Parish Newsletter: Pentecost Sunday

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (18th) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Dominic Sloan
• Sunday: (19th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: In Thanksgiving (BH)
• Tuesday: (21st May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Maurice Short
• Thursday: (23rd May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre:  Foster, Birney and Madden Families
• Saturday: (25th ) 6pm in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners intentions
• Sunday: (26th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Pat Donald
• Tuesday: (28th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Patricia Lagan

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from the  Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

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

A Prayer for the troubled world

Prince of peace, in a world of conflict and violence
we pray that the peace you came to bring
may become a reality in the world of our own time. Amen.

Bishop Stephen introduces “A Way Forward”

Dear Sisters & Brothers

In order to grow as a synodal Church it is important that we all have a chance to pray and discern how the Holy Spirit is inviting us to grow in mission in our parishes and communities. To facilitate this, I together with others, offer an initial Diocesan vision for your prayerful reflection.

Our discerned Diocesan commitments are:

• To Walk with Jesus and Enable Others to Encounter Him;
• To grow as One Diocesan Family- Rebuilding Relationships;  
• Forming and Developing People for Mission;
• Living Justly and Caring for Our Common Home.

Each of these commitments are developed in the vision. It is not my intention to impose this vision. It is offered for further reflection and I invite all of our parishes and communities to prayerfully reflect on them. The Vision may be accessed here https://diocesehn.org.uk/news/diocesan-vision-what-is-the-lord-calling-us-to-be-and-do/. Those without internet access who would like a printed copy are asked to contact one of our welcomers at either church.   With assurances and prayers     + Stephen

Please bring your leaf

If you attended Mass last weekend in St. Patrick’s please remember to return your “leaf” this weekend. Extra leaves will be available from St. Patrick’s this weekend.

Afternoon Tea.

Join us next Saturday, 25th May for Afternoon Tea Party from 1pm – 3pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre. This event is open to everyone from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, along with friends and neighbours.

School News from Mrs Robinson

Thank you for all your prayers for the Y6 children who took their SATs this week. They remained calm and were able to try their very best in each of the six tests.

Lay Training Fund

This weekend, Bishop Stephen invites those of us who wish to contribute to our Diocesan Lay Training which provides resources for the formation of lay people who wish to involve themselves in the pastoral work of our Diocese.

Should you wish to support this work by means of a donation, please place your donation in an envelope marked “Lay Training” and place it in one of the boxes at the doors of our churches. If you have a box of envelopes you should find an envelope in your box.

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.

The Feast of the Body and Blood of the Lord.

Ushaw will be hosting a Eucharistic Procession with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Bishop Stephen  on Sunday 2nd June starting at 3pm in St. Cuthbert’s Chapel. Weather permitting, the procession will go through Ushaw’s gardens, returning to the Chapel for Benediction. Teas and coffees will be available after the service. You do not need a ticket for this event, but please sign up at https://ushaw.org/whats-on-at-ushaw/ to help Ushaw to estimate numbers and car parking requirements.

Significance Festival Weekend

All are welcome to the Emmaus Village for the Significance Festival on Saturday 29^th June from 10.00am.  The day will offer a fayre of stalls and activities, sessions for children and young people, guest speakers and live music. Mass celebrated by Bishop Stepen Wright will take place at 3.15pm, followed by a Barbecue and Ceilidh in the evening. Entry is free with charges for accommodation and camping (self-catered) on Friday and Saturday nights. BBQ tickets will cost £10.  All proceeds and any donations will support Significance, the charity founded by Fr Dermott Donnelly. Please support this vital work. To book email Nicole at nsalkeld@ymt.org or Tel. 01207 592244

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

Parish Newsletter: 7th Sunday of Easter

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (11th) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (12th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Paul Hughes
• Tuesday: (14th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: William and Elizabeth Pearson
• Thursday: (16th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre:  John Johnson
• Saturday: (18th) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Dominic Sloan
• Sunday: (19th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: In Thanksgiving (BH)
• Tuesday: (21st May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Maurice Short

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from  the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

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

A Prayer for the troubled world

Prince of peace, in a world of conflict and violence
we pray that the peace you came to bring
may become a reality in the world of our own time. Amen.

Quinquaginta Diebus (Fifty Days)  – Saturday, 18th May—from 10.30am to 11.30am

Some of the most fruitful experiences of life are a result of careful planning and preparation.  Our spiritual life should be no different and we have Jesus own way of life giving witness to this – remember how often he withdrew from his disciples so that he could be alone to pray to his Father, let alone his forty days in the desert.

We have much to be thankful for, not least for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the gifts he brings. But we must always be aware of those gifts and the situations in which we are called to use them as Christ intended.

