7th Sunday of the Year

Lent at Home

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

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

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

Praying apart can bring us together

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

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

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

Practical penance and self-denial

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

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

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

All are welcome

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

Mass Intentions

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

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

Ash Wednesday

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

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Joan Makepeace and Elizabeth Pearson.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

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

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

Lenten Booklet of Reflections

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

Your Weekly Offering by Standing Order

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

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

St Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984

St Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453

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

 Counterfeit £5.00 notes …..

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

News from our School

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

6th Sunday of the Year

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

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

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

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

Let us pray:-

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

All are welcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mass Intentions

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

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

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time Isabella Taylor
• and Fr. Paddy McMahon who has died. May he rest in the peace of Christ.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Mobile telephones in church

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

Walk with Me

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

Vocations to the Priesthood Enquiry Evenings

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

Can you play a musical instrument?

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

News from our School

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

COVID levels on the rise

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

Parking in our church car parks

Please be aware that the Trustees of the Diocese  cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage to third party property, vehicles and their contents whilst left in the church car parks.

Church Action on Poverty 

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

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

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

Items may be left on the table to your right as you enter the front of St. Patrick’s Church or on any table if you enter by the rear door. A basket is also available in the porch of St. Alban’s Church and in our school.

A stay in Hospital

If you or any members of your family are going into hospital and would like to see the Catholic Chaplain, please ask a member of the ward staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain. Alternatively you can contact the Chaplaincy Department Office directly. For the Queen Elizabeth Hospital  telephone 0191 445 2072 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paul Nichol). For the RVI and Freeman Hospitals in Newcastle telephone 0191 282 9322 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paddy Jackson).

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

Cost of Living 

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

Chat all things Energy

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

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2023

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

5th Sunday of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

All are welcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mass Intentions

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

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

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Denis Patrick Lenehan and Isabella Taylor and,
• Fr. Paddy McMahon who has died. May he rest in the peace of Christ.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Mobile telephones in church

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

Thank you

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

Vandalism

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

Can you play a musical instrument?

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

News from our School

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

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

Parking in our church car parks

Please be aware that the Trustees of the Diocese  cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage to third party property, vehicles and their contents whilst left in the church car parks.

A stay in Hospital

If you or any members of your family are going into hospital and would like to see the Catholic Chaplain, please ask a member of the ward staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain. Alternatively you can contact the Chaplaincy Department Office directly. For the Queen Elizabeth Hospital  telephone 0191 445 2072 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paul Nichol). For the RVI and Freeman Hospitals in Newcastle telephone 0191 282 9322 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paddy Jackson).

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

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2023

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

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

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

Items may be left on the table to your right as you enter the front of St. Patrick’s Church or on any table if you enter by the rear door. A basket is also available in the porch of St. Alban’s Church and in our school.

Vocations to the Priesthood Enquiry Evenings

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

A message from The Universe Catholic Weekly

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4th Sunday of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

All are welcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mass Intentions

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

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

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Lindsay Bradley and Denis Patrick Lenehan and,
• Rita Short who has died. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

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

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

A Prayer for Ukraine

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

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Congratulations and Thank you

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

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

Thank you

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

Can you play a musical instrument?

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

News from our School

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

Parking in our church car parks

Please be aware that the Trustees of the Diocese  cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage to third party property, vehicles and their contents whilst left in the church car parks.

A stay in Hospital

If you or any members of your family are going into hospital and would like to see the Catholic Chaplain, please ask a member of the ward staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain. Alternatively you can contact the Chaplaincy Department Office directly. For the Queen Elizabeth Hospital  telephone 0191 445 2072 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paul Nichol). For the RVI and Freeman Hospitals in Newcastle telephone 0191 282 9322 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paddy Jackson).

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

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2023

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

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

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

Items may be left on the table to your right as you enter the front of St. Patrick’s Church or on any table if you enter by the rear door. A basket is also available in the porch of St. Alban’s Church and in our school.

