12^th Sunday of the Year

Dear Parishioners

Thanks to the generosity of our volunteer stewards we are able to open St. Patrick’s Church for Mass on Tuesday at 10 am when no booking will be needed, and on Sunday at 10.30 am when booking is advised to guarantee a place.

There are still places available for Mass this Sunday, 20th June, offered on a first come first served basis. Please bring Test and Trace details if you haven’t reserved a place. You will receive a warm and reassuring welcome.

To reserve a place for Mass next Sunday, 27th June, please telephone 07526 232124 on:

 Friday, 25th June between 5pm – 7pm

Please note the booking facility is no longer available on Wednesdays.

This number will be unavailable outside of the above times. Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email and can only be made for the approaching Sunday and not for any other dates. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be encouraged 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. You should only sit with members of your own household or bubble. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

For Mass on Tuesday, where booking is not required, you are invited to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in church.

You may still be feeling a little hesitant about coming to Mass and that is perfectly understandable. The Sunday obligation is still suspended so you are under no obligation to attend Mass. You must not come to Church if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way.

The mandatory wearing of face coverings, sanitising your hands, 2 metre social distancing and cleaning the church after each celebration remain in place within our church and the maximum capacity for a parish Mass remains at 70. So the church is as safe as we can possibly make it for you and our volunteer stewards will continue to look after you.

With the growing number of new Covid cases due to the Delta variant, I suspect none of us were surprised to learn of the extension of the restrictions until 19th July. Here in Gateshead there have been 164 new cases in the last seven days and 61,181 throughout the UK in the same period.

Despite our frustrations, I do hope we will continue to do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus in our families, amongst our friends and within the local community – irrespective of what others may choose to do. I also hope we will all respond positively to the vaccination programme now that all adults aged 18 and over may book a vaccination.

Whilst the vaccines have been shown to reduce the likelihood of severe illness in most people, like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so those of us who have received the vaccine should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Whilst emerging evidence suggests vaccines are having an impact on transmission, we do not know by how much the vaccine stops Covid-19 from spreading. Even if you have been vaccinated, you could still spread Covid-19 to others, even if you do not display symptoms.

Covid spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within 2 metres). The further away you can keep from other people, and the less time you spend in close contact with them, the less likely you are to catch Covid-19 and pass it on to others. Close contact, including hugging, increases the risk of spreading Covid-19. And please remember, you should always make space for other people to keep their distance if they want to – not everyone may want a hug!

May the Lord continue to bless and watch over us and those we love in these challenging times. 

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 am on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. These Masses may also be viewed later from the same website.

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Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions:

• Monday – A special intention (AB & CD) 
• Tuesday:  10 am in St. Patrick’s Church – George and Mary Laurie
• Wednesday – Dorothy Foster
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday – Brian Quigley 
• Saturday:  Fr “P’s” intentions
• Sunday: 10.30 am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking required

 When you are unable to celebrate Mass with 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 are 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 and,
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time

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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.

---

A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 127,956 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure):

Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died from the coronavirus, surround us and all who mourn with your compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope. We make this prayer in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

For those who are afraid

God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of Covid-19, fear for loved ones, fear of what the future holds.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace. Amen

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The Gift of Faith

We continue the series of short videos by Fr. Stephen Wang.

This week Fr. Wang explores “the Gift of Faith.”

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Day for Life

This Sunday, 20th June, we celebrate ‘Day for Life‘ providing an opportunity to pray for the gift of life from conception to natural death and to raise awareness of the precious gift of life.

The fragility of life and the reality of death has been brought into sharp focus during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the UK alone, almost 128,000 people have died from Covid-19. Yet in the face of such suffering and death, we have witnessed the extraordinary dedication of healthcare professionals and their loving care for the sick and dying. We too have each made sacrifices for the greater good during this pandemic. These acts of heroic love are a powerful testimony to the fundamental dignity of the human person and to the respect owed to each life, particularly through proper care and love in the last moments of life.

Against this backdrop of loving care, we are now faced with the very real threat of the legalisation of ‘assisted suicide’ in our country. It is not a question of ‘if’ this challenge will come, it is now a question of ‘when?’ There is now a Private Members Bill in the House of Lords on so-called ‘Assisted Dying’ and it is only a matter of time before the issue is back in the House of Commons.

This year’s theme for Day for Life focuses on assisted suicide and the respect owed to life. Online resources are available to inform Catholics about this threat to life and to share with people our response to such a threat: a true compassion as the just response to the immense value of the human person.

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Looking ahead

To be able to reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre once all the Covid restrictions have been removed, Fr. Patterson needs your help and support as outlined in our shared parish Roadmap which was circulated at the beginning of May. If you haven’t received a copy, please contact Fr. Patterson on felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk or telephone 0191 495 2277.

Fr. Patterson also asks you to contact him as soon as possible

1. If you have helped in either church before the pandemic and no longer feel able to continue in your previous role.
2. If you would like to help in any of the ways outlined in our shared parish Roadmap.
3. If you wish to continue helping as you have done in the past

Please remember that you are not being asked to take up the role of volunteering until all the Covid Restrictions have been removed for churches (whenever that may be). However it is important for us to have a bank of volunteers in place to enable us to determine whether we can reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre when the time comes.

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The Sacrament of Baptism

Covid restrictions and limited human resources to enable us to comply with these restrictions, prevent us being able to open St. Patrick’s Church for anything other than Mass on a Sunday and Tuesday and for funerals at present.

We are still unable to reopen the parish centre which prevents us offering the necessary baptismal preparation for parents who are considering presenting their child to the Church for Baptism.

As such, we are still unable to offer the Sacrament of Baptism in St. Patrick’s Church.

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Thank you

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for a 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 continues to be grateful for your offerings during these difficult times and is especially grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by standing order helping us meet the regular financial  commitments of our churches.

You may bring your envelopes to Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays or drop them through the presbytery letterbox. 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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Christians and Muslims pray for peace

This annual service for women and children, which takes place each year in the historic Lady Chapel in Jesmond Dene, will, for 2021, be an online event only and will be available for viewing online from next Saturday 26 June by following this link: Interreligious Relations – contacts, events and news (rcdhn.org.uk) 

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The Bookshop at St Mary’s Cathedral

The Bookshop has reopened on Tuesday 11 am – 3 pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am – 3pm, on Saturdays from 9.45 am – 3 pm and on a Sunday from 8.30 am – 1 pm. Check the Cathedral  website to confirm opening times.

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Thanks to our Stewards and Telephone Bookings operator

With the easing of the lockdown delayed, Fr. Patterson wishes to renew his thanks to our volunteer stewards and telephone bookings operator for their ongoing commitment and service to us during the course of the pandemic. Without their help we could not open St. Patrick’s Church.

The stewards welcome you, invite you to sanitise your hands, ensure you follow the current Covid restrictions by wearing a face covering and socially distancing before showing you to your seat. They invite you forward to receive Holy Communion, and once you have left the Church, they sanitise each bench as well as the many “touch points.” Our telephone booking operator gives of her time to ensure you have a place for Sunday Mass. Thanks to you all.

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Roadmap Step 3  (from 17 May)

These are the changes  that came into effect on 17th May.

This information accompanies the changes. Whilst social distancing with close family and friends is now a matter of personal judgement, we are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging. Remember too that you should always make space for other people to keep their distance if they want to.

In some settings, there will be specific guidance that we will need to follow even when we are with friends and family. This is important to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 to other people such as staff and other members of the public. You should always follow guidance associated with the setting you are in (for example in a place of worship).

Covid-secure rules, including social distancing requirements, continue to apply in the workplace, and in businesses and public venues including places of worship. This guidance does not affect a site owner’s responsibility to calculate the number of people that can be accommodated with social distancing in place.

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Where do we go from here?

Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist on the ZOE COVID Study and Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, offers his comments on the Prime Minister’s decision to delay the easing of the lockdown for another four weeks.

In this week’s video Professor Spector provides his weekly update of the situation in the UK covering issues such as the rising number of cases, how the vaccines are working on the Delta variant, where will we be in a few weeks time and how the classic Covid symptoms now include headache, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, persistent cough and the value of taking regular Lateral flow tests.” 

