Parish newsletter

Posted on 6 March 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 7 March 2021 Download

Attending St Patrick’s Church during the national lockdown Download

3rd Sunday of Lent

Dear Parishioner

As the gradual reduction of Covid-19 cases and deaths locally continues along with the fact that a growing number of our community are receiving their vaccinations and given that the Government guidelines permit us to leave home to attend a place of worship, having consulted with our volunteer stewards we agreed that

St. Patrick’s Church will reopen for Mass – initially on a Sunday only – commencing next Sunday, 14th March at 10.30 am.

To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, and to prevent breaching our maximum capacity of 70 parishioners in the church for a parish Mass, we will follow Government and Diocesan Guidelines and ask parishioners, who wish to attend Mass to reserve a place in advance. This should prevent anyone having to be turned away, which I am afraid would have to happen if our capacity is reached.

To reserve a place for Mass on Sunday, 14th March at 10.30 am please telephone:

07526 232124

on Wednesday, 10th March between 10.00 am – 12.00 pm or,
on Friday, 12th March between 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm

This number will be unavailable outside of the above booking times.

Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email and can only be made for the approaching Sunday and not for dates in advance. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be asked to provide your name and telephone number to comply with the NHS Test and Trace system and also the number in your family if you are attending as a household. Under the current Lockdown restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble and not mix with people from other households.

On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

The procedures which need to be followed when you attend Church are outlined on the information sheet attached to this Newsletter

Please remember though, the Public Health Message is that we are still legally required to “Stay at Home.” You are under no obligation to attend Mass. The Sunday obligation is still suspended. You should not come to Church if you have received a letter to say that you must shield nor if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way. Remember too that if you have received your first dose of the vaccine it takes 3 to 4 weeks to develop antibodies and the vaccine does not give you total immunity. So please consider the wisdom of coming to Church.

While we will attempt to take all the appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities, the Bishops’ Conference and the Diocesan Authorities, 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.

Unfortunately we still do not have sufficient volunteers to reopen St. Alban’s Church to ensure it would be Covid secure and fully compliant with all the guidelines which continue to be required by the Government. Hopefully, in the light of the Government’s Roadmap, we can begin to explore how we can reopen St. Alban’s Church once the Covid restrictions have been lifted. I will outline my hopes in the coming weeks. The Bishop will be meeting with priests via Zoom in the next couple of weeks which may provide more guidance for us. I will, as always, keep you informed

In the meantime, please continue to look after one another and pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe from harm.

May God bless you all

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05 pm. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Nam e, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 am on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

Fr. Patterson will continue to celebrate Mass privately each weekday. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

Monday – Dennis Rogan
Tuesday – Kathleen and Bill Harland
Wednesday – In Thanksgiving (NF)
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday – Gladys Beeson
Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
Sunday: 10.30 in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking necessary

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

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
Fr. Ronnie Richmond who is very poorly 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.

A time to pray

Please join me in prayer for the 124,261 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.

To support you during Lent.

You may like to join Bishop Robert Barron in a “Reflection on the Way of the Cross”.

You may also pray The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with Bishop Barron.

The Diocese offers daily reflections for your Lenten journey at home.

Lenten Alms

The following letter has been received from Moira Ashman, the Chief Executive of St. Cuthbert’s Care. “At St Cuthbert’s Care, we provide a very personal and sensitive approach to our care. The pandemic has made this so much more challenging for us. Throughout the past year, we have carefully transformed the delivery of all our frontline services, to ensure residents and service users still enjoy life to the full. Replicating this care to every resident throughout our nursing homes alongside our disability provision and children’s homes, has been at a significant cost, and these increased costs look set to continue for some time to come. Circumstances have been difficult for us all this year. For this Lenten Appeal, any donation we receive however small, would be deeply appreciated. I know that for some parishioners, financial donations may not be an option and I fully accept this. Thank You.”

If you feel able to support Lenten Alms this year you can make a donation via St Cuthbert’s Care.

“Make sure your behaviour does not create a rise in infections which could prolong restrictions“.

These are the words of Professor Paul Elliot in what has been a very positive week of data revealing that the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus continues to decline along with the number of people who are dying from Covid-19.

You may find this data from our region of interest:

Cases per 100,000 per population in our region

Area	w/e 5 January (lockdown)	w/e 28 February
Gateshead	404	88
Newcastle	215	84
Northumberland	345	78
North Tyneside	248	105
South Tyneside	495	106
Sunderland	479	115
Durham	448	100
Hartlepool	749	141

At the same time there are still 12,136 people in hospital who are suffering from the coronavirus and are very poorly.

Professor Paul Elliott, director of the REACT programme from Imperial College’s School of Public Health, London said: “The fall in infections our study has observed since January demonstrates that national public health measures are working. But recent findings also show that the rate of decline has slowed and some areas are experiencing apparent growth, reinforcing the need for everyone to continue to stick to the rules and help keep infections down. At this critical time, with lockdown soon to be eased, we need to make sure that our behaviour does not risk a rise in infections which could prolong restrictions, which we all want to avoid.”

So to quote Professor Jonathan Van-Tam “Do not wreck this now!”

Roadmap Step 1: Changes from 8th March

Monday marks the beginning of Step 1 of the Government’s Roadmap and the gradual easing of the Lockdown restrictions. These are the changes that come into effect on 8th March.

Education

All children and students return safely to face-to-face education in schools and colleges. Childcare and children’s supervised activities can also resume where necessary to enable parents to work or engage in similar activities. Twice-weekly rapid testing for secondary and college pupils – in addition to regular testing for all teachers – to reduce the chance of the virus spreading in schools is being introduced. Higher Education students at English universities on practical courses can also return from 8th March.

Social contact

People will be allowed to leave home for recreation and exercise outdoors with their household or support bubble, if they are eligible for one, or with one person from outside their household. Care home residents will also be allowed one regular visitor.

