5th Sunday of the Year
The Gospels were written forty and more years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. During those years his followers shared their memories of him and reflected together on what his words meant, gradually coming to understand his mission and his vision.
St. Matthew is aware that the ‘Kingdom’ Jesus talked about was not only possible, but it was near, made visible by Jesus himself. The call of Jesus to “follow me” was always an urgent and challenging one but there was a vibrancy and excitement in what he taught.
Evidence of this is found in the Gospel, read in our churches this weekend, which contains two wonderfully simple stories. (Matthew 5: 13-16)
Salt has two uses – to keep things fresh and to add flavour to food. Both were important. In the time of Jesus, before refrigeration and deep freezing, rubbing salt into meats and fish preserved them and kept them fresh. The point is clear. The vision of Jesus is not for some time in the future. It is to be kept fresh and living in the present moment.
The idea of lighting a lamp and then putting it under a tub is rather pointless. Using this image to speak about the Kingdom of God, Jesus is making the point that his kingdom is to be seen throughout the whole of the world in the lives of those who follow him.
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: John and Josephine Emery
- Wednesday: (Private Mass) Brian Quigley
- Thursday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre: For all organ donors
- 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: Isabella Taylor
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 Denis Patrick Lenehan and Isabella Taylor and,
- Fr. Paddy McMahon who has died. May he rest in the peace of Christ.
Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons
Each week Bishop Barron offers a Sunday sermon.
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 in both of our churches. If you are unsure how to turn “Notification sounds” off, then please turn your phone off completely. Thank you.
Thank you
Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude for a donation of £10.00 recently received towards the cost of heating St. Patrick’s Church and for a donation of £15.00 for St. Patrick’s parish funds.
Vandalism
St. Patrick’s Church suffered more vandalism last Tuesday evening at approximately 7pm when lead was torn off the link corridor roof to the presbytery which resulted in the damage of a number of roof slates and felt. Temporary repairs have been made to prevent the ingress of water and Fr. Patterson is in the process of obtaining estimates for the cost of the repairs. When passing either of our churches, please keep an eye out for anything or anyone who may appear to be acting in a suspicious manner and let us know, but please do not do anything that would put yourself at risk.
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
This coming week is Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Week with the theme of ‘Let’s Connect’. Their website https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/ says: “Human beings thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing, and our survival. When we have healthy connections – to family, friends and others – this can support our mental health and our sense of wellbeing. And when our need for rewarding social connections is not met, we can sometimes feel isolated and lonely – which can have a negative impact on our mental health.
For Children’s Mental Health Week this year, we are encouraging people to connect with others in healthy, rewarding, and meaningful ways. We look forward to exploring ways of connecting with our shared parish in the weeks ahead.
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 6pm – 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.
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