32nd Sunday of the Year
Dear Parishioners
November is that time of year when the Church invites us to pray for all those who have died.
As well as remembering our own family members, friends and parishioners, we might also pray for names we will never know and voices we have never heard in lands we may never visit, yet they are all our brothers and sisters.
Let us remember those parishioners whose deaths were made known to us during the past twelve months:-
Celia Anderson, Mary Smith, Sheila Fletcher, Patrick Reilly, Celia Morley, Maureen Hughes, Brian Barrett, Jim Ward, Joan Elliott, John Madden, Catherine Harkness, Margaret Graham, George Owens, Connie Hullock, Kevin O’Sullivan, Ronnie Brown, Louise Synnott, Catherine Hall, Peter Coyne, Joan Neil, John Rutter, Audrey Irvine, Pat Cunningham, John Southern and Kathleen Burrell.
Almighty ever-living God, remember the love with which you graced your people in life.
Receive them into the company of the saints.
Look with favour on those who mourn, and comfort them in their loss.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God watch over and bless us all.
Fr Patterson
All are welcome
Everyone is welcome to join us for the celebration of Mass in St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches. In recent times, it has been a joy to welcome people of other faiths or none who have come to join us in worship.
Currently, only baptised Catholic people are able to receive Holy Communion and we ask that when you approach the altar you extend your hands towards the minister who will place the sacred host in your hand which you should then consume immediately before returning to your place.
If you are not a Catholic or are indisposed to receive Holy Communion, you are invited to come forward at the appropriate time and receive a blessing, indicating your desire by folding an arm across your chest.
St Alban’s Anniversary – A Mass of Thanksgiving – Wednesday, 9th November at 6pm
Wednesday of this coming week, 9th November, 2022 marks the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the current church of St. Alban at Pelaw by Bishop Lindsay.
In what are still uncertain times for us, Fr. Patterson will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Alban’s Church on Wednesday, 9th November at 6pm. You would be most welcome to be part of this act of Thanksgiving.
Mass Intentions
Fr Patterson will celebrate Mass for the following Intentions during the coming week. With the exception of Friday all Masses and Services are open to everyone.
- Monday: No Mass
- Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church – George Owens
- Wednesday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church – In Thanksgiving
- Thursday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church – Joan McCabe
- Friday: (Private Mass) – Brian Quigley
- Saturday: 6pm in St Alban’s Church – For the Intentions of all our parishioners
- Sunday: 10am St Patrick’s Church – Paul and David Clay
Mass to view on line
Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday. Visit the Cathedral website.
Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.
When you are unable to celebrate Mass in Church, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:-
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Please keep in your prayers:
- all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
- all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Paul and David Clay and,
- Kathleen Burrell who has died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the soul of your servant whom you have called from this life. May she be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united. Amen
Pray for our priests and deacons
Please pray for the priests and deacons of our Diocese who will be meeting with Bishop Robert this week.
A Prayer for our nation
Almighty God, ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive our shortcomings as a nation, purify our hearts to see and love the truth, give wisdom to our leaders, steadfastness to our people and bring us at last
to your kingdom of peace whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for those who are ill and for those who have Covid
Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that your everlasting arms are here to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for those who care for the sick
Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for cures to the world’s illnesses. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A Prayer for Ukraine
Loving God, we pray for the people of Ukraine, for all those suffering or afraid, that you will be close to them and protect them. We pray for world leaders, for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices. We pray for the world that in this moment of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for the whole world. Amen
A Prayer for People facing uncertainty
God of the present moment who, in Jesus, stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart, bring hope and courage to all who wait or work in uncertainty, for your will is health and wholeness for all who believe in you. Amen
Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons
Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.
Refreshments after Mass
Refreshments will be served this Sunday in St. Patrick’s parish centre after Mass.
Mass in St Alban’s Room in our school
After consulting with Mrs Robinson, Fr. Patterson will be celebrating Mass on Wednesday, 16th November in St Alban’s Room in our school when parishioners will be able to join in prayer with some of our children. Details of how to gain access to the school for Mass will be announced shortly, as those attending must comply with the school’s safeguarding policy. Please do not attend if you are suffering from any Covid, cold or flu symptoms.
Holy Island Camp
Organisers of the Holy Island Camp urgently need volunteers.
They have sent the following note:- “We cannot offer glamour but we can offer friendship and a worthwhile cause to help. Term Time Camps take place between Easter and the Summer Holidays and then September and October. Commitment involves training, a DBS check and the choice of anything from a few days to a week helping on the beautiful island itself.
