19^th Sunday of the Year

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday: (12 Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: In Thanksgiving (St Anthony)
• Sunday:  (13 Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  John and Annie Donald
• Tuesday: 12 noon Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Lavinia Henderson
• Saturday: (19 Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The Parishioners Intentions
• Sunday:  (20 Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Patsy Rafferty

Tuesday, 15th August is the Feast of the Assumption. It is a Holyday on which we are all encouraged to come together to celebrate this great Feast of the Church. Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church at 12 noon – please take careful note of the time, which is to accommodate the priest who will be celebrating the Mass for us.

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 Lavinia Henderson

Congratulations

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

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The final three sessions for our young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who have expressed an interest to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year will take place on :

Monday 11th September; Monday 9th October and Monday 6th November

in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 18.30. Parents and sponsors are also welcome. In order to proceed to Confirmation, it is necessary for prospective candidates to attend all three of these sessions.

Think Tank

If you would like to become part of our parish “Think Tank” to explore how we might move forward as we continue to emerge from the effects of the pandemic, you would be welcome to a gathering in St. Patrick’s parish centre on Friday, 8th September at 18.30. So far, we have engaged in a variety of social events and parish walks, all of which have been appreciated by those who have taken part. So do come along and bring your ideas and perhaps a friend!

Home Retreat

The Benedictine monks of Ampleforth Abbey have recently released their new podcast channel “Ampleforth Abbey Podcast.” Each week a different member of the monastic community will upload a new episode of ‘Home Retreat’ in which they will offer a challenging reflection for 10 – 15 minutes. Home Retreats are offered as an opportunity to pause and reflect wherever you are. Ampleforth Abbey Podcast is available to listen to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts.

The Feast of the Transfiguration

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday: (5 Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Susan Harland
• Sunday:  (6 Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  The Parishioners’ intentions
• Tuesday: 10.00 Service of the Word with Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church
• Saturday: (12 Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: In Thanksgiving (St Anthony)
• Sunday:  (13 Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  John and Annie Donald

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,
• Fr. Michael McKenna Who has died. His Funeral Mass will take place on 25th August in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 12.05. May he rest in peace.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The final three sessions for our young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who have expressed an interest to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year will take place on :

• Monday 11th September at 6:30pm
• Monday 9th October at 6:30pm
• Monday 6th November at 6:30pm

in St. Patrick’s parish centre. Parents and sponsors are also welcome. In order to proceed to Confirmation, it is necessary for prospective candidates to attend all three of these sessions.

Think Tank

If you would like to become part of our parish “Think Tank” to explore how we might move forward as we continue to emerge from the effects of the pandemic, you would be welcome to a gathering in St. Patrick’s parish centre on Friday, 8th September at 6.30pm. So far, we have engaged in a variety of social events and parish walks, all of which have been appreciated by those who have taken part. So do come along and bring your ideas and perhaps a friend!

Thank you

The Little Sisters of the Poor would like to thank everyone who supported their recent Appeal in aid of replacing the passenger lifts at St Joseph’s Home (Newcastle). They are extremely grateful for your kindness. St. Alban’s parishioners donated £52.00 to the Appeal and St. Patrick’s parishioners donated £136.20.

17th Sunday of the Year

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday: (29 July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Sarah Harrison
• Sunday:   (30 July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Joan Neil
• Tuesday: (1 Aug) 10am Service of the Word with Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church
• Saturday: (5 Aug) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Susan Harland
• Sunday:  (6 Aug) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  The Parishioners’ intentions

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from  the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit 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 Joan Neil and
• Fr. Michael McKenna Who has died. His Funeral Mass will take place on 25th August in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 12.05. May he rest in peace.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The final three sessions for our young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who have expressed an interest to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year will take place on :

• Monday 11th September
• Monday 9th October
• Monday 6th November

in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6:30pm. Parents and sponsors are also welcome. In order to proceed to Confirmation, it is necessary for prospective candidates to attend all three of these sessions.

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project…….

…….which supports people who are seeking asylum in our area, appeal for donations of sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, tins of tomatoes, chick peas, toiletries and shampoo. If you feel able to support this project, donations may be left on the tables at the entrance to our churches. Our Third World Group have recently sent the Project a donation of £50.00 in support of their work.

