experience of Covid-19 taught us anything, it was an awareness of our vulnerability as human beings. Has it taught us to be more compassionate and open? How much more aware are we of the vulnerability of the homeless, the lonely, those who risk their lives and drown in our seas trying only to escape tyranny and look after their families? How loudly do we proclaim that structures which allow these things to exist are wrong?

Ten years on from the proclamation of Pope Francis, the poor and “starving are still at our doors,” and Jesus is still saying to us, “give them something to eat.”

All are welcome

Covid 19

Fr. Patterson is making slow progress recovering from post Covid systems and is advised to continue to rest as much as possible. He seeks your understanding and patience and is grateful for your prayers and kind wishes.

Celebrations during the coming week:

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: John Lenehan and Elizabeth Lenehan
Wednesday: No Mass
Thursday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Rita Short
Friday: No Mass
Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Brian Gilmore
Sunday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday. Visit the Cathedral website.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

When you are unable to celebrate Mass in Church, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Ken and Brida Clay, Elizabeth Lenehan and John Lenehan and,
Pat Maddison who has died. May she rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Fr. Patterson is hoping to arrange the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year in St. Patrick’s Church.

It will be open to young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who will be in Year 8 and above from September, 2023 and to any adults who may wish to receive the Sacrament. Prospective candidates should be regularly attending Mass and will need to take part in a period of preparation which will be organised in the months ahead. Please keep an eye on the Newsletter for more details. Those who may be interested, are invited to email the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

A Lenten Service in your Home

As there has been no response to the suggestion of offering a Lenten Reflection Service by Zoom, it will be laid to rest!

Stations of the Cross

Sixth Form students from Cardinal Hume School invite parishioners from the parishes in our Partnership to join with them in a celebration of the Stations of the Cross based on “Laudato Si” in St Peter’s Church, Low Fell onWednesday 22nd March at 7pm. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Diocesan Review – A message from Carol Lawrence, Appointee of Archbishop McMahon

Your Weekly Offering by Standing Order

Fr. Patterson has had several requests recently for the details required to make your weekly offering by Standing Order. They are set out below:-

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

Lenten Alms Appeal

News from our School

The children in Year 5 will invite their parents and families for a prayer service in the school hall at 2.30pm on Friday to help us continue our Lenten journey together. They will reflect on the story of Lazarus from Sunday’s Gospel.

Download newsletter – 19 March 2023

Parish newsletter

Posted on 11 March 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 12 March 2023

3rd Sunday of Lent

Lent at Home

We are striving to reach out to everyone during Lent inviting you to engage in a “Personal Pilgrimage” in your own homes knowing that your fellow parishioners are doing the same.

Please let us have your prayers for the 4th Sunday of Lent by Thursday.

With God all things are possible – a thought for Lent

St Paul speaks of the three virtues of faith, hope and love, with the greatest being love; but it becomes clear that without faith there can be no genuine hope, and without these two there can be no lasting love. We are invited by God to have hope in his saving grace even when we don’t feel it is within our reach.

Both Moses and the Samaritan woman in the readings at Mass this weekend became leaders when they learned that God’s power overcomes our fragility. When we engage in an intimate relationship with Jesus, nothing can separate us from God’s love.

On our own we are powerless. With God, all things are possible, and even our poor efforts can make a difference to how the world is and will be.

All are welcome

Covid 19

Fr. Patterson is still laid low from post Covid symptoms and has been advised to continue to rest as much as possible for the time being. He asks for your understanding and patience and continues to be grateful for your prayers and kind wishes.

Celebrations during the coming week.

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Elizabeth Pearson
Wednesday: No Mass
Thursday: No Mass
Friday: 6pm Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Carol Belton
Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Sunday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Ken and Brida Clay

The Feast of St. Patrick

Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 17th March in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6pm to provide an opportunity for as many parishioners as possible, especially those who work during the day, to attend. It is hoped to offer refreshments after Mass.

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:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Ken and Brida Clay, Elizabeth Lenehan and John Lenehan and,
Pat Maddison who has died. May she rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Fr. Patterson is hoping to arrange the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year in St. Patrick’s Church.

Lenten Booklet of Reflections

The Diocesan Vicariate for Faith & Mission has produced the first booklet of Lenten reflections for this year. The reflections have been contributed by a range of clergy, religious and lay people to express the richness and variety of our Diocesan community. Unfortunately the booklet is only available online.

