3rd Sunday of the Year
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
“Unity amid injustice,” is the theme of the week of prayer.
In the book of Genesis, we are told that we are made in the image of God. People of all ethnicities, cultures, languages and religions, together represent the image of the Creator. To deny that image in any one race, in any one person, is to reject God’s presence in the whole of humanity.
As society becomes more indifferent to the needs of others we, as Christian people, must learn to take up the cause of our oppressed brothers and sisters so that they may live in peace with justice. In doing this we will be recognising God’s image in everyone.
We give them names: refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, economic migrants, some more welcome than others, but they are all divinely human. Our commitment to eradicate and to be healed of the sin of racism will be a sign of unity for the whole world.
You may like to make this prayer your own:-
“You made us, God, in your own image, and then became one of us, proud of those you have made. Make us proud of being part of that worldwide family, and eager to discover and celebrate your image in every person, every culture, every nation that we are privileged to encounter.”
All are welcome
Everyone is welcome to join us for the celebration of Mass in St. Patrick’s and St. Alban’s churches. It is a joy to welcome people of other faiths or none who come to join us in worship. Currently, only baptised Catholic people are able to receive Holy Communion and we ask that when you approach the altar you extend your hands towards the minister who will place the sacred host in your hand which you should then consume immediately before returning to your place. If you are not a Catholic or are indisposed to receive Holy Communion, you are invited to come forward at the appropriate time and receive a blessing, indicating your desire by folding an arm across your chest.
Are you feeling unwell – remember the old slogan “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases”
If you are feeling unwell or have any cold, flu or Covid symptoms, particularly a persistent cough, you should consider staying at home rather than coming to church for your own well-being and for that of others.
Could Friday, 17th February be a turning point in your life?
We invite you to a Social Evening for parishioners and friends of both of our parishes on Friday, 17th February, 2023 in St. Patrick’s parish centre from 7pm.
- It provides an opportunity to come together after all we have gone through during the past three years, and continue to go through, in a warm and friendly setting.
- Could you invite someone who may still be struggling with the after effects of lockdown to come along with you?
- Could you offer to give someone a lift?
It is, of course, a choice for you to make! Please bring your own drinks and nibbles.
Admission is free, but if you feel able, you may like to support the Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project by bringing along a food donation of either sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, a tin of tomatoes or chick peas.
Mass Intentions
Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass for the following Intentions during the coming week. With the exception of Wednesday and Friday, all Masses and Services are open to everyone.
- Monday: No Mass
- Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Norah, Albert and Brenda Lagan
- Wednesday: (Private Mass) Pat Donald
- Thursday: No Mass
- Friday: (Private Mass) Private Intention
- Saturday: 6pm in St. Alban’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
- Sunday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church: Patsy Rafferty
Please note there is no Mass on Thursday as Fr. Patterson is attending a meeting of the Diocesan Consultors.
Mass to view on line
Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday. Visit the Cathedral website.
Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.
When you are unable to celebrate Mass in Church, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:-
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Please keep in your prayers:
- all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
- all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Patsy Rafferty and,
- Rita Short who has died. May she rest in the peace of Christ.
A Prayer for those who are ill and for those who care for them
Merciful God, we entrust to your loving care those who are ill or in pain. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to full health and strength. Grant perseverance and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, empower them with your Spirit, so that through their care many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
A Prayer for Ukraine
Loving God, we pray for the people of Ukraine, for all those suffering or afraid, that you will be close to them and protect them. We pray for world leaders, for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices. We pray for the world that in this time of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for the whole world. Amen
Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons
Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.
Weekly Offering Envelopes – Gift Aid Contributors
We will soon be ordering boxes of envelopes for the new year, beginning 1st April, 2023. These envelopes are becoming very expensive, so we would urge you to consider making your offering by Standing Order. This not only reduces the cost on the parish and is more environmentally friendly, but also eases the burden on our limited teams of counters who count the collections.
The details you require to set up a Standing Order are set out below:-
St Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984
St Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453
If you would prefer to continue to receive a box of envelopes for your Gift Aided contributions please place a note to that effect with your name and address in the collecting boxes at the front and back of our churches this weekend, or email the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk by this Sunday evening.
Can you play a musical instrument?
If you would like to join St. Patrick’s musicians and help with the music at Sunday Mass, please speak to Jessica or Dylan who you will find at the front of the church after Mass.
News from our School
Our spring term has begun in earnest and we are very pleased to welcome all our new children as they start our nursery class. We hope they settle in well, making lots of friends, as they join our school community.
The Friends of St Alban’s (PTA group) meet on Thursday 26th January at 9.00 in school to plan events and fundraising for this term. All parents and carers are invited to attend.
Our Little Saints Toddler Group has re-started in school and runs each Thursday from 9.30 – 11.30. Entry is through the gates on Queen Victoria Street. Families with pre-school age children are very welcome.
Parking in our church car parks
Please be aware that the Trustees of the Diocese cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage to third party property, vehicles and their contents whilst left in the church car parks.
A stay in Hospital
If you or any members of your family are going into hospital and would like to see the Catholic Chaplain, please ask a member of the ward staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain. Alternatively you can contact the Chaplaincy Department Office directly. For the Queen Elizabeth Hospital telephone 0191 445 2072 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paul Nichol). For the RVI and Freeman Hospitals in Newcastle telephone 0191 282 9322 (Catholic Chaplain: Rev Paddy Jackson).
In an emergency, please ask the ward sister to contact the on call Catholic chaplain. Please do not contact your own parish priest who may be unable to respond due to current hospital protocols.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 2023
The Pilgrimage to Lourdes plans to travel on Friday, 28th July, returning Friday, 4th August, 2023. If you would like more information please visit www.hexhamandnewcastlelourdespilgrimage.co.uk/ or email lourdes@rcdhn.org.uk.
The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project – An appeal for coats
As well as the ongoing need for donations of sugar, biscuits, tinned fish in oil, tins of tomatoes, chick peas, toiletries and shampoo, the project would be grateful for any unwanted coats— but please no jumble!
Items may be left on the table to your right as you enter the front of St. Patrick’s Church or on any table if you enter by the rear door. A basket is also available in the porch of St. Alban’s Church and in our school.
Vocations to the Priesthood Enquiry Evenings
The Priesthood Vocations Team invite men aged 18+ who might be experiencing the call from God to discern priesthood to join the Vocations Team in finding out more. Discernment Evenings for 2023 are planned for: Tuesday 14th February, Tuesday 4th April, Tuesday 27th June, Tuesday 3rd October and Tuesday 5th December. These will be held at the Cloister Café – St Mary’s Cathedral, Clayton Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5HH from 6-8pm. There will be a time of Prayer, talk/discussion, followed by a meal together. If you would like to attend, or for more information, please contact the Vocations Promoter, Fr Shaun Purdy by email at: vocationspromoter@diocesehn.org.uk or by phone: 01670 812 200.