In the days leading up to Pentecost we invite you to an hour of prayer exploring the fifty days between Easter and Pentecost and all the emotions experienced by Jesus followers. We will listen to readings and engage in prayer and meditation considering our feelings and our lives now.

What was the significance of fifty days – the relationship between the Jewish Feast of Shavuot and Pentecost – what do they celebrate?

Do try to come along and prepare yourself for Pentecost so that it just doesn’t “come and go.”

The date is next Saturday, 18th May, 2024  from 10.30am – 11.30am in St. Patrick’s parish centre.

And do remember that the shops will still be open after our service!

Please bring your leaf

If you attended Mass last weekend in St. Patrick’s please remember to return your “leaf” this weekend. Extra leaves will be available from St. Patrick’s this weekend.

Scottish Currency

Currently, we are unable to bank Scottish bank notes, so please avoid placing them in your offerings. Many thanks.

World Communications Day

This Sunday is World Communications Day when we are reminded to take up the command of Jesus to preach the Good News of the Gospel to the whole world. Vital to this is good communication – through our websites, publications and social media channels. The Bishops of England and Wales work hard to forge positive relationships with media outlets to communicate news relating to every aspect of the life of the Catholic Church and her people. Should you wish to support this work by means of a donation, please place your donation in an envelope marked World Communications and place it in one of the boxes at the doors of our churches. If you have a box of envelopes you should an envelope in your box.

School News from Mrs Robinson

Please say a little prayer for our Year 6 children who will be sitting their SATs next week. They have worked really hard to prepare and all we want is for them to feel encouraged so that they do their best. May our prayers give them inspiration and help them keep calm as they try to remember all they have learnt at school.

Significance Festival Weekend

All are welcome to the Emmaus Village for the Significance Festival on Saturday 29^th June from 10.00am.  The day will offer a fayre of stalls and activities, sessions for children and young people, guest speakers and live music. Mass celebrated by Bishop Stepen Wright will take place at 3.15pm, followed by a Barbecue and Ceilidh in the evening. Entry is free with charges for accommodation and camping (self-catered) on Friday and Saturday nights. BBQ tickets will cost £10.  All proceeds and any donations will support Significance, the charity founded by Fr Dermott Donnelly. Please support this vital work. To book email Nicole at nsalkeld@ymt.org or Tel. 01207 592244

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

6th Sunday of Easter

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (4th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Susan Gilmore
• Sunday: (5th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Tuesday: (7th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Brian Grace Snr and Brian Grace Jnr
• Wednesday: (8th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Parishioners Intentions
• Thursday: (9th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Jim & Cecile McWilliams
• Saturday: (11th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (12th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Paul Hughes
• Tuesday: (14th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: William and Elizabeth Pearson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• and all those whose memories we cherish at this time especially Susan Gilmore and Paul Hughes.

A Prayer for the troubled world
Prince of peace, in a world of conflict and violence
we pray that the peace you came to bring
may become a reality in the world of our own time. Amen.

The Feast of the Ascension
Thursday, 9th May is the Feast of the Ascension. 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 (8th May) at 6pm and Mass on Thursday morning will be in St. Patrick’s Church at 10am.

Sung Evening Prayer at Ushaw
This Sunday, 5th May at 16.00, you are invited to sung Evening Prayer of the Church in St. Cuthbert’s Chapel at Ushaw. Please note that this is not a concert performance, but an opportunity to pray together the Evening Prayer of the Church for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. As the format of this service may be new to some people, we will also be offering some reflections on praying Vespers as a group. All are welcome to join us for the service. No ticket is required.

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 drop a line to the parish office felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.

Please bring your leaf
If you attended Mass last weekend in St. Patrick’s please remember to return your “leaf” this weekend. Extra leaves will be available from St. Patrick’s this weekend.

Scottish Currency
Currently, we are unable to bank Scottish bank notes, so please avoid placing them in your offerings. Many thanks.

Thank you for your generosity
Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude to the family of the late Jim Farrell for inviting donations towards the upkeep of St. Patrick’s Church on the occasion of his Funeral Mass last week. A most generous £167.70 was given in donations and most gratefully received. Thank you.

Fr. Patterson is also most grateful for two recent donations to St. Patrick’s parish funds of £100.00 and £40.00. Thank you so much.

School News from Mrs Robinson
Our Year 5 class have enjoyed a wonderful retreat to Holy Island, ‘walking on holy ground’. We were blessed with good weather for all our activities – the boat trip from Seahouses, walking across the causeway, visiting the castle and the priory, finding St Cuthbert’s beads, as well as playing and praying together. Huge thanks to the volunteers at the SVP Camp for keeping us safe and looking after us so well.

Thank you to those of you who have volunteered to come into school to pray the Rosary with the children. It is much appreciated.