A Lenten Service in your Home

In keeping with our “Lent at Home” and “Share a Prayer” programme, Fr. Patterson would like to explore the possibility of offering one or two Lenten Reflections by Zoom for those who find it difficult to come to Church. These services, lasting approximately 30 minutes, could be offered during the course of an afternoon or in the evening. To be able to take part you would need to have access to the internet.

If this is something you would be interested in, please email the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk during the course of the coming week to enable us to decide if it is an idea worth pursuing. Please indicated your preference for afternoon or evening.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Diocesan Review – A message from Carol Lawrence, Appointee of Archbishop McMahon

The survey will run until Monday 27 March 2023 and can be accessed at https://forms.gle/wevQ6zrj1t8SCxNq5 or through the Diocesan website. Please complete the survey only once, even if you hold more than one role in the Diocese.

Your Weekly Offering by Standing Order

Fr. Patterson has had several requests recently for the details required to make your weekly offering by Standing Order. They are set out below:-

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

News from our School

For a little treat before Mothering Sunday, all are invited to an ‘I love you café’ in the school hall on Friday 17^th March from 9am.

The children in Year 4 are inviting their parents and families for a prayer service in the school hall at 2.30pm on Friday afternoon.

Download newsletter – 12 March 2023

Parish newsletter

Posted on 4 March 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 5 March 2023

2nd Sunday of Lent

Lent at Home

We are striving to reach out to everyone during Lent inviting you to engage in a “Personal Pilgrimage” in your own homes knowing that your fellow parishioners are doing the same.

Please let us have your prayers for the 3rd Sunday of Lent by Thursday.

Who do you trust? – a thought for Lent

Sometimes even good things that happen to us can cause us to be fearful. We might be glad to have a new job, but worry that we might not be up to it. Parents are delighted to be expecting a baby, but nervous about the responsibilities. Even something beautiful can be overwhelming: the emotions we experience can be almost too much to bear. People climbing a mountain might experience such emotions; edging upwards on difficult terrain is something they want to do, yet it can be worrying too – they might slip and fall. And then, when they reach the top, the spectacular view evokes all kinds of powerful emotions.

Many of these experiences are about trust: do we trust ourselves to take on something and do it well? Do we trust those who have chosen us? Do we trust in God?

All are welcome

Covid 19

Whilst no longer testing positive for Covid, Fr. Patterson continues to suffer from post Covid symptoms and has been advised to rest as much as possible for the time being. He asks for your understanding and patience and continues to be grateful for your prayers and kind wishes.

Celebrations during the coming week.

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: George Armstrong
Wednesday: No Mass
Thursday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Manus McDermott
Friday: No Mass
Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Andrew Sloan
Sunday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday. Visit the Cathedral website.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

When you are unable to celebrate Mass in Church, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital and,
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Bill Harland, Joan Makepeace, Manus McDermott and Andrew Sloan

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Fr. Patterson is hoping to arrange the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year in St. Patrick’s Church.

Lenten Booklet of Reflections

A Lenten Service in your Home

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

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. Please do not contact your own parish priest who may be unable to respond due to current hospital protocols.

A Prayer for those who are ill and for those who care for them

Merciful God, we entrust to your loving care those who are ill or in pain. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to full health and strength. Grant perseverance and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, empower them with your Spirit, so that through their care many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

News from our School

During the coming week, the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust will be shortlisting applicants who have applied for the post of Headteacher of our school from September, 2023.

Year 2 children began our Lenten Journey in school last week, reflecting on the Sunday Gospel. This week, the children in Year 3 are inviting their parents and families for a prayer service in the school hall at 2.30pm on Friday afternoon.

One of our Year 4 pupils has asked us to mark World Kidney Day because of the support she had as a baby. We will be wearing purple to raise funds and awareness on Thursday 9^th March

Download newsletter – 5 March 2023

Parish newsletter

Posted on 25 February 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 26 February 2023

1st Sunday of Lent

Lent at Home

We find ourselves in the season of Lent and as many of our parishioners struggle to come to church these days for a variety of reasons, which we fully understand and respect, they are still an important part of our parish family.

Fr. Patterson would like to reach out to everyone during Lent and invite you to engage in a “Personal Pilgrimage” in your own homes knowing that your fellow parishioners are doing the same.