All other restrictions are still in place including the mandatory rule to “Stay at Home.”

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson renews his thanks to you for your offerings during these difficult times especially to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by bank transfer helping to meet the regular financial commitments of our churches.

Whilst we are being urged to “Stay at Home,” it may not be wise to drop your envelopes through the presbytery letterbox, unless your daily exercise route happens to take you past the presbytery. Please be sensible. 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 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 newsletter 7 March 2021 Download

Attending St Patrick’s Church during the national lockdown Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 27 February 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 28 February 2021 Download

2nd Sunday of Lent

Dear Parishioners

When the Government imposed a National Lockdown on 5th January, the Public Health message was very clear Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives.

One of the anomalies in the Government Guidance is that Places of Worship may remain open for worship despite the message to “Stay at Home.” Because of the high rate of the transmission of the virus in our region at that time, and after consultation with others, I felt it would be prudent to suspend the celebration of Mass in St. Patrick’s Church until the National Restrictions eased; and some seventy or so parishes in the Diocese did the same.

The local situation has improved as the following data reveal:-

On 5th January, (Lockdown)
the 7 day rolling total of cases in Gateshead was 893.
the 7 day rolling total of people who had died in Gateshead was 7.

On 26th February
the 7 day rolling total of cases in Gateshead was 194.
the 7 day rolling total of those who had died in Gateshead was 9.

On 19th January, the number of patients in the local hospital with Covid was 86.

On 16th February, the number of patients in the local hospital with Covid was 44.

As of 19th February, the estimated “R” number for the healthcare region of the North East and Yorkshire was between 0.7 to 1 with a daily infection growth rate range of -5% to -1%.

In the light of the gradually improving situation, the Prime Minister’s announcement, the fact that a growing number of our community are receiving their vaccinations and given that the Government guidelines permit us to leave home to attend a place of worship, having consulted with our volunteer stewards we agreed that St. Patrick’s Church will reopen for Mass – initially on a Sunday only – commencing Sunday, 14th March at 10.30 am.

All the necessary Covid Restrictions will still be in place. It will be necessary to reserve a place. Details of how to do this will be published in next week’s Newsletter.

We will explore opening the Church for Mass on a Tuesday following the removal of the “Stay at Home” restriction which is due to take place on 29th March according to the Government’s Roadmap.

Please remember, the Public Health Message is that we are still legally required to “Stay at Home.” You are under no obligation to attend Mass. The Sunday obligation is still suspended. You should not come to Church if you have received a letter to say that you must shield nor if you are experiencing any signs of Covid-19 or feeling unwell in any way. Remember too that if you have received your first dose of the vaccine it takes 3 to 4 weeks to develop antibodies and the vaccine does not give you total immunity. So please consider the wisdom of coming to Church.

In the meantime, please continue to look after one another and pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe from harm.

May God bless you all

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05 pm. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Nam e, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 am on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

In keeping with the public health message that the movement and gathering of people should be minimised and that as many people as possible stay at home for the sake of health, life and the Common Good, St. Patrick’s Church will remain closed until the situation improves.

Fr. Patterson will continue to celebrate Mass privately each day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

Monday – Manus McDermott
Tuesday – Sheila Robinson
Wednesday – Emma Hindes
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday – Rita Turnbull
Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with him in Church, 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
Fr. Kevin Daly who is currently unwell
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time and,
Fr. Tom Cunningham (one of our retired priests) and Manus McDermott 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 me in prayer for the 122,415 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.

Lenten Mass

Bishops from all over Europe will join together during Lent to celebrate a series of Masses for the victims of Covid-19. The continent has suffered over 770,000 deaths from the virus. The initiative, promoted by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, aims to offer a sign of communion and hope for the entire continent.

Since the start of the pandemic, bishops from across Europe have added their voices to that of Pope Francis to reiterate the Church’s closeness to all those struggling with coronavirus – the victims and their families, the sick, health and social care workers, the volunteers and all those on the front line at this challenging time

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, as President of our Bishops’ Conference, will celebrate Mass on Tuesday, 2nd March, 2021 in Westminster Cathedral at 17.30 which will be live-streamed on their website.

Bishop Robert will celebrate Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday at 12.05pm which will also be livestreamed.

To support you during Lent.

You may like to join Bishop Robert Barron in a “Reflection on the Way of the Cross”.

You may also pray The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with Bishop Barron.

The Diocese offers daily reflections for your Lenten journey at home.

News from our School

On Monday, 1st March, our School takes on Academy Status as part of the Bishop Wilkinson Trust. Please pray that this move will help us to develop the already high standard of education we are able to offer our children.

Cafod Family Fast Day

Our Third World Group have been able to send a donation of £100.00 to the Cafod Family Fast Day Appeal. Thanks to everyone who has helped to make this possible.

Should you wish to support Cafod’s Lenten Appeal.

Do not wreck this now

This was the sobre warning from Professor Jonathan Van-Tam during the Downing Street briefing on Friday evening. He told us that despite the gradual decrease in recorded cases of the coronavirus throughout the country, the recent fall in the number of cases was now slowing and in one in five local authority areas cases are still rising. “It is not a battle we have won yet,” he went on to say.

Prof Van-Tam said Britons could not afford to let their guard down and “take your foot off the brake” by relaxing adherence to social distancing rules by meeting relatives and friends. “We are not yet collectively as a country in the right place,” he warned. “All the rules still apply until we are in a much safer place. “It’s a bit like being 3-0 up in a football game and saying ‘We can’t lose this’. But how many times have you seen the other side come back and win 4-3? Do not wreck this now, we are so close”

Prof Van-Tam urged all those who had received the first dose of their vaccination to continue following the rules. He said: “Much as it is encouraging and much as I am upbeat about vaccines, and how they are going to change how we live and what the disease is like between now and the summer, there is a long way to go. My inbox in the last week has been besieged with people writing in saying, I’ve had the vaccine, ‘Can I now start to break the rules?’ ’Can I go and see my grandchildren and do X, Y and Z?’ And the answer to that is no. We are not yet collectively, as a country, in the right place.”