Sponsored Walk

The final total raised for Cafod through the Parish Sponsored Walk on 20th May, 2023 was £290.00. Thanks to those who walked, those who organised the walk and those who felt able to sponsor the walkers.

16th Sunday of the Year

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday: (22 July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The souls in purgatory
• Sunday:   (23 July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Carol Belton
• Tuesday: 10am Service of the Word with Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church
• Saturday: (29 July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: Sarah Harrison
• Sunday:   (30 July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Joan Neil

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 Joan Neil and
• Fr. Michael McKenna Who has died. May he rest in the peace of the risen Lord.

A new Bishop for our Diocese

The Installation of Bishop Stephen as our new Bishop was celebrated during Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle on Wednesday 19th July, 2023.  As we welcome Bishop Stephen to our Diocese, we pray for him and for his ministry amongst us.

A new Head Teacher for our School

The Bishop Wilkinson Trust has appointed Mrs Maria Robinson as the Head Teacher of our school. She has been a dedicated deputy head since 2012 and has given so much to our school and parish community. We wish her well in her new role and assure her of our prayers and ongoing support.

Afternoon Tea Party

The next “Forget Me Not” Afternoon Tea Party takes place on Saturday, 29th July from 2pm – 4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre. Parishioners, family, friends and neighbours are all welcome.

John Ingram Walk

The annual Blessed John Ingram Walk will take place this Sunday, 23rd July. It begins at 2.30pm from St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Newgate Street in Newcastle ending with an Ecumenical Service at St. Edmund’s Chapel on Gateshead High Street followed by refreshments. Non-walkers are very welcome to join at 3.30pm at St. Edmund’s Chapel.

15th Sunday of the Year

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday: (15 July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The parishioners intentions
• Sunday:   (16 July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Carol Belton
• Tuesday: 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Mary Nugent
• Saturday: (22 July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The souls in purgatory
• Sunday:   (23 July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Kathleen Falconer

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 including Fr. Michael McKenna
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time

Parish Walk – Saturday 22nd July, 2023

Why not join us with your family and friends for some gentle exercise, enjoying our wonderful coastline with great company.

The walk will be from Amble to Warkworth, a distance of 6.75 miles on pavements, easy tracks and sandy beach. We propose to have lunch at Warkworth where there are plenty of seats by the river to enjoy your own picnic, or there are pubs and a great Café Bertrams. The choice is yours.

Meeting times:

Please meet at Amble Braid carpark NE65 0GZ, just off the A1068 near Amble Marina at 10.30am (Allow about 1 hour journey time).

For more information please contact Terry Grey who will be at the back of St. Patrick‘s Church after Mass this Sunday

Bishop Stephen Wright

We warmly welcome to our Diocese Bishop Stephen Wright who will be installed as our new Bishop on Wednesday, 19th July, 2023 in St. Mary’s Cathedral.

You may feel able to say the following prayer for him:-

Lord, rock of our hearts, from a sea swept island
you sent Aidan and Cuthbert to sow your Word fruitfully throughout our Northern Land
and you inspired Bede to understand and speak your truth reflected in our lives and in our history.
Grant your servant, Stephen, whom you have called to follow them, a rich share in this heritage
– to speak your Word courageously to teach wisely and to lead with love.

(Based on a prayer composed by Monsignor Kevin Nichols 1929-2006)

Concert at Little Sisters of the Poor

The Newcastle Male Chorus will be performing a Sounds of Summer Concert in the Chapel at St Joseph’s Home Newcastle, (Little Sisters of the Poor) on Saturday 22^nd July 2023 at 7pm.  The concert is in aid of the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor in St Joseph’s Home.

Tickets are £8 (interval drink included) and are available from St Joseph’s Home – 0191 2731279.

John Ingram Walk

The annual Blessed John Ingram Walk, organised by the SVP, will take place on Sunday, 23rd July and will be led by Deacon Peter Lavery. It begins at 14.30 at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Newgate Street in Newcastle ending with an Ecumenical Service at St. Edmund’s Chapel on Gateshead High Street followed by refreshments. Non-walkers are very welcome to join at 15.30 at St. Edmund’s Chapel.