It is a time for us all to reflect and identify with Christ’s forty days of solitude in the wilderness; his personal journey to Jerusalem, then on to his death on the Cross from which he would rise to offer us the gift of the new life of the Resurrection. Our “Personal Pilgrimage” will prepare us to celebrate and enjoy that new life at Easter.

Try to set aside some extra time each day for prayer and reflection in the “solitude” of your own home or room, knowing that we do so as a parish family and that praying apart can help to bring us together.

You may also like to “Share a Prayer” with other members of the parish, so that although we pray and read in private, we know we share our prayers with one another. If you would like to share a prayer with other parishioners please email your prayers to adventcafe@icloud.com or drop them through the letterbox of St. Patrick’s presbytery by Thursday of each week of Lent. We will produce our own prayer sheet based on the prayers that you send us which will be published on line and also included as printed copies with the Parish Newsletter in our churches.

Please do not include the names of individuals in your prayers, as the data protection act prevents us from publishing personal details, initials would be acceptable.

Could you try to complete a selfless act of kindness each week that interacts with someone in your family or neighbourhood as a visible sign of your wish to follow Christ. Give it some thought and perhaps make it different every week.

So it’s over to you. Pease let us have your prayers for the Second Sunday of Lent by Thursday of this week.

All are welcome

Covid 19

Fr. Patterson is still indisposed due to Covid-19 symptoms. As such there is a modified weekly schedule printed below. Father continues to be grateful for the kind wishes, prayers and numerous offers of support he has received in recent days and looks forward to being able to rejoin you all soon.

Mass Intentions

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Service of the Word with Holy Communion
Wednesday: No Mass
Thursday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre
Friday: No Mass
Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church: Private Intention

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:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital and,
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Joan Makepeace and Andrew Sloan

A Prayer for Ukraine on the first anniversary of the invasion

Loving God, we pray for the people of Ukraine, for all those suffering or afraid, that you will be close to them and protect them. We pray for world leaders, for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices. We pray for the world that in this time of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for the whole world. Amen

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Fr. Patterson is hoping to arrange the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year in St. Patrick’s Church.

Lenten Booklet of Reflections

Friday is Family Fast Day.

Donations you may choose to make to Cafod’s Appeal will help families fighting the climate crisis and ensure that our Church network can quickly respond to emergencies, like the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey. Envelopes are available at the entrances to both of our churches. Thanks to those who have already made donations to Cafod’s Earthquake Appeal which raised a total of £60.00 from our churches. This will be sent to Cafod following the Fast Day Appeal.

Your Weekly Offering by Standing Order

Fr. Patterson has had several requests recently for the details required to make your weekly offering by Standing Order. They are set out below:-

The details you require to set up a Standing Order are set out below:-

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 Social evening (17th February)

Fr. Patterson has received the following email relating to the above event:-

“We had a lovely evening last night, with lots of connection and laughter! Everyone present was very appreciative and definitely want more! On top of the food and coat donations, £170.00 was raised in cash to support the Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project.”

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank those who organised the evening and those who felt able to support it.

News from our School

The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust are advertising for a Headteacher for our school from September, 2023. For more details, please visit their site.

Download newsletter – 26 February 2023

Parish newsletter

Posted on 18 February 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 19 February 2023

7th Sunday of the Year

Lent at Home

Many parishioners struggle to come to church these days for a variety of reasons, which we fully understand and respect, but they are still an important part of our parish family.

Fr. Patterson would like to reach out to everyone during Lent and invite you to engage in a “Personal Pilgrimage” in your own homes knowing that your fellow parishioners are doing the same.

It would be an opportunity to reflect and identify with Christ’s forty days of solitude in the wilderness. His personal journey was to prepare himself to tread the road to Jerusalem, then on to his death on the Cross from which he would rise to offer us the gift of the new life of the Resurrection. Our “Personal Pilgrimage” will prepare us to celebrate that new life at Easter.

Praying apart can bring us together

So we invite everyone to set aside some extra time each day for prayer and spiritual reading in the “solitude” of your own home or room, knowing that we do so as a parish family.

