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

6th Sunday of Easter

In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus asserted that he is “the Way, the Truth and the Life”. In his dialogue with Pontius Pilate before he was condemned to be crucified, Jesus said that he came into the world “to bear witness to the truth”. Pilate questioned whether such a thing could even exist: “Truth? What is that?” In so doing, Pilate embodied the spirit of our own age, which is so bedevilled with claims and counterclaims as to what is truth, particularly on social media. Is there such a thing as truth? Do I recognise truth? Do I walk in the truth?

The answer to these questions is about the quality of my life: does my life reflect the truth of God?

• Am I a person who brings good news to others?
• Am I someone who gives new sight to those who live in darkness – the darkness of grief, loneliness, pain or sickness?
• Does my life set people free – from guilt, from fear, from oppression?
• Am I a person who not only helps to alleviate people’s poverty but empowers them to live with dignity?
• Am I a credible witness to the love of God?
• Does my life speak truth?

When we can answer those questions positively, then we know that the Spirit, our advocate and friend, is speaking the truth both to our lives and through our lives

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 slowly recovering from post Covid symptoms and is still advised to rest as much as possible. This considerably reduces what he is able to do. He remains grateful to you for your prayers and understanding.

Celebrations during the coming week.

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday: (13th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  The Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday: (14th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Brian Quigley 
• Monday: No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church for Susan Gilmore
• Wednesday: No Mass
• Thursday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: The Intentions of all our parishioners
• Friday: No Mass
• 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

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 and,
• Susan Gilmore who has died. May they rest in the peace of the  Risen Lord

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

Parish Walk – Saturday 20^th May, 2023

Why not join us with your family and friends for an enjoyable easy walk from Monkseaton to South Shields.

The walk will begin either from Monkseaton or Cullercoats and end at South Shields crossing the river ferry. It is a distance of about 6 miles from Monkseaton or 3 miles from Cullercoats. The choice is yours.

We propose to have lunch at North Shields Fish Quay or you may choose to bring your own picnic.

Meeting times:

If you are doing the longer walk please meet at Monkseaton Metro Station for 10.30

For the shorter walk, please meet at Cullercoats Metro Station for 11.30am.

A Day-saver ticket and the Metro concessionary pass both include the ferry crossing.

Toilets are located at Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth and North Shields.

For more information please contact Terry Grey.

Afternoon Tea Party.

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

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

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

Dear parishioners, thank you for your prayers for our children in school who are taking tests as it has really helped them keep calm and try their best. We really do appreciate you taking just a little bit of time to support us in prayer.

During May, the children are given the opportunity to pray the rosary together. If any parishioners are able to come into school to join in with these prayers, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please ring me, Mrs Robinson, on 0191 4693251 for dates and times.

Diocesan Environmental Group

The Diocesan Environmental Group invite you to a series of events marking Laudato Si’ week Sunday 21st – 28the May, 2023. The week will begin with a special Mass on Saturday 20th May at St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle at 10.00. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate creation and to reflect on how to protect it.  Throughout the week the group will be presenting special screenings of the film, ‘The Letter‘.  For details please see the Diocesan website.

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 8.00 – 16.00, 13.00 – 21.00; and Night shift 20 hours per week, 21.00 – 8.00. 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

World Communications Sunday

Next 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.

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.

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. If you are unsure how to turn “Notification sounds” off, then please turn your phone off completely. Thank you.

Returning your call

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. However we are only able to do so if you leave your telephone number!!

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 presbytery number is sometimes withheld for outgoing calls, so please bear this in mind if you are expecting us to return your call.

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.

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. 

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life

The world is troubled by many things and so are our hearts. Life does not present us with constant joy. Jesus’ words at the beginning of the gospel read in our churches this weekend offer us comfort. He says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

The “Life” we are being offered is one where we will no longer be troubled, where we will see the Father and inherit eternal life. Jesus has gone to prepare a home for us. In this going is the suggestion that the life we live now is not the fullness of life for which we are destined. There is another, fuller life for those who believe, who love, who offer the goodness of God to others.

This life in Christ is one we get glimpses of here on earth when we do the work of God, and find ourselves at one with God’s ways. In moments of joy and union with our God and with one another, we see the promise of this new life which Christ offers to us.