Vocations to the Priesthood Enquiry Evenings

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

Postage stamps

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

A message from The Universe Catholic Weekly

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

3rd Sunday of the Year

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

“Unity amid injustice,” is the theme of the week of prayer.

In the book of Genesis, we are told that we are made in the image of God. People of all ethnicities, cultures, languages and religions, together represent the image of the Creator. ­To deny that image in any one race, in any one person, is to reject God’s presence in the whole of humanity.

As society becomes more indifferent to the needs of others we, as Christian people, must learn to take up the cause of our oppressed brothers and sisters so that they may live in peace with justice. In doing this we will be recognising God’s image in everyone.

We give them names: refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, economic migrants, some more welcome than others, but they are all divinely human. Our commitment to eradicate and to be healed of the sin of racism will be a sign of unity for the whole world.

You may like to make this prayer your own:-

“You made us, God, in your own image, and then became one of us, proud of those you have made. Make us proud of being part of that worldwide family, and eager to discover and celebrate your image in every person, every culture, every nation that we are privileged to encounter.”

All are welcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mass Intentions

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

• Monday: No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre:  Norah, Albert and Brenda Lagan
• Wednesday: (Private Mass) Pat Donald
• Thursday:  No Mass
• Friday: (Private Mass) Private Intention
• Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church:  For the Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church:  Patsy Rafferty

Please note there is no Mass on Thursday as Fr. Patterson is attending a meeting of the Diocesan Consultors.

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Patsy Rafferty and,
• Rita Short who has died. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

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

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

A Prayer for Ukraine

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

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Weekly Offering Envelopes – Gift Aid Contributors

We will soon be ordering boxes of envelopes for the new year, beginning 1st April, 2023. These envelopes are becoming very expensive, so we would urge you to consider making your offering by Standing Order. This not only reduces the cost on the parish and is more environmentally friendly, but also eases the burden on our limited teams of counters who count the collections. 

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

St Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984

St Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453

If you would prefer to continue to receive a box of envelopes for your Gift Aided contributions please place a note to that effect with your name and address in the collecting boxes at the front and back of our churches this weekend, or email the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk by this Sunday evening.

Can you play a musical instrument?

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

News from our School

Our spring term has begun in earnest and we are very pleased to welcome all our new children as they start our nursery class. We hope they settle in well, making lots of friends, as they join our school community.

The Friends of St Alban’s (PTA group) meet on Thursday 26^th January at 9.00 in school to plan events and fundraising for this term. All parents and carers are invited to attend.

Our Little Saints Toddler Group has re-started in school and runs each Thursday from 9.30 – 11.30. Entry is through the gates on Queen Victoria Street. Families with pre-school age children are very welcome.

Parking in our church car parks

Please be aware that the Trustees of the Diocese  cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage to third party property, vehicles and their contents whilst left in the church car parks.

A stay in Hospital

If you or any members of your family are going into hospital and would like to see the Catholic Chaplain, please ask a member of the ward staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain. Alternatively you can contact the Chaplaincy Department Office directly. For the Queen Elizabeth Hospital  telephone 0191 445 2072 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paul Nichol). For the RVI and Freeman Hospitals in Newcastle telephone 0191 282 9322 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paddy Jackson).

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

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2023

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

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

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

Items may be left on the table to your right as you enter the front of St. Patrick’s Church or on any table if you enter by the rear door. A basket is also available in the porch of St. Alban’s Church and in our school.

Vocations to the Priesthood Enquiry Evenings

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

2^nd Sunday of the Year

Peace Sunday

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, the Apostolic Administrator of our Diocese, offers the following reflection for Peace Sunday:-

“2022 has been a year of war and rumours of war. Lives lost, people displaced, fear and suspicion overwhelming many communities around the world. These wars are also contributing to the destruction of our environment. Sometimes it feels as though we have moved backwards in our efforts to bring peace and justice to the world.

However, the constant, faithful voice of Pope Francis urges us to keep going. Whether he is speaking about Ukraine and Russia, Yemen or the Middle East, his message is always the same: No to war and no to the trade in weapons that fuel war. His Angelus message on the Feast of All Saints last year, offers these questions: ‘Brothers and sisters, let us look within and ask ourselves: are we peacemakers? In the places where we live, study and work, do we bring tension, words that hurt, chatter that poisons, controversy that divides? Or do we open up the way to peace?’”

