Parish newsletter

Posted on 24 December 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 25 December 2021 Download

Christmas 2021

Dear Parishioners

Christmas is almost upon us, hence this early and briefer Newsletter. I hope you are able to celebrate it with friends and family in a cautious, caring and loving way.

You would be very welcome to join us for Mass in St. Patrick’s Church either this evening, Christmas Eve at 5.30pm or on Christmas Day at 9.45am. On both occasions the Church will open 20 minutes before Mass is due to begin. Access is by the entrance off Church Street only – “the Top Door.”

As we are not operating a booking system this year, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. It would be helpful if some of you who have in the past attended on Christmas Eve, would consider coming on Christmas morning to ensure that we can welcome everyone in a safe way at both Masses and to prevent us from having to turn people away if our Covid risk assessed capacity is reached.

We will to do all we can to ensure St. Patrick’s Church is both welcoming and as Covid-19 safe as we can make it for you. You will be welcomed by our volunteer stewards and invited to sanitise your hands. Please follow their guidance, especially when it comes to seating you in your place. They are trying to keep everyone safe.

You are asked to maintain one metre social distancing from others in your bench, unless you are from the same household or bubble. You are also asked not to move around the Church once seated. Face coverings are a legal requirement unless you are medically exempt.

As we must clean the church after each celebration, the rear of the church is closed to reduce the demands on our stewards who sanitise the benches after you leave. Limited toilet facilities are available in case of necessity. You are welcome to use the main Church car park, accessing the “Top Door” via the external stone steps at the side of the Church.

If you have Covid-19 symptoms or feel unwell, if you have a cough or are sneezing, if someone in your household has been poorly recently, please do not take any risks with your health or the health of others at Church and stay at home until you feel better.

Remember too, if you are still hesitant about attending Church, you are under no obligation to do so.

It would be a wonderful act of kindness to one another if you would consider taking a lateral flow test before attending Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning. The choice, of course, is yours; you are under no obligation to do so. As you will be aware, it is often people who have contracted Covid, but experience no symptoms, who unknowingly infect others.

We have lived through a lot since the pandemic started so let us be kind and respect one another this Christmas. Be aware of personal space and personal choice. Some people might not be ready to hug, kiss, shake hands or reduce social distancing. Don’t assume what people are comfortable with. Instead, ask them and respect their personal choices.

Please do all you can to be cautious in your everyday life choices which not only affect you, but impact on others too, including the NHS on which we all rely at times and pray for one another.

May God bless you and your families this Christmas and may his light guide us throughout the coming year.

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral. Visit the Cathedral website for times this week.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

Mass Intentions

With the exception of Sunday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions. Face coverings must be worn when attending Church, unless you are medically exempt.

Monday – Brian Quigley
Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church – Gerry Toberty
Wednesday – Sister Francine
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday -Peter Volpe
New Year’s Day (Saturday, 1st January): 10am in St. Patrick’s Church – Allan Lavin
Sunday: 10.30am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with us 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.

In case you are not aware, a parish priest is obliged to celebrate Mass for the “Intentions of the Parishioners” every Sunday or Holyday, which prevents him from fulfilling personal intentions on those occasions.

Please keep in your prayers this week:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time Nellie Armstrong, Allan Lavin and Gerry Toberty and,
Fr. Richard Harriott, parish priest of St. John’s, Annitsford who has died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the soul of your servant whom you have called from this life. May he be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united”.

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 time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 147,720 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure)

Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died from the coronavirus, surround us and all who mourn with your compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope. We make this prayer in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for Christmas and beyond

We are a community of memory that looks back; we are a community of Spirit that looks forward.
It is important, though not easy, to look back with kindness and to look forward in hope.
This year is coming to a close and a new year beckons.
Let us hand over the past to God for his healing blessing.
Let us ask the Lord to face the future with us so that we do not face it alone.
Let us pray for each other and for all those we love that we might know the promise of the Lord that brings the Gospel to a close.

(Fr. Denis McBride C.Ss.R)

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson continues to be grateful for your offerings during these difficult times and is especially grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by standing order helping us meet the regular financial commitments of our churches.

You may bring your envelopes to Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays or drop them through the presbytery letterbox. For security reason, envelopes should not be put through the letterbox of St. Alban’s Presbytery.

The parish is still able to reclaim the tax from Gift Aided offertory contributions made by bank transfer. It would be helpful to enter your name and Gift Aid envelope number as the reference when making the transfer.