Please spread the word to all families with young children that we have a few places left in our lovely nursery for children who are 3 or 4 years old. Arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 0191 469 3251 and find out why we are the best school in Pelaw!

Significance Festival Weekend
All are welcome to the Emmaus Village for the Significance Festival on Saturday 29th June from 10.00am. The day will offer a fayre of stalls and activities, sessions for children and young people, guest speakers and live music. Mass celebrated by Bishop Stepen Wright will take place at 3.15pm, followed by a Barbecue and Ceilidh in the evening. Entry is free with charges for accommodation and camping (self-catered) on Friday and Saturday nights. BBQ tickets will cost £10. All proceeds and any donations will support Significance, the charity founded by Fr Dermott Donnelly. Please support this vital work. To book email Nicole at nsalkeld@ymt.org or Tel. 01207 592244.

A Pastoral Review on Gender
The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have approved a document entitled “Intrinsically Woven by the Lord,” which is a Pastoral Review of Gender providing a pastoral reflection and guidance on the issues of gender and identity. It is a pastoral document to help us all accompany those who may question or struggle with their identity as male or female. We pray we will always be welcoming to all people and share the love of the Lord with everyone.

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

5th Sunday of Easter

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (27th Apr) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (28th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Betty Wasp
• Tuesday: (30th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Breda Kinnane
• Thursday: (2nd May) 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Jim Farrell
• Saturday: (4th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Susan Gilmore
• Sunday: (5th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Tuesday: (7th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Brian Grace Snr and Brian Grace Jnr

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from  the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time especially Brian and Susan Gilmore and Brian Grace Jnr and,
• Jim Farrell and Mary Millward (the mother of Fr. Mark) who have died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.

A Prayer for the troubled world

Prince of peace, in a world of conflict and violence
we pray that the peace you came to bring
may become a reality in the world of our own time. Amen.

Mass Intentions

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for the generous Mass Offerings you are handing in.  As he is currently only able to celebrate four Masses each week, one of which must be for “the Parishioners Intentions,” he is somewhat behind in celebrating some of your Mass requests. He tries to give priority to Anniversaries, but it is not always possible. So please be patient and understanding.

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 drop a line to the parish office felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org

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.

Collection for the Little Sisters of the Poor

St Joseph’s Home in Newcastle urgently need to replace some of the kitchenettes and furnishings. Specialist flooring on the main corridors of the care units requires essential upgrades to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of the residents and to maintain required standards of infection control. If you wish to make a donation to their appeal please place it in an envelope marked “Little Sisters” and place it one of the collection boxes at our church doors. If you have a box of envelopes you should find an envelope in your box. Should you wish to make a private contribution, you can do so by sending cheques made payable to ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’ to St Joseph’s Home, Westmorland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7QA. Alternatively, secure online donations can be made by visiting their website at www.littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk/donate-here/

School News from Mrs Robinson

We will soon have a beautiful new school cross hanging in our hall. The children worked with a local artist and used a selection of red and gold mosaic pieces to show the pattern on our St Cuthbert’s Cross. Fr Patterson will be coming into school next week to bless it, so please keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and Instagram to have a look at the photos. Please feel free to share and comment on these posts too.

Don’t forget, if any of you would like to come into school during May to pray the Rosary with the children, please email me info@stap.bwcet.com to make arrangements. The children would be delighted to pray with you.

Please spread the word to all families with young children that we have a few places left in our lovely nursery for children who are 3 or 4 years old. Arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 0191 4693251 and find out why we are the best school in Pelaw!

Pray for Victims and Survivors of Abuse

Tuesday has been nominated by the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales as the National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse. Bishop Stephen will celebrate Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral at 12.05pm. All are welcome.

Sung Evening Prayer at Ushaw

Next Sunday, 5th May at 4pm, you are invited to sung Evening Prayer of the Church in St. Cuthbert’s Chapel at Ushaw.  Please note that this is not a concert performance, but an opportunity to pray together the Evening Prayer of the Church for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. As the format of this service may be new to some people, we will also be offering some reflections on praying Vespers as a group. All are welcome to join us for the service.  No ticket is required.

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. Patrick’s Church on the High Street in Felling. Mass times are Saturday evening at 6pm in St. Alban’s and 10am on a Sunday in St. Patrick’s. You will find everything you need and all our news on this website.

If you would like to offer your talents to the parish – and we all have God given talents – then please approach Fr. Patterson 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.

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

4th Sunday of Easter

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (20th Apr) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Special Intention (Harbron)
• Sunday: (21st Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Tuesday: (23rd Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre:  Joyce McTaff
• Thursday: (25th Apr) 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Frank Crilly
• Saturday: (27th Apr) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (28th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Betty Wasp
• Tuesday: (30th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Breda Kinnane

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from  the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time and,
• Mgr Phil Carroll (in retirement), Deacon John Hawthorne and Francis Crilly who have died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.

