With One Voice: Pilgrims of Hope

POPE FRANCIS

Requiescat in pace

 (Vatican media)

We pray for the repose of the soul of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who died at 7:35am on Easter Monday aged 88.  

Bishop Stephen writes:

As a diocesan family we pray for Pope Francis who was called to the Lord on the morning of the 21st April.

We give thanks for Pope Francis’ ministry as a Jesuit priest, Bishop in Argentina and finally as the successor of St. Peter. As Pope he always looked at situations through the eyes of the poor following the example of his Patron, Saint Francis of Assisi. He was a joy to meet in person and an inspiration to so many, Catholics and non Catholics alike.
We commend Pope Francis to the Lord.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord.   May he rest in peace.    Amen. 

Keep up to date with all of the developments in Rome through Vatican News.

Ongoing reflection on our parishes.

We’ve had a number of weeks to reflect on the comments which were made in our last time of reflection and also to read through the suggestions that came from a parishioner from another part of the diocese reflecting on our comments. I have been asked to give my thoughts as to a way forward but before I do that I would like to ask you to contribute to one further reflection.

I would like you to name four priorities for our parishes. These are not to include being able to attend Mass or be about our church buildings as these were given great attention in the previous replies. The priorities should be about the mission of the church/our parishes – perhaps think of the four areas mentioned by Bishop Stephen in the proposed Diocesan Vision:-

Commitment 1: To walk with Jesus and enable others to encounter him.

Commitment 2: To grow as one Diocesan Family – Rebuilding Relationships.

Commitment 3: Forming and developing people for Mission.

Commitment 4: Living justly and caring for our Community.

What do you think it is important for our parishes to be doing for the worshipping community and those beyond our church doors? Please just give four priorities: down load the reply sheet HERE and return them by the weekend of 17/18 May.

After I have received them, I will look to make some proposals to looking to the future.

Fr Adrian.

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For details of this week's services and Masses, please see this week's newsletter  

Please remember in your prayers at this time...

All those in our parishes who are unwell/housebound, including: 

Please also remember the following in prayer:

• Jimmy Noble, whose funeral service takes place at St Anne’s on 7^th May 1.15pm, May he rest in peace.
• Please pray for the repose of the soul of John James, parishioner of St Joseph’s Blaydon died on 22nd April.
• Please pray for the repose of the soul of Monica Goosens. Her funeral will be held at St Josephs, Blaydon on the 13^th of May at 12.30pm.
• Jenny Burns, whose funeral service takes place at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Chopwell on Thursday 15^th May at 11:15am followed by burial at Hookergate Cemetery, at 12:45am
• Please pray for Vera Armstong who died recently. Her funeral takes place at West Road Crematorium on 30^th April at 3.00pm.

Please contact the parish office requesting the name of the person to be included in the published list for people who are sick/housebound. Only the named person, or their next of kin/close relative, is permitted to give permission for their name to be included in the published list in the newsletter. Please inform us if someone’s name can be removed from the list.

Cycle of Prayer

During this season of Easter, we pray especially for:

New Members of the Church

Vocations, especially on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations (4th Sunday of Easter)

Human Work, especially on St Joseph the Worker (1 May)

The Right Use of the Media, especially on World Communications Day (7th Sunday of Easter)

The Church, especially on Pentecost Sunday

Pope Francis has announced that 2025 will be a year of Jubilee. The theme is “Pilgrims of Hope” – hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and a climate crisis.

In our Diocese, we’ll be reflecting on our initial Diocesan Vision during the Jubilee Year. There will be lots of resources for parishes, clergy, religious, laypeople, educators and more, both on the Jubilee Year and on our Diocesan Vision. It’s a vital year in the Church’s life.

There’s more information about the Jubilee Year on the Diocesan website HERE.

Download your Pilgrims of Hope Reflection Guide.