The details for bank transfers/standing orders 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

Parish 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.

Parish newsletter 25 December 2021 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 18 December 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 19 December 2021 Download

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners

I hope you are able to look forward to Christmas and to celebrate it with friends and family in a cautious, caring and loving way.

I would like to extend an invitation to you to join us for Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on either Christmas Eve at 5.30pm or on Christmas Day at 9.45am. Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions, we will not be able to sing the usual carols during Mass.

On both occasions the Church will open 20 minutes before Mass is due to begin. Please do not all arrive in the last five minutes to avoid the need to queue as you wait to be taken to your seats!! Access to the Church is by the entrance off Church Street only – “the Top Door.”

As we are not operating a booking system this year, it would be helpful if some of you who have in the past attended on Christmas Eve would consider coming on Christmas morning to ensure that we can welcome everyone in a safe way at both Masses. It would also prevent us from having to turn people away if our capacity is reached.

We will continue to do all we can to ensure St. Patrick’s Church is both welcoming and as Covid safe as we can make it for you. You will be invited to sanitise your hands when you arrive and will be guided to your places by one of our volunteer stewards. Face coverings are a legal requirement unless you are medically exempt.

You are asked to maintain one metre social distancing from others in your bench, unless you are from the same household or bubble. You are also asked not to move around the Church once seated.

We are encouraged to collect test and trace details – your name and a contact telephone number – so please bring them along in an envelope and place it in the box at the front of the church or use the QR code if you have a smartphone.

As we must clean the church after each celebration, the rear of the church is closed to reduce the demands on our stewards who sanitise the benches after you leave. Limited toilet facilities are available in case of necessity. You are welcome to use the main Church car park, accessing the Church via the external stone steps at the side of the Church.

Remember too, if you are still hesitant about attending Church, you are under no obligation to do so.

It would be a wonderful act of kindness to one another if you would consider taking a lateral flow test before attending Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning. The choice, of course, is yours; you are under no obligation to do so. As you will be aware, it is often people who have contracted Covid-19, but experience no symptoms, who unknowingly infect others.

Please do all you can to be cautious in your everyday life choices which not only affect you, but impact on others too, including the NHS on which we all rely at times and pray for one another.

May God bless you and your families this Christmas.

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30am and may be viewed on the Cathedral YouTube channel.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond. Visit the website for Mass times this week.

Mass Intentions

With the exception of Sunday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions. Face coverings must be worn when attending Church, unless you are medically exempt.

Monday – William, Eileen, Bernadette & Liam Brannigan
Tuesday – Funeral Mass for Mary Smith – by invitation – Covid restrictions apply
Wednesday – Mary Robinson
Thursday – Jim Murray
Christmas Eve: 5.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers and all who have died from Covid-19
Christmas Day: 09.45am in St. Patrick’s Church – Fr. Patterson’s intentions
Sunday: 10.30am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with us 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 this week:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time Nellie Armstrong and Jim Murray and,
Mary Smith who has died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the soul of your servant whom you have called from this life. May she be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united”.

A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 147,048 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure).

A prayer for those who are afraid

God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of Covid-19, fear for loved ones, fear of what the future holds.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace. Amen

A prayer for Refugees

Father, your Son had no place to call his own;
protect those who today are fleeing from danger.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day
when we will all rejoice in your Kingdom. Amen.

Resources to help you make the most of Advent

In this last week of Advent you may find the following reflection of value:

Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? (Luke 1: 39-45)

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’

What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. When have I approached God in haste? When do I come in haste to the aid of my brothers and sisters?

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. How have I heard God speaking to me? How have I responded to God’s voice?

Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. For what blessings am I most thankful? How have God’s blessings borne fruit in my life?

We journey on in hope……with thanks and gratitude

One of the aspects that the pandemic has brought to the fore in the life of the church in our Diocese is the vulnerability of many of our priests either through age, with underlying health conditions or with a combination of both. This has resulted in many priests having to self isolate and has very much limited what they can do by way of their ministry.

None of us find it easy, and Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you all for your understanding of his personal situation in these times and for your reassurance, support and especially for your prayers. He is particularly grateful for the support and encouragement he receives from our volunteer stewards, who have helped him to make some difficult decisions during this time of pandemic. He takes this opportunity to wish you all a most peaceful, happy and holy Christmas and hopes that you will keep safe and well in the months ahead.