Prof Van-Tam continued: “All the patients that I vaccinate … I say to them, ‘Remember, all the rules still apply to you and all of us until we’re in a much safer place’. It doesn’t change because you’ve had your first dose of vaccine. So, please don’t be tempted to think, ‘Well, one home visit might be alright now the weather is getting better, going to be a nice weekend – one small gathering in your house won’t really matter’. I’m afraid it does matter and the data speak for themselves.

So my key message tonight is look, this is all going very well but there are some worrying signs that people are relaxing, taking their foot off the brake at exactly the wrong time.” Do not wreck this now!

Listen to Professor Van Tam.

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

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

Parish newsletter 28 February 2021 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 6 February 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 7 February 2021 Download

5th Sunday of the Year

Dear Parishioners

There was some good news this week from the Prime Minister who spoke of the progress being made with the nations vaccination programme. This is part of what he said:

“There are many people and groups responsible for the UK’s vaccination programme and we owe our thanks to our brilliant scientists, to the Vaccine Task Force which has procured over 400 million doses of seven different types of vaccine, to the manufacturers and the delivery drivers, the pharmacists, the military medics, countless volunteers, and to the doctors, nurses and all the staff of our NHS. Thanks to their effort we have passed the milestone of 10 million vaccinations in the United Kingdom.”

With every jab and every day, we have more evidence about the effectiveness of these vaccines. New research from Oxford University suggests the protection provided by the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine kicks in after three weeks and lasts right the way through to the booster at three months. And research also shows that the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine seems likely to reduce transmission to others.

And even if these vaccines cannot make us invulnerable, and no vaccine has ever given 100 per cent protection to everybody, the evidence increasingly shows that our vaccines achieve this crucial objective: to reduce death and serious illness from those major strains of Covid that have been subject to research.

There are some signs of hope that the numbers of Covid patients in hospital are beginning to fall for the first time since the onset of this new wave although the level of infection is still alarmingly high and I am sorry to say that we have lost another 1,322 lives in the last 24 hours alone (Wednesday’s figure) and our hearts again go out to every family that grieves.

The wards of our NHS are still under huge pressure with more than 32,000 Covid patients still in hospital. So let’s do everything we can to carry on supporting them. Because if we stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives, then in the words of the late Captain Tom – “Tomorrow will be a good day.”

Please continue to look after one another and pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe from harm.

May God bless you all

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05 pm. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Nam e, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 am on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

Fr. Patterson will continue to celebrate Mass privately each day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week:

Monday – Isabella Taylor
Tuesday – Michael Scanlon
Wednesday – LDM Cooper and Hollyman Families
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday -Larry Cullen (Private Funeral : by invitation only)
Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with him in Church, 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
Fr. Paul McCourt and Fr. Kevin Daly who are currently unwell
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Isabella Taylor and.
Larry Cullen and Dorothy Foster 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 me in prayer for the 111,264 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.

World Day of Prayer for the Sick

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on 11th February, is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sick. How important then is this Feast Day for the whole world during this pandemic. The world needs the prayers of Our Lady of Lourdes for healing and strength.

In his message for this World Day of Prayer, Pope Francis says, “The experience of sickness makes us realize our own vulnerability and our innate need of others. It makes us feel all the more clearly that we are creatures dependent on God. When we are ill, fear and even bewilderment can grip our minds and hearts; we find ourselves powerless, since our health does not depend on our abilities or life’s incessant worries (cf. Mt 6:27). Sickness raises the question of life’s meaning, which we bring before God in faith. In seeking a new and deeper direction in our lives, we may not find an immediate answer. Nor are our relatives and friends always able to help us in this demanding quest.”

He concludes with, “To Mary, Mother of Mercy and Health of the Infirm, I entrust the sick, healthcare workers and all those who generously assist our suffering brothers and sisters. From the Grotto of Lourdes and her many other shrines throughout the world, may she sustain our faith and hope, and help us care for one another with fraternal love.” The full text can be found on the Vatican website.

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.

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you for your offerings during these difficult times. He is particularly grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds by bank transfer which helps to meet the day to day financial commitments of our churches.

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

Parish newsletter 7 February 2021 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 30 January 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 31 January 2021 Download

4th Sunday of the Year

Dear Parishioners

This Saturday marks the first anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and this Sunday will be one year on from the first case of COVID-19 detected in the UK. It has been a terrible year as the virus has spread across the world causing misery, hardship, death and severely disrupting all of our lives.

During the course of this week our country reached the milestone of having to acknowledge the death of over 100,000 people from the coronavirus.

How is the death rate in our country so high? There is no quick and easy answer, although I am sure we are aware, from what we see on the television, from what we hear and read that there are a variety of opinions.

There are those who point a finger at the government; others highlight the health of our nation as a factor. The UK has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, and obesity increases the risk of hospitalisation and death from Covid-19, according to Public Health England. Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and respiratory problems also increase the risk to health.

The UK is among the 10 most densely populated nations among those countries with populations of more than 20 million. Its ethnically diverse and densely packed urban populations exposed its vulnerability to a virus that spreads effortlessly in the close proximity between people. What is more, our cities are more inter-connected than they are in many countries. The ageing population must also be taken into account.

Some commentators point to the fact that what is one of our greatest strengths, namely that our country is a vibrant hub for international travel, has also posed problems. Genetic analysis has shown that by the end of March, 2020, the virus was brought into the UK on at least 1,300 separate occasions, mainly from France, Spain and Italy.

And then there is our own response to following the guidelines and rules of staying at home, social distancing, washing our hands, wearing face coverings and not mixing households, because remember the virus spreads through human contact. So there will inevitably be people in our country who will have had some part to play in the spread of the virus if they haven’t been following the rules.

