6th Sunday of the Year
In the wake of the terrible earthquakes in Syria and Turkey on 6th February, Cafod’s local team are already on the ground in Syria responding to the needs of those affected. Cafod has been working in Syria for many years providing humanitarian support to families affected by the 12 year long conflict – families who now face another devastating crisis.
Because of the generosity of parishes in our country to recent Fast Days and other donations, Cafod have been able to make an initial allocation of £100,000 to provide urgent humanitarian support – food, water, shelter, medical assistance and winter kits – in the worst affected areas.
Cafod is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and has joined with the DEC’s Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal to raise funds and awareness.
If you feel able to make a donation to Cafod’s Syria-Turkey Earthquake Appeal you may do it online or you may choose to bring your donation to either of our churches this weekend in a envelope marked “Earthquake Appeal” and place it in one of the collection boxes at the entrance to our churches.
Let us pray:-
God of mercy, we entrust to your care the people of Turkey and Syria
and pray for those who have died and for those who mourn.
We hold in our hearts those who are injured and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Grant those affected courage and resilience, as they rebuild their lives and communities.
Inspire us to unite in solidarity, acting swiftly and generously,
so that help may reach all who need it.
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 – Paul Hughes (NC)
- Wednesday: (Private Mass) Brian and Pat McDonough
- Thursday: 10am in St. Patrick’s parish centre – Rita Short
- 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 – Catherine Palmer
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 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.
Walk with Me
The Lenten edition of this little prayer book provides a reflection and prayer for each day of Lent. A limited number of copies are available in both of our churches this weekend priced at £1.00.
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.
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 the last week of our half term and the children and staff have worked very hard these last six weeks, learning more and trying to remember more each and every day. The governors spent an afternoon with us last week and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the children and staff and talking to them about our school and how we try to always ‘live life to the full’. Thank you for your continued prayers and be assured that you are in our prayers too.
COVID levels on the rise
After reaching their lowest point for over a year, COVID rates are increasing again – a 61% increase in the last fortnight. Professor Tim Spectre from Zoe expects this to continue for at least another few weeks, so keep yourself as protected as possible by socialising outdoors when you can and maintaining good hand hygiene.
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.
Church Action on Poverty
You may be interested in a gathering at St Cuthbert’s RC Church, North Shields next Sunday, 19h February, 2023 at 3pm. See the Church Action on Poverty poster and Church Action on Poverty Brochure for more information.
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.
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.
Cost of Living
Connected voice offer information and support from a range of organisations for anyone who needs help with cost of living issue.
Chat all things Energy
Gateshead Council along with Citizens Advice (Gateshead) are offering free energy advice on Thursday, 23rd February at Gateshead Central Library from 10am – 3pm. You are welcome to go for advice on how you could save on your bills.
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