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11^th Sunday of the Year

Dear Parishioners

I am grateful to our volunteer stewards who have once again offered to open St. Patrick’s Church for Mass on Tuesday at 10am, when no booking will be needed, and on Sunday at 10.30am when booking is advised to guarantee a place.

There are places remaining for this Sunday, 13^th June, offered on a first come first served basis. Please bring Test and Trace details if you haven’t reserved a place. You will receive a warm and reassuring welcome.

To reserve a place for Mass next Sunday, 20th June, please telephone 07526 232124 on:

 on Friday, 18th June between 5 pm – 7pm

Please note the booking facility will no longer be available on Wednesdays.

This number will be unavailable outside of the above times. Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email and can only be made for the approaching Sunday and not for any other dates. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be encouraged 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. You should only sit with members of your own household or bubble. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

For Mass on Tuesday, where booking is not required, you are invited to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in church.

You may still be feeling a little hesitant about coming to Mass and that is perfectly understandable. The Sunday obligation is still suspended so you are under no obligation to attend Mass. You must not come to Church if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way.

The mandatory wearing of face coverings, sanitising your hands, 2 metre social distancing and cleaning the church after each celebration remain in place within our church and the maximum capacity for a parish Mass remains at 70. So the church is as safe as we can possibly make it for you and our volunteer stewards will continue to look after you.

Looking ahead

To be able to reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre once all the Covid restrictions have been removed, Fr. Patterson needs your help and support as outlined in our shared parish Roadmap which was circulated at the beginning of May. If you haven’t received a copy, please contact Fr. Patterson on felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk or telephone 0191 495 2277.

Fr. Patterson also asks you to contact him as soon as possible.

1. If you have helped in either church before the pandemic and no longer feel able to continue in your previous role.
2. If you would like to help in any of the ways outlined in our shared parish Roadmap.
3. If you wish to continue helping as you have done in the past

Please remember that you are not being asked to take up the role of volunteering until all the Covid Restrictions have been removed for churches (whenever that may be). However it is important for us to have a bank of volunteers in place to enable us to determine whether we can reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre when the time comes.

In the meantime, please do all that you can to prevent the transmission of the virus by adhering to the current restrictions and accepting the invitation to be vaccinated if you have not already done so. 

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 Sunday or anytime later. There are no weekday Masses at the Holy Name this week.

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Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions:

• Monday – Fr. Owen Grant
• Tuesday:  10am in St. Patrick’s Church – Ellen Farrell
• Wednesday – Emma Hindes
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday – In thanksgiving for help during the pandemic
• Saturday – Fr “P’s” intentions
• Sunday: 10.30am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking required

 When you are unable to celebrate Mass with 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 are 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 and,
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Carol Belton

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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.

---

A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 127,884 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure):

Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died from the coronavirus, surround us and all who mourn with your compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope. We make this prayer in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

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A prayer for those who are afraid

God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of Covid-19, fear for loved ones, fear of what the future holds.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace. Amen

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The Bible

We continue the series of short videos by Fr. Stephen Wang.

This week Fr. Wang explores “the Bible.”

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My Mask

Holy God, you see me and you hear me.
Through my mask, you see if I smile or if I scowl.
Through my mask, you hear me if I whisper a brief prayer or mutter a muffled curse.
My friends don’t see or hear or know; nor do my family; nor my colleagues. But you do.

This mask takes away power – the power of clear communication, but also the power to infect.
It also grants a freedom to be with others.
My smiles, my thoughts, my mumbles, these I know, but they are a greater mystery to others now.
But not to you, Lord. You see past my mask, you hear through it, you know.

But your mask, Lord, what about your mask? Who can see through your mask? Hear through it?
I cannot. I cannot see if you smile or if you scowl.
I cannot hear if you whisper an answer to my prayer or brush off my curse.
I cannot sense if you are pleased with me or if you are waiting for me to do much better.
Can we all take off our masks, Lord? Put them away?

When the disease that moves us to mask our faces for safety fades away, will our eyes and our ears be stronger, better able to see and to hear the smiles and the frowns, the cries and the whispers of those who fill our lives, who make our lives worth living?

Will we see, Lord, that what we think of as your mask is really also our own, our inability to find you in the rush of our lives, our failure to see you in all the wonders you show us, our incapacity to hear your gentle voice in the tumult that surrounds us.

Can we know, Lord, that we put on many masks so we can cope, avoid, pretend, be acceptable?
Help us, Lord, to move beyond our masks. You are here for us to see and to hear. Help us. Let us take off our masks.

Fr. Edward Schmidt S.J.

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The Sacrament of Baptism

Covid restrictions and limited human resources to enable us to comply with these restrictions, prevent us being able to open St. Patrick’s Church for anything other than Mass on a Sunday and Tuesday and for funerals at present.

We are still unable to reopen the parish centre which prevents us offering the necessary baptismal preparation for parents who are considering presenting their child to the Church for Baptism.

As such, we are still unable to offer the Sacrament of Baptism in St. Patrick’s Church.

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The Little Sisters of the Poor

The Little Sisters of the Poor at St. Joseph’s Home in Newcastle are finding the current economic climate increasingly more demanding. The lockdown measures have had a massive impact on their fundraising activities and the charitable donations they rely on to meet the daily running costs of the Home. They are appealing for donations to help them continue with their work of caring for the elderly and to enable them to carry out essential fire prevention upgrades to the Home. In these uncertain times, small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. If you feel able to make a donation, cheques made payable to ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’ can be sent to: St. Joseph’s Home, Westmorland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7QA. Alternatively, secure, online donations can be made via the Little Sisters of the Poor website.

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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 donation received in memory of Paul Hughes for St. Patrick’s parish funds.

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Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson continues to be grateful for your offerings during these difficult times and is especially grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by standing order helping us meet the regular financial  commitments of our churches.

You may bring your envelopes to Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays or drop them through the presbytery letterbox. 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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Roadmap Step 3  (from 17 May)

These are the changes  that came into effect on 17th May.

This information accompanies the changes. Whilst social distancing with close family and friends is now a matter of personal judgement, we are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging. Remember too that you should always make space for other people to keep their distance if they want to.

In some settings, there will be specific guidance that we will need to follow even when we are with friends and family. This is important to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 to other people such as staff and other members of the public. You should always follow guidance associated with the setting you are in (for example in a place of worship).

Covid-secure rules, including social distancing requirements, continue to apply in the workplace, and in businesses and public venues including places of worship. This guidance does not affect a site owner’s responsibility to calculate the number of people that can be accommodated with social distancing in place.

---

Where do we go from here?

Monday is the day when the Government will announce whether or not it can proceed with Step 4 of the Roadmap on 21st June. Commentators predict that the prospect of that happening is looking increasingly unlikely following the rapid rise in Covid cases due to the Delta variant.

It was always expected that infection rates would rise having allowed indoor mixing from 17th May which provides more opportunity for the virus to spread.

But what has become clear in the past few days is that the trajectory is steeper than many had hoped, because of the more infectious Delta variant, thought to be 40% to 80% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, first identified in Kent.

At the current rate of growth, it is predicted that the UK will hit 15,000 cases a day by 21st June without any further relaxation of restrictions, which could drive up cases even more.

Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist on the ZOE COVID Study and Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London, comments on the latest data:

“The COVID-19 situation in the UK has rapidly changed from one of the best performing nations to a nation again struggling with rising cases. Official confirmed cases are now around 7,500, (10^th June) which is the highest daily figure since late February.

However, when you dig into the data, it’s clear that this is an epidemic among the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated populations in the UK and, due to the way vaccines have been rolled out, is largely affecting younger generations.

The good news is that fully vaccinated people have much greater protection. Vaccines are working and we want to encourage people to exercise caution, especially if they feel at all unwell, until they’ve been fully vaccinated. The race is on to fully vaccinate the whole population to save lives and return to normal life”

For more information visit the  Zoe Study data video or read Why we may have to wait .

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The Feast of Corpus Christi

Dear Parishioners

We must continue to be grateful to our volunteer stewards who have offered to open St. Patrick’s Church for Mass on Tuesday at 10 am, when no booking will be needed, and on Sunday at 10.30 am when booking will be required.

