St. Bede's Catholic Church

Newcastle upon Tyne

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Feasts and Celebrations this week 

• Cyril of Alexandria..Born in the year 370. He entered a monastery, became a priest and then succeeded his uncle as Bishop of Alexandria in 412. ( They liked to keep it in the family in those days! ) He fought strenuously against the teachings of Nestorius and took the lead at the Council of Ephesus. He wrote many works to explain and defend the Catholic faith. He died in the year 444.

• St Irenaeus...Born about the year 130. He was brought up at Smyrna, a disciple of Saint Polycarp, the bishop of that city. By the year 177 he was a priest at Lyons in France and shortly afterwards he was made bishop of that city. In his writings he sought to defend the Catholic faith against the errors of the Gnostics. Tradition has it that he was martyred about the year 200, and wrote all sorts of things about how he was looking to have his bones ground by the teeth of lions—interesting. A great supporter of the role of the Bishop (probably, to be honest, because folk didn’t take too much notice of some of the bishops at that time).

• Ss Peter and Paul...A Holiday of Obligation—notice times of all Mass above. The 10.30 Mass will be a school Mass. There is also a school Mass at 9.15 at St Joseph’s.
  Oliver Plunkett…(1625-1681). An inspiring Archbishop of Armagh who organised meetings and visitations to help root the new ideas from the Council of Trent within the church in Ireland. He was the last person to be executed for the Faith in England. He has as terrific reputation as someone who could establish good relationships with those who weren’t Catholic. If you’re ever in Drogheda—check out his head on display on one of the side altars!

Friday 1 July 12.00 noon—1.30pm  Ecumenical Service, Bread and Soup here at St Bede’s.  This is so we can pray for our sisters and brothers in Africa, and join in prayer with the many thousands who will  be going to Edinburgh the following day to make their point about the need for debt relief, fair trade and increased aid for the developing world.  Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor and Bishop Kevin Dunn are two of our bishops who will be present in Edinburgh.  I am sure there will be more..  Come along at lunchtime to pray with other Christians, and/or join us in St Mary’s Cathedral at 7.00pm that night for a service in solidarity with those in Scotland.

Or—Friday 1 July, folk are gathering at the Penshaw Monument to encircle it with a human band.  Aerial photographs to be taken!  Imagine all that happening when Oliver Plunkett was alive…

The Beginning Experience... Separated, divorced and widowed people can find help in dealing with the loss of someone a spouse.  The Beginning Experience weekend is designed to be a time of gentle closure on the past and a time to look to the future.  The next weekend will be at Minsteracres Retreat Centre on 25-27 November.  There is some information at the back of the Church, but if you need more, please contact Pam Gallon (01207 565884), or Rosemary Naylor (01207 563672).

Lourdes Pilgrimage…(30 July– 5 August) drawing nearer, and there is still room for anyone who wants to go, or anyone who wants to assist with nursing care.  Once again, the internationally acknowledged expert on our Pilgrimage is Peter Stott (0191 257 5801).  Next year the Pilgrimage dates change to the firtst full week of August (4th—11th), so please make a note of the dates if you feel you might like to join the Bishop and hundreds of others from the Diocese in Lourdes.

Sunday 10th July—just a bit of forewarning, is Sea Sunday.  This Day and Collection assists those involved in caring for Seafarers around our coasts. 

Eucharistic Ministers... I am conscious that I haven’t met our Eucharistic Ministers as a group since I arrive here last September.  Would all those who are able to come, please meet in the meeting room at 7.00pm on Tuesday 5th July. I’d like to look at a few things: - the balance between those who minister in the parish in relation to those who bring Holy Communion to the Sick; the occasional day/time of reflection on this particular ministry; whether we need extra ministers to help us; how we celebrate this year as the Year of the Eucharist; etc.  Don’t worry, its not threatening….I just think it would be good for us to meet up for the first time, and, who knows, make arrangements for further meetings. 

 Please let me know if you can’t come and want to be involved in any future gatherings.  Many thanks.

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION

I recently became aware that the date for our Confirmation this year fell during Half Term. I spoke to Bishop Kevin about this and he is very happy to change the date to Wednesday 9th November. In the near future, (given a couple of hours to organise it..) I will prepare a list of dates for Confirmation Preparation. I propose that we advertise Confirmation through the Parish Newsletters here in St Bede’s (where the preparation will take place), St Joseph’s and St Michaels. Because this is my first experience of Confirmation (at least since I was confirmed in 1955—I hope things have changed a little since then…) I want to take a pretty full part in how we prepare our young people to celebrate the Sacrament. I will advertise the dates for our gatherings in the near future. I will be asking young people from Year 9 at St Cuthbert’s and The Sacred Heart Schools to contact me saying that they do want to be Confirmed. If there are young people in other schools in year 9—I hope they feel free to contact me in the near future. There will be more about this in future Newsletters.
 

Build Family-Build Peace...This is an opportunity to share experiences of family life from childhood to old age—and what a story we can all tell...It is an opportunity to reflect on the challenge to bring unity and peace in the family and from there to the wider world.  Everyone is welcome...