Pauline Books and Media, Newcastle

Please note that from Monday 10th July the Cathedral bookshop will have revised opening hours: 

Monday and Tuesday Closed; 

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am – 4:30pm;

Saturday 9:45am – 4:00pm and Sunday 9:30 – 1:15pm.

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

The Parish Newsletter by email

Could you help to offset the cost of printing paper copies of the Newsletter by having it sent to you by email? Many of you have been receiving it electronically throughout the pandemic and continue to do so. If you do not already receive it in this way and would like to receive the Newsletter and other news from the parish by email, please send your request to the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk and you will be added to our contact list. The Newsletter may also be found on our parish website.

A few printed copies will still be available from St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches, on the days they are open for Mass, for those of you who do not have access to email.

Thank you

Fr. Patterson is grateful for your ongoing generosity in these difficult times for us all. 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. Your offerings are our sole source of income. Should you wish to make your offering by standing order the details are:

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

14th Sunday of the Year

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday: (8th July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Val Cooper
• Sunday:  (9th July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The parishioners intentions
• Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Margaret Barnes
• Thursday: 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Sheila Scullion
• Saturday: (15th July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: The parishioners intentions
• Sunday:   (16th July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Carol Belton

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 including Fr. Michael McKenna
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time and,
• Sheila Scullion and Mary Nugent who have died. May they rest in the peace of the risen Lord. Please pray for their families too.

Sea Sunday

This weekend we are asked to remember and support seafarers and fishers who play a vital role in all of our lives but who often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. Sea Sunday is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need.

For those of you who wish, to contribute to the work of Stella Maris, simply place your donation in an envelope marked “Sea Sunday” and place it in the collection box as you enter our churches. Those of you with boxes of envelopes should find an envelope in your box. You can also donate by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate. Your donations are vital to enable Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea) to continue its important work.

Listening Experience

Following on from Archbishop McMahon’s pastoral letter, he has arranged meetings for the laity of the diocese to allow space and time to hear the impact of Bishop Robert’s resignation and the Safeguarding Enquiry report. These listening experiences will be facilitated by Karen Kilby of Durham University, who will be feeding back to the Archbishop. A liturgy of healing will be available at each of the sessions for those who wish to stay and participate. The sessions will take place on 10th July, at St. Mary’s Church hall, Forest Hall, 11th July at St. Bede’s Church hall, Bedlington, on 12th July at St Michael’s Church hall, Houghton-le-Spring and on 13th July at St. Peter & Paul’s, Stockton-on-Tees. The meetings begin at 7pm and finish at 8:30pm.

St. Alban’s Church –  Volunteers needed.

Fr. Patterson wishes to explore the possibility of being able to reopen St. Alban’s Church for the celebration of Funeral Masses and Funeral Services which we are currently unable to offer.

If we are to succeed, we need a pool of at least eight volunteers who would work in groups of three to open and prepare the church, welcome mourners, distribute hymn books and tidy and lock the church at the end of the service. A pool of eight would ensure we have sufficient volunteers to cover holidays, illness and personal commitments. A simple form would need to be completed to conform with safeguarding requirements.

If you feel able to help, or need to know more, please contact Christine and/or Terry Harbron 0191 469 8697.

Concert at Little Sisters of the Poor

The Newcastle Male Chorus will be performing a Sounds of Summer Concert in the Chapel at St Joseph’s Home Newcastle, (Little Sisters of the Poor) on Saturday 22^nd July 2023 at 7pm.  The concert is in aid of the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor in St Joseph’s Home.

Tickets are £8 (interval drink included) and are available from St Joseph’s Home – 0191 2731279.

Diaconate and Priesthood Ordinations

This Saturday, 8th July, Archbishop McMahon will ordain Allison Rebello and Patrick Rutherford as Permanent Deacons and Paul Kilduff and Endre Kormos are being ordained as Priests. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pauline Books and Media, Newcastle

Please note that from Monday 10th July the Cathedral bookshop will have revised opening hours: 

Monday and Tuesday Closed; 

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am – 4:30pm

Saturday 9:45am – 4pm and Sunday 9:30am – 1:15pm.