There are a few places remaining for this Sunday, 6^th June, offered on a first come first served basis. Please bring Test and Trace details if you haven’t reserved a place. You will receive a warm and reassuring welcome.

To reserve a place for Mass next Sunday, 13th June, please telephone 07526 232124 on

Wednesday, 9th June between 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Friday, 11th June between 5.30pm – 7pm

This number will be unavailable outside of the above times. Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email and can only be made for the approaching Sunday and not for any other dates. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be encouraged 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. You should only sit with members of your own household or bubble. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

For Mass on Tuesday, where booking is not required, you are invited to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in church.

You may still be feeling a little hesitant about coming to Mass and that is perfectly understandable. The Sunday obligation is still suspended so you are under no obligation to attend Mass. You must not come to Church if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way.

The easing of restrictions which came into force on 17th May do not effect our Church. The mandatory wearing of face coverings, sanitising your hands, 2 metre social distancing and cleaning the church after each celebration remain in place within our church and the maximum capacity for a parish Mass remains at 70. So the church is as safe as we can possibly make it for you.

There  is still a need for caution

We must still exercise caution in our daily lives as the overall number of cases in the UK hit their highest levels since 26th March last Thursday with 5,274 new infections. The Indian Delta variant is now believed to be the dominant variant in the UK as Public Health England believe the number of cases of the variant have risen by 5,472 since last week to 12,431.

Dr. Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said it was imperative that the British Public continued to be cautious as scientists learn more about the new variant.

She went on to say that the way to tackle variants is to use the same measures to reduce the risk of transmission of Covis-19 as we have used before – work from home where you can and practice hands, face, space and fresh air at all times. She also urged all those who are eligible, and have not already done so, to come forward to be vaccinated and to make sure you get your second jab. It will, she said, save lives.

So please do all that you can to prevent the transmission of the virus by adhering to the current restrictions and accepting the invitation to be vaccinated if you have not already done so.

Please keep each other in your prayers too, asking God to watch over us all and to keep us safe.

May God bless you and your family

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 Sunday or anytime later. There are no weekday Masses at the Holy Name this week.

---

Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions:

• Monday -Brian Quigley
• Tuesday:  10.00 in St. Patrick’s Church – Carol Belton
• Wednesday – Kevin Crinnion
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday – Ethel Rogan
• Saturday – Fr “P’s” intentions
• Sunday: 10.30am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking required

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with 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 are 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 and,
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Carol Belton.

---

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.

---

A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 127,823 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure).

Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died from the coronavirus, surround us and all who mourn with your compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair and
give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope. We make this prayer in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

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A prayer with an eye to the future

Lord God our creator and guide,
you fashioned us from clay and breathed life into us.
We are made and loved by you.
Your Spirit fills us with hope and lights the path to fullness of life.
As we pray to you in these uncertain times
grant us the strength to rebuild when all seems lost,
and the courage to reach out to those who struggle.  Amen.

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The Holy Spirit and the Church

We continue the series of short videos by Fr. Stephen Wang.

This week Fr. Wang explores “the Holy spirit and the Church.”

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Shared Parish Roadmap

A shared Parish Roadmap has been prepared and distributed via email and at Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesdays and Sundays during the month of May. It is designed to explore how we might be able to reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre once all the Covid restrictions have been removed.

It would be unwise to presume that those parishioners who have been actively involved in our shared parishes in various capacities in the past will be able or prepared to resume their previous roles so please inform Fr. Patterson if you wish to step down and of course, if you would like to volunteer it is also important to contact him.

It is important for Fr. Patterson to know as soon as possible:-

1. If you have helped in either church before the pandemic and no longer feel able to continue in your previous role.
2. If you would like to help in any of the ways outlined in our shared parish Roadmap.
3. If you wish to continue helping as you have done in the past.

Please contact Fr. Patterson as soon as possible by emailing felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk or telephone 0191 495 2277.

Please remember that you are not being asked to take up the role of volunteering until all the Covid Restrictions have been removed for churches (whenever that may be). However it is important for us to have a bank of volunteers in place to enable us to determine whether we can reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre when the time comes. If you haven’t received a copy of the Roadmap, please contact Fr. Patterson on felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk or telephone 0191 495 2277.

Fr. Patterson would like to thank those parishioners who have already responded to our Parish Roadmap and looks forward to hearing from more of you by the end of this week.

---

St Vincent’s Centre – Blackfriars

St Vincent’s Centre is located next to St Dominic’s Church in Newcastle and provides help and support to anyone finding themselves in a time of need. The Centre supports people with food parcels, clothing, toiletries and essential children/baby items. It is open Monday –  Friday 9.00 – 16.00.  Donations of food, clothing, shoes and toiletries are always very welcome and can be dropped off at the centre.

If you or anyone you know are in need of support or you would simply like more information about the services offered or find out how you could help, please drop an email to Emma at emmab@svp.org.uk or contact 0191 261 6027.

---

The Sacrament of Baptism

Covid restrictions and limited human resources to enable us to comply with these restrictions, prevent us being able to open St. Patrick’s Church for anything other than Mass on a Sunday and Tuesday and for funerals at present.

We are still unable to reopen the parish centre which prevents us offering the necessary baptismal preparation for parents who are considering presenting their child to the Church for Baptism. As such, we are still unable to offer the Sacrament of Baptism in St. Patrick’s Church

---

Community Counselling Service

Bheith Ann is a brand-new Community Counselling Service available to all residents of Felling and the wider Gateshead area and is taking referrals for those individuals with issues such as Bereavement and Grief, Loneliness, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Problems, Post-Trauma Experiences and Bullying.

This is a free confidential service. It is delivered by a team of dedicated, trained counsellors and strictly in line with national, professional Codes of Ethical Practice.

All referrals are treated with the utmost respect, confidentiality, compassion and care. To make a referral, please ring the Bheith Ann Referral Helpline on 07425 768 957. If you simply want more information about the Service and how it works, please ring Neil Campbell (Service Co-Ordinator) on 07903 239 983.

---

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.

---

Thank you

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for donations recently received in memory of Jimmy Connolly in the sum of £150.00 and £10.00.

---

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson continues to be grateful for your offerings during these difficult times and is especially grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by standing order helping us meet the regular financial  commitments of our churches.

You may bring your envelopes to Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays or drop them through the presbytery letterbox. 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

---

Roadmap Step 3  (from 17 May)

 These are the changes  that came into effect on 17th May. 

This information accompanies the changes. Whilst social distancing with close family and friends is now a matter of personal judgement, we are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging. Remember too that you should always make space for other people to keep their distance if they want to.

In some settings, there will be specific guidance that we will need to follow even when we are with friends and family. This is important to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 to other people such as staff and other members of the public. You should always follow guidance associated with the setting you are in (for example in a place of worship). Covid-secure rules, including social distancing requirements, continue to apply in the workplace, and in businesses and public venues including places of worship. This guidance does not affect a site owner’s responsibility to calculate the number of people that can be accommodated with social distancing in place.

---

CAFOD Covid-19 in India

India is facing a devastating second wave of coronavirus. The country has confirmed more than 20 million cases and more than 200,000 deaths, with some reports concerned that the number of deaths is just the tip of the iceberg, because of under reporting. The pandemic has put a strain on the medical infrastructure of the country, with hospitals unable to cope with the influx of patients. Our Catholic aid agencies will be distributing medical kits and setting up temporary treatment centres as well as providing PPE to frontline health workers. You can help by donating online at Covid-19 in India: How we are responding | CAFOD.

---

Catching Covid-19 after being vaccinated.

Can you catch COVID-19 after being vaccinated?
Who is most at risk of catching COVID-19 after being vaccinated?
Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different after you’ve been vaccinated?
How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19 after vaccination?

These questions have raised their heads during the course of the past week.

The ZOE Covid Symptom Study provides you with the answers.

---

The Feast of the Holy Trinity

Dear Parishioners

Once again, thanks to our volunteer stewards, we are able to open St. Patrick’s Church for Mass on Tuesday at 10 am, when no booking will be needed, and on Sunday at 10.30 am when booking will be required.