Covid update from Bishop Robert

The Bishop writes:- “The emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 presents a very significant risk to our clergy and congregations. Whilst the UK Government has kick started an accelerated vaccination programme, the devolved administrations and many experts believe that this alone is insufficient to counteract the very rapid increase in Covid-19 cases which is being driven by the much more transmissible Omicron variant.

Church services take place in a well-controlled environment if our guidelines are followed and I would like to remind you that it is vitally important that we all do everything we can to keep everyone safe. I set out the most pertinent Covid guidelines on 10th December but in addition I would ask that you are sensitive to the duration of church services and encourage the congregation to disperse quickly at the end. Whist we are still able to safely gather in our churches the same is not true for our church halls and meeting spaces. … I recommend that we close our church halls and meeting spaces, that are currently open, to all groups and activities at the end of Friday 17th December. They should remain closed until further notice.”

Honouring Sundays

In a Statement issued on Thursday, 18th November, 2021, the Bishops of England and Wales issued a statement to the effect that while the obligation to attend Mass on a Sunday would remain suspended, we should think about how we honour Sunday as a special day in our week. It reminds us that attending Mass is a personal response to the selfless offering of Christ’s love.

A Christmas Appeal from our Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project

When doing your own shopping for Christmas, please spare a thought for the above project. It supports on average 300 clients each week, who all receive a bag of food. 102 of them are destitute and also receive a supermarket voucher.

If you are able to bring donations of rice, sugar, biscuits and toiletries as well as tinned fish in oil and tins of tomatoes and chick peas to St. Patrick’s Church before Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays, they may be left on the table to your right as you enter the Church. Please note: baked beans and tinned meat are not required.

A message from Cafod

We know that you are preparing for Christmas amid uncertainty and challenge. As we prepare for Christmas in the UK, Afghanistan’s harsh winter is setting in. 23 million people are now unable to feed themselves daily. Whole regions of the country are on the brink of famine. Millions have fled their homes, the overwhelming majority are women and children. The Disaster Emergency Committee, of which Cafod is a member, are launching an Afghanistan Crisis Appeal which you may have seen on UK broadcast media.

Cafod has worked with local partners in Afghanistan for many years. They and our sister agencies are assessing need and responding. We know the Catholic community will want to express their compassion for our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan who have suffered so much. Gifts will provide food, clean water, and winter fuel to vulnerable families.

If you wish to make a donation to this appeal you can do that via the Cafod website. If you do not have access to the internet, you may place a donation in an envelope marked Afghanistan Appeal and place it in the box at the from of St. Patrick’s Church.

Get vaccinated. Get boosted!

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has echoed the call encouraging people to take up Covid vaccinations and boosters when offered by the NHS. “The call ‘Get vaccinated! Get boosted!’ is more and more pressing.”

“I add my voice to many others… To the voice of Pope Francis, who says to be vaccinated is ‘an act of love’. To the voice of my favourite football manager, Jurgen Klopp: ‘The whole vaccination process is a question of solidarity, loyalty and togetherness’. He adds: ‘There is only one answer: “You do it.” “Yes, please act quickly. Here is real protection, for yourself and for others.”

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

The details for bank transfers/standing orders 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

Thank you

Fr. Patterson wishes to express his gratitude for the a bequest from the estate of the late Mary Rogerson in the sum of £1,000.00 for St. Alban’s parish funds. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

ZOE Covid weekly update and some useful tips as to how to stay safe this Christmas

In his weekly update, Professor Tim Spector speaks of how cases of Omicron are spreading in our country.

In a separate blog, Tim shares some suggestions as to how we can all stay safe for Christmas.

He continues to remind us, that as well as the “classic symptoms” of Covid, (a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell), there are more symptoms emerging, namely a headache accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and a cough. It may just be a cold, but check it out by taking a Lateral Flow Test.

Parish News by Email

Parish newsletter 19 December 2021 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 11 December 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 12 December 2021 Download

Third Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners

Joy is the underlying theme of the Third Sunday of Advent as we continue to prepare to celebrate our Saviour’s birth.

Despite the introduction of further safety measures by the Government last week to protect our health and well-being, our joy need not be tempered if it is rooted in the simplicity of the manger where hope for the world dawned.

A life rooted in Jesus’ message to love one another can be lived out, in this present moment in human history, by the way we care for each other. Often all the razzmatazz surrounding Christmas can be a positive distraction to the joy that lies at the heart of the Christmas message.

