Will arrive at St Cuthbert’s this week. Matthew is in formation for priesthood with the Archdiocese of Malta, and will be living and ministering with us for the coming year, while he studies for a Masters degree at Durham University. Please give him a warm welcome.

The Parish Office will be closed from Monday 20th August and re-open at 8:30am on Friday 24th August.

On Friday 7th and Saturday 8th September and again on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th, our church will be taking part in the national Heritage Open Day event (https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/)

The church will be open to visitors between 10am and 3pm with a small exhibition in place and light refreshments made available. If you could support our exisiting stewards and help staff the church for 30 minutes or more during the day, then please sign up on the list on the noticeboard or contact Andy Doyle (0798 543 4185 or andydoyle1066@sky.com).

Learn to campaign, communicate and fundraise like a pro! Free one-day courses for young adults aged 18-30 who want to develop their skills. See noticeboard for details. Closing date 31st August. (If you wish to take part, but the cost of travel is a problem, please speak to Fr Andrew.)

The SVP is seeking to recruit a Young Vincentians Programme Manager, and a Mini Vinnies Officer as part of the expansion of our youth programme.

Young Vincentians Programme Manager: £30k pa; full time permanent contract. Closing date: 15:00pm on Thursday 23rd August. Interviews: Thursday 30th August. Start date: ASAP.

Mini Vinnies Officer: £23k pro rata; 2 days/wk; one year contract. Closing date: 10:00 Monday 20th August. Interviews: Friday 24th August. Start date: ASAP.

Both roles based at SVP national office. For more details & application pack, please visit the vacancies section of the SVP website: https://www.svp.org.uk/

There will be a day of reflection for men over the age of 40 considering a possible vocation to the Priesthood on Saturday 20 October, 2018 10.00 am – 4.00 pm at St. Hilda’s Centre, 391 West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 7NL. The theme of the day: “The significance of our story”

For more information and to confirm attendance including any special dietary requirements for the lunch and refreshments that will be provided please contact Father David Smith at wallsend.ourladystcolumba@rcdhn.org.uk or telephone 0191 262 3882.

Commemorates the sufferings of the people of Nagasaki, where the second atomic bomb was dropped on 9th August 1945. Ewan Anderson will speak about the Kaki Tree at 10.00am Mass next Sunday, to mark the anniversary of the bomb, and will show a drawing of the tree which survived the nuclear blast.

The people have seen the signs – the miracles that Jesus has worked. They have heard his teaching. But they can’t believe that he has come down from heaven, or that he is the Christ, sent by God. It seems an outrageous claim. They know his father and mother, and where he comes from. How can he say ‘I am the bread of life?’

It’s a claim that makes sense only if we have faith. And faith is God’s gift. Our faith can be shaken by the struggles of life, or by the injustice and suffering that we see in the world. Like the prophet Elijah, we may be tempted to give up. But our membership of God’s Church, and our sharing in the Eucharist, strengthen us on our journey of faith.

Is a Catholic Charity which supports men, women and children who have been freed from human trafficking and modern day slavery. It has been operating for 11 years and now provides “Safe Houses” throughout the country for the victims of 21st century slavery. As well as providing them with a safe roof over their heads, the Trust offers victims physical, emotional and psychological help as they rebuild their shattered lives.

Patrick Estall is the appointed Diocesan Representative for the Medaille Trust and he is coming to St Cuthbert’s to raise awareness of the Charity’s work and mission and his particular role in fighting against human trafficking and modern day slavery. Patrick will speak at the 10.00am Mass on Sunday, 5 August.

Fr Tony Currer will celebrate Masses this week. Please give him a warm welcome.

The August / September edition of the bi-monthly Partnership Matters news update is now available on the front page of the diocesan website (www.rcdhn.org.uk). It includes an introduction from our new Chief Operating Officer, Fiona Standfield and a range of activities and ideas shared from across the Diocese.

After the Feeding of the Five Thousand, the crowd come looking for Jesus. But he greets them with a challenge. Have they come looking for him because they have seen the signs, or just because they have been fed? In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ miracles are always described as ‘signs,’ and to ‘see the signs’ is to come to faith in him. The people recall the manna that their ancestors ate in the desert, a sign of God’s love for his chosen people. Jesus challenges them to see that, now, God is giving them true bread, the Bread of Life. And the Bread of Life is Jesus himself, who will feed his disciples with his own body and blood; the supreme expression of God’s love. We gather to celebrate the Eucharist because we have seen the signs, and know that we need to be fed with the Bread of Life.

Ushaw College : Day of Reflection for All Ministers
“Serve the Lord with Gladness” – Led by Fr. Andrew Downie, Saturday 29 September – 10.30am – 3.30pm.Cost £7.50 – includes a light lunch.

St. Hilda’s Resource Centre: Day of Reflection for Lay Leaders
“Gather my People” – Led by Fr. Michael McCoy, Saturday 3 November – 10.30 am – 3.30pm. Cost £5.00 – Please bring a packed lunch.

Fr Robert Riedling will celebrate the 6:30pm Mass on Sunday evening. Please give him a warm welcome.

The parish office will be open 8:30am-3:00pm on Thursday 2 and closed on Friday 3 August.