27^th Sunday of Year

Mass times and intentions week commencing Saturday 5th October:

• Saturday (5th Oct) 6pm Mass in St Alban’s: People of the Parishes
• Sunday (6th Oct) 10am Mass in St Patrick’s: Patricia Stempczyk
• Monday (7th Oct) 10am Mass in St Patrick’s: Nancy Firth
• Tuesday (8th Oct): No Service
• Wednesday (9th Oct) 10am Mass in St Patrick’s: LDM, Birney, Foster, Madden, F
• Wednesday (9th Oct) 11.30am Funeral Service: James (Jim) Mackin
• Thursday (10th Oct) 10am Mass in St Patrick’s: Special Intention (RW)
• Friday (11th Oct) 10am Mass in St Alban’s: Mass for Key Stage 2 Pupils
• Saturday (12th Oct) 6pm Mass in St Alban’s: People of the Parishes
• Sunday (13th Oct) 10am Mass in St Patrick’s: William & Elizabeth Pearson

We keep in your prayers all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital at this time.

We pray for James (Jim) Mackin who died recently. A funeral service will be held for Jim at St Patrick’s Church, Felling on Wednesday 9^th October, at 11.30am, followed by burial at Heworth Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Fr Martin writes…. Thank you to all those who attended the parish opening meetings. Around 23 parishioners attended each meeting. As a result I hope that together we can  gather information about any genuinely sick and housebound in the parishes so that they can receive the sacramental support of the church. We also agreed the need to re-start the celebration of a weekday Mass at St Alban’s on Friday’s. Copies of summaries of the meetings are available at the back of church for those who may be interested.

Mass this Friday will be celebrated at 10.00am at St Alban’s and will be a beginning of school year Mass for Key Stage 2 pupils. All are welcome to attend. 

First Holy Communions: Parents of children in school year 4 or above who are baptized as Roman Catholic, are invited to collect a form to enrol their child for this. Forms are available at both churches at the Weekend Masses.

CAFOD Family Fast Day

Please don’t forget to return your CAFOD envelope to the collection as soon as possible.

Forthcoming Church Volunteer Census

The Diocese is currently carrying out a volunteer census in our parish. This is to ensure we identify all our volunteers, to offer support and appropriate training and recognition for the important part all play in the life of our parish.” A volunteer is anyone who gives their time freely and regularly to assist anywhere within the Parish, School, or Diocese. During weekend of 12^th/13^th and 19^th and 20^th of October the census will be explained in more details after the weekend Masses. If you volunteer within the Parish/School/Diocese please complete one of the forms which will be available at the back of church or complete your details via the QR code. Volunteering is a grace from God…Volunteers are the strength of the Church.

New Parish E-mail Address

We have finally joined the full Diocesan System this week. It means we have a new e-mail address for the parish: stpatrick.felling@diocesehn.org.uk

Please update your records.

Feedback from the recent meeting of the John Ingram Partnership of Parishes

A summary of the meeting which took place on 18^th September is available for parishioners at the back of church.

A Liturgy Day for Readers

This is an opportunity for those who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass to look at the background of why we are going to be using a new translation of the Scriptures at Mass. It will take place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at St. Aloysius, Hebburn from 10.30am – 3.30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at felling.stpatrick@diocesehn.org.uk. (Please note the booking fee of £15 per person will be paid for by your Parish).

Parking at St Alban’s

For information the lower church car park is available for parking each Saturday evening for the vigil Mass.

FLAME 2025:

Flame 2025 takes place on Saturday 15^th March. The theme is ‘UNSTOPPABLE. FAN THE FLAME OF HOPE’.  It is open to anyone from school year 9 to University/young adult age. Under 18s must be part of an organised group. Please talk with your school chaplain, catechist or parish priest if you would like to come along. Two years ago, over 700 young people from our Diocese travelled to Wembley Arena for this national Catholic youth gathering. Once again YMT is hoping to take a large number of young people (up to 1,000 including accompanying adults). COST: £45 per person (includes return rail travel, Wembley ticket and London travel card). The cost has been generously subsidised by Significance, the charity founded by Fr Dermott Donnelly. For further information contact mary.hughes@ymt.org

Your offerings are our sole source of income

Although we have re-introduced the collection at each Sunday Mass, we do hope that you might consider making your offering by Standing Order. This is by far the easiest way to donate, ideally on a monthly basis. The details for this are below.

If you are a tax payer why not consider “Gift Aiding” your offering. At no cost to you, the parish receives 25p for every £1.00 you donate. All you need is to complete a simple Gift Aid form which may be obtained from the parish office at felling.stpatrick@diocesehn.org.uk

For St. Alban’s: Account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 92010984

For St. Patrick’s: Account name: DHN Felling St Patrick: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52010453

St Alban’s School News

Dear Parishioners, I will be visiting your parish Mass over the next couple of weekends to re-establish prayer sponsors for our school. If you haven’t been a sponsor yet and would like to add your name to the list, please sign up when you see me! All you need to do is offer a daily prayer for a named child, or a particular class or group within our school community.

Thank you.

Mrs M Robinson

CAFOD Fast Day Prayer

Praise be to you, O God, source of life and goodness.
You fill the earth with abundance and love all that you have made.
As we join creation in singing your glory, teach us to care for our common home.
Praise be to you, O God, revealed in Jesus, God with us.
We hear the call of the Carpenter, to carve a path to a better future.
Guide our hands to repair what’s broken, to build a just and peaceful world.
Praise be to you, O God, who enfolds us with the Spirit,
to call us deeper into the heart of love, to comfort and disturb.
Give us strength and courage to work with you to make all things new.
Amen.