There are a few places remaining for this Sunday, 30th May, offered on a first come first served basis. Please bring Test and Trace details if you haven’t reserved a place. You will receive a warm and reassuring welcome.

To reserve a place for Mass next Sunday, 6th June, please telephone 07526 232124 on

Wednesday, 2nd June between 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

Friday, 4th June between 5.30 pm – 7 pm

This number will be unavailable outside of the above times. Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email and can only be made for the approaching Sunday and not for any other dates. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be encouraged 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. You should only sit with members of your own household or bubble. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

For Mass on Tuesday, where booking is not required, you are invited to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in church.

You may still be feeling a little hesitant about coming to Mass and that is perfectly understandable. The Sunday obligation is still suspended so you are under no obligation to attend Mass. You must not come to Church if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way.

The easing of restrictions which came into force on 17th May do not effect our Church. The mandatory wearing of face coverings, sanitising your hands, 2 metre social distancing and cleaning the church after each celebration remain in place within our church and the maximum capacity for a parish Mass remains at 70. So the church is as safe as we can possibly make it for you.

As many of you will be aware, we are trying to make plans for the possible reopening of St. Alban’s Church and the full reopening of St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre when all the Covid restrictions have been removed.

It is important for me to know as soon as possible:-

1. If you have helped in either church before the pandemic and no longer feel able to continue in your previous role. I am grateful to those of you who have asked to step down and thank you for all you have done for us over the years.
2. If you would like to help in any of the ways outlined in our shared parish Roadmap.
3. If you wish to continue helping as you have done in the past

Please contact me as soon as possible by emailing felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk or by telephoning 0191 495 2277/.

In the meantime we must continue to exercise caution for whilst 71% of adults in Gateshead have had their first vaccination only 44% have the added protection of a second vaccination. So do “look out” for each other and maintain an element of social distancing.

Please keep each other in your prayers asking God to watch over us all and to keep us safe.

God bless

Fr. Patterson

---

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 Sunday or anytime later. There are no weekday Masses at the Holy Name this week.

---

Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions:

• Monday – Mary and Ritchie Wilson
• Tuesday: 10 am in St. Patrick’s Church – John and Annie Donald
• Wednesday – In Thanksgiving (BH)
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday – Jean and George Gill
• Saturday – Fr “P’s” intentions
• Sunday: 10.30 in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking required

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with 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 are 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 and,
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially John Donald

---

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.

---

A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 127,768 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure):

Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died from the coronavirus, surround us and all who mourn with your compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope. We make this prayer in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

---

National Rosary Rally

This Sunday, 30th May, as part of the National Rosary Relay Rally for Faith, Life & Peace across the Dioceses of the British Isles,  Bishop Robert will lead our Diocese in the Rosary livestreamed from the Cathedral from 4 pm.

It is a time to pray for our family intentions and for the peace of Nations and the conversion to Christ of peoples. The core intentions are for a renewal of Faith, Life and Peace. We pray to invoke the special protection of the Holy Family upon our Church, our families, communities, schools, nations and the global family. We continue to pray for an end to the global pandemic, for those who have died, for those who grieve and for all who care for the sick and the dying.

---

Who is Jesus?

We continue the series of short videos by Fr. Stephen Wang.

This week Fr. Wang explores the question “Who is Jesus?”.

---

Shared Parish Roadmap

A shared Parish Roadmap has been prepared and distributed via email and at Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesdays and Sundays. It is designed to look at how we might be able to reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre once all the Covid restrictions have been removed.

Fr. Patterson would like to thank those parishioners who have already responded to our Parish Roadmap and looks forward to hearing from more of you by the end of this week.

It would be unwise to presume that those parishioners who have been actively involved in our shared parishes in various capacities in the past will be able or prepared to resume their previous roles so please inform Fr. Patterson if you wish to step down and of course, if you would like to volunteer it is also important to contact him.

When reflecting on the proposals in the Roadmap, please remember that you are not being asked to take up the role of volunteering until all the Covid Restrictions have been removed for churches (whenever that may be). However it is important for us to have a bank of volunteers in place to enable us to determine whether we can reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre when the time comes. If you haven’t received a copy of the Roadmap, please contact me on felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk or telephone 0191 495 2277.

---

Thanks to our Stewards and Telephone Bookings operator

1st June marks the beginning of National Volunteers Week. This provides a great opportunity to renew our thanks to our volunteer stewards and telephone bookings operator for their commitment and service to us during the course of the pandemic. Without their help we could not have opened St. Patrick’s Church.

The stewards welcome you, invite you to sanitise your hands, ensure you follow the current Covid restrictions by wearing a face covering and socially distancing before showing you to your seat. They invite you forward to receive Holy Communion, and once you have left the Church, they sanitise each bench as well as the many “touch points.” Our telephone booking operator gives of her time to ensure you have a place for Sunday Mass. Thanks to you all.

---

St Vincent’s Centre – Blackfriars

St Vincent’s Centre is located next to St Dominic’s Church in Newcastle and provides help and support to anyone finding themselves in a time of need. The Centre supports people with food parcels, clothing, toiletries and essential children/baby items. It is open Monday –  Friday 9 am – 4pm.  Donations of food, clothing, shoes and toiletries are always very welcome and can be dropped off at the centre.

If you or anyone you know are in need of support or you would simply like more information about the services offered or find out how you could help, please drop an email to Emma at emmab@svp.org.uk or contact 0191 261 6027.

---

Funerals in Church

The Government has announced that from 17th May, the number of people able to attend a funeral will depend on how many people can be accommodated safely within an individual place of worship with social distancing and where, in our case, the Diocese has carried out a risk assessment of the individual church and taken all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of Covid-19.

In the case of St. Patrick’s Church the risk assessment carried out by the Diocesan Health and Safety Adviser has determined that a maximum of 70 people may attend a Funeral Mass or Service by invitation only. The numbers permitted in other churches will vary according to their own risk assessment.

To minimise the risk of viral transmission, the Government continues to advise that only the following should attend a funeral: members of the deceased person’s household, close family members and close friends.

For “Test and Trace” purposes, families will still be asked to provide the parish with a list of those people they will be inviting to attend a funeral who must also adhere to the Covid-19 protocols which are in place for the safety and well-being of everyone. The Funeral Director will explain these protocols to the bereaved family.

---

The Sacrament of Baptism

Covid restrictions and limited human resources to enable us to comply with these restrictions, prevent us being able to open St. Patrick’s Church for anything other than Mass on a Sunday and Tuesday and for funerals at present.

We are still unable to reopen the parish centre which prevents us offering the necessary baptismal preparation for parents who are considering presenting their child to the Church for Baptism.

As such, we are still unable to offer the Sacrament of Baptism in St. Patrick’s Church.

---

Roadmap Step 3  (from 17 May)

 These are the changes  that came into effect on 17th May – (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do.

This information accompanies the changes. Whilst social distancing with close family and friends is now a matter of personal judgement, we are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging. Remember too that you should always make space for other people to keep their distance if they want to.

In some settings, there will be specific guidance that we will need to follow even when we are with friends and family. This is important to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 to other people such as staff and other members of the public. You should always follow guidance associated with the setting you are in (for example in a place of worship).

Covid-secure rules, including social distancing requirements, continue to apply in the workplace, and in businesses and public venues including places of worship. This guidance does not affect a site owner’s responsibility to calculate the number of people that can be accommodated with social distancing in place.

---

CAFOD Covid-19 in India

India is facing a devastating second wave of coronavirus. The country has confirmed more than 20 million cases and more than 200,000 deaths, with some reports concerned that the number of deaths is just the tip of the iceberg, because of under reporting. The pandemic has put a strain on the medical infrastructure of the country, with hospitals unable to cope with the influx of patients. Our Catholic aid agencies will be distributing medical kits and setting up temporary treatment centres as well as providing PPE to frontline health workers. You can help by donating online at Covid-19 in India: How we are responding | CAFOD.

---

Catching Covid-19 after being vaccinated.

