Parish newsletter

Posted on 6 June 2020 by admin

Trinity Sunday

Dear Parishioner

Here is our Parish Newsletter for the coming week.

There has been a great expression of anger around the world this week as a result of the death of George Floyd. Bishops Declan Lang and Paul McAleenan have issued the following statement on behalf of the Bishops of England and Wales:

“We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the USA as they challenge the evil of racism and the brutal killing of George Floyd.” As the US Bishops made clear: “we cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities and yet still try to profess to respect every human life. We serve a God of love, mercy, and justice.”

Systemic racism is embedded in our own society. The disproportionate harm suffered by BAME people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted profound inequalities, marginalisation and injustice here in the UK. The peaceful Black Lives Matter protests taking place in our towns and cities this week reflect the understandable anger that so many people feel about this.

As Catholics we recognise that racism is an evil which must be opposed; we all have a responsibility for actively promoting racial justice. Whenever we ignore racism or dismiss BAME people’s experience of it, we are complicit in violations of human dignity. We pray for God’s help to overcome racism in all its forms and that we might protect everyone who suffers its consequences. We are all made in God’s image.”

Here at home, the wearing of face coverings will be compulsory on all public transport in England from Monday, 15th June which includes the Metro and our local buses. I do hope we will all comply with this measure which is designed to help reduce the risk of the spread of the coronavirus.

At the same time we should remember that minimising contact with others is still the best way to prevent transmission of the virus as well as washing our hands and strictly observing social distancing rules – staying two metres apart from those who we do not live with.

Please take care of yourselves too. Pray for each other 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 12.00. These services may be viewed live or anytime later.

Bishop Robert Barron’s daily Mass has now come to an end due to the reopening of churches in the State of California. 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

I continue to celebrate Mass privately every day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week:

Monday – The O’Donnell Cousins
Tuesday – Kathleen and Bill Falconer
Wednesday – Swafaa Jackson
Thursday – The sick, NHS & Care Workers
Friday – Paul Hughes
Saturday – Fr “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

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

Masses for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care

Every Thursday one of our Bishops will be celebrating a special evening Mass for the sick, their families, NHS staff, and those working in Social Care.

Mass this coming Thursday, 11th June, will be celebrated by Bishop Patrick McKinney from Nottingham Cathedral at 19.00.

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.

The Re-opening of our churches

At present, there is no change in the Government regulations, which means that all churches and places of worship remain closed and all public acts of worship are forbidden.

Faith Leaders are currently in discussion with the Government developing plans which will enable the COVID-19 secure reopening of our churches initially for private prayer and later for public worship.

Bishop Robert has announced that when the Government restrictions are lifted, five of our churches, one from each Vicariate, will open for private prayer as soon as is practical once all the necessary guidelines, risk assessments and health and safety requirements have been satisfied. After a trial period, some other churches would reopen.

The five churches are St. Aidan’s, Ashington; St. Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle; St. Patrick’s, Consett; St. Mary’s, Sunderland and St. Joseph’s, Hartlepool.

Bishop Robert’s utmost priority, when it comes to the reopening of our churches, will be the health and safety of the priests, deacons and all parishioners.

Each church would only be able to open if it can provide sufficient volunteers to monitor adherence to the protocols laid down.

If you would be prepared to volunteer to help with the reopening of our own churches when the time is right, please send me an email to that effect. Volunteers should not be in any of the Government’s vulnerable or at risk categories.

Things will not be the same

Social distancing will considerably reduce the seating capacity in our churches and those priests who are in the “shielded” category or are self-isolating would not be available to celebrate Mass. As a result, it may not be possible to open all churches at the same time.

We must be patient, continue with our prayers at home and not be misled by “Fake news!”

Your weekly offering is greatly valued and is our sole source of income

As our churches remain closed Fr. Patterson would ask those of you who may feel able, in what I am aware are difficult times for us all financially, to consider contributing your weekly offering by bank transfer directly into the parish account. It will help us meet our ongoing financial commitments. I am very grateful to those of you who have already chosen to do so.

Alternatively, you may wish to send a cheque made payable to the appropriate Account name below or you might put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church once we can reopen and celebrate Mass and socialise together.

The details for bank transfers

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

Felling Food Bank

Fr. Patterson has received a note of thanks from the Felling Food Bank for our donation of £250.00 which was recently sent to them from our Charity Box.

School News

Please keep in your prayers this coming week our school community as our school begins its phased reopening in keeping with the conditions outlined in the Head Teacher’s letter sent to parents and to parishioners last week.

Fr. Patterson is particularly grateful to Mrs Bridon and the entire school staff who have been working tirelessly since the lockdown began and continue to do their utmost to ensure our school provides a safe and secure learning environment for everyone.

A Diocesan Day of Scripture

Will be held on Friday 19th June. All aspects of the day can be accessed via the Diocesan website nearer the time.

And finally …

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

Parish newsletter 7 June 2020 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 30 May 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 31 May 2020 Download

The Feast of Pentecost

Dear Parishioner

Here is our Parish Newsletter for the week ahead. I hope you have been able to make the most of the good weather during the past few days in keeping with the Government requirements.