Were you to be asked, what is the most important thing in your life today, how might you respond? It might involve those you love, those you care for and possibly what you own. It may be worth spending some time this week asking how key your faith and your relationship with Christ is to your daily life. If it is key, how do you express this? If Christ is “the Way, the Truth and the Life”, how is that reflected in your life

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 slowly recovering from post Covid symptoms and is still advised to rest as much as possible. This considerably reduces what he is able to do. He remains grateful to you for your prayers and understanding.

Celebrations during the coming week.

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday:(6th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  The Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday:    (7th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Catherine Palmer
• Monday: No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Mary Mubby
• Wednesday: No Mass
• Thursday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Patrick and Rose Wright and Patricia Jameson
• Friday: No Mass
• Saturday:(13th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  The Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday:    (14th May) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Brian Quigley

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 and,
• Susan Gilmore who has died. May they rest in the peace of the  Risen Lord

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

The Sacrament of Confirmation – Introductory evening, 12th May, 2023

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on the Feast of Christ the King (Youth Sunday) , 26th November, during the 10am Mass.

There will be an introductory evening for all those who are interested in being confirmed, along with their parents, on Friday, 12th May, in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6.30pm.  This will be followed by a special celebration during Mass on Sunday, 28th May in St. Patrick’s Church which is the Feast of Pentecost.

Confirmation is open to young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who will be in Year 8 and above from September, 2023. Prospective candidates should be regularly attending Mass and will need to take part in a period of preparation which will be outlined at our introductory gathering on 12th May. If you haven’t already registered to be part of the programme please email your details to the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

Some dates for your diary – with more news to come.

• Saturday, 20th May: A Parish Walk  from  Monkseaton to South Shields with lunch
• Saturday, 27th May: A “Forget Me Not” Afternoon Tea Party from 2-4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre

These events are open to everyone from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, along with friends and neighbours.

More details coming soon.

Day of Prayer

Tuesday, 9^th May has been chosen by the Bishops’ Conference as a Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse.  Further information can be found on the Diocesan website: https://diocesehn.org.uk/news/day-of-prayer-for-survivors-of-abuse/  A Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 12.05pm at the Cathedral to which everyone is welcome.

Thanks

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank those who organised and supported the Coronation Tea Party held in St. Patrick’s parish centre last weekend. It was a most enjoyable afternoon.

The Executive Summary

The Summary of the Canonical Investigation into the resignation of Bishop Robert Byrne which was commissioned by the Dicastry of Bishops in Rome and carried out by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon was published on 3rd May, 2023. It is available for you to read on the Diocesan website.

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

Parish Walk – Saturday 20^th May, 2023

Why not join us with your family and friends for an enjoyable easy walk from Monkseaton to South Shields.

It will be a time to relax and enjoy our beautiful coast with great company.

The walk will begin either from Monkseaton or Cullercoats and end at South Shields.

We will use the Ferry to cross the Tyne.

It is a distance of about 6 miles from Monkseaton or 3 miles from Cullercoats. The choice is yours.

We propose to have lunch at North Shields Fish Quay or you may choose to bring your own picnic.

Meeting times:

If you are doing the longer walk please meet at Monkseaton Metro Station for 10.30am

For the shorter walk, please meet at Cullercoats Metro Station for 11.30am.

A Day-saver ticket and the Metro concessionary pass both include the ferry crossing.

Toilets are located at Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth and North Shields.

For more information please contact Terry Grey 07906764697.

News from our School

During May and June, many of our children will be taking exams in phonics, times tables, reading, writing and maths. The children have been preparing well with their teachers but would appreciate your prayers to help them remain calm, have a good memory and do their best. Please ask the Holy Spirit to guide and support them. Thank you.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

4th Sunday of Easter

Vocations Sunday – A message from Pope Francis

As baptised people within the Church, all of us are servants, in accordance with the variety of our vocations, charisms and ministries. Our common vocation to give ourselves in love develops and finds concrete expression:-

• in the life of lay men and women, devoted to raising a family as a small domestic church and working as a leaven of the Gospel to renew the different sectors of society;
• in the testimony of consecrated women and men who are completely committed to God for the sake of their brothers and sisters as a prophetic sign of the kingdom of God;
• in ordained ministers – deacons, priests and bishops – placed at the service of preaching, prayer and fostering the communion of the holy People of God.

