4th Sunday of the Year
History, some might say, is the story of human ambition and its often tragic consequences. Wealth and power, always an attractive prospect, have never been more glamorised than in our own day and age. People are encouraged to “Think Big.”
Over-ambition however has its real-life casualties, too, especially in a celebrity culture that fosters unrealistic expectations. It is why, when encouraging young people to work hard and aim high, we may also need to remind them that it’s OK to live an unremarkable life – and better still to live a good one.
The Roman Empire in which Jesus lived was as aspirational as our own society. Glamour and power were much admired but they meant nothing to Jesus. He was happy in the company of people who were unimportant or scorned. His way of life was teaching them and us that deep and lasting fulfilment comes, not from the things we have, but from the person we are and the good we do.
Those truly blessed are the gentle, compassionate, humble people who sometimes suffer for doing the right thing. They are the real princes and princesses of this world, for one day they will inherit God’s kingdom and enjoy all the comfort and recognition of living in his presence.
The Gospel read in our churches this weekend, makes it clear that the kingdom of God is for those with an eye to the common good rather than to their own self-interest.
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: 10.45am in St. Patrick’s Church: Funeral Service for Rita Short
- Wednesday: (Private Mass) Hughes, Knock and Kelly Families
- Thursday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Lindsay Bradley
- 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: Denis Patrick Lenehan
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 Lindsay Bradley and Denis Patrick Lenehan 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.
Congratulations and Thank you
We offer our prayerful good wishes to Isaac Wood who was welcomed into the family of the Church last weekend. We pray that his parents may be given the strength of faith to fulfil the commitment they made on their son’s behalf.
Fr. Patterson is extremely grateful to those who attended this celebration and gave donations totalling £258.00 towards the cost of heating the church. Thank you so much.
Thank you
Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude for a donation of £200.00 recently received towards the cost of heating and lighting St. Alban’s Church
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 Early Years unit have invited their families and friends to a prayer service next week for the feast of The Presentation of the Lord. We ask for your continued prayers and for God’s blessing on all of our youngest pupils in our school community.
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 18.00 – 20.00. 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.
Postage stamps
After 31st January, 2023, regular stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid. Your non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for the new barcoded version through the Stamp Swap Out scheme. To swap out your stamps, simply complete one of our Stamp Swap Out forms and send it back to us along with your non-barcoded stamps.
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