Communication and Cultural Change: Catholic Contributions from Marshall McLuhan and Walter Ong. Presented by Prof. John Sullivan (Liverpool Hope University.) Thursday 11 October from 5.00pm, in Pemberton Lecture Room, PG20, Palace Green, Durham.
Mass of Thanksgiving
To mark the occasion of the canonisation of Archbishop Oscar Romero in Rome in October, Bishop Seamus will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday 13 October at 11am at St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle. All are welcome to attend. Archbishop Romero was assassinated in 1980 while offering Mass in San Salvador. He embraced a simple lifestyle; he was a popular preacher and responded with real compassion to the plight of the poor.
One Body
The Pharisees ask Jesus, ‘Is it against the Law for a man to divorce his wife?’ and in response to Jesus’ question, they add ‘Moses allowed us to draw up a writ of dismissal.’ Their words reflect the inequality of the Jewish Law at that time; a man could divorce his wife by a very simple procedure, but a woman had no right to divorce her husband. A woman dismissed by her husband could be cast off without money, property or place in society – she was nobody. In his reply, Jesus goes back to the origins of the human race. God created man and woman to be ‘one body,’ supporting one another in the covenant of marriage, which cannot be dissolved by human power. It seems a hard teaching to his disciples, but Jesus is challenging the unjust custom of his time.
Today’s Scripture readings remind us how important it is for the Church to support married couples and families on their journey through life. This week, the Synod of Bishops is meeting with the Pope in Rome, to discuss the Church’s ministry to young people. Young people today grow up in families of different shapes and sizes. Marriages can break down and families can find themselves in difficult situations. Pope Francis has often reminded us of the need to support and encourage every family, whatever their circumstances.
Partnership Matters
The October / November edition of the bi-monthly Partnership Matters news update is now available on the front page of the diocesan website (www.rcdhn.org.uk). This autumnal edition reflects on the first year since Partnerships were established. It highlights a document entitled ‘Partnerships One Year On’, how Partnerships can respond to Laudato Si, an update on the Partnership Conference as well as a range of activities and ideas shared from across the Diocese. This edition includes an update on what is happening in our own Finchale partnership.
Annual Borderlands Lecture
Our Curious Universe by Dr Jennifer Wiseman (Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland, USA.) Monday 15 October at 6.30pm in Elvet Riverside Lecture Room 140. The lecture is free, but spaces are limited – contact prin.exec@durham.ac.uk to register.
CALL FOR FRESHERS’ FAIRY CAKES
The long summer University vacation is nearly at an end, and very soon we will be welcoming a new intake of freshers. We continue the venerable tradition of baking small fairy cakes (
or similar!) to give as a sign of our welcome to those approaching the Catholic Society’s stall at the Freshers’ Fair Cakes can be dropped off at the Parish Office on Monday 1 October. On behalf of the new students, thank you in anticipation for your generosity!
Welcomers, Readers & Ministers of Holy Communion
Please could you let the parish office know on 0191 3843442 or email office@stcuthberts-durham.org.uk of any Sundays you will not be available for the new rota by noon on Thursday 5 October. The new rota will run from Sunday 7 October until Sunday 13 January. If you would like to be included in the rota more or would like to be on a little less, please do get in touch, thank you.
Cafod Harvest Fast Day
Friends of St Leonards Ceilidh
What Really Matters?
The apostle John is indignant because Jesus’ name is being used by a man who is ‘not one of us.’ Jesus has a more generous and inclusive vision. If the man is using Jesus’ name to bring healing, there is no reason to stop him; Jesus has come to bring healing for everyone. Today’s readings invite us to focus on what is really important. Jesus uses dramatic language to emphasise the reality of sin: if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off… He is telling us, not to mutilate our bodies, but to cut out of our lives anything which leads us away from faith in him. St James warns the rich that their wealth and comfort will not last – they can’t take it with them. Instead, we are invited to store up treasure in heaven. Even for the smallest acts of kindness, we will not lose our reward.
Justice & Peace
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 and haven’t bought anything in yet then you can do on or before next Sunday 7 October and place them under the bench in the narthex ready to be collected.
Calling keycard holders…
Due to a fault the electronic lock on the gate to the passage behind the church has been changed. Holders of keycards will need to have their cards re-enabled for the new lock. Simply pop into the Parish Office with your keycard during office hours.
Monday 8:30am – 4:00pm, Tuesday 9:15am – 2:15pm
and Friday 8:30am – 3:00pm.
Prisoners Sunday 14 October – Toiletries Collection
Please bring your donations on Sunday 14 or 21 October for women being discharged from Low Newton Prison. Items requested include the following :-Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Soap , Shower Gel, Shampoo, Conditioner, Combs, Fresh Wipes, Deodorant (spray or roll –on ), STs , Tampons, Panty Liners, Lip Balm. The women are always extremely grateful to receive a pack of items on leaving prison.
Called to Work
Connecting faith and work. A weekend to help Catholics connect their faith with their working lives. Would you like time to reflect on the links between your faith, your ethics and your work? Are you wanting to change what you do and how you do it? Or just looking for some inspiration? This ecumenical weekend is open to anyone interested in these issues. At Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, next weekend, 5-7 October. There are some free places available to students and those on a low income – see Fr Andrew for details.
Coffee Concert
How well do you know the church?
Around the Church
Holy Hours
In his recent pastoral letter, Bishop Seamus asked that we pray that the grace of Jesus Christ will bring hope to the suffering and healing to the wounds of those who have been so deeply hurt by abuse. He suggested that we should hold Holy Hours in each parish. In the Finchale Partnership, the Holy Hours will be:
Tuesday 2 October
7.00pm St. Cuthbert’s, Durham
7.00pm St Joseph’s, Ushaw Moor Mass at 6.30pm
7.00pm St Patrick’s, Langley Moor Mass at 6.30pm
Thursday 4 October
12 noon St. Cuthbert’s Chapel, Ushaw College
7.00pm St. Joseph’s, Gilesgate, Durham
7.00pm St John Fisher, Sedgefield, concluding with Benediction