Only in relation with all the others, does any particular vocation in the Church fully disclose its true nature and richness. Viewed in this light, the Church is a vocational “symphony”, with every vocation united yet distinct, in harmony and joined together in “going forth” to radiate throughout the world the new life of the kingdom of God.

 “Let us pray, brothers and sisters, that the People of God, amid the dramatic events of history, may increasingly respond to God’s call to work together,” the Pope said. “Let us implore the light of the Holy Spirit, so that all of us may find our proper place and give the very best of ourselves in God’s divine plan!”

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 slowly recovering from post Covid symptoms and is still advised to rest as much as possible. This considerably reduces what he is able to do. He remains grateful to you for your prayers and understanding.

Celebrations during the coming week.

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Saturday:(29th) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Brian Grace Snr and Brian Grace Jnr
• Sunday     (30th) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  For the Intentions of all our parishioners
• Monday: No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre for Fr. John Reid
• Wednesday: No Mass
• Thursday: 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church for Stephen Nee
• Friday: No Mass
• Saturday:(6th May) 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  For the Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday:    (7th May) 10am Mass 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 whose memories we cherish at this time, especially Brian Grace Snr and Brian Grace Jnr and,
• Fr John Reid and Stephen Nee who have died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons

Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.

The Sacrament of Confirmation – Introductory evening, 12th May, 2023

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on the Feast of Christ the King (Youth Sunday) , 26th November, during the 10am Mass.

There will be an introductory evening for all those who are interested in being confirmed, along with their parents, on Friday, 12th May, in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6.30pm.  This will be followed by a special celebration during Mass on Sunday, 28th May in St. Patrick’s Church which is the Feast of Pentecost.

Confirmation is open to young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who will be in Year 8 and above from September, 2023. Prospective candidates should be regularly attending Mass and will need to take part in a period of preparation which will be outlined at our introductory gathering on 12th May. If you haven’t already registered to be part of the programme please email your details to the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

Some dates for your diary – with more news to come.

Saturday, 20th May: A Parish Walk  from  Monkseaton to South Shields with lunch

Saturday, 27th May: A “Forget Me Not” Afternoon Tea Party from 2pm-4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre

These events are open to everyone from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, along with friends and neighbours.

More details coming soon

Thank you

Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude to the family of the late Michael Connolly for inviting mourners at his Funeral Mass to consider making donations to support St. Patrick’s Church. Their generosity amounted to £155.50 which will help meet the running costs of the church. Thank you.

Further thanks…….

• to those who organised and supported the recent Bongo Bingo evening in St. Patrick’s parish centre which raised £205.06 for St. Patrick’s parish funds. A great night was had by all and,
• to those who contributed £2,416.00 to the red Mission boxes during the past twelve months. Thanks must also go to those who help empty the boxes in St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s.

Little Sisters of the Poor

Next weekend, 29/30 April, there will be an opportunity for those of you who wish to support the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Donations may be placed in an envelope marked Little Sisters and put in the collection boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those of you with boxes of envelopes will have an envelope in your box.

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

Parish Walk – Saturday 20^th May, 2023

Why not join us with your family and friends for an enjoyable easy walk from Monkseaton to South Shields.

It will be a time to relax and enjoy our beautiful coast with great company.

The walk will begin either from Monkseaton or Cullercoats and end at South Shields.

We will use the Ferry to cross the Tyne.

It is a distance of about 6 miles from Monkseaton or 3 miles from Cullercoats. The choice is yours.

We propose to have lunch at North Shields Fish Quay or you may choose to bring your own picnic.

Meeting times:

If you are doing the longer walk please meet at Monkseaton Metro Station for 10.30

For the shorter walk, please meet at Cullercoats Metro Station for 11.30.

A Day-saver ticket and the Metro concessionary pass both include the ferry crossing.

Toilets are located at Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth and North Shields.

For more information please contact Terry Grey 07906764697.

News from our School

This summer term we have lots to look forward to. There are residential retreats for Year 4 and Year 5 children either at the Emmaus Village or Holy Island, and an outward-bound adventure course for our Year 6 class at Hawkhirst.

We will also be celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III with school activities and inviting families in for prayers. During May, we will also be praying the rosary and including the parishioners of St Alban’s and St Patrick’s in our prayers. If any parishioners are able to come into school to pray the rosary with us, we would be delighted. Please ring us on 0191 469 3251 to make arrangements.