A Prayer for the troubled world

Prince of peace, in a world of conflict and violence
we pray that the peace you came to bring
may become a reality in the world of our own time. Amen.

Vocations Sunday

In 1964, Pope Paul VI, launched Vocations Sunday, which we celebrate this weekend – the 4th Sunday of Easter.

As Catholics and people of God we all know that God is calling us and has a plan for each of us. He called each of us by name through our Baptism to holiness. He continues to call out to us each day to be his disciples, some to the married life, some to the priesthood, some to religious life or to live as kind single people. Everybody is called! What is God calling you to?​

Along with the whole Church, let us pray for vocations today. Let us take time to stir the hearts and minds of the people around us to think about the topic of Vocation. The National Office for Vocation invites you to talk and encourage children, young people, grandchildren, students and family members to respond generously to the calling of the Lord.

God our Loving Father, you called each of us by name to holiness through the Sacrament of Baptism. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, you made us the temples of the same Spirit. Help us to listen to the call of the Lord Jesus and  to respond to his call to ‘Go out to the whole world and proclaim the good news to all the nations’.

Guide us in every step we take in life and lead us in every decision we make in responding to your call. Make us and mould us into the living images of Christ your Son, who was always close to those in need. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Collection for the Little Sisters of the Poor

St Joseph’s Home in Newcastle urgently need to replace some of the kitchenettes and furnishings. Specialist flooring on the main corridors of the care units requires essential upgrades to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of the residents and to maintain required standards of infection control. If you wish to make a donation to their appeal please place it in an envelope marked “Little Sisters” and place it one of the collection boxes at our church doors. If you have a box of envelopes you should find an envelope in your box. Should you wish to make a private contribution, you can do so by sending cheques made payable to ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’ to St Joseph’s Home, Westmorland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7QA. Alternatively, secure online donations can be made by visiting their website at www.littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk/donate-here/

Think Tank meeting

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank those who were able to give their time to attend this meeting last Monday. It was well supported and provided the opportunity for a very positive and hopeful exchange of ideas as to how we could try to ensure that the pastoral support of the Church will develop in central Gateshead. The conclusion was that we must not feel threatened by change but develop and broaden our understanding of the nature of church and be realistic in our expectations of our new priest.

School News from Mrs Robinson

Hello again from all of us at St Alban’s School. We hope you enjoyed a wonderful Easter. It was lovely to meet many of you at Monday night’s Think Tank meeting in St. Patrick’s parish centre. I’m very much looking forward to seeing you at our school events. If any of you would like to come into school during May to pray the Rosary with the children, please email me info@stap.bwcet.com to make arrangements. The children would be delighted to meet you.

Places available in our Nursery

Please spread the word to all families with young children that we have a few places left in our lovely nursery for children who are 3 or 4 years old. Arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 0191 469 3251 and find out why we are the best school in Pelaw!

Using your car on behalf of the parish

The Diocesan Health and Safety Officer has asked us to make parishioners aware of the following:-

If a driving related task is being completed by a volunteer on behalf of a parish, it is highly recommended that the volunteer informs their car insurance provider of their voluntary role. 

A suggested approach a volunteer might make with their car Insurance provider where they are completing a task on behalf of the parish might be as follows:-

I engage in some purely voluntary activities for my local church for which I am not reimbursed in any way. (Two examples follow) (a) Every fortnight, I am asked to collect two fellow parishioners from their homes and transport them to our Church and back home after the Church service. (b) Each week I transport collection money from my church, which has been donated during the previous week, to the local Post Office. I would be grateful to know if my voluntary role needs to be noted by you against my current car insurance policy.

If their response is that you need to pay an additional premium, ask for a quote as to what the additional cost would be and if you feel it is unreasonable for you to pay, please inform your priest or Health and Safety representative. Terry Harbron is the representative for St. Alban’s and Joanne McShane is the representative for St. Patrick’s.

If your role is purely voluntary and not formally arranged by the parish or Diocese, the need to inform your insurance would not apply.

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

3rd Sunday of Easter

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (13th Apr) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (14th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Anne Semos
• Tuesday: (16th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Dec Wright & Bradley families
• Thursday: (18th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Pat Donald
• Saturday: (20th Apr) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Special Intention (Harbron)
• Sunday: (21sr Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Tuesday: (16th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre:  Joyce McTaff

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from  the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time and,
• Mgr Phil Carroll (in retirement), Deacon John Hawthorne and Francis Crilly who have died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.

