26th Sunday of the Year
Dear Parishioners
There has been a great deal to take in this week when it comes to the continuing spread of the coronavirus and the effect it is having on all of us, socially, spiritually and economically.
From the very beginning of the pandemic, we have been asked to adopt a 2 metre rule of social distancing which, we are told, is the most effective way of helping prevent the spread of the virus.
Another way some of us may be able to help is by considering using the NHS Covid 19 App which is now available to download for free in England and Wales and is the fastest way to see if you’re at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.
The App lets you know the level of coronavirus risk in your postcode district. It enables you to check into any venue that is required to record track and trace details of people visiting that venue. It alerts you if you have been near other App users who have tested positive to coronavirus. It enables you to check if you have coronavirus symptoms to enable you to see if you need a free test. It helps you to book a test and to receive your results. It will keep track of your self isolation countdown and provides further relevant advice.
If you have downloaded the App, it may be used to register your track and trace details when coming to Mass in St. Patrick’s Church. Simply scan the QR Code which is displayed in the Church. Please have your phone ready and the App open before entering the Church so that you do not create a “pinch point” by having to search for your phone in your pocket or bag. You may of course continue to bring your Track and Trace details in an envelope and place it in the box at the front of the Church. The choice is yours to make.
Those who choose not to download the App or are unable to, should continue to bring their Track and Trace details in the usual way by means of an envelope.
Whatever we choose, let us respond in a positive way to do all we can to try to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus in our own locality.
Please look after each other by observing social distancing and local restrictions.
Pray for one another and please pray for me.
May God bless you all.
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.
Mass Intentions
With the exception of Tuesday and Thursday, when there is a public Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, I will continue to celebrate Mass privately each day. These Intentions will be remembered this week.
- Monday – In Thanksgiving (NF)
- Tuesday: 10.00 in St. Patrick’s Church – Chris Whitehead
- Wednesday – Sheila Richards (McCormack)
- Thursday: 18.30 in St. Patrick’s Church – Michael and Iris Hollywood
- Friday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
- Saturday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
- 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 and,
- all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time
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.
Should I come to church?
If you have been confirmed as clinically extremely vulnerable the government is advising that you do not need to shield at the moment, but if you are in this category, you should still try to keep your overall social interactions low, as outlined in the Government Guidance.
Some people, including those aged 70 and over, are described as being clinically vulnerable, meaning that they are at a higher risk of severe illness from the coronavirus. Individuals who fall within this group are advised to stay at home as much as possible and if they do go out, to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.
If you fall into either of these categories, or if you feel unsure about returning to Mass, you need to consider the wisdom of doing so. Please remember, you are not obliged to attend Mass. Sunday obligation is suspended.
If you are feeling unwell or if you suspect that you have Covid-19, (high temperature, new persistent cough, lack of taste or smell) or if you are living with someone who has or is suspected of having Covid-19, you MUST self-isolate in accordance with HM Government guidance and arrange for testing. You must not come to Church.
Please note, that while we will attempt to take all appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities to ensure our Church is Covid-19 safe, parishioners should understand that they assume the risk of contracting Covid-19 any time they enter a public space, since such precautions do not eliminate the risk of infection
What to expect when returning to Church
The Archdiocese of Liverpool have put together a video which gives us an idea of what to expect when you can return to Church.
Mass in St. Patrick’s Church and the new local Restrictions
It had been hoped that we might have been able to offer a Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on a Sunday. However, in the light of the substantial rise in the number of coronavirus cases in our locality and the local restrictions imposed upon us, Father Patterson, after seeking advice from the Diocese and others, does not think it prudent to introduce an additional (Sunday) Mass in St. Patrick’s until the local situation improves. Sunday obligation is still suspended.
We will continue to celebrate Mass on Tuesdays at 10.00 and Thursdays at 18.30, unless additional measures are imposed which may prevent us from doing so.
As you are aware, St. Patrick’s Church has been risked assessed and is deemed to be Covid-19 secure. Strict protocols are in place for your health and safety.
However, the local Restrictions do affect us to the extent that they emphasise that we should not socialise outside of the Church after Mass but disperse immediately. I urge those of you who come to Mass to follow this advice and in doing so set an example for others to follow.
Your generous Offerings are greatly appreciated
Fr. Patterson continues to be so grateful to those parishioners who, in these financially challenging times, are able to make their weekly offering by bank transfer directly into the parish accounts and to those who have sent cheques.
He is also appreciative of those parishioners who are bringing their weekly offering envelopes to Mass or choose to drop them through the presbytery letterbox. This all helps to meet our day to day financial commitments.
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.
If you choose to send a cheque please make it payable to the appropriate Account name below or you might wish to continue 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
It is against the law
Did you know that according to the local restrictions, it is now against the law to host people you do not live with in your home or garden, unless they’re in your support bubble or to meet people you do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside or outside of the affected areas, unless they’re in your support bubble. For more information on our local restrictions visit the government website.
Are you thinking of becoming a Catholic?
If you are and would like to know more, we invite you to join a weekly Diocesan online RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programme, beginning on Tuesday 29th September at 18.30.
The hour long online meetings will allow you to meet with others who are beginning the RCIA programme.
To register for this online programme, please contact adminfaith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk
CAFOD Family Fast Day
CAFOD Harvest Fast Day is to be marked on the 9th October. If you feel able to make a donation towards this Fast Day Appeal you can make an online donation via the CAFOD website.
News by Email
If you are aware of parishioners who would like to receive the Newsletter and other news from the parish by email, please ask them to email Fr. Patterson at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk and they will be added to our contact list.
Discerning a Vocation
The Diocesan Priestly Vocations Team invite men thinking about becoming a Priest to a six week online Vocations Discernment course, beginning Monday 12 October at 19.00.
For further information and to register an interest please email vocations@rcdhn.org.uk
An ear to hear
As part of the pastoral care the Diocese offers during this COVID-19 lockdown, a number of qualified counsellors and listeners have generously made themselves available to anyone who may be troubled by the negative effects of the situation.
These can be contacted through St Mary’s Cathedral Listening Service on 0191 232 6953 and the Northumberland Listening Service on 07732 980740.
Mass Offerings
If you would like to have Mass offered for any particular intention, Fr. Patterson would be happy to celebrate it for you privately.
You may bring your intention along to Mass and leave it in the box at the front of the Church or drop your intention and offering through the letterbox of St. Patrick’s Presbytery. Alternatively, you may place it in the post with a cheque, or you may email your intention to Fr. Patterson and send your offering by bank transfer.
For security reasons, please do not put any intentions or offerings through the letterbox of St. Alban’s Presbytery.
News from our School
Mrs Jackie Telfer, who has worked at our School for 25 years, will be retiring in October. To help celebrate her time at the school, we invite you to share your memories of her as she has worked with such dedication and enthusiasm with so many children and families over the years. If you would like to share a story or send a message please contact the school office (0191 4693251).
Protect your loved ones. Download the NHS Covid-19 App
If you have downloaded the NHS Covid-19 App, it may be used to register your track and trace details when coming to Mass in St. Patrick’s Church. Simply scan the QR Code which is displayed in the Church and is specific to St. Patrick’s Church only. Please have your phone ready and the App open before entering the Church so that you do not create a “pinch point” by having to search for your phone in your pocket or bag. You may of course continue to bring your Track and Trace details in an envelope and place it in the box at the front of the Church. The choice is yours to make.
Those who choose not to download the App or are unable to, should continue to bring their Track and Trace details in the usual way by means of an envelope.
Diocesan Website
More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.