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

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

All are welcome

Everyone is welcome to join us for the celebration of Mass in St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches. In recent times, it has been a joy to welcome people of other faiths or none who have 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.

Mass Intentions

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

• Monday: No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre:  Special Intention (GMcG)
• Wednesday: (Private Mass) In Thanksgiving (GL)
• Thursday:  10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Bishop Hugh Lindsay
• Friday: (Private Mass) Private Intention
• Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church:  For the Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church:  Zofia Krawczyk-Pastuszka

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Bishop Lindsay and Patsy Rafferty and,
• Mary Forster who has died. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

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

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

Thanks

Fr. Patterson is grateful for two donations amounting to £45.00 received this week towards the cost of heating St. Patrick’s Church. and wishes to renew his thanks for your generous financial support in what are challenging economic times for us all.

Pope Benedict

The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have produced a prayer card in memory of Pope Benedict. The arrival  of the cards has been delayed, but they are now available for you to collect from the front of St. Patrick’s Church and the rear of St. Alban’s Church

Parish Boundaries

Following recommendations from the Diocesan Boundaries Commission and consultation with parishes, partnerships, schools and the Council of Priests, the boundaries of each parish within the diocese have been reviewed and where necessary revised. A map showing the boundaries of our parishes is displayed on the noticeboards and can be viewed on the Diocese website.

In addition to the various canonical and pastoral reasons for having clear boundaries for each parish, the maps will assist our Diocesan schools with the implementation of their admission policies.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Weekly Offering Envelopes – Gift Aid Contributors

We will soon be ordering boxes of envelopes for the new year, beginning 1st April, 2023. These envelopes are becoming very expensive, so we would urge you to consider making your offering by Standing Order. This not only reduces the cost on the parish and is more environmentally friendly, but also eases the burden on our limited teams of counters who count the collections. 

The details you require to set up a Standing Order:

St Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984

St Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453

If you would prefer to continue to receive a box of envelopes for your Gift Aided contributions please place a note to that effect with your name and address in the collecting boxes at the front and back of our churches by next weekend, or email the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk as soon as possible.

St. Alban’s Church –  plumbing issues

The plumbing issues were repaired during the course of the week. Toilet facilities are once again available in St. Alban’s Church.

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus celebrated in our churches this weekend, reveals his exalted identity as the “Son of God” and was the starting point for all that Jesus would undertake – his self-giving ministry, death and Resurrection.

As the Christmas season in the life of the Church draws to a close, we move into what is called “Ordinary Time”, the time when we are asked to put into practice what we have celebrated at Christmas.

On the day of our own baptism, God named us as his beloved sons and daughters. Like Jesus, all that we undertake must flow from who we are – God’s children.

This means that we, too, must humbly submit ourselves to God’s wise and loving plan for our lives and there is nothing “ordinary” about that.

So let us ask the Lord today to make us faithful to our own baptismal promises.  Let us thank him for the privilege of being joined to his mission of preaching the “Good News” by our transparent Christian lives of love, mercy, service and forgiveness. 

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

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

Mass Intentions

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

• Monday: No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church: Funeral Service for Mary Forster
• Wednesday: (Private Mass) Evelyn May and George Craig
• Thursday:  10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Annie Donald
• Friday: (Private Mass) Private Intention
• Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church:  For the Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church:  Paul Hughes

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Annie Donald and,
• Mary Forster who has died. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

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

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

Pope Benedict XVI

A Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Pope Benedict XVI will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral on Monday, 9th January at 12.05pm. Bishop Séamus will preside at this Mass and all are welcome to attend. The Mass will be live-streamed to the Cathedral YouTube page.

Parish Boundaries

Following recommendations from the Diocesan Boundaries Commission and consultation with parishes, partnerships, schools and the Council of Priests, the boundaries of each parish within the diocese have been reviewed and where necessary revised. A map showing the boundaries of our parishes is displayed on the noticeboards and can be viewed on the Diocese website.