© Caroline Stanton/CAFOD

6th Sunday of Year B

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead:

• Sat 28th: 6pm St Alban’s – People of the Parishes
• Sun 29th 10am: St Patrick’s – Special Intention (SL)
• Mon 30th 10am: St Patrick’s – George Owens
• Tue 1st – No Service
• Wed 2nd 10.00am: St Patrick’s – Special Intention (AMC)
• Thu 3rd 10.00am: St Patrick’s – Anne Bell
• Fri 4th 10.00am: St Patrick’s – Norman Foster
• Sat 5th 6.00pm: St Alban’s – People of the Parishes
• Sun 6th 10 am: St Patrick’s – Patricia Stempczyk

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital at this time and,
• James (Jim) Mackin who died recently. A funeral service will be held for Jim at St Patrick’s Church, Felling on Wednesday 9th October, at 11.30am, followed by burial at Heworth Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

First Holy Communions: Parents of children in school year 4 or above who are baptized as Roman Catholic, are invited to collect a form to enrol their child for this. Forms are available at both churches at the Weekend Masses.

Fr Martin writes…. I hope you might be able to come along to one of the parish open meetings being held at both Churches – before the winter nights set in – so that we can get to know each other better and so that we can share our hopes. The dates and times are:

Wed 2nd Oct 6.30pm at St Alban’s Church
Thur 3rd Oct 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Parish Centre

St Alban’s School News
Dear Parishioners,
We are looking forward to welcoming Bishop Stephen into school on Thursday 3rd October for a visit. You are most welcome to join us in the school hall at 2.45pm for a cup of tea or coffee and a chance for an informal chat.

Parish Afternoon Tea: Thank you to all those who helped to plan this event and to all those who attended.

RCIA: We keep in our prayers the eleven people who joined the partnership RCIA course recently. The next meeting will take place this Tuesday 1 Oct, 6.30pm in the parish centre at St. Patrick’s Church. If interested please contact Alan Edgell on 07976 402023.

Mrs M Robinson

Parking at St Alban’s
For information the lower church car park is available for parking each Saturday evening for the vigil Mass.

25th Sunday of Year B

• Sat 21st 6pm St Alban’s: People of the Parishes
• Sun 22nd 10am St Patrick’s: Desmond Costello
• Mon 23rd 10am St Patrick’s: Pat Donald
• Tue 24th No Service
• Wed 25th 10am St Patrick’s: Thanksgiving (St Anth)
• Thu 26th 10am St Patrick’s: George Owens Eccles
• Fri 27th 10am St Patrick’s: John Donald Eccles
• Sat 28th 6pm St Alban’s: People of the Parishes
• Sun 29th 10am St Patrick’s: Special Intention (SL)

*Weekday Masses at St Patrick’s are celebrated in the Parish Centre
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Available on Request

We keep in your prayers all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital at this time.

We pray for those who died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur around this time.

First Holy Communions
Parents of children in school year 4, who are baptized as Roman Catholic, are invited to collect a form to enrol their child for this. Forms are available at both churches at the Weekend Masses.

Fr Martin writes….Thank you for your warm welcome last weekend. It is really appreciated. I am slowly becoming familiar with the ways of our parishes. I attended the John Ingram Partnership meeting on Wednesday evening, to hear about the ways in which the parishes of this area are working together. I heard about how the partnership supports Joe’s Place, based at St Joseph’s, helping those in real need. In the coming weeks I plan to hold an open meeting at both Churches – before the winter nights set in – so that I can both get to know you better and hear from you about your hopes. The proposed dates and times are:

Wed 2nd October 6.30pm at St Alban’s Church
Thur 3rd October 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Parish Centre

St Alban’s School News
Dear Parishioners,
The children in school have all been settling into their new classes with their new teachers at the beginning of this new academic year. They have also been putting themselves forward for leadership roles so we have a newly elected Head Girl and Head Boy, newly appointed Captains and Vice-Captains of our houses and new members of the school council in place. Please pray for all of these children as they aim to follow our mission to ‘live life to the full’. I look forward to seeing you soon so that we can update and refresh our list of Parish Prayer Sponsor.

Mrs M Robinson

Parish Afternoon Tea: On the last Saturday of the month, 28th September, afternoon tea will be available in the Parish Centre between 1 and 3pm. There is no charge for afternoon tea but any donations received will go towards the new cooker. Please come along and support this.

RCIA: We keep in our prayers the eleven people who joined the partnership RCIA course this week. If you are interested in joining this group, which meets in the parish centre at St. Patrick’s Church, then please contact Alan Edgell who leads the course on 07976 402023.

Diocesan Job Vacancies
The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle is looking to appoint to the following vacancies:
Deputy Director of Education – Full-time, term-time. Closing date: 1 October.
Property Surveyor – Full-time, maternity cover. Closing date: 23 September.
Youth Safeguarding Adviser – Full-time, 2-year fixed-term contract.
Please visit www.diocesehn.org.uk/job-vacancies for full details or contact us on 0191 243 3301

Vocations Discernment: Men aged 18+, who think God might be calling them to serve in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle as a Priest, are invited to explore their vocation with the Diocesan Priestly Vocations Team. Meetings take place monthly between 6pm-8pm at St Joseph’s Church, Thorneyholme Terrace, Stanley.