We are not being told what do for the sake of it, the restrictions are to keep us safe and have perhaps become necessary as a result of us not responding positively to the freedom we were given in July, when mandated restrictions gave way to an invitation “to keep an eye out for each other.”

We have lived through a lot since the pandemic started so let us be kind and respect one another in these days leading up to Christmas.

Be aware of personal space and personal choice. Some people might not be ready to hug, kiss, shake hands or reduce social distancing. Don’t assume what people are comfortable with. Instead, ask them and respect their personal choices.

There is much to celebrate. Let us do it responsibly, so that we may all be safe and well.

Remember,

“Christmas isn’t Christmas until it happens in your heart.
It is somewhere deep inside you where Christmas really starts.”

Bishop Robert recently reviewed the Covid protection measures for the churches in our Diocese and has asked us to keep them in place due to the high rate of transmission of the coronavirus in our region. He will review the situation in February. It is important to realise that he has not taken this decision lightly, but out of consideration for all the people who attend our churches and for the clergy, many of whom are still deemed to be clinically vulnerable despite the vaccination programme.

We will continue to do all we can to ensure St. Patrick’s Church is both welcoming and as Covid safe as we can make it for you. Sanitising your hands, social distancing, the wearing of face coverings and cleaning the church after each celebration are still in place. As we must continue to clean the church after each celebration, the rear of the church will remain closed to reduce the demands on our stewards who sanitise the benches after you leave. Limited toilet facilities are available in case of necessity. The steward at the rear of the church will assist you. If you have Covid-19 symptoms or feel unwell, if you have a cough or are sneezing, if someone in your household has been poorly recently, please do not take any risks with your health or the health of others at Church and stay at home until you feel better.

I renew my thanks to our volunteer stewards who are prepared to continue in their roles enabling us to celebrate Mass on Tuesdays at 10am and on Sundays at 10.30am. There is no longer a need for you to book a place in advance. We are encouraged by the Government to collect test and trace details – your name and a contact telephone number – so please bring them along in an envelope and place it in the box at the front of the church or use the QR code if you have a smartphone.

Please do all you can to be cautious in your everyday life choices which not only affect you, but impact on others too, including the NHS on which we all rely at times and pray for one another. May God bless you and your families in this season of Advent.

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view online

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10am on Sunday and most weekdays and Saturday at 4pm. These Masses may also be viewed later.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions. Bishop Robert asks that Face coverings should still be worn in our churches.

Monday – Joan and Eddie McAtominey
Tuesday: 10am in St. Patrick’s Church – Dennis Rogan
Wednesday – Hughes. Knock and Kelly Families
Thursday -The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday – Funeral Service for Celia Anderson – by invitation – Covid restrictions apply
Saturday – Fr. Patterson’s intentions
Sunday: 10.30am in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with us 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 this week:

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 Ellen Farrell, Kathleen Hughes, Joan McAtominey, and Dennis Rogan and,
and Fr. Kevin Daly and Celia Anderson who have died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the souls of your servants whom you have called from this life. May they be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united.”

A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 146,255 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure).

A prayer for those who are afraid

Resources to help you make the most of Advent

Diocesan Resources – The Vicariate for Faith and Mission has produced a set of Seasonal reflections, one for each week of Advent.

For those who do not have internet access you may find the following reflection of value:

“What should we do?” (Luke 3: 10-18)

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages. Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?

“Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” How can I be kinder and more honest in my speech? How do envy and greed disrupt my relationship with material goods?

Now the people were filled with expectation. For what do I hope? How does my faith in God fulfill my longings?

His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn. What sinful parts of my life need to be winnowed away? What spiritual gifts do I treasure the most?

The celebration of Christmas

Sadly it is still not possible to celebrate Mass in St. Alban’s Church at present as we are unable to make it Covid secure and we do not have the necessary level of help required.

Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, in keeping with Bishop Robert’s protection guidelines and the latest Government restrictions, to which everyone is invited. There is no need to book a place in advance.

Christmas Eve Mass 5.30pm
Christmas morning at 9.45am

On both occasions the Church will open 20 minutes before Mass is due to begin. Access is by the entrance off Church Street only. You are welcome to use the main Church car park, accessing the Church via the external stone steps at the side of the Church.

You will be invited to sanitise your hands as you enter and leave the Church and to wear a face covering. To prevent you having to book a place, social distancing will be one metre between households and bubbles, in keeping with Bishop Robert’s update and you will be guided to your place by one of our stewards. We are encouraged to collect track and trace details – your name and a contact telephone number – so please bring them along in an envelope and place it in the box at the front of the church or use the QR code if you have a smartphone.