A Prayer for the troubled world

Prince of peace, in a world of conflict and violence
we pray that the peace you came to bring
may become a reality in the world of our own time. Amen.

Think Tank – with an eye to our future

Bishop Stephen wrote in his pastoral letter last weekend:- “Jesus wills His followers with all their faults and failings to be His presence in the world. The Church is not an optional add on to Jesus’ ministry. The Church, the People of God, you, me, all of us, are chosen and willed by the Lord to be His presence here and now. We must be together; we must be in Communion. Jesus prayed we would be one. No factions, no divisions, no isolating from one another. If that happens then we will never meet the risen Christ let alone share Him with others. As we discern our calling, be present in communion.”

In the light of those words and with the challenges that lie ahead of us, Fr. Patterson would like to invite you to a “Think Tank” to explore how we might prepare for the future as we will inevitably face some changes. We must try to build a new and solid bank of helpers who will be able to support one another and your new parish priest in the months and years ahead.

It is a time of great hope and opportunity and we all have a part to play, so please try and attend this gathering which is open to everyone from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s. It will take place on Monday, 15th April at 6.30pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre.

Try not to allow your lives to be consumed by the emptiness of the tomb, but rise to the joy and hope of the new life of the Resurrection

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

The annual collection for the Sick and Retired Priests of the Diocese will be taken this weekend, 6th/7th April, and the Fund will remain open until 28th April for donations. This collection goes to support our Sick and Retired Priests who have served our diocese over many years. The “Superiors” of the Fund, who are priests of the Diocese, wish to ensure that this Fund is also there for future retired priests. Recent years have been very difficult and income has drastically declined. The Superiors invite you to consider donating to this Fund in recognition of all the priests who have served in our parishes over many years. Should you wish to make a donation please place your offering in an envelope marked “NBF” and place it in one of the collections boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those with boxes of envelopes should have an envelope. If you wish to Gift Aid your donation to this appeal, please complete a special Gift Aid Declaration Form for the NBF which are obtainable from Fr. Patterson.

Shout out for Catholics from Hong Kong

A gathering will be held on 21st April, 2024, providing an opportunity for Catholics from Hong Kong to socialise together. It will be held at St Anne’s RC Church, Winlaton, NE21 5RW, from 2pm. Fr. Bruno will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass, in Cantonese, will be celebrated at 3pm. Tea and dinner will be available after Mass for anyone interested. Please register ahead for ease of co-ordination. For further details and enquiries, please contact Maria Tel: 07901 194226.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. 2024

The Diocesan Pilgrimage takes place from 26th July – 2nd August, 2024. For further details, visit the diocesan website.

Using your car on behalf of the parish

The Diocesan Health and Safety Officer has asked us to make parishioners aware of the following:-

If a driving related task is being completed by a volunteer on behalf of a parish, it is highly recommended that the volunteer informs their car insurance provider of their voluntary role. 

A suggested approach a volunteer might make with their car Insurance provider where they are completing a task on behalf of the parish might be as follows:-

I engage in some purely voluntary activities for my local church for which I am not reimbursed in any way. (Two examples follow) (a) Every fortnight, I am asked to collect two fellow parishioners from their homes and transport them to our Church and back home after the Church service. (b) Each week I transport collection money from my church, which has been donated during the previous week, to the local Post Office. I would be grateful to know if my voluntary role needs to be noted by you against my current car insurance policy.

If their response is that you need to pay an additional premium, ask for a quote as to what the additional cost would be and if you feel it is unreasonable for you to pay, please inform your priest or Health and Safety representative. Terry Harbron is the representative for St. Alban’s and Joanne McShane is the representative for St. Patrick’s.

If your role is purely voluntary and not formally arranged by the parish or Diocese, the need to inform your insurance would not apply.

Mobile phones

If you are attending any services in St. Alban’s Church or St. Patrick’s Church you are asked to ensure that your mobile phones are “turned off” as silent mode is not always silent. Please be considerate of each other at all times. 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

2^nd Sunday of Easter

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (6th Apr) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Bill Harland
• Sunday: (7th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Tuesday: (9th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Maurice Brown
• Thursday: (11th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Brian Quigley
• Saturday: (13th Apr) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (14th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Anne Semos
• Tuesday: (16th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Dec Wright & Bradley families

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from  the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

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

Thank you

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank all our parishioners, in both St Alban’s and St Patrick’s, for the support you gave one another during our Lenten Programme “The Path to Jerusalem.” He is also grateful to everyone who, in so many different ways, made our Holy Week and Easter Services so prayerful and uplifting. It will be a lasting memory for him.

He hopes and prays that the many graces received during these last few days will spur us on to be more effective witnesses of God’s immense love for us. He also hopes that it will enable you to rise to the challenges the future will bring, not only for our own parishes, but for those in central Gateshead and indeed throughout the whole of the Diocese.