Politics and the media have been very evident during the course of the past week, but I hope, as a country, we can continue to make decisions and follow them with the well-being of everyone in mind and in doing so help to control the spread of the coronavirus. Remember it is the “hidden enemy.”

As you will be aware our Prime Minister has declared that he will ease some of the restrictions on social contact from Monday, 1st June, when our Government will allow up to six people to meet outside, in gardens and other private outdoor spaces – provided those from different households continue strictly to observe social distancing rules by staying two metres apart. He stressed that people should not go inside the homes of their friends and families, unless it is to access the garden.

These changes will mean friends and family can start to meet their loved ones which he acknowledged, for many, will be a long-awaited and joyful moment.

At the same time, he emphasised that minimising contact with others is still the best way to prevent transmission of the virus. So he advises that we should try to avoid seeing people from too many households in quick succession to avoid the risk of quick transmission from lots of different households and continue to control the virus.

He also stressed that to control the virus, everyone needs to stay alert, act responsibly, strictly observe social distancing rules, and stay two metres apart from those who we do not live with.

I suspect many of us will welcome these changes and I hope we will all respect and adhere to them.

But please remember those who cannot take advantage of these changes because of their “shielded” status and pray especially for them.

Please take care of yourselves too. Pray for each other 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 12.00. These services may be viewed live or anytime later.

Bishop Robert Barron’s daily Mass, which is available any time after 13.15 UK time will come to an end after Mass this Sunday due to the reopening of churches in the State of California.

Mass Intentions

I continue to celebrate Mass privately every day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

Monday – Imelda Dempsey
Tuesday – John & Elizabeth Lenehan
Wednesday – Billy Knowles
Thursday – The sick, NHS & Care Workers
Friday – Pat Donald
Saturday – Fr “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

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 and,
Imelda Dempsey 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. Amen.”

Masses for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care

Every Thursday one of our Bishops will be celebrating a special evening Mass for the sick, their families, NHS staff, and those working in Social Care.

Mass this coming Thursday, 4th June, will be celebrated by Bishop John Arnold from Salford Cathedral at 19.00.

Pentecost Sunday Mass

Pope Francis will be celebrating Mass, without a congregation, in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Sunday at 9.00 UK time.

Confirmation Candidates

Please remember in your prayers this weekend those young people from our Partnership who had just begun their preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation later in the year, which has now been deferred.

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.

The Re-opening of our churches

With the possibility of a phased reopening of our schools in the near future, many of you may be wondering when our churches might reopen.

At present, there is no change in the Government regulations, which means that all churches and places of worship remain closed and all public acts of worship are forbidden.

Bishop Robert envisages that a very small number of churches will be selected to pilot the reopening procedures, from which best practice will be determined into developing the approach which will be taken across the Diocese to allow more churches to open.

His utmost priority, when it comes to the reopening of our churches, will be the health and safety of the priests, deacons and all parishioners.

To ensure that we all return to safe environments, the Diocesan Property Department will undertake site-specific risk assessments to develop protocols and procedures which must be put in place and followed to enable a church to reopen safely and securely.

Parishes chosen to reopen in this first phase must have sufficient volunteers to be available to monitor adherence to these protocols such as social distancing regulations, attending to the cleaning and sanitising of each church after each period of opening and, for security purposes, to ensure that open churches are not left unattended. Obviously Bishop Robert will only choose those churches which can provide sufficient volunteers.

If you would be prepared to help if one or other of our churches should be chosen, please send me an email to that effect stating the amount of time you would be able to give. Volunteers should not be in any of the Government’s vulnerable or at risk categories.

In the meantime we must be patient, continue with our prayers at home and not allow ourselves to be misled by “Fake news!”

Your weekly offering is greatly valued and is our sole source of income

The details for bank transfers

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

And finally …

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

Parish newsletter 31 May 2020 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 23 May 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 24 May 2020 Download

Seventh Sunday of Easter, 2020

With the possibility of a phased reopening of our schools in the near future, many of you may be wondering when our churches might reopen.

The Government has established a “Places of Worship Task Force” which includes leaders and representatives from all the major faiths in our country, to develop a plan to enable the phased and safe reopening of places of worship when the evidence shows it is the right time to do so. Cardinal Vincent Nichols is representing the Catholic Church.

It is likely that initially only a small number of churches will be allowed to reopen and for private prayer only. Bishop Robert has written to the priests and deacons of our Diocese informing us that his utmost priority, when it comes to the reopening of our churches, will be the health and safety of the priests, deacons and all parishioners.

Whilst awaiting guidance from the Bishops’ Conference and from the Government Task Force, the Diocese is developing plans which will enable the COVID-19 secure reopening of our buildings.

Bishop Robert envisages that a very small number of churches will be selected to pilot the reopening procedures which will be treated as a “dry run.” He goes on to say that what we learn from these “dry runs” will be incorporated into developing the approach which will be taken across the Diocese to allow more churches to open.

To ensure that we all return to safe environments, there is much that needs to be done and the Diocesan Curia is supporting Bishop Robert with these practical tasks. The reopening planning will include conversations with the Parish Priest and key workers of the parishes he chooses to reopen, after which the Diocesan Property Department will prepare and undertake site-specific risk assessments to develop protocols and procedures which must be put in place to enable a church to reopen safely and securely. Full compliance with these Diocesan protocols and procedures will be a requirement for all clergy and all volunteers so that the opening of our churches is safe and shown to be safe.