Honouring Sundays

A Christmas Appeal from our Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project

If you are able to bring donations of rice, sugar, biscuits and toiletries as well as tinned fish in oil and tins of tomatoes and chick peas to St. Patrick’s Church before Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays, they may be left on the table to your right as you enter the Church. Please note: baked beans and tinned meat are not required.

Respect for one another – Be aware of personal space and personal choice.

Please respect the Government’s mandated guidelines which have come into effect in the past few days especially in regard to wearing a face covering on public transport and in a variety of other settings including churches. It is not a lot to ask to help keep each other safe so that we might all have a peaceful and happy Christmas.

The Government also urges us to be vaccinated, so it is important for us to respond in a positive way and to do all we can to encourage people we know to consider being vaccinated if they haven’t already done so. Pope Francis urges us to do so. Please accept your invitation for a “Booster jab” when you receive it and do consider having a flu jab too.

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

The details for bank transfers/standing orders 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

Thank you

Fr. Patterson wishes to express his thanks for the following acts of generosity by way of donations to St. Patrick’s parish funds:

A bequest from the estate of the late Connie Stout in the sum of £500.00. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

A most generous donation from the Women’s’ Guild, who despite the constraints of Covid-19, raised £600.00.

A generous donation of £40.00 towards the cost of the boundary wall.

ZOE Covid weekly update and some interesting information on Omicron

This week, in his weekly update, Professor Tim Spector speaks of how cases could soar if Omicron “takes over” as the dominant virus strain in our country. He illustrates this by citing an example of a 60th birthday party with 18 guests, all of whom had taken lateral flow tests prior to the gathering. A few days later, one guest tested positive after which a further 15 also tested positive with Omicron, all were double or triple vaccinated. It illustrates how easily one person can effect many others in a close situation.

In a separate blog, Tim shares some information on why it is important to get your booster jab.

He continues to remind us, in the blog, “Do I have Covid or a cold?” that as well as the “classic symptoms” of Covid, (a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell), there are more symptoms emerging, namely a headache accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and a cough. It may just be a summer cold, but check it out by taking a Lateral Flow Test are available from the local chemist, are free of charge and simple to use.

Parish 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.

Parish newsletter 12 December 2021 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 4 December 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 5 December 2021 Download

Second Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners

As the years pass by, we might be tempted to think that while we hear the call to “Prepare a Way for the Lord” every Advent, nothing much seems to change either in our own lives, within the family of the Church or in the world at large and of course much of what we do at present is determined by precautions we are all encouraged to take to look after one another and ourselves because of the coronavirus.

But things are constantly changing around us. They always have and they always will as we were reminded by the recent COP 26 climate change conference in Glasgow. It is often us who are reluctant to accept the need for change.

The first coming of Jesus radically changed the course of human history. John the Baptist’s proclamation of a baptism of repentance paved the way for Jesus to minister to people, opening for them the way to experience his Father’s compassion in a way which is still far beyond our imagination.

With this in mind, whether we have taken it on board or not, means that nothing can ever be the same again – for everything is moving towards the fulfilment of God’s plan – that in due time, the Lord will return in glory.

This is very much part of the Advent message. Yes, we look back and celebrate the coming of Jesus as a babe in Bethlehem, but at the same time we should try to look forward to his coming again in glory.

So there is a great deal to prepare for!

Remember,

“Christmas isn’t Christmas until it happens in your heart. It is somewhere deep inside you where Christmas really starts.”

Following a meeting of our volunteer stewards, we will continue to do all we can to ensure St. Patrick’s Church is both welcoming and as Covid safe as we can make it for you. Sanitising your hands, social distancing, the wearing of face coverings and cleaning the church after each celebration are still in place. As we must continue to clean the church after each celebration, the rear of the church will remain closed to reduce the demands on our stewards who sanitise the benches after you leave. Limited toilet facilities are available in case of necessity. The steward at the rear of the church will assist you.

I renew my thanks to our volunteer stewards who are prepared to continue in their roles enabling us to celebrate Mass on Tuesdays at 10.00 and on Sundays at 10.30. There is no longer a need for you to book a place in advance. We are, however, encouraged by the Government to restore collecting track and trace details – your name and a contact telephone number – so please bring them along in an envelope and place it in the box at the front of the church or use the QR code if you have a smartphone.

