29th Sunday of the Year
Dear Parishioners
The country is struggling at the moment to determine the best way forward to try and slow down the rapid transmission of the coronavirus, to save lives and protect the NHS.
I suspect many of us are struggling too, with the prospect of further measures which may need to be taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Measures which may impinge on our ability to socialise with others especially with those we love.
Perhaps the fundamental question to ask is how much do we value the gift of life – not just our own life but the lives of others too?
You may like to step aside from the news coverage and reflect on these words attributed to an unknown confederate soldier:-
I asked for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all people, most richly blessed.
Please continue to look after each other 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 from harm.
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 (GL)
- Tuesday: 10.00 in St. Patrick’s Church – Susan Barrett
- Wednesday – LDM Clough and Lilley Families
- Thursday: 18.30 in St. Patrick’s Church – Private Intention (MH)
- Friday – Private Intention
- 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 amidst the 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.
With the continuing support of our volunteer stewards, whom Fr. Patterson wishes to thank, 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.
On leaving the Church
Local Restrictions 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.
A challenging month for our reduced parish finances
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.
Insurance premiums
Your offerings are particularly welcomed this month when the parish insurance policies are due for renewal: St. Patrick’s renewal is £4,743.62 and St. Alban’s £2079.98.
Donation
Fr. Patterson is very grateful for a donation of £70.00 received from members of the Women’s’ Guild for St. Patrick’s parish funds.
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
Rosary Rally
On the 31st October, 2020, the Diocese will be taking part in a Rosary Rally, with different dioceses from across the country having a designated time slot to ensure the rosary is prayed continuously throughout the day from 9.00 to 21.00. For more information register at adminfaith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk.
The Great Adventure: Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible
Many people want to read the Bible because they know it is God’s Word, but they give up because it seems so complicated. Unlocking the “Mystery of the Bible” helps you to get the ‘big picture’ of the Bible by showing how fourteen narrative books of the Bible tell the complete story from Adam and Eve to Christ and the Church.
A new, free, online course is starting in the Autumn and will run across 8 sessions during November 2020 and February 2021. To register or for more information, please email adminfaith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk.
Are you interested in becoming a Catholic?
Because of the restrictions surrounding coronavirus, we are unable to offer our own “in house” information evenings for people who would like to know more about what Catholics believe, possibly with a view to becoming a member of the Catholic Church.
The Diocese is offering a series of hour long online sessions for enquirers. To register, or to find out more please email: adminfaith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk
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.
Printed copies of the Parish Newsletter are available at 10.00 Mass on Tuesday mornings.
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.
The Northern Cross needs your help
For more than 60 years, Northern Cross has played its part ensuring that news and views of the life of the Church are spread the length and breadth of our diocese.
The lockdown and church closures have caused its sales at Mass to cease. A new approach is needed – as is a price increase – if the newspaper is to survive. For further information please visit the Northern cross website.
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 made themselves available to anyone who may be troubled by the negative effects of the pandemic.
These can be contacted through St Mary’s Cathedral Listening Service on 0191 232 6953 and the Northumberland Listening Service on 07732 980740.
Protect your loved ones. Download the NHS Covid-19 App
If you have downloaded the NHS 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.
Should you choose to “sign in” using the App, you should leave your phone switched on whilst you are in the Church, but please ensure it is in silent mode!
You may of course continue to bring your Test 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 Test 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.