Parishes which will be chosen to reopen in this first phase must have sufficient volunteers (key workers) to be available to monitor adherence to these protocols such as social distancing regulations, attending to the cleaning and sanitising of each church after each period of opening and, for security purposes, to ensure that open churches are not left unattended. Obviously Bishop Robert will only choose those churches which can provide sufficient “key workers.” Further details and suitable training will be given to all volunteers as the situation develops.

If one or other of our churches might be considered by the Bishop to reopen in this pilot scheme, we would need to assure him that we have sufficient volunteers to fulfil the requirements laid down by the Task Force and the Bishops’ Conference. If you would be prepared to help in either church should we be chosen, please send me an email to that effect stating the amount of time you would be able to give and what assistance you would be able to offer. Volunteers should not be in any of the Government’s vulnerable or at risk categories.

The Government is very much aware of the importance of public worship for all faith communities. As the Faith Minister Lord Greenhalgh said in a statement on 15^th May: “Places of worship serve such an important role in supporting and providing spiritual leadership for this country’s diverse communities and in bringing communities and the generations together, but this also makes them places that are currently particularly vulnerable to the spread of the pandemic.”

In the meantime we must be patient, continue with our prayers at home and not allow ourselves to be misled by “Fake news!”

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.00. These services may be viewed live or anytime later.

Bishop Robert Barron or Fr. Steve Grunow from Word on Fire, continue to celebrate daily Mass from the bishop’s private chapel which is available anytime after 13.15 UK time.

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

Mass Intentions

I continue to celebrate Mass privately every day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

Monday – Teresa Smith
Tuesday – Tony Roberts
Wednesday – Patrick & Rose Wright and Patricia Jameson
Thursday – The sick, NHS & Care Workers
Friday – Brian Grace Jnr
Saturday – Fr “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

Masses for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care

Every Thursday one of our Bishops will be celebrating a special evening Mass for the sick, their families, NHS staff, and those working in Social Care.

Mass this coming Thursday, 28th May, will be celebrated by Bishop Terence Drainey from Middlesbrough Cathedral at 19.00.

Liturgical Restrictions

The celebration of Mass in church along with the celebration of all other Sacraments and sacramentals is suspended until such time as we are allowed to reopen our churches.

Funeral Masses and Funeral Services are not permitted in our churches. A simple funeral service may be celebrated at the graveside or at the crematorium where numbers attending are limited. These Local Authority restrictions are made in the light of the latest guidance from the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and central Government. The funeral director will guide you in this regard.

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 especially Patrick & Rose Wright and Patricia Jameson

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.

Prepare for the Feat of Pentecost

From the Feast of the Ascension to the Feast of Pentecost, Church members often pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit , not only for ourselves but for the wider family of the Church.

Why not spend time in prayer with this Novena to the Holy Spirit by the composer Dan Schutte. He writes:

“It’s been many years since I last made a novena, nine days dedicated to prayer. But if there’s ever a moment when we all could use the light and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, it’s now. While we wait till we can be together again for Sunday worship, this is a way we can join our hearts in prayer, as those first disciples did, and wait in hope to receive the Comforter, the Spirit of Jesus.”

Your weekly offering is greatly valued and is our sole source of income

The details for bank transfers

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

And finally …

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

Parish newsletter 24 May 2020 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 16 May 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter May 2020 Download

Sixth Sunday of Easter, 2020

Dear Parishioner

Here is our parish Newsletter for the coming week.

Please rest assured that I continue to pray for you all in the hope that you are keeping well and remain in good spirits.

I suspect we are still trying to grow in our understanding of the recent changes our Government have made this week into slightly easing the lock down. We must now “Stay Alert, Control the Virus and Save Lives.”

What does it mean for us? Essentially this means you must:

stay at home as much as possible
work from home if you can
limit contact with other people
keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
wash your hands regularly
do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms

I do hope that we will all be accepting of these measures. As a nation we have a responsibility to look out for the well-being of each other.

You can keep up-to-date with the latest coronavirus guidance on the Government website.

The following prayer may help us to refocus our minds and hearts:

Almighty and eternal God, our refuge in every danger and to whom we turn in our distress, in faith we pray that you might look with compassion on the afflicted, grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners, healing to the sick, peace to the dying, strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders and the courage to reach out to all in love, so that together we may give glory to your holy name through Christ our Lord.

Please take care of yourselves. Try to pray every day and strive to read your bible, God’s Word can offer great comfort in times of trial. Pray for each other and please pray for me.

May the Risen Lord bless you all

Father Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.00. These services may be viewed live or anytime later at

Bishop Robert Barron or Fr. Steve Grunow from Word on Fire, continue to celebrate daily Mass from the bishop’s private chapel which is available anytime after 13.15 UK time.

