At a meeting of the clergy, Forward Together in Hope lay representatives and parishioners from the deanery in St. Joseph’s, Gateshead on Wednesday, 16th November, 2016, it was agreed to submit Partnership Proposal One to Bishop Seamus for his consideration. This decision was based on the results of consultations made in all the parishes of the deanery on Sunday, 6th November, 2016.

If the Bishop is in agreement with the proposal, St. Alban’s, Pelaw, St. Augustine’s, Leam Lane, St. Joseph’s, Gateshead, St. Patrick’s, Felling and St. Wilfrid’s, Gateshead will work together in partnership.

Our November Masses for all our deceased loved ones, and especially for those members of our parish families who have died during the past twelve months, will be celebrated on Monday, 14th November at 18:30 in St. Alban’s Church and on Saturday, 26th November in St. Patrick’s Church at 10.00.

On the weekend of 5th/6th November, our parish lay representatives for Forward Together in Hope spoke at all the Masses, briefly outlining the proposed groupings for partnership which were decided at a meeting, on 3rd November, of the lay representatives from all the parishes in our deanery. Parishioners received a form on which to indicate their preferred choice.

If any of our young parishioners, who are in Year 9 and above, would be interested to know more about the Sacrament of Confirmation with a view to being confirmed in 2017, would they please make contact with their parish priest by 30th September, 2016 who will provide them with further information.