In addition to the various canonical and pastoral reasons for having clear boundaries for each parish, the maps will assist our Diocesan schools with the implementation of their admission policies.

Thanks

Fr. Patterson is grateful for a donation of £30.00 towards the cost of heating St. Patrick’s Church. He is aware that many of you are carefully monitoring your own heating costs at present. You may be interested to learn that the cost of heating St. Patrick’s Church, parish centre and presbytery for the month of December was £2,723.86.

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project

The following letter has been received from the organisers of the above project:-

“We would like to thank all our parish, group and individual donors for the amazing support you have shown the project during 2022. Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to support over 1000 people over the year with basic food and toiletry bags. Each month over 400 people who are seeking asylum in our area benefit from the project. In addition to that, we are able to provide supermarket vouchers to those who receive no government support. Thank you for your continued support and for being willing to welcome the stranger in our midst.”

Should you wish to support this project, donations of sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, tins of tomatoes, chick peas, toiletries and shampoo may be left on the table to your right as you enter the front of St. Patrick’s Church or on any table if you enter by the rear door. A basket is also available in the porch of St. Alban’s Church and in our school.

St. Alban’s Church

Due to plumbing issues, there are no toilet facilities available in St. Alban’s Church for the foreseeable future.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons for Advent

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

The Feast of Mary the Mother of God

The readings read in our churches this weekend place us within the family relationship of God, who is Father, Son and Spirit.

In the first reading (Number 6:22-27), the Lord reminds his people that they are God’s children and offers them a blessing of peace and a promise of God’s graciousness. St Paul in the second reading (Galatians 4:4-7), reminds us that we have been adopted as children of God. We are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters of God. In the Gospel (Luke 2: 16-21),  we are given a glimpse into a moment where Mary herself takes in the wonder of Jesus’ birth and ponders the unique experience of being mother to the Son of God.

We too are blessed by God our Father, who calls us his adopted children and who loves us with that same love which he has for his own Son. Indeed, the Lord loves us so much that he has become human like us. In Jesus, God feels our sorrow, our joy and our fears, and understands our dreams.

We are made in God’s image and likeness. As such each person we encounter on our journey through life is an “image of God”. There will be people, like the shepherds, who are poor in mind, body or resources. There will be those, like the magi, who are rich in mind and spirit as well as in material resources. We are called to do as Mary did and to welcome each one as if they were Christ himself.

As the New Year begins may we ponder Christ’s love in the silence of our hearts and find the face of Christ in all those we meet.

Thanks

Fr. Patterson thanks all those who helped to make Christmas a most prayerful and uplifting celebration in both of our churches and takes this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year

He also wishes to thank parishioners for further donations received; £100.00 towards the cost of heating St. Patrick’s Church; a donation of £50.00 for St. Patrick’s parish funds.

Thanks to everyone for their ongoing generosity in these challenging economic times.

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

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

Mass Intentions

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

• Monday: No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre – Ruth Wolf
• Wednesday – (Private Mass) Brian Quigley
• Thursday – (Private Mass) Private Intention
• Friday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre – For the Intentions of all our parishioners
• Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church – Peter Sloan
• Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the Intentions of all our parishioners

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Allan Lavin and Ruth Wolf and,
• Mary Forster who has died. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

Feast of the Epiphany

Friday is the Feast of the Epiphany, a day when the Church encourages us to come together for the celebration of Mass. Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 10am. Entry is through the parish centre doors only.

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

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

A Prayer for Ukraine

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

Please consider helping our “Counters” We have a limited number of volunteers who have offered to assist with the counting and banking of the collections taken in both of our churches. You could help to reduce their workload by making your offering by Standing Order. Please consider doing so.

St Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984

St Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453

St. Alban’s Church

Due to plumbing issues, there are no toilet facilities available in St. Alban’s Church for the foreseeable future.