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

Mass Intentions

I continue to celebrate Mass privately every day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

Monday – Carol Belton
Tuesday – Knock, Hughes and Kelly Families
Wednesday – Brian Gilmore
Thursday – The sick, NHS & Care Workers
Friday – Francis Dodds
Saturday – Fr “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

Masses for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care

Every Thursday one of our Bishops will be celebrating a special evening Mass for the sick, their families, NHS staff, and those working in Social Care.

Mass this coming Thursday, 21st May, will be celebrated by Bishop Mark Davies from Shrewsbury Cathedral at 19.00.

Liturgical Restrictions

The celebration of Mass in church along with the celebration of all other Sacraments and sacramentals is suspended until such time as we are allowed to reopen our churches.

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.

Pause for thought

Psychologists tell us that a true friend is someone who has seen us at our worst and still loves us. If you have encountered me only on my best days, I have no guarantee that you are my friend. But when you have dealt with me when I am most obnoxious and you still love me, then I am sure that you are my friend.

The old Gospel song says, “What a friend we have in Jesus!” This is not pious sentimentalism; it is the heart of the matter. What the first Christians saw in the dying and rising of Jesus is that we killed God and God returned in forgiving love. He saw us at our very worst and loved us anyway.

Thus they saw confirmed in flesh and blood what Jesus had said the night before he died: “I no longer call you slaves. . . . I have called you friends.”

They realised, in the drama of the Paschal Mystery, that we have not only been shown a new way; we have been drawn into a new life, a life of friendship with God.

(Bishop Robert Barron)

Charitable Donations

Fr. Patterson received a call from Cafod this week who wish to thank us for our recent donation to their Coronavirus Crisis Appeal.

Alone [Together]

If you are finding it difficult living in isolation – on your own or ‘stuck’ with family – you might find the thoughts of Fr Christopher Jamison helpful. He is a monk of Douai Abbey in Berkshire. Drawing on almost 50 years experience as a monk, Fr Christopher has helped to create a website Alone [Together] which addresses loneliness and self-sufficiency raised by the current Coronavirus crisis.

This website is frequently updated, so if you have visited it before, it may be worth returning for another look – watch the gentle video “You can’t look forward” or the “Locked down psalm.” There is much more to see, hear and read.

Your weekly offering is greatly valued and is our sole source of income

The details for bank transfers

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

And finally …

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

Parish newsletter 17 May 2020 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 9 May 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 10 May 2020 Download

Fifth Sunday of Easter, 2020

Dear Parishioner

Here is our parish Newsletter for the 5th week of Easter.

Please rest assured that I continue to pray for you all in the hope that you are keeping well and remain in good spirits.

I suspect we are all waiting to hear our Prime Minister’s announcement this Sunday evening about how the Government wants us to approach the future in the next phase. There is a great deal of speculation, some more informed than others, but we must wait and listen to him ourselves.

Hopefully we will all be accepting of whatever measures we are asked to follow. As a nation we seem to have done so well up to now by following Government instructions, may we continue to do so for the well-being of everyone.

The following prayer may help us to refocus our minds and hearts:

“Almighty and eternal God, our refuge in every danger and to whom we turn in our distress, in faith we pray that you might look with compassion on the afflicted, grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners, healing to the sick, peace to the dying, strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders and the courage to reach out to all in love, so that together we may give glory to your holy name through Christ our Lord.”

Please remember our parishioners who do not have internet access, why not give them a ring and share the news with them.

Please take care of yourselves. Try to pray every day and strive to read your bible, God’s Word can offer great comfort in times of trial. Pray for each other and please pray for me.

Keep an eye out for one another in keeping with Government advice, remembering that some parishioners are self isolating

May the Risen Lord bless you all

Father Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.00. These services may be viewed live or anytime later at

Bishop Robert Barron or Fr. Steve Grunow from Word on Fire, continue to celebrate daily Mass from the bishop’s private chapel which is available anytime after 13.15 UK time.

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

Mass Intentions

I continue to celebrate Mass privately every day and as I suspect it will be quite some time before we are able to reopen our churches I propose to fulfil during this coming week the following Mass Intentions which remained unsaid when we had to close our doors:

Monday – Brida and Ken Clay
Tuesday – Margaret Cullen
Wednesday – Jim and Michael McErlane
Thursday – The sick, NHS & Care Workers
Friday – Special Intention (L)
Saturday – Fr “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

Masses for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care

Every Thursday one of our Bishops will be celebrating a special evening Mass for the sick, their families, NHS staff, and those working in Social Care.

Mass this coming Thursday, 14th May, will be celebrated by Bishop Robert from St. Mary’s Cathedral at 19.00.

Diocesan Day of Prayer

Bishop Robert has also made Thursday, 14th May a Diocesan Day of Prayer for the sick and their families, and all who support them. This day of prayer will begin at 10.00 with an online stream of Divine Office from St. Mary’s Cathedral, led by Fr. Michael McCoy. Further information including liturgical and prayer resources will be made available on the Diocesan website.

Liturgical Restrictions

The celebration of Mass in church along with the celebration of all other Sacraments and sacramentals is suspended until such time as we are allowed to reopen our churches.

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 Jim and Michael McErlane and,
Teresa 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. Amen.”

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.