Also during May and June, many of our children will be taking exams in phonics, times tables, reading, writing and maths. The children have been preparing well with their teachers but would appreciate your prayers to help them remain calm, have a good memory and do their best. Please ask the Holy Spirit to guide and support them. Thank you.

Coronation

To mark the Coronation of King Charles III, Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle on Friday, 5th May at 12.05 to which you are all invited.

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.

Archbishop McMahon wrote to the clergy this week with the following update:-

The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency has confirmed it is in the process of drafting a report which will be published in due course. Similarly, after a robust and thorough process, the final interviews in the investigation for the Dicastery for Bishops took place in the last few days of March, with further submissions being received within the last week. Carol Lawrence has collated all of the information and is currently drafting a report for Archbishop McMahon. As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, we ask you to remember in your prayers those currently preparing the reports. We pray for their work and for renewal in the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle as we move forward, learning from their findings and recommendations.

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.

3rd Sunday of Easter

We are often led to believe that “new must be better” until we discover that the new gadget, which seemed more attractive when we didn’t actually have it, leads to a sense of disappointment because our lives are not changed by it as we imagined they might be. If we experience such feelings, the best thing to do is consider what it was we really wanted.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus, in the gospel read in our churches this weekend (Luke 24:13-35), said they had hoped that Jesus would be “the one to set Israel free.” They were probably thinking in political terms. Yet the freedom of Christ is much greater than any political freedom. Israel would indeed be free in Christ, but, in his words, “You will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.”

We might, at times, be disappointed in our faith. That is why many Christians fall away from belief. If they do, they tend to seek some other form of happiness. Without realising it, deep down, they seek the truth, and the truth is something that we can only find in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit that he promised us

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 slow progress recovering from post Covid systems. He is still advised to continue to rest as much as possible. He remains grateful to you for your prayers, kind wishes, understanding and patience.

Celebrations during the coming week.

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.

• Monday:  No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church for Michael Connolly
• Wednesday: No Mass
• Thursday: No Mass
• Friday: No Mass
• Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  Brian Grace Snr and Brian Grace Jnr
• Sunday (30th): 10am Mass 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 whose memories we cherish at this time, especially Brian Grace Snr, Brian Grace Jnr and Paul Hughes and,
• Fr John Reid, Michael Connolly and Stephen Nee who have died. May they rest in the peace of the   Risen Lord.

St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s Coronation Tea Party

Join us in a traditional afternoon tea in St. Patrick’s parish centre, next Saturday, 29th April from 2-4pm to celebrate the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III. Bring along your family, friends and neighbours. All are welcome.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on the Feast of Christ the King (Youth Sunday) , 26th November, during the 10am Mass.

There will be an introductory evening for all those who are interested in being confirmed, along with their parents, on Friday, 12th May, in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6:30pm.  This will be followed by a special celebration during Mass on Sunday, 28th May in St. Patrick’s Church which is the Feast of Pentecost.

Confirmation is open to young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who will be in Year 8 and above from September, 2023. Prospective candidates should be regularly attending Mass and will need to take part in a period of preparation which will be outlined at our introductory gathering on 12th May.

If you haven’t already registered to be part of the programme please email your details to the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

Some dates for your diary – with more news to come.

Saturday, 20th May: A Parish Walk  from  Monkseaton to South Shields with lunch

Saturday, 27th May: A “Forget Me Not” Afternoon Tea Party from 2-4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre

These events are open to everyone from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, along with friends and neighbours.

More details coming soon

Thank you

Fr. Patterson is grateful for donations of £45.00 received for St. Patrick’s Church from mourners attending the Funeral Service for Moyra O’Brien. They will help meet the running costs of the church

Little Sisters of the Poor

Next weekend, 29/30 April, there will be an opportunity for those of you who wish to support the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Donations may be placed in an envelope marked Little Sisters and put in the collection boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those of you with boxes of envelopes will have an envelope in your box.

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

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.