The next meeting is on Tues, 1st Oct, for more info, contact the Vocations Promoter, Fr Shaun Purdy: Tel: 01207 299012 email: vocationspromoter@diocesehn.org.uk.

A Liturgy Day for Readers
This is an opportunity for those who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass to look at the background of why we are going to be using a new translation of the Scriptures at Mass. It will take place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at St. Aloysius, Hebburn from 10.30am – 3.30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. (Please note the booking fee of £15 per person will be paid for by your Parish).

FLAME 2025:
Flame 2025 takes place on Saturday 15th March. The theme is ‘UNSTOPPABLE. FAN THE FLAME OF HOPE’. It is open to anyone from school year 9 to University/young adult age. Under 18s must be part of an organised group. Please talk with your school chaplain, catechist or parish priest if you would like to come along. Two years ago, over 700 young people from our Diocese travelled to Wembley Arena for this national Catholic youth gathering. Once again YMT is hoping to take a large number of young people (up to 1,000 including accompanying adults). COST: £45 per person (includes return rail travel, Wembley ticket and London travel card). The cost has been generously subsidised by Significance, the charity founded by Fr Dermott Donnelly. For further information contact mary.hughes@ymt.org.

Exploring the Catholic Faith
Are you someone, or do you know someone, who is wondering about their relationship with God and not sure where to start? Welcome to First Steps! Join Deacon Shaun and the First Steps team on a journey this autumn and see if the Catholic Church can help your relationship grow. This may be the right path for you, and it may even help you take the next steps towards coming into the Church. We gather weekly online via Zoom and invite you to come along to find out more. This programme is for people new to the faith and to anyone accompanying them on their journey in faith. Starts on Wednesday 2 October at 7pm for 8 weeks. (First Steps is not an RCIA programme, but we can offer guidance to anyone wishing to continue their journey in faith.) You can register here: https://bit.ly/DHNFirstSteps

Your offerings are our sole source of income. Although we have re-introduced the collection at each Sunday Mass, we do hope that you might consider making your offering by Standing Order. This is by far the easiest way to donate, ideally on a monthly basis. The details for this are below. If you are a tax payer why not consider “Gift Aiding” your offering. At no cost to you, the parish receives 25p for every £1.00 you donate. All you need is to complete a simple Gift Aid form which may be obtained from the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk

For St. Alban’s: Account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 92010984

For St. Patrick’s: Account name: DHN Felling St Patrick: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52010453

24th Sunday of Year

The following Masses will be celebrated during the week ahead:

• Saturday: 14th 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: 15th 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: In Thanksgiving
• Monday 16th 10am Mass in St Patrick’s parish centre
• Wednesday 18th 10am Mass in St Patrick’s parish centre
• Thursday: 19th 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Jim Farrell
• Friday: 20th 10am Mass in St Patrick’s parish centre:
• Saturday: 21st 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: 22nd 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Desmond Costell

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• all those whose memories we cherish or whose anniversaries occur around this time and,
• all those who have died recently

Fr Martin writes… Once again I thank you for your patience. I have celebrated my first Masses at St Patrick’s during the week and I look forward to celebrating my first Sunday Masses with you this weekend. So far I haven’t done much unpacking but I have managed a visit to St Alban’s primary school on Friday to meet with the pupils and the staff. I thank them for their warm welcome. This weekend Bishop Stephen has written a pastoral letter, but I shall still be able to introduce myself at each Mass. I look forward to working with you and getting to know you all better in the weeks and months ahead.

Afternoon Tea
On the last Saturday of the month, 28th September, afternoon tea will be available in the Parish Centre between 1 and 3pm. There is no charge for afternoon tea but any donations received will go towards the new cooker.

A Liturgy Day for Readers
This is an opportunity for those who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass to look at the background of why we are going to be using a new translation of the Scriptures at Mass. It will take place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at St. Aloysius, Hebburn from 10.30am – 3.30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. Other dates and locations may be found here Liturgy & Prayer – Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle (diocesehn.org.uk) (Please note the booking fee of £15 per person will be paid for by the Parish).

Are you interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) supports adults who want to explore their spirituality and if they wish to become a Catholic. It is an informal system of regular meetings to explore what it means to be a Catholic. Meetings are generally held on Tuesday evenings at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Felling at 6.30pm for one hour during school term times. These meetings allow participants to talk about topics in an open, non-judgemental way. Topics look at the history of the Church, the Bible, the Sacraments of the Church and prayer. You can suggest topics too. The meetings are based around the Sycamore Course approved by the Church. Participants do not have to make their mind up straight away but can decide as the course progresses. This decision is yours alone. An initial meeting is to take place on Tuesday 17th September at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Felling. Please feel free to come along for a short introduction to the Programme and a chance to ask any questions you may have. The parish centre is situated beneath St. Patrick’s Church in Felling High Street. For more information you may choose to call Alan Edgell who leads the course on 07976 402023.

23^rd Sunday of Year B

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday 7th: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday 8th: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church 
• Thursday 12th: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre
• Friday 13th: 10am Mass in St Patrick’s parish centre
• Saturday 14th: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday 15th: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: 

This Weekend we Welcome Fr Jude Ibeh who will be celebrating our Sunday Masses at both churches

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time and,
• all those who have died recently

Fr Martin writes…

Thank you for your patience with the current moves. The ‘man with the van’ brought my belongings to the presbytery on Thursday 5th September. I expect I shall be living out of boxes and suitcases for a good few weeks to come….as I start to unpack.