Stations of the Light

Stations of the Light is a spiritual journey with Christ that takes you through fourteen of the most inspiriting events of His post-Resurrection life on earth, up until Pentecost.

Could Jesus be calling you to be Catholic Priest?

An online course of reflection and discussion is an opportunity to ask that question. The course will take place using ZOOM at 19.15 on Mondays beginning Monday 11th May. To find out more, please contact Father Christopher Warren at 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.

Charitable Donations

Some members of St. Alban’s Parish Working Party have asked that we might support the following charitable causes with donations from our “Charity Box.” Fr. Patterson considers their request to be most appropriate at this time so £1000.00 has been sent to Cafod’s Coronavirus Crisis Appeal; £250.00 to our Diocesan Destitute Asylum Seekers Fund and £250.00 to the Felling Food Network. Thanks must go to all our parishioners who have made this possible by your support of the Charity Box week by week.

Your weekly offering is greatly valued and is our sole source of income

Our churches remain closed at present, so I would ask those of you who may feel able, in what I am aware may be difficult times for us all financially, to consider contributing your weekly offering by bank transfer directly into the parish account. It will help us meet our ongoing financial commitments. I am very grateful to those of you who have already chosen to do so.

Alternatively, you might put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church once we can reopen and celebrate Mass and socialise together.

The details for bank transfers

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 newsletter 10 May 2020 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 2 May 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 3 May 2020 Download

Fourth Sunday of Easter, 2020

Dear Parishioner

Here is our parish Newsletter for the first week of May.

Please be reassured that I continue to pray for you all in the hope that you will continue to keep well and remain in good spirits.

As social distancing and lockdown continue, we will find it challenging at times, but we are assured it is having a positive effect on curbing the spread of the coronavirus, so I continue to encourage you to follow our Government’s instructions to Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives. Please encourage others to do the same.

If you are struggling at the moment, why not visit the “Alone Together” website which is continually being updated and offers a variety of suggestions as to how to cope with what may sometimes seem to be long and lonely days.

Please remember our parishioners who do not have internet access, why not give them a ring and share the news with them.

Please take care of yourselves. Try to pray every day and strive to read your bible, God’s Word can be most comforting and uplifting. Pray for each other and please pray for me.

Keep an eye out for one another in keeping with Government advice, remembering that some parishioners are self isolating.

May the Risen Lord bless you all

Father Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.00. These services may be viewed live or anytime later.

Bishop Robert Barron or Fr. Steve Grunow from Word on Fire, continue to celebrate daily Mass from the bishop’s private chapel which is available anytime after 13.15 UK time.

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

Mass Intentions

Monday – Kathleen Mullen
Tuesday – Paul Hughes
Wednesday – Kathleen Slasor
Thursday – The sick, NHS & Care Workers
Friday – Stephen Coyne
Saturday – Fr “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

Masses for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care

Every Thursday one of our Bishops will be celebrating a special evening Mass for the sick, their families, NHS staff, and those working in Social Care.

Mass this coming Thursday, 7th May, will be celebrated by Bishop Marcus Stock from Leeds Cathedral at 19.00.

Diocesan Day of Prayer

Bishop Robert has made Thursday, 14th May a Diocesan Day of Prayer for the sick and their families, and all who support them. This day of prayer will begin at 10.00 with an online stream of Divine Office from St. Mary’s Cathedral, led by Fr. Michael McCoy.

Liturgical Restrictions.

The celebration of Mass in church along with the celebration of all other Sacraments and sacramentals is suspended until such time as we are allowed to reopen our churches.

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 and,
Paul Hughes, Doris Shields and Teresa Smith 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. Amen.”

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.

Stations of the Light

This is a spiritual journey with Christ that takes you through fourteen of the most inspiriting events of His post-Resurrection life on earth, up until Pentecost.

Vocations Sunday

This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday, a special day of prayer for Vocations. You may like to add this prayer to your daily prayers.

Heavenly Father, in baptism you called us by name and made us members of your family, the Church. Help all your people to know their vocation in life, and to respond by living a life of holiness. For your greater glory and for the service of your people, raise up dedicated and generous men who will serve as priests for the Church of Hexham and Newcastle. Send your Spirit to guide and strengthen our communities, our seminarians and all who are discerning their vocation. Amen.

Could Jesus be calling you to be Catholic Priest?

Pope Francis’ Prayer for Protection during the Coronavirus Pandemic

O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the sick. At the foot of the cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love. to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

We seek refuge under your protection, O holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Your weekly offering is greatly valued and is our sole source of income

As we face another period during which our churches will have to remain closed, I would ask those of you who may feel able, in what I am aware may be difficult times for us all financially, to consider contributing your weekly offering by bank transfer directly into the parish account. It will help us meet our ongoing financial commitments. I am very grateful to those of you who have already chosen to do so.

Alternatively, you might put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church once we can reopen and celebrate Mass and socialise together.

The details for bank transfers

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 newsletter 3 May 2020 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 25 April 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 26 April 2020 Download

Dear Parishioner

Third Sunday of Easter

Here is our parish Newsletter for the coming week.

I do hope you continue to keep well and are in good spirits. Social distancing and lockdown can be challenging for us all especially during this spell of sunny weather, but we are assured it is having a positive effect on curbing the spread of the coronavirus, so I continue to encourage you to follow our Government’s instructions to Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives. Please encourage others to do the same.