It will take place at Minsteracres Retreat Centre, Consett, Co Durham on Sunday 10 July.  It will begin with picnic lunch and will finish at 17.00pm. 

For further information please contact Tony and Dru Hutchinson on 0191 241 1745

Mass Intentions… I keep a very thorough account of Mass Intentions requested by parishioners.  St Bede’s is now totally empty of Intentions, other than those requested for particular days and dates  for the rest of the year.

One of the lovely things about our Catholic Tradition is remembering those who have died, praying for those who are in difficulty and acknowledging the fact that God presides over the whole of the Universe and our part in helping to bring about a world that is a good place in which to live.  One of the ways of affirming that, is for individuals and the community to celebrate Mass with specific intentions.  I cannot guarantee that Mass can be celebrated by the Community on a specific day for a specific intention—I take all intentions in the order in which they come to me—and I know that can be difficult for some.  However, God doesn’t have too much problem with time.  God invented it!  If you do want us to offer Mass for your intention, please let me know, and I will do what I can.

This is totally irrelevant—but don’t you find the occasional telephone fascinating—1745 is one for me ...the year of the Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland and the North of England in the attempt to restore the throne to James Edward Stewart, the ‘Old Pretender’, son of James 11….sorry about that, just a bit of musing and local history.

It was also the year when God Save the King was first performed as a National Anthem in Drury Lane Theatre—no comment from me about the tune (or words…)...But you really do need to know this...it was the year of the first recorded women’s cricket match held in Surrey...actually, maybe you don’t...

A Slightly Lighter Note…

An alternative way of celebrating the fullness of life with older people...You know you’re getting older when:

You bend down to tie your shoe laces and look for something else to do when you’re down there

Dialling long distance wears you out

You feel like the morning after—but you haven’t been anywhere

You get out of the shower and are glad the mirror is all fogged up

When you look in the mirror and you see one of your parents

The best bit of the newspaper is the section:  ‘25 years ago today..’ 

The Chemist offers to carry your medication home for you

 You’ve got it all together, but don’t know what to do with it.

Feasts and Celebrations this week 

• St Aloysius Gonzaga...Born in the year 1568 near Mantua in Lombardy, of the noble family of Castiglione.  He was brought up piously by his mother and had a vocation to the religious life.  He resigned his birthright to his brother and at Rome entered the Society of Jesus.  While working among the sick in a hospital he was stricken by the plague and died in the year 1591. Anyone in the Junior Seminary at Ushaw until 1972 is allowed today as a day off!!

• St John Fisher & St Thomas More...John Fisher was born in 1469.  He studied theology at the University of Cambridge and was ordained priest.  He was appointed Bishop of Rochester.  His life was austere and he became an outstanding pastor of his flock, often visiting them.  In addition he wrote against the doctrinal errors of the time. He resisted the king, Henry VIII, on the question of dissolving his marriage and on the king's orders was executed on the 22nd June 1535.  He was the only bishop who didn’t ‘give in’.  Interesting he was also, I believe, the only bishop with a degree in Theology, the others had degrees in Canon Law…..not at all sure what to make of that...While he was in prison he was created a cardinal of the Church by Paul III. Thomas More was born in the year 1477.  He studied at Oxford, married and had a son and three daughters.  He was appointed Chancellor of the kingdom.  He wrote a number of works about civil affairs and in defence of religion. He resisted the king, Henry VIII, on the question of dissolving his marriage and on the king's orders was executed on the 6th July 1535. Ever see ‘A Man For All Seasons’?  The only film I’ve ever paid to see twice—brilliant….

I’ve been having a bit of a wonder about how we begin to take advantage of all the programmes of formation etc on offer from the Diocese and other people. I wonder if this might be a very gentle, non-threatening way into it all—a programme offered by the RE folk in the Diocese looking at:

• A way of deepening your faith through a better understanding of yourself and our Catholic tradition.
   
• A way to recognise your gifts and the gifts of others
   
• A way to develop your skills and confidence within the community and finding out something about how we can all grow in faith.
   
• A way of finding out what the Church is about in our own Diocese.

If this sounds good and you want to know more see me sometime or keep your eye on the newsletter for more info. I’m thinking of inviting Sharon O’Donnell from the Diocesan RE Centre to talk to us about all of this at Mass in mid July. I have mentioned it to the Parish in Council Meeting, who are keen that we at least hear about what is on offer. So, watch this space.
 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION—SATURDAY 25th JUNE 10.00am.

This is such a special day for the young people who have been preparing to make their First Holy Communion—it may well be one of the special moments we remember for the whole of our lives. Please feel free to join the young people and their families—though it might well be rather crowded...I know its difficult to appreciate, but this day goes way beyond the frocks and the white shirts. It really is a day when our whole community says very clearly that the person of Jesus is so important to the way we live our lives and the choices we make. Please pray for all those involved in preparation and celebration, the children themselves, their families and friends, the school community and staff who have prepared the children for this very special day.