With the benefit of hindsight, it is so easy to be critical of the well intentioned efforts of so many when in the early days, as Professor Chris Whitty admits, the data was “really quite poor and very limited.”

What is important for the future is that we all resolve to work harder than ever to look after each other especially by following all the current rules. And of course there is the rollout of the vaccine which will hopefully help to ease the situation given time. But remember it is only one of many tools, so we must not drop our guard.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols issued the following statement on hearing of the death of so many people from coronavirus: It is…

“A day of great sadness all over the land. So many people, families, communities, remembering those who have died in these terrible months of the pandemic. Each one is mourned. Each one is to be prayed for. This is our instinct, our faith, our practice. Our prayer is rooted in the faith that, in death, life is changed, not ended, for the promise of eternal life opens the door of hope even in our darkest moments. I pray for each and everyone, those who have died, those who mourn, those who serve. Please, please, join me in prayer.”

Please continue to look after one another and pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe from harm.

May God bless you all

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Su nday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05 pm. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 am on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

Fr. Patterson will continue to celebrate Mass privately each day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

Monday – Lindsay Bradley
Tuesday – For all who have died due to the coronavirus
Wednesday – Margaret Hewitt (Private Funeral : by invitation only)
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday – Veronica and James Houghton
Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with him in Church, 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
Fr. Paul McCourt and Fr. Kevin Daly who are currently unwell
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Lindsay Bradley and Veronica Houghton and,
George Perry, Margaret Hewitt and Larry Cullen 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 me in prayer on Tuesday when I will offer Mass privately for all those who have died from the Coronavirus. May they rest in peace. Although you can’t be with me, I hope you may feel able to say this prayer sometime during the day.

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.

Parish News by Email

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

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

Parish newsletter 31 January 2021 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 23 January 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 24 January 2021 Download

3rd Sunday of the Year

Dear Parishioners

The rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine has been part of the headline news this week and a topic of conversation in our own community where I know some of you have “had your jab!”

The Bishops of England and Wales are encouraging Catholics to get vaccinated against the Coronavirus.

The development of a vaccine against Covid-19 presents an important breakthrough in protecting others as well as oneself from the virus; a virus which has not only caused a global pandemic and led to a huge loss of life but has also placed a great burden on healthcare workers and systems.

Speaking on behalf of the Bishops of England and Wales, Bishop Richard Moth, pointed out that each person has a duty to protect others from infection with its danger of serious illness, and for some, death. He noted that a vaccine is the most effective way to achieve this unless one decides to self-isolate and therefore Catholics may in good conscience receive any of the three vaccines for the good of others and themselves.

At the same time, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith recalls that “vaccination is not, as a rule, a moral obligation and that, therefore, it must be voluntary.” The morality of vaccination, it notes, depends both on the duty to protect one’s own health and the pursuit of the common good. “In the absence of other means to stop or even prevent the epidemic, the common good may recommend vaccination, especially to protect the weakest and most exposed.” Those who for reasons of conscience reject vaccines must “do their utmost to avoid, by other prophylactic means and appropriate behaviour, becoming vehicles for the transmission of the infectious agent.”

In the light of the Bishops’ statement, I hope you will all feel able to accept the invitation to receive the vaccine when it is offered to you.

Please continue to look after each other and pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe from harm.

May God bless you all

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Su nday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05 pm. These Masses may be viewed live or anytime later.

Alternatively, you may like to follow Mass from the Holy Name, Jesmond celebrated live at 10.00 am on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

Fr. Patterson will continue to celebrate Mass privately each day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

Monday – Vin Blackwood
Tuesday – Bishop Hugh Lindsay
Wednesday – Peter Sloan
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday – Denis Patrick Lenehan
Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with him in Church, 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
Fr. Paul McCourt and Fr. Kevin Daly who are currently unwell
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Bishop Hugh Lindsay, Vin Blackwood and Denis Patrick Lenehan and,
Patricia Britton 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

Sunday of the Word of God

Pope Francis is encouraging us to devote this Sunday, 24th January to the Word of God, so that we can ‘experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world’ (from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Aperuit Illis).

Fr Sean Hall has posted two talks on St Mark’s Gospel (about 12 minutes each) on the diocesan website. As we begin the Year of Mark, these resources may assist you to read the Sunday Gospel with greater insight. If you have the facility, you may view the talks on the YouTube channel here: Talk one and Talk two.

Holocaust Memorial Day

“Be the Light in the Darkness” is a film of remembrance, which will be available from 8.00 on Monday, 25th January to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. The theme, ‘Be the light in the darkness,’ encourages everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide.

This year, the Interreligious Department of the Diocese is releasing a film of remembrance as a resource for schools, and local parish communities. Bishop Robert offers further thought and reflection in remembering with sorrow the victims of the Holocaust, before lighting a candle as we remember the genocides and atrocities that have taking place in recent memory. We can all stand in solidarity. We can choose to be the light in the darkness in a variety of ways and places – at home, in public, and online. If you have the facility, you may wish to view this film of remembrance at Be the Light in the Darkness.

Parish News by Email

Thank you

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for a Gift Aided donation of £40.00 recently received for St. Patrick’s parish funds.

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

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

Parish newsletter 24 January 2021 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 16 January 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 17 January 2021 Download

Dear Parishioner

I suspect many of us may have been struggling this week with the prospect of the Lockdown having to be in place for quite some time, a fact confirmed by the Prime Minister at the Downing Street Briefing on Friday evening.

Staying at Home is the underlying message which we must try to observe, not only for our own well-being but for that of the community and, of course, for the sake of the staff of our local hospitals.

For those of us living on our own, and I include myself in this, I know how difficult it can be at times. However when we hear of the ever growing number of new cases of the virus, along with the increasing number of people dying in our region and throughout the country – the sense of isolation and loneliness we may sometimes feel, fades into the background.

