To all the volunteers who opened the church during Lumiere, and who prepared and served refreshments. It’s a great opportunity for outreach and witness – more than 200 people visited St Cuthbert’s during the four nights of the festival.
All posts by Parish Secretary
Catholic Theology Research Seminar
Mass in memory of Deceased Members of the Catenian Association
Advent Extra
Justice and Peace Refugee Project
Our parish collects biscuits and toilet rolls to help provide basic supplies to asylum seekers in the diocese. These are collected regularly, on the first Sunday of the month. If you would like to donate items please remember to bring them to Church next Sunday 1 December and place them under the bench in the narthex ready to be collected.
The centre is always very grateful for our supplies and with the holiday period coming up they would welcome an even bigger stock of things to draw from. Please give generously.
Advent Collection for a Super Solar Street Light
In recent Advents, the parish raised enough money to populate a crib with cattle, goats, pigs, chickens and camels. This year we are hoping to add a solar street light. It costs £355. It will not light up a stable but it will light up the lives of families living in refugee camps. Solar street lamps can be used to provide a clean, renewable source of light so that women, men and children can walk about the camps safely at night. There will be collection buckets at the door after Mass during Advent. Thank you for your support.
Youth Sunday
Today, on Youth Sunday, we celebrate the gift of young people in our Church and renew our commitment to encourage and support them. Please pray for the young people in St Cuthbert’s parish and in the University Chaplaincy community, and for those who work with them; and please give generously to today’s collection for the Youth Ministry Team, our diocesan youth service: www.ymt.org
A Crucified King
As Jesus is dying on the Cross, he is mocked by the religious leaders, by the soldiers who crucify him, and even by one of the criminals who is being executed with him. And yet, the titles that they give him in cruel mockery are all true. Jesus really is the Christ of God, the Chosen One, the King of the Jews and of all nations. He shows us a different kind of kingship. Jesus is a King who comes to seek out the lost, to heal the sick and to forgive sinners. He welcomes the outcasts and upholds the dignity of the poor. He even forgives those who nail him to the Cross. Jesus’ authority was such an affront to the Roman and Jewish leaders that they had to crush him utterly.
Only the ‘good thief,’ the repentant criminal hanging on his own cross alongside Jesus, recognises him as King, with power to forgive sins. His act of faith wins him the promise of paradise. Today’s feast of Christ the King reminds us that we are citizens of a kingdom that is not of this world. We have put our faith in the crucified King.
Which Parish Charities, April 2020 to March 2021?
Each year, the proceeds from tea and coffee after Mass, the sale of refreshments at the Miner’s Gala and other parish events are divided between one international and one local charity. Currently these are St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham and the Adhanur Helping Hands orphanages and education project in India. The latter is also supported by Durham Martyrs Parish. In January 2020 we decide which two charities should be supported during the next financial year. Please offer some suggestions using the form in the narthex. You can opt to keep either or both of the current charities, or go for different ideas. Charities need to be UK registered and information about them needs to be provided to Father Andrew or the Parish Secretary.
A day of Reflection for Women
Deepening the Heart Space with Sr Sheila McNamara. Saturday 7th December, 10.30am-3.30pm at St Hilda’s Diocesan Resource centre, Newcastle NE15 7PY. There is no charge for this day of reflection. Tea and coffee will be provided – please bring a packed lunch. To book, please contact Pat Kennedy on adult.formation@diocesehn.org.uk or 0191 243 3316.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Ushaw Lecture
Pope Pius XII’s Christmas Messages by Dr. Anna Rowlands of Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies. Tuesday 10 December; lecture from 6.00pm in the Exhibition Hall (drinks reception from 5.30pm), followed by mulled wine and mince pies at 7.15pm. Book online at Eventbrite or by telephone on 0191 334 1656.
Events at Ushaw
Day of Reflection with Sr Rosarie Spence RSM, Ushaw, Wednesday 27th November, 10.30 am – 3.30 pm. An opportunity to step aside, experience different ways of praying and enjoy a time of personal prayer, all in the beautiful surroundings at Ushaw. The cost is £10 per person, including tea/coffee at the beginning and end of the day. Lunch may be purchased in the Refectory. Booking should be made at www.ushaw.org
Ushaw Christmas Tree Festival: Ushaw’s 2019 Christmas Tree Festival will be bigger and better than ever – with a display of 100 Christmas Trees! Official launch is on 29th November.
Events at Minsteracres
Journey in Faith
Our Journey in Faith programme continues on 26th November. This week we will be meeting in the dining room at 8pm, as there is another event in the Parish Room. Please come in by the presbytery front door.
Although designed primarily for those looking to be baptised, received into the Catholic Church and/or confirmed, all parishioners and students are very welcome to come along and to explore the Catholic faith.
Please note that sessions will conclude with the Night Prayer of the Church (Compline). If you want to know more, contact Andy Doyle (0798 543 4185 or andydoyle1066@sky.com).
Torchlight Procession
God in Africa
Modernity, Christianity and Africa’s Futures. The annual Alan Richardson lecture, given by Fr Stan Chu Ilo, PhD, Research Professor in World Christianity and African Studies at DePaul University, Chicago. Here at St Cuthbert’s on Monday 2nd December; drinks reception at 5.30pm, lecture at 6.00pm. Admission is free, but you need to book online at centreforcatholicstudies.eventbrite.com or by telephoning 0191 334 1656.
Evening Prayer (Solemn Vespers)
To mark the First Sunday of Advent, Solemn Vespers will be celebrated at 4.30pm on Sunday 1st December in St. Cuthbert’s Chapel, Ushaw College.
The Finchale Partnership will be co-ordinating the celebration of this service, which also marks the launch of ‘The God Who Speaks’, a Year of the Word, proclaimed by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Vespers will be celebrated simultaneously at four other locations across the diocese.
Mince pies and mulled wine will be available afterwards and everyone is welcome.
17 November – 1 December 2019
Sunday 17 November – Sunday XXXIII
10:00am
Priest’s intention
6:30pm
Priest’s intention
Monday 18
12:15pm
Roger Randell RIP
Tuesday 19
12:15pm
Peter Johnson (A)
Wednesday 20
7:00pm
Priest’s intention
Thursday 21 – Presentation of the BVM
12:15pm
Jean Garrity
Friday 22
12:15pm
Priest’s intention
Saturday 23
9:15am
John & Mary Jo Urquhart
Sunday 24 – Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
10:00am
Priest’s intention
6:30pm
Priest’s intention
Monday 25
12:15pm
Priest’s intention
Tuesday 26
12:15pm
Priest’s intention
Wednesday 27
7:00pm
Priest’s intention
Thursday 28
12:15pm
Priest’s intention
Friday 29
12:15pm
Priest’s intention
Saturday 30 – St Andrew, Apostle, Patron of Scotland
9:15am
Priest’s intention
Sunday 1 December – Advent I
10:00am
Priest’s intention
6:30pm
Priest’s intention