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons for Advent

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

The Feast of Christmas 

Christmas is a living reality, not just a happy memory. It is a time when we celebrate the Hope, Joy, Peace and Love of the birth of Christ and pray that it will spread through our lives and the lives of all of humanity.

However, Christmas is not a fairy tale and it certainly doesn’t have a fairy tale ending. The fact is that Christ was born into a world torn by political turmoil, oppression and cruelty. However much he was surrounded by love, peace and goodwill at his birth it wasn’t long before the fear of a ruler, losing his power, drove the Holy Family to flee to a far country.

The drawing above, by a parishioner, reflects the fact that the same injustice and cruelty is still common place. The modern refugees follow in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph and the hundreds of thousands that have tread the ‘Long Road to Exile!’

Paradoxes abound in the Christmas story too.

Consider, for example, how remarkable it is that “The Light of the World” is born in the darkness of December; how striking it is that the “Eternal Word,” through whom all things were made, comes into the world as a speechless baby; how bizarre it is that “The Bread of Life,” who will give his flesh as true food for eternal life, is laid to rest in a manger, a feeding trough for livestock. And think how “The Lord of the Universe” was born in the humblest and poorest circumstances: not in a palace but in a stable, not in Jerusalem but the humble town of Bethlehem six miles to the South.

Christmas paradoxes such as these not only confound expectations but can leave us rather beguiled. We have to prayerfully contemplate such paradoxes, to marvel on their wonder and enchantment, to enter into the mystery of God’s Son made man for us.    (Fr. Sam Burke OP adapted)

Let us strive to do what we can this Christmas to make the Hope, Joy, Peace and Love Jesus brings a living reality to the people we meet. May we be his light in the darkness leading others to discover the new born King living in our midst today.

Fr. Patterson wishes you and your families a peaceful and blessed Christmas

Christmas Mass Times

Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Christmas Eve at 5.30pm with carols

This will be followed by mulled wine, soft drinks and mince pies in the parish centre.

Mass on Christmas morning will be celebrated in St. Alban’s Church at 9.30am.

Mass Intentions

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

• Monday: No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Gerry Toberty and the Toberty Sisters
• Wednesday: (Private Mass) Vera Isaac
• Thursday:  10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Nellie Armstrong
• Friday: (Private Mass) Private Intention
• Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church:  For the Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church:  Allan Lavin

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Nellie Armstrong, Allan Lavin and Gerry Toberty
• and Maureen Dodds who has died. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

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

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

A Prayer for Ukraine

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

Christmas Thanks

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank those parishioners who offered to prepare our churches for the Feast of Christmas. He is also most grateful for your prayers, support, cards, gifts and kind wishes.

A particular word of thanks for a gift aided donation to the value of £375.00, given to St. Patrick’s towards the cost of the heating of the Church for our Christmas Eve Mass.

Fr. Patterson also wishes to renew his thanks to Mary Laurie and the members of the Women’s’ Guild for their most generous donation of £1,100.00 to St. Patrick’s parish funds. As many of you will be aware, the ageing process and health issues have meant that the membership of the Guild has declined considerably and after discussion with Mary, Fr. Patterson has agreed that the Women’s Guild will be disbanded. The Guild and its members have, over the years, contributed so generously to the parish both socially and financially and Fr. Patterson acknowledges his gratitude for all they have contributed to the parish and local community.

Fr. Patterson is grateful to those who helped to establish our Advent Café and to those who contributed to the spiritual and social dimension of the Café clients. It is hoped to be able to develop this group in the New Year.

Are you feeling unwell?

If you are feeling unwell or have any cold, flu or Covid symptons, particularly a persistent cough, you should consider staying at home rather than coming to church for the well-being of everyone.

4th Sunday of Advent

In the gospel read in our churches this weekend, (Matthew 1:18-24), Joseph has his world turned upside down and makes a choice that will go against what he had accepted all his life as the way to behave. It is an extraordinary challenge, but Joseph has both the strength of character and the faith in God to do it. Joseph highlights what comes with responsibility and what comes with love. Above all, he is open to listening to God through a messenger.