Can you catch COVID-19 after being vaccinated? Who is most at risk of catching COVID-19 after being vaccinated? Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different after you’ve been vaccinated? How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19 after vaccination?

These questions have raised their heads during the course of the past week.

The ZOE Covid Symptom Study provides you with the answers.

---

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.

---

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson continues to be grateful for your offerings during these difficult times and is especially grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by standing order helping us meet the regular financial  commitments of our churches.

You may bring your envelopes to Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays or drop them through the presbytery letterbox. 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

---

The Feast of Pentecost

Dear Parishioners

We are fortunate that our volunteers have offered to open St. Patrick’s Church for Mass on Tuesday at 10 am when no booking will be needed, and on Sunday at 10.30 am when booking will be required.

There are a few places remaining for this Sunday, 23rd May, offered on a first come first served basis. Please bring Test and Trace details if you haven’t reserved a place. You will receive a warm and reassuring welcome.

To reserve a place for Mass next Sunday, 30th May, please telephone 07526 232124 on

Wednesday, 26th May between 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Friday, 28th May between 5.30pm – 7pm.

This number will be unavailable outside of the above times. Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email and can only be made for the approaching Sunday and not for any other dates. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be encouraged 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. You should only sit with members of your own household or bubble. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

For Mass on Tuesday, where booking is not required, you are invited to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in church.

You may still be feeling a little hesitant about coming to Mass and that is perfectly understandable. The Sunday obligation is still suspended so you are under no obligation to attend Mass. You must not come to Church if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way.

The easing of restrictions which came into force on 17th May do not effect our Church. The mandatory wearing of face coverings, sanitising your hands, 2 metre social distancing and cleaning the church after each celebration remain in place within our church and the maximum capacity for a parish Mass remains at 70. So the church is as safe as we can possibly make it for you.

A shared Parish Roadmap has been prepared and distributed via email and at Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesdays and Sundays. It is designed to look at how we might be able to reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre once all the Covid restrictions have been removed.

I would like to thank those parishioners who have already responded to our Parish Roadmap and look forward to hearing from more of you by the end of May.

When reflecting on the proposals in the Roadmap, please remember that you are not being asked to take up the role of volunteering until all the Covid Restrictions have been removed for churches (whenever that may be). However it is important for us to have a bank of volunteers in place to enable us to determine whether we can reopen St. Alban’s Church and fully reopen St. Patrick’s Church and parish centre when the time comes. If you haven’t received a copy of the Roadmap, please contact me on felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

In the meantime please do all you can to look after each other in the coming weeks and months exercising caution as the Indian variant of Covid-19 continues to spread. Pray too that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe.

May God bless you all on this great Feast of Pentecost

Fr. Patterson

---

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 Sunday or anytime later. There are no weekday Masses at the Holy Name this week.

---

Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions:

• Monday – Jim Connolly
• Tuesday:  10.00 in St. Patrick’s Church – Jim and Michael McErlane
• Wednesday – Harry Harvey
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday –  Private Intention (G)
• Saturday –  Fr “P’s” intentions
• Sunday: 10.30 in St Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking required

 When you are unable to celebrate Mass with 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 are 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 and,
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time

---

 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.

A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 127,710 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure).

Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died from the coronavirus, surround us and all who mourn with your compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope. We make this prayer in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

---

Pray for an end to the pandemic

Pope Francis encourages Catholics across the globe to dedicate the month of May to praying for an end to the pandemic by reciting the Rosary.  Each day will see Vatican News broadcast the recitation of the Rosary at 6pm Rome time  (5pm UK time) from the various Shines taking part in the initiative.

---

A God who speaks

This short video by Fr. Stephen Wang is the third in a series of videos, more of which will be shared with you over the next few weeks.

This video is entitled “A God who speaks.” Click here to view

---

Funerals in Church

The Government has announced that from 17th May, the number of people able to attend a funeral will depend on how many people can be accommodated safely within an individual place of worship with social distancing and where, in our case, the Diocese has carried out a risk assessment of the individual church and taken all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of Covid-19.

In the case of St. Patrick’s Church the risk assessment carried out by the Diocesan Health and Safety Adviser has determined that a maximum of 70 people may attend a Funeral Mass or Service by invitation only. The numbers permitted in other churches will vary according to their own risk assessment.

To minimise the risk of viral transmission, the Government continues to advise that only the following should attend a funeral: members of the deceased person’s household, close family members and close friends.

For “Test and Trace” purposes, families will still be asked to provide the parish with a list of those people they will be inviting to attend a funeral who must also adhere to the Covid-19 protocols which are in place for the safety and well-being of everyone. The Funeral Director will explain these protocols to the bereaved family.

---

The Sacrament of Baptism

Covid restrictions and limited human resources to enable us to comply with these restrictions, prevent us being able to open St. Patrick’s Church for anything other than Mass on a Sunday and Tuesday and for funerals at present.

We are still unable to reopen the parish centre which prevents us offering the necessary baptismal preparation for parents who are considering presenting their child to the Church for Baptism.

As such, we are still unable to offer the Sacrament of Baptism in St. Patrick’s Church.

---

Mission Boxes

Thanks to those parishioners who support the work of the Missions by way of the Red Mission boxes you have in your homes. During the past twelve months you have raised £1,569.00 (St. Patrick’s) and £648.00 (St. Alban’s).

If you need to have your mission box emptied, this can be arranged in accordance with Covid restrictions by contacting Kathleen on 0191 440 5324.

---

Community Counselling Service

Bheith Ann is a brand-new Community Counselling Service available to all residents of Felling and the wider Gateshead area. It is supported by the Felling Irish Association and is taking referrals for those individuals with issues such as Bereavement and Grief, Loneliness, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Problems, Post-Trauma Experiences and Bullying.

This is a free confidential service. It is delivered by a team of dedicated, trained counsellors and strictly in line with national, professional Codes of Ethical Practice. The sessions themselves are undertaken in one of the following ways – Face-to-Face (locally and safely within current covid regulations), Phone or via Zoom or Skype. In addition, the Bheith Ann Community Counselling Service also provides free access to the Anambron Specialist Counselling Service for Families bereaved by suicide.

All referrals are treated with the utmost respect, confidentiality, compassion and care. To make a referral, please ring the Bheith Ann Referral Helpline on 07425 768 957. If you simply want more information about the Service and how it works, please ring Neil Campbell (Service Co-Ordinator) on 07903 239 983.

---

Diocesan Justice and Peace Group

In October this year, the UK government plans to open an Immigration Removal Centre at Hassockfield on the site of the former Medomsley Detention Centre, near Consett. This will be for 80 women seeking asylum in the UK. A campaign group has described this proposal as “inhumane, unjust and incompatible with our faith which calls us to recognise the intrinsic dignity of each person. These women are not criminals to be locked up, but people like ourselves who have the right to a place of safety and to be treated with respect and compassion”. An interfaith prayer service will take place on Sunday 23rd May at 3pm as part of a united faith response. The Youth Ministry Team will join with the Faith Witness and will go live at the same time on YMT’s Facebook page on 23 May at 3pm.

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Proud Catholics

Bishop Robert has asked that we draw your attention to “Proud Catholics,” established in November 2018, which is a support group for Catholics in the Diocese who identify as LGBT+ or who are questioning their sexual or gender identity. Members seek to encourage one another both in faith and in acceptance of their identity, with meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at St Andrew’s, Worswick Street, Newcastle, or by Zoom. Meetings include Mass, prayer, reflection on the Scriptures, discussion of topics connected with faith and/or sexual/gender identity, and social time. Meetings are open to anybody supportive of the aims of the group. Proud Catholics also offers confidential advice and support to people who are questioning their sexual or gender identity, and to their families. For more information, please phone Isabel on 07858 934457, email proud.catholics@yahoo.com, or visit the Proud Catholics website.

---

Roadmap Step 3  (from 17 May)

These are the changes  that came into effect on 17th May.

The Prime Minister offers us this sound advice:-  whilst social distancing with close family and friends is now a matter of personal judgement, we are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging. Remember too that you should always make space for other people to keep their distance if they want to.

We are not permitted to interact with anyone outside of our group of six (or two households) indoors, or outside of our group of 30 outdoors, unless an exemption applies.