This weekend I shall be celebrating my farewell Masses at Tynemouth and Cullercoats, so I have asked Fr Jude Ibeh to cover the two Sunday Masses here for me. I am still committed to a few pastoral responsibilities in Tynemouth and Cullercoats, including a Requiem Mass on Wednesday 11th at St Oswin’s, Tynemouth, which was arranged some time ago. I hope, therefore, to celebrate my first weekend Masses with you all on 14th & 15th September. I also plan to start celebrating weekday Masses at St Patrick’s from this Thursday.

I am very grateful to Fr Patterson for all the useful information he has left me to help get started. We pray he may enjoy a well deserved retirement. I apologise for the relative simplicity of this weeks newsletter. It is quite a learning curve finding out how all the digital technology works. I look forward very much to meeting and working with you all in the future. God Bless.

Fr martin

A Liturgy Day for Readers
This is an opportunity for those who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass to look at the background of why we are going to be using a new translation of the Scriptures at Mass. It will take place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at St. Aloysius, Hebburn from 10am – 3:30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. Other dates and locations may be found here Liturgy & Prayer – Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle (diocesehn.org.uk) (Please note the booking fee of £15 per person will be paid for by the Parish).

Are you interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) supports adults who want to explore their spirituality and if they wish to become a Catholic. It is an informal system of regular meetings to explore what it means to be a Catholic. Meetings are generally held on Tuesday evenings at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Felling at 6.30pm for one hour during school term times. These meetings allow participants to talk about topics in an open, non-judgemental way. Topics look at the history of the Church, the Bible, the Sacraments of the Church and prayer. You can suggest topics too. The meetings are based around the Sycamore Course approved by the Church. Participants do not have to make their mind up straight away but can decide as the course progresses. This decision is yours alone. An initial meeting is to take place on Tuesday 17th September at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Felling. Please feel free to come along for a short introduction to the Programme and a chance to ask any questions you may have. The parish centre is situated beneath St. Patrick’s Church in Felling High Street. For more information you may choose to call Alan Edgell who leads the course on 07976 402023.

22nd Sunday of the Year (B)

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (31st Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (1st Sep) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Fr. Patterson
• Monday: (2nd Sep) 10am Funeral Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Olive Diston (This Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Shaun Purdy)
• Saturday: (7th Sep) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Celebrant’s Intention
• Sunday: (8th Sep) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Celebrant’s Intention

Please note, that with the exception of Monday, 2nd September, there will be no other Masses celebrated for the remainder of  the week.

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit their parish website to discover the times for the coming week.

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

Lord Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time especially William Pearson
• and Olive Diston who has died. May she rest in the peace of the Risen Lord

Prayer for our Country

Almighty God, Ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive our shortcomings as a nation, purify our hearts  to see and love the truth, give wisdom to our leaders, and steadfastness to our people, and bring us at last to that city of peace whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill, of which you are the designer and builder; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Mass Intentions

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for the generous Mass Offerings you have been and continue to hand in. 

Unfortunately he will be unable to celebrate all of the Masses that have been handed in over recent weeks before he leaves us. Rest assured, Fr. Stempczyk will celebrate them in due time after his arrival.

With an eye to the future and beyond…….

Fr. Patterson will be leaving us on Tuesday, 3rd September after almost 32 years – 11,592 days to be exact! He hopes to be able to take advantage of his retirement residing in the Sacred Heart Presbytery, Great North Road, North Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5EB.  He will celebrate his final Masses with us this weekend, 31st August/1st September.

A little message from Fr. “P”

“I am so grateful to everyone over the years, in both St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, and have many memories that will always remain with me. I will continue to pray for you all and Fr. Martin and I hope you will remember me in prayer too.

I also wish to renew my thanks for your cards and gifts which have continued to arrive during the past few weeks. The sentiments contained in many of your cards are both humbling and uplifting.

May the Lord continue to bless us all.

À bientôt!     Fr. “P”

A very warm welcome

We look forward to welcoming our new parish priest Canon Martin Stempczyk during the course of the week. As the new parish priest of St. Alban’s, Pelaw and St. Patrick’s, Felling, he will reside in St. Patrick’s Presbytery.

Please keep him and one another in prayer in the weeks ahead so that we may be truly open to the guidance of the Spirit of the Living Lord.

Work on the Presbytery roof

Investigative work is due to begin on St. Patrick’s presbytery roof to determine the cause of water ingress into an attic room. This work was identified some time ago, but requires the use of “a Spider” to access the roof which Fr. Patterson is advised will be arriving on Monday, 2nd September!

Cleaning of St. Alban’s Church

We would be very grateful for volunteers who would be able to help with the cleaning of St. Alban’s Church on Friday, 6th September at 9am.

Education Sunday

Next weekend we celebrate the important role of Catholic Education in the life of the Church. There will be an opportunity, for those of you who wish, to contribute towards the work of the Catholic Education Service. Donations may be placed in an envelope marked “Catholic Education” and deposited in the collection boxes at our church doors. Those of you with boxes of envelopes should have an envelope in your box.