May our lives not be consumed by the emptiness of the tomb, but rise to the joy and hope of the new life of the Resurrection.

Congratulations

We offer our prayers and congratulations to Polly, who was baptised, and to David and Paula, who were received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church, at the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening in St. Patrick’s. They also received the Sacrament of Confirmation and celebrated their First Holy Communion during the Mass. It was a wonderful celebration for them, their sponsors and for us all, and it is our hope to continue to welcome them into the full life of the Church in our parish settings.

We also congratulate Tymon and Nela who, supported by their family, friends and parish family, celebrated the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time on Easter Sunday. We assure them and their family of our ongoing prayers.

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

The annual collection for the Sick and Retired Priests of the Diocese will be taken this weekend, 6th/7th April, and the Fund will remain open until 28th April for donations. This collection goes to support our Sick and Retired Priests who have served our diocese over many years. The “Superiors” of the Fund, who are priests of the Diocese, wish to ensure that this Fund is also there for future retired priests. Recent years have been very difficult and income has drastically declined. The Superiors invite you to consider donating to this Fund in recognition of all the priests who have served in our parishes over many years. Should you wish to make a donation please place your offering in an envelope marked “NBF” and place it in one of the collections boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those with boxes of envelopes should have an envelope. If you wish to Gift Aid your donation to this appeal, please complete a special Gift Aid Declaration Form for the NBF which are obtainable from Fr. Patterson.

Think Tank

Fr. Patterson would like to invite you to a “Think Tank” to explore how we might prepare for the challenges of the months head as we will inevitably face some changes. We must try to build a new and solid bank of helpers who will be able to support one another in the months and years ahead.

It is a time of great hope and opportunity and we all have a part to play, so please try and attend this gathering which is open to everyone from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s. It will take place on Monday, 15th April at 6.30pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre.

As Bishop Stephen mentioned in his pastoral letter this weekend:- “Jesus wills His followers with all their faults and failings to be His presence in the world. The Church is not an optional add on to Jesus’ ministry. The Church, the People of God, you, me, all of us, are chosen and willed by the Lord to be His presence here and now. We must be together; we must be in Communion. Jesus prayed we would be one. No factions, no divisions, no isolating from one another. If that happens then we will never meet the risen Christ let alone share Him with others. As we discern our calling, be present in communion.”

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. Patrick’s Church on the High Street in Felling. Mass times are Saturday evening at 6pm in St. Alban’s and 10am on a Sunday in St. Patrick’s. You will find more information about our parish on this website.

If you would like to offer your talents to the parish – and we all have God given talents – then please approach Fr. Patterson 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.

Mobile phones

If you are attending any services in St. Alban’s Church or St. Patrick’s Church you are asked to ensure that your mobile phones are “turned off” as silent mode is not always silent. Please be considerate of each other at all times. 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

Easter Sunday

The Path to Jerusalem

Since Ash Wednesday many of us have taken our steps and tread the “Path to Jerusalem” as individuals and as a parish family. Hopefully we will arrive with the Lord in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to accompany him on his final steps during Holy Week through his suffering and death on the cross to the glory of the new life of his Resurrection.

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Easter Sunday: (31st March)
  – 9.30am Mass in St. Alban’s Church: In Thanksgiving (Garbarino)
  – 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Desmond Costelloe
• Tuesday: (2nd Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Jimmy Connolly
• Thursday: (4th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Pat Donald
• Saturday: (6th Apr) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Bill Harland
• Sunday: (7th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Tuesday: (9th Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Private Intention (NF)

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from  the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

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

Happy Easter

Fr. Patterson takes this opportunity to wish you and your families all the blessings of the Easter Feast, a Feast which brings the promise of a new and eternal life lived out in God’s presence. A new life that can also be experienced in our own time and place through the witness of those who believe.

Whilst it doesn’t take away all that is going on around us in the world, Easter does give us hope and through the lives of believers that hope can become a reality for everyone.

It takes us back to the words of the prophet Isaiah which we heard read on Palm Sunday:-

“The Lord has given me a disciple’s tongue. So that I may know
how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech.
Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen to his word.
The Lord has opened my ears. For my part,
I made no resistance, neither did I turn away.
The Lord comes to my help.”

May God bless us and keep us safe from harm

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

The annual collection for the Sick and Retired Priests of the Diocese will be taken next weekend, 6th/7th April, and the Fund will remain open until 28th April for donations. This collection goes to support our Sick and Retired Priests who have served our diocese over many years. The “Superiors” of the Fund, who are priests of the Diocese, wish to en-sure that this Fund is also there for future retired priests. Recent years have been very difficult and income has drastically declined. The Superiors invite you to consider donating to this Fund in recognition of all the priests who have served in our parishes over many years. Should you wish to make a donation please place your offering in an envelope marked “NBF” and place it in one of the collections boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those with boxes of envelopes should have an envelope. If you wish to Gift Aid your donation to this appeal, please complete a Gift Aid Declaration which are obtainable from Fr. Patterson.

