Easter Sunday
We have travelled from garden to garden in our passage through the readings of Holy Week. Beginning in the days of the vast garden of creation, divinely blessed and loved, to the garden of Christ’s empty tomb where in the beauty of the Easter dawn Mary Magdalene will mistake the Risen Lord for the local gardener.
But our journey is just beginning. There is a further garden. The one promised to the repentant thief by Jesus in the agony of his crucifixion. ‘Today you will be with me in the garden of paradise.’ (Fr. John Farrell OP adapted)
Fr. Patterson wishes you all a very happy and spiritually rewarding Easter.
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.
A message from Fr. Patterson
Fr. Patterson is making slow progress recovering from post Covid systems. He is advised to continue to rest as much as possible. He remains grateful to you for your prayers, kind wishes, understanding, patience , Easter cards and Easter eggs!
He also wishes to thank those who made the celebration of the Easter and Holy Week services possible by their active participation and prayerful attendance. Thanks must also go to the editor of our “Share a Prayer” leaflet which has been circulated throughout Lent and comes to an end with an Easter Sunday edition.
Celebrations during the coming week.
The following celebrations will take place during the coming week.
- Easter Sunday (9th) 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: George Owens
- Monday: No Mass
- Tuesday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: Knock, Hughes and Kelly Families
- Wednesday: No Mass
- Thursday: 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s parish centre: David and Brenda Gibbon
- Friday: No Mass
- Saturday: 6pm Mass in St. Alban’s Church: For the Intentions of all our parishioners
- Sunday (16th): 10am Mass in St. Patrick’s Church: Makepeace and Shanks Families
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 and Fr John Reid, one of our retired priests, who is currently unwell
- all those whose memories we cherish at this time, especially Pat Donald and Elizabeth Knock and,
- Moyra O’Brien (Mackey) who has died. May she rest in the peace of the Risen Lord.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on the Feast of Christ the King (Youth Sunday) , 26th November, during the 10am Mass.
There will be an introductory evening for all those who are interested in being confirmed, along with their parents, on Friday, 12th May, in St. Patrick’s parish centre at 6.30pm. This will be followed by a special celebration during Mass on Sunday, 28th May in St. Patrick’s Church which is the Feast of Pentecost.
Confirmation is open to young people from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s who will be in Year 8 and above from September, 2023. Prospective candidates should be regularly attending Mass and will need to take part in a period of preparation which will be outlined at our introductory gathering on 12th May.
If you haven’t already registered to be part of the programme please email your details to the parish office at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk.
Some dates for your diary – with more news to come.
- Friday, 21st April: A Parish Social Evening taking the form of “Bongo Bingo” at 7pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre
- Saturday, 29th April: A Coronation Afternoon Tea Party from 2-4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre
- Saturday, 20th May: A Parish Walk from Monkseaton to South Shields with lunch
- Saturday, 27th May: A “Forget Me Not” Afternoon Tea Party from 2-4pm in St. Patrick’s parish centre
These events are open to everyone from St. Alban’s and St. Patrick’s, along with friends and neighbours.
More details coming soon
Serving those who have served us well -The Northern Brethren Fund
The annual collection for the Sick and Retired Priests of the Diocese will be taken next weekend, 15th and 16th April, and the Fund will remain open until 5th May for donations. This collection goes to support our Sick and Retired Priests who have served our diocese over many years. The “Superiors” of the Fund who are priests of the Diocese wish to ensure that this Fund is also there for future retired priests. Recent years have been very difficult and income has drastically declined. The Superiors invite you to consider donating £5.00 or £10.00 (and if possible Gift Aid your donation) in recognition of all the priests who have served in our parishes over many years. For further information on Gift Aid, one-off larger donations, or a bequest in your Will, please do not hesitate to contact Fr. Ian Jackson on 0191 586 4319. Should you wish to make a donation please place your offering in an envelope marked “NBF” and place it in one of the collections boxes at the entrances to our churches. Those with boxes of envelopes should have an envelope.