I do hope some of you who have access to the internet, were able to join Cardinal Vincent Nichols in prayer during the Mass from Westminster Cathedral last Thursday which he offered for the sick and all frontline workers in the NHS and social care. This will be a weekly celebration.

As you are aware a large number of our parishioners do not have access to the internet so please share the information in this Newsletter with them if you can. Perhaps you could give them a ring.

Please take care of yourselves and try to pray each day. Strive to read your bible, where you will find comfort and solace in God’s Word. Pray for each other and please pray for me.

Keep an eye out for one another in keeping with Government advice, remembering that some parishioners are self isolating.

May the Risen Lord bless you all

Father Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.00. These services may be viewed live or anytime later.

Bishop Robert Barron or Fr. Steve Grunow from Word on Fire, continue to celebrate daily Mass from the bishop’s private chapel which is available from 15.15 UK time.

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

Mass Intentions

Monday – Terry McDonough
Tuesday – Brian Quigley
Wednesday – Billy Knowles
Thursday – The sick, NHS & Care Workers
Friday – Flo Rouse
Saturday – Fr “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

Masses for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care

Every Thursday one of our Bishops will be celebrating a special evening Mass for the sick, their families, NHS staff, and those working in Social Care.

Acknowledging the community solidarity behind the ‘Clap for our Carers’ initiative that has seen millions applauding NHS staff and health workers from their doors and windows for the past four weeks, Cardinal Nichols said: “…what we want to do, is add to that public applause, the practice of public prayer, encouraging Catholics to follow Mass and pray before the 8pm applause.” “We applaud, but we pray and we pray fervently for them. May God bless them all,” he concludes.

Mass this coming Thursday, 30th April will be celebrated by Bishop Richard Moth from Arundel Cathedral at 19.00.

Liturgical Restrictions

Not only is the celebration of Mass in Church suspended at this time, but the celebration of all other Sacraments and sacramentals is suspended until such time as we are allowed to reopen our churches.

In the current situation the Bishops have announced the following instruction: All baptisms, confirmations, first Holy Communions and weddings are to be deferred until congregations are allowed to gather again.

Funeral Masses and Funeral Services are not permitted in our churches. A simple funeral service may be celebrated at the graveside or at the crematorium where numbers attending are limited to 10 people. These Local Authority restrictions are made in the light of the latest guidance from the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and central Government. The funeral director will guide you in this regard.

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 and,
Kathleen Mullen 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. Amen.” A private Funeral Service for Kathleen took place last week.

A Prayer for this Current Time

Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we pray to you through Christ the healer for those who suffer from the Coronavirus across the world. We pray for all who reach out to those who mourn the loss of each and every person who has died as a result of contracting the disease.

Give wisdom to our policymakers, skill to healthcare professionals and researchers, comfort to those in distress and calm to us all in these days of uncertainty and distress. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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.

Your weekly offering is our sole source of income

Alternatively, you might put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church once we can reopen and celebrate Mass and socialise together.

The details for bank transfers

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

An ear to hear

These can be contacted through St Mary’s Cathedral Listening Service on 0191 232 6953 and the Northumberland Listening Service on 07732 980740.

Asylum Seekers Food Donations Update

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project has had to temporarily close its doors and can no longer accept food donations. They have established a mechanism for sending out monthly ‘digital vouchers’ to the mobile phones of the most destitute asylum seekers which allow them to purchase goods to the value of £30.00 in nominated supermarkets.

This way of operating is expensive, so if you can support this scheme you may make a donation by Bank transfer to HSBC DHN Destitute Asylum Fund; Sort code: 40-34-18; Account number: 52854058.

Parish newsletter 26 April 2020 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 18 April 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 19 April 2020 Download

Second Sunday of Easter, 2020

Dear Parishioner

Here is our parish Newsletter for the Second Week of Easter.

I do hope you are all keeping well and in the light of the Government’s decision to extend social distancing for a further period of time, I do urge you to continue to follow their instructions to Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives, no matter how challenging we all find it. We are told it is making a difference to the spread of the virus. Please encourage others to do the same.

Please also try to share the information in this Newsletter with our parishioners who do not have access to the internet. Perhaps you could give them a ring.

I continue to be grateful to you for your emails, telephone calls, offers of help and support and of course for your prayers. They mean a great deal to me.

Please take care of yourselves and try to pray each day. Strive to read your bible, where you will find comfort and solace in God’s Word. Pray for each other and please pray for me.

Keep an eye out for one another in keeping with Government advice, remembering that some parishioners are self isolating.

May the Risen Lord bless you all

Father Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is lived streamed from our Cathedral on a Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.00. These services may be viewed live or anytime later.

Bishop Robert Barron or Fr. Steve Grunow from Word on Fire, continue to celebrate daily Mass from the bishop’s private chapel which you can view.

Because of the time difference between the USA and the UK this Mass does not become available until 15.15 but can be viewed any time after that.