We also invite you to “Share a Prayer” with other members of the parish, so that although we pray and read in private, we know we share our prayers with one another. If you would like to share a prayer with other parishioners please email your prayer(s) to adventcafe@icloud.com or drop them through the letterbox of St. Patrick’s presbytery by Thursday of each week of Lent. They will then be processed for the approaching weekend. We will produce our own prayer and reflection sheet based on the prayers that you send us which will be published on line and also included in printed copies with the Parish Newsletter in our churches.

Please do not include the names of individuals in your prayers, as the data protection act prevents us from publishing personal details, initials would be acceptable.

Practical penance and self-denial

We encourage everyone to try to complete a selfless act of kindness each week that interacts with someone in your family or neighbourhood as a visible sign of your wish to follow Christ. This could be a private act, but as we are trying as a community of faith to be more Christ centered in our actions, it could be a communal action with a few friends or neighbours.

You may also feel able to choose some act of self denial each week. Give it some thought and perhaps make it different every week, remembering what acts of self denial are meant to achieve. We will provide ideas in our weekly prayer sheet.

So it’s over to you. Please let us have you prayers for the First Sunday of Lent by Thursday of this week.

All are welcome

Mass Intentions

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church: Funeral Service for Rose Allan
Wednesday: 12 noon in St. Patrick’s parish centre: A Lenten Service (see below)
Thursday: No Mass
Friday: No Mass
Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church: Private Intention

Ash Wednesday

As a result of Fr. Patterson’s indisposition due to Covid, there will be a Lenten Service of Prayer on Ash Wednesday at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s parish centre. This will include readings, a reflection, a short period of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (15minutes) and end with the distribution of ashes. You may enjoy this hymn written by Dan Schutte entitled “Ashes to Ashes”.

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:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital and,
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Joan Makepeace and Elizabeth Pearson.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Fr. Patterson is hoping to arrange the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year in St. Patrick’s Church.

Lenten Booklet of Reflections

Your Weekly Offering by Standing Order

Fr. Patterson has had several requests recently for the details required to make your weekly offering by Standing Order. They are set out below:-

The details you require to set up a Standing Order are set out below:-

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

Counterfeit £5.00 notes …..

…..are circulating in our area at present. It would be advisable to check notes you receive in change before leaving a premises. One of these notes made its way into the collection at St. Patrick’s last weekend!

News from our School

The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust are advertising for a Headteacher for our school from September, 2023. For more details, please visit their site.

Download newsletter – 19 February 2023

Parish newsletter

Posted on 11 February 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 12 February 2023

6th Sunday of the Year

In the wake of the terrible earthquakes in Syria and Turkey on 6th February, Cafod’s local team are already on the ground in Syria responding to the needs of those affected. Cafod has been working in Syria for many years providing humanitarian support to families affected by the 12 year long conflict – families who now face another devastating crisis.  

Because of the generosity of parishes in our country to recent Fast Days and other donations, Cafod have been able to make an initial allocation of £100,000 to provide urgent humanitarian support – food, water, shelter, medical assistance and winter kits – in the worst affected areas.

Cafod is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and has joined with the DEC’s Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal to raise funds and awareness.

If you feel able to make a donation to Cafod’s Syria-Turkey Earthquake Appeal you may do it online or you may choose to bring your donation to either of our churches this weekend in a envelope marked “Earthquake Appeal” and place it in one of the collection boxes at the entrance to our churches. 

Let us pray:-

God of mercy, we entrust to your care the people of Turkey and Syria
and pray for those who have died and for those who mourn.
We hold in our hearts those who are injured and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Grant those affected courage and resilience, as they rebuild their lives and communities.
Inspire us to unite in solidarity, acting swiftly and generously,
so that help may reach all who need it.

All are welcome

Are you feeling unwell – remember the old slogan “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases”

If you are feeling unwell or have any cold, flu or Covid symptoms, particularly a persistent cough, you should consider staying at home rather than coming to church for your own well-being and for that of others.

Could Friday, 17th February be a turning point in your life?

We invite you to a Social Evening for parishioners and friends of both of our parishes on Friday, 17th February, 2023 in St. Patrick’s parish centre from 7pm.

It provides an opportunity to come together after all we have gone through during the past three years, and continue to go through, in a warm and friendly setting.
Could you invite someone who may still be struggling with the after effects of lockdown to come along with you?
Could you offer to give someone a lift?

It is, of course, a choice for you to make! Please bring your own drinks and nibbles.

Admission is free, but if you feel able, you may like to support the Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project by bringing along a food donation of either sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, a tin of tomatoes or chick peas.