Are you interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) supports adults who want to explore their spirituality and if they wish to become a Catholic. It is an informal system of regular meetings to explore what it means to be a Catholic. Meetings are generally held on Tuesday evenings at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Felling at 18.30 for one hour during school term times. These meetings allow participants to talk about topics in an open, non-judgemental way. Topics look at the history of the Church, the Bible, the Sacraments of the Church and prayer. You can suggest topics too. The meetings are based around the Sycamore Course approved by the Church. Participants do not have to make their mind up straight away but can decide as the course progresses. This decision is yours alone. An initial meeting is to take place on Tuesday 17th September at 18.30 in St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Felling. Please feel free to come along for a short introduction to the Programme and a chance to ask any questions you may have. The parish centre is situated beneath St. Patrick’s Church in Felling High Street. For more information you may choose to call Alan Edgell who leads the course on 07976 402023.

Vocations Discernment

Men aged 18+, who think God might be calling them to serve in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle as a Priest, are invited to explore their vocation with the Diocesan Priestly Vocations Team. Meetings take place each month  between 6pm and 8pm at St Joseph’s Church, Thorneyholme Terrace, Stanley. The next meetings will be on: Tuesday, 3rd September, Tuesday 1st October, Tuesday 5th November and Tuesday 3rd December. If you would like more information, please contact the Vocations Promoter, Fr Shaun Purdy by email: vocationspromoter@diocesehn.org.uk or by telephone: 01207 299012.

Your offerings are our sole source of income

Although we do not take a collection at Mass by passing round a basket, we do hope you will feel able to make an offering towards the upkeep and running costs of our churches in one of the boxes you will find at the entrances to our churches.  Alternatively you may consider making your offering by Standing Order the details of which are below.

For St. Alban’s: Account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 92010984

For St. Patrick’s: Account name: DHN Felling St Patrick: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52010453

Safeguarding

The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) and Diocesan policies and procedures at all times. Each of our churches has a Parish Safeguarding Representative indicated on the Safeguarding posters displayed  in each church.

21st Sunday of the Year (B)

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (24th Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (25th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Maureen Johnson
• Tuesday: (27th Aug)10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Desmond Costelloe
• Thursday: (29th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Anne Bell
• Saturday: (31st Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (1st Sep) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Fr. Patterson
• Monday: (2nd Sep) 10am Funeral Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Olive Diston (This Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Shaun Purdy)

Please note, that with the exception of Monday, 2nd September, there will be no other Masses celebrated for the remainder of  that week.

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit their parish website to discover the times for the coming week.

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

Lord Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time and,
• Olive Diston who has died. May she rest in the peace of the Risen Lord

Prayer for our Country

Almighty God, Ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive our shortcomings as a nation, purify our hearts to see and love the truth, give wisdom to our leaders, and steadfastness to our people, and bring us at last to that city of peace whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill, of which you are the designer and builder; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Mass Intentions

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for the generous Mass Offerings you have been and continue to hand in. 

Unfortunately he will be unable to celebrate all of the Masses that have been handed in over recent weeks before he leaves us. Rest assured, Fr. Stempczyk will celebrate them in due time after his arrival.

With an eye to the future and beyond…….

We are looking forward to welcoming our new parish priest Canon Martin Stempczyk in the very near future. As the new parish priest of St. Alban’s, Pelaw and St. Patrick’s, Felling, he will reside in St. Patrick’s Presbytery and will move to Felling during the week beginning Monday, 2nd September.

Fr. Patterson will be leaving us on Tuesday, 3rd September after almost 32 years, to take advantage of his retirement in the Sacred Heart Presbytery, North Gosforth.  He will celebrate his final Masses with you next weekend, 31st August/1st September. His contact details will be made available to you in next week’s Newsletter.

Please keep them and one another in prayer in the weeks ahead so that we may continue to be guided by the Spirit of the Living Lord.

Cleaning of St. Alban’s Church

We would be very grateful for volunteers who would be able to help with the cleaning of St. Alban’s Church on Friday, 6th September at 9am.

A Liturgy Day for Readers

This is an opportunity for those who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass to look at the background of why we are going to be using a new translation of the Scriptures at Mass. It will take place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at St. Aloysius, Hebburn from 10.30am – 3.30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. Other dates and locations may be found here Liturgy & Prayer – Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle (diocesehn.org.uk) (Please note the booking fee of £15 per person will be paid for by the Parish).

Justice and Peace Group

Thanks to those who continue to support our Justice and Peace Group who have recently sent a cheque to Cafod for £100.00. Your generosity this year has raised over £400.00 for Cafod.

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project…….

…….which supports people who are seeking asylum in our area, continue to appeal for donations of sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, tins of tomatoes, chick peas, white rice (not microwaveable), long life milk, sugar, tomato puree, breakfast cereals, table salt, cooking oil, shampoo, shower gel and unopened toiletries If you feel able to support this project, donations may be left on the tables at the entrance to our churches and at our school during term time.

Are you interested in finding out more about the Catholic Faith?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) supports adults who want to explore their spirituality and if they wish to become a Catholic. It is an informal system of regular meetings to explore what it means to be a Catholic. Meetings are generally held on Tuesday evenings at St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Felling at 6.30pm for one hour during school term times. These meetings allow participants to talk about topics in an open, non-judgemental way. Topics look at the history of the Church, the Bible, the Sacraments of the Church and prayer. You can suggest topics too. The meetings are based around the Sycamore Course approved by the Church. Participants do not have to make their mind up straight away but can decide as the course progresses. This decision is yours alone. An initial meeting is to take place on Tuesday 17th September at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Parish Centre, Felling. Please feel free to come along for a short introduction to the Programme and a chance to ask any questions you may have. The parish centre is situated beneath St. Patrick’s Church in Felling High Street. For more information you may choose to call Alan Edgell who leads the course on 07976 402023.