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

I continue to celebrate Mass privately for you all every day. As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me at present, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

Divine Mercy Sunday

This Sunday, 19th April, is Divine Mercy Sunday. Pope Francis will be celebrating Mass at 9.55 UK time in the Church of the Holy Spirit in Rome which is the centre of devotion to Divine Mercy in the city.

You can view the Mass live or anytime after.

Masses for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care

The Bishops of England and Wales recognise that this time of the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting every person in our countries. Those who are sick and their families are suffering many hardships of isolation from contact with those they love.

Our front-line workers in hospitals and in care homes all over our lands are giving exceptional service to those who are vulnerable at this time.

In order to show a spiritual solidarity with all those who are involved in the ways above, each week from this Thursday, one of the Bishops will celebrate Mass privately in their Cathedral which will be live-streamed for people to join.

This Thursday, Cardinal Vincent Nichols will celebrate Mass from Westminster Cathedral at 19.00.

Our Lady of Walsingham

There will be an eight day retreat led by Monsignor John Armitage live streamed from the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham from 20.00 this Sunday, 19^th April to Sunday, 26^th April.

Details of the retreat programme may be found on the Shrine’s website.

Liturgical Restrictions.

Funeral Masses and Funeral Services are not permitted in our churches. A simple funeral service may be celebrated at the graveside or at the crematorium where numbers attending are limited to 10 people. These Local Authority restrictions are made in the light of the latest guidance from the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and central Government. The funeral director will guide you in this regard.

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 especially Molly Bell and Brian Grace Jnr.

Pope Francis’ Prayer for Protection during the Coronavirus Pandemic

O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the sick. At the foot of the cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love. to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

We seek refuge under your protection, O holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

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.

Alone [Together]

If you are finding it difficult living in isolation – on your own or ‘stuck’ with family – you might find the suggestions of Fr Christopher Jamison helpful. He is the President of the English Benedictine Congregation and a monk of Douai Abbey in Berkshire. Drawing on almost 50 years experience as a monk, Fr Christopher has helped to create a website Alone [Together] which addresses loneliness and self-sufficiency raised by the current crisis.

For him, positivity is the key. “Do not begin the day by rehearsing your grievances,” he says. “Begin by remembering you’re alive and there are good things still. You may have to do tough things later, but take it one step at a time. Begin with gratitude; then ask for the grace to face the day and its difficulties. Then go and address the difficulties.”

Your weekly offering is our sole source of income

Alternatively, you might put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church once we can reopen and celebrate Mass and socialise together.

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

The Northern Cross

The April edition of our Diocesan Newspaper The Northern Cross is available online free of charge.

Parish newsletter 19 April 2020 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 11 April 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 11 April 2020 Download

Dear Parishioner

Newsletter for Easter Sunday

Here is our parish Newsletter for Easter Day and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families all the blessings and joys of Easter.

I do hope you are all keeping in good health and continue to follow our Government’s instructions to Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives. Please encourage others to do the same.

Please also try to share the information in this Newsletter with parishioners who do not have access to the internet. Perhaps you could give them a ring.

I would like to thank you for your emails, telephone calls, offers of help and support and of course your prayers. They mean a great deal to me.

Please take care of yourselves and try to pray each day. Endeavour to read your bible, where you will find comfort and solace in God’s Word. Pray for each other and please pray for me.

Keep an eye out for one another in keeping with Government advice, remembering that some parishioners are self isolating.

May God bless you all

Father Patterson

Mass to view on line

Pope Francis will celebrate the Easter Vigil from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome this Saturday evening at 20.00 UK time and Mass on Easter Sunday morning at 10.00 UK time. Both Masses will be live streamed but may also be viewed anytime later via the Vatican YouTube channel.

Mass is being lived streamed from our Cathedral where Bishop Robert will celebrate the Easter Vigil at 19.00 and Mass on Easter Sunday at 11.30. These services may be viewed live or anytime later via St Mary’s RC Cathedral YouTube channel.

Bishop Robert Barron or Fr. Steve Grunow from Word on Fire, continue to celebrate daily Mass from the bishop’s private chapel.

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan website.

I continue to celebrate Mass privately for you all every day. As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me at present, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

The Opening Prayer from the Mass of Easter Sunday

Other Liturgical Restrictions.

Funeral Masses and Funeral Services are not permitted in our churches. A simple funeral service may be celebrated at the graveside or at the crematorium where numbers attending are limited to 10 people. These Local Authority restrictions are made in the light of the latest guidance from the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and central Government. The funeral director will guide you in this regard.

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 especially Molly Bell and Brian Grace Jnr.

Pope Francis’ Prayer for Protection during the Coronavirus Pandemic

A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Alone [Together]

If you are finding it difficult living in isolation – on your own or ‘stuck’ with family – you might find the suggestions of Fr Christopher Jamison helpful. He is the President of the English Benedictine Congregation and a monk of Douai Abbey in Berkshire. Drawing on almost 50 years experience as a monk, Fr Christopher has helped to create a website Alone [Together] which addresses loneliness and self-sufficiency raised by the current crisis.

For him, positivity is the key:

Your weekly offerings

If you feel able, bearing in mind the additional financial commitments you may be currently facing, might I suggest you retain your envelopes each week and bring them along once we can reopen our churches and celebrate Mass together.