We are all influenced by our culture, our past experiences, our expectations. As Joseph was prepared to listen to the angel, are we prepared to listen to “the message of the angel,” as it is revealed to us today? Can we put aside our preconceived ideas, and be open and humble enough to discern what God might be saying and calling us to do?

The Gospel accounts surrounding the birth of Jesus frequently refer to fear. When the angel appears to Mary explaining that she will conceive the Son of God, when angels appear to the shepherds announcing Jesus’ birth, as well as when the angel appears to Joseph, the message is the same: do not be afraid. All of them were shocked by what they saw, and what they were told, but faith in God helped them muster courage to deal with what befell them.

When we are faced with the most tremendous challenges, can we also find the courage to heed the message: do not be afraid?

Advent Café

Weather permitting, we hope to open our Advent Café on Wednesday, at 6pm  in St. Patrick’s parish centre offering an opportunity to explore the Advent theme of “Love” –  while praying, chatting, drinking coffee and eating cake!

The aim of the evening is to discover ways in which we, as a Catholic family can make the “Love of Advent” a reality for someone, somewhere this Christmas.

All are welcome and admission to a warm, friendly environment is free.

Christmas Mass Times

Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Christmas Eve at 5.30pm with carols

This will be followed by mulled wine, soft drinks and mince pies in the parish centre.

Mass on Christmas morning will be celebrated in St. Alban’s Church at 9.30am.

Mass Intentions

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

• Monday:  No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: George Owens
• Wednesday: (Private Mass) Pat Cunningham
• Thursday:  10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Brian Grace Snr and Brian Grace Jnr
• Friday: (Private Mass) Private Intention
• Christmas Eve: 5.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church:  For the Intentions of all our parishioners
• Christmas Day: 9.30am in St. Alban’s Church:  For the Intentions of all our parishioners

Mass to view on line

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

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

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

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 near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Nellie Armstrong, Rose Wright and Patrick Wright

An Advent prayer of Love

Lord, thank you for loving us so much that you gave your Son for us, even before we loved you. Thank you for inviting us into your family. Help us to love one another in perfect harmony; to see every person in the same way that you see them and to love them in the way that you love them. Amen.     

An Advent prayer of Joy

Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy that entered the world when Jesus was born, when you became God with us. Enrich our lives and enable us to live joyfully in those difficult or busy moments. Help us to recognise your presence among us and fill our hearts with renewed strength, courage, hope and joy. Amen.

An Advent prayer of Peace

Lord, in a season when every heart should be happy and light, many are struggling with the burdens of life. We need your peace, O Lord. Our hearts are too often filled with wondering how the bills will be paid, when the terror will stop, when rest will come.  In a world where worry, not peace, prevails, stir up the good news again, make it real in our hearts for we live at a time when we need your peace more than ever. Amen

An Advent prayer of Hope

God of Hope, we seek you. During this holy season of Advent, help us to see you in all whom we encounter. May your hope be a comfort to all who long for justice. May your hope fill our hearts and grace our lips so that we might reflect your hope for all the world. Amen

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

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

A Prayer for Ukraine

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

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons for Advent

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

All are welcome

Everyone is welcome to join us for the celebration of Mass in St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches. In recent times, it has been a joy to welcome people of other faiths or none who have 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.

Refreshments after Mass

Enjoy each others company in a warm and friendly setting with tasty refreshments in St. Patrick’s parish centre after Mass this Sunday.

Are you feeling unwell?

If you are feeling unwell or have any cold, flu or Covid symptons, particularly a persistent cough, you should consider staying at home rather than coming to church.

Mass on Tuesday and Thursday at St. Patrick’s

In an effort to manage our heating costs, Mass on Tuesday and Thursday will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 10am Refreshments will be served after Mass on Tuesday. Entry by the “top door” of the church which will be locked at 9.55am for security purposes or by the parish centre doors. Parking is available in the main church car park.

Thank you

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for a gift aided donation of £100.00 received last week for St. Patrick’s parish funds.

Why not help to boost St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s income at no additional cost to yourself!