In some settings, there will be specific guidance that we will need to follow even when we are with friends and family. This is important to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 to other people such as staff and other members of the public. You should always follow guidance associated with the setting you are in (for example in a place of worship).

Covid-secure rules, including social distancing requirements, continue to apply in the workplace, and in businesses and public venues including places of worship. This guidance does not affect a site owner’s responsibility to calculate the number of people that can be accommodated with social distancing in place.

---

 Regional update

You may find this data from our region of interest. Figures are as of 21st May, 2021.

	New cases in the last 7 days	Deaths in last 7 days	1st jab – % of adults	2nd jab – % of adults
Gateshead	26	1	68	39
Newcastle	120	1	52	28
South Tyneside	15	0	709	43
North Tyneside	97	0	71	38

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CAFOD Covid-19 in India

India is facing a devastating second wave of coronavirus. The country has confirmed more than 20 million cases and more than 200,000 deaths, with some reports concerned that the number of deaths is just the tip of the iceberg, because of under reporting. The pandemic has put a strain on the medical infrastructure of the country, with hospitals unable to cope with the influx of patients. Our Catholic aid agencies will be distributing medical kits and setting up temporary treatment centres as well as providing PPE to frontline health workers. You can help by donating online via CAFOD.

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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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Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson continues to be grateful for your offerings during these difficult times and is especially grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by standing order helping us meet the regular financial  commitments of our churches.

You may bring your envelopes to Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays or drop them through the presbytery letterbox. 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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6th Sunday of Easter

Dear Parishioners

Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers we are able to open St. Patrick’s Church for Mass on Tuesday at 10am, when no booking will be needed, and on Sunday at 10.30am when booking will be required. Parishioners are welcome to attend both Masses.

To reserve a place for Mass on Sunday, 16th May, please telephone 07526 232124 on:

Wednesday, 12th May between 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Friday, 14th May between 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Please note the change in booking times for Wednesday.

This number will be unavailable outside of the above times. Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email and can only be made for the approaching Sunday and not for any other dates. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be encouraged 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 the current restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble and not mix with people from other households. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

For Mass on Tuesday, where booking is not required, you are invited to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in Church.

You may still be feeling a little hesitant or uncertain about coming to Mass at St. Patrick’s and that is understandable when we still have to exercise care when mixing with those outside our household even when we have had our vaccinations. But the message below, which I recently received from a parishioner by email and am publishing with their agreement, might help to allay your fears:-

“Dear Fr. Patterson, I have just returned from my first Mass for over a year. I know there has been no obligation to attend Mass during this time and I have been lucky enough to access Mass online 2 or 3 times a week since the beginning of the pandemic.

As I have had my second jab I felt now was the time for me to return to St Patrick’s. Absolutely nothing prepared me for the emotional effect this had on me which was mainly because I was able to receive Holy Communion for the first time in such a long time. I was very anxious on arrival about doing the right things but I needn’t have worried as the stewards were wonderful and I am very grateful to them and you, Father, for making that possible. The environment felt very safe.”

Please remember though that the Sunday obligation is still suspended so you are under no obligation to come to Mass. You must not come to Church if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way.

Despite the reduction in the number of new cases of Covid-19 in the region, there is still a need to look after one another in the weeks and months ahead especially by complying with the restrictions remembering not everyone has been vaccinated.

Please continue to pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe.

Lord God, keep us under the shadow of your protection
during this time of pandemic. Sustain and support the anxious
and fearful and lift up all who are brought low
so that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Risen Lord.

God bless you all

 Fr. Patterson

---

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 Sunday or anytime later. There are no weekday Masses at the Holy Name this week.

---

Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, I will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions

• Monday – Pat McDonagh
• Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church – LDM Brown and McCloskey Families
• Wednesday – Dorothy Foster
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday – Emma Hindes Saturday – Fr “P’s” intentions
• Sunday: 10.30am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking required

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 are 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 and,
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time.

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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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A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 127,598 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure)

Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died from the coronavirus, surround us and all who mourn with your compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope. We make this prayer in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

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Pray for an end to the pandemic

Pope Francis encourages Catholics across the globe to dedicate the month of May to praying for an end to the pandemic by reciting the Rosary.  Each day will see Vatican News broadcast the recitation of the Rosary at 6pm Rome time  (5pm UK time) from the various Shines taking part in the initiative.

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Funerals in Church

The Government has announced that from 17th May, the number of people able to attend a funeral will depend on how many people can be accommodated safely within an individual place of worship with social distancing, and where the Diocese has carried out a risk assessment of the individual church and taken all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

In the case of St. Patrick’s Church the risk assessment carried out by the Diocesan Health and Safety Adviser has determined that a maximum of 70 people may attend a Funeral Mass or Service, subject to the Government implementing their ruling after 17th May. The numbers permitted in other churches will vary according to their own risk assessment.

To minimise the risk of viral transmission, the Government continues to advise that only the following should attend a funeral: members of the deceased person’s household, close family members and close friends.

For “Test and Trace” purposes, families will still be invited to provide the parish with a list of those people they will be inviting to attend a funeral who must also adhere to the Covid-19 protocols which are in place for the safety and well-being of everyone. The Funeral Director will explain these protocols  to family members.

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Repairs to St. Alban’s Presbytery

Essential repairs to St. Alban’s presbytery, which involved replacing the lintel over the external kitchen door, work to the surrounding brickwork and some roof repairs have been completed at a cost of  £3,000.00.

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Thank you

Fr. Patterson is most grateful for three recent donations to St. Patrick’s parish funds. Two donations of £100.00 each  and a donation of £40.00. Thank you.

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Mission Boxes

Thanks to those parishioners who support the work of the Missions by way of the Red Mission boxes you have in your homes. During the past twelve months you have raised £1,569.00 (St. Patrick’s) and £648.00 (St. Alban’s).

If you need to have your mission box emptied, this can be arranged in accordance with Covid restrictions by contacting Kathleen on 0191 440 5324.

We take this opportunity to remember in prayer Emma Hindes who organised the Mission Boxes in St. Alban’s and who died in December, 2020. Whilst Kathleen has offered to look after the boxes from both parishes for the time being, a replacement for Emma in this work would be appreciated. If you would be interested in helping, please contact Kathleen on the above telephone number who will explain “the ins and outs!”.

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The Search for Happiness

Now that the current series of “Line of Duty” has come to an end, you may find this short video by Fr. Stephen Wang of interest. It is the beginning of a series of videos which I propose to share with you over the next few weeks.

This first video is entitled “The Search for Happiness.” I hope you enjoy it.

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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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Have we entered a new phase of the Coronavirus?

This week we continue to see low levels of cases again which, according to Professor Tim Spector, suggests COVID-19 is becoming endemic in the UK.

Unlike a pandemic affecting diverse populations around the world, endemic refers to a situation where the virus is found regularly among particular pockets of the population. In short, COVID-19 is here to stay but at low levels with minor outbreaks from time to time. Hear more about this in Tim’s weekly video.

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Checking in on your mental health 

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week this coming week and it’s been a tough year for many of us. Don’t forget to look after yourself and reach out to friends and family who might need your support. Check out Zoe’s 5 tips to support your mental health blog.

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Wealthy countries should help poorer nations

On Thursday, 6 May, the number of new recorded daily Covid infections in India reached a new high of more than 414,000.

Distressing images continue to emerge from the country, as it struggles with soaring infection rates in its deadly second wave. Makeshift pyres are being built in crematoriums in India’s capital Delhi as the city runs out of space to cremate its dead. Car parks, public parks or empty ground are now being sought for cremations, with families often waiting for hours before they can cremate their loved ones. Ventilators and oxygen equipment have arrived in India from the UK in the first international shipment aimed at stemming the surge, but many more supplies will be needed.

World Health Organization special envoy David Nabarro has told the BBC that wealthy countries, including the UK, should send spare vaccine doses to virus-hit nations before organising booster jabs at home,  He said Covid was “fiercer than ever” and “causing more distress than ever” worldwide. His comments came after Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said the UK could start a booster programme as early as September. The government has also pledged to donate surplus vaccine doses to poorer nations. You can read more about the UK’s vaccine programme on the BBC news website.