School News from Mrs Robinson

We have celebrated a wonderful Holy Week in school, praying together and reflecting on our own Lenten journey as well as following Jesus along the stations of the cross. The children have also worked together with a local artist to create a large mosaic St Cuthbert’s Cross to hang in our school hall and a smaller version to hang in St Alban’s Room. They both look fabulous! Early pictures can be seen on our school website, cleck here: Mosaic magic!

Wishing you all a very happy and joyful Easter and we look forward to being in touch in the summer term

Places available in our Nursery

Please spread the word to all families with young children that we have a few places left in our lovely nursery for children who are 3 or 4 years old. Arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 0191 469 3251 and find out why we are the best school in Pelaw!

Recent Ofsted Report

You may wish to read the latest Ofsted Report from our school by clicking Ofsted Report. Congratulations to the entire school community.

Thank you for recent donations

• Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude to the family of the late John Johnson for inviting donations towards St. Patrick’s Church funds, on the occasion of his Funeral Mass.  A most generous sum of £472.50 was donated. Thank you.
• He is also grateful for a donation of £40.00 recently received for St. Patrick’s parish funds.
• Fr. Patterson wishes to thank those families who attended the Lenten Liturgies in St Alban’s Church and  donated a generous sum of £113.91 towards the running costs of our church.

All are welcome

Everyone is welcome to join us for our celebrations in St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches. It is a joy to welcome people of other faiths or none who come to join us in worship. Currently, only baptised Catholic people are able to receive Holy Communion and we ask that when you approach the altar you extend your hands towards the minister who will place the sacred host in your hand which you should then consume immediately before returning to your place. If you are not a Catholic or are indisposed to receive Holy Communion, you are invited to come forward at the appropriate time and receive a blessing, indicating your desire by folding an arm across your chest.

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

Gift Aid Scheme

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

New envelopes for those who require them will hopefully be available for you to collect next weekend.

Your offerings are our sole source of income

Although we do not take a collection at Mass by passing round a basket, we do hope you will feel able to make an offer-ing 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

Please remember the clocks go forward this weekend.

The Path to Jerusalem

Since Ash Wednesday many of us have taken our steps and tread the “Path to Jerusalem” as individuals and as a parish family. Hopefully we will arrive with the Lord in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to accompany him on his final steps during Holy Week through his suffering and death on the cross to the glory of the new life of his Resurrection.

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (23rd) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (24th March) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Joan Makepeace
• Wednesday: (27th Mar) 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: John Johnson
• Maundy Thursday: (28th March) 6pm Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Brida and Ken Clay
• Good Friday: (29th March) 3pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in St. Patrick’s Church
• Holy Saturday: (30th March) 5.30pm Solemn Vigil of Easter in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Easter Sunday: (31st March)
  – 9.30am Mass in St. Alban’s Church: In Thanksgiving (Garbarino)
  – 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Desmond Costelloe
• Tuesday: (2nd Apr) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Jimmy Connolly

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from  the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital and,
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time especially Ken and Brida Clay, Jimmy Connolly, Pat Donald and Brian Gilmore

Congratulations

Our prayerful good wishes go to Alexander who, supported by his family, friends and parish family, celebrated the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time last weekend. We assure him and his family of our ongoing prayers.

Cleaning of St. Alban’s Church

We would be very grateful for volunteers who would be able to help with the cleaning of St. Alban’s Church on Monday, 25th March at 9am.

School News from Mrs Robinson

To conclude our Lenten Journey, we will be praying the Stations of the Cross in St Alban’s Church at 2.30pm on Thursday 28^th March. All are welcome to join us.

Places available in our Nursery

Please spread the word to all families with young children that we have a few places left in our lovely nursery for children who are 3 or 4 years old. Arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 0191 469 3251 and find out why we are the best school in Pelaw!

Petitions for Lourdes

Alan Egdell would be happy to take any petitions you may have to Lourdes as he accompanies the HCPT Pilgrimage in Easter week. Should you have any petitions, please place them in an envelope marked “Lourdes Petitions” and deposit them in our collection boxes by Palm Sunday, 24th March. Please do not put any money in your envelopes as the petitions are eventually burnt, unopened by the Lourdes Authorities.

Holy Places Collection

Next weekend  there will be an opportunity, for those of you who wish, to contribute towards the “Holy Places” collection for the Catholic Community in the Holy Land. Donations may be placed in an envelope marked “Holy Places” and deposited in the collection boxes at our church doors.