We also need volunteers to work as part of a team of helpers to supervise and look after children, taking part in our weekly holidays over July and August. Volunteers would help organise activities and supervise the care of the children, aged between 9 and 12. Again, very little glamour and admittedly tiring, but so worthwhile! Commitment is for training, a DBS check and a week on the island.
All roles can be applied for in November, 2022 on line at https://www.svp.org.uk/microsite/holy-island/ where there is also much more information.”
Parish Insurance
The Property Insurance is now due for both of our parishes. The premium for St. Alban’s Church and presbytery amounts to £2,630.25 and the premium for St. Patrick’s Church, parish centre and presbytery amounts to £6,016.98.
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.
Supporting St Alban’s and St Patrick’s with your offerings
These are difficult times for everyone as the cost of living and energy costs are starting to impact on us, our parishes included. Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude for your generous weekly contributions to parish funds enabling us to pay our bills.
There are ways you can help at no further cost to yourself. If you are a UK taxpayer, our parishes can recover, through the UK government’s Gift Aid scheme, an extra 25p for every £1.00 you donate. If you wish to support our parishes in this way, please email John, the parish gift aid organiser for both of our parishes at stpatrick.giftaid@outlook.com for the appropriate form.
Whether you are a tax payer or not, you can help to relieve the pressure on our “Counting Teams” and those who have to bank the monies, by making your weekly contribution by Standing order. The details below will enable you to do so.
St Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984
St Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453
St. Patrick’s Parent Toddler Group
Fr. Patterson has been approached by the Trustees of St. Patrick’s Parent Toddler Group and after discussion with them, it was agreed that it would not be possible for the group to reopen.
Prior to the lockdown, the group was struggling to provide the necessary level of volunteers to ensure the safe operation of the group and the number of children attending had also declined.
Fr. Patterson is grateful to those who established the group in 1996 and to those who have helped to run the group since then, providing a wonderful resource, not only for the parish, but for the local community too. Many of the toys amassed over the years have been gifted to local charities and to neighbouring groups.
Women’s Guild
Fr Patterson wishes to express his heartfelt thanks to Mary Laurie who has asked to step down as the organiser of the Women’s Guild after 66 years. In recent times, the ageing process and health issues have meant that the membership of the group has declined considerably and after discussion with Mary, Fr Patterson has agreed that the Women’s Guild will be disbanded. The Guild and its members have, over the years, contributed so generously to the parish both socially and financially and Fr. Patterson acknowledges his gratitude for all they have contributed to the parish and local community.
We hope, in the months ahead, to be able to explore opportunities for parishioners from both of our churches to gather together in St. Patrick’s parish centre from time to time for a cup of tea and a chat—but we will need volunteers to facilitate this. If you would be interested to help us move forward in this regard, please email the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.
The Newman Association
The next meeting of the Tyneside Circle of the Newman Association is on Wednesday, 30th November at 7.30pm in the church hall at St. Cuthbert’s, North Shields, when Bernard Robinson will give a talk entitled “‘All will be Saved’ – Eventually: The Universal Salvation Debate”. All are welcome to attend.
Advent Retreat : 25th – 27th November, 2022
Minsteracres welcomes you to join them on an Advent Retreat on the theme of ‘Behold I Make All Things New’ led by international Poet/librettist Euan Tait. Euan will takes people on a journey of emotional and spiritual explorations, musical and prayerful reflections on the life of Giuseppe Verdi, who overcame many obstacles and adversities to be transformed into one of the greatest composers of our age! Tel: 01434 673248 for more information.
The Diocesan Emmaus Bereavement Support Service
Whilst family and friends can be immensely supportive in coping with a bereavement, sometimes a bereaved person may wish to talk to someone outside of their immediate circle. The Emmaus Bereavement Support Team, trained in the Ministry of Consolation, is available to support those who wish to talk about their loss. As the post-Covid restrictions have eased, support can now be offered face to face. The Emmaus Bereavement Support Service number is 07732 980740 – please leave your name and number and a member of the team will get in touch with you.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2023
Are you interested in helping the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes next year? The organisers need nurses, healthcare assistants, doctors and volunteers to provide care for assisted pilgrims who travel on the pilgrimage. Previous helpers have found the pilgrimage to be a rewarding and spiritually uplifting week.
The pilgrimage plans to travel on Friday, 28th July, 2023. If you wish to find out more information, please email lourdes@rcdhn.org.uk or visit https://www.hexhamandnewcastlelourdespilgrimage.co.uk/
Gateshead Covid update
You may find this data from the Borough of interest. Figures are as reported on 3rd November, 2022.
128 new Covid cases in the period 23rd Oct – 29th October which is a decrease of 49 from the previous week; 8 people have died in the same week which is an increase of 2 from the previous week and 71 patients with Covid were in the QE Hospital on 2nd November