Last Friday, 15th January, 55,761 people tested positive in our country, 108 of those were in Gateshead. In the last 7 days to 10th January, there were 116 people who tested positive living within the boundary of our shared parish.

Throughout the UK, 1,280 people were reported as having died of Covid on 15th January, with 10 people dying in the last seven days in Gateshead. There are 37,282 Covid patients in our hospitals, 74 in the Gateshead NHS Trust.

The Prime Minister also spoke of the importance of Washing our hands regularly as the virus “can be passed on, not just by standing too near someone in a supermarket queue, but also by handling something touched by an infected person.”

On a more positive note he also spoke of the progress of the vaccination programme, encouraging us, “when the call comes, to get a jab but, in the meantime, Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

So we must continue to remain vigilant and do what we can to help to reduce the number of cases and deaths in our community.

Please continue to look after each other and pray that the Lord will watch over us and keep us safe from harm

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30am and on weekdays at 12.05pm. These Masses 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. Mass may also be viewed any time later.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

Fr. Patterson will continue to celebrate Mass privately each day. The following Intentions will be remembered this week.

Monday – Annie and John Donald
Tuesday -Margaret and Brian Pankhurst
Wednesday – LDM Makepeace and Shanks Families
Thursday -The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday -Patsy Rafferty
Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with him in Church, 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
Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Annie Donald and Patsy Rafferty and,
Frank McCarron 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

Your ongoing financial support is welcomed and needed

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

The Year of St. Joseph

Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St Joseph.” It began on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2020 and extends to the same Feast this year. The Pope shares with us these, his thoughts:-

Saint Joseph, expressed his fatherhood by placing himself at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home. In St. Joseph, “Jesus saw the tender love of God,” the love that helps us accept our weakness, because “it is through” and despite “our fears, our frailties, and our weakness” that God’s will for us is realised.

Joseph is also a father in obedience to God: with his ‘fiat’ he protects Mary and Jesus and teaches his Son to “do the will of the Father.” Called by God to serve the mission of Jesus, he “cooperated… in the great mystery of Redemption.”

Joseph is a father who teaches the value, dignity and joy of work. “A carpenter who earned an honest living to provide for his family.” This aspect of Joseph’s character enables Pope Francis to encourage everyone “to rediscover the value, the importance and the necessity of work for bringing about a new ‘normal’ from which no one is excluded.” Especially in light of rising unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pope calls everyone to “review our priorities” and to express our firm conviction that no young person, no person at all, no family should be without work!”

“Fathers are not born, but made,” says Pope Francis. “A man does not become a father simply by bringing a child into the world, but by taking up the responsibility to care for that child.” Unfortunately, in today’s society, children “often seem orphans, lacking fathers” who are able to introduce them “to life and reality.” Children, the Pope says, need fathers who will not try to dominate them, but instead raise them to be “capable of deciding for themselves, enjoying freedom and exploring new possibilities.”

Joseph, says Pope Francis, “knew how to love with extraordinary freedom. He never made himself the centre of things. He did not think of himself, but focused instead on the lives of Mary and Jesus.” Joseph stands out, therefore, as an exemplary figure for our time.

Pope Francis offers us the following prayer to St. Joseph:

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen

Parish newsletter 17 January 2021 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 9 January 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 10 January 2021 Download

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Dear Parishioner

I suspect few of us were surprised at the Government’s decision earlier this week to impose a National Lockdown on our country in the light of the rapid growth in the transmission of the coronavirus, the increasing number of people dying and the threat the spread of the virus poses, not only to ourselves, but to our National Health Service.

The message is very clear. The single most important action we can all take is to Stay at Home, to protect the NHS and to help to save lives.

One of the anomalies in the Government Guidance is that Places of Worship may remain open for communal worship.

Since St. Patrick’s Church reopened in September 2020, we have taken all the appropriate precautions consistent with the advice of public health authorities, the Bishops’ Conference and the Diocese to ensure our Church is Covid-19 safe.

However we should be aware that when we enter any public space we assume the risk of contracting Covid-19. Our Church is no exception despite the precautions we have put in place which cannot totally eliminate the risk of infection. As the new variant of the coronavirus is more easily transmissible, this risk of infection is heightened which is why we are all being asked to “Stay at Home” and limit our contact with members of other households.

As the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 continues to rise in our neighbourhood, there have been 995 confirmed cases in Gateshead since 1st January, I have consulted with some parishioners, some of our volunteer stewards, fellow priests and I have spoken to Bishop Robert and I feel it would be prudent, until the national restrictions ease, to suspend the celebration of Mass in St. Patrick’s Church with the exception of Funerals. Some of you may be aware that the churches in Washington, and the churches in Penshaw and Birtley have already closed as have some in Sunderland.

I have also taken into consideration the following statement issued by the Bishops of Northern Ireland:

“…we are very concerned at the current serious public health position in which Northern Ireland finds itself: with the extremely high level of transmission of the Covid-19 virus; the continuing escalation of numbers in hospital and intensive care; the number of associated deaths; and, the increasingly unsustainable pressure on our healthcare staff. The clear message from health officials is that this situation is going to worsen significantly over the coming weeks.

We recognise the efforts of so many in our parishes who have been working to ensure that our gatherings for public worship are as safe as possible….. At this time, however, we acknowledge and support the unequivocal message from public health authorities that the movement and gathering of people should be minimised and that as many people as possible stay at home for the sake of health, life and the Common Good.

In light of…. the current serious and worsening situation, and in line with clear public health guidance that people should stay at home, we have decided that for a limited period….. the celebration of Mass and other liturgies should take place without the physical presence of the faithful.

We make this decision reluctantly, conscious that not being able to gather for public worship can cause pain for all the faithful, but in the hope that this limited period of sacrifice will be for the protection of life and health and for the greater good of all.”

It has not been an easy decision for me to make, but I do this with your spiritual and physical well-being in mind and that of our local community. I also have to consider the well-being of our volunteer stewards and their families. A team of five must be present for any service held in the Church to ensure your safety and to sanitise the Church afterwards and I am anxious about having to place them in a potentially vulnerable environment.

