Remembrance Sunday
Dear Parishioners
Another lock down with a further series of restrictions on our freedom.
It is a freedom that comes at a high price. A fact we are reminded of this weekend as we remember the dead of two world wars and subsequent military campaigns who sacrificed their lives so that we may live in peace and freedom.
The Prime Minister acknowledged this fact as he explained why the Government felt it was necessary to impose further restrictions on our freedom throughout the whole of England until 2nd December. It is something he has not done lightly.
Sacrifice is not a popular concept. It never has been.
It is though part of the Christian faith and it brings an eternal reward. But we are an impatient race and desire things instantly, witnessed by the growth in online shopping with next day delivery—or even same day delivery if we are prepared to pay a little extra.
Are we becoming impatient with this coronavirus to the extent that we are prepared to take risks rather than make sacrifices? Risks not only to ourselves but risks which may affect those we love and those we encounter in the street or in the supermarket.
Remembrance Sunday may help us to put the sacrifices we are currently being asked to make into perspective along with this epitaph composed by John Maxwell Edmunds:-
When you go home, tell them of us, and say,
“For your to-morrows these gave their to-day”.
Please continue to look after each other, by staying at home, protecting the NHS and saving lives. Keep washing your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and do try to keep at least 2 metres away from people you do not live with and help reduce the spread of the virus.
Pray for one another and please pray for me.
May God bless you and keep you safe
Fr. Patterson
Mass to view on line
Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.05. These services may be viewed live or anytime later.
Alternatively, you may like to follow daily Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 or which may also be viewed any time later at:
Mass Intentions
During the lockdown I will continue to celebrate Mass privately every day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week:
- Monday – Billy Knowles
- Tuesday – For those struggling with loneliness and isolation
- Wednesday – Margaret and Brian Pankhurst
- Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
- Friday – Susan Harland
- Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
- Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners
When you are unable to celebrate Mass with me, 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 this week:
- all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
- Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly and,
- all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Susan Harland
A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors
Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life, be with doctors, nurses and carers, as they act as agents of your healing touch. In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving; and when their work is done, be with them in their weariness and in their tears. Amen.
A Prayer for the present moment
Merciful
God, hear our prayers for all who suffer from the coronavirus. May they receive
good treatment and the comfort of your healing presence. Give solace to those
who grieve the loss of loved ones. Protect and guide those who strive to find a
vaccine, that their work may conquer the disease and restore communities to
wholeness and health. Help us to rise above fear. We ask all this through the intercession
of Our Lady of Lourdes, and in the name of your Son, Jesus, and the Holy
Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
Message from the Bishops
The Regulations passed into law by Parliament during the week prohibit the gathering of people for communal worship in churches and other religious buildings.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference, urge us, as responsible citizens, to observe these Regulations, which have the force of law.
The Bishops go on to say: “We do this in solidarity with so many others on whom are being imposed restrictions which impact severely on their lives and livelihoods. It is also important to recognise that these Regulations are not an attack on religious belief.
At this difficult moment, we must sustain each other in our patterns of prayer……… observing the Vigil of Christ the King (21st November) as a day of prayer for the ending of this pandemic. And we encourage you all in your practical service and support of each other and those around you in need.”
In the words of St. Paul to Titus 3:1: ‘Remind them to be obedient to the officials in authority; to be ready to do good at every opportunity’
News from our School
During this month of November, the pupils and staff at school will join us in praying for those who have died.
Parish finances and offerings
Fr. Patterson renews his thanks to those parishioners who, in these financially challenging times, regularly contribute to parish funds, which helps to meet the day to day financial commitments of our churches.
He is appreciative of those parishioners who are bringing their weekly offering envelopes to Mass or choose to drop them through the presbytery letterbox. Parishioners are also able to make their offering by bank transfer directly into the parish accounts or by cheque; the details of the accounts are below.
For security reasons, please do not put any envelopes through St. Alban’s Presbytery door. Envelopes for St. Alban’s parish should be posted through St. Patrick’s Presbytery door only.
If you Gift Aid your offertory contributions, the parish can reclaim the tax on your offering should you wish to make a bank transfer. It would be helpful to enter your name and Gift Aid envelope number as the reference when making the transfer.
Alternatively, you might wish to put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church when you feel able to come.
The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:-
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
Donation
Fr. Patterson is grateful for a recent donation to St. Patrick’s parish funds given in memory of Brian Quigley.
IICSA Report
Bishop Robert has informed us that the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) will publish its investigation report into the Catholic Church of England and Wales on Tuesday and asks that we keep all victims of abuse in our prayers, asking God’s forgiveness for these terrible crimes.
Protect your loved ones
The NHS COVID-19 app is now available to download for free in England and Wales. It is the fastest way to see if you are at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.
Diocesan Website
More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.