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Roadmap Step 2  (from 12 April)

These are the changes that came into effect on 12th April:

• More businesses will open, but indoor settings should be visited alone, or with household groups.
• Outside, six people or two households can meet. We are still not permitted to meet indoors before 17th May at the earliest.
• All shops are allowed to open.
• Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services can open.
• Restaurants and pubs are allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors.
• Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres.
• Members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation.
• Weddings – up to 15 people; Funerals – up to 30 people, with 15 at wakes.
• Children may attend any indoor children’s activity.
• Care home visitors will increase to two per resident and further. changes for residents are proposed for Tuesday, 4^th May.
• Driving lessons can resume,  with driving tests restarting on 22 April.

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New Offertory Envelopes – to collect or be delivered.

The new boxed sets of Offertory envelopes, beginning Sunday, 4th April, 2021, are now available and may be collected from St. Patrick’s Church after Mass on Sunday or after Mass on a Tuesday if you could let us know you will be attending. It may be possible to deliver some boxes. If you would like your box delivered please contact Fr. Patterson at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

During the course of the pandemic several parishioners have chosen to contribute by Bank Transfer or Standing Order and it is hoped they will continue to do so in the long term rather than use envelopes. This facilitates the financial administration of the parish. Please consider contributing by Standing Order. The details needed are provided below.

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Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson continues to be grateful for your offerings during these difficult times and is especially grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by standing order helping us meet the regular financial  commitments of our churches.

You may bring your envelopes to Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays or drop them through the presbytery letterbox. 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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5th Sunday of Easter

Dear Parishioners

We continue to be grateful to the generosity of our volunteers which enables us to open St. Patrick’s Church for Mass on Tuesday at 10am, when no booking will be needed, and on Sunday at 10.30am when booking will be required. Parishioners are welcome to attend both Masses.

To reserve a place for Mass on Sunday, 9th May, please telephone 07526 232124 on:

Wednesday, 5th May between 10am – 11am
Friday, 7th May between 5.30pm – 7 pm

This number will be unavailable outside of the above times. Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email and can only be made for the approaching Sunday and not for any other dates. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be encouraged 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 the current restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble and not mix with people from other households. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

For Mass on Tuesday, where booking is not required, you are invited to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in Church.

The Sunday obligation is still suspended so you are under no obligation to come to Mass. You should not come to Church if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way.

Despite the reduction in the number of new cases of Covid-19 in the region, there is still a need to look after one another in the weeks and months ahead especially by complying with the restrictions remembering not everyone has been vaccinated. Please continue to pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe.

Lord God, keep us under the shadow of your protection
during this time of pandemic. Sustain and support the anxious
and fearful and lift up all who are brought low
so that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Risen Lord.

God bless you all

Fr. Patterson

---

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 Sunday or anytime later. There are no weekday Masses at the Holy Name this week.

---

Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, I will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions:

• Monday – Eileen Buck
• Tuesday: 10.00 in St. Patrick’s Church – Teresa Smith
• Wednesday – Brian Quigley
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday –  Joan Barrett
• Saturday – Fr “P’s” intentions
• Sunday: 10.30 in St. Patrick’s 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 are 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
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Teresa Smith

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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.

---

A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 127,517 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus (Friday’s figure).

Gracious God, as we remember before you
the thousands who have died from the coronavirus,
surround us and all who mourn with your compassion.

Be gentle with us in our grief,
protect us from despair and give us grace to persevere
and face the future with hope. We make this prayer
in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

---

Pray for an end to the pandemic

Pope Francis encourages Catholics across the globe to dedicate the month of May to praying for an end to the pandemic. The initiative will involve all the Marian Shrines of the world in a special way, so that they might encourage the faithful, families, and communities to recite the Rosary to pray for an end to the pandemic.

The National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham has been selected to start the month of prayer on Saturday, 1st May. The event will start with an address given by Pope Francis from Rome at 5pm UK time. The rosary from Walsingham will be streamed around 6pm.

The recitation of the rosary will be live streamed from Walsingham to the Vatican Television Centre so that Pope Francis can join in live. The broadcast will be supported by EWTN and is best watched through the Shrine’s Facebook Page or YouTube Walsingham Catholic TV.

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Are you thinking about coming along to Mass?

You may still be feeling a little hesitant or uncertain. This email, which I recently received from a parishioner and am publishing with their agreement, might help to allay your fears:-

“Dear Fr. Patterson, I have just returned from my first Mass for over a year. I know there has been no obligation to attend Mass during this time and I have been lucky enough to access Mass online 2 or 3 times a week since the beginning of the pandemic.

As I have had my second jab I felt now was the time for me to return to St Patrick’s. Absolutely nothing prepared me for the emotional effect this had on me which was mainly because I was able to receive Holy Communion for the first time in such a long time. I was very anxious on arrival about doing the right things but I needn’t have worried as the stewards were wonderful and I am very grateful to them and you, Father, for making that possible. The environment felt very safe.”

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 A Day of Prayer for victims of abuse

Pope Francis has asked that every Bishops’ Conference throughout the world should choose an appropriate day in their nation for a Day of Prayer for the victims and survivors of sexual abuse. The Bishops of England and Wales have chosen Tuesday, 4th May.  You may find the following prayers of value.

Lord Jesus, you heal the sick.
May those harmed by sexual abuse be healed by the Lord of gentleness. May those who have not been heard be healed by the Lord of the broken-hearted. May those whose memories bring grief and pain be healed by the Lord of peace.

Christ Jesus, you forgive sinners.
May we may be forgiven our silence. May we may be forgiven our ignorance. May we may be forgiven our failure to act.

Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life.
May those who have sinned by not listening, hear the cry of those who suffer. May those who have sinned by turning away, find the right path. May those who have sinned by inaction, be moved to defend the weak.

Let us pray

Lord God, teach us to listen as you do to the needs of all people, especially those who suffer. Give us grace to respond in truth and sincerity, through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever. Amen.

Further resources may be found on the Bishops’ Conference website.

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News from our School

Due to a number of families relocating, there are now some places available in selected year groups within our school.  If you know of any families with school aged children who are looking for a school place, please ask them to get in touch with Mrs Bridon, the Head Teacher on 0191 469 3251.

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The Little Sisters of the Poor

The Little Sisters of the Poor at St. Joseph’s Home in Newcastle are finding the current economic climate increasingly more demanding. The emergency lockdown measures they implemented to aid efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and keep their residents safe have had a massive impact on their fundraising activities and the charitable donations they rely on to meet the daily running costs of the Home. They are appealing for donations to help them continue with their work of caring for the elderly and to enable them to carry out essential fire prevention upgrades to the Home. In these uncertain times, small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. If you feel able to make a donation, cheques made payable to ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’ can be sent to: St. Joseph’s Home, Westmorland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7QA. Alternatively, secure, online donations can be made via the Little Sisters of the Poor website.

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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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The efforts of the British People are helping to reduce the spread of the coronavirus

Speaking at a Downing Street press briefing on Wednesday, 28th April, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the numbers of people testing positive for Covid-19 were “in very low levels that are comparable to where we were in September last year. We are running, as a typical seven-day average, at just over 2,000 people testing positive each day.”

Presenting data during the briefing, Professor Van-Tam added: “Most of the steady decline we have seen has been down to the efforts of the British people in following lockdown.” “The vaccine has undoubtedly helped in the later stages and there is good evidence that the death rate in the elderly has dropped faster than it has in the younger age groups and it has dropped faster than it did in the second wave, and that is undoubtedly a vaccine effect.

“What is important about these vaccines and the vaccine rollout is it really is the way out of getting into trouble of the same size and magnitude ever again, and that’s why it’s important that this job must get finished.

Matt Hancock, at the same briefing, emphasised the importance of “protecting the progress that we have made.” He said: “We have a clear route out of this crisis but this is no time for complacency, it’s a time for caution – so we can keep the virus under control while we take steps back to normal life.