As the situation in our own country is similar, if not worse, than the situation in Northern Ireland, St. Patrick’s Church will be closed from 12 noon on Monday, 11th January, for all acts of communal worship with the exception of funerals until the situation eases. I will monitor the situation on a regular basis and keep you informed via the Newsletter.

In the meantime I urge all of you to:

Stay at home | Protect the NHS | Save lives

May the Lord continue to watch over us and protect us from harm.

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line over the Christmas period

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05 pm. These Masses 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 am. Mass may also be viewed any time later.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

Monday – Emma Hindes (Private Funeral Mass by invitation only due to Covid-19 restrictions)
Tuesday – Brian Quigley
Wednesday – Vincent McCormack
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday – Kathleen and Bill Harland
Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
Sunday – For the intentions of all our parishioners

As you are unable to celebrate Mass with me in Church, 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
Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly and,
Fr. David Milburn, one of our retired priests, Ralph Curry and Emma Hindes 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

Your financial support

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you for your offerings during the Christmas season and continues to be grateful to those parishioners who regularly contribute to parish funds either by bank transfer, bringing their offerings to Mass or by dropping their envelopes through the presbytery letterbox. This helps to meet the day to day financial commitments of our churches.

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 and choose to make a bank transfer, the parish can still reclaim the tax on your offering. 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 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 newsletter 10 January 2020 Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 2 January 2021 by admin

Parish newsletter 3 January 2021 Download

Attending St. Patrick’s Church during tier 4 restrictions Download

The Second Sunday of Christmas

Dear Parishioners

With the promising news this week of the approval of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, might I take this opportunity to wish you a New Year filled with hope!

At the same time we have been reminded by our Government that we must not drop our guard as the new variant of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly through the country putting a great strain on the NHS and resulting in more people dying.

As such, might I encourage you all to follow the Tier 4 Restrictions which were placed on our region last Thursday especially the 2 metre social distancing rule.

The basic message of these restrictions is “you must not leave or be outside of your home or garden except where you have a ‘reasonable excuse.’ These are listed on the Government’s website.

Attending communal worship is deemed to be a ‘reasonable excuse,’ to leave your home, but the Restrictions stress that “we must not mingle with anyone outside of our household or support bubble and should maintain strict social distancing at all times.” Places of Worship may remain open for communal worship so long as they continue to follow the established guidelines they already have in place.

With the agreement of our stewards, Mass in St. Patrick’s Church will be celebrated on Tuesdays at 10.00 am and on Sundays at 10.30 am. You must reserve a place for Sunday Mass. Information on what you need to do is on page 2 of the Newsletter.

However, in the light of the Tier 4 Restrictions, I would urge you to give serious consideration as to whether or not you should be attending Church at this present time especially if you are in any of the vulnerable categories and you should not attend Church if you are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable.

We are all becoming tired of yet more restrictions and the next few months will continue to challenge us. Whilst we hope the vaccine will gradually help to relieve the situation, we must remain ever watchful and not drop our guard – even those of you who have already received your first “jab.”

May God continue to bless us all and keep us safe now and throughout the coming year

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line over the Christmas period

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 am and on weekdays at 12.05. These Masses 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 am. Mass may also be viewed any time later.

Mass Intentions for the coming week

Monday – Pat McDonough
Tuesday: 10.00 in Church – In Thanksgiving (MS)
Wednesday – Carol Belton
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
Friday -Paul Hughes
Saturday – Fr. “P’s” Intentions
Sunday: 10.30 in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking is necessary

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

In case you were 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
Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly and,
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially

A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Should I come to church? Tier 4 update

If you have been confirmed as clinically extremely vulnerable the government is advising under Tier 4 Restrictions that you should stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend health appointments 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 be especially careful to follow the rules and minimise their contact with others.

If you fall into either of these categories, you need to consider the wisdom of attending Mass.

Please remember, you are not obliged to attend Mass. Sunday obligation is suspended.

You must not come to Church……..if you are feeling unwell or if you suspect that you have Covid-19, (high temperature, new persistent cough, change or a 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.

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.

Mass in St. Patrick’s Church during this coming week:

Thanks to the generosity of our volunteer stewards whose presence is necessary if we are able to open the St. Patrick’s Church for Mass we will be able to return to our pre-Christmas programme namely:

Tuesdays at 10.00 am- no booking is necessary
Sundays, at 10.30 am- for which booking is necessary

To reserve a place for Mass on Sunday, 10th January, please telephone:

07526 232124

on either Wednesday, 6th January between 10 am and 12 pm or on Friday, 8th January between 5.30 pm and 7 pm.

This number will be unavailable outside of these booking times.

Bookings can’t be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be asked to provide your name and telephone number to comply with the NHS Test and Trace system and also the number in your family if you are attending as a household. Under Tier 4 Restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble—the rule of six being the limit in any one bench.

For Masses where booking is not required please bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope and place them in the box in Church.

Parish finances and offerings

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you for your Christmas Offerings.

He continues to be grateful to those parishioners who are able to regularly contribute to parish funds, either by bank transfer or by dropping their weekly offering envelopes through the presbytery letterbox. This helps to meet the day to day financial commitments of our churches. Thank you for your Christmas Offerings too.

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.

Alternatively, you might wish to put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church when you feel able to come.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:

St. Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984

St. Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453

Parish newsletter 3 January 2021 Download

Attending St. Patrick’s Church during tier 4 restrictions Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 26 December 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 27 December 2020 Download

Attending St. Patricks Church during Tier 3 Restrictions Download

The Feast of the Holy Family

Dear Parishioners

I do hope your celebration of Christmas brought you peace, joy and hope.

I would like to thank you for your cards and gifts but more especially for your understanding and support as we have journeyed together throughout this year with all the frustrations and uncertainties of the Coronavirus pandemic. I don’t think any of us are finding these current times easy!