Vocations Discernment

Men aged 18+, who think God might be calling them to serve in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle as a Priest, are invited to explore their vocation with the Diocesan Priestly Vocations Team. Meetings take place each month  between 6pm and 8pm at St Joseph’s Church, Thorneyholme Terrace, Stanley. The next meetings will be on: Tuesday, 3rd September, Tuesday 1st October, Tuesday 5th November and Tuesday 3rd December. If you would like more information, please contact the Vocations Promoter, Fr Shaun Purdy by email: vocationspromoter@diocesehn.org.uk or by telephone: 01207 299012.

Your offerings are our sole source of income

Although we do not take a collection at Mass by passing round a basket, we do hope you will feel able to make an offering towards the upkeep and running costs of our churches in one of the boxes you will find at the entrances to our churches.  Alternatively you may consider making your offering by Standing Order the details of which are below.

For St. Alban’s: Account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 92010984

For St. Patrick’s: Account name: DHN Felling St Patrick: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52010453

 Safeguarding

The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) and Diocesan policies and procedures at all times. Each of our churches has a Parish Safeguarding Representative indicated on the Safeguarding posters displayed  in each church.

20th Sunday of the Year (B)

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (17th Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Billy, Eileen, Bernadette & Liam Brannigan
• Sunday: (18th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Tuesday: (20th Aug)10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre:  Ellen Farrell
• Thursday: (22nd Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Safe Delivery
• Saturday: (24th Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (25th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Maureen Johnson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit their parish website to discover the times for the coming week.

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

Lord Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital and,
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time

Prayer for our Country

Almighty God, Ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive our shortcomings as a nation, purify our hearts  to see and love the truth, give wisdom to our leaders, and steadfastness to our people, and bring us at last to that city of peace whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill, of which you are the designer and builder; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Mass Intentions

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for the generous Mass Offerings you have been and continue to hand in. 

Unfortunately he will be unable to celebrate all of the Masses that have been handed in over recent weeks before he leaves us. Rest assured, Fr. Stempczyk will celebrate them in due time after his arrival.

Our new Parish Priest

We are looking forward to welcoming our new parish priest Canon Martin Stempczyk. As the new parish priest of St. Alban’s, Pelaw and St. Patrick’s, Felling, he will reside in St. Patrick’s Presbytery and will move to Felling towards the end of the week beginning Monday, 2nd September. Fr. Patterson will be leaving us on Tuesday, 3rd September after almost 32 years, to take advantage of his retirement in the Sacred Heart Presbytery, North Gosforth. Please keep them and one another in prayer in the coming weeks so that we may continue to be guided by the Spirit of the Living Lord.

Help with tea and coffee

We would value some more help with making teas and coffees after Sunday Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre. Please let whoever is making the refreshments this weekend know if you would like to help and be added to the next rota. Alternatively email the parish office felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.

A call to our parents

If you are bringing your child(ren) up for a blessing at Holy Communion, would you please ensure they cross their arms over their chest before approaching the minister to avoid any possible confusion. Thank you so much.

Cleaning of St. Alban’s Church

We would be very grateful for volunteers who would be able to help with the cleaning of St. Alban’s Church on Friday, 6th September at 9am.

A Liturgy Day for Readers

This is an opportunity for those who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass to look at the background of why we are going to be using a new translation of the Scriptures at Mass. It will take place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at St. Aloysius, Hebburn from 10.30am – 3:30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. Other dates and locations may be found here Liturgy & Prayer – Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle (diocesehn.org.uk) (Please note the booking fee of £15 per person will be paid for by the Parish).

Marriage Preparation

Would you feel able to volunteer as a Marriage Preparation Course Facilitator? Are you a confident communicator? Would you like to help couples prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage? Marriage Care is looking for volunteer couples and individuals who would like to train with them in this exciting role. For more information, please contact Moira Graham at marriagecare.tyneside@gmail.com

How Local Church Communities can become Guardians of Creation

To promote the theme of this year’s Season of Creation, this online event will showcase how dynamic parishes can offer an inspirational model for others to enable them to take meaningful action for the environment. It takes place online on Wednesday, 4th September, 2024 from 7pm – 8pm

A panel of experts and parish innovators will discuss how to promote greener practices within our local communities in a variety of settings. They will share their experiences and offer best practice and success stories with the goal of inspiring parishes to reduce their environmental footprint and enhance biodiversity.

Organised in collaboration with CAFOD and St Mary’s University, Twickenham the speakers will be:

Dr Roland Daw: A Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. He has been studying sustainability and decarbonisation in the voluntary sector since 2014.

Kirsty Wright: Head of Property for the Diocese of Plymouth. She holds a degree in Building Surveying & the Environment and sits on the Historic Churches Committee, a statutory committee established by the Patrimony Committee of the Bishops’ Conference, overseeing Listed places of Worship.

A Parish Example: We will also hear from a parishioner who has helped their parish work towards the CAFOD Live Simply award.

Chairing the event: Neil Thorns, CAFOD’s Director of Advocacy

It is an online event and you are asked to register should this be of interest to you. You can register online using the form at the end of the news piece on CAFOD’s website where this link will take you

Your offerings are our sole source of income

Although we do not take a collection at Mass by passing round a basket, we do hope you will feel able to make an offering towards the upkeep and running costs of our churches in one of the boxes you will find at the entrances to our churches.  Alternatively you may consider making your offering by Standing Order the details of which are below.

