Our Weekly Bulletin

December 6th           

 

ADVENT DEANERY CONFESSIONS Held in St Augustine's

12th December 2009

10-11 am              Bro Michael Francis                 

11-12 noon          Fr David Smith

19h December 2009

10-11 am              Bro Michael Francis                 

11-12 noon          Fr David Smith

 

PENITENTIAL SERVICES All starting at 7.00 pm

10th December                   St Anne’s

15th December                   St Thomas’                            

16th December                   Holy Family                           

16th December                   St Augustine’s

17th December                   St Teresa’s

 

ADVENT BOOKS – There are some advent books and Calendars available at the back of Church.  Please don’t forget to take one for anyone you know who can’t get to Church regularly, or who are housebound

 

Please remember in your prayers Bishop Hugh Lindsay who would have been 40 years Bishop on Friday 11th December 2009.  RIP

CHRISTMAS MASSES 2009

 

Christmas Eve – Thursday 24th 

St Augustine's                                          6.30 pm                   Carols

                                                                    7.00 pm                   Christmas Mass

St Teresa’s                                                6.30 pm                   Carols

                                                                    7.00 pm                   Christmas Mass

St Thomas’                                                6.45 pm                   Carols

                                                                    7.00 pm                   Christmas Mass

Carmel Convent                                       7.30 pm                   Carols

                                                                    8.00 pm                   Christmas Mass

Holy Family                                               7.30 pm                   Carols

                                                                    8.00 pm                   Christmas Mass

St Anne’s                                                   7.30 pm                   Carols

                                                                    8.00 pm                   Christmas Mass

St Augustine's                                        11.30 pm                   Carols

                                                                  12.00 pm                   Christmas Mass

Christmas Day – Friday 25th

Carmel Convent      9.00 am     Christmas Day Mass

St Williams               9.00 am     Christmas Day Mass                 

Holy Family              9.30 am    Christmas Day Mass

St Thomas’               9.30 am    Christmas Day Mass

St Augustine's        10.00 am  Christmas Day Mass

St Anne’s                  10.30 am  Christmas Day Mass

 

CAROL SERVICES WITHIN THE CLUSTER

       13th December  Holy Family     3.00pm

       20th December  St Thomas’      3.00pm

       20th December  St William’s     4.00pm       

 

A CELEBRATION WITH CAROLS AND READINGS

28th December     St Teresa’s           4.00pm

 

 

PARISH CENTRE 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Our Parish Centre opened in December 1979 and has now been at the forefront of parish life for thirty years. To celebrate this anniversary there will be mass at 6.30pm followed by a buffet, in the Centre on Saturday 12th December. To assist with catering, admission will be by ticket only. Tickets, for this event (which are free) are available in the Parish Centre after Mass or from the stewardess.  This is the last weekend to get your tickets.

 Thanks to everyone who has offered to help. Please watch the bulletin next weekend for details of ways in which you could assist.

 

CHURCH HEATING

We have had a number of complaints re the heating in Church – We have rechecked our settings and everything is working correctly.

The system that we use is that we set the times of the services in Church and the inbuilt computer works out what time to bring the heating on, after it has checked the outside temperature and the indoor temperature. 

Perhaps those who arrive just before Mass starts could ensure the doors are kept slightly ajar (not wide open), thus ensuring we try and keep most of the heat inside the Church. 

 

PARISH CENTRE & CLUB MEETINGS

The next meeting of the committees will be on Monday 7th December, starting at 7.30

 

ST AUGUSTINE'S SCHOOL

On Monday 14th December at 5.30pm they will be holding their Advent Liturgy in Church.  All parishioners are most welcome.

 

NORTHERN CATHOLIC CALENDARS

Are available on the Piety Stall for £2.00

 

SVP

The SVP Christmas collection was £260.08.  Thank you to everyone for your generosity.   The next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday December 8th at 6.45pm.  New members are welcome.

 

APF MISSION BOXES

There are some Calendars available at the back of Church. 

The Red Collection boxes totalled £283.39.  Thank you.

 

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Please please could you fill in a list that is in the scarcity for the Christmas Mass Time you are able to attend.  Thank you.

 

CAR PARKING PERMITS

Car Parking permit changes will take place this Sunday 6th December in the Parish Centre after evening Mass until 8pm.

 

STARS PANTOMIME 2010

The next STARS panto is "A Long Time Ago..." by Paul Barron and Sarah Dyson and produced by Andrea Brodie and Mike Webber.  The hilarious storyline is a parody of Aladdin in a Star Wars setting with some unusual special effects, wonderful costumes and music to have you rocking in the aisles.  The show will run from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd January 2010 and tickets will be on sale from Sunday 13th December from the Parish Centre after masses, the Parish Club bar or from Tourist Information, priced £5 for adults and £4 for children and concessions.

 

SUNDAY COFFEES NEXT YEAR

Would your group like a month to host the coffees after the 9.15am and 11am Masses on Sundays.  As we are a “fairtradeparish we provide the tea and coffee and you just need to provide your own juice and cakes/biscuits.  If you could make a contribution towards the cost of the teas and coffee that would be greatly appreciated.  

The following is the list for next year, if you would like to take one of the free months (first come .....) just let us know in the office on 266602:

 

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

Scouts/Cubs

Over 60’s

Carmel School HCPT

MS Society

 

Handicapped Children

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

CAFOD

 

 

 

Air Ambulance

Scouts/Cubs

 

CLOSURE OF NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL

From Monday 23rd November until further notice the Cathedral will be closed for redevelopment from Monday – Saturday each week.  See notice for alternative venues for services etc. 

Sunday Masses will be as usual 8 am, 10 am, 11.30 am and 6.30 pm. 

The weekday Mass at 8 am will be celebrated in the Cloister Cafe.

The Cathedral Office, Pauline Books and Media and Cloister Café are open as usual.  See flyer for more details.

 

MELTONE SINGERS

The Meltone Male Voice Choir are currently having a recruitment drive.  If any male parishioner is interested in joining the choir then please contact Pat McDonogh (St Anne’s parishioner) on 268934. 

The only requirements are that:

·         you are over 18 years

·         that you can sing

·         and that you are available on Sundays for rehearsals (7.15pm – 8.45pm). 

If you’ve always wanted to be in a Male Voice Choir now is your opportunity.

P.S.  you will not be required to do an individual audition.

 

PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS

St William’s are holding a four week course starting on 26th November at 6.45pm for 7pm start on an “Introduction to the Prophets”.  This will be in St William’s Church Hall, Barton Street, Darlington.

 

ASSISI – 6 DAY PILGRIMAGE

Holy Family Church are planning this pilgrimage to Assis from 16th – 21st May 2010.  Cost will be approximately £679 exclusive of insurance cover and single supplement.

Includes:

·        Return coach transfer from Darlington to Leeds Bradford Airport

·        Return flights from Leeds Bradford to Rome Aiport

·        Return coach transfer from Rome Airport to your hotel.

·        Five nights accommodation on half board basis in the 4 star Dal Moro Gallery Hotel in Santa Maria Degli Angeli

·        2 full day coach excursions to Sienna and Florence.

Fr David Smith (Holy Family) will be the Spiritual Leader.

 

ST AUGUSTINE'S RC PRIMARY SCHOOL

·         LET’S GROW VOUCHERS  St Augustine’s Primary School are collecting these.  Please put them on the collection plate.

 

PRAYER GROUP

Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. All welcome.

 

PIETY STALL

Come and see our selection of Christmas Cards, calendars etc.

ST AUGUSTINE’S PARADISE CHILDCARE – PLAYGROUP

Childcare for all children aged from 2- 4 yrs. Open Monday to Friday 9.15-11.15am.

All our staff have a wide range of experience and have worked within the childcare field for a number of years.  For further info contact Jill on 07870 775136 or call in at The Simpson Room next to St Augustine’s Parish Centre in Larchfield Street.

 

LOST PROPERTY

we have several items that have been left in and around the Church over the last couple of weeks.

Please contact the office (266602) or Bro Michael if they are yours.

 

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

There will be “quiet” Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament  here in St Augustine’s each Monday from Noon – 3.00pm.

 

Gift Aid

We have been advised that the Parish will receive £9,457.42 from the tax recovered through the Gift Aid Scheme. Our grateful thanks to all contributors.

The Gift Aid office has issued individual acknowledgements for each contributor – these are at the back of Church for your collection.

Please note that if you have changed address or no longer pay tax could you let the office know.  Our records have to be accurate for auditing purposes.

If you are a taxpayer and would like to join the gift aid scheme, envelopes or direct debit, please contact the office and the relevant forms will be posted to you.

 

FLU PANEDEMIC

24th July 2009: A Message from Bishop Seamus Cunningham:

On the basis of advice from Health Authorities, I request that we observe the following from 24th July:

 

a)    No communion from the Chalice

b)    Communion with the Host to be received only in the hand

c)    Sign of Peace to be made without a handshake

 

When the circumstances improve then we can return to usual practice.

X Rt Rev Séamus Cunningham

Bishop of Hexham & Newcastle Diocese

 

CAR PARKING

For those parishioners from other parishes within the cluster there is a car park opposite the Church in Larchfield Street which you can use if you are attending Mass here in St Augustine’s.  The Parish Centre is open after the 9.15am and 11.00 am masses for Coffee.  The bar will be open after the 11.00 am and 6.30 pm masses and everybody is most welcome.

 

Visits

If anybody would like to receive communion or a visit from a priest please leave their name with Brother Michael or the office so that arrangements can be made.

 

YEAR OF PRIESTS

Beneditct XVI will proclaim St jean Marie Vianney as the patron saint of all the priests of the world.

There will be a Diocesan Concelebrated Mass to mark the Year of the Priest at St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday 7th July at 7.00 pm.  All Welcome.

 

PRAYER FOR YEAR OF PRIESTS

O Father, raise up among Christians

abundant and holy vocations to the priesthood,

who keep the faith alive

and guard the blessed memory of your Son Jesus

through the preaching of his word

and the administration of the Sacraments,

with which you continually renew your faithful.

Grant us holy ministers of your altar,

who are careful and fervent guardians of the Eucharist,

the sacrament of the supreme gift of Christ

for the redemption of the world.

Call ministers of your mercy,

who, through the sacrament of Reconciliation,

spread the joy of your forgiveness.

Grant, O Father, that the Church may welcome with joy

the numerous inspirations of the Spirit of your Son

and, docile to his teachings,

may she care for vocations to the ministerial priesthood

and to the consecrated life.

Sustain the bishops, priests and deacons,

consecrated men and women, and all the baptised in Christ,

so that they may faithfully fulfil their mission

at the service of the Gospel.

This we pray through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

GODPARENTS FOR BAPTISM

Godparents are asked to support the parents in this duty as Christian Parents.  Therefore, they should be believing Christians and at least one must be Catholic.  This is a serious responsibility and not just a gesture of friendship offered to friends.  So please choose a Godfather and Godmother with care.

 

BAPTISM COURSES

Would anybody be interested in joining the Baptism Group to be part of a team which welcomes parents and discusses their preparation for Baptism.  We are exploring the possibility of running these along the lines of the Café Courses.  For further info ring Barbara on 266602.

 

PADDINGTON BEAR APPEAL

15th November                                £19.78

Money in Bank                             £830.12

Total Collected                        £23,463.02

 

News from Club Deportivo Juventud Bellavista

Fr Joe Plumb writes:

The lads are coming to the UK from 12th-26th September to play matches against 10 schools in the North East in their new football strips and track-suits, purchased with donations from schools and parishes in Hexham & Newcastle Diocese.

They will be visiting schools and playing matches throughout the fortnight, at least one match a day.

“Alongside the football, they are hoping to meet form groups, RE and humanities classes, sixth forms and Year 11 groups to present a DVD showing life in the jungle/rainforest, which highlights issues such as deforestation of the rainforest, sale or logging rights, exploitation of the Earth and abuses agains the indigenous peoples, poverty, injustice, corruption issues affecting us as young people in a globalised world and how they hope to be able to create a better future for themselves and their sisters and brothers in the developed world by taking decisions and working together”.

The group will be staying at Minsteracres during their stay and are due to play football against Carmel College on Monday 21st September.

 

CRB’S

A reminder that ALL LEADERS of groups within the parish that require Diocesan CRB’s, i.e. Choirs, Children’s Liturgy etc., are responsible in ensuring that all existing and new members have a current Diocesan CRB. 

If you have any queries please contact Bernadette Chapman who is our Parish Representative, and does an admirable job co-ordinating all the administration between the Diocese and us.  The Safeguarding Office in Newcastle however makes all the decisions.

 

PIETY SHOP – No. 10 St Augustine’s Court

Many parishioners still don’t realise that we have a well stocked shop (opposite the main Church doors) in the Courtyard – No. 10 St Augustine’s Court. 

This is open before and after all Sunday masses.  We have a good range of weekly catholic papers and magazines.  There is a wide selection of cards, mass cards, sympathy, birthdays as well as 1st Communion cards.  Along with these are many gifts, rosaries, statues, prayer books etc.  There is also a catalogue kept  in the shop, if you know what you would like but can’t see it on display please ask and we will see if we can order it for you.  Please take a couple of minutes to go and have a look.

 

Church Cleaning

We have a small group of dedicated ladies who come and clean the Church on a fortnightly basis.  They have brought to our attention that over the past couple of months they are finding chewing gum stuck on the underneath of the benches, and also on the floor.  Not only is this really difficult to remove but is a problem if it gets stuck on peoples clothes.  We would ask for your help in trying to alleviate this problem and make the ladies job a more pleasant task.

 

Church Cleaning   (Please help if you can)

Once again we are asking for volunteers to assist with the Church cleaning.  Even with a parish of our size just over 4 years ago there were 11 volunteers, now they are down to 3.  They meet fortnightly on a Wednesday morning between 9-9.30 am, and it usually takes no more than 2 hours.  The next date is Wednesday 27th February, please just turn up.

 

Vincentian Volunteers

a positive opportunity for young people to have a challenging experience in serving vulnerable people, and living in a community with other like-minded volunteers.  Accommodation and living expense provided.     
Volunteer year is from September 2009 until July 2010.  If you would like to know more please contact Sr Barbara Quilty DC at 0161 226 9561 or 0161 209 9156.  Email: barbaraquilty@hotmail.co.uk or visit our website: www.vincentianvolunteers.org

 

ICE – ‘In Case of Emergency’

We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory, but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn’t know who to call, which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this ‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

All you need to do is store the number of a contact person(s) who should be contacted during an emergency under the name ‘ICE’.  The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn’t know which number to call.  In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person.  For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc.

 

Terisan Carmelite Secular Order – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Darlington

Our community mets the 1st Saturday of every month in the Spiruality Centre at Carmel Convent, Nunnery Lane, Darlington.  For further details please contact 01325 255822.

 

Sunday Night Sequence Dancing

Every Sunday evening in the Church Hall at St Thomas’ at 7.00pm.  All are welcome.

 

GOING INTO HOSPITAL

If you are going to be in hospital please remember that because of the Data Protection Act, you should indicate on entering hospital that your details may be passed to the Roman Catholic chaplain if you would like the chaplain to visit you.  Those responsible for children, the confused or those who are unconscious should do likewise.

 

Polish Mass

On the first Sunday of each month at 5.00pm in St Thomas’ Church.  Confession will be available half an hour before Mass and after Mass tea will be available in the Parish Hall.

 

WHEELCHAIR AVAILABLE

We are often asked if we have access to a wheelchair for those wanting to attend Services/Mass in our Church.  The answer to the question is now Yes.   We have been given a folding wheelchair for the use of our parishioners or those visiting our Church, and would benefit from the use of a wheelchair.  The wheelchair will be kept in the back Sacristy.

 

Tuesday Group – An Invitation

We are a group of ladies who meet on the First Tuesday of the month to pray for each others intentions and have a cup of tea and a chat.  If you would like to join us you would be very welcome. 

Over 60’s

We meet every Thursday 1.30 pm – 3.15 pm in the Parish Centre, for a chat, bingo, raffle and tea and biscuits at a cost of only 50p. 

New members are very welcome. 

MASSES AROUND THE DIOCESE

Mass in Malayalam

Mass in Malayalam the last Sunday of the Month at 4 p.m. at St Robert's, Fenham

Polish Mass

on the last Sunday of each month at 3.00pm in St Mary's Church, Bridge Street, Sunderland (St. Mary, 27 Bridge Street Sunderland SR1 1TQ.)

Confession will be available half an hour before Mass and after the Mass tea will be available in the Parish Hall

African Mass

On the last Sunday of the month at 2.00 pm Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church (opposite Gateshead Metro Station) High West Street Gateshead

           

Sunday Coffee’s

Would all groups please note that St Augustine’s is a Fairtrade Parish which includes the Parish Centre.  Fairtrade coffee and tea is supplied by the parish for the use of all the groups who provide the coffees on a Sunday.

South Darlington Credit Union would like to remind members and prospective members that it’s open for savings and loans (Christmas or otherwise) between the 9.15 am and 11 am Sunday Masses.  Our office is next to the Piety Stall in No. 10.

They are also looking for someone with accounting experience to help with occasional monitoring of our financial practices.  Please contact Marjory Knowles.

STIPENDS or MASS OFFERINGS
From the Catholic Encyclopedia (p.715)

 A stipend is an offering given to a priest, in consideration of which he is obliged to apply the fruits of the Mass for the special intention of the donor.  Mass stipends are also called Mass offerings and honorariums for Masses.

Historical Development. 

Pagan priests were paid a fee for their services, such as a burial fee.  When they sacrificed to the gods for the people, part of the sacrificial offering was retained for their own sustenance.  The Old Testament contains similar prescriptions for the Jewish priests (Leviticus 2:3; 5:13; 6:8-10).
In the early centuries of Christianity, the bishop celebrated Mass with all the clergy and people participating.  The faithful brought bread and wine to be used in the Sacrifice of the Mass.  Later, other gifts were substituted for bread and wine.  These offerings were used for the support of the clergy and the poor.    

Today’s practice
 When a priest accepts a stipend for a Mass, in our diocese £10 is the suggested amount, he has a grave obligation to apply the fruits of the Mass according to the intention of the donor.  Theologians have various explanations of the nature of the pact between the priest and the donor.  Many consider that there is a bilateral contract known as “do ut facias”.  One person agrees to give while the other party agrees to do something in return.  Another opinion claims that the custom of giving stipends merely defines the natural obligation of supporting the clergy.  An appealing opinion holds that stipends are a monetary equivalent of the early offerings of bread and wine.  The money purchases the elements of the sacrifice; the surplus is retained for the sustenance of the priest who celebrated the Mass.
 

At present we are low on Mass Intentions. Perhaps these few notes may inspire you to take part in this long-standing church practice. Just write your intention on an envelope and include a stipend if you wish and Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Changes to Holy Days

In order to foster the celebration of the rhythm of the liturgical year and to celebrate more profoundly the mysteries of the life and mission of the Lord, the Bishops have decided to transfer to Sunday those Holy Days of Obligation which are Solemnities of the Lord (other than Christmas Day).  This means that the Epiphany, the Ascension of the Lord and Corpus Christi will now be celebrated on Sunday.  The Bishops commend this as an opportunity for Catholics to deepen, through catechesis and celebration, their faith and understanding of these mysteries of the life of Christ.  The Bishops recommend other Holy Days remain the same.

 

COME & SEE based at Penshaw, is a house of hospitality and discernment for those enquiring about or discerning a call to the Priesthood.  Information leaflets are available at the back of church (or in the office).  Also available is a prayer card and leaflets detailing five things that we can do to promote vocations to the Priesthood:  as a parishioner, an elderly or housebound person, a parent, or a young person.  Please feel free to take one.

PARISH CENTRE INFORMATION

Our Parish Centre is a short walk across the road from the Church in Larchfield Street.

Our Children's Safety

During the fine weather children love to play outside in the grounds of the Parish Centre. Please make sure that your children understand that they must be sensible and very careful around the entrance to the Centre. We have had a few worries about children running close to cars as they come into the car park before Mass.

Refreshments after Mass

You are welcome to join us in the Parish Centre for a cup of coffee, tea or juice after both masses on a Sunday morning.  If you prefer, the bar is open after 6.30 Mass on Saturday and after 11.00 Mass on Sunday.  Coffee this month is provided by the

Bar opening times

Friday           7.00 – 11.00pm

Saturday      7.00 – 11.00pm

Sunday        12.00 – 2.00pm & 7.00 – 10.30pm

We have a lovely bar area and welcome you for a relaxing drink and a chat with friends.  You may wish to use the Centre for special occasions.  The main hall provides a great venue for celebrations after baptisms or wedding receptions.

Bookings

Bookings for the Parish Centre will now be taken by our new stewardess, Mrs Amanda Durkin, either in person when the Centre is open, or by telephone.  She will be pleased to discuss your arrangements with you.

Membership

Parish Club memberships can be taken out or renewed on the first Sunday of each month at 8.00pm in the Centre.  Changes to car registration details can be processed at the same time for those members with a car park permit.  Prospective members can collect an application for whenever the bar is open. 

Web Sites

On our website www.staugustineschurchdarlington.org.uk you can get a list of the rotas for the next couple of months for readers, welcomers etc.  We also include the masses for the following weeks plus a copy of the readings for the Sunday.  In our photo gallery we have gone interactive – run your mouse over the pictures and you will be able to read a commentary.  The youth pages are constantly being updated and the pictures created by St Augustine's School of the Stations of the Cross and their accompanying prayers have been added.  There are also lots of useful links to schools, diocese websites, catholic news etc.

NEW TO THE PARISH? ………………

Have you wondered what the Paddington Bear collection meant?  In October 2000 Paddington Bear’s relatives in deepest Peru asked the young and not so young to help Fr Joe Plumb by raising funds using empty film canisters.  Each canister holds twenty-five 2p coins.  Empty canisters are kept in the Porch. (Coins to the value of more than 2p can be used if you so wish.) Full canisters can be returned each Sunday to the CAFOD basket inside the Church.  The running total from October to 2000 to February 2009 now stands at  £21,003.11   This is an ongoing fund raising project

HELP FOR READERS

For those readers who have access to the Internet we have been told of a website which helps readers prepare to proclaim the Sunday readings.  The notes for each reading are short and practical.  And maybe the next time you are scheduled to read you could have a look at this site: www.salforddiocese.org.uk  click onto the icon “The Celebrated Word” (down the left-hand side),  then click onto “Reading Guides”  and onto the date.

GOING INTO HOSPITAL

If you are going to be in hospital please remember that because of the Data Protection Act, you should indicate on entering hospital that your details may be passed to the Roman Catholic chaplain if you would like the chaplain to visit you.  Those responsible for children, the confused or those who are unconscious should be likewise.

INDUCTION LOOP SYSTEM

An induction loop system is installed in this Church.  If you are wearing a hearing aid you should move it to the ‘T’ position for reception of the system.

Holy Souls – Mass Offerings

The box on the pillar in front of the Sacred Heart statue is for the purpose of offerings for Masses to be said for the Holy Souls.

  

MEETINGS & DATES

COURSES & CONFERENCES

 

News from within the Cluster

 

DARLINGTON PARISHES

The Pastoral Team that serves the cluster of Parishes is as follows:

Fr Greg Price, V.F., Co-ordinating Pastor, resident at St Teresa’s, with special responsibility for St William’s;

Fr Clement Lee, C.Ss.R. Assistant Co-Pastor, resident at Holy Family, with special responsibility for D.M.H.;

Sr Evelyn Wilson, C.P., Administrator of St Anne’s;

Sr Marie Byrne, D.C., Administrator of St Thomas Aquinas;

Sr Patricia Harrison, D.C., Parish Sister at Holy Family.

 

There is also a Pastoral Worker at D. M. Hospital, Mr. Jurgen Muller, with Sr Kate O’Leary, D.C., and at Carmel College, Mr. Andrew Drozdziak.

At this present time we have Fr Michael Francis, O.H., resident at St Augustine’s, providing pastoral care there and within the cluster.

 

Fr Greg Price   -   Palm Sunday 2009

 

EPISCOPAL VICAR

Fr John Butters has been appointed for the South of the Diocese, taking over from Mgr Ged Lavender who left this week to take up his new post in Cullercoats.

 

The priests are trying to provide a fair distribution of Masses around the Darlington Cluster.

Beginning in the New Year there will not a Mass on Monday in Holy Family but there will be a 12 Noon Mass in St Anne’s, Welbeck Avenue.

Eucharistic Ministers

If you could help with the distribution of Holy Communion at the Memorial Hospital on Thursday mornings the Hospital Chaplains would be thrilled to hear from you.  You can contact them on 743029 or alternatively write to Jurgen Muller, RC Hospital Chaplain at the Memorial Hospital, and he will get back to you.  You must have a current CRB from the Diocese.

Fr Greg Price is the Co-ordinating Pastor of the Darlington Parishes.  Fr Greg was appointed last year when Monsignor Ged Lavender became Episcopal Vicar for the Southern Vicariate of the Diocese.  Fr Greg is also the Dean.

From previous weeks

 

38 CONISCLIFFE ROAD (Formerly Bishop’s House Restaurant)

We have received information from Darlington Borough Council re a planning application for alterations and change of use to the property formerly known as Bishop’s House Restaurant into an organic bakery, cafe, shop, offices and education workspace for the community and young people run by The Clervaux Trust.  At the back of Church there is a package containing the planned structural changes to the property and a summary of who the 'Clervaux Trust' are with their aims and objectives.  If anybody wishes to make any comments these have be received by Darlington Borough Council no later than 7th October 2009 quoting reference number 09/00629/LBC and 09/00629/CU.

 

ST AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH , DARLINGTON -KEYHOLDER/CLEANER REQUIRED FOR PARISH CENTRE

Flexible person required for the above position.  This would involve opening and closing the Parish Centre as required and acting as keyholder for emergency call outs.

It would also involve ensuring that the Centre is kept clean at all times, setting up and clearing rooms and being in attendance during pre-arranged times to cover specific events in the Centre. In addition they are also required to clean a small property adjacent to the Church on a weekly basis. A CRB clearance is required for this post

Core Hours: 15 hours per week.  Salary: £6.67 per hour.  Additional hours over and above core hours, agreed in advance, will be paid at the same rate.

Closing date for applications:  16th October 2009

Application forms and further information available from: Mrs B Morgan

St Augustine’s Church, 30 Coniscliffe Rd, Darlington, DL3 7RG   Tel: 01325 266602

 

THANK YOU........  from Elspeth Robinson

Please would you thank the people who helped me at the Sainsbury's bag packing session for helping to raise £977.54!  I should also like to thank those who came to last month's Open Day when we raised over £2,700.00, both for Kumi Community Fund.  Below is a copy of an email I have received asking us to pray for the people in the Teso region which is where I visit.

 

HULLO ELSPETH, 

GREETINGS TO YOU ALL, HOW IS U.K? WE ARE FAIR IN KUMI EXCEPT FOR MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE ATTACKED BY SEVERE HUNGER DUE TO NO RAINS. THIS ARE THE PHOTOS SHOWING SOME OF THE SUFFERING PEOPLE IN TESO. SOME NOW EAT RATS AS YOU SEE IN THE PICTURE. SOME ARE DIYING.

 

PLEASE PRAY FOR US EN SEND OUR PRAYER REQUEST TO THE CHURCH IN UK.

 

The Way of St James:Camino de Santiago

At lunch time, on the 1st July 2009, I entered Santiago de Compostela to complete my camino. Only the official's stamp & the formal certificate were required.
 
A journey that had started 25 days earlier, covered 800km, and had presented me with one of the greatest challenges of my life had reached it's physical conclusion. The blistered feet & the strapped knee bore witness to the physical effort. And the loss of nearly a stone in weight. Against that though were the immeasurable rewards, spiritually, of successfully completing the camino & all the friends that I had made along the way. People, strangers to me, who had supported me through my bad times & others that I had supported through their's.That is the camino!
 
The pilgrim mass at 12.00pm, each day, in the Cathedral, was a beautiful occasion and an opportunity for me to say prayers on behalf of all those people who made personal requests & for all the good people of St Augustine's, in general.
 
As the agonies & ecstasies, of this incredible journey, come to an end, thanks to the generosity of the parishioner's of St Augustine's, and many others, the legacy will live on in the sponsorship monies for CAFOD. I have not yet got a final figure but a sum in the region of £1500 is expected. Thank you all.
 
Over the next couple of Sundays I will be outside the 09.15am & 11.00am masses to collect your pledges & any other new donations.
 
God Bless & thank you all    Tony Brockley, Pilgrim

 

THANK YOU

 I would like to thank the Parish for the unexpected gifts given to me on the occasion of my retirement from Catechist duties. My thanks also to Brother Michael and my fellow catechists for making my role so pleasant and to all the parents and their children for their contributions in delivering the programe for Reconciliation and Holy Communion. My thanks also to St. Augustine's School who have been so supportive over many years. It has been a great privilege and a very rewarding experience.                           R.J.Whiteside

 

 

The Way of St James:Camino de Santiago
On the 5th June 2009 I will be setting out on a journey that pilgrims have been making for over a thousand years. My pilgrimage will start at St Jean Pied de Port, in Southern France, and end 800Km later in Santiago de Compostela, in Northern Spain. This is the resting place for the remains of St James the Great (son of Zebedee, brother of John & Christ's cousin).

I will be undertaking this pilgrimage in the traditional way, by foot, and all being well will finish on the 4th July.

There are both spiritually & physically rewarding elements to this for me personally but with YOUR generosity, of faith and of wallet, I also would like it to reward others. I would like to dedicate my pilgrimage to CAFOD. If you were able to give just 1p per Km that would raise a fantastic amount for this great cause. Rest assured that every penny donated will go to CAFOD - NO DEDUCTIONS!

I, and members of St Augustine's CAFOD Group, will be outside various Sunday masses throughout April but you can also make your pledges by phone, 01325252470, or by e-mail, tonytb@live.co.uk.

Thank you & God Bless, Tony Brockley

The Way of St James:Camino de Santiago

 

The response to my pilgrimage & CAFOD appeal has been unbelievable. I want to thank everyone, not only for the monetary support, but also for the kind words, and often very wise words, that I have received from you all.

I have already had pledged over £600 to CAFOD. That is fantastic & shows what wondeful people we have in our parish & beyond. I thank you all.

Anyone still wishing to sponsor can do so there is plenty of time.

I have been amazed at the interest it has generated and would like to thank Eve Vieira, who is in our parish, & who wrote the excellent article that featured in the Northern Echo & the D&S Times, and helped raise the profile even further.

Finally, I have been asked, by more than one person, if I would be willing to take a prayer, on their behalf, to the shrine or light a candle. My response is that I would be delighted, and honoured, to do so for anyone. So if there are any such requests please just e-mail me(tonytb@live.co.uk) or write it down & I will take it with me. Or just ask me to light a candle & I will be more than happy to do so.

Thank you all & God bless, Tony Brockley(07772188470)

 

I'm Katie Owens, second daughter of the Owens family and I'm hoping that my old parish might be able to help me.  As some of you already know I have decided to cycle to Paris for Charity! The trip begins on the 26th of June and the aim is to be in Paris by the 29th! I’m completely new to cycling, but that won't stop me peddling my little socks off for the 188 miles from London to Paris! And as if this challenge wasn’t enough I have to raise £1000!

I’m raising money for the RNID (registered charity number 207720), a charity close at heart.  My friend Laura is hard of hearing and it means a lot to raise money for a charity that supports deaf and hard of hearing people.  Not only are they a source of information, advice and training, but they campaign hard to raise awareness of what it means to have a hearing impairment.  It might not seem much, but the more people understand what it means to be deaf, the more the everyday challenges in life get a little bit smaller.  It's an extra helping hand and believe me, it helps a lot.

So I was wondering if any of you would be kind enough to sponsor me I have set up a justgiving website:   www.justgiving.com/katieandlauratourdefrance

Thank you for your time                Katie Owens

 

Carmel RC College

We have received thanks and gratitude from the Governors, staff and pupils at Carmel for our contribution from the parish of £3,000 which went towards the cost of the refurbishment of the Chapel within the College.

DARLINGTON CLUSTER OF  ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES - SUNDAY MASSES

 

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

5.00

6.00

7.30

9.00

9.15

9.30

10.30

11.00

6.30

Carmel Convent

 

 

X

MF

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holy Family

 

X

GL/CL

 

 

 

X

GL/CL

 

 

 

St Anne’s

X

GP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Augustine’s

 

 

 

 

X

MF

 

 

X

MF

X

ROTA

St Teresa’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

GP

 

 

St Thomas’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

GL/CL

 

St William’s

 

 

 

X

GP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 1st March

This Sunday March 1st is the fortieth anniversary of Fr Michael Higginbottom’s ordination – Congratulations. 

 

Congratulations

To Fr Ged who celebrates his 40th Anniversary on Monday 2nd March.  We also offer our congratulations to him as he has been asked by Bishop Elect Seamus Cunningham to be his Vicar General.  Fr Ged will be leaving Holy Family (after 17 years) at the end of March and will take up residence in St Mary’s at Cullercoats.

 

SVP HOLY ISLAND CAMP – are still looking for volunteers.  If you could help which laundry, kitchen, caretaking, tuck shop etc please contact Barbara Taws on 0191 3882992 or email svpholyislandcamp@hotmail.co.uk. 

 

 ST CUTHBERTS CARE – “DRIVE ON” PROJECT

They have requested that we hold quarterly collections in the parish where you can donate good quality clean clothing for them to distribute to local people who are in crisis.  The dates they have given us are:

            12th February

            12th May

As you can see these dates are mid-week so if your donations could be here by the previous Sunday for them to collect later that week.  Bags have been provided.

 

CRB’S

We are still not up to date with the processing of CRB forms and we are now reaching the point where those people who have not completed the processs will be asked to step down from their work within the chuch until such time as they have completed the process.  There are a number of people who have received CRB forms from the Safeguarding office but have not completed the forms or had their documents verified to allow the application to be processed.  I would urge anybody who is in this position to complete the forms as soon as possible.  The documents can be verified by Brother Michael Francis or myself and I can be contacted on 01325            or at 9.15am mass on Sundays

 

I would remind you that anyone taking part in any of the folowing ministries or organisations within the parish need to complete the CRB process

The list provided by the Diocese of those needing CRB’s are:

   Liturgical Preparation & Celebration

   Children’s Liturgy Workers                                       Pastoral Ministers

   Adult Altar Servers                                                      MC’s for Altar Servers

   Eucharistic Ministers*                                                Sacristans

   Leaders of Music Ministry  SVP Volunteers

   Sacramental Programme Workers                            

*All Eucharistic Ministers need to be checked as the exercise of this Ministry includes visiting the public at home, and Eucharistic Ministers occupy an office of trust in the community which could allow them access to children and young people.

   Pastoral & Social Support

   Healing Ministry Group Workers                                 Home or Hospital Visitors

   Parent /Toddler Group Organisers                              Creche Workers

   Transport Volunteers                                 

   Administrative Support Staff & Others

   Housekeepers                                                                Parish Secretaries

   Presbytery Residents                                                    Caretakers

           

St MartinsAmpleforth

Are offering scholarships for those pupils entering Years 4 to 7.  Scholarships are available in the following categories: Academic, Choral/Instrumental and

General.  Examinations will be held on 6th/7th March and 1st/2nd May and will involve an overnight stay at the school.  For further details please contact Colette Kelly on 01439 766601 or admissions@stmartins.ampleforth.org.uk.

 

Holy Family Orphanage, Urithuruparam, Sri Lanka

A few weeks ago the sponsors of the children in the orphanage met to enjoy an excellent meal prepared for us by Juliet & Aloy Mariathasan. We were fortunate to meet two of the sisters directly involved in caring for those children, and found out how much progress had been made through the efforts of the sponsors.  We learned about the difficulties faced by the children in the dire conditions experienced in northern Sri Lanka.

In September some of those sponsors will be delivering a presentation on the current situation in the orphanage at all the weekend masses. In the meantime, if you would like to become involved by sponsoring a child, please collect a sponsor form from the back of church. Further details can be obtained from Juliet & Aloy or from Julie Humphrey.

Please remember the children and their carers in your prayers.

 

PADDINGTON BEAR RAISES £20,000 for POOR PEOPLE IN PERU!

Almost everyone knows that Paddington is a bear who usually wears a duffle coat, a rather shapeless hat, and, on occasions, his Wellington boots. Many people also know that his favourite food is Marmalade, and that he originally comes from Darkest Peru. He first came to England on October 13th 1958 and has been loved by children ever since.

 

Not so many people know that about eight years ago some people, Marie and Dick Whiteside, suggested helping Father Joe Plumb in his work in Peru by the simple method of placing film canisters at the back of St. Augustine’s each weekend and asking people to fill them with 2p coins, or whatever they liked, and return them to the baskets. They referred to this venture as Paddington Bear.  There was a wonderful response to this initiative and Marie counted the money each week and Dick took it to the bank on Monday mornings. A cheque was then sent to Father Plumb’s work when the total reached £1000. Amazingly the amount sent has now reached £20,000. This is a lot of money in our part of the world, but an enormous amount in Peru.

 

To celebrate this fine achievement we would like everyone to take one of the small jars of marmalade at the back of church after Masses this weekend. Enjoy your toast, or a sandwich if you prefer, and be happy that together we have made so many people happier in Peru.

 

Many thanks for your generosity. Please continue to be so generous to this fine opportunity. It is a simply wonderful way to help those in Peru who are not as comfortable as we are.

 

 

NEW MASS TIMES

Talking to Parishioners around the Cluster, I hear many stories about the past. Just general tales of how things were. Sometimes they are full of nostalgia. Often they seem to reflect a type of wonder at how things have changed in the last 50, 60, 70 years or so. On the whole our fellow parishioners are positive and face the present situation with a large degree of realism. Most have accepted that we have had to make changes to the level of Mass provision within the Cluster, even if they regret the need for such changes, and for the undoubted upset that losing a treasured mass-time means.

This latest round of changes has not affected every parish in the Cluster, but no Parish has been unaffected by the shortage in the number of Priests. Over the years all have had to cutback on the number of Masses. Some no longer have a resident priest. Four of our parishes now have one Mass on a Sunday.  Before we considered any change we have thought long and hard. We have sought the opinion and advice of many. We have prayed for guidance. In the end a decision, or rather a number of decisions, had to be made. These are as follows:

St Thomas has no change this time; SS William & Francis retains the morning Mass; St Anne loses a morning Mass and retains a Vigil; St Teresa loses its Vigil; St Augustine loses its Vigil; Holy Family gains a Vigil with its evening Mass being transferred to St Augustine. However, this is to be considered as a Cluster Mass rather than a Parish Mass. Carmel Convent will have a morning Mass for the time being but this will be moved to a Vigil when that becomes necessary.

We fully realise that these changes will mean a degree of adaptation is necessary throughout the Cluster and in every Parish. For us to face the future we shall all have to do the best that we can. This is a challenge for all of us and we all have our part to play in the life of the Church in Darlington.

On behalf of the Pastoral Team I thank you for your continued support and collaboration.   Fr Greg Price Co-ordinating Pastor.

 

Bishop Hugh Linday  RIP

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death on Monday 19th January of Bishop Hugh Lindsay, Bishop Emeritus of Hexham and Newcastle.  Requiescat in pace.