A special word of thanks must go to those parishioners who volunteer to act as stewards and cleaners in St. Patrick’s Church. They are essential if a church is to open for the celebration of Mass to take place. Their commitment and dedication is no mean achievement.

As the restrictions will go on well into 2021, if there are any of you who would like to join our team of volunteers, please email me on felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk. It is preferable that you are not in a vulnerable category. Anyone who is extremely clinically vulnerable is unable to act as a steward. Training will be given.

I am particularly grateful to those of you who have access to the internet for printing off copies of our parish Newsletters and passing them on to those who can’t receive them by email. It is a most valued method of keeping one another informed. Should you wish to receive the Newsletter by email, send your request to the email address above. Please remember that the Newsletter is also published on our parish website and I wish to thank our “parish webmaster” for uploading it each week.

I am also grateful to those of you who ring from time to time to ensure that I am “still in one piece” and for your emails enquiring of my well-being. They mean a great deal to me and help to brighten up the occasional dark day.

The next few months will continue to challenge us and whilst we hope the vaccine will gradually help to relieve the situation, we must remain ever watchful and not drop our guard – even those of you who have already received your first “jab.”

May God continue to bless us all and keep us safe now and throughout the coming year.Happy New Year

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line over the Christmas period

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on Sunday at 11.30 and on weekdays at 12.05. These Masses 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. Mass may also be viewed any time later on the Holy Name website.

Mass Intentions

Monday – Peter Sloan
Tuesday: 10.00 am in Church – Gerry Toberty
Wednesday – Tom and Kathleen McKenna
Thursday – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers
New Year’s Day: 10.00 am in Church – Allan Lavin
Saturday: Fr. “P’s” Intentions
Sunday: 10.30 am in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking is necessary .

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with me in Church, 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
Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly and,
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Allan Lavin and Gerry Toberty.

A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Fr. Patterson will offer Mass on Christmas morning for all those who are sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers and all who have died of Covid-19.

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 60 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 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.

You must not come to Church 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.

Mass in St. Patrick’s Church during this coming week:

Sunday, 27th December – booking is now closed
Tuesday, 29th December at 10.00 – no booking is necessary
Friday, 1st January at 10.00 – no booking is necessary
Sunday, 3rd January 2021 at 10.30 – booking is necessary

To reserve a place please telephone:

07526 232124

on either Wednesday, 30th December between 10.00 am – 12.00 pm or on Friday, 1st January between 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm.

This number will be unavailable outside of these booking times.

Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be asked to provide your name and telephone number to comply with the NHS Test and Trace system and also the number in your family if you are attending as a household. Under Tier 3 Restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble—the rule of six being the limit in any one bench.

For Masses where booking is not required please bring your Test and Trace details in an envelope with you and place them in the box in Church.

Parish finances and offerings

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank you for your Christmas Offerings.

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.

Alternatively, you might wish to put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church when you feel able to come.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:-

St. Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984

St. Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453

Diocesan Website

More information and support may be found on our Diocesan webs ite.

Parish newsletter 27 December 2020 Download

Attending St. Patricks Church during Tier 3 Restrictions Download

Parish newsletter

Posted on 19 December 2020 by admin

Parish newsletter 20 December 2020 Download

Attending St. Patricks Church during Tier 3 Restrictions Download

4th Sunday of Advent

Dear Parishioners

Although we are celebrating the Fourth Sunday of Advent this weekend, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Christmas filled with peace, joy and hope.

I urge you to make considered decisions as to how you will celebrate the time with family and friends. Remember the coronavirus does not know it is Christmas and thrives in situations where we get close to others.

When planning your Christmas celebrations please consider Professor Chris Whitty’s advice given on Wednesday at a Downing Street Briefing: “Keep it small, keep it short, keep it local and think of the most vulnerable. The smaller the number of households that meet, the less transmission there will be. The shorter the period that people are together, the less risk there is of transmission. Keep it local because people travelling from high incidence areas to lower incidence areas have the risk of passing on the virus. Nobody has hidden that there is a risk at Christmas but if we do this, we can reduce the risk for everybody.”

These two images remind us of Christmas past when we were able to celebrate Mass together in both of our churches.

Sadly it is not possible to celebrate Mass in St. Alban’s Church at present as we are unable to make it Covid secure and Mass in St. Patrick’s Church will be very different due to the protocols we must have in place to keep you safe and well.

As a result of these restrictions we have had to ask you to reserve a place should you wish to come to Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as we are limited to 70 people at a Mass in our Church.

Mass on Christmas Eve is fully booked. So please do not come to Mass unless you have reserved a space as we will be unable to welcome you into our Church.

There are still a few places available for Mass on Christmas morning at 9.45 am. You may reserve a place by telephoning:

07526 232124

on Monday, 21st December between 5.30 pm and 7:00pm.

Mass will be celebrated on Boxing Day at 10.00 am for which you do not have to book.

Should you wish to attend Mass on Sunday, 27th December at 10.30 am, you will need to reserve a place if you haven’t already done so, by telephoning

07526 232124

on Monday, 21st December between 5.30 pm and 7.00 pm

Thanks to the generosity of our stewards, as well as Mass at 10.00 am on Tuesday, 29th December, Mass will also be celebrated on New Year’s Day at 10.00 am. You do not need to book for these Masses. Seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

May God bless you and your friends and families at Christmas and in the year ahead and may he keep you safe in his care.

Fr. Patterson

Mass to view on line over the Christmas period

Mass is live streamed from our Cathedral on:

Sunday at 11.30 am
weekdays at 12.05 pm
Christmas Eve at 7.30 pm
Christmas Day at 11.30 am.

These Masses 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 am each day. Mass on Christmas Eve will be live streamed at 5.00 pm and on Christmas Morning at 10.00 am. Mass may also be viewed any time later.