For St. Alban’s: Account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 92010984

For St. Patrick’s: Account name: DHN Felling St Patrick: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52010453

Safeguarding

The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) and Diocesan policies and procedures at all times. Each of our churches has a Parish Safeguarding Representative indicated on the Safeguarding posters displayed  in each church.

19^th Sunday of the Year

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (10th Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (11th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Special Intention (BH)
• Tuesday: (13th Aug)10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre:  May Rogan
• Wednesday: (14th Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Parishioners Intentions
• Thursday: (15th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Ted Clarke
• Saturday: (17th Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Billy, Eileen, Bernadette & Liam Brannigan
• Sunday: (18th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit their parish website to discover the times for the coming week.

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

Lord Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital and,
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time

The Feast of the Assumption

Thursday, 15th August is the Feast of the Assumption. It is a Holyday on which we are all encouraged to come together to celebrate this great Feast of the Church. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated in St. Alban’s Church on Wednesday  at 6pm and Mass on Thursday morning will be in St. Patrick’s Church at 10am.

Prayer for our Country

Almighty God, Ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive our shortcomings as a nation, purify our hearts to see and love the truth, give wisdom to our leaders, and steadfastness to our people, and bring us at last to that city of peace whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill, of which you are the designer and builder; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Our new Parish Priest

Most of you will now be aware that Bishop Stephen has appointed Canon Martin Stempczyk as the new parish priest of St. Alban’s, Pelaw and St. Patrick’s, Felling. He will reside in St. Patrick’s Presbytery and will move to Felling towards the end of the week beginning Monday, 2nd September. Fr. Patterson will be leaving us on Tuesday, 3rd September to take advantage of his retirement in the Sacred Heart Presbytery, North Gosforth. Please keep them and one another in prayer in the weeks ahead so that we may continue to be guided by the Spirit of the Living Lord.

Mission Appeal

Thanks to those who felt able to support the Retiring collection last weekend for the missionary work of the Comboni Fathers. Donations to the value of £360.05 were received. (St. Alban’s £177.75 and St. Patrick’s £182.30)

Churches together in England call for an end to racism, division and disorder

Their statement may be found on the Bishops conference website as can a statement from Caritas Social Action.

Family Night success

Thanks to those who were able to support the recent Family Night held in St. Patrick’s parish centre which raised £225.00 towards the cost of replacing the centre cooker.

Help with tea and coffee

We would value some more help with making teas and coffees after Sunday Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre. Please let whoever is making the refreshments this weekend know if you would like to help and be added to the next rota. Alternatively email the parish office felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org

Joe’s Place

Joe’s Place is a project supported by the parishes of the John Ingram Partnership. It supports some of the many vulnerable people in the local area. It was founded in 2014 and takes place every Wednesday in the Parish Hall of St Joseph’s, Gateshead. Guests are served freshly prepared hot or cold food at their tables. Food is prepared in the kitchen using donated tinned and dried foods, together with fresh and frozen food purchased using donations from local schools, businesses, parishes and individuals. During the past five years the parishes in the Partnership have made financial contributions to the project, according to their means, to help cover the cost of renting St. Joseph’s Hall and the cost of utilities. This year the proceeds of the Charity Box in St. Alban’s Church will go to Joe’s Place and a box at the front of  St. Patrick’s Church marked “Joe’s Place” is  available for donations.

So far this year, your donations have raised £707.03. (St. Alban’s £369.38 through the Charity box and St. Patrick’s £367.65 through the special donation box at the front of the Church). Thank you for your generosity.

A Liturgy Day for Readers

This is an opportunity for those who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass to look at the background of why we are going to be using a new translation of the Scriptures at Mass. It will take place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at St. Aloysius, Hebburn from 10.30am – 3.30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. Other dates and locations may be found here Liturgy & Prayer – Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle (diocesehn.org.uk) (Please note the booking fee of £15 per person will be paid for by the Parish).

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project…….

…….which supports people who are seeking asylum in our area, continue to appeal for donations of sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, tins of tomatoes, chick peas, white rice (not microwaveable), long life milk, sugar, tomato puree, breakfast cereals, table salt, cooking oil, shampoo, shower gel and unopened toiletries If you feel able to support this project, donations may be left on the tables at the entrance to our churches and at our school during term time.

Update your Contacts’ list for our parishes

Please note that the parish email address has changed to felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk

Gift Aid Scheme

Are you aware that if you are a UK tax payer and make an offering to our church collection you could join the Gift Aid Scheme enabling our parishes to gain an extra 25% of your offering, at no extra cost to you. If you feel you could be a part of the Gift Aid Scheme, please email the Parish Gift Aid Organiser, John Gillum at stpatrick.giftaid@outlook.com for further details or have a word with Fr. Patterson.

Your offerings are our sole source of income

Although we do not take a collection at Mass by passing round a basket, we do hope you will feel able to make an offering towards the upkeep and running costs of our churches in one of the boxes you will find at the entrances to our churches.  Alternatively you may consider making your offering by Standing Order the details of which are below.

For St. Alban’s: Account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 92010984

For St. Patrick’s: Account name: DHN Felling St Patrick: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52010453

Safeguarding

The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) and Diocesan policies and procedures at all times. Each of our churches has a Parish Safeguarding Representative indicated on the Safeguarding posters displayed  in each church.