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

The Church‘s mission – an event with Cardinal Tagle

The Church has a mission but what is it? And how should we do it? Cardinal Tagle of the Philippines has responsibilities for evangelisation and mission in the Vatican and was President of Caritas International (a global network of Catholic relief and development agencies) and is a interesting speaker.

You are invited to join an online talk for Mission Unleashed: Embracing the Social Dimension of Evangelisation in which Cardinal Tagle will speak on the Church’s mission and the fundamental links between evangelisation (sharing Christ and his Good News) and social action. The date, Friday, 14th July, 7pm – 8:30pm Please go to www.bigmarker.com/cafod/evangelisation for more information and to book a place for this webinar hosted by CAFOD.

Thank you

Fr. Patterson is grateful for a donation of £40.00 for St. Patrick’s parish funds recently received. Thanks to everyone for your ongoing generosity in these difficult times for us all. 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. Your offerings are our sole source of income. Should you wish to make your offering by standing order the details are:

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

13th Sunday of the Year

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday: (1st July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Private Intention (NF)
• Sunday: (2nd July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Jim McGee
• Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: In Thanksgiving (MH)
• Thursday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Michael Connelly
• Saturday: (8th July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Val Cooper
• Sunday: (9th July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Intentions of all our parishioners

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,
• Fr. Pat O’Connell, Val Cooper, Winnie McErlane, Irene Vallely and Sheila Scullion who have died recently. May they rest in the peace of the risen Lord. Please pray for their families too.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The next gathering for the young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who have expressed an interest to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year will take place this Friday, 7th July in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6.30pm. Parents and sponsors are also welcome.

Special Collection

This weekend there is the opportunity, for those of you who wish, to contribute to the annual collection for Peter’s Pence. Simply place your offering in an envelope marked “Peter’s Pence” and place it in the collection box as you enter our churches. Those of you with boxes of envelopes should find an envelope in your box.

Listening Experience

Following on from Archbishop McMahon’s pastoral letter, he has arranged meetings for the laity of the diocese to allow space and time to hear the impact of Bishop Robert’s resignation and the Safeguarding Enquiry report. These listening experiences will be facilitated by Karen Kilby of Durham University, who will be feeding back to the Archbishop. A liturgy of healing will be available at each of the sessions for those who wish to stay and participate. The sessions will take place on 10th July, at St. Mary’s Church hall, Forest Hall, 11th July at St. Bede’s Church hall, Bedlington, on 12th July at St Michael’s Church hall, Houghton-le-Spring and on 13th July at St. Peter & Paul’s, Stockton-on-Tees. The meetings begin at 7pm and finish at 8.30pm.

On 20 May a group of parishioners and friends from St Patrick’s enjoyed a gentle 6 mile coastal walk from Monkseaton to South Shields with a lunch stop at North Shields fish quay.

The weather was glorious, the scenery stunning and the company first class. A great day was had by all!

Thanks to everyone who took part and sponsored the ramblers, £155 was raised for Cafod.

Pentecost Sunday

This Sunday we welcome the young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who have expressed an interest to be confirmed later in the year. They will be enrolled into the preparation programme during Mass in St. Patrick’s Church

Please keep them and their families in your prayers during the time leading up to their Confirmation which will take place on the Feast of Christ the King, 26th November, 2023.

You may like to use the following prayer to remember them:-

God our Father, we thank you for our young people
who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
You call each one of them by name and promise that,
whatever happens in their lives, you will be with them always.
We pray that this journey to Confirmation will be an opportunity
for them to deepen their faith and renew their hope in you
so that your love may shine through them to the world.

Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.
Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of right judgement and courage,
the spirit of knowledge and reverence.
Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

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.

Parish Walk

An enjoyable day was had last Saturday by those who joined our Parish Walk – the glorious sunny weather was a most welcome bonus, once the sea mist had dispersed! Thanks to those who organised it, supported it and to those who sponsored the walk. So far, £155.00 has been raised for Cafod.

Think Tank

If you would like to become part of our parish “Think Tank” to explore how we might move forward as we continue to emerge from the effects of the pandemic, you would be welcome to a gathering in St. Patrick’s parish centre on Friday, 9th June at 6.30pm. So far, we have engaged in a variety of social events and the recent parish walk, all of which have been appreciated by those who have taken part. So do come along and bring your ideas and perhaps a friend!

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.