Archbishop McMahon wrote to the clergy this week with the following update:-

The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency has confirmed it is in the process of drafting a report which will be published in due course. Similarly, after a robust and thorough process, the final interviews in the investigation for the Dicastery for Bishops took place in the last few days of March, with further submissions being received within the last week. Carol Lawrence has collated all of the information and is currently drafting a report for Archbishop McMahon. As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, we ask you to remember in your prayers those currently preparing the reports. We pray for their work and for renewal in the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle as we move forward, learning from their findings and recommendations

Third World Group

Thanks to those who continue to support our parish Third World Group who recently help raise £80.00.

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

2^nd Sunday of Easter

The majority of the risen appearances of Jesus occur when his disciples are gathered together. Even before he appears, they find a sense of safety in their companionship; and after the Lord ascends to his Father, as the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles read in our churches this weekend relates:-

The faithful all lived together and owned everything in common; they sold their goods and possessions and shared out the proceeds among themselves according to what each one needed. They went as a body to the Temple every day but met in their houses for the breaking of bread; they shared their food gladly and generously; they praised God and were looked up to by everyone. Day by day the Lord added to their community those destined to be saved.”

(Acts 2: 42-47)

Their two practices of going to the Temple for prayer and then meeting in their own homes for the breaking of bread would become fused in time into what we now do in the Mass together. The Liturgy of the Word is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but they are both acts we share together, and it is out of that that we are empowered to bring the peace and mercy of Christ into the troubled world of today.

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 slow progress recovering from post Covid systems. He is still advised to continue to rest as much as possible. He remains grateful to you for your prayers, kind wishes, understanding, patience.

Celebrations during the coming week.

The following celebrations will take place during the coming week:

• Sunday (16th) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church:  Makepeace and Shanks Families
• Monday:  No Mass
• Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Margaret Barnes
• Wednesday: No Mass
• Thursday: 10.15am Funeral Service in St. Patrick’s Church for Moyra O’Brien
• Friday: No Mass
• Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church:  For the Intentions of all our parishioners
• Sunday (23rd): 10am Mass 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 and Fr John Reid, one of our retired priests, who is currently unwell
• all those whose memories we cherish at this time, especially Paul Hughes and,
• Moyra O’Brien (Mackey) and Michael Connolly who have died. May they rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.

St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s Social  Evening

Join us for a fun filled vibrant evening of Bingo with a twist. St. Patrick’s parish centre, this Friday, 21st April from 7pm. A suggested donation of £1.00 per person may be made for St. Patrick’s parish funds Please bring your own drinks and snacks.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on the Feast of Christ the King (Youth Sunday) , 26th November, during the 10am Mass.

There will be an introductory evening for all those who are interested in being confirmed, along with their parents, on Friday, 12th May, in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6.30pm.  This will be followed by a special celebration during Mass on Sunday, 28th May in St. Patrick’s Church which is the Feast of Pentecost.

Confirmation is open to young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who will be in Year 8 and above from September, 2023. Prospective candidates should be regularly attending Mass and will need to take part in a period of preparation which will be outlined at our introductory gathering on 12th May.

If you haven’t already registered to be part of the programme please email your details to the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.

Some dates for your diary – with more news to come.

Saturday, 29th April: A Coronation Afternoon Tea  Party from 2-4pm  in St. Patrick’s parish centre

Saturday, 20th May: A Parish Walk  from  Monkseaton to South Shields with lunch

Saturday, 27th May: A “Forget Me Not” Afternoon Tea Party from 2-4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre

These events are open to everyone from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, along with friends and neighbours.

More details coming soon

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

The annual collection for the Sick and Retired Priests of the Diocese will be taken this weekend, 15th and 16th April, and the Fund will remain open until 5th May for donations. This collection goes to support our Sick and Retired Priests who have served our diocese over many years. The “Superiors” of the Fund who are priests of the Diocese wish to ensure that this Fund is also there for future retired priests. Recent years have been very difficult and income has drastically declined. The Superiors invite you to consider donating £5.00 or £10.00 (and if possible Gift Aid your donation) in recognition of all the priests who have served in our parishes over many years. For further information on Gift Aid, one-off larger donations, or a bequest in your Will, please do not hesitate to contact Fr. Ian Jackson on 0191 586 4319. Should you wish to make a donation please place your offering in an envelope marked “NBF” and place it in one of the collections boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those with boxes of envelopes should have an envelope.

Thank you

Fr. Patterson is grateful for two donations of £40.00, one of £10.00 and another of £5.00 for St. Patrick’s parish funds received during Easter time. 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