All are welcome

Everyone is welcome to join us for our celebrations in St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches. It is a joy to welcome people of other faiths or none who come to join us in worship. Currently, only baptised Catholic people are able to receive Holy Communion and we ask that when you approach the altar you extend your hands towards the minister who will place the sacred host in your hand which you should then consume immediately before returning to your place. If you are not a Catholic or are indisposed to receive Holy Communion, you are invited to come forward at the appropriate time and receive a blessing, indicating your desire by folding an arm across your chest.

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

Gift Aid Scheme

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

New envelopes for those who require them will hopefully be available for you to collect next weekend.

Your offerings are our sole source of income

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

For St. Alban’s: Account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 92010984 For St. Patrick’s: Account name: DHN Felling St Patrick: Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52010453

5th Sunday of Lent

The following celebrations will take place during the days ahead.

• Saturday: (16th ) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Andrew Sloan
• Sunday: (17th Mar) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Tuesday: (19th Mar) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: In Thanksgiving
• Wednesday: (20th) 12 noon Funeral Service in St. Patrick’s Church: Joe Simpson
• Thursday: (21st) 6pm Service of Forgiveness in St. Patrick’s parish centre
• Saturday: (23rd) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday: (24th Mar) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Joan Makepeace
• Wednesday: (27th Mar) 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: John Johnson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from  the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

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

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

Please keep in your prayers:

• all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time especially Andrew Sloan, Bill Harland, Barry Patterson and Ken Clay and,
• John Johnson, Joe Simpson and Katherine Patterson who have died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord

Congratulations

Our prayerful good wishes go to William who, supported by his family, friends and parish family, celebrated the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time last weekend. We assure him and his family of our ongoing prayers.

Thank you

Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude to the family of the late Betty Wasp for inviting, on the occasion of her Funeral Mass, that those who wished might make a donation towards the upkeep of St. Patrick’s Church. Donations amounting to £126.43 were gratefully received. Thank you.

Cleaning of St. Alban’s Church

We would be very grateful for volunteers who would be able to help with the cleaning of St. Alban’s Church on Monday, 25th March at 9am

School News from Mrs Robinson

Our next Celebration of the Word is on Friday 22^nd March at 3pm and will be led by Year 6. We will reflect on the story of Palm Sunday. All are welcome to join us in St Alban’s Church.

Celebrate Holy Week and Easter with one another

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

• The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday (28th March) at 6pm;
• The Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday (29th March) at 3pm.
• The Solemn Celebration of the Vigil of Easter on Holy Saturday (30th March) at 5.30pm.
• The Mass of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday (31st March) will be celebrate at 9.30am in St. Alban’s Church by Fr. Stanley and at 10am in St. Patrick’s Church by Fr. Patterson

Petitions for Lourdes

Alan Egdell would be happy to take any petitions you may have to Lourdes as he accompanies the HCPT Pilgrimage in Easter week. Should you have any petitions, please place them in an envelope marked “Lourdes Petitions” and deposit them in our collection boxes by Palm Sunday, 24th March. Please do not put any money in your envelopes as the petitions are eventually burnt, unopened by the Lourdes Authorities.

Holy Places Collection

Next weekend  there will be an opportunity, for those of you who wish, to contribute towards the “Holy Places” collection for the Catholic Community in the Holy Land. Donations may be placed in an envelope marked “Holy Places” and deposited in the collection boxes at our church doors.

Gift Aid Scheme

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

New envelopes for those who require them will hopefully be available for you to collect next weekend.

Your offerings are our sole source of income

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

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

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

The Path to Jerusalem

A journey in prayer and liturgy

from Ash Wednesday, 14th February to Palm Sunday, 24th March
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Healing and forgiving steps

On Thursday, 21st March in St. Patrick’s parish centre,
there will be an opportunity to take another few steps –
or for some, it may be a leap, when we are invited
to gather to reflect on God’s mercy, healing and forgiveness
which he offers to us in the hope that we will show
mercy and forgiveness to one another.

There will be an opportunity for sacramental confession for those
who may wish to celebrate it.

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Nurturing Steps
A liturgy based on the Feeding of the Five Thousand followed by a Lenten Lunch

Quiet Steps
Encouragement to quiet personal prayer. Selecting a time and place each
week to spend in prayer supported by the weekly distribution of our prayer
sheets.

Feel free to join in as many steps of our Journey as you can manage or suits your circumstances and remember whatever steps you take you will be sharing in the journey. Dates of the various steps will be announced each week. If you would like to help us with further planning of the journey, please contact Kevin Rhodes, Trisha McGinley or any of our welcomers. Alternatively email the parish office felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk