Archives: March 2006

The page is usually updated on Friday or Saturday although additional updates can be made during the following week. Please check 'Last updated' under latest news.


Select from list or scroll down:
Document Downloads NEW - Message from Pope Benedict XVI for Lent 2006 Parish Visitation 12th February 2006 Agenda Parish Visitation Meeting - 3/11/2005 Daniel Jopling in India Live 8 St Mary's Cathedral - (Reflection prepared by Fr Jim O'Keefe) Pope Benedict XVI Pope John Paul II Election of Popes Lent 2005 The Passion Story Events The Vatican Adult Christian Education	Latest News Sunday 26th March 2006 - 4th Sunday of Lent Sunday 19th March 2006 - 3rd Sunday of Lent Sunday 12th March 2006 - 2nd Sunday of Lent Sunday 5th March 2006 - 1st Sunday of Lent Archives

Latest News:

Sunday 26th March 2006 - 4th Sunday of Lent

SAINTS THIS WEEK
It’s Lent—so no big feast days this week. What a great group last week! St Joseph, St Patrick, St Cuthbert, The Annunciation, and, in my mind, St Oscar Romero who was killed while saying Mass in the hospital chapel where he lived in El Salvador in 1980. In 1986 I was privileged to be able to visit his little house in the grounds of the hospital where he died. The vestments he was wearing are displayed in a very simple cabinet in his bedroom—it is very moving to see the bullet holes and blood stains—he was a great man. In 1989, seven of his friends, Jesuit priests, were killed along with their housekeeper and her daughter. I remember meeting two of those priests in the University in San Salvador, they were very committed and dedicated people.

Gift Aid Envelopes

The new Weekly Offering Envelopes will be available after Masses over the next few Saturday/Sundays. This is down to earth stuff after the last item—but it does matter. Those priests who were shot were totally committed to their local parishes, and our parish benefits enormously from Gift Aid. If you don’t contribute via Gift Aid, please consider it. Believe me, it is not threatening and it the process is very discreet, you only have to sign one form. If you are interested, please do talk to Paul Henderson or myself about it. No one knows that you are helping the Church—but the extra income is so important to what we do.

Little Sisters of the Poor - Thrift Shop

I don’t know if you have heard about this—but the Little Sisters (a brilliant witness and presence in this part of the City) have a Thrift Shop at St Joseph’s Home. It is open every Saturday from 10.30am-2.30pm. It is well worth a visit. Just after Easter Bishop Kevin will prepare a letter (not many people know this….) about the care of the sick and retired priests of the Diocese. A good number of them are cared for at St Joseph’s - please remember them in your prayers. If you can get down there and rummage around (what a lovely word -‘rummage’) the Sisters will make you more than welcome—and do buy things…. the Sisters do need our help.

Interfaith Event - 2nd April

This is being held at The Venerable Bede Church Hall on Sunday 2nd April from 4pm - 6pm where you will have the chance to ‘learn more about one another’ and also to share in some international food. The food bit sounds really good to me…. A poster at the back of Church gives you more details.

Easter Raffle Tickets

These are still available at the back of the Church...And they will be for a while... As I said last week, - no chance of making a fortune or winning totally amazing prizes unless you buy a ticket….or two...or more…

Now this is really good news!

In February 2008, the Youth Ministry Team are coming to our Deanery.

They will be involved with the two secondary schools in our area—St Cuthbert’s and the Sacred Heart. The Team are already involved in planning the whole event, and they are willing to become involved in all the parishes feeding the two schools later this year.

In the Autumn Term (September October) this year, we will be looking for two parish representatives to join a planning group for this mission. I have discovered over the last 6 weekends that every parish in this part of the City is wondering how to ‘involve young people in the Church’ and here we have a timely opportunity to really look at our relationship with the schools and the needs of young people. So, we have no excuse for not becoming involved. By September, I will be looking for at least—I’m sure there will be no problem if we offer more—two representatives to help organise this unique event.

Pope Benedict XVI has an i-pod (listen, don’t even ask me about it, if you do, I’ll have to talk to my nieces) - the world is so different from what was going on even 10 years ago. We must listen to what young people are telling us and talking about.

This is simply an early warning, this Mission will be so important for us here at St Bede’s and St Joseph’s—I look forward to watching this space……

This is also Good News…

St Bede’s Primary School is revisiting its Mission Statement. ‘Boring’ - you think—not at all. When we were looking at the Mission Statement for Ushaw in 1997, I rang Nissan in Washington to ask them how they worked towards their ‘Statement’ - dead easy, they said—we decided our Statement would be ‘Beat Toyota’! St Bede’s wants to involve the whole school—they’ve already explored what the pupils think about the School. The School wants to explore what all the support staff, parents and parishioners think about a new Mission Statement. I reckon this is really important.

Few Schools have opened up this discussion to all pupils, families and parishioners. I know that there has been a good bit of work going on in school, and now its our turn.

There are two meetings arranged for parishioners—and all are welcome—and I mean that.

Look at what you’re doing on Tuesday 11th April 2.00pm – 3.00pm, or Wednesday 12 April 7.00pm —8.00pm. I intend to be at both of them... if you live as sad a life as I do, I’ll see you at both. Otherwise, I do urge you to come to one or other of the meetings at School at those times.
At the end of it all, we hope to produce a card with the School Mission statement on it for all pupils, staff, support staff, parishioners and visitors to the Parish of St Bede’s. Even if you have no direct connection with St Bede’s School the School Mission Statement matters to you because it matters to us as a parish.

Let’s be honest—there’s nowt on the telly that night—I hope to see you there….

Just a few dates in your diary...and if you don’t have one, you must have a good memory..

30th March—Friday—First Reconciliation for the Children from St Bede’s—all welcome!
30th March—same night at 7.30—Ecumenical Meeting at St Bede’s

Not enough room left to tell you about the Bear, the Lion and the Chicken…The Bear said: When I growl, every animal for 50 miles around shakes with fear… The Lion said: When I roar, the entire savannah is paralysed. The Chicken said; When I sneeze, the entire world is terrified (- actually this is a cleaned up version, and you didn't hear that from me…..JOK)

[Back to Top]

Sunday 19th March 2006 - 3rd Sunday of Lent

SAINTS THIS WEEK
Mega apologies to St Joseph—I didn’t mention him last week because I hadn’t cottoned on that his day had been moved to Saturday 19th...I hope he will forgive me—this is hardly the biggest problem he’s faced in his life. A humble man, a silent man, a man who took his responsibilities very seriously. A privileged man who knew the Lord—and so do we, we have much in common with him. Incidentally, just to blur the odd edge or so, I know we always see him as a carpenter—he could have been, but the word describing him in the New Testament could imply that he was a stone mason….just thought I’d mention that in passing… Cuthbert….what do I say...a great hero of mine, patron of the Diocese, one of the best bishops we ever had, and he only had the job for two years….I really love this guy. A shepherd (like Patrick and King David in the Old Testament—must be something about being alone with sheep for weeks, months and years that helps these folk to discover prayer and God, perhaps?), novice, monk, peacemaker at a difficult time in the Church around here in the North East. Patron of Ushaw and our neighbouring parish in Kenton. Why not decide to go to Durham Cathedral sometime in the next few months and look around it. What if someone was to arrange a parish trip to Durham—I’d love to wonder around and tell the odd story about the Church and the history—even mention some unmentionable things about where Cuthbert might even be buried—but that really is top secret. Incidentally—and ’not a lot of people know this’, the foundation stone of the ’Golden Dome’ in Jerusalem- the second most important Mosque in the World after that in Mecca—was laid in the same year as St Cuthbert died—687. Just mention that in the Quiz Pub next time you’re there.

Fairtrade Fortnight: March 6th - 19th 2006

We’re still into Fairtrade Fortnight - until 19th March. If you’ve given up chocolate for Lent (one of my nieces has, only because I suggested that she hadn’t a chance of lasting past Ash Wednesday...she’s doing if for all the wrong reasons, but believe me, I’ll suffer at Easter for my very rash comments) you might want to look at the other goods in our Shop after Mass. Once again, I never said this, but there is 20% off Fairtrade Goods in the Co-op on the West Road (and every other Co-op in the country). This must not put you off buying goods from our stall…..let’s be honest, it is just so much more convenient here...

The Fair Trade Market is once again available in The Grainger Market on 18th March from 9.30—4.30. All kinds of things happening, singing, dancing, entertainment and stalls, - well worth a quick squint.

Follow the links below for more details about Fairtrade and how you can stay involved after Fairtrade fornight:

St Bede's Fairtrade Page
Fairtrade web site
BBC Food: Information about Fairtrade and how it works; Recipes; Have your say; Ethical travel
CO-OP: CO-OP Fairtrade web site
Marks & Spencer: Fairtrade clothing - (Fairtrade coffee and tea etc are available in store)

Note from Bishop Kevin - I guess you’ve all heard the rumours, but the bishop has written to tell us that Father Philip Carroll is to be the next Spiritual Director of the English College in Rome. Philip (he’s also a good pal of mine, we meet up with another mate most Sunday nights—so I’d better check out the flights from Newcastle to Rome and see if I can be back before midday mass on Tuesday…..). He will be a big loss to the Diocese but his appointment reflects the strength and expertise that is present among the presbyterate (clergy) Our prayers and support will be with him as he takes up this new appointment. The Bishop has also appointed Father Christopher Jackson as the Area Episcopal Vicar to replace Father Philip Carroll. The Bishop adds: ‘I have taken this decision in the light of consultation that took place last year and I am confident you will support and pray for him particularly in the area of his responsibility. I have further appointed Father Sean Hall to replace Father Philip as the Chair of the new Board of Education and as Co-ordinating Pastor of the Washington Cluster. I want to thank him for accepting this appointment. I have appointed Father Michael Weymes to Highfield and Chopwell as Co-ordinating Pastor. Father Michael Campion is to move from the Cathedral and take a short sabbatical before a new appointment at the end of the Summer. I want to thank him for all that he has accomplished at the Cathedral and hope that he has a well-earned rest. I have appointed Father Peter Leighton to be the new Dean at the Cathedral. Again, I would ask your prayers both for Father Michael and for Father Peter.’ I’m sure Peter’s dad is chuffed to bits that his lad is back in the area, and I hope we see a good bit of him in the years to come.
Mission Today - the Spring issue is available at the back of the Church (free). Bishop Kevin went to Pakistan late last year, and there is a really good account of his escapade in the magazine. Honestly, it is free!	Grace and Hope in Christ - A Day Conference to consider the Anglican-Roman International Commission Agreed Statement is to be held on Tuesday 21st March at St Ninian’s Gateshead. A poster at the back of the Church gives further details.
Gift Aid Envelopes - the new Weekly Offering Envelopes will be available after Masses over the next few Saturday/Sundays. This is important—Any parishioners who pay tax, and who are interested in being a member of the Gift Aid Scheme please see Paul Henderson who will give them details about this. The monies received from the Inland Revenue goes a great way in helping to repay the loan for roof repairs. It is interesting, that only around one third of people who pay tax actually sign up for Gift Aid. It is so easy, and there is no chance of anyone knocking on the door and asking questions. It only means signing one form, no one knows you do it (except Paul and I—and I can’t remember anything). If you want further information please ask. It would help St Bede’s enormously. Thanks.
Easter Raffle Tickets - are available at the back of the Church. As I said last week, - no chance of making a fortune or winning totally amazing prized unless you buy a ticket.	It may be that not a lot of people know this either—but Monday 20th March is a day of Awareness on Prostate Cancer. Some of us need to know more about this—there are some really rather clever information leaflets at the back of the Church about it entitled: Real Men Know all about it...Lets be honest, most guys are pretty clueless, we could well benefit from knowing more.
Third Sunday in Lent….ok—its usually at the beginning, but this is a bit of a busy week. I find it fascinating that John’s Gospel has the ‘Cleansing of the Temple’ at the very beginning of his story about Jesus, and the others have it at the beginning of the last week of his life on earth. It’s almost as though John wanted this very dramatic story to be part of Jesus’ ‘mission statement’ - I’m coming to ‘make sure that our religion is really about worshipping God and nothing else’. In the story Jesus is showing us that it is ok to be angry—and many books could be written about that. Jesus is also saying that places of worship are exactly that—place of worship. For the Jewish people of the time, places to pray and offer Sacrifice—rather like coming to Mass, time for prayer, reflection, coming together to grow in our understanding of what Jesus has done for us (sacrifice, perhaps?) and learning how to appreciate the presence of God in our lives. It’s simple, really—God is everywhere, we only have to learn to glimpse it. Jesus wanted the Jewish people of his time to get ‘back to basics’ in the Temple, and see it as a place of worship of God. This might be a bit late, but the prayer known as St Patrick’s Breastplate is a lovely reflection on the presence of God in everything we do: I arise today through the strength of heaven: Light of sun, radiance of moon, Splendour of fire, speed of lightning Swiftness of wind, depth of sea, Stability of earth, firmness of rock. I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me, God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me. Christ within me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of everyman who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the threeness, Through confession of oneness Of the Creator of Creation - pretty good for an exiled shepherd….
A few further, less profound thoughts: The Senility Prayer: *Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.* There are some signs we do wonder about….for example: In a Laundrette: Automatic Washing Machines: please remove all your clothes when the light goes out. In an Office: After Tea Break, staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board. In a Health Food Shop: Closed due to Illness. Notice in a Farmer’s field: The Farmer allows people to cross the field free—but the bull charges. A totally final couple of thoughts: Save the whales—collect the whole set A day without sunshine is like—night 42.7% of all statistics are made up He who laughs last, thinks slowest When everything is going your way—you’re in the wrong lane…..

[Back to Top]

Sunday 12th March 2006 - 2nd Sunday of Lent

SAINTS THIS WEEK
Patrick...What dare I say? The day on which rivers in certain American cities flown green...A remarkable man. Lived around 385-461..probably originally from Wales/Cumbria. Learned to pray during years of silence as a shepherd. Hugely influential in helping establish Christianity in Ireland. As for the snakes, basically, they couldn’t swim, so never got there in the first place. Second Sunday in Lent...Fantastic readings this weekend….The scary faith of Abraham who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice of his Son because God asked him to, bit tough on the ram, however. The first line of the second reading reminds me of a phrase often used by Mahatma Ghandi: ‘With God on my side, I am in the majority….’ The Gospel story of the Transfiguration—I wonder what the ‘transfiguring moment’ will be for you and I this week? What helps us glimpse the power and love and presence of God? Contact a friend you haven’t seen for ages—you never know what might happen, what might be said, what will give encouragement and delight—that’s what happened to the 3 Apostles.

Fairtrade Fortnight: March 6th - 19th 2006

Follow the links below for more details:

The Mighty Activity Group will meet this Tuesday at 7.30 in the Meeting Room. How can you not come and join in?
Tickets for our Easter Raffle go on sale this weekend. I’ve discovered that you’ve absolutely no chance of winning unless you buy a ticket. Let’s be honest, you have around 13 million more chance of winning our Raffle than The Lottery...so, go for it.	Non-perishable food is always welcome in the large black bin at the back of the Church. It does indeed help a small number of people who are very grateful for your generosity.
Family Fast Envelopes—please return them to us so that we can send off your donation to CAFOD. I know we have been watching film of starving people on TV from all over the world for many years. But somehow, I was very deeply affected by the recent pictures from Northern Kenya and Somalia where around 11 million people are close to death from famine. Thanks for your generosity and thanks to the anonymous donor for a very generous gift to Family Fast Day.	St Patrick’s Day. Bishop Kevin will be celebrating Mass at 10.30 am in St Michael’s Church on Westmorland Road on 17th (naturally). Everyone will be made very welcome. You are also welcome at the ‘gathering’ in the Irish Club in Gallowgate afterwards. Cead Mile Failte. (Actually I do know one other phrase in Irish, but not to be included in a Church Newsletter—and if you know the same one, you probably shouldn’t…)
Apostleship of the Sea… ‘There’s no social life when you go to sea. It’s total isolation. For maybe 15 weeks you get no mail, you do not go ashore, and by the end of it, a certain madness can attack some crew’. If you’d like to know more about the work of this very special organisation, take one of the leaflets or prayer-cards from the back of the Church. There is a poster with a rather lovely, recently commissioned icon in the porch.	Faith and Politics in the War on Terrorism. You might be interested in a lecture to be given in the Cathedral on Tuesday 21 March at 7.00pm. It is to be given by W Thomas Osborne, one time reporter, producer and Bureau Chief of ABC World News at the United Nations in 1989, just before the first Gulf War. He wants to look at the emerging forces of Christian and Islamic Fundamentalism and what is meant by this, to me, very weird phrase ‘war on terror’. It might all sound a bit heavy, but there’s no doubt that it’s an extremely important issue. No cost involved, no tickets needed and all are welcome.
Many thanks to those from our parish who were able to attend the Children’s Liturgy of the Word Study Day this weekend. I know we feel rightly proud of our Children’s Liturgy and those who organise and run those special times for our youngsters. I am a bit surprised that a few older folk don’t sneak out with them, it looks good fun to me, and I have no doubt at all that the children enjoy it and appreciate it—at least they tell me they do. Thanks again. I know I advertise various courses and programmes in the Newsletter and at the back of Church from time to time. To be honest—and we’ve talked about this in our Finance Committee—I see the costs of these days (and they are always extremely reasonable) as a legitimate call on parish funds. I hope no one would feel put off from attending a course or programme because of finance. If you do want to look at something on offer, please let me know. I’m discovering that all our local parishes are wondering about how to encourage and support more lay formation to make sure that our parishes are fulfilling their pastoral and worship responsibilities.	I thought this Newsletter would be very brief….but once I got going, it seemed to grow. I suspect that one reason is because I’m just conscious of not being around at weekends for around 10 weeks - and I learned from Fr Ned Wilkinson, when I lived with him in English Martyrs, that part of the Newsletter is, as he once said ‘a bit of a chat with parishioners’. I am so grateful that Fr Michael is able and willing to be part of our communities at St Bede’s and St Joseph’s. I’m learning a lot as I visit other places—and I’ll be happy to share some of that once the whole Deanery has been visited. I’d like to bet that Michael is also learning a fair bit….Looking forward to St Cuthbert’s Kenton, this weekend. A wee bit strange when I remember preaching at Fr Lawrence Jones’ first mass at Easington a year or two ago. Actually in 1986….You might remember his mother in your prayers, she had a triple heart bi-pass last Wednesday afternoon, and is recovering very well.
Have you got AAADD? A friend of mine went to the doctor recently and has been diagnosed with this particular problem—Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. These are the symptoms: I need to wash my car. As I start towards the garage, I notice there’s mail on the floor. I decide to go through it before washing the car. I put my keys on the table, put the junk mail in the bin and notice that the bin is full. So I decide to put the bills on the table to take out the bin. Then I think, since I’m near the post box when I take out the bin, I might as well pay the bills first. I take my cheque book off the table and see that there is only one cheque left, so I go to my desk in my study where I find a bottle of Coke I’d been drinking . I’m about to look for my cheques when I notice the Coke is warm, so I decide to put it in the fridge. I head towards the kitchen when a vase of flowers on the bench catches my eye—they need water. As I put the Coke on the bench I notice my glasses, which I’ve been looking for all morning. I decide I’ had better take them back to my desk, but first I must water the flowers. I fill a jug with water when I spot the TV remote on the kitchen table. Tonight, when we go to watch TV we’ll be looking for it, so I decide to take it back to the TV room, but first I must water the flowers. I splash some water on them, but some spills on the floor. So I put the remote down, to wipe up the spill. Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. It is now the end of the day; the car isn’t washed, the bills aren’t paid, there’s a warm bottle of Coke on the bench, the flowers aren’t watered, there’s only one cheque in the cheque book, I can’t find the remote or my glasses, and I don’t know what I did with my car keys. I try to work out why nothing got done today, and I’m baffled because I’ve been busy and now I’m really tired. I realise this is a problem, and I’ll try to get some help, but first I’ll check my e-mails. I have a lot of sympathy with this….
And talking about e-mails, I recently received this from the US…. I feel my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But by the time I got my lycra on, the class was over…. ….Remember: you don’t stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing. (some wise guy or other) Lent is good………...Jim O’K

[Back to Top]

Sunday 5th March 2006 - 1st Sunday of Lent

SAINTS THIS WEEK
During Lent—we will try to stay with the readings of the day, so that we can hear the continuing voice of Scripture during this special time. The saints’ names are in brackets just so we don’t forget them. Perpetua and Felicity—two amazing people who were imprisoned in 203 for their faith. Felicity was executed two days after giving birth to her child...both mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer. St John of God (1495-1550) Portuguese, had a career change after being a soldier, spent his life caring for the sick. Founded the Hospitallers of St John of God in Granada, Spain.

Lent 2006

First Sunday in Lent….here we have Jesus being ‘driven’ by the Holy Spirit in to the wilderness, the place of ‘bewilderment’, confusion, isolation, - a scary place to be. After his time there, Jesus comes out of the desert and tells people to ‘Repent...and believe the Good News’. When Jesus ask us to repent, he isn’t asking us to do something ‘religious’...he is asking us to see things differently, to look at God, ourselves, our world though a different lens. He may be asking us to look at everything from the point of view of someone who is very poor, lives in a small village in Zambia and whose partner is HIV+. He may be asking us to look at the world from the point of view of someone who is very sick, bedridden, needing to depend on others for everything. Perhaps we could look at the world through the eyes of a 4 year old child...everything is bigger than us, we can have fun, we get things wrong now and again. Perhaps...perhaps. Perhaps we’re being invited to use our imagination to ‘think differently’ and if giving up chocolate, crisps or an over-indulgence helps with that, then good—otherwise, don’t feel guilty if you ‘give in’ after a couple of days or so…

LENT FAST DAY...FRIDAY 10th MARCH The children in St Bede’s School are really getting into cold water at the present moment—at least they’re looking at Water as a basis for life in other communities throughout the world. You can see by the CAFOD poster that water is the theme of our Fast Day this year. Please take a leaflet with your CAFOD Fast Day envelope inside and return it next weekend if you can. Renew in us a thirsty spirit that seeks you in truth and wisdom...Many thanks. Congratulations to them –they also won the schools’ Swimming Gala—watch out 2212…..

MESSAGE FROM POPE BENEDICT XVI for Lent 2006….I don’t know if you’ve ever read a message from a Pope before, if not, this is not a bad place to start. Just take it very slowly - it will mean finding a good few minutes, but I am sure it re-pay the prayerful pondering and contemplating. There are loads of different ways to pray, this is one of them, please take a copy and have a go at it. I’ll bet the hard bit is finding the time to do it…..

Read the message on the Vatican web site (click here).