Masses and Liturgies

The following celebrations will take place during the coming weeks.

• Saturday: (27th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  The Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday: (28th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Jim and Michael McErlane
• Tuesday: (30th May) 10am Service of the Word with Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church
• Saturday: (3rd June)  6pm Service in St. Alban’s Church
• Sunday: (4th June)  10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Kathleen Falconer
• Tuesday: (6th June ) 10am Service of the Word with Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church
• Saturday: (10th June) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Leonard Robinson
• Sunday: (11th June) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Ann Lannighan
• Tuesday: (13th June) 10am Service of the Word with Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church
• Saturday: (17th June) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Sandra Dorrian
• Sunday: (18th June) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: George Owens
• Tuesday: (20th June) 10am Service of the Word with Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church
• Saturday: (24th June) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Intentions of MD
• Sunday: (25th June) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Michael Prendergast
• Tuesday: (27th June) 10am Service of the Word with Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church
• Saturday: (1st July) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Private Intention (NF)
• Sunday: (2nd July) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Jim McGee

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; Fr. Pat O’Connell who is in hospital and,
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Special Collections

During the coming weeks you will have the opportunity, if you wish to do so, to contribute to the following causes:-

• 28th May: Diocesan Lay Training Fund                                                        
• 18th June: Day for Life                                                                                     
• 2nd July: Peter’s Pence

Should you wish to contribute to any of these collections please place you donation into an envelope marked with the name of the collection and deposit it in the collecting boxes at the entrance to our churches. Parishioners who have boxes of envelopes should have the necessary envelopes included.

No collection taken

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. Your offerings are our sole source of income. Alternatively you may consider making your offering by Standing Order the details of which are above.

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

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

News from our School

Following the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, we will be celebrating the Feast of Pentecost with the children in school. They have all been learning the story and taking part in activities in class. We plan to have a Pentecost party in school with a red theme to close our half term.

Little Sisters of the Poor Job Vacancy

The Little Sisters of the Poor run St. Joseph’s Home for the elderly in Newcastle. This is a friendly, relaxed, well-equipped Home with over 105 staff. Registered Nurses are required for a Day shift – 37.5 hours per week, Shifts are 8am-4pm, 1pm-9pm; and Night shift 20 hours per week, 9pm-8am. Two references and an enhanced DBS check are required. For more information please contact Lee-Marie on 0191 273 1279 or email lee.marie@lsplondon.co.uk

Telephoning the presbytery

If you telephone the presbytery and there is no-one available to take your call, you may choose to leave a message. We will do all we can to return your call at the earliest opportunity. For safeguarding reasons, we are unable to return anonymous calls, so please leave both your name and number for your call to be returned. For security reasons, the parish telephone number is sometimes withheld for outgoing calls, so please bear this in mind if you are expecting us to return your call.

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project

Thanks to your support, each month over 400 people who are seeking asylum in our area benefit from this project. Should you wish to support the 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.

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

The Newman Tyneside Circle 

……..invites you to a talk by Chris Maunder on Our Lady of the Nations – Apparitions of Mary in 20th Century Catholic Europe at St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, North Shields, on Wednesday at 19.30. Chris Maunder is a retired Senior Lecturer and Visiting Fellow, Theology & Religious Studies, at York St John University, and a researcher and writer in the area of Marian Studies.  The title of his talk is that of his book (2016, Oxford University Press).  A scholar of Catholic popular religion in professional life, he is also passionate about Marian shrines, visiting them across Europe and helping to maintain his local shrine, a 15th-century rock chapel in Knaresborough. ~ Michael Kerrigan Newman Association, Tyneside Circle

Cafod Campaign: Fix the Food System

Cafod’s food campaign is urging the UK government to protect the right of farmers around the world to use their seeds. Seeds are life. They are the very foundation for farmers to produce the food that feeds us all. For generations, small-scale farmers have freely swapped and shared a wide variety of seeds to produce food and maintain biodiversity. More recently, farmers have also developed seeds that ensure crops are resilient to climate change.