Mass Intentions

Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass for the following Intentions during the coming week. With the exception of Wednesday and Friday, all Masses and Services are open to everyone.

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre – Paul Hughes (NC)
Wednesday: (Private Mass) Brian and Pat McDonough
Thursday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre – Rita Short
Friday: (Private Mass) Private Intention
Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church – For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church – Catherine Palmer

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:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time Isabella Taylor
and Fr. Paddy McMahon who has died. May he rest in the peace of Christ.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Mobile telephones in church

Please ensure your phone is turned off or in silent mode when in Church. In recent weeks, the sound of the arrival of messages during Mass has been very noticeable in both of our churches. If you are unsure how to turn “Notification sounds” off, then please turn your phone off completely. Thank you.

Walk with Me

The Lenten edition of this little prayer book provides a reflection and prayer for each day of Lent. A limited number of copies are available in both of our churches this weekend priced at £1.00.

Vocations to the Priesthood Enquiry Evenings

The Priesthood Vocations Team invite men aged 18+ who might be experiencing the call from God to discern priesthood to join the Vocations Team in finding out more. Discernment Evenings for 2023 are planned for: Tuesday 14th February, Tuesday 4th April, Tuesday 27th June, Tuesday 3rd October and Tuesday 5th December. These will be held at the Cloister Café – St Mary’s Cathedral, Clayton Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5HH from 6-8pm. There will be a time of Prayer, talk/discussion, followed by a meal together. If you would like to attend, or for more information, please contact the Vocations Promoter, Fr Shaun Purdy by email at: vocationspromoter@diocesehn.org.uk or by phone: 01670 812 200.

Can you play a musical instrument?

If you would like to join St. Patrick’s musicians and help with the music at Sunday Mass, please speak to Jessica or Dylan who you will find at the front of the church after Mass.

News from our School

This coming week is the last week of our half term and the children and staff have worked very hard these last six weeks, learning more and trying to remember more each and every day. The governors spent an afternoon with us last week and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the children and staff and talking to them about our school and how we try to always ‘live life to the full’. Thank you for your continued prayers and be assured that you are in our prayers too.

COVID levels on the rise

After reaching their lowest point for over a year, COVID rates are increasing again – a 61% increase in the last fortnight. Professor Tim Spectre from Zoe expects this to continue for at least another few weeks, so keep yourself as protected as possible by socialising outdoors when you can and maintaining good hand hygiene.

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.

Church Action on Poverty

You may be interested in a gathering at St Cuthbert’s RC Church, North Shields next Sunday, 19h February, 2023 at 3pm. See the Church Action on Poverty poster and Church Action on Poverty Brochure for more information.

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project – An appeal for coats

As well as the ongoing need for donations of sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, tins of tomatoes, chick peas, toiletries and shampoo, the project would be grateful for any unwanted coats— but please no jumble!

Items 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.

A stay in Hospital

In an emergency, please ask the ward sister to contact the on call Catholic chaplain. Please do not contact your own parish priest who may be unable to respond due to current hospital protocols.

Cost of Living

Connected voice offer information and support from a range of organisations for anyone who needs help with cost of living issue.

Chat all things Energy

Gateshead Council along with Citizens Advice (Gateshead) are offering free energy advice on Thursday, 23rd February at Gateshead Central Library from 10am – 3pm. You are welcome to go for advice on how you could save on your bills.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2023

The Pilgrimage to Lourdes plans to travel on Friday, 28th July, returning Friday, 4th August, 2023. If you would like more information please visit www.hexhamandnewcastlelourdespilgrimage.co.uk/ or email lourdes@rcdhn.org.uk

Download newsletter – 12 February 2023

Parish newsletter

Posted on 4 February 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 5 February 2023

5th Sunday of the Year

The Gospels were written forty and more years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. During those years his followers shared their memories of him and reflected together on what his words meant, gradually coming to understand his mission and his vision.

St. Matthew is aware that the ‘Kingdom’ Jesus talked about was not only possible, but it was near, made visible by Jesus himself. The call of Jesus to “follow me” was always an urgent and challenging one but there was a vibrancy and excitement in what he taught.