Sunday 26th June Mass at St Bede’s at 10.15am. This is to accommodate First Communion at St Joseph’s at 9.00am. I wouldn’t be too surprised if I was late…
 

26-29 August, again at Minsteracres, this year’s Walkin’ Hope Conference. Please see the Notice Board for more details.

ODD THOUGHT…

I sought my soul — and my soul — I could not see
I sought my God — and God — eluded me
I sought my brother— and found — all three

- a bit sexist, but pretty canny nonetheless. JOK
 

Feasts and Celebrations this week 

• Anthony of Padua, 1195—1231, so was only 36 when he died, but had a remarkable impact in his time. A Franciscan friar who lived and worked among followers of Islam in Morocco.  His health failed so he returned to Italy and used his amazing preaching abilities to great effect.  He had a remarkable knowledge of the Bible, a was pretty fearless when arguing with ‘unbelievers’.  He was known as the ‘Hammer of the Heretics’ - and is pretty useful when you’ve lost something!

• Richard of Chichester another 12th century saint (1197-1253), and another bright lad.  Studied in Oxford, Paris and Bologna, despite coming from down south—Droitwich, to be more precise.  Was ordained a priest aged 45 and a bishop two years later….Known for his generosity to the poor, his compassion and ability to bring about liturgical change in his diocese—must have been a real saint to manage that.

Three Jobs on Offer from the Diocese.  Deputy Director of the Education Service, Schools’ Religious Education Adviser and Youth Ministry Co-ordinator in the South Gateshead parishes.  Details on a poster at the back of the Church—or have a word with me.  Thanks

There might be no Bingo in June—however, the Activity Group are  still in there.  Tuesday 14 June, 7.30pm.  They will be reminiscing on the 1950s—accompanied by music.  Better seek out your winkle pickers, or whatever you were into at that time.  All ex Mods and Rockers welcome.

Traidcraft Goods—do have a look in our Shop.  There is a new and wider range of goods available, decaf (and regular) coffee, tea, cocoa, different sugars, brazil nut cookies, double chocolate chip cookies (sounds pretty serious to me), Geobars, apricots, mints and much more.  We can do our bit at the same time as the Bushs and Blairs argue about the mega bucks and systems needed to remove poverty from Africa and other parts of the world.  There is no question that Fair Trade can make a huge difference.  Every day, 30,000 children die because they are poor—that is one child every 3 seconds (actually its every 2.88 seconds, I’ve just checked).

For more information view the Fairtrade and CAFOD pages.

The Beginning Experience—ministry for the Separated, Divorced and Widowed.  The community at Minsteracres has a long history of care for those mentioned.  If you feel you could benefit from this movement there , there is further information at the back of the Church.

And further thanks to Fr Jim Sheehy, Spiritual Director at Ushaw and friend of mine, for supplying next weekend.  I will be commuting between Holy Island with a group of families and my niece's 21st birthday party….a ‘pudding’ party... apparently.

Feasts and Celebrations this week 

• Robert of Newminster:  (1100—1159) Once again, not too much known about Robert.  Born in Yorkshire, became a priest and then a Benedictine in Whitby.  Helped to establish the huge monastery, Fountains, in Yorkshire, late became first abbot of the Abbey in Newminster near Morpeth.  Happy 50th anniversary to our neighbouring parish, St Robert’s, in Fenham.

• St Columba: Born in Donegal in 521 and died on Iona in 597.  A remarkable monk and missionary.   Exiled himself to a spot from which he could not see Ireland—probably jumped before he was pushed, allegedly made an illegal copy of the Psalms, pretty heavy copyright laws in those days.  Very influential in South West Scotland, as a result of good biographers, one of Ireland’s most popular saints.

• St Barnabas: Seems to have been born in Cyprus (greetings to all parishioners sojourning on Cyprus), became one of the early members of the Jesus movement in Jerusalem and preached in Antioch.  Was one of the early companions of St Paul on his journeys—I guess they may have had a couple of difficult moments together? 

Stair lift available—free of charge, though does need removal and fitting.  For further information please contact Ann Elliott—or have a word with me when you can.

Opportunities for Continuing Reflection and Formation: 

1. A Day of Reflection for those who lead Services of the Word and Holy Communion—with Fr  Michael Hickey at Ushaw College on 25 June, 10.30—4.30.  I can give you directions if you need them! - and the fee will be paid by the parish—see notice at the back of Church.

2. Preparing Worship—Holy Name Parish Centre, Jesmond—ditto as above, directions, fee and information available.

3. Eucharistic Ministers—Day of Recollection—9th July, with Fr Adrian Dixon—St Cuthbert’s Primary School Hall Kenton (ditto as above)

Gift Aid

Another word of thanks to Paul Henderson for his presentation of our Financial Statement over the last two weekends.  And a further chance to urge those who can, to take advantage of Gift Aid—it is so simple, it costs you nothing and the parish  benefits to the tune of 28p for every £1 donated—can’t be bad, in fact, its very good!

Bible Alive for July, on sale at the back of the church. 

Mission Outlook for Summer 2005—also available.

Stop Press:  No Bingo during June