These are difficult times for everyone as the cost of living and energy costs are starting to impact on us, our parishes included. Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude for your generous weekly contributions to parish funds enabling us to pay our bills.

Please help to boost the income of both of our churches by Gift Aiding your weekly offering if you are a tax payer. It costs you nothing more than you already give to the church, but we are able to claim from HMRC 25p of every £1.00 you are already giving. All that is required is that you sign a simple form providing the Diocese with your name and address and they do the rest for us. You do not have to declare anything about your personal financial situation on the form.

Forms may be obtained from John Gillum who is the parish Gift Aid Organiser for both of our churches. Simply drop him an email at stpatrick.giftaid@outlook.com.

Whether you are a tax payer or not, you can help to relieve the pressure on our “Counting Teams” and those who have to bank the monies, by making your weekly contribution by Standing order. The details below will enable you to do so.

St Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984

St Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453

Advent 2022

The Diocesan Vicariate for Faith & Mission have produced a series of reflections on the readings used throughout the Advent season. The reflections have been written by members of the Diocese.

Cafod also offers some Advent reflections.

Gateshead Covid update 

You may find this data from the Borough of interest. Figures are as reported on 15th December, 2022.

79 new Covid cases in the seven days up to 10th December which is a increase of 12 from the previous 7 days;  3 people died in the same period, which is the same number as the previous 7 days; 45 patients with Covid were in the QE Hospital on 14th December.

According to the Office for National statistics  1 in 50 people currently have Covid in the UK

Advent Alms

During Advent, St Cuthbert’s Care call upon the generosity of the people of our Diocese to help raise funds to purchase a newer minibus for their two nursing homes. Your support will allow them to offer more regular outings throughout the year, ensuring their residents’ lives remain as varied as possible. They appreciate this winter will be difficult for many and urge you only to support them if you are able to do so. Should you wish to support their appeal, place your offering in an envelope marked “Advent Alms” and place it in one of the boxes at the entrance to our churches. Offerings are welcome throughout the four weeks of Advent.

Bishop Robert stands down

I feel sure many of us will be saddened to learn that Bishop Robert has felt a need to resign as our bishop. The following is an extract from his letter published last Monday, 12th December, 2022.

“The Church’s teachings confirm a Diocesan Bishop needs to be as Christ among the people entrusted to him. The office of bishop carries great responsibility to provide spiritual leadership and governance to a diocese.

I have recently had need to discern and reflect upon this question for myself and the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle. Having done so, and with great sorrow and reluctance, I have concluded that the office of the Diocesan Bishop has become too great a burden and I feel I must resign from my position as your Bishop.

My own discernment has caused me to recognise that I now feel unable to continue serving the people of the diocese in the way that I would wish. Having undertaken this discernment process, and with due consultation with others, I indicated my wish to resign to the Holy Father and he has graciously accepted my request.

My resignation having been accepted; I propose to return to my Oratorian Community in Oxford. I ask for your continued prayers and provide you with an assurance of a remembrance in my own prayers.”

The Northern Catholic Calendar

A small number of copies of our Diocesan Year Book “The Northern Catholic Calendar” are on sale this weekend, priced at £3.00

As Christmas approaches are you able to support our Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project?

When doing your own shopping for Christmas, please spare a thought for the above project. It supports over 400 clients each week, who all receive a bag of food.  Those who are destitute also receive a supermarket voucher.

Donations of sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, tins of tomatoes and chick peas may be left on the table to your right as you enter the front of St. Patrick’s Church or on any table if you enter by the rear door. A basket is also available in the porch at St. Alban’s Church and in our school. They are particularly in need of toiletries and shampoo. Please note: baked beans and tinned meat are not required.

Our School News : www.stalbansgateshead.org

Year 6 will lead the school family in our final Advent service of prayer on Friday morning at 9.15am in the school hall. School then closes for the Christmas holidays in the afternoon reopening on Tuesday 10^th January. We wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Little Saints

Our Toddler Group will re-start on Thursday 19^th January, 2023 and are extending their hours from 9.30 – 11.30am. Families with pre-school age children are very welcome.