Evidence of this is found in the Gospel, read in our churches this weekend, which contains two wonderfully simple stories. (Matthew 5: 13-16)

Salt has two uses – to keep things fresh and to add flavour to food. Both were important. In the time of Jesus, before refrigeration and deep freezing, rubbing salt into meats and fish preserved them and kept them fresh. The point is clear. The vision of Jesus is not for some time in the future. It is to be kept fresh and living in the present moment.

The idea of lighting a lamp and then putting it under a tub is rather pointless. Using this image to speak about the Kingdom of God, Jesus is making the point that his kingdom is to be seen throughout the whole of the world in the lives of those who follow him.

All are welcome

Are you feeling unwell – remember the old slogan “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases”

Could Friday, 17th February be a turning point in your life?

We invite you to a Social Evening for parishioners and friends of both of our parishes on Friday, 17th February, 2023 in St. Patrick’s parish centre from 7pm.

It provides an opportunity to come together after all we have gone through during the past three years, and continue to go through, in a warm and friendly setting.
Could you invite someone who may still be struggling with the after effects of lockdown to come along with you?
Could you offer to give someone a lift?

It is, of course, a choice for you to make! Please bring your own drinks and nibbles.

Mass Intentions

Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass for the following Intentions during the coming week. With the exception of Wednesday and Friday, all Masses and Services are open to everyone.

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: John and Josephine Emery
Wednesday: (Private Mass) Brian Quigley
Thursday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: For all organ donors
Friday: (Private Mass) Private Intention
Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church: Isabella Taylor

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:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Denis Patrick Lenehan and Isabella Taylor and,
Fr. Paddy McMahon who has died. May he rest in the peace of Christ.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Mobile telephones in church

Thank you

Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude for a donation of £10.00 recently received towards the cost of heating St. Patrick’s Church and for a donation of £15.00 for St. Patrick’s parish funds.

Vandalism

St. Patrick’s Church suffered more vandalism last Tuesday evening at approximately 7pm when lead was torn off the link corridor roof to the presbytery which resulted in the damage of a number of roof slates and felt. Temporary repairs have been made to prevent the ingress of water and Fr. Patterson is in the process of obtaining estimates for the cost of the repairs. When passing either of our churches, please keep an eye out for anything or anyone who may appear to be acting in a suspicious manner and let us know, but please do not do anything that would put yourself at risk.

Can you play a musical instrument?

If you would like to join St. Patrick’s musicians and help with the music at Sunday Mass, please speak to Jessica or Dylan who you will find at the front of the church after Mass.

News from our School

This coming week is Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Week with the theme of ‘Let’s Connect’. Their website https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/ says: “Human beings thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing, and our survival. When we have healthy connections – to family, friends and others – this can support our mental health and our sense of wellbeing. And when our need for rewarding social connections is not met, we can sometimes feel isolated and lonely – which can have a negative impact on our mental health.

For Children’s Mental Health Week this year, we are encouraging people to connect with others in healthy, rewarding, and meaningful ways. We look forward to exploring ways of connecting with our shared parish in the weeks ahead.

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.

A stay in Hospital

In an emergency, please ask the ward sister to contact the on call Catholic chaplain. Please do not contact your own parish priest who may be unable to respond due to current hospital protocols.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2023

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project – An appeal for coats

Vocations to the Priesthood Enquiry Evenings

The Priesthood Vocations Team invite men aged 18+ who might be experiencing the call from God to discern priesthood to join the Vocations Team in finding out more. Discernment Evenings for 2023 are planned for: Tuesday 14th February, Tuesday 4th April, Tuesday 27th June, Tuesday 3rd October and Tuesday 5th December. These will be held at the Cloister Café – St Mary’s Cathedral, Clayton Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5HH from 6pm – 8pm. There will be a time of Prayer, talk/discussion, followed by a meal together. If you would like to attend, or for more information, please contact the Vocations Promoter, Fr Shaun Purdy by email at: vocationspromoter@diocesehn.org.uk or by phone: 01670 812 200.

A message from The Universe Catholic Weekly

The Universe Newspaper keeps Catholics informed about their faith. Please consider taking out a subscription. Order your Digital 4 weeks FREE introductory offer by emailing Michelle at michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk or telephone 0743 661 7650.

Download newsletter – 5 February 2023

Parish newsletter

Posted on 28 January 2023 by admin

Download newsletter – 29 January 2023

4th Sunday of the Year

History, some might say, is the story of human ambition and its often tragic consequences. Wealth and power, always an attractive prospect, have never been more glamorised than in our own day and age. People are encouraged to “Think Big.”

Over-ambition however has its real-life casualties, too, especially in a celebrity culture that fosters unrealistic expectations. It is why, when encouraging young people to work hard and aim high, we may also need to remind them that it’s OK to live an unremarkable life – and better still to live a good one.

The Roman Empire in which Jesus lived was as aspirational as our own society. Glamour and power were much admired but they meant nothing to Jesus. He was happy in the company of people who were unimportant or scorned. His way of life was teaching them and us that deep and lasting fulfilment comes, not from the things we have, but from the person we are and the good we do.

Those truly blessed are the gentle, compassionate, humble people who sometimes suffer for doing the right thing. They are the real princes and princesses of this world, for one day they will inherit God’s kingdom and enjoy all the comfort and recognition of living in his presence.

The Gospel read in our churches this weekend, makes it clear that the kingdom of God is for those with an eye to the common good rather than to their own self-interest.

All are welcome

Are you feeling unwell – remember the old slogan “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases”

Could Friday, 17th February be a turning point in your life?

We invite you to a Social Evening for parishioners and friends of both of our parishes on Friday, 17th February, 2023 in St. Patrick’s parish centre from 7pm.

It provides an opportunity to come together after all we have gone through during the past three years, and continue to go through, in a warm and friendly setting.
Could you invite someone who may still be struggling with the after effects of lockdown to come along with you?
Could you offer to give someone a lift?

It is, of course, a choice for you to make! Please bring your own drinks and nibbles.

Mass Intentions

Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass for the following Intentions during the coming week. With the exception of Wednesday and Friday, all Masses and Services are open to everyone.

Monday: No Mass
Tuesday: 10.45am in St. Patrick’s Church: Funeral Service for Rita Short
Wednesday: (Private Mass) Hughes, Knock and Kelly Families
Thursday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Lindsay Bradley
Friday: (Private Mass) Private Intention
Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church: Denis Patrick Lenehan

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:-

Please keep in your prayers:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Lindsay Bradley and Denis Patrick Lenehan and,
Rita Short who has died. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

A Prayer for those who are ill and for those who care for them

A Prayer for Ukraine

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Congratulations and Thank you

We offer our prayerful good wishes to Isaac Wood who was welcomed into the family of the Church last weekend. We pray that his parents may be given the strength of faith to fulfil the commitment they made on their son’s behalf.

Fr. Patterson is extremely grateful to those who attended this celebration and gave donations totalling £258.00 towards the cost of heating the church. Thank you so much.

Thank you

Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude for a donation of £200.00 recently received towards the cost of heating and lighting St. Alban’s Church

Can you play a musical instrument?

If you would like to join St. Patrick’s musicians and help with the music at Sunday Mass, please speak to Jessica or Dylan who you will find at the front of the church after Mass.

News from our School

Our Early Years unit have invited their families and friends to a prayer service next week for the feast of The Presentation of the Lord. We ask for your continued prayers and for God’s blessing on all of our youngest pupils in our school community.

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.

A stay in Hospital

In an emergency, please ask the ward sister to contact the on call Catholic chaplain. Please do not contact your own parish priest who may be unable to respond due to current hospital protocols.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2023

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project – An appeal for coats

Vocations to the Priesthood Enquiry Evenings

The Priesthood Vocations Team invite men aged 18+ who might be experiencing the call from God to discern priesthood to join the Vocations Team in finding out more. Discernment Evenings for 2023 are planned for: Tuesday 14th February, Tuesday 4th April, Tuesday 27th June, Tuesday 3rd October and Tuesday 5th December. These will be held at the Cloister Café – St Mary’s Cathedral, Clayton Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5HH from 18.00 – 20.00. There will be a time of Prayer, talk/discussion, followed by a meal together. If you would like to attend, or for more information, please contact the Vocations Promoter, Fr Shaun Purdy by email at: vocationspromoter@diocesehn.org.uk or by phone: 01670 812 200.

Postage stamps

After 31st January, 2023, regular stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid. Your non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded version through the Stamp Swap Out scheme. To swap out your stamps, simply complete one of our Stamp Swap Out forms and send it back to us along with your non-barcoded stamps.

A message from The Universe Catholic Weekly

Download newsletter – 29 January 2023