However, the freedom of farmers to choose what seeds they use is under threat as the World Bank supports new laws which push farmers towards using seeds sold by big agri-business. These laws, which are being brought in with the support of global financial institutions such as the World Bank, overwhelmingly favour large agri-businesses. Instead of being able to choose their own seeds, small farmers must purchase commercial seeds – something that is good for big business profits but not so good for the farmers who grow the majority of the world’s food. It’s clear that our current global food system is in crisis, and at the heart of this crisis is a struggle over control of the world’s seeds. Protecting the freedom of farmers to choose seeds is a right we must all stand up for if we are to tackle global hunger while responding to the cry of the earth and the poor. All across the Hexham & Newcastle Diocese, parishes are being asked to raise awareness of these issues. There is some publicity available if anyone wishes to take on this responsibility. Full information about this is available on  Fix the Food System (cafod.org.uk)

7th Sunday of Easter

World Communications Day

The theme for this year’s World Communications Day, chosen by Pope Francis, is ‘Speaking with the Heart’.

The Pope says in his World Communications Day message, “It is the heart that spurred us to go, to see and to listen, and it is the heart that moves us towards an open and welcoming way of communicating.”

The Holy Father stresses the need to listen before speaking truth with a pure heart to “see beyond appearances and overcome the vague din which also, in the field of information, does not help us discern in the complicated world in which we live.”

“The call to speak with the heart,” he says, “radically challenges the times in which we are living, which are so inclined towards indifference and indignation, at times even on the basis of disinformation which falsifies and exploits the truth.”

We are charged with the responsibility of genuinely encountering one another so that our love for each other may become stronger.

God, whose word is truth and in whose light we see light,
guide those who tell the story of our times through word and image.
Make them seekers after truth and advocates of human dignity.
Grant discernment to all who rely on their labours, and,
as we confront the pain and promise of this world, awaken in us a sense of wonder
at your presence and of longing for your peace. Amen.

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.

A message from Fr. Patterson

Fr. Patterson is making very slow progress from post Covid symptoms and continues to be advised to rest as much as possible. This considerably restricts what he is able to do. He remains grateful to you for your prayers, understanding and patience

Celebrations during the coming week.

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday:(20th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Peter, Dominic and Andrew Sloan
• Sunday: (21st May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Intentions of all our parishioners
• Monday: No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Pat Donald
• Wednesday: No Mass
• Thursday: No Mass
• Friday: No Mass
• Saturday: (27th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  The Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday: (28th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Jim and Michael McErlane

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 whose memories we cherish at this time

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Next Sunday, we will welcome the young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who have expressed an interest to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year. They will be enrolled into the preparation programme during Mass in St. Patrick’s Church. Please keep them and their families in your prayers during the time leading up to their Confirmation which will take place on the Feast of Christ the King, 26th November, 2023.

Afternoon Tea Party.

Join us on Saturday, 27th May for a “Forget Me Not” Afternoon Tea Party from 2pm – 4pm 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.

World Communications Sunday

This Sunday, 21st May, is World Communications Day, when we are reminded to respond to the command of Jesus to preach the Good News of the Gospel to the whole world. Vital to this is good communication. The Bishops’ Conference works 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. If you wish to support their work in this field you may place a donation in the boxes at the church doors. Please mark your envelope “World Communications.” If you have a set of envelopes, you should find an envelope in your box.

Thank you

Fr. Patterson expresses his gratitude to the mourners attending the Funeral Mass for Susan Gilmore who donated £37.40 to St. Patrick’s parish funds and for a  donation of £85.00 donated in memory of deceased loved ones.

No collection taken

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. Your offerings are our sole source of income. Alternatively you may consider making your offering by Standing Order the details of which are above.

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

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

News from our School

Following the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, we will be celebrating the Feast of Pentecost with the children in school. They have all been learning the story and taking part in activities in class. We plan to have a Pentecost party in school with a red theme to close our half term

Little Sisters of the Poor Job Vacancy

The Little Sisters of the Poor run St. Joseph’s Home for the elderly in Newcastle. This is a friendly, relaxed, well-equipped Home with over 105 staff. Registered Nurses are required for a Day shift – 37.5 hours per week, Shifts are 8am – 4pm, 1pm – 9pm; and Night shift 20 hours per week, 9pm – 8am. Two references and an enhanced DBS check are required. For more information please contact Lee-Marie on 0191 273 1279 or email lee.marie@lsplondon.co.uk