Canon Bob Spence will be celebrating the Sunday Masses at St Cuthbert’s today. Please give him a warm welcome.

From the 13th Century to the 21st: An international conference hosted by the Centre for Catholic Studies in partnership with the Capuchin Franciscans of Great Britain, to mark the 800th anniversary of St Francis’ meeting with Sultan Malek Al-Kamil. In Durham, Tuesday 5 – Thursday 7 November. Deadline for registration is Monday 30 September. Centre for Catholic Studies email: ccs.admin@durham.ac.uk or tel: 0191 334 1656.

Thank you to all who supported and contributed to the cake sale two weeks ago. £135.67 was raised in total.

Is today and there is a retiring collection in support. The Home Mission Office is a national organisation that helps the local Church engage in the vital mission of evangelisation. On Home Mission Sunday, they ask for our prayers and our financial support. Our prayers help them to be attentive to the Holy Spirit who directs their work and our donations to the collection will enable them to help the local Church share the joy of the Gospel throughout England and Wales. For more information about the Home Mission Office or to donate online please visit www.homemission.org.uk

Last Sunday Martin Donbavand completed the Great North Run in 2 hours, 38 minutes and 48 seconds! Martin would like to thank everybody in St Cuthbert’s parish for sponsoring him and supporting his good cause. If you would like to donate but haven’t yet please see Liz Donbavand.

Will be celebrating the Sunday Masses at St Cuthbert’s on Sunday 15th and Sunday 22nd September. Please give him a warm welcome.

Jesus continues his journey to Jerusalem. Great crowds of people are with him, but perhaps Jesus suspects that the people in the crowds have not understood the radical and challenging nature of his teaching. Jesus knows what awaits him in the capital city. He will take up his cross and go to his death. He will give his life to save us from our sins. So Jesus warns the crowds that anyone who wants to be his disciple must be ready to take up their own cross; to give up everything that is an obstacle to following him. Jesus’ disciples must be ready to give up possessions, the bonds of family and friendship, and even life itself if necessary. The parables of the tower and of the king preparing for war illustrate the need to consider seriously the cost of becoming a disciple of Christ. The Lord may ask us for everything, because he gives us everything.

A Day of Reflection for All Ministries. At Ushaw College, Saturday 28 September, 10.30am – 3.30pm. Led by Fr Mark Millward, Dean of the Benedict Partnership (n.b. this is a repeat of the day offered in May.) Registration and refreshments from 9.45am. Tea, Coffee and a light lunch will be provided. Booking is essential: contact the Parish Office if you wish to take part.

This Sunday Catholics are encouraged to reflect on the Church’s contribution to education in this country and pray for all those involved in Catholic education. There will be a retiring collection to support the Catholic Education Service, the agency of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales which represents and supports Catholic schools.

Durham 1569: A People’s Tragedy? Prof. Eamon Duffy (University of Cambridge, Emeritus) Tuesday 17th September, 6.30-7.45pm in the Debating Chamber, Palace Green, Durham. Entry is free of charge, but registration is essential for those not registering for the Northern Rising conference; please register online at https://centreforcatholicstudies.eventbrite.com or by telephoning 0191 334 1656, by 12noon on Tuesday 17 September.

Ciara and Matthias send their thanks to everyone at St Cuthbert’s for a joyful celebration of their Nuptial Mass last week.