Officials are preparing a booster vaccine programme based on clinical need to ensure people have the strongest possible protection against the virus, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

India surpasses 200,000 Covid deaths

India’s death toll due to Covid-19 has now surpassed 200,000 and it has seen more cases in the past seven days than any other country in the world. People have died waiting for beds, oxygen supplies are running low and hospitals are under immense strain from new patients. Crematoriums in the capital Delhi have been forced to build makeshift funeral pyres, as the city runs out of space to cremate its dead. Parks and other empty spaces are also being used for cremations. Only 1.6% of the population is fully vaccinated so far but from today all adults over the age of 18 can sign up for Covid-19 vaccines.

The ferocious second wave comes as cases had dropped to below 20,000 a day in January and fell further in February, even dipping below 10,000 at one point. But they began to climb again in March as people started going out more, wearing masks less and stopped following Covid protocols altogether.

Scenes of people in India begging for oxygen have shocked and moved the world.

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Roadmap Step 2  (from 12 April)

These are the changes that came into effect on 12th April:

• More businesses will open, but indoor settings should be visited alone, or with household groups.
• Outside, six people or two households can meet. We are still not permitted to meet indoors before 17th May at the earliest.
• All shops are allowed to open.
• Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services can open.
• Restaurants and pubs are allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors.
• Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres.
• Members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation.
• Weddings – up to 15 people; Funerals – up to 30 people, with 15 at wakes.
• Children may attend any indoor children’s activity.
• Care home visitors will increase to two per resident and further. changes for residents are proposed for Tuesday, 4^th May.
• Driving lessons can resume,  with driving tests restarting on 22 April

---

New Offertory Envelopes – to collect or be delivered

The new boxed sets of Offertory envelopes, beginning Sunday, 4th April, 2021, are now available and may be collected from St. Patrick’s Church after Mass on Sunday or after Mass on a Tuesday if you could let us know you will be attending. It may be possible to deliver some boxes. If you would like your box delivered please contact Fr. Patterson at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

During the course of the pandemic several parishioners have chosen to contribute by Bank Transfer or Standing Order and it is hoped they will continue to do so in the long term rather than use envelopes. This facilitates the financial administration of the parish. Please consider contributing by Standing Order. The details needed are provided below.

---

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson continues to be grateful for your offerings during these difficult times and is especially grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by standing order helping us meet the regular financial  commitments of our churches.

You may bring your envelopes to Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays or drop them through the presbytery letterbox. 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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4th Sunday of Easter

Dear Parishioners

Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, we are able to open St. Patrick’s Church for Mass on Tuesday at 10.00am, when no booking will be needed, and on Sunday at 10.30 when booking will be required. Parishioners are welcome to attend both Masses.

To reserve a place for Mass on Sunday, 2nd May, please telephone 07526 232124 on

Wednesday, 28th April between 10am – 11am

Friday, 30th April between 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Please note a further change in the booking time on Wednesday

This number will be unavailable outside of the above times. Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email and can only be made for the approaching Sunday and not for any other dates. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be encouraged 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 the current restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble and not mix with people from other households. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

For Mass on Tuesday, where booking is not required, you are invited to bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in Church.

Please remember you are under no obligation to attend Mass. The Sunday obligation is still suspended. You should not come to Church if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way.

As you will discover from our “Covid Page” in this Newsletter, there is still a need In the weeks and months ahead to look after one another, especially by complying with the restrictions and to continue to pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe.

Lord God, keep us under the shadow of your protection
during this time of pandemic. Sustain and support the anxious
and fearful and lift up all who are brought low
so that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Risen Lord.

God bless you all

 Fr. Patterson

---

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 Sunday or anytime later.

---

Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, I will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions:

• Monday – Evelyn May and George Craig
• Tuesday:  10.00 in St. Patrick’s Church – Paul Hughes
• Wednesday – Patrick and Rose Wright and Patricia Jameson                                  
• Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
• Friday – Private Funeral Service                                 
• Saturday – Fr “P’s” intentions
• Sunday: 10.30am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking 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 are 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
• all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Evelyn May Craig and Paul Hughes and,
• Joan Barrett 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. Amen.”

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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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A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 127,385 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure)

Gracious God, as we remember before you
the thousands who have died from the coronavirus,
surround us and all who mourn with your compassion.

Be gentle with us in our grief,
protect us from despair and give us grace to persevere
and face the future with hope. We make this prayer
in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

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World Day of Prayer for Vocations

“For each one of us the Lord has a vocation, that place God wants us to live our lives, but we must seek it.” “The Lord’s call is not an intrusion into our freedom; it is the loving initiative whereby God encounters us and invites us to be part of a great undertaking.

God desires that our lives do not become banal and predictable, imprisoned by daily routine, or unresponsive before decisions that could give it meaning. The Lord does not want us to live from day to day, thinking that nothing is worth fighting for, slowly losing our desire to set out on new and exciting paths.

If at times he makes us experience a “miraculous catch”, it is because he wants us to discover that each of us is called – in a variety of ways – to something grand, and that our lives should not grow entangled in the nets of an ennui that dulls the heart.

Every vocation is a summons not to stand on the shore, nets in hand, but to follow Jesus on the path he has marked out for us, for our own happiness and for the good of those around us. (Taken from the Message of Pope Francis for the World Day of Vocations).

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News from our School

Due to a number of families relocating, there are now some places available in selected year groups within our school.  If you know of any families with school aged children who are looking for a school place, please ask them to get in touch with Mrs Bridon, the Head Teacher on 0191 469 3251.

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Roadmap Step 2  (from 12 April)

These are the changes that came into effect on 12th April:

• More businesses will open, but indoor settings should be visited alone, or with household groups.
• Outside, six people or two households can meet. We are still not permitted to meet indoors before 17th May at the earliest.
• All shops are allowed to open.
• Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services can open.
• Restaurants and pubs are allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors.
• Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres.
• Members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation.
• Weddings – up to 15 people; Funerals – up to 30 people, with 15 at wakes.
• Children may attend any indoor children’s activity.
• Care home visitors will increase to two per resident.
• Driving lessons can resume,  with driving tests restarting on 22 April.

Government scientist warns of summer surge in cases – BBC News

To some extent the future is in our hands

The UK will likely see a “summer surge” in Covid cases as lockdown is relaxed. Professor Adam Finn, of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, says modelling points to a rise in cases, as many adults are not immunised. He said the UK was still “vulnerable” and the dates for easing restrictions may need adjusting.

The Prime Minister has said there is nothing in the data to suggest the next step in easing lockdown cannot go ahead as planned, but he went on to say that most scientists were “firmly of the view” that there would be a third wave of the disease at some point this year. Last Tuesday, 20th April, for the first time since September, UK government figures showed fewer than 2,000 Covid patients in hospital

Professor Finn told BBC Breakfast the prime minister was right that the UK will see a further wave of Covid-19 cases.

“The models that we’ve seen on JCVI clearly point to a summer surge in cases as the lockdown is relaxed, because there are still many people in the adult population who’ve not been immunised,” he said. He went on to say that there was “quite a wide range of uncertainty” over how big the wave would be “because it depends on how quickly the vaccine rollout continues” as well as how many people come forward for vaccination. It also depends on how people behave as the lockdown is gradually relaxed.

The sense that the problem is all over, I’m afraid is a flawed one, we’re still in a vulnerable situation, and there are still significant numbers of people who potentially could be harmed by this infection if this happens.”

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New Offertory Envelopes – to collect or be delivered.

The new boxed sets of Offertory envelopes, beginning Sunday, 4th April, 2021, are now available and may be collected from St. Patrick’s Church after Mass on Sunday or after Mass on a Tuesday if you could let us know you will be attending. It may be possible to deliver some boxes. If you would like your box delivered please contact Fr. Patterson at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

During the course of the pandemic several parishioners have chosen to contribute by Bank Transfer or Standing Order and it is hoped they will continue to do so in the long term rather than use envelopes. This facilitates the financial administration of the parish. Please consider contributing by Standing Order. The details needed are provided below.

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Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson renews his thanks to you for your offerings during these difficult times especially to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by bank transfer helping to meet the regular financial  commitments of our churches.

Should you wish, you may drop your envelopes through the presbytery letterbox. 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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