Mass Intentions

Monday – Margaret Freeman & LDM Foster & Freeman Families
Tuesday: 10.00 am in Church – Jim Murray & LDM Murray & McCabe Families
Wednesday – Ellen Farrell
Christmas Eve: 5.30 pm in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – fully booked
Christmas Day: 9.45 am in Church – The sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers and all who have died of Covid-19 – booking is necessary
Saturday: 10.00 am in Church – Nellie Armstrong
Sunday: 10.30 am in Church – For the intentions of all our parishioners – booking is necessary

When you are unable to celebrate Mass with me in Church, 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
Fr. Kevin Daly and Fr. Jim Dunne, both of whom are active priests in parishes, but are currently quite poorly and,
all those near and dear to us whose memories we cherish at this time especially Nellie Armstrong, Ellen Farrell, Margaret Freeman, Pat McDonagh, Jim Murray and Gerry Toberty.

A Prayer for Carers, Nurses and Doctors

Fr. Patterson will offer Mass on Christmas morning for all those who are sick, their families, NHS staff & Care Workers and all who have died of Covid-19.

Should I come to church?

The celebration of Mass during the coming week

We are all aware that Christmas is going to be very different this year, socially and spiritually. The Tier 3 Restrictions which we must follow, to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus, will impact on us all. What is important is that we continue to adhere to them for the sake of the common good – a message which lies at the heart of our Christian faith.

As our numbers are restricted to 70 people at each Mass, you will need to book a place to be able to attend Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The following Masses will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church during the coming week:

Sunday, 20th December at 10.30 am – booking is now closed for this Mass
Tuesday, 22nd December at 10.00 am – no booking is required
Christmas Eve – fully booked – please do not come to Mass unless you have reserved a space as we will be unable to welcome you into our Church
Christmas Day at 9.45 am – there are a few places still available – you must reserve a place following the procedure outlined below
Boxing Day, the Feast of St. Stephen at 10.00 am – no booking is required. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis
Sunday, 27th December at 10.30 am – booking is required. Please follow the procedure below.

You may reserve a place for Christmas Morning and Sunday, 27th December by telephoning:

07526 232124

on Monday, 21st December between 5.30 pm – 7.00pm.

This number will be unavailable outside of the above booking time.

Bookings cannot be made via the presbytery telephone number nor by email. Text messages cannot be accepted as a method of booking.

You will be asked to provide your name and telephone number to comply with the NHS Test and Trace system and also the number in your family if you are attending as a household. Under Tier 3 Restrictions you must only sit with members of your own household or bubble—the rule of six being the limit in any one bench. On arrival at the church you will be welcomed by a steward and your name will be checked against the booking list.

The Church doors will open 20 minutes before Mass is due to begin. Please do not come any earlier but do allow yourself sufficient time to complete the necessary health and safety protocols. You may have to form a socially distanced queue outside. The attached document “Attending St. Patrick’s Church during Tier 3 Restrictions” will help you.

Whilst we would always wish to welcome families back to Church, due to the Covid-19 Health and Safety requirements, we would suggest that children should only be brought to Mass if they are old enough to be able to adhere to the guidelines and can remain seated in their place at all times

Sincere Thanks

Fr. Patterson wishes to thank our volunteer stewards and cleaners whose presence is necessary for St. Patrick’s Church to be open for the celebration of Mass at any time including the Christmas period. Without their dedication and commitment we would not be able to open the Church for Mass as they ensure all the protocols for your safety and well-being are in place on every occasion. Thank you. Thanks also to our telephone booking operator who gives of her time to ensure we do not breach our limited seating capacity.

Northern Catholic Calendar

Copies of our Diocesan Year Book will be available to collect after Mass on Sunday at a cost of £3.00. Please bring the correct money in an envelope and place it in the box provided.

Message from Bishop Robert

As we approach Christmas, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work for your parish and the diocese in this time of pandemic. To those who have helped to keep our churches open for Mass and those who have reached out to the less fortunate I want to say a big thank you. It is by our faith and unity that we can be a sign to the world of the love Christ showed us in becoming one of us in the holy season. I would like to wish you and your family a happy and peaceful Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Advent Alms 2020

Moira Ashman, the Chief Executive of St Cuthbert’s Care has sent the following note:

“This year, due to the very trying ongoing circumstances, St Cuthbert’s Care has been invited to deliver an online Advent Appeal via the Diocesan website. If you would like to support our charity’s work, the diocesan link can be accessed St Cuthberts Care I am mindful of the financial pressures the pandemic has placed on many, so please, only support us if you feel able to do so. Thank you.”

On leaving the Church – Please be responsible and adhere to the law.

Under Tier 3 Restrictions, you must not mingle outside the Church after Mass. Parishioners are asked to disperse immediately on leaving the Church. Fr. Patterson urges those of you who come to Mass to follow this advice and in doing so set an example for others to follow and, of course, prevent the possible transmission of the coronavirus.

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 contact Father Patterson at felling.stpatrick@rcdhn.org.uk and they will be added to our contact list.

Parish finances and offerings

Fr. Patterson continues to be so grateful to those parishioners who are able to regularly contribute to parish funds, either by bank transfer or by dropping their weekly offering envelopes through the presbytery letterbox. This helps to meet the day to day financial commitments of our churches.

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.

Alternatively, you might wish to put aside your envelopes each week and bring them along to church when you feel able to come.

The details for bank transfers and cheques are as follows:

St. Alban’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Pelaw St Alban, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 92010984

St. Patrick’s HSBC bank account name: DHN Felling St Patrick, Sort code: 40-34-18, Account No: 52010453

Donation

Fr. Patterson is very grateful for a Gift Aided Donation of £100.00 recently received for St. Patrick’s parish funds.

Protect your loved ones

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 webs ite.

Parish newsletter 20 December 2020 Download

Attending St. Patricks Church during Tier 3 Restrictions Download