Welcome to Jasmine Monet Singh who was baptised last Sunday. I hope that Jasmine and her family continue to feel welcome here at St Bede’s.
St Cuthbert’s Care...for those of you who support St Cuthbert’s Care there are envelopes for their Lenten Appeal at the back of Church. The money raised this year will go to the new project up at St Vincent’s. There is to be a wonderful new multi-purpose activity centre for people with disabilities, their families and their carers. It is a brilliant project, possibly	Bible Alive for Lent 2006 is on sale £1.95. It has that brilliant painting of the lamb ready for slaughter by Zubaran— I’ve seen the original in an Art Gallerty in Lisbon—really worth looking at ...reminding us of Jesus given as a sacrificial lamb in Holy Week. It has reflections on the daily and Sunday readings for every day of Lent - really worth looking at– and buying, even.
Fairtrade Fortnight 6-19 March—and where better to start than our own stall? It’s estimated that 50% of shoppers recognise the FAIRTRADE Mark—that rather funky but strange blue/green/black logo on your coffee, tea, bananas, oranges, chocolate and over 1300 other products. Amazing that in 2003 there were only 150 Fairtrade products—something must be going well. All kinds of folk are now into the ‘habit’ of Fairtrade: Chris Martin of Coldplay, the comedian Harry Hill, the newsreader George Alaghia, Lenny Henry, Charlie Dimmock and your parish priest. By now there are fairtraded flowers and footballs and coconuts, and if you’re wondering what the logo actually stands for, I believe it is meant to represent a black figure waving against a background of green grass and blue sky—so there. PS –the local Co-op is pretty good on this, don’t tell anyone I said so….
The Fair Trade Market is once again available in The Grainger Market on 18th March from 9.30—4.30. All kinds of things happening, singing, dancing, entertainment and stalls, - well worth a quick squint.	Justice and Peace Spirituality Day on Saturday 11th March 10.30—3.30 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church Hall Esh Winning—to be led by Fr Bill Rooke—also worth a quick squint.
RCIA RITE OF ELECTION—it was a real delight to be with our catechumens and candidates in the Cathedral last Thursday night. I’ve never been to a ‘Rite of Election’ before and I found it both moving and impressive. Many Congratulations to Kevin and Lisa, Keith and Jean and Mark and Helen. The Cathedral was almost full with the 87 Catechumens from all over the diocese along with their families and friends, God parents and sponsors. Many thanks also to Sr Patricia and Margaret who have been guiding and helping, and other parishioners who were able to come and support. I suspect our Vigil at Easter will be a very special occasion this year when they all become full members of the Church. Lets remember them in our prayers.
Lourdes Nurses Fund. Peter Stott has written to all the parishes in the Diocese to remind us that our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes relies on the voluntary work of about 18-20 nurses each year who care for the 40 pilgrims who need special nursing care. The nurses usually give up a week of their allotted holiday time to join the Pilgrimage, and they pay their own way—around £500.00 If you feel you would like to help one of these nurses to care for and protect the sick, please let me know, or contact Peter directly on 0191 257 5801. His email is handnlourdespilgrimage@btconnect.com and his ‘snailmail’ address is Pilgrimage Office, St Joseph’s Presbytery, Wallsend Road, North Shields, NE29 7AA. I am certain that he would love to hear from you.
The Children preparing to make their First Holy Communion will be joining the parish community on certain Sundays in the coming months: These are: 9th April (Palm Sunday) and the 30th April. The youngsters will celebrate their First Holy Communion on Saturday 20th May. The presence of the Children at Mass may make a difference to who is responsible for the Readings and the Psalm.	Watching this space? Fr Michael met with a group of parishioners on Wednesday morning after Mass and they decided that the format of the three evenings of Reflection during Lent would be: Stations of the Cross at 7.00pm followed by Reflection on the Readings at Mass leading to our Reflection before our Easter Vigil. The Gatherings will take place in the Meeting Room and, of course, everyone is welcome.
Mary’s Way of the Cross I’ve left some copies of ‘Mary’s Way of The Cross’ if you want to take one for your own devotion. Fr Michael Ekanem will be involved with other events during Lent this year. Please take a copy if you want it for your own devotion. I think this is a brilliant reflection on the Passion of Jesus from the point of view of Mary, Jesus’ Mother—can we begin to imagine how that might be? I have made copies available for anyone who wants to use these reflections for their own devotions.
Days of Prayer for Vocations…… Our diocese is looking towards women and men to take seriously our responsibility as a Church to wonder about being priests or religious men and women. I have spent a fascinating Friday night with our possible candidates for women and religious along with men who have thought about becoming future Deacons and Priests. I have just placed at the back of the Church a Poster indicating how all our parishes and schools are looking towards a day of prayer on behalf of the Diocese. You will see our parish poster at the back of the Church.
It happens to be 20th July……….You will see that our School gathering is on the last day of Summer Term! A brilliant day to wonder about the future—but let’s be honest, it is also the last day of term and everything that brings, - totally committed and exhausted staff, children wishing they were somewhere else….nonetheless, we'll try our best. I will make some comment about our School and parish (the day before—19-20th July this year).

[Back to Top]

Hit Counter