18^th Sunday of the Year (B)

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (3rd Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Kathleen and Bill Harland
• Sunday: (4th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Tuesday: (6th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre:  George Owens
• Thursday: (8th Aug) 10.30am Funeral Service in St. Patrick’s Church: Peggy Joyce
• Saturday: (10th Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (11th Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Special Intention (BH)

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit their parish website to discover the times for the coming week.

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

Lord Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time and,
• Peggy Joyce, who has died. May she rest in the peace of the Risen Lord

The Christian leaders of Merseyside offer this prayer for anyone seeking consolation following the events which took place in Southport on 29th July

Gracious God, words alone cannot express our sadness and disbelief our heartbreak and anguish when such precious lives are so brutally stolen. We offer to you the cries of our own hearts and pray for those families whose grief and loss is impossible to comprehend. Help us all to cling to hope even amidst this senseless brutality. Be close to all whose lives have been so cruelly scarred; surround them with your love; hold them fast in their sorrow and grant them strength amidst their unbearable pain. We cannot escape our anger and devastation but choose to seek hope even amidst this darkness. For all its horror, may it spur us even more to never surrender to despair, but build a world where peace, hope and love prevail. Amen 

Update your Contacts’ list for our parishes

Please note that the parish email address has changed to felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk

Our new Parish Priest

As many of you will be aware, Bishop Stephen has appointed Canon Martin Stempczyk as the new parish priest of St. Alban’s, Pelaw and St. Patrick’s, Felling. He will reside in St. Patrick’s Presbytery and will move to Felling towards the end of the week beginning Monday, 2nd September. Fr. Patterson will be leaving us on Tuesday, 3rd September to take advantage of his retirement in the Sacred Heart Presbytery, North Gosforth. Please keep them and one another in prayer in the weeks ahead so that we may continue to be guided by the Spirit of the Living Lord.

Mission Appeal

We have been unable to host a visit from the Comboni Fathers to make their Mission Appeal in our parishes this year. As such, we will have a retiring collection for their work in both churches this weekend 3rd/4th August. Please note this is a retiring collection and baskets will be offered for your donations as you leave the church.

A Tour of our Cathedral

The Newman Tyneside Circle invites you to a guided tour of St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle (with particular attention to the stained glass windows, including the new Kevin Nichols window). The tour will take place on Tuesday, 6th August, at 2pm and will be followed by discussion and refreshments.

Joe’s Place

Joe’s Place is a project supported by the parishes of the John Ingram Partnership. It supports some of the many vulnerable people in the local area. It was founded in 2014 and takes place every Wednesday in the Parish Hall of St Joseph’s, Gateshead. Guests are served freshly prepared hot or cold food at their tables. Food is prepared in the kitchen using donated tinned and dried foods, together with fresh and frozen food purchased using donations from local schools, businesses, parishes and individuals. During the past five years the parishes in the Partnership have made financial contributions to the project, according to their means, to help cover the cost of renting St. Joseph’s Hall and the cost of utilities. This year the proceeds of the Charity Box in St. Alban’s Church will go to Joe’s Place and a box at the front of  St. Patrick’s Church marked “Joe’s Place” is  available for donations.

A Liturgy Day for Readers

This is an opportunity for those who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass to look at the background of why we are going to be using a new translation of the Scriptures at Mass. It will take place on Friday, 15th November, 2024 at St. Aloysius, Hebburn from 10.30am – 3.30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. Other dates and locations may be found here Liturgy & Prayer – Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle (diocesehn.org.uk) (Please note the booking fee of £15 per person will be paid for by the Parish).

Are you new to our Parishes?

If you have recently moved into Bill Quay, Felling, Pelaw, Heworth, Windy Nook and the surrounding area you are more than welcome to come along to worship with us in either St. Alban’s Church, Queen Victoria Street, Pelaw or St. Pat-rick’s Church on the High Street in Felling. Mass times are Saturday evening at 6pm in St. Alban’s and 10am on a Sun-day in St. Patrick’s.

If you would like to offer your talents to the parish – and we all have God given talents – then please approach Fr. Patter-son or any of our welcomers and provide us with your details. You would also be most welcome to join us for refreshments after Sunday Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre which is located directly underneath the Church. We look forward to seeing you.

Special Collections

During the current financial year the following donations have been made for the various charities we are invited to consider supporting. These are the combined figures for St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s. Little Sisters £261.00; Lay Training £71.50; Peter’s Pence £66.00; Stella Maris £40.00; Day for Life £19.00; World Communications £40.00; Holy Places £83.00; Sick and Retired Priests £68.00. Thank you.

Gift Aid Scheme

Are you aware that if you are a UK tax payer and make an offering to our church collection you could join the Gift Aid Scheme enabling our parishes to gain an extra 25% of your offering, at no extra cost to you. If you feel you could be a part of the Gift Aid Scheme, please email the Parish Gift Aid Organiser, John Gillum at stpatrick.giftaid@outlook.com for further details or have a word with Fr. Patterson.

Your offerings are our sole source of income

Although we do not take a collection at Mass by passing round a basket, we do hope you will feel able to make an offering towards the upkeep and running costs of our churches in one of the boxes you will find at the entrances to our churches.  Alternatively you may consider making your offering by Standing Order the details of which are below.

For St. Alban’s: Account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 92010984

For St. Patrick’s: Account name: DHN Felling St Patrick: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52010453

 Safeguarding

The Parish operates in accordance with Statutory Safeguarding Guidance and the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) and Diocesan policies and procedures at all times. Each of our churches has a Parish Safeguarding Representative indicated on the Safeguarding posters displayed  in each church.