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view online

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10am on Sunday and most weekdays and Saturday at 4pm. These Masses may also be viewed later.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

With the exception of Sunday and Tuesday, Fr. Patterson will celebrate Mass privately during the week remembering the following Intentions. Bishop Robert asks that Face coverings should still be worn in our churches.

Monday – Brian Quigley
Tuesday: 10.00 in St. Patrick’s Church – Billy Knowles
Wednesday – In Thanksgiving (BH)
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday – Connie Stout
Saturday – Fr. Patterson’s intentions
Sunday: 10.30 in St. Patrick’s Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with us 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 this week:

all our parishioners who are sick, housebound or in hospital and Fr. Kevin Daly who is very poorly
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Billy Knowles and,
Fr. Peter Smith, one of our retired priests, who has died. “Receive Lord into tranquillity and peace the soul of your servant whom you have called from this life. May he be taken up into glory with your Son in whose great mystery of love we are all united.”

A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

A time to pray

Please join together in prayer for the 145,424 people who have died in our country from the coronavirus. (Friday’s figure)

A prayer for those who are afraid

A prayer for Refugees

Resources to help you make the most of Advent

Bishop Robert Barron invites Catholics everywhere to join in 25 days of prayer this December to prepare, with Mary as our guide, for Christ’s birth.

Each day there is a custom, 5-10 minute guided meditation or peaceful music selection to reflect on the Advent themes of faith, hope, and joy through the eyes of Mary. Each meditation will be led by Jonathan Roumie from ‘The Chosen’, or your choice of three other guides.

If you are interested you will need to download the “Hallow app,” which is completely free to download offering a great deal of permanently free content, but just for Advent, they are giving all those who join a completely free 3-month trial to unlock all the site has to offer. You would need to cancel your free trial at the end of 3 months so that you do not incur an on going membership fee. To learn more, please visit the Hallow website.

Diocesan Resources – The Vicariate for Faith and Mission has produced a set of Seasonal reflections, one for each week of Advent.

For those who do not have internet access you may find the following reflection of value:

A voice cries out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord (Luke 3: 1-6)

“John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:- A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

Pause for thought:-

John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan. Where is God calling me to go? To what regions of my neighbourhood, parish, workplace can I bring compassion and loving service?

A voice of one crying out in the desert. When have I felt like a voice crying out in the desert? When have I failed to use my voice when I should have?

All flesh shall see the salvation of God. How can I be more open to encountering Jesus? Whom can I help to encounter Jesus?

The celebration of Christmas

Sadly it is still not possible to celebrate Mass in St. Alban’s Church at present as we are unable to make it Covid secure and we do not have the necessary level of help required.

Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, in keeping with Bishop Robert’s protection guidelines, to which everyone is invited. There is no need to book a place in advance.

Mass on Christmas Eve will be at 5.30pm and on Christmas morning at 9.45am.

Honouring Sundays

A Christmas Appeal from our Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project

If you are able to bring donations of rice, sugar, biscuits and toiletries as well as tinned fish in oil and tins of tomatoes and chick peas to St. Patrick’s Church before Mass on Tuesdays or Sundays, they may be left on the table to your right as you enter the Church. Please note: baked beans and tinned meat are not required.

Respect for one another – Be aware of personal space and personal choice.

We have lived through a lot since the pandemic started so let us be kind and respect one another. Be aware of personal space and personal choice. Some people might not be ready to hug, kiss, shake hands or reduce social distance. Don’t assume what people are comfortable with. Instead, ask them and respect their personal choices.

Please respect the Government’s mandated guidelines to wear a face covering in retail outlets and on public transport. It is not a lot to ask to help keep each other safe so that we might all have a peaceful and happy Christmas.

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

The details for bank transfers/standing orders 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

ZOE Covid weekly update and some interesting information on the new variant.

Professor Tim Spector provides another weekly update video in which he speaks about the rises and falls in the number of cases in the UK and Europe and how we can more safely socialise at Christmas. There is a second video, in which he talks about the new variant Omicron. They are both worth a watch if you have the time.

In a separate blog, Tim shares some information on why it is important to get your booster jab.

He continues to remind us, in this blog, “Do I have Covid or a cold?” that as well as the “classic symptoms” of Covid, (a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell), there are more symptoms emerging, namely a headache accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and a cough. It may just be a summer cold, but check it out by taking a Lateral Flow Test. These kits are available from the local chemist, are free of charge and simple to use.

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Parish newsletter 5 December 2021 Download