The Feast of Mary the Mother of God
The readings read in our churches this weekend place us within the family relationship of God, who is Father, Son and Spirit.
In the first reading (Number 6:22-27), the Lord reminds his people that they are God’s children and offers them a blessing of peace and a promise of God’s graciousness. St Paul in the second reading (Galatians 4:4-7), reminds us that we have been adopted as children of God. We are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters of God. In the Gospel (Luke 2: 16-21), we are given a glimpse into a moment where Mary herself takes in the wonder of Jesus’ birth and ponders the unique experience of being mother to the Son of God.
We too are blessed by God our Father, who calls us his adopted children and who loves us with that same love which he has for his own Son. Indeed, the Lord loves us so much that he has become human like us. In Jesus, God feels our sorrow, our joy and our fears, and understands our dreams.
We are made in God’s image and likeness. As such each person we encounter on our journey through life is an “image of God”. There will be people, like the shepherds, who are poor in mind, body or resources. There will be those, like the magi, who are rich in mind and spirit as well as in material resources. We are called to do as Mary did and to welcome each one as if they were Christ himself.
As the New Year begins may we ponder Christ’s love in the silence of our hearts and find the face of Christ in all those we meet.
Thanks
Fr. Patterson thanks all those who helped to make Christmas a most prayerful and uplifting celebration in both of our churches and takes this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year
He also wishes to thank parishioners for further donations received; £100.00 towards the cost of heating St. Patrick’s Church; a donation of £50.00 for St. Patrick’s parish funds.
Thanks to everyone for their ongoing generosity in these challenging economic times.
Are you feeling unwell – remember the old slogan “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases”
If you are feeling unwell or have any cold, flu or Covid symptons, particularly a persistent cough, you should consider staying at home rather than coming to church for your own well-being and for that of others.
Mass Intentions
Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass for the following Intentions during the coming week. With the exception of Wednesday and Thursday all Masses are open to everyone.
- Monday: No Mass
- Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre – Ruth Wolf
- Wednesday – (Private Mass) Brian Quigley
- Thursday – (Private Mass) Private Intention
- Friday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre – For the Intentions of all our parishioners
- Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church – Peter Sloan
- Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the Intentions of all our parishioners
Mass to view on line
Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday. Visit the Cathedral website.
Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.
When you are unable to celebrate Mass in Church, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:-
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Please keep in your prayers:
- all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
- all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Allan Lavin and Ruth Wolf and,
- Mary Forster who has died. May she rest in the peace of Christ.
Feast of the Epiphany
Friday is the Feast of the Epiphany, a day when the Church encourages us to come together for the celebration of Mass. Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 10am. Entry is through the parish centre doors only.
A Prayer for those who are ill and for those who care for them
Merciful God, we entrust to your loving care those who are ill or in pain. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to full health and strength. Grant perseverance and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, empower them with your Spirit, so that through their care many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A Prayer for Ukraine
Loving God, we pray for the people of Ukraine, for all those suffering or afraid, that you will be close to them and protect them. We pray for world leaders, for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices. We pray for the world that in this moment of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for the whole world. Amen
Please consider helping our “Counters” We have a limited number of volunteers who have offered to assist with the counting and banking of the collections taken in both of our churches. You could help to reduce their workload by making your offering by Standing Order. Please consider doing so.
St Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984
St Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453
St. Alban’s Church
Due to plumbing issues, there are no toilet facilities available in St. Alban’s Church for the foreseeable future.
Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons for Advent
Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.