I would be grateful if more of you might consider contributing by bank transfer directly into the parish account. It will help us to meet our ongoing financial commitments. I am very grateful to those of you who have already chosen to do so. The details for bank transfers 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

Asylum Seekers

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project, which you so generously support with your donations of tinned meat and fish, has had to temporarily close its doors. No food donations can be received.

However, they are searching for ways to be able to arrange financial support for the most destitute asylum seekers.

If you feel able to offer a donation you may make a bank transfer to their account:

HSBC DHN Destitute Asylum Fund Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52854058

200 Club

The 200 Club draws have been suspended for the time being and will recommence at Week 11 when we are able to reopen our churches, come together to celebrate Mass and enjoy one another’s company again.

The 200 Club will then continue to run its course to complete 52 weeks. As a result it will no longer follow the calendar year.

And finally

You may enjoy this picture of our New Easter Candle which will be lit when we can return to our churches.

Parish newsletter 11 April 2020 Download

Parish Newsletter

Posted on 4 April 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 4 April 2020 Download

Dear Parishioner

Newsletter for Holy Week

Here is our parish Newsletter for Holy Week and I do hope it finds you well and continuing to follow our Government’s instructions. Please stay at home, especially during this spell of fine and sunny weather. It is for the well-being of us all and our NHS service.

Please try to share the information in this Newsletter with our parishioners who do not have access to the internet. Perhaps you could give them a ring.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive future information from us by email and haven’t passed on to me their email address, please ask them to contact me at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk

Other information, including where you can turn to for spiritual support and prayer may be found on our own Diocesan website.

Please take care of yourselves and try to pray each day especially during Holy Week. Endeavour to read your bible, where you will find comfort and solace in God’s Word. Pray for each other and please pray for me.

Keep an eye out for one another in keeping with Government advice, remembering that some parishioners are self isolating.

May God bless you all

Father Patterson

Mass to view on line

Bishop Robert Barron or Fr. Steve Grunow from Word on Fire, continue to celebrate daily Mass from the bishop’s private chapel which you can view here:

Daily Mass

Please remember though that he lives in the USA so the time difference means the Mass doesn’t become available to us here until 12.30 each day. It may be accessed any time after that.

As you will see from the link above, Bishop Barron will be celebrating the Holy Week Services too but these will be at Pacific time which is 8 hours behind UK time!

Mass is being lived streamed from our Cathedral and one or two other parishes in the Diocese. I suspect they may be offering some of the Holy Week services too. You can find all the information you need on the Diocesan website.

I continue to celebrate Mass privately for you all every day. As you are unable to celebrate Mass at present, you may wish to make this act of spiritual communion:

The Opening Prayer from the Mass of Palm Sunday

Other Liturgical Restrictions

In the current situation the Bishops have announced the following instruction:

All baptisms, confirmations, first Holy Communions and weddings are to be deferred until congregations are allowed to gather again.

Funeral Masses and Funeral Services are not permitted in our churches. A simple funeral service may be celebrated at the graveside or at the crematorium where numbers attending are limited to 10 people. These Local Authority restrictions are made in the light of the latest guidance from the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and central Government. The funeral director will guide you in this regard.

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 Kathleen Falconer and Elizabeth Knock
and Vin McCormack and Terry Boyle 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. Amen.” Private cremation services took place for Vin and Terry last week.

Bishop Robert

Bishop Robert has written a Pastoral Letter in which he writes:-

“Without doubt we are living in challenging times but we should see this as an opportunity to have an ever-deeper faith and trust in the Lord. In these days of Holy Week, we unite ourselves more earnestly to the sufferings of the Lord on the Cross and wait with him for the glorious day of the Resurrection and new life.”

Easter Duties

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has shared his thoughts on what it means for our spiritual well-being and salvation when we can’t fulfil our “Easter Duties.”

Pope Francis speaks to us

The Holy Father sends us a special message as we approach Holy week which can be viewed here:

During Holy week you can watch the Holy Week services celebrated by Pope Francis via the Vatican News YouTube channel.

Our School

Mrs Bridon and all the staff at school would like to thank our parents for their support and co-operation in these difficult times.

Please continue to give them whatever support they need in the weeks ahead.

St. Alban – pray for us.

St. Patrick – pray for us.

Holy Week at Home

Our Diocese has produced a document to help us celebrate Holy Week at Home.

Your weekly offerings

Those of you who have not collected your new envelopes will be aware that your present envelopes have run out, but I hope you will feel able to save your contribution nonetheless.

I would be grateful if more of you might consider contributing by bank transfer directly into the parish account. It will help us to meet our ongoing financial commitments. I am very grateful to those of you who have already chosen to do so. The details for bank transfers 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

Asylum Seekers

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project, which you so generously support with your donations of tinned meat and fish, has had to temporarily close its doors. No food donations can be received.

However, they are searching for ways to be able to arrange financial support for the most destitute asylum seekers.

If you feel able to offer a donation you may make a bank transfer to their account: HSBC DHN Destitute Asylum Fund Sort code: 40-34-18 Account No: 52854058

And finally, a Prayer during this time of the Pandemic

Parish newsletter 4 April 2020 Download